09 May 12 Colebrook Bosson Saunders Launches CBS-VCALL
The latest product to be launched by Colebrook Bosson Saunders (pioneers in the design and manufacture of products that support technology and more efficient ways of working) was designed specifically to meet the needs of video-conferencing within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
CBS-VCALL is a self-contained video-conferencing unit that can be quickly and easily set up to enable real time, face-to-face communication from where you are to any location worldwide.
A key driver behind the development of CBS-VCALL was to democratise the use of video conferencing and open up opportunities for all. In the past it has been almost impossible for SMEs to take up the benefits video-conferencing can offer for a variety of reasons: pricing of the units has, on the whole, been prohibitive and without an in-house specialist to set up and run the units they have been technically too complex for SMEs to install and implement. With all this in mind Colebrook Bosson Saunders took up the challenge to design a video-conferencing unit to meet the needs of this neglected market.
Key features and benefits of CBS-VCALL include:
• Arrives on a pallet already pre-assembled
• Set up time is massively reduced from industry standards
• Comes with universal camera and codec mount
• Compatible with equipment from all leading manufacturers
• CBS-VCALL is made in Europe and available globally with stock held in the Middle East (Dubai), Australia (Melbourne), Asia (Hong Kong) and the USA (Michigan) too
• A panel at the front of the unit can be customised to suit the needs of each user company; the panel can be Foamex, Perspex or steel and can be branded if required
• The unit is lockable, enabling the locations and usage for video-conferencing to be expanded
CBS-VCALL can be seen at the following events as part of the product’s launch with strategic distribution partners:
The O2 on 25.04.2012 with NEC
The Tower of London on 27.04.2012 with Imago at the Imago Expo 2012
InfoComm (Information Communications Marketplace), Conference: June 9-15, Exhibits: June 13-15 2012, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals. Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support. CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomics, video conferencing
24 Apr 12 Property And Construction Industry’s Sailing Fraternity Reunite On Union Street
On the evening of Thursday 22nd March Colebrook Bosson Saunders hosted the Little Britain Challenge Cup (LBCC) reunion for the second year running. The LBCC is the biggest annual UK gathering of senior construction and property industry figureheads. Amongst those in attendance were the crème de la crème of British sailors, selected to represent their country at this summer’s Paralympic Games.
Martyn Colebrook, Managing Director of Colebrook Bosson Saunders presented a cheque to LBCC to kick off the organisation’s fundraising effort for the year, and commented, “We were delighted to have hosted the Little Britain Challenge Cup reunion again from our Union Street showroom. We were especially thrilled to have the British Paralympian sailing team with us and have this opportunity to wish them all the best in their quest for gold this summer!”
Tony Poole of Sheppard Robson, 2012 LBCC Chairman responded, “We are equally pleased to be back at Colebrook Bosson Saunders, in this, our Silver Anniversary year. They are excellent hosts, who have not only put on a fabulous evening, but also made a generous donation to support 2012 LBCC chosen sailing charities.”
As well as the serious business of supporting the GBR Skandia Sailing Team, there were fun and games for sailing fans of all levels of ability including a remote control boat race, sailing themed ‘Guess Who’ and a rowing contest. Representatives from other charities supported by LBCC’s fundraising were also in attendance, including the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Jubilee Sailing Trust and the Cirdan Sailing Trust. Last year LBCC raised £40,000 for its nine selected charities.
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals. Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support. CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
About LBCC:
The 2012 Little Britain Challenge Cup (LBCC) takes place from Thursday 6 September until Sunday 9 September, in the sailing mecca of Cowes, Isle of Wight, with plans afoot to make this a particularly memorable event in this, its 25th year.
Entrants can choose between 1, 2 and 3 day packages, to ensure that the maximum number of sailors have the opportunity to compete and join in the celebrations in this historic year.
The weekend will build to a climax with the glamorous Celebration Dinner, where winners are announced, and step up to take home a cherished Silver Anniversary LBCC trophy.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, LBCC, passenger terminals, workstation organisation
11 Apr 12 Laptop Support: Why Ergonomically Arranged Solutions Are Important
Laptops are now the computer of choice for many people and this extremely popular little box of tricks has come on leaps and bounds since the early days. Where there was once a tiny screen, pathetic hard drive and sluggish processor, there are now capabilities to rival any desktop PC.
