IPU Group

2011-12-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing Jonathan Nowill, Head of Design at IPU Group...

Jonathan has embraced the spirt of the blog and created a brilliant list to describe his interests...

1) I live on the top of a windy hill
2) I have a range of eclectic interests, all of which involve making things from silver boxes to cars from steam engines to cast bronze fruit
3) I ride horses
4) I enjoy cooking especially if there is a bottle of wine on the go too!
5) I like the smell of Castrol R

There is simply nothing more to say.

2011-12-23T00:35:00.000-08:00

Introducing Julie....

Julie has recently joined us and is providing maternity cover for reception. She will be with us until November next year...

Julie has interests in horse riding, horror and supernatural movies and best of all... shopping.

Welcome to IPU Julie

2011-12-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

Introducing Rachael...

I have been asked to put together a mini bio for you all, I’m sorry if it doesn’t make for thrilling reading...

I have recently achieved a Ba(Hons) Degree in English Literature and Language.
Previously and most recently I have been working in the jewellery industry at a small family company called Acotis. There I gained a little experience in writing press releases and events organisation.

Outside of work, I am a little OCD when it comes to fitness, so you will find me in the gym or the swimming pool. Other than that, I am a little addicted to literature and any spare time I have I try to spend reading...

2011-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Introducing Ian...
Originally from Netherton, Ian moved to Bromsgrove in 1994.
Father to Owen (12), son and Jessica (21) & Adele (20) Stepdaughters

A Mechanical Engineer from an Aerospace component manufacturer moving into Sales as Area, Regional and finally Business Development Manager for Shell UK Oil Products in speciality metalworking fluids.

Ian spends every day striving to be the best “Dad, pal, mate, friend, mentor, teacher and example to Owen, my son.

Ian played Water Polo for Halesowen, Warley & Aston in the Premier League winning Worcester County Championships and a trial for the Great Britain squad....

Ian joins us as a Technical Sales Support Engineer and we wish him the best of luck in his new role...

Acorns Update!

2011-12-02T04:39:00.001-08:00

The Acorns Triple Run returns on Sunday 24th June 2012 at the
Three Counties Showground in Malvern with entry fees frozen at 2011 prices!

Choose your distance!
This running event is designed to appeal to all ages, levels of
fitness and sporting ability. The Triple Run is made up of three runs so you
can choose a distance to suit you!

1km Fun Run (wheelchair
friendly) £5 per person
5km Fun Run £6.50
per person
Malvern
Half Marathon £16 UKA affiliated, £18 unaffiliated

NOW is the time to get involved!
The money you raise by taking part in this event helps us to
provide essential care to over 600 life limited and life threatened children
across the heart of England.

It costs £32 for Acorns to provide one hour of care for a local
child with a life limiting condition. Every penny and pound raised by you
helps!

For more infromation, or to enter please visit www.acorns.org.uk

Thanks for your continued support :D

Movember is over...

2011-12-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

Movember is sadly over...

Just to say a big well done to all the guys at IPU Group for taking part and raising money for the cause... Im sure all their partners were happy again to see clean shaven men!

Introducing.........Anna

2011-11-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

A big hello to the latest new face at IPU. Anna Childs has joined us as a temporary Document Controller.
Anna, who graduated in Economics this summer, has interests including rock climbing, playing the violin and bell ringing! Her greatest achievement, to date, was to earn the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and go to the Palace to collect it.
Welcome to IPU Anna!!

Run John Ruuuuuunnn !!!

2011-07-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

Well done to John Nowacki, one of our Internal Sales Engineers, who took part in a 10 kilometre run across Cannock Chase this weekend.

The organised run started at Birches Valley in Rugeley and took a route straight through the forest. John managed to finish the race in 59 minutes, 59 seconds!!

Here he is pictured above with his number one supporter, Daughter Ellie.(aaaaahhh!!)

The IPU Wedding bells are ringing again !

2011-07-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order again for Jean, who married Brian Broad on Sunday the 19th June at The Ramada Hotel in Kidderminster.

Jean invited along a large group of IPU staff to join in the wedding celebrations, and wish them both the best of luck for their future together.

Jean hitching a lift to the altar, with the help of her groundcare boys ! (shown below)

'Lean Jean the Slimming Queen!'

2011-06-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

A big 'Well Done' and 'Congratulations ‘are in order for our very own Jean Huyton, who has completed a sponsored slim challenge, ahead of her impending nuptials to Brian this weekend. Jean has managed to lose over a whopping two stone!!!

Here's what she had to say about the challenge:

I started the challenge on the 20th January, eager to lose two stone before the wedding,and bring my BMI down!. I reached my goal on 19th May, and achieved “Gold Status” at Weight Watchers. When it came to my final dress fitting, it was far too big, but the seamstress has done a wonderful job and last week it fitted like a glove! However, I have continued to lose weight despite eating more, so its going to be lots of Cornish Pasties and Clotted Cream teas during our Cornwall honeymoon break!

Jean has raised a total of £220 for Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust. She would like to thank everyone at IPU for their support throughout the challenge.

'Good Luck this weekend Jean - You look fantastic !!'

