Glass lockers for fitness clubs

Why Glass Lockers are great for Gyms, Leisure Centres and Fitness Clubs?

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
Glass lockers

Helmsman Glass Lockers are great for gyms and health and fitness clubs as they are aesthetically pleasing and instantly upgrade any space, new or old. These lockers are strong, sanitary and practical. Over the years, we have seen a major increase in demand for glass lockers, especially in new build leisure projects. Take a look at our Down Leisure Centre Project and our St Sidwell’s Leisure Centre Project.

Any new build or refurbishment project, small or large, should consider glass lockers as a changing room storage solution. These lockers will make the space look first-class. Glass is the most luxurious material that we use for our locker doors. The process used is thermic tempering to toughen the glass and make it ‘safe’ for use in lockers. We have a range of Helmsman RAL glass colour options. Take a look!

Because of the tampering process, it is less likely to break and in worse case scenario should it break, it would typically fracture into small, dull pieces. Therefore, it is a relatively safe material that many people can handle without worrying about getting hurt, even if breakage occurs.

Once glass lockers are installed they will not require a lot of maintenance. They are highly sanitary as they do not absorb particles or let them pass through, so the glass doors do not collect germs and bacteria. Especially in more recent times, this should give customers peace of mind to ensure they are safe from the spread of bacteria such as coronavirus. This is one of the many reasons why the new St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre requested glass lockers, they provide style, cleanliness and safety.

As well as glass lockers for gyms, leisure centres and fitness clubs, we manufacture glass cubicles that can match the lockers and create an even more luxurious and sanitary space. Check out our product ranges and contact us for more information today.

Laminate Lockers

6 signs your lockers need an upgrade

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on

6 signs your lockers need an upgrade

With new design, technology and manufacturing processes, there are many reasons why your locker room might need updating.

Are they dated, dark, or needing some TLC?

Gone are the days when lockers were bland, grey, metallic boxes lined up in the school halls. With the development of technology and style, you can now find lockers in a variety of materials, colours and finishes, with an array of accessories.

Dark bland colours such as grey are known to promote negative feelings, such as sadness and anger. Upgrading your dark lockers to brighter colours could promote more positive feelings throughout. Whether your lockers are in a school, leisure centre or office environment. Perhaps choose blue, with associations to stability, harmony and trust, white to showcase cleanliness and humility, or a wood effect finish to create an earthy and peaceful feel.

 

Not enough Lockers (or Cubicles)

Perhaps when you started out you only had 3 people working in the office and now you’ve got 30. Or your leisure centre had a competitor down the road who’s closed down so your customer base has skyrocketed. Whatever the reason, you no longer have enough lockers or cubicles available.

With a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations, you may well be able to fit more lockers and cubicles in the same space. It just takes a bit of creative thinking.

 

Your company is becoming more sustainable

You’ve introduced a cycle to work scheme in the office – brilliant! But no one wants to cycle to work in the rain and sit in an office in wet clothes all day. Invest in some heated lockers and you’ll probably find more people take up on the scheme. With a variety of options available, including timers, thermostats, as well as a variety of colours, locks and finishes, your team can have their clothes dry before they leave at the end of the day.

 

You want new lockers that are easier to clean

Particularly in recent times, the idea of cleanliness, washing our hands and keeping germs at bay has been in the forefront of people’s minds. With a variety of materials available, modern lockers are easier to keep clean, and some even have protection against germs.

Essential Metal Lockers are simple to maintain, with a practical design and slim structure and are easily wiped down to reduce the risk. Laminate Lockers are also ideal, with anti-bacterial laminate available for better protection against germs.

 

Your lockers are no longer secure

Over time, older lockers can deteriorate, with the metal rusting or locks being broken. Newer locker designs, whether they be metal, laminate, glass or an alternative are designed to stand the test of time. Plus, with a variety of new technologies, whether you want a basic key, a coin return lock, a key strap, a combination lock or a digital lock, lockers have never been so secure. Now could be the best time to upgrade yours.

 

You just feel like a change!