But there is an area where laptops are lagging far behind their bigger brothers: ergonomics.
Using a laptop regularly can be bad for your health and one of the reasons is that unlike a desktop PC you cannot position the keyboard and screen separately. A laptop stand can help this but laptop support is hard to find and the risk of neck and wrist injury is high when it comes to portable computing. In fact, just by being portable they often become an ergonomic nightmare as people are using their laptops in bed, coffee shops and on planes – locations that have never even heard of a monitor stand or ergonomic chair let alone boast one!
There are, though, some precautions and measures you can take while using your laptop to ensure you stay in good health and good spirits. Use a laptop stand to lift the screen to the recommended height (the top of the display should be at eye level) and you’ll immediately notice the difference. Of course this means you will have to stretch to type and use the trackpad, so to get around this invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse so you can do everything with ease. To ensure laptop support and ergonomics are just right, you should be able to sit with a straight back and relaxed wrists and forearms as you type and click away.
A laptop stand is the perfect solution for workplace ergonomics but one reason laptops are so popular these days is their benefits for casual use – so how do you stay healthy at home? Getting into good ergonomic habits is part of the battle, so next time you’re using your laptop in bed, in a hotel room or on a long flight remember a few key tips.
Firstly, remember the rules for desktop computing and apply them to wherever you are (straight back, forearms and wrists and trying to keep your screen at eye level). Back support is the most important thing to remember when using your laptop, so always resist the temptation to hunch over your keyboard, as wherever you are you’ll be able to find something straight and hard to lean against. Desks are best ergonomically speaking but if you must work from your bed you should always make sure your back is against a wall of headboard and a pillow is underneath your knees.
Finally, don’t think you can rest easily once you’ve finished using your laptop, because carrying it holds it own ergonomic problems. Even the lightest laptops, along with all the kit that goes with them, can cause you back problems so always make sure the weight is distributed and you use a sensible case and backpack to transport it. Keep ergonomics in mind next time you use your laptop and you’ll enjoy a clean bill of health till the technology sector thinks up a new way to cause us aches and pains!
With laptops becoming an increasingly popular alternative to desktops, the proper laptop support is essential. With over twenty years of experience in ergonomics, Colebrook Bosson Saunders can help find the best laptop stand for your needs.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, laptop stand, laptop support
13 Feb 12 To Work From Home Or Not To Work From Home?
Homeworking is certainly on the increase, with latest TUC research revealing that between 2005 and 2010 an extra 227,000 people said they mainly worked from home, bringing the total number of homeworkers to 3.7 million by 2010. However the growth of homeworking has stalled during the current recession, according to new analysis from the TUC: a small fall in the proportion of people working from home, from 12.9% to 12.8% of the workforce, with the total number of homeworkers increasing by just 10,000.1 What influences an organisation’s and an employee’s choice to work from home or the office? What factors should be considered to ensure the right decision is made for all concerned?
One often cited benefit of homeworking is improved staff motivation: “over two-thirds of HR professionals (70%) perceive employee motivation as having benefited from the implementation of flexible working practices.”2 Cost saving is another more tangible benefit: in almost all cases an organisation can save money by freeing up office space and reducing associated overheads such as power, insurance and rent. Estates costs can be reduced by at least half with a switch to homeworking.3
“A company that embraces remote workers before its competitors can gain an edge in recruiting. Lifestyle concerns can easily trump salaries in a top worker’s decision process, and a superstar at a distance is often preferable to a local journeyman.”4 So says Nathaniel Borenstein, chief scientist of Mimecast, in defence of homeworking. As well as attracting the best staff Borenstein also argues that homeworking can reduce costs and improve productivity as a result in reduced overheads and improved focus.
