A mobile powered barrier and gate system was among products recognised at the 2016 Builder and Engineer Awards.
Now in its 13th year, the awards recognise new products and projects and companies and manufacturers in UK construction. SOSEC launched in October, and has been trialled by UK developers Kier Living and Tarmac Group, resulting in the product being rolled out to more than 30 sites, says Kent-based installer Green Gate Access Systems.
Taylor Wimpey too is considering take up of the product with trials set to begin shortly, says Maidstone-based Green Gate. The awards evening was held at Liverpool FC – Anfield’s new main stand – on November 30 with Green Gate Access Systems reaching the final four in the Product/Innovation of the Year category.
Managing Director of Green Gate Access Systems, Neil Sampson, was drafted on stage to collect the award on behalf of Perpetual V2G and received a handshake and congratulations from 1966 World Cup Winner, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE.
Neil said afterwards: “It was an absolutely fantastic evening and I even received a handshake and congratulations from Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, we could not have asked for a nicer end to our tenth year in business. SOSEC is an innovative product in its field and since its release we have had an overwhelming response so it was great to see that potential recognised by the judging panel.
“Being shortlisted for this award is testament to all of the hard work the team here at Green Gate Access Systems do pushing SOSEC, so this is for them. This is an exciting time for the company and have no doubt with this product, that the best is yet to come. Who knows, we may even lift the title next year!”
The judging panel praised SOSEC for its green approach to providing security and protecting the public. Thought to be a UK first, the mobile, solar powered barrier and gate, unveiled for the first time at the Kent Construction Expo in October, is for securing work sites. SOSEC doesn’t need a power source and can be adapted and moved. Applications the installer says include the construction, retail, events, highways, emergency and mining markets.
Outside construction, its uses for temporary road works are being explored in a joint partnership with Detling, Kent based business Highway Care.
The product’s solar power and power storage ability allow the barrier to operate up to 900 times a day even in an average British winter, according to the installer. SOSEC can also be delivered with a battery store for up to one month’s use.
Neil Sampson is pictured on stage centre, accepting the award on behalf of winners Perpetual V2G with Sir Geoff Hurst and Michelle Gordon, Managing Editor, Excel Publishing. Photo courtesy of Building Engineer Awards.
