Johnsons1871 scoops two 2019 Grafters Awards

Johnsons1871, the complete moving, project management, storage and installation Group, has won two awards at the recent 2019 Grafters Awards Ceremony.

The award wins were for Northern Roots, National Reach and for the second year running Best Specialist Contractor.

We have been operating for almost 150 years and are based in Northwich, Cheshire. As a group we predominantly support domestic and commercial clients across the UK and international removals are also available.

The Grafters Awards allows companies and individuals across all aspects of the construction and property sector to have their achievements recognised. This year the format for award shortlisting changed with 50% of awards being based on votes and the other 50% being based on judging criteria.

Warren Hamlin, Commercial Director said “We are delighted to have won two awards at this year’s Grafters Awards. All credit goes to our dedicated team who go all out to exceed our client’s expectations. As a Group of companies, we are always moving with the times and investing in the best equipment, training and processes and it’s fantastic to see this recognised by the Grafters Awards”.

Four ways to minimise disruption during the lab moving process

When it comes to laying out a list of objectives to focus on during a lab move, minimising disruption always features highly. This is understandable on a number of levels – especially since funding and ongoing support and sustainability often depends on performance. Here we share four ways to ensure that disruption doesn’t get in the way of your long-term objectives during a lab relocation.

Plan ahead

Plan and prepare as much as possible for the move, taking into account every single aspect. Put together a project plan with key milestones that need to be achieved and allocate specific jobs to each individual. Don’t forget to include contingency time in case one stage runs over – this ensures you can stay on track no matter what happens, even when the unexpected occurs. Little issues could threaten to derail the entire process – so it’s worth making a separate list of things that could go wrong and how you’ll manage and mitigate problems as they arise.

Outsource to eliminate downtime

Where possible it may be sensible (and necessary) to outsource to a trusted partner during the move who can take on a portion of your day-to-day work. This takes the pressure off your lab and your team during relocation, but it also ensures that any disruption to the service itself and clients or end users is reduced or eliminated completely.

Be realistic with your expectations – and others

One mistake some lab managers make is failing to focus on what can go wrong – or making promises they can’t keep which become troublesome if things don’t go to plan. Be 100% realistic with your expectations on all levels – from the timing of the move and the delays it could bring to the outcome itself. Overpromising and underdelivering can affect staff morale, productivity, progress and customer satisfaction, so it’s very important to carefully consider the implications and communicate them properly whilst also making proper provisions for each aspect of the move.

Organise professional support throughout the process

Enlisting professional support is a sure-fire way to minimise disruption – since experts who are well-versed in the processes and know each aspect of a lab move inside out will be fully aware of what needs to be done and when. Consult them early on to ensure that they can help with the planning and preparation processes – as getting them in too late could cause further disruption and delays if they are required to redo or alter what’s already been done.

Is used medical laboratory equipment an efficient way to save funds?

Once upon a time labs found themselves in a race to invest in the latest new equipment, often facilitating full refits to ensure enhanced profitability and productivity. But since the economic downturn of 2008 and its impact on many organisations seen as carrying out ‘non-essential’ research, now many facilities are turning to used medical laboratory equipment where appropriate as a way to conserve vital funds and continue their important research. Here we investigate the pros and cons of purchasing used medical laboratory equipment and offer tips to help you to maximise the benefits of second-hand shopping.

Used equipment offers a cost-effective and savvy way to restock and replace old machines

Adopting an ‘out with the old and in with the nearly new’ is a great way to increase the productivity of your lab and save money at the same time. Often it has been used very little or fully reconditioned and repurposed for second-hand use. This means that small yet significant items such as centrifuges, incubators and sterilisers that are perfectly functional can be purchased at a fraction of the price of what they can be bought for brand new. 

Consider how crucial this piece of equipment is, and how frequently it will be used

It’s true that used medical laboratory equipment won’t always be a perfect fit or a savvy choice in every instance. If you need something that’s going to last for years to come, or will incorporate the latest technology, you’re unlikely to find something that suits your requirements on the second-hand market. Consider how the equipment will be used and why it is needed before deciding to investigate used options.

Ask for independent guidance

If this isn’t your area of expertise it’s well worth consulting colleagues to find someone who does understand the merits of used lab equipment and knows what to look for. They will guide and advise you using their individual expertise and can circumvent any crucial errors that could end up costing money rather than saving vital funds.