Call us today: 01948 820200 24 hour reactive service
...
Sunday 15th September 2024, Barlows proudly entered a team to represent the Barlows Foundation in the Farndon Soapbox Derby, a fantastic gravity soapbox...
Sunday 28th July 2024, our Manchester office proudly entered a team to represent the Barlows Foundation in the Stockport Krazy Races, a thrilling gravit...
In our ongoing commitment to innovation and efficiency, we are excited to announce that the Lancaster office has transitioned to Samsara, a cutting-edge...
Barlows UK Ltd is delighted to announce the successful completion of our recent work experience program, which welcomed groups of Year 10 students from ...
As we all strive to make a positive impact by improving carbon footprints. Here at Barlows (UK) Ltd. We’re not just committed to sustainability; we’...
Barlows is embracing International Women's Day 2024 with a unique celebration this year. We reached out to all our female employees, asking them to shar...
Following on from last years successful apprenticeship open day in our Manchester branch. We proudly opened our doors once again to even more aspiring e...
BRAND NEW FOOTBALL KIT FOR GIRLS UNDER 9's TEAM! Oxton U9's Girls team showcased their new football kit sponsored by Barlows Fire & Security! At Bar...
BRAND NEW FOOTBALL KIT FOR GIRLS UNDER 12's TEAM! Chester Nomads team unveiled their new football kit sponsored by Barlows UK Ltd! At Barlows UK Ltd, we...
Sunday 15th September 2024, Barlows proudly entered a team to represent the Barlows Foundation in the Farndon Soapbox Derby, a fantastic gravity soapbox racing event held in the heart of the community. The Setting Farndon the backdrop to where this event was held, is a neighbouring Cheshire village to Malpas where Barlows was founded. This event was a wonderful opportunity to give back to the local community that provided the foundation for our growth into what we are today. It was truly fantastic! It allowed us to deepen our connection within the community and demonstrate our continued commitment to the people who have supported us from the beginning. Team Barlows The Farndon Soapbox Derby isn’t just about speed—it’s also a celebration of creative design. Though we entered at the last minute and had limited time for planning, Rich Hamer and Luke Ellis came up with a fun idea. With Halloween approaching and our driver dressed as a pink rabbit, they suggested we dress as scary rabbits and chase the kart down the track. Initially, we were a bit sceptical, but it turned out to be a fantastic idea! With a last-minute driver change from Dave Broderick to Mark Holden, it was fortunate that Rich Morris was there to offer some valuable advice. Despite the pouring rain, our first run clocked in at a respectable time. The tough conditions made the race especially challenging, but luckily Charlton Motors – Team 55 – were on hand to make some key modifications to the kart, ensuring we were in the best position to tackle both the elements and the demanding course. We clocked a fastest time of 2.28 a great time considering the conditions and it being many of the teams first taste of a soapbox race! Future Race Days A big shout-out to everyone who braved the weather to support the event! Despite the challenging conditions, the turnout and energy were incredible. We’re already brainstorming ideas for next year, aiming to be faster and even more creative—we can’t wait to come back stronger! A huge thank you as well to the event organizers for putting on such a fantastic event for the local community, all in support of the amazing cause, Hospice of the Good Shepherd. Their hard work truly made it a great spectacle for all!
Sunday 28th July 2024, our Manchester office proudly entered a team to represent the Barlows Foundation in the Stockport Krazy Races, a thrilling gravity soapbox racing event held in the heart of Stockport. The Event This event was fantastic! It gave us the opportunity to further engage with the local community and showcase our commitment to the area. We work with a variety of Stockport-based businesses, including the Stockport Council, Robinsons Brewery, and Stockport Homes, all of whom are integral parts of this vibrant community. The racecourse, which ran from St Peter's Square down to Mersey Square, provided a challenging yet exhilarating backdrop for the competition. The event attracted 24 teams, each bringing their unique creativity and enthusiasm to the race. Barlow Bright Sparks The Stockport Krazy Races wasn't just about speed; it was about creativity, teamwork, and community involvement. Our team put in a great performance, navigating the course well achieving the fastest run of 24.26 seconds, which secured us a respectable 12th place finish overall. This achievement was all down to the hard work and dedication of our team members, who not only prepared extensively for the race but also enjoyed the experience. Barlows within the community A highlight of our participation was our stunning soapbox kart, which was generously resprayed by Greens Automotive Bodyshop who donated their time and expertise, helping us present a kart that not only performed well but looked fantastic. It was a great day and we would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved in organizing the event, our partners, and the spectators who cheered us on. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue engaging with and supporting our local community. Whether through future events like this or our ongoing work, the Barlows Foundation is committed to making a positive impact. 15 IMG_4644IMG_4611IMG_4638IMG_4636IMG_4607IMG_4640
