Working at height inside one of the aircraft hangars at Gatwick, the dedicated Heron team is refurbishing the steel framework with precision and efficiency. It takes a steady hand to ensure a professional finish, and our preferred choice of application is to use our Graco spray equipment, guaranteeing that every drop of paint lands exactly where it should.

With a team of six operatives in the air and two on the ground, we are steadily progressing and are on track to complete the project within the designated timeframe.

Supported by Heron's own fleet of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, our skilled workforce demonstrates their expertise, solidifying Heron's reputation as a comprehensive commercial painting and decorating solution.

The continuation of our works at Gatwick's South Terminal have just seen Heron complete the redecoration of the South Terminal high level canopies.  Meticulous coordination between Heron personnel and Road Traffic management as well as works strategically undertaken at night, enabled seamless execution of the project and minimal disruption to passengers, traffic, and airport operations.

Our highly skilled personnel all hold relevant qualifications for working at height, demonstrating our dedication to safety and professionalism, and, distinguished by our self-reliance, Heron utilised our in-house fleet of access equipment, providing an autonomous approach to access solutions.

Our versatile capabilities extend beyond the South Terminal, thanks to our landside and airside operators' licenses. This empowers us to undertake projects seamlessly across the entire airport, reaffirming Heron as the preferred choice for comprehensive and efficient solutions.

With a commitment in 2024 to enhance our access fleet, Heron is delighted to share the news of the latest additions – two cutting-edge Boss PA-Lifts.

Designed for optimal performance in confined spaces at elevated heights, this next-generation push-around scissor lift boasts advanced safety features, including a height sensor and anti-climb guards. Its streamlined chassis effortlessly navigates through standard doorways and lifts, ensuring versatility without compromising safety. The non-marking tires further contribute to its adaptability.

We’d love you to try out these two new machines and look forward to taking your call to discuss your access equipment requirements.

We are delighted to introduce to you the latest addition to our fleet of access equipment.

The Dingli AMWP11.5-8200AC is lightweight and virtually maintenance free.  It's driveable at full height and especially suited to narrow spaces,  with a large horizontal outreach. Featuring a platform basket with full height gate, it is very convenient, reducing the need for bending, and has a unique pothole protection system

Give our Hire Department a call or email today to discuss your requirements.

2023 has been a year of diverse and dynamic projects.  Early on we successfully completed the painting and decorating of the new Mermaid Building at Epsom College and began a collaboration with a new client, Perfect Start Nurseries, on the development of their newest location in Burgess Hill.

To enhance our operational capabilities, we updated our fleet of access equipment with investment in new machinery.  As the year progressed, we commenced a direct partnership with Gatwick Airport Limited, undertaking the South Terminal Redecoration Package and took on the maintenance contract for GASHCo (Gatwick Airport Storage and Hydrant Company).  Closer to home and working with Leadbeater Joinery, we completed the internal decorations of the new site for local advice and support service, Horsham District Wellbeing as they relocated to Swan Walk.

As the year draws to a close, we’re actively involved with Completely Interiors on several of their contracts including Cube, Brewdog and Costa Coffee at Gatwick Airport.

The application of intumescent coatings to steelwork continues to be a core part of our business and our continued relationship with G&H Engineering saw us engaged in the painting of structural steelwork for the LHR T3 Security Programme.

We also have news of an exciting project to begin in the new year and look forward to sharing that with you in due course.

Working alongside long-time associates, Completely Interiors, Heron are currently involved in the fit out of the new Brewdog Bar at Gatwick Airport which is scheduled to open in December.  As well as food and drink the airport bar will feature Zoom pods for working travellers, a fun photobooth and game zone.

As well as painting and decorating we are supplying the access equipment for this exciting project.

From time to time, our work as commercial painters and decorators provides us with the opportunity to enhance the beauty of some lovely architectural treasures. Our recent project in Horsham, for a client who has a portfolio of properties, was a perfect example of this with the restoration of all external paintwork and cast iron pipework achieved with a fresh coat of paint and some tender loving care.

We are pleased to have been awarded the redecoration package of several locations within the South Terminal including the Central Search area at Gatwick's South Terminal. Our task here involved transforming several painted red columns to a pristine white. With years of experience operating within the airport environment, we are committed to upholding the required accreditations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and prioritising ongoing training.

Our commitment to upholding the highest health and safety standards, coupled with our diligent training and compliance ethos, positions us perfectly for operating within an airport environment. We have been successfully operating at Gatwick Airport for over 30 years, and as part of a recent redecoration package awarded to us by GAL we redecorated several columns in the South Terminal Arrivals area.