However on the flip side Ben Weber, in the same Business Week article, argues that “without face-to-face interaction, performance and the mental health of employees suffer.”5
Once a decision has been made for a member of staff to work from home, full or part time, there are practical considerations that shouldn’t be neglected. Within the environs of an office a line-manager or health and safety officer can keep an eye on how employees work, but at home, left to their own devices, it is perhaps more critical that the correct equipment is provided to avoid work related injuries. A risk assessment should be carried out by the employer (although in many cases this can be carried out by the employee themselves under guidance and supervision).
Health and Safety at Work legislation applies whether staff work from the office or remotely and so the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on setting up a workstation needs to be adhered to. The regulations do not contain detailed lists of approved equipment; instead they set more general objectives. Our advice would be that in keeping with good ergonomic principles adjustable furniture – especially chair, monitor arm, laptop stand and desk – should be provided or specified to ensure that employees can find a comfortable seating position and move regularly. Adjustable chairs and monitor arms can also be used to avoid screen glare and un-natural hunched seating positions.
Ultimately an employer and employee must discuss and evaluate the business case for working from home to come to the ‘right’ decision for all involved. How will the homeworker be managed and what regular channels of communication can be put in place to ensure the homeworker is not left feeling isolated and ‘out of the loop.’ These considerations are as critical as practical and cost-saving ones when it comes to the success or failure of working outside the office.
1. www.workplacelaw.net/content/34162
2. CIPD, “Flexible Working: Impact and Implementation An Employment Survey”, Survey Report 2005
3. NHS Direct, “Home working Permanent Costs & Benefits, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/About/MinutesOfMeetings/~/media/Files/BoardPapers/BM_papers_2010/July
2010/app1%20-%20Home%20working%20costs%20and%20benefits.ashx
4. Business Week, ‘Forget the Office: Let Employees Work from Home’, www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2012/01/forget_the_office_let_employees_work_from_home.html
5. Business Week, ‘Forget the Office: Let Employees Work from Home’, www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2012/01/forget_the_office_let_employees_work_from_home.html
Whether you are working from home or in an office, a monitor arm can help to make sure that your screen height is easily adjustable. With over two decade’s worth of experience in ergonomics, Colebrook Bosson Saunders offers a wide range of monitor arms.
14 Dec 11 Travelling Right
Most of us spend rather more time than we might choose to in passenger terminals: train stations, airports, coach and ferry terminals. Travelling is often a stressful experience; whether travelling for work or pleasure the fear of missing a flight or train, the incessant queuing and the hustle and bustle around us is enough to stop travel being the laid-back experience presented to us on the BA and British Rail ads. Instead a trip to the airport is more likely to involve tears and tantrums as stress levels intensify. Can the design of these buildings do anything to improve this experience for the passenger? “An architect’s key aim is to reduce passenger stress,” according to Simon Smithson of Rogers, Stirk Harbour and Partners. But how do they go about doing this?
There is much evidence to suggest that the more uncluttered our environment and architecture, the more stress levels can be reduced. A great example is the contrast between Kings Cross Station and the new St Pancras International Station. In his article ‘A Renaissance arrives at St Pancras’ Simon Calder describes it as “the World’s most wonderful railway station.”2 There is an incredible sense of calm, rarely experienced in other transport hubs a result, in part, of the ample space – both height and width – allowing travellers to feel relaxed and take their time to absorb where they need to go.
Ease of navigation around a passenger terminal can make all the difference between a fraught experience and a more relaxed one and this is a priority for designers and architects of passenger terminals. Top priority is passenger flow; if there are delays in processing the tens or hundreds of thousands of passengers that flow through busy passenger terminals daily, chaos would ensue. Digital signage (displayed on an architectural framework such as monitor arms) can direct passengers and offer up-to-the second information.
We might not always be aware of it but one thing all these environments have in common is the proliferation of technology: used in check-in areas, information points and internet cafes, not to mention the back offices that keep these well-oiled machines running like clockwork. Instead of letting technology dominate (which in itself can add to stress levels) more successful passenger terminals attempt to minimise its appearance. One way in which this can be achieved is by using flat screens, which take up less space, and mounting them on monitor arms. In this way technology need not obstruct lines of vision and its presence feels less dominant.