In our ongoing commitment to innovation and efficiency, we are excited to announce that the Lancaster office has transitioned to Samsara, a cutting-edge platform for our fleet safety. Samsara integrates advanced technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), to provide continuous in cab coaching for our drivers. Safety in mind: Samsara At Barlows, the safety of our engineers and the public is at the fore front of what we do. In our ongoing commitment to uphold the highest safety standards we began to introduce Samsara trackers and dual-facing dash cams back in October 2023. We have now installed the state of the art technology into over 280 of our vans (more than half the entire fleet). We are already witnessing a significant improvement in driving habits and road safety. These advanced tools provide real-time data and insights, enabling us to monitor and improve driver behavior, reduce incidents, and ensure the well-being of our team and the community. Lancaster Paves the Way Our Lancaster department has embraced Samsara technology, installing the kit in every van and setting a precedent for the rest of Barlows. Other departments are also making swift progress in this transition. Samsara technology offers our drivers live in-cab coaching powered by AI, providing immediate feedback to improve driving habits. Additionally, through the Samsara Driver App, we can send personalized coaching clips to each driver within minutes of an event occurring. This proactive approach has already yielded impressive results, with a significant reduction in the frequency of incidents. We look forward to seeing the full benefits of Samsara technology across our fleet and the continued improvements in safety and efficiency it will bring. Kevin Pryde - Contracts Manager "I've been impressed with the impact Samsara has had on driver safety. The immediate improvements we've seen in driving habits are remarkable. On top of that, the live diagnostics from the vans have been a game-changer, allowing us to anticipate and address issues before they escalate, significantly reducing vehicle downtime."
Barlows UK Ltd is delighted to announce the successful completion of our recent work experience program, which welcomed groups of Year 10 students from local high schools. The week long program aimed to provide students with a real-world glimpse into both the office environment and hands-on work within our company. A Week of Learning and Engagement Throughout the week-long program, students had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of our operations. They spent time in our offices, where they gained insights into administrative and managerial tasks, and ventured into the field to experience the practical side of our business. Exposing students to all areas of our operations not only broadens their understanding but also highlights the apprenticeships we offer. We hope this experience provides them with valuable perspectives as they make their decisions in Year 11. We look forward to potentially welcoming some of these students as first-year apprentices in our 2025 intake. Future experiences Barlows UK Ltd is committed to continuing this initiative and expanding our engagement with the local community. The positive feedback we've received from both students and teachers has reinforced the value of these experiences. By providing students with experiences like these we are really helping them make informed decisions and truly think about their future and whats best for them. For more information about our work experience program or to inquire about future opportunities, please contact enquiries@barlowsuk.co.uk.
As we all strive to make a positive impact by improving carbon footprints. Here at Barlows (UK) Ltd. We’re not just committed to sustainability; we’re passionate about making real, measurable changes. And it’s with immense pride that we share a milestone achievement in our journey: securing the Supply Chain School Gold Status. Securing this Gold Status lights the way toward an even brighter, greener future. It reaffirms our commitment to sustainable practices and bolsters our motivation to keep pushing forward. We're profoundly thankful to our dedicated team, and especially to Ellie Scott & Richard Morris, whose contributions have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Embracing the Challenge Understanding that every action counts, we zeroed in on one of our biggest environmental impacts: our fleet’s carbon emissions. It’s no small task to tackle, but we were ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We knew that every mile driven cleaner is a victory for our planet. Central to this mission has been our focus on reducing CO2 emissions generated by our fleet, a significant challenge but one we were determined to overcome. Innovation at the Wheel Cutting-edge technology has taken us to the next level. The Samsara fleet system has been a game-changer, allowing us to dive deep into our fleet operations. We’ve optimized routes, ensuring our drivers take the most efficient paths. We’ve dialled in speeds and curbed harsh braking, all while bolstering driver awareness around fuel consumption and eco-friendly practices. We haven’t stopped there. We also introduced new Toyota Corolla Derived vans equipped with self-charging technology and 5th Generation Hybrid Engines, setting new standards in fuel efficiency and emission reduction. This accolade is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our innovative efforts to minimize our carbon footprint. It signifies not just the hard work of our dedicated team but also the successful impact of our initiatives, particularly in revolutionizing our fleet operations with cutting-edge technology and introducing vehicles that set new standards in eco-friendliness. Achieving this status fills us with immense pride and marks a pivotal milestone in our ongoing journey towards a greener future.