Whether you’ve had your lockers for 5 months or 5 years, sometimes we just fancy a change, and that’s ok! With brand new technology, sustainable practices and materials being developed all the time, you may want to upgrade sooner than planned!

Have you been thinking about updating yours? Contact Helmsman today to find out how we can help!

6 reasons to choose Helmsman Lockers

6 Reasons to choose Helmsman Lockers and Cubicles

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on

6 Reasons to choose Helmsman Lockers and Cubicles

Helmsman Lockers & Cubicles is a family run business

With a strong commitment and an extensive history in the industry, Helmsman Lockers and Cubicles has all the benefits of a family-run business, whilst still being one of the UK’s top manufacturers and installers. The company has been built on strong family values and good relationships, with a team of long-serving employees, suppliers we have worked with for years and repeat customers returning with new projects. We believe in the power of teamwork, harnessing and playing to each member’s strengths resulting in a business whose value and effectiveness is greater than the sum of its parts.

 

We’re the whole package

Not only do Helmsman supply a huge range of products, including lockers, cubicles, bench seating, IPS and vanity units, we also are the UK’s only turnkey manufacturer. With our fantastic team, we can support you from design, manufacture and installation all the way through to our after-sales support. We really do offer the complete package for your project.

 

Bespoke Lockers and Cubicles projects

Because we are the only company in the UK to offer the full package, Helmsman offers not only off-the-shelf products but can also create bespoke solutions for your project. Whether this be aluminum, steel, glass or solid grade laminate. We offer a range of colours and styles, as well as options and accessories such as heated lockers, charging lockers, and different locking systems, plus we can provide solutions for awkward corners, uneven floors or even curved walls.

 

Helmsman lockers come with a warranty – but they’ve been known to last over 50 years!

Our products come with a warranty, and a lifetime of support and after-sales service, (more on that later!) However, we were once contacted by a lovely lady from Shropshire about some replacement keys for her lockers. As standard practice we requested some photos of the item to identify the lock and received a selection of photos of lockers from 50 years ago, even with the old Helmsman logo still intact. With a product lasting that long, this is another great reason to choose Helmsman for your project.

Helmsman original logo

 

After Sales Service

From minor repairs to complete refurbishment, Helmsman can provide you with the necessary service, maintenance and after-service facilities. We offer a complete range of after-sales care and service, ranging from a regular maintenance contract to ad hoc repairs. We also stock a comprehensive range of replacement parts available for immediate delivery, maximizing the life of our products.

 

Experience and knowledge of lockers and cubicles with a history spanning 230 years

The Helmsman brand and company originates from Bristol Docks around 1790 when it was a manufacturer of wooden parts for ships. By 1875 it was located in the West India Dock in London making galvanized iron tanks and cisterns for bulk liquid storage. The factory later relocated to Walthamstow, and then suffered a direct hit from a V2 rocket in 1944, killing the chairman and several employees. In the 1960s the company was manufacturing bulk tanker lorry bodies for transporting items such as grain or flour.

During the early 1970s the company moved to its current home in Bury St Edmunds, manufacturing lockers for the school, industry and leisure markets. Over 40 years later, Helmsman are the UK’s leading manufacturers and installers of a complete range of lockers and cubicles, with the original wooden sailor figure standing in our entrance.

Helmsman history

Need any more convincing? Contact us today or fill in our quote form here.

School and staff lockers covid secure

How to ensure your school and staff lockers are covid secure?

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
School and staff lockers covid secure

We all thought 2021 would be the year where things will be ‘normal’ again, however, as we are going into 2022, this is not the case. Coronavirus is still a major scare, and we all want to stay protected. Many schools, offices and workplaces have changed the way they run and take extra precautions to protect students and staff across the board.

One simple way to promote good hygiene in the school and office environments is by reducing the number of items that enter the small rooms, meeting rooms and classrooms from outside environments. Even after we move on from the pandemic, responsible hygiene practices will remain a key focus for schools, offices and the wider community.

Student lockers

Many parents are concerned about the number of things their children will have to carry around the school, especially if they have expensive smartphones, tablets or laptops. Therefore, more and more parents want their children to have a locker.

