Shaun Murkett Acoustic Consultants Ltd. Tel 020 7923 7275

Some of the high-profile West End stores required deliveries of fresh food to the stores late at night, in order to be prepared for the next day's trading. In predominantly residential areas this raised concerns over potential noise issues with local residents. We were called in to investigate and undertake noise surveys and give professional advice, initially to logistics staff, but as the project continued, the effects and solutions covered a wide part of the organisation. A working dialogue was soon established with the local store management, the residents and the local authority. A series of reports were issued, each with detailed recommendations covering a broad range of working practices. Our reports were discussed at board level; the issues successfully resolved, including the introduction of super quiet natural gas powered delivery trucks for deliveries late at night to stores in sensitive residential areas. We have since been called in on other noise issues at stores, following the successful conclusion of the first major project. We are also regularly commissioned to undertake pre-purchase noise assessment tests on new plant and equipment.This effectively prevents future expensive and costly noise issues, and is part of an ongoing noise awareness for senior management.

Marks and Spencer, Kings Road