We were appointed by Gatwick Airport Limited to renovate the walls, handrails and wall strings within the link staircase between Hilton Gatwick South Terminal and the car park.  With our airport accreditation and extensive track record in an airport environment, Heron was the ideal candidate for the task.

We love opportunities to work within the local community, and so were pleased to be appointed by Leadbeater Joinery as painting and decorating contractor for the soon-to-be new home of the Horsham Wellbeing Hub at Swan Walk.

The hub is a local authority initiative that helps adults to find local wellbeing information and services, the majority of which are free to users.  Until recently only a pilot, the scheme is a success and will soon be moving from its temporary location within HDC’s offices to its permanent home.  For more information on Horsham District Wellbeing visit: Horsham District Wellbeing.

The Mermaid build has been described as one of Epsom College’s most ambitious projects and Heron has been working on site since May 2022.  The project is nearing its conclusion and the official handover of the facility to the school is fast approaching.

Reflecting on our work at Epsom, we are honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute in some small way to the developing history of this unique and extraordinary school and we wish all its pupils an enjoyable and fulfilling education and happy and successful futures.

Additionally, we look forward to a long and happy working relationship with Westridge Construction.

Burgess Hill is where Perfect Start Nurseries are soon to open their seventh location within the group.  The project, for which Heron was awarded the painting and decorating contract, is a conversion from an existing industrial unit to a bespoke, purpose-built nursery.   Perfect Start, who have been in operation for over 20 years, design all their nursery buildings in-house to maximise the environment for the children in their care, and each aspect of the design process is thoughtfully and meticulously planned.

Yolanda Noye, Director, said ‘We are pleased to add the Childcare Sector to our client base of learning providers and are delighted to be working with Perfect Start.

Heron is pleased to have once again met the standards required to maintain Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation.  Commitment to the highest standards of health and safety is a cornerstone of our business and we look forward to enjoying the benefits of this reputable endorsement for another year.

Heron has recently expanded its fleet with the addition of the versatile Zoomlion ZS2632 scissor lift.   This access platform has an efficient direct (front wheel) drive system and greater platform capacity.  It is also easy to maintain, robust and has numerous safety features as standard including pothole and over tilt protection systems.

It is easily manoeuvrable and offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to podiums and aluminium towers.  It will fit through standard doorways and lifts and is ideal for working at height in confined spaces.

Call our Hire Desk on 01403 264424 for more information.

Wishing you all a 2022 festive season full of love, laughter and mince pies.

Heron's doors will close on Friday 23rd December and re-open on Tuesday 3rd January.  During this time, however, should any emergency arise, please call our out of hours number and we will get back to you as soon as possible: 07778 617 244.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Heron Painters & Decorators Ltd.

Heron have passed the Acclaim Health & Safety Assessment for another year, demonstrating to clients, workers and peers alike our vigorous commitment to promoting health and safety throughout our business.

Constructionline is the UK Construction Industry’s premier register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants.   Heron is delighted to announce our continued achievement of Constructionline GOLD status which demonstrates outstanding compliance and commitment to upholding the highest standards of qualification within the construction industry.

Works are advancing at The Epsom College Mermaid build and with the first floor now complete, we are progressing through the top floor.  The three storey, 1,675m2 building incorporates classrooms, seminar spaces, a cinema, café, kitchenette and a careers and research area. The facility will help ensure students are equipped with the skills they need to transition seamlessly into higher education.

Heron was glad to be contacted by a former Heathrow Airport business associate Simon Evans in his current role as Contracts Manager for Vitrine Systems.  We were asked to undertake the redecoration of external steelwork at a project they had recently completed in Wimbledon.

We thank Simon for reestablishing contact with us and look forward to working with him and Vitrine Services again.

We are saddened by the passing of Her Majesty QueenElizabeth II.

Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and all those who loved her.

God Save The King

Heron were pleased to be once again involved in a prestigious Sir. Robert McAlpine project, working for the first time with Brooksby Projects Ltd.  Brooksby offer a comprehensive service to the construction industry designing, engineering, fabricating and assembling bespoke steelwork installations.  Heron were contracted by them to undertake the intumescent painting of structural steelwork on the state-of-the-art Gradel Quadrangles for New College Oxford – a contemporary design, reimagining the classic quadrangle model.