Welcome to Christine

2011-06-01T01:29:00.001-07:00

Time for IPU to welcome another new employee into the team! Christine Gooding joins the company as an Operations Administrator.

Christine started her career as a secretary at Rolls-Royce plc and then switched over to Business Administration roles where she had a succession of internal promotions in recognition of her performance. Her greatest achievement was successfully completing a BA Honours Degree in Business which she studied for part-time In the evenings whilst still working full time during the day. Christine also worked as an IT Coordinator for Claire’s Accessories where she was responsible for assisting the IT Vice President in managing the IT budget, raising orders, processing invoices and general support to the IT Department. Between these 2 major roles, Christine has undertaken a number of temporary admin roles across various industries. In her “spare” time, Christine currently works behind the bar at Smethwick Conservative Club.

Worthy Winners !!

2011-05-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Jenny Craddock and Robert Beebee who have won Employee Of The Quarter and Manager Of The Quarter respectively, at todays Company's 'State Of IPU' Meeting.

The awards scheme is a new incentive that has been introduced by the company and encourages staff to vote for and reward other employees and managers who they think have done a good job over the last quarter.

Boogie On Down !!

2011-05-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

On Friday the 13th of May, IPU Group hosted a 70s/80s Boogie Night at The Village Hotel in Dudley. IPU donated a number of gifts to the prize fund and sold raffle tickets in the office and at the event raising a fantastic £514 for charity!!
The money raised will be donated to Acorns Childrens Hospice in the West Midlands, to help the terminally ill young children currently in their care.

A fantasic effort - for the outfits alone !!

New Grandpa at IPU !

2011-05-04T04:33:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to IPU Group's Tom Reynolds,who became our latest 'Grandpa'on 14th April to Kara Olivia Clews. She arrived at Russels Hall Hospital weighing a healthy
9lbs 10 oz!

Proud parents Donna and Martin are settling in well with their new edition to the family.

Greyhound Evening 2011

2011-04-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 31st March,a group of staff from IPU Group attended a sponsored Greyhound Evening at Monmore Green Stadium in Wolverhampton. The event was held in order to raise funds for The Army Benevolent Fund. Robert agreed to kindly agreed to sponsor a race and named it 'The IPU Trophy'.
Above is the team pictured on the track with the winning dog of their race, No 6: Tyrer Dougie' very aptly named as Douglas had made a special journey all the way down from Scotland to join us all there!

IPU now also have a new good luck mascot for this annual pilgrimage to the dogs! 'Wee Tyrer Dougie' pictured above has been adopted from The Retired Greyhound Trust, so will hopefully be able to give us all lots of insider tips before the race!

IPU shoot em up !!

2011-03-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night saw the return of the IPU company night out to Laser Quest in Stourbridge this week with Mark 'Rambo' Reynolds defending his longstanding title, and a new favourite Keith 'Terminator'Box stepping up to also win a game! The IPU guys are picture above before their shoot out !!

The evening events then continued onto The Ruby Cantonese where all the staff were treated to a huge banquet and drinks.

Red Nose Day 2011

2011-03-21T02:49:00.001-07:00

On Friday the 18th Of March, IPU Group joined in the fun for Comic Releif by hosting a 'Red for Red Nose Day Event.' All staff came to work dressed in an item of red clothing and donated money to the charity. Other events included a Gold Cup Sweepstake and an auction, raising funds of £230 in total !!

The Sunday Times 'Best Company' Awards 2011

2011-03-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

The Sunday Times Best Small Companies To Work For 2011 Awards were held on Wednesday 23rd February in London. Here's a picture of the IPU team all glammed up and ready to party before the event - I hardly recognise them !!

IPU Group made it a three years in a row celebration by coming in at 90th place this year, above is Robert Beebee, Group Managing Director enjoying the ceremony with Stacey Wakefield - Assistant Operations Controller.

Heres Keith Box - IPU Quality Manager and Nardia Rhino -Purchase Ledger officially accepting IPU Group's award from The Best Companies CEO - Jonathan Austin.

'Welcome to South African Stu'

2011-02-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to IPU's latest new recruit, Stuart McKay, who has joined IPU Group as Fuel Conditioning Sales Manager.

Stuart hails from South Africa, where he used to work for Shell. He is a great supporter of 'The Sharks' rugby team, and confesses to having no idea about football teams here in UK, but has historically supported Man City, because he likes the colour of the strip!! (We can soon change that!! ha ha )

Stuart has been written a series of childrens stories entitled 'Jacob and Regop' although to date, he has still has not published any of them and is also a keen artist enjoying to paint in oils. Check out his website at www.artwanted.com/stu-art

Stu enjoys taking part in most sports and enjoys the great outdoors and likes hot food especially curries which are his speciality !

He is married to his'best friend' Annie, and has two daughters, Seonaid and Kiara who have re-located in the UK with him.

Stuart's interesting fact is he used to collect snakes as a child, and used to sell them to the local snake park. The most frightening thing he has ever done is moved crocodiles from one park to another - which he says is a long story !!

What an interesting character! We hope he has lots more stories to come at IPU!

'Come On' Sandwell Ladies !!