If students are staggered and there is a timetable when students can use their lockers during different periods of the day, school lockers are not only a great storage solution, but they eliminate the risk of students carrying too many items during the day. Going from one classroom to another carrying all their belongings, then they are at higher risk of picking up germs, from surfaces and transporting it around wherever they go around the school and taking it back home too.

The virus can survive and live on various surfaces for up to 72 hours. Our Essential Metal Lockers are extremely simple to maintain and keep clean with their practical design and slim structure. They don’t take up too much space, so they can fit into a narrow hallway without feeling too cramped or causing too much overcrowding. They can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth each day to get rid of any lingering germs too. Each locker can be safely locked with a key or its locker padlock, for extra security.

Our laminate lockers are also ideal for schools, as anti-bacterial laminate can be supplied for better protection against germs. These lockers are durable and reliable as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Staff lockers

Teachers and other members of staff are now returning to work, and they need to feel safe and secure in their workplace. Many teachers require a lot of supplies during their teaching day, which may be hard to keep out of the reach of young children. This again is another risk for the transmission of the virus and germs spreading around the classroom unnecessarily. Providing staff lockers gives employees a space to store high valued belongings such as laptops that they may not want to travel with back and forth every day.

Leaving such items securely in their lockers, sealed with their locker padlock or an individual key gives them peace of mind. It also means that they are carrying less on their commute home, and this is crucial in these present times, especially if their main form of transportation is on public buses or trains. The less they are carrying, the less chance of their belongings being touched by strangers and any germs being spread around further.

For more information about what we can offer you and how we can ensure your lockers are covid secure email us at enquiries@helmsman.co.uk or give us a call on 01284 727626.

What is BREEAM? - Helmsman

What is BREEAM?

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
What is BREEAM? - Helmsman

What is BREEAM & how does it help sustainability?

BREEAM stands for the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It is the worlds longest approved method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of a building. The goal is to minimise the negative impact that building projects can have on the environment.

BREEAM has a credit system, which is ranked by different sustainability requirements. If the requirements are fulfilled by architects, builders, and developers, then they will be awarded the credits depending on how they respond to the criteria. BREEAM credits should be considered at the design stage of the project as sustainability should be the driving force of any construction project.

How can Helmsman help with these requirements?

Helmsman uses sustainable, long-lasting, recyclable and environmentally friendly materials to manufacture lockers and cubicles. We are always trying to improve and help the environment locally and globally. More and more, we have builders and architects requesting lockers and cubicles that will help them gain the BREEAM credits.

BREEAM has cycling facility guidelines, which we have applied to our lockers and cubicle ranges in size, convenience and material. Our folding bike lockers allow people to have an option to cycle and store all cycling gear. In big cities, traffic and high pollution are major pain points. Having an option of a bike locker in a public building or an office relieves this pain point. Cyclists can relax knowing that their bikes and personal items such as helmets and bags are safe and secure when are using a locker for storage.

We also manufacture heated lockers that allow you to dry damp clothes and towels. These include a heated tube at the bottom of the heated locker. Perforations inside of the locker allow hot air to circulate and evenly and quickly dry these items.

Another key guideline for us is the changing room facilities for cyclists. We manufacture showers, toilets and changing cubicles. We have a Glass Cubicle range, Leisure, Inline and High Line ranges. The materials we use are recyclable and follow an approved FSC supply chain which ensures that the forest environment is protected globally.

At least two of the facility guidelines must be provided for the users to achieve the available BREEAM credits. We can supply all these options and more, having sustainable and recyclable products.

For more information on how we can help you with your BREEAM projects, please contact us today!

Multipurpose metal lockers

What’s the best locker for multipurpose use?

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
Multipurpose metal lockers

The locker industry has come a long way, but it all began in ancient Greece approximately 2500 years ago. Back in those days, changing room and the locker room was an essential part of competition and training centres for athletes. Even then lockers had a multipurpose and multi-user functionality. We all know that a locker is a unit, usually with narrow storage compartments available in changing rooms, locker rooms or dressing rooms. Some facilities may have a locker room attendant who can look after your belongings until you come back to take them. Since the conceptualisation of lockers, they have always been used to store valuable personal items.

