Analox Sensor Technology supported three of its product distributors on their stands at the National Restaurant Association’s annual exhibition, the NRA Show, in Chicago in May 2010.

John Byrd, Regional Sales Manager with Analox Sensor Technology based in US, joined Chart Industries, NUCO2 and Helget Gas all of whom were exhibiting at the NRA Show.  Analox supplied information on products designed for use in the hospitality industry – the Analox 50, a wall-mounted carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitor and the Aspida, a portable dual-gas monitor which alerts the wearer to high CO₂ levels or low oxygen (O₂) levels.

The NRA Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals.  The event attracted 58,000 attendees and featured 1700 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

If you have ever attended a Race for Life event you will understand when I say it’s a ‘buzzing’ day.

Hundreds of women attended the event along with the ‘4 amigos’ at Ormesby Hall in Middlesbrough on Saturday 19^th June. What I love about Race for Life is everyone gives it a go regardless of age, colour, size or mobility; the event is all about having fun whilst raising money for a great cause.

As usual, the day started off with the local radio station TFM motivating the crowds and getting everyone warmed up for the race. Dressed in a ‘Pink Princess’ theme, the 4 amigos were joined by two little racers who, aged 4 and 5, walked, ran and sung their way around the 5km course. We had only reached the 1km marker when the first person had crossed the finishing line; I can only presume that they had followed the warm up routine better than us!

All six of us crossed the line in 53 minutes and happily collected our Race for Life medals to the sounds of cheers and clapping by the encouraging group of supporters who had gathered.

The 4 Amigos plus 2

I can confirm, for all those who wanted proof, that trainers (shock horror!!) were worn for the day and yes injuries were sustained (well I did get a bloodied heel and a HUGE blister thanks to a stone!!) but we finished the event with smiles and with ideas of a Disney theme for next year. I would encourage anyone to give the day a go, in two years we increased from 3 to 6 people doing the event, next year we hope to increase this number again to 10.

Michelle in 'trainers!!'

Thanks to everyone who supported the 4 amigos, sponsorship is still being taken so if you would like to donate money to Cancer Research please click here: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/mimi-m

Analox Sensor Technology is introducing a new, portable carbon monoxide (CO) analyser which can help in the prevention of sport diving accidents.

The new CO Portable is sufficiently compact to fit easily into a dive bag, and is a vital piece of equipment to ensure that all dives are safe.

The analyzer can measure CO levels from 1 to 100 ppm (parts per million).  Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas, and breathed at depths a small concentration can affect the human body.

Patti Clarkson, of Analox Sensor Technology, said: “This analyser was purpose built for scuba diving, and it will save lives.  By using the CO Portable, divers can be confident that they are diving safely.  Being portable, sports divers can keep it with their kit, take it with them whenever and wherever they choose to dive, and enjoy their sport in safety.”

The CO Portable is available to purchase online and it can only be shipped to addresses in the US.

Mark Lewis, MD at Analox Sensor Technology has signed up to complete ‘Pedal for Polio’.

This three day event takes place from 11th to 13th June 2010 and covers 150mile bike journey around the North Yorkshire Dales.

Read more about the Pedal for Polio

If you would like to show your supoort for this charity then why not sponsor the event? Simply visit www.charitygiving.co.uk and choose ‘Harrogate Brigantes’ to make your donation.

Mark will be submitting a blog post after this ride along with some pictures of his trip.

Analox are a company built on technology, and as such have always been open to new ideas in IT and have been prepared to back that openness when upgrade time comes around.

Chris Martin – IT Controller

If offered the opportunity to visit a submarine how would you feel? Excited? Honored? Well I felt sick! I have a slight phobia of heights and confined spaces so a submarine visit for me is more terrifying than the prospect of wearing flat shoes whilst tending to a wasps nest.

However, I had watched ‘Hunt for Red October’ in the past, and the submarine didn’t seem that cramped where Sean Connory was situated – so after kindly being invited by Cdr Jim Scott to visit HMS Turbulent I couldn’t really refuse.

The day had arrived and after switching into flat boots and a hard hat we were escorted to HMS Turbulent. It was such a magnificent sight to see, but by now my heart had started pounding and my hands began to sweat. How on earth was I going to get in the submarine??? There were no doors to walk in; I was going to have to go down the hatch and the numerous pairs of ladders. After physically shaking all the way down two sets of ladders, we were met by Cdr Ryan Ramsey, Lt Paul Carlton and Lt Dan Seager, where Cdr Ramsey provided the most interesting, inspired and informative presentation that I have ever heard.

We were then taken on a tour of the boat and its facilities. I managed to last about 2 hours in the submarine, before I was escorted off green at the gills (thanks to Paddy for doing this – really appreciated the loud ‘nee nor’ ambulance sound and the ‘sicky coming through’ warning you shouted to your fellow submariners )

Submariners have my utmost respect. They spend months in cramped conditions protecting us and our national safety – and they are extremely proud to do so. Respectful and passionate about what they do, listening to them speak about their different job roles is mesmerising (and if on land I would have been happy to listen for hours!) Everyone we met that day had time to talk to us, to explain what they did and how a submarine was run on a day to day basis (even down to the washing rotas and where they store their shoes!) And ultimately, the feeling of respect for each other and the camaraderie that there is within the team – I can now understand why the dolphins badge means so much to each and every one of them.