2011-02-08T06:55:00.001-08:00

IPU Group have sponsored a local womens football team 'Sandwell Ladies' for the 2010/2011 Season. One of the players, Rebecca Still approached her relative, Jenny at our offices,to see if we would be in a position to help the girls out!
Here are all the team at practice last week showing off their fabulous new kit!!

The team are currently in Division 2 of the league, but are hoping that their new strip is a bit of a lucky charm!

Rebecca said; 'Weve only won 2 games all season and then when we got our kit we were against a premier league side, and only lost 3-2!! Which is the equivalent of a world cup final for us!'

Good Luck for the rest of the season girls !!

New Year, New Recruits !!

2011-01-12T03:30:00.000-08:00

A big '2011' welcome to the 2 latest employees to join us here at IPU Group.

The first is Mike Dawson (pictured left)who has joined our growing team of Project Engineers. Steve Thom (Pictured right) also joins our Credit Control section of the Accounts Department.

Mike brings a wealth of experience along with him, previously working as a Design Engineer for the last 22 years.

During his free time Mike enjoys Training at the Gym, Mountain biking and Travelling to get away from it all, when he can!

Originally from Scotland, Steve has worked within the Oil and the Gen-set power industries,before moving down to the Midlands where he has worked in various Management positions including Sales Office Manager and Sytems Training Manager.

Steve has an 'artistic flair' and has previously edited several company magazines, and has exhibited his own paintings in the Kelvin Grove Art Gallery. He also teaches adult numeracy and literacy classes in the evening at the nearby Dudley College Campus.

We wish them both a long and prosperous career here at IPU Group.

IPU Santas Run for Fun !!

2010-12-07T05:46:00.001-08:00

On Saturday 4th December,a team of volunteers from IPU decided to join in the festive fun and brave the cold to take part in the Annual 'Santas On The Run'in Birmingham City Centre.

The event itself is organised to raise funds for our nominated company charity, Acorns Childrens Hospice. The 3km race takes place in Brindley place where everyone taking part dresses up in a Santa outfit. (Very hard to spot if you lose someone in the crowd!!)

The team raised sponsorship through family, friends and their collegues at IPU, reaching a grand total pledge of £560. Well Done Team - Ho Ho ho !!

Gone Fishing !!

2010-11-10T02:49:00.001-08:00

The IPU Senior Management Team were able to enjoy some time out recently in Padstow, Cornwall, following the Annual Budget Meeting.

The team enjoyed a glorious October morning, fishing 5km out to sea with local skipper Bob and came home with Mackerel, Pouting, Pollack and Gurnard amongst their haul. Marketing Manager Andy Hill ended up with the bragging rights, weighing in with easily the best catch.

They later enjoyed a round of golf on the picturesque 'St Enodoc' course before retiring to the pub to watch the football - Sounds like a perfect day !

'IPU Spotted' makes a return !!

2010-09-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

As the IPU Group company grows, we are getting recognised in some more obscure and interesting places than ever before, but never at the bottom of the sea !!

In the latest 'IPU Spotted' We find Keith Box, our resident Quality Manager and his son Joel, diving in the Middle Gardens area of Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.

Keep the 'IPU Spotted' stories coming !!

Mandys Big Day !

2010-09-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Credit Controller, Mandy Kaur, who married her childhood sweetheart Parwi Nandray on Sunday the 12th of September in a lavish ceremony with all of her family and friends present.

Mandy has now been whisked off on honeymoon to a destination kept 'top secret' by her new husband. 'Best wishes for your future life together from all of the staff at IPU Group'

New Baby Boy Joy for Paul

2010-09-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Paul Osborne from the Sales Office, and his Partner Kirsty, who has given birth to a baby boy.

The new arrival called Elliot Connor joined us on Saturday 11th of September weighing 8lbs 3oz.

No doubt Paul is already training him up to become a die hard Liverpool supporter, just like Daddy !!

IPU Midnight Walk for Acorns

2010-09-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

WELL DONE !! to (L-R) Joanne,Gemma and Stephanie from IPU, who took part in a sponsored 10km Walk around Birmingham City Centre at the stroke of Midnight on Saturday 11th of September.

The walk was organised to raise funds for Acorn's Children's Hospice. Around 2000 women from across the West Midlands area took part in the event, and have pledged at combined £94,00 between them.

Our girls raised £365 with the help of sponsorship from the staff from IPU, and holding a casual dress day in the offices last month.

Robert Races The Ford Mustang at Silverstone Classic

2010-08-04T04:09:00.000-07:00

The Beebee 1965 Ford Mustang on the 'legendary 'Silverstone track

On the 23rd - 25th of July this year, Robert Beebee partnered by his co-driver son Josh, took part in the Silverstone Classic race event. Below is Robert's personal diary entry of the event:

The IPU Racing 1965 Ford Mustang has been through a major rebuild this year, trying to get it ready for the July 23-25th Silverstone Classic event. A newly built engine and gearbox have been carefully prepared by ‘Steve Smith of Vibration Free’ and dyno tested by Peter Knight Racing, developing 350 HP at the flywheel.
The car then moved to IPU where a variety of true craftsmen including Mick Millard, Robert Ralphs, Phil Wilkes, worked on its electrics, lambda sensor and rev limiter installation. Oh, Ross and Martin were the wheel and tyre preparation team. While Karl and Sagar helped with the steering geometry..... Even Marketing guru Andy Hill specified the Ferris Alternator for it....but the real man who has worked with great passion on it is Andy Slater. A virtual full front end steering and suspension rebuild, radiator and wiring replacement. The list goes on and on.

