Dine Outdoor Whatever the Weather

Outdoor dining is something that many of us enjoy and is a good occasion to feel the benefits of the weather whilst eating as well as an ideal situation to have family and friends over.

Here in the UK however, we have one big snag...the weather.

As we all know through experience, the UK climate isn't always the most friendly for those wishing to be outside. It's either too cold, too wet, or even too hot; we are often never satisfied with the weather.

How can you find a way to enjoy dining outdoors whatever the weather? A canopy from Inside2Outside can provide the solution.

Whether you want a canopy for your home, care home, school or commercial use Inside2Outside will have a canopy ideal for you.

For more information on Inside2Outside's canopies visit the following sites.

Gor general enquiries - www.inside2outside.co.uk

For schools - www.inside2outside.co.uk/pocca

For Care homes - www.inside2outside.co.uk/c2c

For Domestic users - www.inside2outside.co.uk/jgo

For Commercial users - www.inside2outside.co.uk/puffin

Check I2O out on Social Media

Inside2Outside have been using social media for a number of months now. As it is a more relaxed form of news, looking on Inside2Outside's Faebook and Twitter page will allow you to learn more about the staff in the company as well as their interests and hobbies.

What's more by becoming a fan or follower of Inside2Outside you can recieve regular updates on events, developments within in the business and a whole range of other things.

To view Inside2Outside's facebook page click here

To view Inside2Outside's twitter page - www.twitter.com/thecanopypeople

Frequently asked Questions

If I request the help of one of your advisors - what happens next?

Following your enquiry, we'll call you to make an appointment within 7 working days for one our experienced advisors to visit your premises. We'll provide a FREE advisory visit and site survey plus a written quotation, with no obligation attached.

We'll listen carefully to your needs and concerns and help you find the very best possible solution for your requirements. We'll also provide you with a full-colour brochure of our designs along with testimonials from our delighted customers.

We'll provide you with our quotation, along with a proposed plan of the new structure if required, and we'll follow it up with a phone call to answer any questions you may have. Our quotation letter will also enclose our simple order form, which you can fax to us if you wish. From that point, just leave it all to us. We'll install your new canopy within 90 days and we'll keep you informed along the way.


Do your canopies block out the light?

The great thing about the "tensile-membrane" material we use for our canopies is that it provides plenty of shade but also allows light to pass through. At the same time however, all potentially harmful UV rays are filtered out, providing crucial protection for the eyes and skin from the hazards of direct sunlight.


Does my outdoor area have to be paved?

Quite the opposite – we can install canopies on almost any surface. Whether it’s paving, grass, decking or asphalt, our installers will carry out the necessary groundworks as neatly as possible. You’ll barely know they were there!

Alternatively, if you’d like to create an area from scratch, we can incorporate decking, balustrade, paving and much more into the design of your structure. We also offer a range of “optional extras” such as roller walls to provide extra shelter.

Will the price you quote include everything?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, one of the items which make up our 8-Point Service Guarantee, clearly states "We guarantee no hidden charges". What's more, all our quotations are fully detailed so you know precisely what's included in the price.

We fully appreciate that you don't want to have any nasty surprises right at the end of the project. That's why we provide you with a fixed price and will only ever vary that price where our customer has specifically requested a change of requirements in terms of either a product or service and such price changes will be agreed and put in writing before any work is carried out.


Will I need planning permission?

This will largely depend on the size and nature of the project. Also, local County Councils do tend to vary in their requirements concerning planning permission for this type of project.

This is an issue that would automatically be covered by our specialist advisor when they visit you to carry out your FREE advisory visit and site-survey. We can advise you on what steps you need to take in order to ensure that your business remains legally compliant regarding planning regulations.

Also, should the need arise and you would like us to assist, for a fixed fee we can help you in obtaining the requisite planning permission.


From the time I place my order - how long does it all take?

The process, from the day you place your order to the point where your new outdoor cover is ready to use, will take no more than 6 weeks. If at all possible we will aim to complete well inside that time frame.

Do you guarantee your work?

We certainly do! Firstly, because we are so confident about the strength and durability of these structures we install we now provide, along with our annual service contract, our amazing 20-year all parts warranty! We will replace, free of charge, any parts which have failed to withstand normal wear and tear.

Also, we are very proud of our unique, no quibble – 8-Point Service Guarantee which means you can rest assured that the caring service we provide is of the very highest quality. This is what our guarantee includes:

1 We guarantee safety comes first in everything we do
2 We guarantee to carry out our 20 point safety and quality check before we finish each structure
3 We guarantee no hidden charges
4 We guarantee we won't ask for final payment until you're absolutely satisfied with the completed structure
5 We guarantee that we will always leave the installation site tidy and safe
6 We guarantee to price-match any like-for-like quote if it equals the package we offer
7 We guarantee all our installers are CRB checked
8 We guarantee to provide you with a no-obligation Free Advisory Visit and Site-Survey plus written quotation.


Do you offer a cleaning service for your structures?

Yes we do…. and much, much more! In fact, we now provide an optional, comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract service for all our customers. Here's what's included in the package:

1 Thorough cleaning of both the canopy and frame - keeping the colours bright and fresh!
2 Clearance and cleaning of any guttering affected by the canopy
3 20 point "Structural Safety & Quality Check" and once we're 100% satisfied your framework and canopy comply with our rigorous standards, we'll issue to you our Annual Safety-Check Certificate
4 Customer satisfaction check – to help us improve your experience of Inside2Outside products and services
5 Comprehensive Snag Check – in the unlikely event that problems should arise – we will attend to any "Snags" identified.
6 We'll also advise on options for meeting the ever changing needs of your business. What's more we can provide guidance on how new product and service developments can enrich everyone's experience of the facilities you provide.
7 Our "Emergency call-out service" provides support where, for instance, your canopy has been accidentally damaged or vandalised. We're committed to responding within just 3 working days. (Call-outs will be free-of-charge although repairs which fall outside the "normal wear and tear” conditions of our guarantee may incur a charge)


Do your designs take safety into account?

Absolutely, we make safety our number one priority and for this reason, it influences everything we do!
All our products and services have safety built in - for instance…

1 Eyes are safeguarded from bright sunlight by the 100% UV protection provided by our canopies
2 The same filters act as a shield from the dangers of sunburn
3 Waterproof materials provide a dry and happy environment on the wettest of days
4 Designed for stability, our structures provide reassurance in stormy weather
5 Our superb quality canopies have fire-resistant properties built-in and are even strong enough to support heavy falls of snow
...and yet more on safety…
6 We always carry out a 20 point safety & quality check on our structures before we consider the installation complete
7 We will always leave the installation site safe and tidy
8 All our installers are CRB checked, and it's company policy that all our HQ office staff are also checked…


OK, I'd like to meet with one of your Advisors - what's my next move?

No problem! Call us now on 01480 498297 and we'll be happy to arrange for one of our experienced advisors to visit you at your convenience.

Inside2Outside announce 2011 Competition

It is with great pleasure that Inside2Outside are able to announce their 2011 Competition and prize. The competition is completely unique from any previous competition Inside2Outside has run, and the prize reflects this.

Inside2Outsides sister company SKYShades UK have a Show Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011. SKYShades has kindly agreed to allow Inside2Outside to use some of the garden as prizes for the winners of Inside2Outside’s 2011 competition.

The Show Garden is being designed by Marney Hall, a multi-award winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. The garden will have Tensile PV powering some of its features, and will be a good showcase of the Tensile PV technology.

There will be two overall prizes, one will win the Herb Garden and the other will win the Meadow and Wildlife Border from the show garden.

There are four design categories; the winners of each will receive £50 garden centre vouchers donated by Inside2Outside. The categories are: Wildlife, Flower, vegetable and sustainable. There will also be prizes for the short listed finalists generously donated by our charity partner Orangutan Foundation.

To enter the Competition applicants will be asked to design a 10m by 10m garden. They will be asked to provide a full colour drawing or painting of their design. The entries will be short listed and then judged by Marney Hall.

The 2010 winner of the competition won a free Qube Canopy from Inside2Outside, and Inside2Outside continue to reward schools for their excellent work with the yearly competition. The 2011 competition will be launched in early 2011.

Inside2Outside are experts in the design, manufacture and installation of canopies, shelters and walkways. They have been installing canopies for over 10 years, and their trademark Qube Canopy is synonymous with quality. Thanks to some exciting developments in the solar power industry, Inside2Outside can now combine their canopies with thin-film photovoltaics. This exciting new product is called Tensile PV.

Solar Power - Enhance your Canopy

Thanks to some fantastic technology, Inside2Outside are able to apply thin-film solar panels onto our canopies. The joining of solar power with tensile membrane structures makes perfect sense, after all, why not capture the rays of sun that hit the canopy roof to generate power?

As a result of this power can be generated by the canopies. This gives the canopies some unique benefits to the customer - the customer can generate electricty which they can use to reduce energy bills. As well as this, the customer can generate an income from the energy produced thanks to the Government Feed-In-Tariff scheme which guarantees to pay the producer of the renewable energy for a number of years!

Not only do you get these benefits from the solar panels, but you will also get the advantages from having a canopy providing shade and shelter for all weather outside.

Why choose a canopy

Canopies and tensile membrane structures are an increasingly popular choice of building as a more spacious, sturdy and aesthetically pleasing alternative to a regular building.

Why are conpies so popular, and so well used?