Another priority is security; since their inception airports and stations have been perceived as targets for terrorist groups – due to the high concentration of people to be found in them and their high profile location and users. While understandably, security checks need to be more thorough, prolonged waiting times increase tension and stress levels. Sight lines need to be kept as clear as possible. Again technology support can play a part: the more minimal the screen and monitor arm the less of an obstruction is caused. The more efficient and ergonomic the technology and processes the faster the movement of passengers.
A lot of effort and planning goes on behind the scenes to ensure our experience of passing through passenger terminals is as swift and stress-free as it can be. “The growth of world air travel has averaged approximately 5% per year over the past 30 years . . . even with relatively conservative expectations of economic growth over the next 10-15 years, a continued 4-5% annual growth in global air travel will lead to a doubling of total air travel during this period.”3 As passenger numbers, for all modes of transport, continue to increase more and more attention will have to be paid to customer comfort to make travelling – on such a huge scale – bearable in the years to come.
1 BBC News ‘What makes a good airport’ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7290432.stm
2 The Independent, 12th February 2011 http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/hotels/a-renaissance-arrives-at-st-pancras-2211921.html
3 http://web.mit.edu/airlines/analysis/analysis_airline_industry.html
While you may not pay much attention to the monitor arm behind the screen during your daily commute, it is an essential part of any passenger terminal. With 20 years of experience in ergonomics, Colebrook Bosson Saunders can provide many ergonomic accessories, from monitor arms to CPU holders.
01 Nov 11 Keeping The Boredom Away During Your Hospital Stay
There was a time when the only entertainment in hospitals was provided by ‘hospital radio’ or maybe a dedicated television room if you were lucky. Today things have dramatically changed: if you have visited or spent time in a hospital recently you cannot have failed to notice the prevalence of bed-side entertainment systems now provided for patients.
Within most NHS hospitals patients have access to a ‘Hospedia’ bedside entertainment system that includes a telephone, radio, TV and Internet and e-mail facilities. The range of entertainment for patients is broad, and ever increasing, from on demand films and hospital information to online games and radio.1 Various systems are available and all will normally be run through a flat screen monitor or purpose designed hardware that is mounted on the wall with a monitor arm across from the bed.
While there has been some controversy about the costs of such systems to the patient, most agree that on balance it is a great option for those spending more than a week in hospital when boredom can really take a grip. “Hospitals may monetise some offerings to create revenue streams that can be re-invested in medical care. People are accustomed to pay-for-use services.”2
Playing games and keeping in touch with friends through email and social networking sites can be a huge morale boost to anyone suffering from or recovering from illness in hospital. A 2011 report from the BMA’s Board of Science highlighted how a spell in hospital will prove tedious and dispiriting for many patients. “Hospitalisation presents specific stresses over and above those associated with illness, ranging from environmental factors such as unfamiliar surroundings to the lack of privacy and independence, and uncertainty about ill-health outcomes,” the report says. “When a patient’s needs are not met it may affect their emotional state.”
Bed-side entertainment systems are also often known as ‘infotainment systems’ because they can also be used for patients to communicate with staff and vice versa. For instance, ordering food from a menu or registering a non urgent request with a nurse. Such facilities can increase the efficient running of a ward. Some systems even incorporate video conferencing functionality that can be used to aid diagnosis (where travel might be dangerous) and can also provide information to patients about their own treatment, a practice that has become known as “telemedicine”.4 “These trends are keeping patients happier, giving them pertinent information regarding their health, and easing anxiety by allowing them to feel more in control.”5
The units themselves are usually fixed to a wall, with a monitor arm, so that they can be moved clear when not required. The monitor arm helps to ensure that the infotainment system does not get in the way of the patient’s medical needs. Touch screen technology is well suited to these systems, with no need for a separate keyboard the amount of equipment needed can be minimised. It does however mean that the monitor arm supporting the system needs to be stronger to allow for the repetitive movement caused by controlling the system in this way.
Perhaps most importantly bed-side entertainment systems should be able to help alleviate boredom for almost any patient, whether your preference is for Tour of Duty or Bingo, soap operas or football, swapping recipes or tracing your family tree there should be something to capture each imagination and help pass the time during a hospital stay.