Andy Slater - next to 'The Beast' and Josh Beebee - dressed in black suit

We got it to Silverstone for Thursday testing, it overheated when I took it on track. We fettled it for Friday qualifying when Josh and I just managed 3 laps each to qualify 19th out of 40. Not bad, but it still overheated... the old man did a 2.21.5 while hot shoe Josh was ‘learning the track’......
More fettling was done to cool it down for my Saturday race.
The rolling start to the race was hairy! 40 cars barrelling in to the first right hander was frightening, trust me! Lots of diving and weaving.... But at 140mph down the Hangar Straight I could relax and read the instruments.

The classic Mustang race in full flow!!

For four laps it was great fun moving from 19th to 14th....then it overheated again and I justslowed down for the rest of the race finishing 19th I think.
So Andy slept by the car that night for an early start. A bigger radiator was brought up from a friends in Hertfordshire and we fitted another oil cooler....
Josh started the Sunday race full of hope, but it was short lived as the engine started misfiring at 6000rpm. He wisely came in to the pits twice for checks and treated the race as a test session.
So, we finished two races, saw some good potential and now will change the coil and fuel pump to cure the misfire. Then Donnington Sunday 5th September.....

Trevor donates to the Dogs

2010-07-27T01:13:00.001-07:00

Our avid animal lover, Trevor Hurley, has recently reached his 10 year milestone of recognition and loyalty of services to IPU Group.

Rather than choose a keepsake or Red Letter Day experience, Trev asked IPU to make a donation to Birmingham Dogs Home, on his behalf.

The staff at the kennels have passed on their thanks for his kind generosity, and awarded Trevor a gift certificate for his efforts.

Trevor currently shares his home with 5 dogs, 50 snakes (including some baby arrivals), 30 geckos and a red knee tarantula !!

Cherry Oh Baby !!

2010-07-19T06:33:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to our Chinese Business Development Executive, Wenkui (Cherry) Liao, who gave birth to a little baby boy last week.

His name is Tianyi, and he decided to make a 2 week late arrival, weighing in at 7.1 lbs.

Both new parents, Cherry and husband Jonny are said to be overjoyed, and Mom is now having a well deserved rest - Whenever she can (of course!)

Jon Jumps For Fun !!

2010-07-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

WELL DONE to our Sales Engineer Jon Hickman, who spent his weekend bungee jumping off the top of The Transporter Bridge in Middlesborough.

The jump was completed approximately 200 feet above the River Tees, where Jon had to climb 10 flights up a very steep open staircase and cross the cattle grid flooring across the top of the bridge, on what was a very windy day oooop north!

Jon says of the expereince: 'I must say, it is a terrifying, yet amazing feeling! If someone ever says to me jump off a bridge,now I can say 'been there, done that!'

IPU Supports their local Acorns Hospice

2010-07-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

During the 50th Party plans, IPU staff decided to run a charity raffle in order to raise funds for their local Acorns Childrens Hospice based in Walsall. Robert, Gemma and Leanne went to visit the staff and have a tour of the facility last week, and present them a cheque for £2100 raised through a combination of raffle sales and IPU supplier donations !!

The staff were very grateful for our collective efforts, and we are very much hoping to help them out in any other ways that we can during the forthcoming year.

IPU 50th Anniversary Summer Ball

2010-07-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the 19th of June, the Managing Director of IPU Group, Robert Beebee decided to host a party in honour of the company's 50th Anniversary, for all of the staff at IPU and their partners. This was held at The Regency Hyatt Hotel in Birmingham City Centre.

The official photographs and very lavish champagne reception were held on the glass atrium floor above the main hotel lobby.

Once the reception was over, guests made their way into the Symphony Ballroom to take their seats for dinner and to enjoy the entertainment for the evening.

Robert Beebee began the evenings proceedings with his Welcome speech before dinner was served thanking everybody for coming along.

Entertainment during dinner was provided by Comedy Spoof waiters getting up to all kinds of mischief infront of the IPU guests. Pranks included a charicaturist who lost his contact lens on the floor, a drunken waiter and a maintenance man complete with step ladders, coming to fix the air conditioning unit!!

A very glamourous Sarah Beebee helped to present the recognition awards to our long serving members of IPU staff.

Robert was later presented with a surprise cake and present to say thank you from all of the staff who attended the party....

Needless to say, he needed a little help to blow all of those candles out!!

After the live band played, Minty 'The International Superstar' then came on, to provide the crowd with a storming set from his very lavish DJ Booth!

And a great time time was had by all dancing into the small hours.....!

Dougie walks for 'The Children of Watamu'

2010-06-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Douglas Jeffrey (IPU's Scottish Groundcare Sales Manager) and his family, for completing a 10 mile treck from North Berwick Law in East Lothian over to Traprain Law to raise funds for 'The Children of Watamu' - This is a charity run by a british woman in Mombasa, Kenya, that built, and now runs an orphanage for children who would have otherwise ended up living on the streets.