There are a number of reasons why. As mentioned earlier, they are aesthetically pleasing, and due to the make up of the structure they can be built and installed very quickly. Further to this, canopies allow those using them to enjoy the outdoors in all weathers. Canopies from Inside2Outside protect from the harmful UV rays of the sun whilst still letting light through to allow the area underneath the canopy to be cool and light. Not only this in rain, the canopy being waterproof will prevent those underneath getting wet.

The flexible nature of the tensile membrane material means that a whole range of shapes and sizes of canopies can be made. From very small up to airport roof's, the potential for canopies is enormous.

Inside2Outside have been manufacturing canopies for many years and are advancing the canopies they design, manufacture and install. With our be-spoke canopies that come with a range of optional extras we fill the nedds of our customers.

Check out the various canopies we offer by looking at the product pages or by looking at the galleries and see how tensile membrane structures from Inside2Outside can be the ideal solution for your outdoor covered area needs.

 

Smoking Shelters

The smoking shelter is a modified version of our Qube structure and comes with a safe and practical solution which is fire retardant. Though there is no obligation to provide outdoor covered space for smkoers, we understand that most proprietors regard them as essential, which is why our smoking shelters feature Plexiglas half side to give smokers all the benefits of the Qube as well as protection from the elements in line with new legislation.

What's more, they're designed to your exact needs to make the most of your chosen needs. We believe that this makes our shelters completely unique and a great long-lasting alternative to the ready-made structures available elsewhere

View Inside2Outside Videos on YoutTube

Find Inside2Outside on You Tube to see more about the products we offer as well as the installation process. As part of Inside2Outside continuing development we are going to be adding further videos to our You Tube channel.

Tell us what you think about Inside2Outside's videos by finding us on You Tube!

Carbon Reduction and Solar Farms

Carbon Reduction
Reducing our Carbon Footprint is essential today. In most places carbon
emissions from electricity usage are the greatest carbon footprint
component. Green energy, such as Solar Power will lower the carbon
footprint considerably.

There are a number of factors which can affect how much you reduce
your Carbon Footprint. These factors include:

• Type of Tensile PV chosen
• Size of Tensile PV installed
• How you manage your power usage

Utilising Tensile PV to reduce your Carbon Footprint will help to reduce Carbon emissions and help to achieve the Government’s aim of reducing Carbon emissions greatly.

Solar Farms

Using Tensile PV as a solar farm is a fantastic way to cover large areas with Solar Power. The Tensile PV can be spread across huge areas and provide an ideal area to utilise as a Solar Farm. Solar Farms offer a cost-effective and attractive way of covering large spaces with Photovoltaics. It is ideal for farmers or those with vast areas of unused land. With a solar farm you are able to:

• Utilise unused space to generate an income
• Store electricity for personal use
• Electricity generated can reduce energy bills

Customer Satisfaction

Keeping out customers happy is one of, if not the most important thing when it comes to business. Inside2Outside upholds this ideal to exceptional standards.

In line with this Inside2Outside in launching a new customer satisfaction form which will be send to customers after they have had thier canopy installed.

Why has Inside2Outside done this?

As a company Inside2Outside are dedicated in giving their customers the best possible service available. The new customer satisfaction form will allow customers to express their views on all matters from their initial involvement with the company to the installation.

Doing this will not only continue to improve and maintain cgood customer relations but also ensure Inside2Outside provides an exceptional and ever increasing standard of service.

Look out for the new customer satisfaction form for April.

 

I2O Competition 2011

Plans are already in place for the 2011 competition.

This years competition saw the winner recieve a free school canopy. The prize for the 2011 competition is extremely exciting and falls in line with the fantastic developments Inside2Outside are currently in the process of implementing.

The prize will remain secret until the competition is launched, but it is truly worth entering. Keep tuned to find out more news about the up coming competition as it comes on.

Tenisle PV Press Release

Inside2Outside are leaders in the design, manufacture and installation of canopies, shelters and walkways. Inside2Outside have added to their existing range of products with the introduction of Tensile Photovoltaics (Tensile PV) which combines the tensile membrane material with photovoltaics (solar power).

What is it?

Tensile PV is a simple combination of Tensile Membrane Fabric with photovoltaics. Our Tensile PV uses thin-film, lightweight and flexible PV with our tensile membrane structures. Ideal applications of it are:
• Canopies
• Walkways
• Roofs

There are a number of options out there for those interested in solar power. Large, bulky photovoltaics are commonly available from many places. However, there are key characteristics that make Tensile PV stand out from other solar options.

Why Tensile PV?

Not only do you reap all of the benefits of having a shade structure, in that you receive protection from the sun, rain, snow and wind, but you gain added benefits from the photovoltaics. How?
• It produces renewable energy that will generate an income through the Government Feed-In-Tariff scheme (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more information)
• It saves money on electricity bills
• It is lightweight, flexible and aesthetically pleasing
• It has unique characteristics; generating electricity from lower light levels than previous PV available; meaning it is less reliant on the sun to be able to produce electricity, and thus ideally suited to the UK
• Tensile PV can reduce your Carbon Footprint
• It is future proof – keep your system up to date with Tensile PV

Further to this, schools can use Tensile PV to aid them with their curriculum and help them to achieve sustainable schools status. Tensile PV is an exciting, new product which brings a range of benefits to those who use it.

Tensile PV Canopies can pay for themselves

• Our structures save energy by providing shade
• Harvest energy from the sun as electrical energy for your own use or for the national grid
• Use electricity produced to reduce your energy bills

Inside2Outside providing schools with free canopies that generate renewable energy

Forward thinking schools WANTED for funded pilot projects

Inside2Outside is putting its money where its mouth is. Inside2Outside are looking to provide the installation of a number of Tensile PV canopies throughout the country to prove the concept. All we ask in return is that you let us use the data for our research and use your installation to publicise how well the product is doing.

This would make an ideal National Curriculum Project – your year groups can interrogate all the data obtained for the project (All data collected from the Tensile PV structure). It will aid your:

- Sustainable Curriculum
- Mathematics Curriculum
- Science Curriculum
- Geography Curriculum
Why not access data from other schools in the UK taking part in the project to compare geographical variances. You can use this information to discuss/teach the reasons for your regional variances. Teach/learn/discern the other benefits of a canopy, e.g. solar shade, insulation and how these facts can affect power use within a classroom.

A number of other solar companies are offering to install solar panels free into schools and homes. This is paid for by the Feed-In-Tariff scheme and the companies will make a lot of money from the scheme. This is a good idea and it will help those who don’t have access to credit, to benefit from solar power. However, it is much more beneficial (to schools in particular) to purchase the system and to collect their FIT’s.

Please do contact us if you would like to discuss this. We will send out one of our area managers for your project. They will work with you and your local authority to determine the size and location of your new covered outdoor area to suit your needs best.

We are offering free panels, but we are also offering outdoor covered areas, paid by the electricity harvested by the structure and you retain the ownership of structure. Plus, of course, your school will benefit from the FREE use of our outdoor structures. The canopy can bring you benefits such as a:
- Shaded Area
- Covered Car Park
- Outdoor Eating Area
- Outdoor Play Area and more...
For more information contact Inside2Outside on 01480 498297, or email admin@inside2outside.co.uk or visit our website www.inside2outside.co.uk

Al Fresco Canopies

Al fresco canopies combine the proven benefits of a tensile membrane roof with the aesthatic appeal of a timber frame.

Our Al fresco canopies are designed ot last, as well as to suit any setting - you can create dining and learning areas or use in any weather, completely protected form the elements in an attractive yet functional setting.

The Al fresco canopies can comfortably seat groups around a table, and can also be adapted to accomodate lighting and under-seat storage.

Find out more information on www.inside2outside.co.uk

Sail Shades

We've refined the concept for Sail Shades using modern material and CAD techniques to provide a longlasting, static product which brings the Sailshade right up to date. We call our version the Kwikshade - distinctive structure designed to make an ordinary environment extraordinary, whilst providing protection from the harsh effects of the summer sun.

Each Kwikshade is individually designed - once the fixings are in place, exact measurements are taken and the Kwikshade is modelled using CAD techniques before being patterned to create a structure which is truly three-dimensional with minimal movement in the wind.

Kwikshades are a practical and cost-effective alternative to more traditional canopies. They are manufactured from structural grade mesh which is inherently fire retardant, and are designed for long-term outdoor use.

The mesh sails odder up to 90% UV blobk, meaning that they can have a shade factor of 97%. They also provide a high level of UVA and UVB protection.

Solar Shade

Inside2Outside, based near Cambridge are one of the market leaders in the UK tensile membrane industry. Having specialised in providing canopies for schools, Inside2Outside now produce Tensile Membrane Structures combined with Photovoltaics.

Renewable Energy is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Awnings for houses and garden canopies are becoming more commonplace; businesses such as pubs and restaurants also offer outdoor dining where the tables are covered by shade products such as umbrellas to protect their clients from the elements. With the shade market growing, providing a niche product which provides more than just shade benefits to a customer makes sense. Solar Panels offer one way of doing just this.

Combining tensile membrane structures with Solar Power is a natural combination for a number of reasons. With tensile membranes unique properties of preventing the suns UV rays from passing through, being able to harness the power of the sun from this has been something that has been desired for many years. Until recently, however, it has not been a realistic prospect. Solar Panels have traditionally been large, heavy objects which are far too weighty to apply onto shade products. Now, with the emergence of flexible solar panels – such as thin film silicon panels and even Organic Photovoltaics, combining shade products with Solar Power is a reality.

