Designing the washroom of the future
Where do you put your baby when you need to use the loo in a public washroom? Where do you place your luggage – to keep it safe and clean - when using an airport washroom? How do you create a light and refreshing environment in a public lavatory?
These were just some of the questions considered by product design students from the University of East London (UEL) when they competed to design the washroom of the future.
Six teams of first and second year students took part in a competition, supported by Albany Washroom Services, to design a washroom that meets the needs of its users.
Mike Burton, managing director of Albany, said: “Understanding the needs of consumers is vital. The teams spent time engaging with the public to establish their views on how to create a positive experience within ‘away from home loos.’”
Two teams shared first place with innovative designs for leisure centres and parkland spaces. Their prize is to exhibit their designs at the largest gathering of decision makers in the design, provision and management of washrooms – the British Loo of the Year Awards in December.
Mike Burton added: “The British Loo of the Year Awards recognises the highest standards in the provision of away from home toilets, whether it’s a public loo or toilets provided by key industries for staff and visitors. Designing and maintaining public toilets that are hygienic and sustainable are key challenges for both the private and public sectors. The designs that the students came up with were exciting and made use of materials with a low environmental impact.
“Albany is instrumental in sponsoring a number of these students to visit Japan to look at their approach to washroom design which is very different to that in the UK. We have also recently commissioned the University of East London to undertake a clinical study into hand hygiene to consider how to minimise the risk of cross infection so that we can advise commercial and public toilet providers on best practice.”
UEL Senior lecturer Alison Prendiville, said: “Working closely with businesses like Albany provides students with a greater understanding of the commercial realities of product design. It also gives them a clearer understanding of the needs of consumers.”
Albany provides its customers with hygiene consultancy services offering advice on sustainable washroom design, maintenance and education.
(From L to R) Product design students Daniel Stark, Janahan Mariyadhas and Dale Glen with a model of one of the winning designs made from recyclable materials.
Albany and Dyson partnership offers outstanding value
Albany Washroom Services has teamed up with Dyson to offer customers a cost effective, hygienic hand drying solution – the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer.
Albany’s platinum service is a comprehensive rental package with a fixed cost that includes installation and a five year guarantee on parts and labour. Customers also benefit from free consultancy which demonstrates the reduction in their carbon footprint and cost savings.
Mike Burton, managing director of Albany, said: “We are delighted to be working with Dyson and our aim is to offer flexible rental options for the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer. The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer uses 80% less energy than warm air hand dryers and eliminates paper waste going to landfill, meaning it costs less and is better for the environment. It takes just 10 seconds to dry hands making it the quickest and most hygienic hand dryer available – something that we at Albany are particularly interested in and an area in which we have commissioned our own research.
“We believe our packages for the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer will help businesses reduce costs, improve profitability, demonstrate their commitment to the environment and deliver enhanced user health and satisfaction. Our work with customers, professional bodies and a leading university has helped us gain a thorough understanding of consumer needs and hand hygiene. We can tailor solutions to our clients needs so customers interested in the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer should talk to Albany to see what we can offer.”
Albany Marathon Heroes
Anne Burton and Sarah Kingham completed this year’s London marathon and raised thousands of pounds in the process.
Anne and Sarah ran for Haven’s Hospices and finished the gruelling 26.2 mile course in a very respectable 4 hours 47 minutes.
Anne said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Albany for sponsoring me. The money will go towards an excellent cause.”
Albany sponsor the Loo of the Year Awards 2008
Albany Washroom Services has agreed to be Headline Sponsor of the 2008 Loo of the Year Awards – the annual competition to find the best places to ‘go’ throughout the UK.
Mike Burton, Managing Director, said: “Albany is delighted to be associated with the Loo of the Year Awards. It is important to recognise organisations which take the provision of high standard washroom facilities seriously and reward the unsung heroes who work hard to maintain those standards.
The message from previous Award winners is clear – good toilets are good for business. Albany understands this, which is why our hygiene consultancy service offers its customers advice on sustainable washroom design, maintenance and education aimed at improving the health of their consumers and their business.”
Albany has also signed up as a Corporate Champion member of The British Toilet Association, the campaigning body promoting the Loo of the Year Awards, which has had a major impact in helping raise standards of ‘away from home’ washroom hygiene over the last twenty one years.
The 2008 Loo of the Year and associated Attendant of the Year Awards are now receiving nominations and entries via the Awards website www.loo.co.uk which also contains a range of information relating to the 2008 Awards scheme.
Nominations and entries can be submitted up until the end of July and every entry receives an unannounced visit from an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector.
The main 2008 UK Awards Presentation is being held at The National Motor Cycle Museum, near Birmingham on Friday 5th December.
Staff to share in business success
Albany Washroom Services has launched a share scheme designed to reward and incentivise all of its employees.
Managing Director Mike Burton explained: “Our staff are our most valuable asset, indeed we refer to them as partners. Anyone can make a profit but long term success depends on customer satisfaction and that is where our partners make all the difference.
“We believe this share scheme is unique because it is for all partners not just managers or senior staff. Everyone at Albany plays a part in the business and I want to reward their commitment.
“Albany has always tried to raise the bar – we offer set service days and a money back guarantee. We cannot deliver on those promises without well trained, motivated staff. I am proud to say that our staff retention rate is 95 per cent.
“We have always endeavoured to achieve high standards and giving our partners real ownership in the business is a continuation of that investment.”
Albany Washroom Services is an independent company that employs more than 50 staff. Over 3,000 business customers throughout London and the South East of England benefit from Albany’s hygiene solutions. Albany is committed to working with the local community and supports environmental sustainability in its operations.
The Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme is approved by the Inland Revenue and allows companies to offer shares to staff in a tax efficient way.
To view examples of media coverage for the Albany share scheme, click on the links below
www.cleaning-matters.co.uk
www.thecleanzine.com
Building & Facilities Management