Dougie and his family managed to raise over £800 with the help of his friends at IPU, and will soon be going back to Kenya himself to visit the orphanage. Im sure all the children will be very grateful to see him... Hopefully we can get hold of a further photo report from Dougie's upcoming visit.

IPU helps local Nursery

2010-06-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, staff at IPU Group have been collecting 'Active Kids' vouchers with their shopping and petrol from Sainsburys in order to support the local nursery based across the road called 'Cheeky as Chimps'.

The nursery can then exchange the Active Kids vouchers with Sainsburys for new play and sports equipment for their facility. The staff and children at the nursery were all very pleased to have our support, and are now looking forward to receiving their new toys!

IPU Fantasy Football Team Winners

2010-06-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

Throughout the 2009/10 football league season, members of IPU Group have been running their own fantasy football league as a bit of friendly rivalry between the team! Each member paid £10 to enter the league, with the winnings pot being split between 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Here are the results!!

Andy conquers 'The Ring of Steel'

2010-04-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Our self confessed adrenaline junkie Andy Slater has been 'at it again' last week, when he started on the west coast of Scotland by canoeing up the Caledonian canal to Inverness, over on the east coast.

He then had a quick rest before coming back down again to Glen Nevis, to complete a challenging walk along the 4 summits, aptly named 'The Ring Of Steel' on the Momores range - Rather you than me Andy... It looks rather cold up there!!

Mick joins the IPU Engineering Team

2010-04-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

A warm welcome to Mick Millard who has become the latest recruit to join IPU Group in the Engine Control & Starting area of the business, specialising in Electrical Engineering.

Mick has worked in this type of industry for most of his life. He started at the age of 15 as an apprentice fitter-wireman, where he learnt to manufacture electric control panels. He says it was this way that he gained experience and knowledge of the electrical control manufacturing industry, as has over the years, built for many different environments including automotive, HVAC, foundry equipment, water treatment plants and the Ministry Of Defence.

Mick sights his main hobbies as:

- Snooker and Ten pin bowling
- Evenings out with family & friends
- Gardening
- Spending time with the grandchildren
- DIY during any spare time !

IPU go to the dogs !!

2010-04-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 25th March a group of IPU Staff headed down to Monmore Green Stadium in Wolverhampton for a sponsored greyhound evening held in aid of The Army Benevolent Fund.

IPU Sponsored a race naming it 'The IPU Trophy' here are some of the team presenting the winning dog owner with their prize.

IPU helps out local school.....and beyond !!

2010-03-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

A local school in Dudley which is set for closure this August, has been collecting reading and school text books to send over to a school in Tanzania who have very little in the way of facilities.

Pensnett school teacher Kath Cooper appealed through the local press for help with the project, after being quoted £2000 to carry the shipment over to Dar es Salaam Quay on the coast of Africa.

Steph Harris for our accounts department saw the article, and decided to use her initiative and contact IPU's regular cargo carrier to see if we could obtain a cheaper quote. After using her fantastic female powers of persuasion, the company came back with a fantastic quote of less than £500!!

The children and teachers were very happy indeed that IPU could help them out, and the shipment is due to leave the UK for Africa next week.

A New World Record Set !!!

2010-03-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ben Beebee (Robert the MD's son) and 7 of his friends at Warwick School took part in a challenge this weekend to break the current world record held for bouncing in / on a bouncy castle!

All those taking part in the event were also sponsored by people at IPU amongst others, to rasie money for the NSPCC - The National Society for Protection againsy cruelty to children.

Here they go..... !! The previous world record held was for 25 hours and 25 minutes continuously!! - Looks like it is going to be a very long night ahead with lots of Red Bull !!

Ben and the rest of the team at Warwick School managed to smash the current world record bouncing for over 26 hours continuously!! ,and have also managed to raise over £1650 so far for the charity. A job very WELL DONE lads !!

'IPU Supports Sport Relief 2010'

2010-03-19T07:59:00.001-07:00

On Friday 19th March, IPU held a fundraising day in aid of Sport Relief 2010. Activities included a charity raffle and casual dress day. Some of the staff took that idea a step further by dressing up in their chosen sporting outfits! ( see above)

A grand total of £120.50 was raised throughout the day - Well done team!!

The action shot gone wrong..... !!

Jenny's Fabulous 40th !!

2010-03-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

' Happy Birthday' to Jenny Craddock, our Sales Office Manager, who celebrated her 40th Birthday at the weekend.

Her husband whisked her away on a trip to Paris, and she also celebrate earlier this month by visiting her friend in Rome - One lucky lady who really is looking 'Fabulous' at 40 !!

St Patrick's Day Charity Abseil

2010-03-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

A huge 'WELL DONE!' to the 9 staff members from IPU group, who braved the windy weather this weekend to take part in the St Patricks Day charity abseil, and raise funds for 'The Stroke Association' - So far, they have raised a staggering £1016 between them !!

The event took place at Dudley Castle, and those taking part had to join 500 others, and abseil down the main 50ft high castle wall!!