Heron has recently expanded its fleet with the addition of the versatile PopUp Pro10, IQ 5m electric scissor lift.  This access platform, which is powered by an electro-hydraulic lifting system, is easily maneuverable by one person and offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to podiums and aluminum towers.  It will fit through standard doorways and lifts and is ideal for working at height in confined spaces.

Call our Hire Desk on 01403 264424 for more information.

The CPA is the leading membership and representative body in the UK for the construction plant-hire industry and Heron is pleased to have renewed membership for another year.  Membership of the CPA means confidence that we will be supported in the resolution of any issues we encounter and have access to up to date training, guidance and key industry contacts.  We also use the CPA’s Model Conditions for our plant-hire agreements, guaranteeing that, as well as being fair to our business, we are also being fair to our customers and clearly setting out each other’s responsibilities.

Heron has again achieved Cyber Essentials certification demonstrating our continued commitment to the protection of our business online and the safeguarding of our partners’, clients’ and suppliers’ sensitive information.

With Cyber Essentials certification in place, we feel secure in the knowledge that our cyber risk is reduced by up to 98.5%.

Heron first met Westridge Construction at a ‘meet the buyers’ event and we can attest to the fact that these networking events do lead to new business relationships forming.  Heron are absolutely delighted to be working with Westridge for the very first time on the innovative Epsom College Mermaid build, for which we have been awarded the painting and decorating contract.

The Mermaid will be Epsom’s centre of excellence and is set to be one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the college.  As well as classrooms, a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, study rooms and careers office the building will also house a screening room, modern café and gallery and will boast some impressive ‘green’ credentials including low and zero-carbon technologies.

The Mermaid is scheduled to open in Autumn 2022

Heron were pleased to be called in by long-standing client, GHE, to paint the steel structure of a large advertising screen to be installed at Farnborough Airport.  As the structure is to be permanently exposed to the elements a high quality black paint suitable for a C4 environment was applied.

Part of the remit of a retail unit at Gatwick’s North Terminal was the painting of a supersized facsimile of the client’s iconic logo in bright yellow, durable, anti-slip paint onto the sheet metal flooring.  With the job completed in one night, the fit-out of the store was able to continue on schedule.

Featured in a Channel 4 documentary The Last Chance School, Muntham House, set in 23 acres of beautiful countryside in Barns Green, provides boarding and day provision for boys with serious SEN needs. 

The facilities across the school are state of the art, supporting pupils to engage and enjoy their education and care. 

Heron worked alongside Leadbeater Joinery on the conversion of an existing barn into a bespoke Food Technology facility for the pupils where they can carry on their much-loved, in house traditional Bake Off challenges, as well as continuing to develop their culinary skills.

Heron have been in business for over 35 years and in that time we have established many long-standing business relationships but, as can often happen, it is easy to lose touch when careers change, individuals move from one company to another or indeed companies cease trading altogether.

We were therefore very pleased to be contacted by Peter Rolfe from Completely Interiors to look at the decorating contract for the Dreams retail and distribution unit on Manor Royal, Crawley which we subsequently secured, and recently completed.

Now that we have re-established contact, we very much look forward to undertaking more work with Completely Interiors in the future.

Over the years Heron have established many long-standing relationships with other independent Sussex businesses, WH Supplies of Ford being one of them.  We are regularly contacted to assist with an awkward access requirement and this time we were in the narrow streets of the historic and picturesque market town of Arundel with one of our truck mounted access platforms.

ExpressTest provides fast, accurate and reliable COVID-19 testing solutions across the UK.  Heron were delighted to work with KeyMT earlier this month and undertake the decorating within the new testing site soon to open at London Victoria Station.  In so doing, we were pleased to be able to contribute (in a small way) to the efforts being made to assist and protect the UK population in general and would encourage everyone to stay safe and obtain their vaccinations/boosters and get a PCR test in the first 3 days if experiencing any symptoms.

Over the past 18 months Heron have been working for MACE on their project to refurbish the Wolsey Place and Peacock Shopping Centres.  Heron were contracted to undertake the decorations package and as our works conclude, the final phase involved the decoration of both new and existing lift shafts within the atrium area as well as the adjacent towering columns.  Yolanda Noye, Director said “we have certainly put our working at height skills to good use on this project!”

As we emerge from the restrictions of the recent COVID-19 pandemic it was good to be contacted by one of our long-established contacts, GH Engineering to undertake the intumescent painting of the structural Baggage Access Platform steelwork to be installed within the ST at London Gatwick Airport.  Heron have worked at Gatwick for over 30 years and whilst we appreciate it has been an extremely difficult time for the aviation Industry in general throughout the pandemic, it feels really good to be back working at the airport.