Thin Film products are lightweight and flexible in nature. Thus they are able to be adhered to awnings, canopies and other shade products without causing adverse effects on the structure of the canopies. The panels can be attached in a number of different ways. Therefore, you are able to create a shade structure that not only provides shade, but also generates free, clean electricity for the owner of the structure. The electricity produced can be used by the owner for their own use, or can be fed back into the national grid to generate an income. Solar shade is now becoming an increasingly attractive package as it offers additional benefits to a standard tensile membrane shade structure.

How does producing renewable energy through a shade structure bring an income? The Government announced in April 2010 the start of the Feed-In-Tariff scheme (FITs). The FITs are a 25 year Government guaranteed income scheme in which the Government pay producers of renewable energy for every kilowatt hour of energy they produce. Due to this, shade structures combined with photovoltaics are an even more attractive prospect because of this.

Traditional Solar Panels and Thin film panels have been made using Silicon. Silicon has many properties that mean it can harness power from the sun. These panels are effective when the sun shines directly on them. However, when the sun is not shining directly on the panels their effectiveness drops rapidly. With the British climate as it is, solar panels have struggled to be effective in the UK. However, the third generation of Solar Panels – Organic Photovoltaics – threatens to finally bring effective solar power in the UK.

Organic photovoltaics are carbon based, and rely on daylight rather than direct sunlight to generate electricity. Due to this characteristic, OPV will finally deliver Solar Panels that will be effective in the UK. What’s more, they are extremely thin, lightweight and flexible making them ideally suited to being on the roof of a shade structure. The OPV is so flexible that it can be spread across the entire roof of a tensile membrane structure, following the curves of the roof.

Schools, Hospitals, Restaurants, Coffee Houses and Pubs are just a few places where the demand for solar shade is growing, and where the structures are ideally suited to. The commercial industry, warehouses and all application wanting a roof that harnesses the power of the sun can benefit from a solar shade structure. With continuing advancement in the technology for Solar Panels – making them thinner, lighter and more capable of generating effective solar power, even in temperate climates – the solar shade industry in the UK is set to expand rapidly.

Tensile PV: Combining Tensile Membrane with Photovoltaics

In our January and April newsletters of this year we discussed how schools are targeted with becoming a sustainable school by 2020; also discussed was the Feed-In-Tariff scheme and the various benefits schools, care homes and all who generate renewable energy can receive.
Inside2Outside’s focus has been on photovoltaics (PV – Solar power that generates electricity), and applying PV to our canopies. This combination has created an exciting new product that we are now selling – Tensile PV. What do you need to know when thinking about whether to use Tensile PV?
What is it?
Tensile PV is a simple combination of Tensile Membrane Fabric with photovoltaics. Our Tensile PV uses thin-film, lightweight and flexible PV with our tensile membrane structures. Ideal applications of it are:
• Canopies
• Walkways
• Roofs

There are a number of options out there for those interested in solar power. Large, bulky photovoltaics are commonly available from many places. However, there are key characteristics that make Tensile Pv stand out from other solar options.

Why Tensile PV?

Not only do you reap all of the benefits of having a shade structure, in that you receive protection from the sun, rain, snow and wind, but you gain added benefits from the photovoltaics. How?

• It produces renewable energy that will generate an income through the Government Feed-In-Tariff scheme
• It saves money on electricity bills
• It is lightweight, flexible and aesthetically pleasing
• It has unique characteristics, generating electricity from lower light levels that previous PV available, making it ideally suited to the UK
• Tensile PV can reduce your Carbon Footprint
• It is future proof – keep your system up to date with Tensile PV
Further to this, schools can use Tensile PV to aid them with their curriculum and help them to achieve sustainable schools status. Tensile PV is an exciting, new product which brings a range of benefits to those who use it.
Tensile PV Canopies can pay for themselves
• Our structures save energy by providing shade
• Harvest energy from the sun as electrical energy for your own use or for the national grid
• Use electricity produced to reduce your energy bills

Company News

Install Record

This year we enjoyed the busiest summer of installs and this trend is continuing throughout the autumn. It is expected to continue as we progress through the winter.

Photovoltaics

The Tensile PV we offer is advancing and we now have staff dedicated to ensuring the PV used is the best available, so that our customers get the right solution for them.

Company Outing

The staff was treated to a trip to the theatre as a reward for their record breaking work this year. The team went to watch Queen – We Will Rock You. The trip was a very enjoyable and it was a well-deserved break for the team.

Golf Training Bay

In July Inside2Outside started trialling a new product – A Golf Training Bay. The Golf Training Bay is designed to over a practice bunker, and to protect those inside from the weather when it takes a turn for the worse.

The product has an aluminium frame, a tensile membrane roof and plexiglas half sides surrounding the sides and back of the structure to provide protection, but keep the outdoor feel for the golfers.

With an angled roof to allow golfers to get the height they need to play the ball out of the bunker, integral guttering is also provided to prevent rainwater from spilling off the roof into the bunker.

Longstanton Golf Club were first to try the prototype out and have had positive feedback from customers on the usefulness and practicality of the structure, as well as its aesthetically pleasing looks.

Adrienne Engleman, PGA Professional at Longstanton Golf Club commented ‘It’s a smart structure, the colour fits in great and the customers have expressed how they’ve enjoyed using it.’ Golfers are fully protected against the elements when underneath the structure, and its unique design allow golfers to get play their full range of shots that may be required from a bunker.

Adrienne continues ‘It’s really got people talking. Beforehand people ignored the practice bunker the structure is over, now they automatically go to it. It’s clear, there is lots of space, and it let’s light in. It’s especially handy when the weather is bad and you want to practice your bunker shots, as now you can play it without getting soaked!’

Jason Holland, Sales Advisor who is a keen golfer added ‘It really aids your confidence when playing bunkers as you are able to get the practice in whatever the weather.’

Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 1

We are now able to finalise the contents for the November newsletter which will be going out in the first week of November.

Key features are:

Inside2Outside exhibit at Clarence House - Home of Prince Charles

An update on the School Canopy Market

How one school has specifically benefitted from an Inside2Outside shelter

Orangutan Update

Detailed article on Tensile PV - I2O's exciting, new product

As well as this there are a variety of other articles which are very enjoyable and informative.

To order your free copy call Inside2Outside now on 01480 498297

New Brochure for I2O

The new and updated brochure has arrived. It has been under development for some while and the printed copies are now ready to be sent out.

To order your free copy now follow the link and complete the form Order New Brochure

Start Initiative - Inside2Outside help out

Prince Charles opened the garden of his London home for a 12-day public festival from September 8th to September 19th. Clarence House hosted the event, which was part of Prince Charles Start Initiative that promotes sustainability.

The high profile event was attended by a number of celebrities who took part in the launch and the festival included exhibitions and a range of activities.

The Start Initiative is set up to encourage and aid people in the UK to have a more sustainable lifestyle, as well as a way of promoting green practices, such as solar power.

Inside2Outside have an excellent relationship with Batley Girls High School, who are National Lead Sustainable School. Batley Girls High School was one of only six schools in the country to take part in the event. For the festival Batley highlighted their contribution towards a sustainable future.

Having installed a large canopy to cover their amphitheatre, as well as a Patiola, Inside2Outside were selected by the school to be a partner at the event. Being partners we supplied a tensile fabric roof fitted with photovoltaics cells (PV) to power the lighting for the school pavilion structure.

The PV used has unique characteristics, generating clean, green electricity from lower light levels than previous photovoltaic options, meaning it is ideally suited to the UK.

Tensile PV

Have you heard much about Inside2Outside's Tensile PV?

Tensile PV from Inside2Outside combines their tensile membrane material with Photovoltaics to create the possibility of canopies that can pay for themselves. How?

From April 2010, the Government Feed-In-Tariff scheme took effect. The scheme pays those who generate renewable energy for a set fee for 25 years dependant on the capacity of the system they have installed. What's more additional income can be generated through feeding this electricity back to the National Grid, or alternatively, significant savings can be made thorugh using the electricity for you own use.

How does this help those looking for an Outdoor Canopy?

Those who buy a canopy with Tensile PV gain a canopy that can pay for itself. This is a truly significant and exceptional product that can make the purchase of a canopy even more beneficial than it already is when it provides the benefits of shade.

Outdoor Covered Areas for Schools

Canopies can provide schools with a number of benefits. Not only does it provide the pupils with an outdoor area that they are able to safely use in any weather, but there are additional features which mean the school gets even more advantages from having the canopy.

1. It provides Shade and Shelter for Parents

Depeding on the area that the canopy is placed, a canopy an double up as an area for parents to wait for their children. It can protect parents from the elements and are especially useful in the wet.

2. They provide Outdoor Teaching Areas

Teaching outdoors is something that can be very enjoyable for both the teacher and the pupils, especially in the heat. Outdoor canopies provide the ideal setting for this.

3. Outdoor Covered Areas can now pay for themselves

This is the exciting Tensile PV product that Inside2Outside are implemeting into schools. This is a truly exciting product and brings even more benefits to schools.

As well as these benefits there are even more that outdoor canopies from Inside2Outside provide. Contact Inside2Outside now for more information.

Inside2Outside Maximise Outdoor Shaded Area for South Kirkby Infant and Nursery School

Pupils and Staff alike at South Kirkby Infant and Nursery School in West Yorkshire are now able to enjoy the outdoors in all weather. This is made possible thanks to the installation of a POCCA school canopy by Inside2Outside.