Amongst other sectors, Colebrook Bosson Saunders provides ergonomic products for the healthcare industry, such as monitor arms for the “Hospedia” system. Visit the CBS site for more information on the CBS Hi-1 monitor arm.
1 http://www.hospedia.co.uk/bedside-services
2 MedAdvantech the Digital Healthcare journal 1st 2011
3 http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jan/09/nhs-hospitals-patients-boredom-bingo
4 http://www.ccomm.co.uk
5 MedAdvantech the Digital Healthcare journal 1st 2011
11 Oct 11 Go with the Flo for greater eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness: monitor arm awarded Cradle to Cradle Certification CM *
Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ latest flat screen monitor arm has been awarded silver level certification by official body MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry). MBDC explain that “certification permits an organisation to tangibly and credibly demonstrate its efforts to design eco-effective products. Cradle to Cradle is a multi-attribute ecolabel that assesses products for their ingredients’ human and environmental health characteristics, their recyclability or compostability, and their manufacturing characteristics”.
Consumers can rely on the certification mark to identify and specify sustainable products for their homes, businesses and buildings. Other recipients of the hard-fought accreditation include Procter and Gamble, Centria and Rexel. In order to be certified at a certain level, a product must meet the minimum criteria for that level in all five categories: Material Health, Material Utilisation, Renewable Energy Use, Water Stewardship, and Social Responsibility.
The Flo flat screen monitor arm was launched worldwide during 2010 and 2011. Flo is a self-powered dynamic monitor arm that allows a flat screen to be used in either an upright viewing position, at desktop level as a touch screen, or anywhere in between. Flo stands out from its competitors because it addresses three major needs of end-users and specifiers: free flowing action with smooth adjustability; a unique visual indicator weight gauge; compatibility with touch-screen technology and in addition, as one would expect from a Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ product, purity of design.
Now certified this environmental stamp of approval gives the Flo monitor arm an extra competitive edge in its marketplace. Cradle to Cradle accreditation status makes Flo eligible for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points as an Environmentally Preferable Material in USGBS’s LEED for Homes Rating System, LEED points under the Innovation in Design category in all LEED rating systems, LEED points under the Pilot Credit 43: Certified Products in all LEED rating systems and listing in Green Wizard software that streamlines the process of sourcing and purchasing sustainable building materials and manages the documentation required for LEED certification. The architecture and interior design communities recognise the Cradle to Cradle accreditation process and Cradle to Cradle products are being specified for more and more building projects.
David Barrass, Product Manager at Colebrook Bosson Saunders, who oversaw the accreditation process states: “I am delighted to announce that our Flo monitor arm has become our first product to be awarded Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified status. This is the result of a lot of hard work and sheer doggedness from the design and production team in ensuring all the information required was pinned down as part of this extensive process.”
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
* Cradle to Cradle Certified CM is a certification mark of MBDC.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, flat screen monitor arm, Flo monitor arm, monitor arm
06 Oct 11 Sitting Pretty
Most of us spend a large percentage of our working day looking at a computer screen; and for many, leisure time too can be dominated by computer use and watching television. While there is growing awareness of the implications of this sedentary routine for our posture, eyes and back, what most of us don’t consider is the effect on our looks. What might be the physical consequences of long periods spent with our heads in our chins and holding tension in our faces?
From our twenties onwards the elasticity in our skin begins to decrease. Into our thirties and forties and jowls and the beginnings of a double chin might begin to appear. While some changes are of course inevitable – there is a limit to how much we can defy gravity – what can we do to slow down this process and what part does viewing a screen play upon these signs of aging?
In the Evening Standard Dr Michael Prager, a leading cosmetic doctor, terms the problem ‘computer face’: “All that frowning at your PC will give you wrinkles, and leaning forward to see better will worsen your posture and exacerbate any tendencies to jowliness,” he explains.1
Of course there are many other factors that will influence how we age, but it seems to be common sense that the way we hold our head and the amount of tension we hold in our face and neck will have a bearing on the speed and way in which this happens.