Today’s lockers can be found in many different locations, not just changing rooms or specific locker rooms. They can also be in shopping malls, hospitals, and offices. Lockers can have many purposes, storage still being the main function but with additional purposes of charging sockets for smart devices, drying clothing, and distributing items such as uniforms.

Helmsman has been manufacturing lockers for over 40 years. We define ourselves as are bespoke manufacture of lockers and cubicles. Even the standard metal lockers can be modified to specific and bespoke sizes to fit any environment and project.

Multipurpose Metal Lockers

Our Essential Metal Lockers are the lockers that can do the job in any environment or location. These multipurpose lockers are suitable for schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and workplaces. We offer a safe and secure storage solution for personal possessions, tools, books, gym bags and other valuables.

Helmsman essential range can use different locking systems for multipurpose use. For example, the KL1000 locking system is one of the most innovative ideas to surface in access control for a while. This allows the lock to operate with a single-use code. The guest enters a personal four-digit code twice to confirm the correct entry. Anyone could use these lockers, staff, or customers.

For more information about our Essential Metal Lockers range contact us today.

Helmsman Care for Sustainability

Helmsman Care for Sustainability

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
Helmsman Care for Sustainability

How are we helping?

Climate change has always been a concern, more so recently. Here at Helmsman, we agree that the recent global events have made us conscious about our decisions to protect the environment. We’re passionate about manufacturing bespoke, high-quality lockers and cubicles that are innovative, modern, and sustainable too.

Helmsman promotes the sustainable manufacture of lockers and cubicles through our chain of suppliers. We aim to work with companies that care as much as we do to ensure projects have as little of a negative impact as possible. Therefore, we try to use sustainable and recyclable materials whenever we can.

The material we use, such as Solid Grade Laminate, Glass, Timber and Metal, can be 100% recyclable. The type of material we use to make our products have a long-lasting shelf life. This is reflected by our endorsement from the Forest Stewardship Council®.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) are an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Recognised as the ‘hallmark of responsible forest management, FSC® are committed to protecting and maintaining natural communities and high conservation value forests whilst respecting the rights of workers, communities, and indigenous people.

As an FSC certified company, we share this commitment and can uphold the chain of custody for our responsibly sourced laminates to you and your projects.

We are also partnering with BioCarbon laminates to provide sustainable laminate solutions including carbon neutral laminates. Read more about our partnership here.

We want to protect the environment and make a difference. To find out more contact us. We’re available via email at enquiries@helmsman.co.uk, or alternatively, give us a call at 01284 727626.

FSC® Licence code: FSC-C166047

FSC trademark
Refurbishing lockers and cubicles

Prime Time for Refurbishment

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
Refurbishing lockers and cubicles

Summer months can be the perfect opportunity to schedule projects to upgrade and refurbish changing areas and locker rooms in schools and sports facilities. Security and durability are highly important when refurbishing your lockers and cubicles. At Helmsman, we can replace locks, keys, locker doors and cubicle locks if needed. We can even add more security to your changing room cubicles with anti-peep rails and anti-finger trap solutions. We have a variety of cost-effective options.

School Sector

School lockers see a lot of action. Vandalism issues aside, school lockers need to withstand daily use. Metal lockers have been a favourite of schools; however, we have noticed a new trend from schools using laminate lockers. Laminate lockers are aesthetically pleasing, and more so are incredibly durable.

Many schools are still favouring cam locks and swivel locks as a locking system. These locking systems are easily interchangeable and Helmsman can offer swivel locks and padlocks as a pair for your school lockers. Locker keys and master keys are also easily replaceable. We manufacture keys in-house.

Helmsman can provide metal and laminate colour samples for large projects if doors need to be replaced because of damage or wear and tear. Changing locker doors is a hassle-free job, and depending on the number of lockers, our installation and service team can have it in place in no time. Summer holidays are the perfect time to renew and replace lockers and cubicles. During this time, schools are empty, and maintenance work can without any disturbance.