During our time working for MACE in Woking over the last 18 months we worked alongside many familiar contractors.  We were also fortunate to meet some new ones along the way and as a result have since developed new working relationships, Advanced Fabrications Poyle Ltd being one of them.  With over 30 years’ experience in steel fabrication they have earned an enviable reputation for precision, quality and reliability and we were delighted to be contacted by them to undertake the onsite application of intumescent paint on one of their contracts ETC Harwell, a development within the Harwell Science and Innovations Campus.

It was good to be involved in another project with Vulcan Ellis, an award-winning, local main contractor.  Heron were appointed to undertake the removal of degraded intumescent coatings on structural steelwork and reinstate to current safety standards.

The affected steelwork was shotblasted to remove all defective paint and contaminants to bring the steels to a SA 2.5. mill finish.  We then applied Nullifire PM015 primer to a thickness of 75 microns followed by sufficient applications of SC802 to achieve a 60-minute fire rating.  As with all our passive fire protection work, we then issued a comprehensive and fully compliant fire certificate for the completed works.

Our project works with MACE continued within the atrium of the Peacock Centre and included the refurbishment of the terrazzo staircase.  Heron were required to work at height, manoeuvring skilfully within the challenging restricted work area.  The staircase has many intricate features and great care was taken to protect them.

The decoration works included all existing strings, skirtings, soffits and all other painted surfaces back to the existing fascia to each mall level. We also decorated the supporting steelwork columns.

We were contracted by Instalrite following water ingress which caused the existing intumescent paintwork to fail on this column at Gatwick South Terminal.  After Instalrite had found and resolved the source of the leak, Heron brought the steelwork back up to specification by firstly applying a custom paint removal treatment and then reinstating the primer followed by sufficient coats of intumescent paint to achieve the required fire rating.

All our work is endorsed with the appropriate fire certification and supporting documentation.

After exquisite refurbishment, Wakefields Jewellers has now unveiled their new luxury retail environment.  Being respective of their extensive heritage, the new interior has been inspired by art deco with attention to the classic styling of that era with a contemporary twist.

We were privileged to work on this project for such an esteemed local family business and to be able to share a few images of our work whilst we were onsite.

To experience the new-look Wakefields first-hand either visit them in person or browse their website.

Heron has once again achieved Cyber Essentials certification, highlighting our commitment to protecting our business online and safeguarding the sensitive data of our partners, clients, suppliers, and everyone we do business with.

The scheme aims to encourage good practice in information security and provides an accessible way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity through a recognised, government backed standard.

Heron are involved in a ground-breaking initiative to bring cheaper and greener energy to West Sussex, having been contracted to apply intumescent paint to the structural steelwork for phase one of the DHN (District Heat Network) Project.  The Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) in Crawley Town Centre is due to be completed by early 2022 and is designed to produce more affordable heat and hot water for the local residents and businesses which will be connected to it, significantly reducing energy costs as well as carbon emissions.

Yolanda Noye, Director said: ‘We are pleased to be working for Kier alongside G&H Engineering on such an enterprising project which resonates with our own core values as a company and as individuals'.

Great work speaks for itself and after completing refurbishment works to a warehouse facade in Tonbridge in 2020, one of the client’s neighbours subsequently approached us to do the same for them.

Heron were pleased to be approached by GAL to participate in their latest Economic Value Report.  You can read our case study here along with the full report.

COLUMNS AND HANDRAILS

Contracted by MACE with the decorating package for the car park refurbishment works, our scope also included the redecoration of the supporting columns and handrails.

Yolanda Noye, Director, said ‘this has been one of those projects where you can see a clear before and after.  Where the car park was looking extremely tired and in need of attention, our work, together with the installation of new lighting, has brought about a spectacular transformation.

CAR PARK WALLS 

The Peacock Centre car park refurbishment project is in its final stages as Heron approaches the completion of the wall decorations.  As well as decorating the internal brickwork walls, we refreshed the car park entrance/exit ramps.

The specification for the walls also included the requirement for a visual colour representation to direct pedestrians and traffic to the respective colour-coded car parks.

With the nation preparing to return to office working and the recent spell of good weather, many companies have been grasping the opportunity to spruce up their working environments.  This includes company car parking facilities and we have been very busy recently out and about with our line marking equipment across Horsham, Crawley and Westerham.

