Members’ News
21 Mar 2022
Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies employees successfully gain fluid power training passports
Three employees from Sunderland based Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies have successfully gained their hydraulic passports following training from the British Fluid Power Association’s training academy.
Hose technicians, Emily Stronge-Taylor, Laura Fenwick and Joe Joyce all completed the Hose Assembly Skills Training two-day programme which was held at the company’s workshop on Sunderland’s riverside.
The course, which is carried out in both a classroom and shop floor environment brings delegates up to a sound level of hydraulic appreciation to enable them to develop into a quality hydraulic hose technician. Delivered by industry professionals, the course gives both the attendee and employer confidence that the correct methods and culture are being adopted and used, topics covered include understanding hose assemblies, contamination, installation and hose management.
Laura Fenwick, who has recently celebrated her first year with the company, commented, ‘It was great to take part in the training and further develop my hydraulic knowledge, I’m looking forward to putting this into practice and hopefully taking part in future training too. I’ve really enjoyed my first year with the company and really appreciate the emphasis they put on staff training and also making sure that we are always kept up to date with health, safety and sector knowledge.’
Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies have manufactured and supplied hose assemblies and fluid power products from their workshop in Sunderland for over 30 years therefore have many years’ experience within the industry with their customer base including national and international clients.
HOS Managing director, Don Fenwick, was delighted the three employees successfully passed the training, ‘In the fluid power, hydraulic and pneumatic industry, safety and quality is paramount which is why we are always keen to further develop our employee’s knowledge of our products and services.
There are dangers when working with hydraulics which is why work should only be carried out by qualified professionals, we’re delighted Emily, Laura and Joe enjoyed the training whilst also gaining valuable knowledge.’
Case Study: Rachael Mason, CEO of the Charcot Therapy Centre – “Why spoil the relationship, Hydroscand Gloucester know how it works.”
We spoke to Rachael Mason, CEO of the Charcot Therapy Centre in Gloucester, about how her relationship with Hydroscand has flourished.
The Charcot Therapy Centre has over 35 years of experience helping and working with people in the Gloucestershire area, living with long term health conditions, specialising in Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological disorders. They provide members with access to a variety of therapies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, massage, and acupuncture to name a few.
We are proud that we have been a supplier to the Centre for over seven years.
How long has Hydroscand been working with the Charcot Therapy Centre?
“The centre opened in 1985 in the same industrial estate as Hydroscand. We always needed pipes and went along to the branch. Since then, we have been using Hydroscand, even though we moved away to another premises in 2017.
“I have been with the centre for over seven years, and we were already working with Hydroscand.”
Why use Hydroscand?
“As a centre we have a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, which is used by our members who have varying different conditions. We have seats outside of the Oxygen Chamber, and oxygen is delivered through masks from specialised hoses / pipework to members. Hydroscand understand how our Chamber works with all the hoses, even though it is outside of what they do.”
What jobs have Hydroscand done for the Charcot Therapy Centre?
“They recently installed pipes outside of the Chamber.”
Nick Thomas, Branch Manager at our Gloucester branch said: “We ordered in the correct air breathing hose and made up three hose assemblies complete with stainless steel hose inserts. I went to the centre to fit them and tested them to make sure they were working ok.”
Rachael said: “Prior to this, they have replaced pipes. I have left it with them, and they worked their magic.”
What makes you come back to Hydroscand?
“Nick is awesome. We need the product, but building a relationship is more important than the product. We have a unique piece of equipment. There are 64 MS Therapy centres across the country who deliver this therapy. We have Hydroscand up the road who understand the pipes, they get it.
“There is a lovely team in Gloucester, they are brilliant.”
What is the future for the Charcot Therapy Centre and Hydroscand?
“I won’t go anywhere else. Why spoil the relationship, they know how it works. People who stay with you, will keep spending with you.”
Nick said: “It’s great that Hydroscand were able help a very good cause. Moving forward, I hope we can support them with any other hose they may require or if we can help them in any other way.”
National Fluid Power Centre gains approval to deliver new BFPA course
Photo: (L to R) Adrian Hudson (NFPC), Paul Cooke (Interim BFPA CEO), John Savage (NFPC), John Farmer (BFPA President, Flowtech Fluidpower plc)
The National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC) is the first BFPA Approved training centre to be accredited to deliver the BFPA’s new training course: BFPA Level 1 Applied Electrical and Electronic Control Competence Based Qualification (E1)
This new qualification follows on from the MER Electrical / Electronic Controls for fluid power (which is a three-day introductory training course) and builds on the basics learned in the MER and assess competency of the candidate along with a written examination. Candidates would receive a BFPA certificate on completion of the course.
These electrical courses aim to give those working in either hydraulics or pneumatics an understanding of the electronic systems that control most modern fluid power systems.
Paul Cooke, Interim BFPA CEO presented the new Training Centre Approval certificate to John Savage, Director of the NFPC on 15th February – twenty years after the official opening of the NFPC. Also present were Adrian Hudson of the NFPC and John Farmer, President of the BFPA.
Paul Cooke commented: “I am delighted to be able to congratulate John Savage and the NFPC team on another significant milestone in the achievements of the National Fluid Power Centre in their 20th anniversary year.”
The new course will be delivered by the NFPC – please visit the NFPA website www.nfpc.co.uk for more details or call 01909 504539
Rotec and SCCC important partnership set to continue
Rotec Hydraulics Ltd are happy to announce that their long-standing partnership Somerset County Cricket Club (SCCC) will continue for at least another 12 months.
The two organisations can reveal that an extension to the existing sponsorship agreement has been signed, which will see Rotec continue as the Club’s Principal Royal London Cup Partner.
Investing in and supporting the local community is a keystone is Rotec’s ethos. The company, who recently sponsored the Bristol Children’s Hospital’s Grand Appeal charity, are delighted to have extended their contract at SCCC and support the club which is within walking distance of their head office and largest service centre in Taunton, Somerset.
The deal will once again see Rotec branding appear on the front of Somerset’s Royal London Cup matchday shirt, whilst their company logo will continue to feature prominently on the pitch covers at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Following the extension of the partnership, Somerset CCC’s Commercial Director, Caroline Herbert said: “We are delighted to be working with Rotec again in 2022. Their name is synonymous with our 2019 Royal London Cup triumph at Lord’s in 2019 and we are hopeful that further success is on the horizon.
“Last year’s Royal London Cup saw a fresh new wave of talent make a name for themselves and this exciting and dynamic side reflects the nature of our relationship with Rotec.
“We have developed an outstanding working relationship with Paul Prouse and his team over the last few years, and we thank them for their continued support of the Club.”
Established in 1979 as a supplier of hydraulic hoses and couplings, Rotec Hydraulics has gone from strength to strength. The company is now one of the leading specialist providers of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical mechanical products and engineering services to all industry sectors throughout the UK and internationally.
Paul Prouse, Rotec Managing Director said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our strong relationship with SCCC. Our head office is based within walking distance of the Cooper Associates County Ground and as loyal followers, we relish supporting the Club.
“Our business has seen real benefits over the years from our close working partnership, including the use of the Club’s fantastic facilities throughout the year and coverage we gain from the Royal London Cup.
“On the pitch we have an exciting and enthusiastic team whom we believe will do a brilliant job for the County this season and hopefully reward those on and off the pitch with the trophies they justly deserve.”
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