According to the Alexander technique the correct position is “to imagine your head floating on top of your spine. It should be gently placed, resting in balance. As you walk or sit at the computer make sure your head sits in line with your shoulders, not in front of them. Your neck should not jut forward making you look like a turtle.”2
There are several things you can do to try and minimise the impact on your face of viewing a screen for long periods, here are just some of the suggestions:
- Try to ensure that the top of your screen is at your eye level. This should facilitate a comfortable viewing position that allows you to find a natural posture but prevents you from letting your head drop into your chin. With a flat screen computer this can be achieved with the assistance of a monitor arm. The monitor arm allows the screen to be set to exactly the right height to suit each user.
- If your desktop computer, laptop or TV is affected by glare from sunlight or reflections from bright lights inside you can find yourself involuntarily squinting in order to compensate. Balance your screen brightness with your surroundings. The goal is to eliminate any contrast between the brightness of the screen and the area behind it.
- A great tip from Dr Prager is to use a mirror: “When people are stressed or thinking hard, they will often put on a grumpy face without even knowing what they are doing. When my clients put a mirror next to their desk they are often shocked by the angry, frowning face that stares back at them.”
- Make sure you can comfortably read text on your screen without squinting, straining or leaning forward. This is different for everyone (and depends on your vision) but a good rule of thumb is that your screen should be arm’s length away. Again monitor arms are a good solution as they allow the proximity of the screen to be adjusted (using the monitor arm) according to each individual’s needs.
- Take plenty of exercise, including yoga and facial exercises. The more we can keep our face and neck toned the more we are able to combat negative forces.
- “Laptops are even worse than desktops for inducing computer face” writes Alice Hart-Davis in the Evening Standard. To combat this a secondary keyboard and mouse should be used together with a laptop stand to raise the height of the screen to eye-level and prevent yourself hunching forward.
Like most things in life there doesn’t seem to be one simple fix for ‘computer face’, but at least with an awareness of how we sit and position our screens we might be able to slow down the process even if we can’t hold back time completely!
A monitor arm is a must for anyone who spends a lot of time behind a computer screen. With over 20 years of experience in ergonomics design, Colebrook Bosson Saunders can advise you on monitor arms and other ergonomic equipment.
1http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-23883211-how-to-banish-computer-face.do
2http://www.stay-young-beauty-secrets.com/head-exercise.html
27 Jul 11 Colebrook Bosson Saunders Turn Twenty One
To celebrate their 21st anniversary and say thank you to all those who have helped and supported the Company throughout these years Colebrook Bosson Saunders (leading designers and manufacturers of ergonomic products) threw a suitably celebratory party at their London Bridge HQ and showroom.
Hundreds of clients, specifiers, suppliers, colleagues (past and present) and friends gathered to celebrate Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ 21st birthday with a spectacular birthday bash. Rockabilly band ‘the Houndogs’ played to an appreciative crowd and to remember the occasion guests were invited to have their photo taken in the special CBS photo-booth (all images can be viewed at Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ Facebook page).
Colebrook Bosson Saunders was founded in 1990, drawing upon the skills of architecture (Martyn Colebrook), product design and innovation (Peter Bosson) and furniture design (Brenda Saunders) to create new and innovative products for the workplace. The Company’s unique approach quickly redefined workplace ergonomics and has heavily influenced how people sit and work with computers. Colebrook Bosson Saunders pioneered the design and development of new product types, some of which were among the first monitor supports, CPU cradles and laptop stands, raising awareness of the importance of an ergonomic workstation.
Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ first office was on (the now fashionable) Hoxton Square in Shoreditch, London. As the company grew there was a need for more space and Colebrook Bosson Saunders bought and moved to new premises in Kennington in South East London. Then, for the third time, six years ago the Company moved to their current base (a converted Georgian terrace in London Bridge) driven by the need for more space to house a growing workforce, a showroom, workshop and a prototyping facility. Managing Director, Martyn Colebrook, observes: “It’s amazing to step back now and see how far we’ve come, from those early days when there were just a handful of us at Hoxton Square (and when Peter and I would deliver samples all around town on our bicycles) to where we are today: international distribution of our products, design accolades and fifty plus staff worldwide.”