I didnt think spiderman required any ropes to climb walls !!?? ha ha...

2 New Members for The Starting Team

2010-03-09T03:53:00.000-08:00

The starting section of IPU have gained 2 new members of staff last week, in the form of John Perkins (pictured right) who joins us a Design / Project Manager, and Andy Slater (pictured left) who joins the team of Workshop Engineers.

John Perkins brings with him a wealth of experience in both product design , and the automotive engineering industry. John started his career (many moons ago!) with GEC Switchgear as an apprentice, then trained as a Jig and Tool Designer before joining Sandvik.

John later worked for MGI International designing medical gas pipeline, which saw him going to many far flung places across the world, before joining BMT as an Applications Engineer in the Automotive Industry. In more recent years, has worked on projects for mobile radar systems for the military and jet engine washing systems.

John's interests include queen bee rearing and field sports!

Andy Slater left school in 1998 and studied a modern apprenticeship at Clancey's and Dartec then went onto study Btec and HNC in Mechanical Engineering.

As well as engineering, Andy has a great passion for motorbikes, hiking and rockclimbing and confesses to be a bit of an outdoor survival freak !!

IPU Wins Best Companies Award !!

2010-03-01T07:47:00.001-08:00

10 lucky staff were selected to go on a trip to London last week, and attend the Sunday Times 'Best Small Companies To Work For' Awards Dinner, being held at Battersea Evolution. (Pictured above are the group waiting to leave the hotel and head to the party)

The evening included a sit down dinner with various live entertainment, and guest speaker Kate Silverton from BBC Television, who was host for the evening.

Here's Andy Hill and Leanne Tymoscuk from the Marketing Department showing off the company prize!

IPU Group were awarded a very respectable 50th position out of the 571 companies nationwide who entered this years competition.

IPU's finest audition for 'The Ratpack' (above)

Bye Bye Barbara

2010-03-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

On Thursday 25th of February, the time came for one of IPU's longest standing employees to retire. Barbara Greenhouse has worked in the Accounts Department of IPU for just over 20 years!! (So she basically ran the whole show, and kept her manager Ian Cleary in check ! ha ha )

She celebrated by having an italian lunch with Directors Robert and Ian, and some of her closest friends that she has met at IPU during her time here.

As well as the usual flowers and cards, Barbara will be going to visit her daughter and grandchildren in Washington this summer courtesy of the Management team and staff at IPU.

We wish Barbara all the very best of wishes for her future retirement - Enjoy !!

New Baby Boy Joy !!

2010-02-24T01:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Malcolm Garrett and his partner Lindsey, who has given birth to a new addition to the family.

Baby Kian was born on 9th February, weighing 7lb 1oz. Both Mom and Kian are now doing well resting at home following an operation.

John Nowacki Gets Married!!

2010-02-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to John Nowacki (IPU Cable Technology Sales) and his new wife Kimberley, who got married on Saturday 30th January, at St Peters Church in Bromsgrove.

Baby Ellie, aged 1, was also the flower girl at the wedding!

Best Wishes for a happy future together from all of the staff at IPU Group!

IPU Christmas Party 2009

2010-01-11T05:38:00.000-08:00

Before the Christmas /New year break took place, the IPU team made their annual pilgrimage to Jimmy Spice in Birmingham. Andy Hill, Gemma and Joanne (above) join in the celebrations.

Robert Beebee takes full advantage of the Christmas cracker freebies... Ooh!..Suits you Sir !

Jenny Craddock (right) catches up with old IPU friend Jill Wall, who retired from the company earlier in 2009.

The funny thing is Jo was actually still sober when this picture was taken ...! ha ha .

Andrew Meeks (far right) does his best Goodfellas impersonation for the camera!!

Kevin Haynes joins the IPU Workshop Team

2009-12-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Kevin Haynes becomes the latest new recruit to the IPU Team, joining the IPU Starting workshop, as an Engineer.

Kevin started his career as an Apprentice Tool Fitter, gaining a City & Guilds qualification in Mechanical Engineering in 1970.

He later worked for his fathers company based in Wombourne, involved in plant installation and worked all over the UK.

Kevin then later joined an American based company, as an Installation Engineer mostly installing vibrating equipment into foundries. This job took Kevin all over the world in the 23 years that he was with the company, where he enjoyed living in Spain for a while, then later in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Main Hobbies are supporting London Irish Rugby team, playing and watching golf and is a keen target shooter for which he holds a firearms licence.... DONT MESS WITH BIG KEV !!!

Another new arrival !!

2009-11-23T03:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Stuart King, our Financial Controller and his wife Tamsin, who gave birth to their new son, James, on 21/10/09 weighing a healthy 10lb 2oz.

Both Mom and baby are doing well, and came in to say 'hello' to us all at IPU last week.

IPU Supports Children in Need 2010

2009-11-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

On Friday 20th November, the Staff at IPU took part in a dress down day and Charity prize raffle in aid of the Children in Need Appeal 2010.

A new record of £285 was raised and Pudsey appeared to have lots of fun around the IPU offices with his new friends! (See below)

Leanne, the Marketing Assistant organises the finishing touches to the Charity prize raffle.