Inside2Outside, based just outside Cambridge are experts in the design, manufacture and installation of canopies, shelters and walkways. The POCCA range introduced in 2001 is designed specifically for schools and each product is designed to fit the needs of each school it is installed at. The main product – The Qube canopy - allows schools to create multi-purpose outdoor areas for use in any weather. Thanks to the Qube canopy South Kirkby Infant and Nursery School now have a covered outdoor area, suitable for use in any weather.

Marie Johnson oversaw the project for South Kirkby School and commented that what impressed here was the ‘impeccable workmanship and helpful sales advisor.’ Inside2Outside sales advisor James Nottingham managed the project from start to finish and was delighted with the installed Qube Canopy. The 6m by 3m Qube Canopy provides a covered outdoor area that provides protection to those underneath it in all weathers.

Ms Johnson was impressed with the ‘Quick Installation’. The unique design of the Qube allows it to be installed in a matter of days bringing minimal disruption to the school if it is installed in term time. This feature is another reason why the Qube is such an effective canopy for schools.

The Qube has been manufactured with three roof shapes by Inside2Outisde – The Peak, the Apex and the Dome. Now however, it is being manufactured with a Barrel Arch roof shape. This new roof shape adds additional benefits to the canopy. For example, Inside2Outside now combine their structures with Photovoltaics (Solar Power), this is called Tensile PV. The Barrel Arch roof shape is ideal for applying with Photovoltaics. This combination means that your canopy not only provides you with the benefits of a canopy, but also generates electricity! This electricity can be used to reduce energy bills and even generate an income.

Kingfisher Day Nursery Pupils Benefit From Outdoor Covered Area from Inside2Outside

Kingfisher Day Nursery, Croydon has felt the benefits of having an outdoor canopy from Inside2Outside. The canopy provides a safe, sheltered outdoor play area which can be used in all weathers, as well as providing shade for their garden area.

Kingfisher Day Nursery had installed one of Inside2Outside’s trademark Qube canopies. Inside2Outside have been designing, manufacturing and installing canopies, shelters and walkways for over 10 years; the Qube is designed specifically for schools and combines robustness with an aesthetically pleasing look. Hundreds of schools across the UK have benefited from the installation of a Qube canopy as an outdoor play area, an outdoor classroom and numerous other uses.

Originally Kingfisher Day Nursery were looking for a shaded area for their garden. Having been impressed with Inside2Outsde’s brochure they went on to order. Not only did they get the benefits of shade for their garden, but the canopy has provided them with further benefits. Mrs MacCartney of the nursery commented that when the weather is wet and the pupils are outside ‘those who would rather not get wet can observe their environment from a sheltered area’.

Outdoor classrooms offer a different environment for pupils to learn in, and the canopy has provided this option for the nursery. Mrs MacCartney commented that the creation of ‘an outdoor classroom’ has enabled them to expand the school curriculum. She concluded that it’s improved the nursery’s outdoor facilities by providing ‘space, and an extra room.’

Inside2Outside have recently introduced a fantastic new product – Tensile PV. Tensile PV combines Photovoltaics (Solar Power) with Tensile Membrane structures. With Tensile PV you are now able to get a canopy that not only provides the benefits of shade and shelter, but that also produces electricity that can be used to reduce energy bills and generate an income. Tensile PV can be retro-fitted onto existing structures, as well as used on new structures.

Sustainable Canopies - Utilise the Power of the Sun

Harnessing the power of the sun which the canopies prevent from getting through has always been a good idea. However, until recently it has been unrealistic due to the size and weight of the panels, as well as other factors.

However, with the development of thin film technology for Solar Panels, joning canopy structures with solar power is now happening. SKYShades UK Ltd. (www.skyshades.co.uk) are attaching Photovoltiacs (PV) to their canopies. This means that you are able to get a canopy which will pay for itself. It will also generate energy which can reduce energy bills.

So now, not only do you get the benefits of having a canopy - shade and shelter, but you generate an income, and produce renewable energy from the PV on your canopy. It is a simple combination which makes perfect sense.

Inside2Outside Ltd. are also combining PV with their canopies in schools - www.inside2outside.co.uk/p2o/index.asp

Safety Taken During Canopy Construction and Use

The safety standards for a canopy construction need to be stringent as the canopy is going to be used regularly when installed. So the first and most important guiding factor needs to be safety. Not only when the construction takes place that safety needs to be adhered to, but also for the entire guaranteed lifetime of the structure. The canopies need to offer total and safe protection for those using it from the elements and any physical dangers from the canopy itself.

The materials used in the construction need to be strong and conform to high safety standards. The materials for the supports need to be waterproof and rust proof, as well as padding being provided where needed. The roof of the structure also needs to be completely waterproof and have the ability to easily and efficiently drain the water from the rooftop. The roof also needs to provide protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun and resist higher winds without anything falling or flapping and injuring those near the canopy.

How will climate change affect school shade design and development?

There are a number of anomalies in the weather theses days with summers becoming much hotter in many regions in the country. Adequate protection from the sun becomes a crucial factor for outdoor shades. Children especially need to be protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun since they are the ones that spend a lot of time playing in the sun.

Schools and other facilities that cater to children and wish to create outdoor classrooms need to install school shades that will provide adequate outdoor protection from UV radiation. Inside2Outside school canopies are an ideal solution for dealing with hotter climates. The roof of these shelters is made from a tensile fabric that filters out a large percentage of the UV rays from the sun. At the same time, it allows light through so that the shelters are bright during daytime. Hotter summers are not a problem with Inside2Outside shelters.

Optional Extras for the Outdoor Room

While our canopies are great 'off the peg' we a;sp offer additional optional extras.

If you need curtain walls for the canopy, we can provide them with or without windows.

If security is an issue and you wish to keep the outdoor room secure, you can use our optional roller shutters.

If privacy is required, you can go in for our plexiglas sides which also provide added protection from the elements.

If the canopy is for a children's play area, we offersoft play surfacing for added safety.

You can also match the colour of the frames to that of the canopy by using powder coated frames with our colourded roofs.

We also offer leg pads for the supports that absorb accidental bumps. As well as this mesh half walls and mesh roller walls are additional options.

Choose our optional extras carefully to fully customise your outdoor area to meet your specific requirements.

How will climate change affect care sector canopy design and development? - 1. More/heavier rain and snow in winter

Climate change is forecast to affect the normal weather pattern in different areas. Some areas might recieve more rainfall or snow. An unusually heavy downpour car severely disrupot life in any region unless the area is equipped to deal with the contingency.

There needs to be a basic change in design in most of the outdoor constructions that are meant to withstand the onslaught of nature. More rain or snow can mean more weight on the roof. Any structure such as a care home canopy therefore needs to be designed with an extremely strong roof that can also drain the water or snow quickly from the roof tops.

Therefore, the desing of structures meant for the care sector also needs to be adapted in a way to ensure maximum safety for the residents. Especially if they are very old and incapacitated, the care needed for them increases several fold. Therefore care home canopies that conform to stringent safety standards such as those from Inside2Outside nneed to be specified for use in the care sector.

Covered Waiting Areas

Inside2Outside can easily construct a covered school waiting area for parents using our innovative school shelters. Normally there are a number of wasted areas around the periphery of a buildding that can be easily put to good use. Walkways between school buildings are a good example. Most often, buildings are seperated by a short stretch of path which is most often left uncovered. During the rainy season or when it is hot such paths become a challenge to cross, particularly if armed with teaching materials and ushering pupils between classes.

Inside2Outside have the perfect solution for this problem. Our covered walkways form a protective covering over the walkway, making easy passage between buildings possible. Moreover, these areas can also provide a second use as waiting areas for parents.

By connecting two or more buildings with covered walkways, you not only have the convinience of going from one building to the next without being exposed to the elements, but also have a waiting area for parents who often have bebies or toddlers with them who need to be protected from the elements.

Protect your Car with Carports

Building a traditional garage for your car can be an expensive affair. If there is a space consrtaint, you may not be able to afford space for a garage, which is an extra outdoor room of sorts. The best option would be a Carport from Inside2Outside which is flexible in design, hard wearing and inexpensive.

The Inside2Outside Carports, you can get the same advantages that a garage has to offer, but at a fraction of the cost and with less space requirements and in a fraction of the time. Carports can protct the paint on the car from the damaging effects of the sun's harmful UV rays. They can also protect the car from the rain and the snow during winter. A Carport also prevents frozen windscreens on all but the coldest of nights. This reduces time and potential damage when defrosting the car in the morning.

Carports - A cost effective alternative to a garage.

How can an outside Hospital Canopy improve visitor experience?

An outside hospital canopy can truly improve visitor experience in a number of ways. First of all, by effectively utilising the outdoor area surrounding the hospital by making some of it a covered area, thus effectively extending the building and giving the whole hospital a much bigger feel. Outdoor areas can effectively be used as the lobby space and social rooms for patients and visitors, providing a comfortable, informal setting for visitors when they visit paatients.

Moreover, some visitors feel uncomfortable in a regular hospital environment. The regular enclosed spaces and the sterility of the surroundings can make them feel uncomfortable. For such people, an outdoor hospital would be an excellent way to visit a hospital and yet be in touch with the outdoors. Patients can also use these areas for socialising woth other patients or take a regular walk under the shade even during the hot summer months of the year or when it is raining.

Can you have Logos printed on your Canopy?