CAR PARK CEILING

Yolanda Noye, Director, said: ‘despite the challenges afforded by low temperatures causing the concrete to be affected by condensation, works are progressing well on this project, and we have managed to keep on schedule with our programme of works.

With the installation of new lighting, the car park is noticeably brighter and complements the vision of the refurbishment project as a whole’.

Wakefields the Jewellers, a name synonymous with quality and craftmanship, has been a landmark on the Horsham high street since 1911.

We are always keen to join forces with local companies and are delighted to be involved in an elegant refurbishment plan for the home of this prestigious family-run, Horsham-based business.

For now, the particulars of this historic building’s internal upgrade are a closely guarded secret and all will be revealed later in 2021.

Heron continues its commitment to the highest standards of health and safety by again achieving Alcumus Safecontractor accreditation and SafePQQ verification.

We love referrals and were delighted to be recommended by NAPFIS to the team at Self Build Heroes who had approximately 280m2 of larch timber cladding needing a specialist flame retardant impregnation treatment.  SBH required a competent company who would be able to undertake and produce the required Fire Certification for this work.

The treatment, Flametect C-WD, was administered off site over several days using specialist commercial spray equipment. The product performs by rapidly converting timber to carbon when subjected to a flame or a high intensity heat source.  It is a clear, colourless, weather resistant product that will not discolour wood.

Once applied and dry the product will upgrade the timber to a EuroClass B and British Class 0 & 1 – “Surface Spread of Flame” and “Limited Heat Release”.

The larch has now been transported to Marlborough where it has  been installed at its final destination.

As part of the Peacock Centre refurbishment Heron were contracted to redecorate the car park.  This was achieved in several phases: the vast ceiling area (which included several waffle and rib sections), walls, columns and railings.

Works were carried out at night, and huge emphasis was placed on the protection element which had to be installed at the beginning and removed at the end of each shift as the car park remained operational throughout the project.

2020 was nothing short of extraordinary - for many of the wrong reasons!

Because of this it was a year in which we had to adapt and embrace the change - we’re pleased to say we are still here and we are still smiling.

To absolutely everyone out there we wish you safe and well this Christmas, and to our clients and suppliers who have supported us this year – thank you!  we could not have done it without you.

May you all enjoy a happy and healthy New Year and we hope that 2021 gives us all something to shout about for all the right reasons.

Stay safe, The Heron Team

Heron were pleased to be working with Mace again who awarded us the painting and decorating package for the recent Wolsey Place refurbishment project in Woking.

We decorated the newly plastered walls and ceilings which incorporated a feature perimeter margin to complement the pilaster cladding.  Within the ceiling area we also decorated several recesses which were subsequently fitted with a bespoke cherrywood feature.

To demonstrate our commitment to the continuous improvement of ethical performance within our supply chain, Heron is registered with Sedex – The Supplier Ethical Data Exchange.  Sedex is a not-for-profit online membership organisation providing a global collaborative ethical data platform which permits suppliers to maintain and share with their customers data and ethical and responsible practices. 

To find us on the Sedex Member Directory please input our company name or reference - ZC412243425.

It is always rewarding to gain work via referrals.  One of our suppliers, Crown Paints, recommended us to Galerie Limited a prestigious international wallpaper designer and distributor based in the heart of Kent.  We were able to supply from our own fleet of access equipment, all the necessary plant required for the external decoration of their premises in Tonbridge.

To endorse our commitment to achieve real improvements in health, safety and quality management on the construction sites where we work, Heron recently adopted YellowJacket health & safety software and we are currently taking steps to fully integrate this system within our company’s culture.  YellowJacket assists with the demands of project monitoring and reporting on quality, health and safety ultimately improving performance and protecting the lives of our workforce and other contractors with whom we work alongside.

Major regeneration is under way in Woking Town Centre, including the refurbishment of both the Wolsey Place and Peacocks Shopping Centres.  The essential redevelopment works will transform Woking and it is expected to usher in a bright and exciting future for the Town and its ever expanding community.

Heron were awarded the Painting and Decorating package for Wolsey and Peacocks as well as the first phase of the Peacocks Car Park refurbishment and are very pleased to have been involved in what is undoubtedly one element of a much larger landmark project for Woking.

They say that what defines a business is not what happens day to day but how it reacts in adversity and during these uncertain times we willingly diversified and enjoyed undertaking some different decorating contracts.  In this instance we returned to the “domestic” market when a local resident contacted us regarding the redecoration of their ground floor living room.

Heron were very pleased to work on the Brooks Studio project for this prestigious interior design business based in East Sussex.