YO YO YO !! Pudsey hangs our with his new 'homegirl 'Nardia from Accounts.

Where's Pudsey.....?

Pudsey then gets hijacked by Keith , our Quality Manager, into becoming an honourary Baggies fan for the afternoon!!

Andy Hill gets hitched !!

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

'Congratulations!' to our Marketing Manager Andy Hill, and his lovely wife Ann, who tied the knot on Saturday the 10th of October, at Hornton Grange in Birmingham, amongst family and friends.

The happy couple later went onto celebrate their honeymoon, relaxing on an idyllic beach in Zanzibar.

With Very Best Wishes for the future - from all of the staff at IPU Group.

IPU - Spotted again !!

2009-10-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

" What a picture !! " - Here we see Paul Osborne one of our Sales Office manager's taking time out on his recent holiday to Chicago to visit the Millenium Park, and take this fantastic picture in his IPU T-shirt.

He is standing infront a very impressive sculpture called 'Cloud Gate' which is constructed from a series of highly polished metal plates. Measuring 66 feet long and 33 feet wide and around 110 tons in weight !!

Jeans for Genes 2009

2009-10-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

A well deserved pat on the back is in order for all the staff at IPU who raised £40 for the Jeans for Genes charity on Friday 2nd October - Well Done !!

He Scores !!!!!!!!

2009-09-14T05:41:00.001-07:00

Villa fan Andy Whitehouse gives Birmingham City fan Tom Smyth a consolation smacker after the weekends local derby. The two had a friendly bet with the loser having to dress in drag for the first day back at work. Tom took comfortably to the role, although Trinny and Susannah may have had something to say about his choice of footwear.

We understand that Andy has a beautiful claret and blue ball gown ready for the return fixture later in the season and is already waxing his legs in anticipation.

Kevin Davies joins the IPU Team

2009-08-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Kevin Davies has become the latest recruit to join IPU Group and direct the development and sales of the IPU Extended Oil Life System.

Kevin's career started in the earthmoving and construction industry. He later moved into global distribution of of engine spare parts , before joining Puradyn Ltd in 1995. It was here that Kevin moved up the ranks to MD of the company, before leaving in 2006 to form Maintech, which as of July 2009 has been aquired by IPU Group.

Here are Kevin's 5 interesting facts:

* He lives in Exeter with wife Ruth
* Has previously lived in South Africa and USA, alongside spending extensive time in the Middle and Far East for work purposes
* Interests are Rugby, golf and Motorcycle racing (mostly as a spectator !)
* Likes to get out on a boat in Devon as often as possible
* He claims to have developed a love/hate relationship with travelling around the world !!

Made it !!!!! End of the Mongol Rally

2009-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to say that Craig and Chris finally made it to Ulaan Baatar and successfully completed the rally. They celebrated in style at the finish line party and even managed to track down an Irish bar for a swift half.
Here's their final update..........

Made it through the Russian mountains into Mongolia, lost the sump drain screw and oil of the oil on the way....blocked up the hole with some steel putty which lasted for a 100 miles or so before it fell out....time for some good gaffer tape! This lasted until the next town where we found a mechanic who was able to fit a replacement screw!!

We had to buy a couple of tyres as we suffered 2 punctures and a major blowout which damaged the wheel, however this didn't matter as 30 minutes out of town the gear box gave up. Our Co-Team, who were driving a Suzuki Jimny, towed us back to the town where we got it checked out. Unfortunately it was beyond repair so we had to wave a sad fairwell to the Skoda. Luckily the town was one of the 'drop off' points for the rally car donation, so whilst it needs a new gearbox, the charity still gets the car.

We continue for some time in the Jimny, even stopping to help a local family repair their car in the middle on nowhere!! We arrived in the last town before our final destination, with about 300km to Ulaan Baatar, and noticed that the Jimny was leaking too!! A quick examination revealed that a bearing was smashed to pieces, a nights attempted repair work didn't pay off so the Jimny was 'donated' too. We were still determined to get to the finish line - so we jumped on a mini-bus! Here, Health and Safety doesn't seem to be too much of an issue and it seems normal to cram 5 people onto a row of 3 seats - no need for seatbelts!!

9 hours later we arrived at the finish line, tired and in desperate need of a wash and a shave! It's been a fantastic journey, definately something to tell the grandchildren about......well some of it!!!

IPU gets advertisment in Times SQ, NYC - Well sort of !!!

2009-08-07T01:03:00.000-07:00

Here we see Janet Campbell - Our Head Receptionist, taking time out of her recent break in NYC , and her hectic schedule of sightseeing and shopping, to do a spot of free advertising for IPU Group in Times Square! That's what we like to see Janet - Dedication to the cause !!

Richard Cox Joins IPU

2009-08-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

A Warm IPU welcome to Richard Cox , who is the latest new employee to join us in the position of Sales Engineer for the Engine Control Division of the company.

Prior to joining IPU, Richard spent 34 years with Cummins engine company, in a variety of roles, predominantly based in aftermarket functions. He was worked not only in the UK market, but Africa aswell for a number of years, along with contracts in the Far and Middle East.
Richard has 2 adult sons, and lives at home with wife, Mandy. He likes to spend his spare time fixing mechanical engines, and sometimes a spot of woodcarving!