Leisure Sector

Leisure facilities, gyms and spa health centres are oozing luxury as they mostly use digital locks for smart-looking lockers. We can replace digital locks or can replace doors and upgrade your lockers with digital locks. The advantages of having leisure lockers with digital locks are endless. Security and convenience is a top priority for the customer.

Helmsman can easily replace your old wrist straps if you still choose to use the reliable key and strap. Master key or locker key replacements are easily achievable and will be with you in no time by post. Other replacement and refurbishment services, including cubicles, can be assessed by a site survey and replaced by our installation and maintenance team.

We offer free consultation about the services you may require and help you decide what is best for your site. Helmsman specialists would be happy to do a site survey for large projects before refurbishing your lockers and cubicles. Our service goes beyond the leisure and school industries too. We can refurbish offices and other commercial sites.

For more information, get in touch with us today! Email service@helmsman.co.uk or fill in our contact form here.

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Staycation at Holiday Park - Lockers and Cubicles

Staycation Season

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on
Staycation Season

Are you ready for the Staycation Season?

Are your lockers and cubicles ready for the staycation season this summer? Many holiday parks and camping sites will be booked up this year.

As much as we all want that Mediterranean sun, we are still choosing to stay closer to home. Many are choosing to enjoy the summer season of staycations. We have some of the best hiking, coastal spots and outdoor activities right here in the UK.

Holiday parks and camping sites have been refurbished and updated due to the increased number of customers. Many holiday parks have chosen to renew or refurbish their washrooms and changing room facilities such as lockers, cubicles and benches. We are able to create a stylish and contemporary environment. Check out our recent case study on Bunn Leisure lockers refurbishment.

Contact us on 01284 727626 or email us at hello@helmsman.co.uk for a quote and free site survey.

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Education lockers

An Education on Lockers

Posted by Kamile Speteliunaite on

When we think about school lockers, those of us of a certain age remember banks of grey metal lockers in changing rooms or small compartment storage in hallways where you swapped out your books for whatever classes were in. They were loud, uninspiring and unattractive.

Today, lockers are an integral part of everyday school life and increasingly form an essential part of the design of the school. The addition of colour, either as part of the school’s identity or to delineate different age groups and areas, has transformed the appearance of lockers, while their use has changed over the years.

Evolution

Locker manufacturers are constantly developing their products to adapt to modern life. From student lockers to staff lockers, uniform lockers and now PPE, manufacturers such as Helmsman Lockers and Cubicles are always innovating to create the best fit for purpose equipment.

Student lockers

From giving students a sense of identity and ‘contributing’ to health and safety and security, lockers are a way of life for them and form an integral part of the performance of the school. They often provide the school equivalent of a watercooler area where students meet and socialise with those, not in their classes. Functionally they reduce loss and crime allowing for the safe storage of personal items, expensive smartphones and electronics while psychologically they offer so much more.

Teacher lockers

It is amazing how often schools have lockers for students while leaving no provision for other people by offering them mere pigeonholes. Often overlooked as part of the design process, lockers are just as important to staff and teachers as they are to students. The ability to lock away personal items and have the facility for storing uniforms is important. Staff charging compartment lockers are ideal for storing personal bags and items and charging personal phones and other electronic equipment. Modern compartment lockers now come complete with plugs and USB sockets to store phones, tablets and laptops safely, while charging them at the same time and in between their busy schedules.

Post Pandemic teaching

Over the coming years, ‘pandemic’ lockers will be needed to allow for the regular changing of clothes, storage of PPE and other items designed to minimise cross-contamination and infection.

The latest Government guidelines on operation guidance for schools gives best practice advice for schools and colleges and encourages storing as much personal equipment as possible, including bags and coats, to minimise transmission.

More information on lockers and their specification, as well as about cubicles, vanity units and seating, is available from Helmsman on 01284 727626 or email sales@helmsman.co.uk 

Heavy Duty Primary School Lockers
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