A beautiful rural backdrop set the scene for a bespoke new build barn/studio/showroom/office where we undertook and certified the intumescent painting of the structural steelwork together with the internal decorations.

A simple Google search for ‘intumescent painters in Sussex’ enabled this local Development Company to connect with us and Heron were able to carry out and certify intumescent paint works on their Denton Drive project.

Our newly formed working relationship is proof of the vitality of the construction industry in spite of the uncertain times we find ourselves in due to COVID19.  It’s great to be working and it’s even better to be working with local businesses.

London Stansted Airport is one of the busiest airports in London, serving approximately 18 million passengers a year.  Heron were pleased to be contacted by Beumer Group UK to assist them with their Baggage Handling System Upgrade to Standard 3 project.  The scope of our works included intumescent painting and certification of structural steelwork.  All our works were completed on site.

Yolanda Noye, Director, said “We were delighted to be working with Beumer for the first time and we look forward to building a positive, long-standing relationship with them”.

Developed by IASME and the ISF, Cyber Essentials is a Government backed set of technical controls designed to help organisations protect themselves against common online security threats.  The full scheme launched back in June 2014 is supported by industry including the FSB and the CBI.

The Government requires all suppliers bidding for contracts involving the handling of certain sensitive and personal information to be certified against the Cyber Essentials Scheme and we are pleased to confirm that Heron has successfully passed the necessary external assessment to hold this certification.

Heron have successfully passed their Acclaim Accreditation Health & Safety Assessment for a further year. 

Yolanda Noye, Director said "with a recognised SSIP member health and safety scheme accreditation we are fully compliant to supply any buyer that has this as a requirement to work with them, and we are delighted that our commitment to a robust health and safety culture throughout the company has been acknowledged in this way".

We were fortunate to be contacted during the COVID-19 pandemic (when our site work had all been put "on hold") by a creative customer who owned a beachside residence.  Extensive work was being carried out to renovate and modernise the property and a proportion of the internal steelwork was to be left exposed as a design feature.  Heron were more than happy to complete and certify the intumescent paint works as illustrated in the photographs.

Our client commented, "What a great experience from the first phone enquiry to completion, Yolanda and Nathan were extremely professional and delivered a first class experience.  I was pleasantly surprised at the final charge which was substantially lower than the estimated cost for the job as it was completed ahead of schedule.  I cannot recommend them enough.  Great job, thank you!"

We are here ..... still open for business and planning ahead!

Please continue to send us your enquiries and tenders for future works where we will be happy to respond by telephone and email.

We also take this opportunity to remind you that our access equipment division remains fully operational for plant hire, delivery and collection.

Plant Hire Companies stay open behind closed doors to keep the UK going.

In line with the Government’s guidance regarding “Businesses and venues that must remain closed” Heron fall into one of the exceptions as our business plays a vital important role in the delivery of hired in access equipment and we remain fully operational in this respect.

As a company we are following the advice of Public Health England and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as following and sharing the advice on the Gov.UK and NHS England websites.

Regarding our Access Equipment Hire service, we have introduced additional measures to protect our personnel and our clients

• Gloves will always be worn when loading and unloading equipment from our delivery vehicles and whilst handling equipment

• No customer signature will be requested upon delivery or collection

• Equipment off hired and collected will be subject to additional cleaning measures including the sanitisation of touch points (eg steering wheels/handles, stop/start buttons etc).

Our office operation continues to be fully functional and contactable via email and telephone.

Stay safe ….

Heron were delighted to work with Knights Brown again, this time on their Strategic Power Resilience Upgrade to the New Control Tower project at Gatwick Airport where we undertook the intumescent paint works.  Yolanda Noye, Director said “It was a quite an undertaking to get this contract finished and certified before the COVID-19 pandemic restricted our works but we managed to do it"!

LGW, South Terminal, Car Park Consolidation - Heron added Knights Brown to their client base after being contracted by them to undertake an element of the linemarking works within MSCP3.  Yolanda Noye said “whilst this was a relatively small contract we are delighted to be working with Knights Brown for the first time and look forward to building a positive longstanding working relationship with them in the future”.

We are able to undertake small building contract works and were contacted by a local Nursing Home after their premises suffered water damage.  The photos illustrate the work completed so far .........  due to the COVID-19 pandemic all work has now been put on hold on this small project.