Here are Richards 5 interesting facts:
* Likes real ales and good red wine
* Listens to Country and Western, 50s & 60s music
* Enjoys stage musicals in either London or New york
* Renovating vintage agricultural tractors and barn engines
* Likes relaxing with a good book

YAK-SHI-MASH !!

2009-08-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

August 2nd and the lads are now in Kazakhstan, here's an update......."Still in kazak, covered another 300 miles yesterday. Ended up stopping in a steak house/ hotel. Had a few beers and vodka with some locals. We are now up to 4370 miles in total. Roads aren't too bad at the moment but still bumpy. Every noise our car develops seems to stop after a bit of off-roading, main noise now is the sump guard bouncing up and down on the 1 side due to the bumpy roads." - no sign of Borat then ?!

Jon's Flirty 30 !!

2009-07-30T03:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Jon Hickman who celebrates his milestone 30th this weekend!

Jon who is a Sales Engineer at IPU, will be having some time off from his non stop fitness regime, and going out in Oxford with friends, followed by a night in a tent !!

He later flies off the much drier and sunnier Cancun for a fabulous holiday on the beach. More on this report later on in August.... !!

Mongol Rally ++++UPDATE 2++++

2009-07-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Considerably hairier than when they left, the intrepid twosome are currently "somewhere in Russia", not the most scenic part by the look of things.

Mongol Rally ++++UPDATE++++

2009-07-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

So far, so good! Craig and Chris have made it through the Czech Republic and Poland and are currently in the Ukraine about a day away from the Russian border. They've been slowed a little by the road quality there, but the Skoda is holding out excellently, well apart from "a rattling exhaust" and "there is something wrong with one of the wheels". We also have to report that they have succumbed to their decadent Western lifestyle and slept for a night in a motel rather than roughing it, apparently "there was nowhere to camp" - as if !!

Here's Johnnie !!!

2009-07-23T04:06:00.001-07:00

Welcome to IPU! Johnnie Kerr has joined the Starting office on a summer work placement, having just completed the 2nd year of an Engineering, Economics and Management degree at Oxford University. For those with geographical interests, Johnnie lives near Stratford-upon-Avon, and to help everyone get to know him a little better, here are 5 'Interesting Facts':

Johnnie:

1: Loves sport, in particular American football, Rugby, Rowing, Golf and Tennis!!
2: Likes electronic music
3: Loves going out with my friends
4: Has a passion for engineering
5: According to some members of the Starting team, has 'wacky' hair!!

Twin Congratulations !!

2009-07-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are due to Tom Smyth and his partner Toni on the birth of their newborn twins Aiden James and Charlotte Rose. The new arrivals could not wait any longer, and decided to join us five weeks early on Saturday 18th July!! Both mother and babies are doing very well.

Mongol Rally Challenge

2009-07-20T00:47:00.000-07:00

Here at IPU we like to support anyone willing to take on a challenge. So when Craig King, the brother of our Financial Controller Stuart King, and his friend Chris Saunders announced they intended to drive a Skoda from England to Mongolia as part of the 2009 Mongol Rally, we jumped at the chance to help out .
The rally, held every two years, is obviously not for the faint hearted, 8 to 10 thousand miles of driving, much of it over desert roads without a Kwik Fit or drive-through McDonalds in sight, has to be taken seriously. We were delighted to offer them some time in our Groundcare workshop where our technicians Ross and Martin gave the Skoda a once over and ensured that it was better equiped for the gruelling journey ahead by fitting radiator guards and engine and sump protection.

The great thing about this rally though, other than the fun for those involved, is that it raises money for Mercy Corps for local projects in Mongolia. IPU and other local companies have made donations to 'Team King Shrimp"and the car will be auctioned upon arrival to raise even more money. If you would like to donate you can do so on:

http://www.justgiving.com/king_shrimp/

The guys headed off on Saturday 18th July, amongst the holiday traffic, with our support and best wishes and, following a 'lap of honour' around the Goodwood race circuit, they were on their way to the continent. The last we heard they had made rapid progress and were in Prague in the Czech Republic. Check back here for updates on their progress.

IPU Canal Boat Trip

2009-07-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Staff at IPU have been enjoying another fun filled night out! This time the event was down 'the cut' in Dudley with a boat trip through the Limestone Tunnels.

When the boat engine was turned off, it was left to volunteers Dave Caddick and Jon Hickman to do a spot of 'legging' along the canal walls to move the boat along the narrow tunnels - Nice legs Dave!!

All that work seems to have tired them out! Now is not the time for a nap guys !!!

'Like a bridge over troubled water....' The IPU team will be there !

The trip was followed by a mexican meal at Chiquito's - Fajitas all round !

Yyyaaarrrriiiibbbaaa!!!

Race for Life 2009

2009-07-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

A big 'Well Done' to Bally Bahia and Joanne Roe for completing the 'Race for Life' event held in Sandwell Valley Park on 28th June 2009. The girls joined 3600 others for the 5km run, which is organised to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK. Bally and Jo are well on their way to collecting in £500 between them, with the help of their supporters here at IPU - excellent effort girls!!!