Barlows is embracing International Women's Day 2024 with a unique celebration this year. We reached out to all our female employees, asking them to share stories of the women who've inspired them. Whether it's a figure whose courage has left a mark on history, a mother whose love and wisdom have been a guiding light, or a teacher who has kindled a passion for learning, we wanted to hear about the inspirational women in their lives. Join us as we celebrate International Women's Day by highlighting these incredible stories. It's an opportunity to honor the achievements, the influence, and the spirit of women who inspire us every day. Let's come together to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women in our lives and across the globe. Isha Turner’s Pick for International Women’s Day This International Women’s Day, I’m shining a light on Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love. Alderton’s honest and humorous take on life’s ups and downs has inspired me to embrace my journey with all its imperfections. Her reflections and narratives have allowed me to become more accepting of my current stage in life, recognizing the beauty in the here and now. Alderton’s courage to share her truth encourages us to accept and love our own stories, wherever we might be in our lives. Here’s to the inspirational power of storytelling. Happy International Women’s Day! -Isha Turner Ruth Salmon’s Pick for International Women’s Day This International Women’s Day, I’m moved to share a powerful moment from my career that speaks volumes about courage and the essence of womanhood. I once cared for a remarkable 14-year-old facing life-threatening health challenges due to polio and spina bifida. In a conversation that I’ll never forget, she expressed a profound wish: “I want to be remembered as a woman, not a child, it’s the thing I’m most proud of.” Her words and bravery during such a challenging time have stayed with me. Attending her funeral, I was reminded of her phenomenal courage. She wanted to be seen and remembered for the strength she carried, a reminder to us all of the resilience and dignity that defines womanhood. This International Women’s Day, let's honor the legacy of such brave souls. Their strength is a guiding light, inspiring us to recognise and celebrate the powerful essence of being a woman. -Ruth Salmon Lauren Griffith's Pick for International Women’s Day In a field where men typically lead, my sister Rachel shines as a source of motivation and strength. Her journey to becoming a gas engineer was set a pathway for me and many others. Watching her break through gender barriers inspired me to do the same in construction. Rachel proved that trade careers are for anyone, inspiring confidence in me and challenging outdated stereotypes. Her success spurred my own venture into construction, showing that with dedication, perseverance, and inspiring role models, women can excel in any field they set their minds to. - Lauren Griffiths
Following on from last years successful apprenticeship open day in our Manchester branch. We proudly opened our doors once again to even more aspiring electrical apprentices. Handpicked candidates were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of electrical apprenticeship at Barlows and Clifford College. About the day The day kicked off with an informative session covering essential aspects of Clifford College, including housekeeping protocols, vital health and safety guidelines, and an overview of the comprehensive qualification offered. We then delved into the rich history of Barlows, tracing our humble beginnings, highlighting our esteemed partnerships, and illustrating our growth into a respected nationwide contractor. Hands on experience Following the informative sessions, participants were split into two groups for engaging activities. One group delved into hands-on exercises such as, changing plug tops. Meanwhile, the other group honed their written communication skills by crafting formal letters addressed to our esteemed Managing Director, John Barlow. These activities not only demonstrated practical abilities but also allowed us to assess candidates' written communication ability. Future Electricians Wrapping up the event, we offered an insightful tour of Barlows' facilities, providing a glimpse into our supplies warehouse (BES), Alarms departments, and an exclusive look into the operations at our Manchester Chadderton office. We would like to thank all of the students that attended and we hope to see many of you again in September beginning your apprenticeship and career as an electrician. [smartslider3 slider="9"]
BRAND NEW FOOTBALL KIT FOR GIRLS UNDER 9's TEAM! Oxton U9's Girls team showcased their new football kit sponsored by Barlows Fire & Security! At Barlows UK Ltd, we're always looking for ways to help our community. Sponsoring the Oxton under 9's squad shows our commitment to getting kids into sports and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Supporting local youth sports helps everyone stay active and well. Everyone at Barlows wishes the team the best of luck for the upcoming season and the future, we cannot wait to see your results! "We are very fortunate to be in a position to be able to sponsor some amazing sports teams and individuals. When the opportunity to sponsor Oxton u9’s arose, I couldn’t say no. It’s great to see so many girls taking part in football and I cannot wait to see the results coming and wish the team all the best in the current season and future seasons to come!" - Andrew McGarry, Contract Manager – Barlows UK Ltd
BRAND NEW FOOTBALL KIT FOR GIRLS UNDER 12's TEAM! Chester Nomads team unveiled their new football kit sponsored by Barlows UK Ltd! At Barlows UK Ltd, we endeavour to support our community where possible. Sponsoring the Chester Nomads under 12's team reflects our commitment to encouraging young people to get into sports and promoting an active lifestyle. We believe that by investing in local youth sports, we are contributing to the overall health and well-being of our community giving young people the opportunity to enjoy the sports they love. Everyone at Barlows wishes the team the best of luck for the upcoming season and the future, we cannot wait to see your results! "The team at Chester Nomads Girls Under 12's is incredibly hardworking and a pleasure to be associated with. Their dedication is clearly reflected by their on-field successes. The support from Barlows has been instrumental in keeping the team running smoothly, and for that, we are truly grateful." - Paul Jennings | Team Manager