Our work takes us to many locations and we recently assisted FES FM Limited by providing the necessary access equipment to undertake routine inspections and maintenance works at West Drayton and Burnham Stations.  Our personnel operated the equipment at ground level whilst their engineers carried out the inspections.  All our personnel are IPAF qualified and our extensive fleet of equipment complies with LOLER Regulations.

We wish to express our gratitude to all our customers for choosing to do business with Heron during 2019.  We fully appreciate that you have a choice of suppliers and very much value your business.  We look forward to building on our working relationships during 2020 and would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

It’s great to be able to support local projects and Heron was only too happy to be part of the support team assisting with the installation of Horsham’s newest festive Christmas attraction.

Heron were chosen by Vulcan Ellis Ltd to complete an extensive programme of fire stopping works to a new facility within the grounds of the impressive grade II listed UK Headquarters of the Church of Scientology in East Grinsted.   

Yolanda Noye, Director, said, "We are delighted to be working with Vulcan Ellis for the first time on such a unique project.  Their friendly and professional project team have been extremely supportive throughout and we look forward to working with them again".

We are pleased to advise that we have received our SafePQQ Certificate of Verification from Safecontractor.  This online product built to include the common question sets defined within PAS91 standard pre-qualification questionnaire is an extension of the Safecontractor Health & Safety Contractor Management System which provides organisations with greater visibility of their supply chain compliance.

Sometimes circumstances dictate the removal of previously applied intumescent paint and Heron are experts in this field.  Specialised products are applied to the steelwork and then wrapped to prevent evaporation and allow sufficient time for the substance to penetrate and break down the previously applied paint.

The residue is then removed leaving the steelwork ready to be prepared, primed and repainted as per a new specification.

It is not often that we undertake residential work but Heron were approached by a delightful customer who owed a unique property with challenging access requirements.  We were more than happy to complete the external decorations and used several different types of access equipment from our own fleet to reach the more difficult areas around the property.  The above picture is a before and after shot of the front elevation.

Our client commented, “Heron was recommended to me as I was having trouble finding someone to paint the outside of our house due to its challenging layout. From start to finish the standard of service was excellent. Everything was kept clean and tidy and they operated in a very professional manner. I am very pleased with the end result and would be happy to recommend their services.”

Heron is delighted to announce that the Company recently passed Gatwick Airport’s Compliance Audit reaffirming us as credible operators at the Airport.   AirDat commented “Heron’s documentation was detailed and robust and their preparation for the audit had been excellent.  Furthermore, Heron has a proactive attitude and aims to enhance all aspects of operating airside”.

Director, Yolanda Noye commented “Our compliance team is extremely dedicated and it’s great to receive such positive feedback.

Constructionline is the UK Construction Industry’s premier register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants.   Heron is delighted to announce our newly achieved Constructionline GOLD status which demonstrates outstanding compliance and commitment to upholding the highest standards of qualification within their industry.

We have renewed our membership of The Construction-Plant Hire Association for another year.

We use their Model Conditions for our Plant-Hire agreements which we believe are both fair to ourselves and our customers, clearly clarifying each others' responsibilities and are well recognised within the industry.

Yolanda Noye, Director said, "The CPA is the UK's principle point of contact for all issues relating to plant.  They work with Government departments and agencies, local authorities, construction clients, private companies, other trade associations and third sector organisations.  Through its extensive contacts and with access to a range of industry experts and experience we are confident that the CPA can help and support us in resolving any issues that we  may encounter".

One of the UK’s leading interior fit-out contractors, Edmont appointed Heron to help them to complete a multiple retail project at Gatwick’s North Terminal.  Our highly skilled operatives installed passive fire stopping measures within Jo Malone, Hugo Boss, WH Smith and Lacoste issuing the required Fire Certification upon completion.

Premier Interior Systems are a recent newly approved contractor for Gatwick. Their first airside project within Oliver Bonus identified the need for passive fire protection installations and they brought Heron on board to undertake the works and issue the required Fire Certification upon completion. 

Heron were delighted to be contacted by them again shortly afterwards when passive fire protection measures were also required within the newly refurbished SK:N Clinic at Epsom Hospital, another successful Premier Interior Systems project.

We are pleased to confirm that Heron are accredited by Alcumus SafeContractor which is a mandatory requirement for all contractors to hold before they are permitted to work on any Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) premises.

Yolanda Noye, Director, commented "This is one of several Health and Safety accreditations that the Business holds and as well as being a necessity in order to work at Gatwick, we have found it useful in sescuring additional new work outside of the Airport environment too".

On behalf of Wates Smartspace, partners on the Gatwick Airport Limited Construction Framework, Heron delivered a full decoration package to the Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) Building.