Now obviously I was not alone on this trip, another 7 people were fortunate enough to attend too.

Below are just some of the comments and feedback that has been received:

‘A fascinating day was had by all.  Let us not forget the cramped conditions under which our brave submariners work!  Here’s hoping they never have to use our kit for real, because having a full crew in the escape compartment has got to be a terrifying experience.’

Ian Robertson – Technical Director

‘I had a fantastic day out it was well worth the 4.30 am start. I wish I could have spent longer on the boat. Seeing what the Royal Navy does made me proud to be British.’

Marc Thornycroft – Photoworks photographer

‘I found the commander’s description of the submarine’s role in the world fascinating and learnt a lot about how Analox equipment is used on board. I also happened to meet a rating whose duties included looking after the Sub MKIIP and had a very interesting discussion with him about how the unit could be further developed.’

Mark Mclean – Design Engineer

‘I really enjoyed the experience of setting foot on HMS Turbulent and would like to thank all of the submariners we met for their hospitality and patience in answering all our questions! From a production perspective it was great to see the products we manufacture in their working environment and their importance in the case of an emergency.’

Mark Boston – Manufacturing Manager

The submarine visit was a complete eye opener for me.  Not only was the submarine bigger than I’d anticipated, but you must have to be a particularly strong person to cope with the length of time they spend away from home, submerged under the sea, and in such close proximity to one another.  Getting the opportunity to see how our Sub Portable analyser is used helps to put in to perspective what we provide for the submariners.

Their hospitality could not have been better, providing an excellent over view of the workings of the submarine and their way of life.

Emma Harbottle – Operations Manager

So from myself and the visiting Analox group we would like to say a huge thank you to all at HMS Turbulent who were involved with our trip

Michelle Morley – Marketing Manager

Analox Sensor Technology has been named a winner in the ‘Best Business Awards 2009’.

Analox has been named as a winner in the Small to Medium Enterprise category.  Mark Lewis, managing director of Analox Sensor Technology, said: “The current economic climate makes growth challenging for any business.  I am surrounded at Analox by a committed team of people who are all passionate about driving the company towards the ambitious targets we have given ourselves.  It is through their dedication and hard work that Analox has earned this award.”

The Best Business Awards, one of the UK’s highest profile awards, are open to private, public and third sector organisations of all sizes. Analox will hold its winner’s title for the coming twelve months.

Commenting on Analox’s award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: “Under the direction of Managing Director Mark Lewis, Analox have seen their net profit soar over the past three years. Despite the global recession, a significant contributor has been the company’s export success which accounts for over 50% of turnover. Innovation and customer service are key drivers behind the development of the business as an expert manufacturer and marketer of specialist gas analysis equipment. Analox is also aware of its responsibility to the wider community and as such implements an ongoing CSR programme which actively engages staff – a common trait of world class organisations.”

The London Diving Chamber Diver Medic Course will be running again this June. This course has been put together to provide practical diving medical knowledge and experience that is ideal for Dive Guides and Dive Instructors. The course is particularly useful for people who work, or intend to work in remote locations or on liveaboards.

The course will give the participants:

• Guidelines on using a recompression chamber
• Information on the many issues concerning Decompression Illness
• Information on other Non-Decompression Illness Dive Medicine
• Practical Field Medicine Training
• CPR Training

The London Diving Chamber has brought together a number of experts in specialised fields, to provide the best teaching for a practical dive medical course.

COURSE DETAILS

Duration: 3 days

Dates: Friday 11th to Sunday 13th June 2010

Minimum qualification level: Divemaster / Dive Leader (or equivalent)

Please visit  http://londondivingchamber.co.uk/index.php?id=courses&page=2 for more information.

Six men in Stokesley have spent November becoming increasingly hairy – all in the name of charity.

Six male employees at Analox Sensor Technology Ltd are participating in ‘Movember’, the annual month-long moustache-growing charity event which raises funds for, and awareness of, men’s health issues, and primarily prostate cancer.

Movember at Analox is raising a few eyebrows too as the seventies style facial designs have taken shape. The team is hoping their efforts will raise in excess of £1,000 for charity, and they have already received donations from colleagues, as well as a company donation.

l-r Paul Scott, Andrew Watson, Luke Brough, Chris Allen, Paul Willis, Mark Boston

Chris Allen, sporting his new moustache, said: “This is the first time any of us has experienced a hairy top lip and our line up of moustaches is certainly getting us noticed – some impressive trucker-style ‘taches are developing.

“We’re all really pleased not only to be raising lots of money with our efforts, but also to be able to raise awareness of the annual Movember charity appeal. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer, so I’m glad I have an opportunity to raise some money and awareness too.

“November may well be Movember here in Stokesley again next year.”