Yes, you can!

We can print the logo of your school on the canopy roof and it will be a nice landmark for the school. Not only will you get the benefits of a brilliant school canopy - but you will get much publicity as a result, helping to boost those at the school.

For more information call Inside2Outside now on 01480 498297

Walk In Shade With Covered Walkways

Walkways between buildings are always a challenge to traditional builders. Covering them using traditional materials would cost quite a lot, while leaving them uncovered will expose them and the people that use them, to the elements. The ideal solution to this problem is a covered walkway.

Find out more about covered walkways at http://www.inside2outside.co.uk/i2o/walkways.asp

Optional Extras for Care Home Canopies

We offer a number of extras with the regular features of our care home canopies. For instance, if you want to choose the particular material for the support structure of the canopies, you can choose between aluminium and timber according to your specific requirements. Timber can look extremely elegant for certain kinds of structures such as Octagons. On the other hand, if strength and durability are what you are looking for, you can choose the aluminium frames for the support structure. The aluminium frames are not only strong, but they are rust proof as well.

If you wish to have the sides of the care home canopies covered, we can cover them with Plexiglas sides. You can also specify whether you need a window n the wall curtain on the sides.

How do Pocca school canopies support the EYFS Framework

Inside2Outside are a leading supplier of school canopies in the UK. A large numbr of educational instituitions, especially nurseries and pre-school facilities have approached us for building scholl shelters in their premises. Since w completely adhere to the EYFS framework as set out by the department of education and skills, all of these instituitions are completely at ease with us since all our installations are completely safe for children.

We do understand that children need freedom to play out in the open. That is whay we have made the effort to design a safe environment for them which gives them this freedom, but at the same time ensures their safety. Our versatile range of high quality products are meant to cater to a wide variety of needs and budgets. Our EYFS compliant products offer the best protection and value for money for all your school shelter requirements.

Protect yourselves from the sun with a Kwikshade

If you need a flexible solution to provide shelters from sun, our Kwikshade is a great solution. It is a very customizable structure that can cover spaces as small as 9 metres squared as well as outdoor spaces like seating in a stadium.

Each Kwikshade is custom designed to make it totally unique for your spcific need. Once the measurements of the area are takenm the data is fed through a CAD program which specifies the exact layout and form of the kwikshade structure. The Kwikshade is then fabricated according to these specifications.

The Kwikshade is ideal for outdoor dining areas as well as for recreational spaces like play area in gardens for children. The mesh provides a 97% shade, blocking out the harmful UV rays from the sun. Therefore, people can spend hours enjoying a drinnk or long lunch under the kwikshade canopy without concerns about the sun.

How can an outside care home canopy improve visitor experience?

The residents in any care home need to socialise to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Interaction with other patients and with their own family members who visit them at the care heme is vital to their wellbeing. Therefore, significant areas of space should be allocated in care homes to accommodate this particular need.

Visitors to the care home would also find it more pleasant to visit and chat with the residents, in a peaceful, comfortable setting in fresh air. An outsid care home canopy can offer them a wonderful environment for this purpose. Even when it is very hot or raining outside, visitors can still enjoy their time benefitting from the protection offered by a care home canopy.

Installing such canopies in retirement homes, residential care homes and other facilities for older people can therefore greatly enhance the visitor experience and the life of the resident.

School Canopies sealed from Wind and Rain

Indeed, a POCCA school canopy can be effectively sealed against wind and the rain. The dsign of the outdoor canopy lends itself to complete flexibility. Whatever the needs of the outdoor school shelter in a specific location area, the POCCa outdor canopy can be custom designed to meet the exact requirements.

The problem with rain and the wind varies across the country, therefore the design of the shelters needs to be adapted according to the weather conditions prevailing in a particular region. The POCCA outdoor schoolc anopies ae so versatile that they can be individually designed for each venue differently. Each and every install is treated differently and appropriate elements such as side panels and even windows can be specified.

Find out more about the great range of POCCA school canopies - www.inside2outside.co.uk/pocca/index.asp

Bring the Outdoors Inside with Outdoor Rooms

If you would like to install an outdoor room for your building, try our Qube. A Qube can be customised to fit your space requirements exactly. Qubes can be cascaded together to cover a large space like a walkway between two buildings too. If you have any empty corner or a large patio, cover it with our Qube and to create an additional outdoor room which can be used all year round...

The supports for the Qube are made from aluminium providing both strength and durability as they don't rust despite frequently damp British weather! The roof of the Qube is made from a specially designed tensile fabric that protects users from harmful UV rays.

Our Qube comes in a variety of elegant shapes to suit a variety of applications. Call us now for a free quote before having a Qube installed in your premises and throw your worries about the weather to the wind.

How can the creation of an outdoor covered area help in a hospital?

Hospitals require a lot of space basically due to the nature of its functioning. Patients need a lot of space to walk around during their convalescent period. All doctors advise that patients need to be as active as possible to the extent that their bodies would allow. Sometimes, they even urge them to try a little harder to push their bodies a little harder and spped up recuperation.

Walking and strolling are activities that patients really need to indulge in during their recuperative period. This of course can be curtailedduring the rainy season or when the weather is too hot outside. Hospital canopies in a health facility can come to the rescue here. Patients would then be able to enjoy the outdoors within a controlled environment in the hospital canopies right round the year. Hospital canopies therefore are an ideal addition to any hospital, easpecially for the good of the patients.

What school shade optional extras do you offer?

All of our school canopy products are designed with maximum utility value in mind. We have anticipated almost every need during our design process and built our equipment to meet those needs. However, if you have specific needs and requirements that are not met by our regular products, you can always find a solution from our extensive range of optional extras.

For instance, if you prefer to keep your shelters under lock and key, we can provide roller shutters for the canopies so that you can close them after school hours. If you need curtain walls for the school shelters, we can install them for you on your shelters. You even have the option of choosing to have windows on the curtain walls. You can also choose to have plexiglass sids for the canopies for additional privacy. There are a lot more optional extras to choose from for your individual and specific requirements.

How can the creation of an outdoor covered area help in a care home?

Care homes are places that need a lot of space for the activity that most residents enjoy. There should be a lot of space for them to walk around, and places where they can sit either in a group or alone by themselves to spend the quiet hours of the day.

While open spaces ae often availabl around care homes, they would not be accessible during all seasons. When the climate is too hot or if it is raining, the residents would be forced to stay indoors. A care home canopy on the other hand which gives access to the outdoors as well as protects the residents from any weather and the elements would be an ideal addition to any care home.

The residents can use the care home canopy at all times of the year without any kind of interruption. They would also not have to give up their regular activity during summer or winter but continue to enjoy the outdoors under the covered area.

Elegant Outdoor Rooms with Alfresco

The British weather is known for its unpredictsbility. No matter how well you have prepared for an event, if it is set outdoors, you are always at the mercy of he elements. If it is an important gathering, you had better not leave it to chance. You have to do all you can to control the weather if possible.

The next best thing to having your event outdoors is having them in semi0enclosed outdoor rooms. Inside2Outside's Alfresco structures provide complete protection from the elements and at the same time give you access to the outdoors allowing you and your customers to enjoy the ebst of both worlds.

Alfresco provides shade from harmful UV rays from the sun and at the same time allow light to come throught their translucent roof. With our outdoor rooms installed, you will never have to worry about the weather ever again.

Inside2Outsides Associate Companies

Do you know Inside2Outside's associates? Depending on where you are based it could be them coming to visit you.

Inside2Outside's associates provide an excellent quality of serviceas would be expected form any company affiliated with Inside2Outside. Inside2Outside currently has six associates.

If you would like to arrange for yor free-no obligation site visit follow the instruction on the webite, phone us on 01480 498297 or email info@pocca.co.uk

Enjoy the heat and keep fit!

Want a way to keep fit this summer? A simple and enjoyable way is to use Outdoor Fitness Equipment provided by Inside2Outside.

What benefits are there from using Outdoor Fitness Equipment?

The equipment is environmentally friendly
It is available in a wide range of colours
They provide a real workout

Many of the fitness stations are for use of two people at a time. Thus you can socialise with friends and family whilst exercising. All this can be in your garden!

The outdoor fitness equipment is ideal for schools, nurseries, care homes as well as many other markets.

For more information go to the outdoor fitness page on at www.inside2outside.co.uk

Care Home Canopies

Care homes can benefit from having a canopy installed. It will provide many benefits and benefit the staff, residents and visitors. How so?

There are a number of benefits canopies provide to Care Homes:

1) Outdoor Covered area that protects form harmful UV rays of sun and provides shades

2) The ability for residents to enjoy the outdoors in all weathers

3) Aesthetically pleasing look can aid the surrounding environment

4) Be used for a number of different purposes

There are many more benefits a canopy will provide for a Care Home. Check out the Care2Cover section of the Inside2Outside website to find more out.

School Canopies

Canopies have a tremendous amount of applications. They can be utilised in a number of different areas, with different purposes. How though do canopies benefit schools?

There are a number if benefits canopies provide to schools;

1 - Provide shade and protection from the sun for pupils and staff
2 - Allow the pupils to enjoy the outside whatever the weather
3 - Help to meet Ofsted requirements
4 - Can be utilised as an outdoor classroom
5 - Provide a waiting area for parents
6 - A safe environment where pupils can play

As well as theses benefits there are many more things that a canopy can benefits the school with.