Yolanda Noye, Director said “we are very pleased to be recognised by Wates as a trusted contractor.  Having over 30 years’ experience working at Gatwick, our own Airside Operators Licence and personnel qualified to drive airside, we were able to deliver our materials and labour to this logistically challenging location.”

Heron client, Evolution Environmental is a specialist Asbestos Survey and Risk Management Consultant.

When required to undertake a high level survey they called on Heron to supply a Truck Mounted Access Platform with the necessary reach and an IPAF qualified operative to assist.

One of the largest projects Heron has undertaken this year came to its conclusion: Heathrow's new T3 Flight Connection Centre finally became a reality.  

Appointed by MACE to deliver the painting and decorating package, our skilled team was integral in delivering the contract on budget.

Yolanda Noye, Director, said "It has been a pleasure to work with such professionals.  MACE has an excellent Project Team who supported us at every stage and we very much hope to continue our working relationship with them".

Heron specialise in line marking and were approached by Lufthansa Technik Maintenance to carry out the line marking required within EasyJet Hangar 9 at Gatwick Airport.  Nathan Noye, Director, said “our line marking team is experienced and trained to a high standard which enables them to undertake any indoor or outdoor projects.  For this particular project we used a chlorinated rubber (cold spray) technique for application”.

Heron successfully fulfilled their second passive fire protection contract with new client W12 Group who specialise in property construction and maintenance.  Attending site in London we were required to fire stop a car park where several contraventions had been identified.

We have recently been assisting our client, Stocksigns with their Gatwick Wayfinding Improvement contract by providing them with access equipment suitable for the installation of road signage.

Heron have a comprehensive fleet of access equipment available for hire.  With our Airside Operators Licenses at both airports we can deliver equipment to any airside location.  

Telematics is a requirement for companies who hold a ground operators licence and Heron is pleased to confirm that our fleet is fully compliant.

On behalf of Key MT, Heron recently completed the redecoration of two subway tunnels at Gatwick's South Terminal.  Nathan Noye, Director, said "one of our specialist skills is the application of anti-graffiti products which was utilised on this project".

We are pleased to announce that Heron has been awarded the Decorations Package of the GAL AGL Building.  Yolanda Noye, Director, said "we are happy to be working with Wates for the first time and delighted to become one of their trusted suppliers".

Heron are delighted to have been awarded the Painting and Decorating contract for the New Terminal 3, Flight Connection Centre at Heathrow.  Yolanda Noye, Director said "we are very pleased to be working for Mace Limited on this exciting project.  Securing these works gives us an added opportunity to raise our profile at Heathrow Airport with other airport based companies and we are very much looking forward to a long working relationship with Mace Limited".

Heron have recently registered with Constructionline, a single point of reference for pre-qualification data for the Construction industry. Yolanda Noye, Director said “This is mutually beneficial to us and potential new clients alike as a central source of easily accessible validation data. All our data is verified including financial information, insurance, experience and Health & Safety credentials.

When our clients recruit contractors for their supply chain, the accuracy and validity of supplier data is essential in the reduction of risk, further down the project timeline. Being registered with Constructionline gives the assurances our clients need and removes the time consuming and costly requirement for them to verify the accuracy of any data supplied by us as this has already been validated by Constructionline”.

January 2018 Heron has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in Health & Safety in the workplace. Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third-party accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in Health & Safety Management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.

Yolanda Noye, Director, said ‘The Company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need to be recognised as compliant with Health & Safety industry standards. We understand fully that our clients simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound Health & Safety policies in place and we are more than happy to obtain any necessary accreditations to demonstrate this. SafeContractor accreditation enhances our ability to win new contracts and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Health & Safety which will be viewed positively by both our clients and insurers”.

Heron are pleased to announce our CHAS accreditation. The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme was created in 1997 to improve Health & Safety standards across the UK. In partnership with the Association of London Government (ALG), CHAS was a key developer of the core criteria held in the Approved Code of Practice which supported the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. (Now recognised as CDM 2015) and is a founder member of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement). Yolanda Noye, Director said “Heron are always happy to obtain the necessary accreditations or certifications required by our clients”

Heron recently became certified installers of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) and have gained accreditation with NAPFIS. Yolanda Noye, Director said “Our clients can have confidence in our credibility and know that we have the skills necessary to carry out any passive fire protection work to an extremely high standard. In addition, our directly employed installers are able to self-certify their completed installations to substantiate this”.