Colebrook Bosson Saunders has enjoyed unrivalled design acclaim winning an impressive collection of product design awards over the years, the most recent being the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for their innovative monitor arm ‘Flo’.. The Company also has a reputation for fun and creativity, always thinking outside the box: from initiating and organising a 5-a-side industry football league, through to art exhibitions and sailing events. Colebrook Bosson Saunders continue to lead the way in the development of new IT and furniture support products and are known worldwide as ergonomic experts who provide solutions for how people work today and design for the evolving workplace. “Who knows what type of products we’ll be designing in another twenty-one years time,” comments Design Director Andrew Wills, “while we cannot predict where technology will be that far into the future; we can guarantee we will continue to think ahead and pioneer new products for the workplace of the future.”
Press contact:
Lucie Parkin
press@cbsproducts.co.uk
+44208 693 9884 / +447980 649 308
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomic workstation, laptop stands, monitor arm
18 May 11 Colebrook Bosson Saunders Win Important Accolade for Flo with FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award
Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ latest monitor arm Flo has picked up another significant commendation.
Flo is the most recent product to receive the prestigious FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award, in recognition of its exceptional ergonomic design. The FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award identifies genuine ergonomic excellence in both domestic and workplace furniture products by clearly distinguishing those that are outstanding from other products in the marketplace. In order to receive the Award, safety, user-friendliness and the comfort and wellbeing of the user are considered, as well as whether the product is fit for purpose both structurally and ergonomically.
Flo is a self-powered dynamic monitor arm that allows a flat screen to be used in either an upright viewing position, at desktop level as a touch screen, or anywhere in between. Flo stands out from its competitors because it addresses three major needs of end-users and specifiers: free flowing action with smooth adjustability; a unique visual indicator weight gauge (that helps to dramatically reduce installation time and ensure perfect balance); compatibility with touch-screen technology and in addition, as one would expect from a Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ product, purity of design.
According to FIRA “The Flo Monitor arm has received the Ergonomic Excellence award due to its unique design which exceeds FIRA’s stringent testing criteria.” Levent Caglar, FIRA’s ergonomics expert said, “The excellent manoeuvrability and stability make Flo a truly ergonomic monitor arm. Ingenious design enables it to double up as an effective touch-screen support. Through the use of a spring it achieves a minimalist simple form which is pleasing to the eye and also environmentally responsible.
The FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award aims to raise awareness of the benefits of ergonomic design to those selecting the products. The Award also provides assurance to customers investing in ergonomically designed workplace furniture and workstations that products are of the highest ergonomic standard.
The benefits of ergonomics for workforce health, wellbeing, morale, turnover, attendance and productivity are becoming increasingly clear.”
Levent continued, “The importance and understanding of ergonomics is growing rapidly, with many educational authorities and establishments seeing the benefits of using ergonomically designed products in terms of health and safety as well as behaviour and ability to learn. FIRA’s recognition of genuine ergonomic excellence in the design and manufacture of products will provide distinction from competitors, whilst assisting specifiers in purchasing genuinely ergonomically designed furniture.”
Responding to news of the FIRA accolade, Martyn Colebrook from Colebrook Bosson Saunders said, “We are delighted that the Flo Monitor arm has received the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award. This means that people who buy our product are assured that the Flo Monitor arm has been designed with their safety, comfort and ease of use in mind, as well as being aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose.”
Colebrook Bosson Saunders are renowned for their ergonomic work tools and offer an RIBA accredited seminar on workplace ergonomics. Get in contact or see the website for more details.
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
About FIRA International:
Established sixty years ago, FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) with its unparalleled industry knowledge, raises performance throughout the furniture supply chain by offering research, information, testing, consultancy, customer service and after sales service to the furniture and DIY markets.
About the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award:
The FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award identifies genuine ergonomic excellence in both domestic and workplace furniture products, and clearly distinguishes those that are outstanding from other products in the marketplace which do not meet FIRA’s stringent criteria. Safety, user-friendliness and the comfort and wellbeing of the user are considered, as well as whether the product is fit for purpose both structurally and ergonomically.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomic design, Flo, monitor arm, workplace ergonomics