Inside2Outside have been specialists in the school canopy market for a number of years now. The traditional Qube canopy has been installed in many schools UK wide, and is an ideal canopy for schools.

In line with the continuing change within schools, their budgets and their priorities, Inside2Outside launched a new brand Power2Outside. The Power2Outside brand provides canopies that have solar panels on them and thus generate electricity and an income for the school.

These canopies can pay for themselves and give the schools a guarenteed income for many years.

Why not find out more about these canopies and see why investing in a canopy with Inside2Outside can benefit your school.

Commercial Canopies - For Airports, Warehouses and all commercial applications

SKYShades UK Ltd, jointly owned by Inside2Outside Ltd - a leading tensile membrane strucutre manufacturer in the UK - and SKYShades International - A world leader in tensile membrane structures - are able to provide huge tensile membrane strucutres for those in the UK.

Airports, stadiums, swimming pools and many more applications are ideally suited for work by SKYShades UK. SKYShades International have done many of the large tensile membrane structures accross the world, including the hotel in Dubai with the tensile membrane shade sail up the whole of one side!

With tensile membrane offering a light and aesthetically pleasing look to a roof, why not look into using it as a roof for your business?

What's more SKYShades have combined Photovoltaics with its tensile membrane, so you can generate electricity and an income from your roof. Or if you own a car park, can use the tensile membrane with PV to create a car park cover that will give you an additional income and light the car park!

Find out more at www.skyshades.co.uk or www.skyshades.com.au

Canopies for your Garden

The JustGoOutside range is aimed specifically at home users. It specialises in providing a canopy that not only will suit and blend in with your garden environment, but also a canopy that has multi purposes.

The canopies are designed so that they can be used for many things. Whether you are just relaxing in the garden enjoying the weather and want to be shaded, to whether you want an area to dine with friends and family, a JustGoOutside canopy will do this for you.

Check the JustGoOuside range out for your ideal domestic canopy.

Effective Solar Power in the UK?

Solar power has been around for many years, and has been effective to some degree. However, in the UK's somewhat unpredictable and not the warmest climate, it has been rather less effective than in hotter countires. Why is this?

Traditioanl Silicon solar panels rely mainly on direct sunlight to generate electricity. Thus on a cloudy day, or if the sun is not directly fcing them, they become somewhat in-efficient. As well as this many early solar power panels were huge, bulky products, that could be considered not aesthetically pleasing.

There have been some great developments with Silicon based solar panels, in the thin film that is produced. However, Organic Photovoltaics, a Carbon based solar panel is set to revolutionise the solar power industry. How?

OPV is carbon based and as it doesn't use harmful chemicals it is able to be mass produced easily. As well as this it is extremely thin and flexible, this means it has a huge range of applications. Possibly the most important point when speaking about OPV is that it relies on daylight rather than direct sunlight to generate electricity. Thus even on a cloudy day it will generate significant energy!

This exciting product is being utilised in the Power2Outside brand and is available through SKYShades UK Ltd.

For more information on SKYShades UK and the OPV go to www.skyshades.co.uk

Want a fun way to keep fit this summer?

Want a way to keep fit this summer? A simple and enjoyable way is to use Outdoor Fitness Equipment provided by Inside2Outside.

What benefits are there from using Outdoor Fitness Equipment?

The equipment is environmentally friendly
It is available in a wide range of colours
They provide a real workout

Many of the fitness stations are for use of two people at a time. Thus you can socialise with friends and family whilst exercising. All this can be in your garden!

The outdoor fitness equipment is ideal for schools, nurseries, care homes as well as many other markets.

For more information go to the outdoor fitness page on at www.inside2outside.co.uk

Puffin Shelters - Commercial Canopies that Benefit Your Business

The Puffin range of shelters from Inside2Outside orignally were mainly just Smoking Shelters. However, with a slight restructure of the 5 brands of Inside2Outside - POCCA, JustGoOutside, Care2Cover, Puffin and Power2Outside, it was decided that Puffin was to be the range of canopies that is aimed for Businesses as well as providing smoking shelters.

What benefits do Puffin Shelters offer?


* Strong and long-lasting aluminium frames with a 10 year guarantee
* Roofs made from 100% waterproof tensile fabric able to withstand the best and the worst of the British climate
* Integral gutter so that water can drain quickly and easily – no waterfall effect with our Canopies
* Optional Plexiglas half-sides to protect smokers from side winds and make sure the shelter is non-substantially enclosed to comply with the ban. Other wall options available for canopies and covered spaces.
* Three different roof shapes to match and enhance their surroundings and existing roof lines – with an extensive range of colours
* Made-to-measure designs to match the exact needs of your company
* All of our Installers are CRB checked

With all this and more why not check out the Puffin range of canopies now! Follow www.inside2outside.co.uk/puffin to find out more.

Competition 2010 Winners Announced

The 2010 Inside2Outside Competition winners have been announced!

They are as follows:

First Prize - Springfield House Day Nursery, High Peak, Derbyshire

They win a 4m by 4m POCCA Qube canopy.

Winners of the Second Prize are: Summerlea Community Primary School, Rustington, West Sussex

They win an outdoor fitness bundle.


All of the entries recieved were excellent and well done to all who entered.

First UK Install of OPV combined with Tensile Membrane at SKYShades UK Head Office

SKYShades UK installed the first of its canopies combined with Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) on Tuesday 20 May 2010 at SKYShades UK Head Office, manor Farm, Low Road, Fenstanton, PE28 9HU. SKYShades have combine tensile membrane structures with OPV– the third generation of solar power panels. This has created a unique product which SKYShades UK is aiming to rapidly introduce into the UK.

SKYShades have been designing, manufacturing and installing tensile membrane structures for many years and thanks to an exclusive worldwide licence with Konarka – the manufactures of the OPV – are now installing tensile membrane structures combined with OPV across the world. SKYShades UK are doing this in the UK now.

OPV is the third generation of solar power panels and is the most suited to the UK climate. OPV is thin, lightweight and flexible meaning that it can be put across an entire roof, canopy or structure without affecting the structural integrity of a building. What’s more the OPV generates power by daylight rather than direct sunlight meaning that it will generate significant power in the UK, even on a cloudy day!

By having the first UK install made at their UK Head Office, interested parties can come and see a working example and see for themselves the power generated by this revolutionary and exciting product. The product is ideal for retro fitting onto an existing roof or as a roof itself. With recent Government incentives to encourage the generation of renewable energy, OPV combined with tensile membrane is the way forward. The UK Government announced in April 2010 the start of Feed-In-Tariffs (FIT’s). Producers of renewable energy will now receive a guaranteed income from the FIT’s. For more information on the FIT’s go to www.decc.gov.uk.

The first installation is a landmark in the solar power industry and Dr Carpenter commented ‘ ‘. SKYShades UK are seeking to expand its distributor base. SKYShades UK are looking for companies who can assist in the rapid distribution of OPV and who can install this exciting product. SKYShades are running workshops near Cambridge regularly to allow those interested in becoming a distributor to find out more. To register your interest in attending or to learn more about this new and unique product contact Ben Clement on 01480 498297 or ben@skyshades.co.uk.

OPV is potentially the ‘holy grail’ of the solar power industry. Register you interest now and see how you can become involved in this exciting industry.


SKYShades UK Ltd.
Manor Farm, Low Road
Fenstanton
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE28 9HU
Tel: 01480 498297
Fax: 01480 498303
Web: www.skyshades.co.uk

Twinkle Toes Nursery Staff and Pupils Delight with Outdoor Canopy by Inside2Outside

Pupils and staff at Twinkle Toes Nursery in Kent are filled with joy since the installation of their outdoor canopy by Inside2Outside. Pupils now have an outdoor covered area which they can use all year round. Staff were particularly pleased as the canopy allowed them to reach some criteria set out by Ofsted.

Inside2Outside have been designing, manufacturing and installing canopies, shelters and walkways for over 15 years. Their POCCA Qube canopy has been installed in hundreds of schools in the UK. Qube canopies are ideal for schools as their be-spoke, robust and aesthetically pleasing design mean they provide the ideal solution for a schools outdoor covered area needs.

Jackie Puxted who oversaw the operation at Twinkle Toes Nursery commented she chose Inside2Outside due to ‘the information’ she received and through ‘speaking to one of the service team who was very pleasant’. After receiving the quote and deciding to go with Inside2Outside planning was required. Inside2Outside offer to do the planning for the canopy on all clients behalf and dealt with the planning all the way through to its completion. Ms Puxted said she was particularly impressed by the sales advisor ‘dealing with all the planning.’

Once planning was approved, install dates were set and on the 8th March the canopy was installed. Twinkle Toes Nursery purchased a 6m by 3m Qube Canopy with a double dome roof. Ms Puxted has already seen the benefits to the children from the canopy, stating ‘the benefits are great for all the children that attend the nursery...and has enabled us to further the children’s excitement and to have access to the outside at all times.’

Customer feedback is extremely valued by Inside2Outside. In line with this the sales advisor who deals with the school goes back on a courtesy after sales visit to make sure the customer is happy and to gather their thoughts.

Sales advisor Matt Stubbs who dealt with the project was particularly happy with the finished canopy when on the after sales visit at Twinkle Toes. The feedback was extremely positive and Ms Puxted commented that she was delighted as ‘the whole team were friendly and any help needed was dealt with quickly.’ She finished that she was going to ‘tell all her colleagues about Inside2Outside.’


