As the UK's leader in the design, manufacture and installation of exterior lighting systems, Abacus Lighting is well placed to assist schools when choosing lighting as part of their new build or improvement projects. Recognising the opportunity that BSF presents and, with an impressive track record in the schools sector, the company has put a new dedicated schools team in place to support the initiative and produced a new brochure specifically aimed at the schools sector.
The new team is headed up by Abacus UK Sales Director, Paul Wilson. Paul commented: "Abacus has a wealth of experience and a range of systems designed specifically for the schools sector. We specialise in the planning, supplying and installing of high quality amenity and sports lighting systems and, uniquely, can offer a complete turnkey solution. This minimises the amount of time spent on procurement and offers a one-stop-shop for a school's exterior lighting requirements."
Abacus offers a range of products and services designed to make the consulting engineers' and contractors' work easier. And, with the new nationwide team in place, can help with everything from planning issues to advice on the range of long life and low maintenance products available.
Paul added: "We're also unique in that we have our own professional installation team who can carry out project installation with minimum fuss and disruption to school activities."
Abacus has already been involved in the BSF programme and has supplied lighting solutions to schools across the UK.
The company recently completed a rebuild of South Halifax High School which included the supply of lighting equipment for two full size hockey pitches using Abacus's patented base-hinged masts. The masts can be lowered to ground level for ease of installation and maintenance and thereby improving health and safety.
Abacus was also instrumental in securing planning permission for the scheme when local residents showed concern about possible light intrusion. The company's Challenger® range of floodlights offers a specific light control system consisting of a series of complementary measures to effectively control obtrusive light. Precision reflector systems ensure tight beam control, reducing overspill and directing light only where it is needed.
And, when Queen's College in Somerset wanted to upgrade its sports floodlighting, it turned to Abacus to help provide the solution to tackle strict planning restrictions insisting that the floodlights and masts did not interfere with the picturesque views of the Somerset Downs.
Abacus has developed a range of telescopic masts which can be lowered when not in use, thereby minimising their daytime visual impact on the environment. Abacus installed six 13 metre telescopic masts from its Club Range around the College's hockey pitches and fitted them with 18 Challenger® floodlights to produce a low light pollution system.
Tim Starling, Estates Manager at Queen's College, commented: "The new lights have not only extended the playing time of our first class facility, for both the school and its surrounding community, but have also provided a solution to our planning issue. Abacus was helpful from the start and even assisted in the negotiations with our local planning authority, which ultimately led to the tremendous solution that we now enjoy. The lights are not at all obtrusive and, when lit, bring the whole complex to life."
Other recent installations include the award-winning Castle Rock High School in Coalville, Leicestershire; Basingstoke's Sir John Hunt of Everest and Tupton Hall School in Chesterfield.
To receive a copy of the new brochure, or for more information, call 01623 518 333 or visit http://www.abacuslighting.com/