For more information on Inside2Outside canopies please contact:

Inside2Outside Ltd.
Manor Farm, Low Road
Fenstanton
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE28 9HU
Tel: 01480 498297
Fax: 01480 498303
Web: www.inside2outside.co.uk

First UK Sustainable Canopy with OPV Installed at Inside2Outside Head Office

Inside2Outside installed the first of its newest brand of canopies - The Power2Outside range - on Tuesday 25 May 2010 at Inside2Outside Head Office, Manor Farm, Low Road, Fenstanton. The Power2Outside brand is a unique brand that combines a canopy with Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) - the third genereation of solar power panels. This is a sustainable canopy. This combination means that you are now able to have a canopy that generates renewable energy whilst keeping you shaded and dry.

Inside2Outside have been in the canopy business for over 15 years and the latest addition to their four existing brands was to add the Power2Outside brand in early 2010. Inside2Outside M.D Dr. Robert Carpenter had for many years been looking for a way to harness the power of the sun through Inside2Outside canopies. Solar power panels are the obvious chouce, however, the majority of the product were to heavy for the canopy to support and didn'y look aesthetically pleasing.

OPV however pprovided the ideal solution Dr Carpenter had been looking for. OPV is lightweight, flexble and thin. This unique combination means that it can be spread acress the entirety of a canopy and cause no adverse affect on the performance of the canopy. What's more the OPV generates energy with lower light levels than traditional solar panels. thus, the OPV doesn;t have to face the sun to harness significant energy but can face any direction and still generate significant power.

The OPV is developed by an American company called Konarka and Inside2Outside has an exclusive licence for the distribution and installation of the OPV to schools and care homes.

Schools and care homes can benefit in numerous ways from having a sustainable canopy. The canopy provides shade and comfort outside in all weathers, protection form the sun, wind and rain. With the OPV on the canopy power is generated, this can either be used by the school or care home to provde power for buildings, laptops, phones etc... or thanks to new Government incentives can generate an income from producing renewable energy. This government incentive is called Feed-In-Taroffs, and these pay the producer of renewable energy an income. Thus a sustainable canopy provides the school or care home with all the benefits of a canopy as well as an income.

Sustainable canopies are the future of canopies. OPV is the future of solar power gneration and its unique charachteristics mean that it will actually generate significant power in the UK, even on a cloudy day! For more information go to www.inside2outside.co.uk/p2o/index.asp. This exciting new product is here for you to use NOW!

OPV Canopy Installed!

Inside2Outside installed the first of its Power2Outside brand of canopies on Tuesday at I2O Headquarters.

The Power2Outside brand combines OPV - Organic Photovoltaics, the third generation of Solar Power Panels with Tensile Membrane structures. Having been in the canopy business for over 15 years in early 2010 Inside2Outside launched its Power2Outside brand.

The first installation took place on Tuesday 25 May and the canopy was installed at Inside2Outside's head office. The OPV is hooked up to a measuring device so the real output and power each panel generates can be easily seen.

Sustainable canopies are ideal for schools and the Power2Outside brand is aimed at schools. OPV however is suited to applications such as roof's, car park canopies and a whole range of other applications. For information about the applications of anything other than schools go to www.skyshades.co.uk

Time is nearly up on this years Competition!

There is now only 4 days left until the close of the 2010 Inside2Outside Competition which gives you the chance to win a free 4m by 4m POCCA canopy and as second prize an outdoor fitness bundle.

Entering could not be simpler. All you have to do is complete the form on-line and we will have your entry! Alternatively email info@pocca.co.uk with your answer to the competition question and we will log your entry.

Finally we can do it by post or fax. Just phone 01480 498297 and we'll arrange it all for you!

Enter now before it is too late!

Keep Fit This Summer - Outdoor Fitness Range from I2O

Most of us feel that we should perhaps be fitter than we are. However, often exercise can often be dull, repetitive and it is easy to lose interest. What though if you have a fun, innovative and exciting way of exercising? Wouldn't you be motivated to exercise?

There is no doubt that it is easier to exercise when it is fun. The Outdoor Fitness Range from Inside2Outside is designed with this is mind. Many of the stations are designed to be used by more than one person at a time, so you can enjoy the company of a friend whilst getting fit together.

The Outdoor Fitness range includes a number of different colour combinations to allow it to blend in with the environment. The stations are designed to target specific muscle groups so you are sure to be able to get a 'real' workout.

For more information on the Outdoor Fitness Range from Inside2Outside go to http://www.inside2outside.co.uk/i2o/outdoorFitness.asp

Just over a week Left

With only 10 days left until the end of this years Inside2Outside competition time is fast running out for you to enter the competition.

You have the opportunity to win a 4m by 4m POCCA school canopy and second place is an outdoor fitness bundle.

To enter this years competition before it is too late follow the link:

http://www.inside2outside.co.uk/prizedraw2010/competition_201001.asp

Inside2Outside Videos on YouTube

Why not check out Inside2Outside on YouTube to have a look at all the videos relating to Inside2Outside. There are all the newest videos on Inside2Outside, as well as some older ones.

Are Inside2Outside on any other social media? Yes!

Inside2Outside are on both Facebook and Twitter. Why not search for them? Inside2Outside are down as 'the canopy people' on Twitter and as Inside2Outside on Facebook.

Check it out now and see some developments with the staff and the company that you won't see anywhere else.

Inside2Outside Competition 2010 Close gets closer

There is now only 18 days until the close of the Inside2Outside 2010 competition. Hurry now and don't miss your chance to win a fantastic prize.

The Inside2Outside competition 2010 offers you the chane to win some excellent prizes. First prize will win a 4m x 4m POCCA Qube canopy with second place recieving an outdoor fitness budle.

Why not enter now?

To enter go to http://www.inside2outside.co.uk/prizedraw2010/competition_201001.asp and enter your details.

Hurry now before it is to late!

Inside2Outside Reward Sustainability at the Young Enterprise Awards

Inside2Outside Managing Director, Dr. Robert Carpenter was on handd to present Inca, a company made up of pupils from Kimbolton School with the Sustainability Award at the Young Enterprise Programme Awards for the East of England held in Wyboston, Bedforshire on the 27 April.

Inside2Outside have been designing, manufacturing and installing canopies since 1991. In 2009 they launched a new brand - Power2Outside - dedicated to sustainability, which combines their canopies with Organic Photovoltaics and produces renewable energy. OPV is the third generation of Solar Power Panels and its tehnology is set to revolutionise the Solar Power Industry. Inside2Outside agreed to sponsor the sustainability award as part of its promotion of sustainability.

The Young Enterprise Programme encourages AS Level students to form companies, market and sell their own products and then see the results of their efforts and recieve awards for their achievement. Inca from Kimbolton were the winners of this year's Sustainability Award and Dr. Robert Carpenter proudly presented them with the award in recognition of their excellent work.

Dr. Carpentre commented 'the Young Enterprise Programme has been running for 45 years and provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn their trade.'

Richard Harpin, CEO of Homeserve gave the keynote speech, which no doubt had a positive and compelling affect on those listening. Richard founded Homeserve which now has a turnover of £1bn. The speech would have been of particular interest as Richard started his entrepreneurial activities when doing his )-Levels, running a mailorder company.

Dr Carpenter concluded 'the sustainability award is an important addition to the awards this year. It is designed to encourage sustainability to be considered at the earliest stages of all enterprises.' The evening went well, and Inside2Outside were proud to be part of the evening.

Sustainable Canopies - Generate an Income!

How would you like to generate an income from having a canopy in your garden, or a carport? Not only do you get the benefit of having a covered area in which allows you to enjoy the outdoors in all weathers, but you recieve an additional income. How is this possible?

This is all possible thanks to third generation solar power panels - OPV (Organic Photovoltaics) and timely government financial incentives. OPV combined with tensile membrane canopies create a sustainable canopy. How does this canopy make money?

The UK government announced the start of a Feed-In-Tariff initiative in April 2010. The FIT pays the generator of renewable energy a fee for every kilowatt of energy they produce. This fee is then set for 25 years. A sustainable canopy is a multi-purpose strucutre as it wil generate power and keep you sheltered. What's more, you can use the energy produced to charge electrical items, such as your phone or laptop.

For more information on sustainable canopies go to www.skyshades.com.au or for schools interested in this www.inside2outside.co.uk/P2O/index.asp

Dine Outdoors - Whatever the Weather!

Outdoor dining is something that many os us enjoy and is a a good occasion to fell the benefits of the outdoors, as well as have family and friends over.

Here in the UK however, we have one big snag...the weather.

As we all know through experience, the UK climate isn't the most friendly for those wishing to be outside. It's either too cold, too wet, or too hot; we are often never satisfied with the weather.

How can you find a way to dine outdoors, whatever the weather? A canopy from Inside2Outside can provide the solution.

For more information go to www.inside2outside.co.uk/iso/outdoorRooms.asp

Inside2Outside help Bournemouth Montessori Nursery Achieve the six Early Learning Goals

30.04.2010

The staff at Bournemouth Montessori Nursery in Bournemouth take providing their pupils with varying ways of teaching very seriously. Thanks to the installation of two Inside2Outside canopies they now have two outdoor classrooms in which to teach their pupils.

Inside2Outside are experts in the design, manufacture and installation of canopies, shelters and walkways. Bournemouth Montessori Nursery first contacted Inside2Outside back in August 2009. Paul Chapman, the sales advisor for that area visited shortly. After providing them with a quote for the bespoke structure they required and once funding was arranged, the nursery confirmed the order in late January 2010. At the start of March both canopies were installed. Paul commented that 'the nursery was wonderful and that they were particularly happy with the racing green frame of the canopies.'

Charlotte Warren from Bournemouth Montessori Nursery said that they wanted 'to gain two outdoor classrooms, providing all weather, all year protection.' She said a factor in chossing Inside2Outside was because they were a recommendation, and that they had excellent service.'

Outdoor classrooms are ideal for nurseries amd schools wanting to provide their pupils with learning in a different environment. Charlotte went on to say that the outdoor classrooms help to 'achieve a better outcome as laid out in the 6 Early Learning Goals.'

Bournemouth Montessori Nursery was delighted with the installed canopy. Charlotte further added 'the outdoor environment will provide the chidlren with further opportunities to extend the use of their motor skills, giving them a safe and stimulating physical environment.'

How a Pocca School Canopy helped to meet the 6 Early Learning Golas

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development: The outdoor environment will support the children to feel positive about themselves and others.
2. Communication, Language and Literacy: The outdoor environment encourgaes the children to communicate through many outdoor acivities.
3. Knowledge and Understaning of this world: Children develop and learn about sustainability through activities outdoors.
4. Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy: Mathematics materials will be brought outside into the outdoor classroom.
5. Physical Development: Children will learn the benefits of exercise and healthy living.
6. Crative Development: Creative development will be fully promoted through the outdoor classroom and a wide provision of creative activities.

What challenges face care home managers and how can the creation of an outdoor covered area help with these?

Care home managers often face the challenge of providing suitable outdoor area which the residents can access in all weather. Residents should be allowed the freedom to access outdoor areas at any time and in all weather but often this is a problem as many outdoor areas are not accessible for a number of reasons.

Covered outdoor areas in care homes not only provide a quiet tranquil setting for residents but can also become a feature in the grounds where regular activities can be carried out.

Can you construct a covered school waiting area for parents?

We have installed a number of canopies which are used as waiting areas for parents. The use of these areas can also be doubled up to create an outdoor covered area for the children to benefit from during play times. Projects such as parent waiting areas can be funded or part funded by the walk to school scheme.

What specific steps do you take regarding child safety during school canopy use?

During school canopy use the following steps are taken regarding child safety:

a) Little or no moving parts
b) Post protectors (optional)
c)Meets BS standard for snow and wind loading
d) Integral gutter so that water doesn't cascade off sides of canopy
e) Foundations mean that base plates and bolt heads are below ground to stop potential tripping hazard
f) Fire retardant

What specific steps do you take regarding child safety during school canopy construction?

During canopy construction the following steps are taken regarding child safety:

a) Area where construction is taking place is cordoned/fenced off
b) Ground is made good on foundations around the legs/supports
c) After installation a 20 point safety check is carried out
d) Site left clean and tidy
e) Correct PPE worn by site staff to make sure they are visible

Is an outdoor school canopy warm enough for British winters?

School canopies can be enhanced by adding a choice of side walls from our range of optional extras. Side walls for the canopies allow the possibility to potentially completely enclose the canopy which in effect can be used as an additional classroom. This can be done either temporarily or permanently by deciding on which style of side wall is required - curtain side wall for temporary enclosure and UPVC glazing for permanent enclosure. Our canopies can have side walls added at a later date if required.

How to protect against fading on outdoor canopies?

To reduce the chance of any fading and to get the canopies maximum life expectancy we recommend cleaning them once a year - this involves wiping over the frame/roof and making sure dirt/debris is cleared from the gutter/drainage points.

Do I2O offer help with planning?

Should the structure require planning permission, we are happy to help with the application and oversee the process. We can also supply technical drawings of the project, as well as super-imposed "artists impression" photograph if required.

Do I20 provide bespoke designs?

The canopies are available in bespoke sizes which means that we are able to provide a canopy to fit in any area. By being able to supply canopies in bespoke sizes it allows us to meeting customers exact requirements, making flexible use of all available space. Advertising and logos can be added to the canopy in a number of locations- on the roof, on the frame and on optional extras (such as leg pads).

Why do I2O support The Orangutan Foundation?

We support The Orangutan Foundation because we provide canopies and they live in tree canopies (in the rainforest). By supporting The Orangutan Foundation it also means that we are able to reduce out carbon footprint.

What Optional Extras can you get with your Canopy?

There are a numbe of optional extras you can get for Inside2Outside's canopies; these include:

1. Leg Pads
2. Roller Shutters
3. Decking
4. Balustrade
5. Curtain side walls
6. Mesh roller walls
7. UPVC double glazing and doors
8. Plexiglass sides
9. Soft play surfacing
10. RAL powdercoated coloured frame
11. Coloured roof

For more information on the optional extras go to www.inside2outside.co.uk/i2o/optional.asp

What guarantee do Inside2Outside offer?

Inside2Outside are pleased to be able to provide guarantees with their work. All canopies come with a 10 year guarantee apart from the wodden structures which come with a 5 year guarantee. Whilst not under a guarantee, we expect the canopies to have a life span in excess of 20 years.

As well as this we are proud to have our 8-Point Service Guarantee which means you can rest assured that the caring service provide is of the very highest quality. This is what the guarantee includes:

1. We guarantee safety comes first in everything we do
2. We guarantee to carry out our 20 point safety and quality check before we finish each structure
3. We guarantee no hidden charges
4. We guarantee we won't ask for final payment until you are absolutely satisfied with the complete structure.
5. We guarantee we will always leave the installation site safe and tidy
6. We guarantee to price match any like for like quote if it equals the package we offer
7. We guarantee our installers are CRB checked
8. We guarantee to provide you with a free no-obligation advisory site-visit and site-survey, plus written quotation.

Inside2Outside's Environmental Policy

Environmental policies are important things. Being environmentally friendly is becoming vital these days and is being pushed more and more every day.

What is Inside2Outside's environmental policy?

1. To actively promote recycling both internally and amongst our customers and suppliers
2. To meet or exceed all the environmental legislation relating to our company
3. To continue to search for long and short term initiatives to help reduce our own carbon footprint
4. To provide our staff with ongoing training and education regarding environmental issues
5. To minimise waste by evaluating product design/operations to ensure they are as efficient as possible.

What is CHAS and why are I20 members?

CHAS stands for the Construction Health and Safety Scheme - we are members because it shows that when we are installing canopies the necessary precautions are taken. This starts with the necessary risk assessments, method statements and correct site work. By becoming members it has allowed us to be put on approved suppliers list by councils (such as Bucks County Council).

How long does it take to install a Puffin Smoking Canopy?

The typical time taken to install Puffin smoking canopies from the day you place the order will not take you more than a 6 week period. As soon as we receive your order, we will start fabricating your shelter as fast as we can. As long as the structure does not have extremely unique designs and specification that are not part of our regular designs, we will have the smoking shelters ready for use within 6 weeks at the latest. We will normally finish the work well within this time period as we always aim to finish our work well ahead of time.

Unless there are legal issues involved in getting the planning permission on time or any other unforeseen delay, you can expect to have your smoking shelter's ready for use well within a 45 day period. Provided extreme weather does not stop our work, we will be able to get your smoking canopies for use well ahead of schedule.

How do i keep the Puffin Smoking Shelter clean?

Our smoking shelters need very little maintenance. They are robust in design and the efficient, integral gutter system ensures that all the water from the roof gets drained immediately. This ensures that there is not unnecessary load on the roof and the possibility of accumulation of moss and other dirt on the top surface of the smoking canopies. However, we offer a comprehensive annual maintenance contract as an option.

We offer to thoroughly clean the frames and the canopy regularly to keep them fresh, sparkling with their original colours. We will clean any accumulated grim or debris in the gutter system to keep it working efficiently, especially during rainy weather. We do the 20 point "Structural Safety & Quality Check" before passing our Annual Safety-Check Certificate. Our "Emergency call-out service" is always available to you in case you need urgent help. Our comprehensive Snag Check will identify any potential problem in the unlikely event that they do arise.

Do i need planning permission for a smoking shelter?

The legal requirements laid down by local county councils are not uniform across the UK. Therefore, it is quite difficult to state whether or not your particular structure for smoking shelters will need planning permission. This also depends largely on the size of the smoking canopies you wish to build and the specific nature of the project. Our advisor who visits your premises for the free advisory visit will be in a better position to determine if the structure would need planning permission. Of course, we can right away state that listed buildings and pubs would surely need permission. But if your building is not one of those, then our advisor will make a spot survey and advise you on the legal requirement according to your specific case. We will also advise you on the steps required on your part to fully comply with legal requirements. I case the structure needs planning permission, you also offer our services to obtain the requisite planning permission for you.

Do Puffin smoking canopies block out the light?

Puffin smoking canopies do block out light but not light from the visible spectrum. Light is composed of various frequencies that are both visible as well as invisible. Much of the harmful UV rays from the sun lie in the visible spectrum. It is precisely these rays of light that the tensile membrane used in the roof of our smoking shelters blocks out. Therefore sufficient sunlight still filters through the roof while all the harmful UV rays that can damage the skin and the eyes are filtered out. As a result of this special screening function, you can spend extended periods of time under the smoking shelters without being affected by the harmful effects of sunlight. The roof membrane used for our smoking canopies are also waterproof, Therefore, you can sit under the canopy even when it is raining heavily outside without worrying about getting wet. Our shelters can withstand all kinds of typical British weather.