At ASPL we invest a considerable amount of effort in researching, trialling & developing new & improved products based on the feedback we get from our customers.
If you are unable to find a product that we currently offer then please let us know. Possibly we already have it under development, if not we would welcome the opportunity to discuss its development with you.
Recent new products include:
BT3040SE - an amazing tube bracket that allows you to fix 30mm square tube at any angle to a 40mm NB post.
ST.P-2.4 - the very popular Stan Pool fence has now been upgraded. It is now 2.4m in length (used to be 2.2m.) This makes Stan all the more economical to install, especially for longer fence runs. This improvement comes at no additional cost. The highly affordable Stan is now even more economical.
ST.S - 2.4 - like the Stan Pool, the Stan Security fence is now available as a 2.4m length, making the Stan Security even more economical, especially since we have not increased the price by a single dollar. We have also made some technical changes to the Stan Security fence to improve upon its appeal. The fence now sports a tubular top end, with a spiked bottom end. Or you can install the fence as flat bottom with a spiked top. In addition Stan has a kink installed along the length of the fence to dramatically reduce flexing.
Is your Security Fencing a "Man Trap"?
A story was recently presented to the ASPL team regarding “man traps” followed by a query as to whether our Spike Razor Tops and Spike Security Panels are “man traps”? This query spurred a kind of research frenzy...we thought we knew everything about our product and the legislation surrounding it. Could it be that we were not fully informed?
The Spike Razor Tops have been manufactured with the idea that it was a visual deterrent to any potential wrong-doers. Once the sharp looking spikes were seen on top of the fence or building edge, the person would not wish to scale that fence or building. If the offender knowingly continued to attempt to trespass, the spikes would only then act as a physical obstacle.
We, here at ASPL exerted considerable effort in investigating and analysing the ambiguous content surrounding “hazardous fencing”, which includes our Spike Razor Top product and our Bulldog Spike Security Top fence panels.
Our search commenced with contacting the Ministry of Education. Through this call it was discovered that “No”, this form of fencing was not ‘illegal’ but ‘advised against’. It would apparently be very difficult to get a school board to consent to the erection of a ‘hazardous fence’ around a school; a curious assumption considering the number of schools who have purchased Spike Security Fencing. The relevant literature school boards must consult includes the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Ministry’s Health and Safety Code of Practice for Schools. The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 calls for any potential hazard to be eliminated, isolated or minimised in schools or around any such place of employment. Examples to put these 3 necessitates into perspective would include ‘elimination’ (cutting off the spikes), ‘isolation’ (the Spike Razor Tops or Spike Security panels being in an area where there are no pedestrians or likelihood that people will go near them) or ‘minimisation’ (signposting or having the fence high enough that passersby will not accidentally or easily be harmed by them). The ‘State Schools Property Management Handbook’ by the Ministry of Education explains that fencing should create a welcoming innuendo while concurrently providing a barrier to discourage unwanted guests...especially in the closed periods. This provides a difficult task for school boards, as the messages to be portrayed somewhat contradict each other. The literature follows on to say that the Ministry would expect the school board to either sand the arrow tops down, bend them over or cut them off...the risks must be eliminated, isolated or minimised under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Ministry’s Health and Safety Code of Practice for Schools. Undertaking further research, it seems that the above recommendations are not the only solution. For example, making the fencing high enough that the risk is not presented to the passersby is one option, also ensuring that the spikes are obvious and can be seen is another.
Nevertheless, to assist ASPL customers in bypassing any potential issues, we are in the process of developing a warning sign that can be fixed to the structure with the spikes to provide a warning to any passerby that the top of the structure is sharp and will cause harm if scaled. These are available for purchase from ASPL. The warning signs concur with legislation which calls for hazards to be minimised.
Next on the agenda was to determine whether our Bulldog Spike Security Panels and the Spike Razor Tops are “man traps”. New Zealand Police define ‘man traps’ as Security devices set in place to deliberately cause harm to another unassuming human (the hazardous object is hidden). The different sources used to establish the conclusion that our Spike Razor Tops and Spike Security Panels are NOT “man traps” was the Auckland City Council, The Department of Labour and the police. The responses are as follows:
Auckland City Council:
There are no regulations or restrictions regarding spike top or razor top fencing in the Auckland City region. The only real regulation the Auckland City Council enforces is that if a fence is over 2 metres high, resource consent must be sought. The Auckland City Council recommended that Health and Safety legislation be consulted.
Government Legislation / Department of Labour / Health and Safety:
There is no government legislation (that I could uncover) that determines the kind of security fencing that is erected around a private property or place of business (unless pools are being fenced). Interestingly, none of the persons contacted were aware of a ‘man trap’ law.
New Zealand Police
In the course of contacting the New Zealand Police, we were informed that a man trap (under their definition) is:
Security devices set in place to deliberately cause harm to another unassuming human. If it cannot be seen by the potential offender it is a ‘man trap’; if it can be seen or is clearly signposted, the security devise is not a man trap and is simply used to send a certain message to potential offenders.
Subsequent to a decent discussion with the policeman, it was concluded that ASPL’s Spike Razor Tops and also the Spike Security Top fence panels are not “man traps” as they can be seen, making it obvious that they can cause harm if climbed upon. It was determined that the products being erected send out a specific message to potential offenders as opposed to being erected with the intention to harm another person.
So, is ASPL’s Bulldog Spike Razor Top product or Spike Security Panel a “man trap”?
Answer: NO.
Compliance Checklist
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The structure you are putting SRT on is 1.8m or taller
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The spikes on the Spike Razor Top or the Spike Security Panel are not hidden or disguised in any way
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The Spike Razor Tops or the Spike Security Panels are not in a place which would present a risk to any passerby
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The structure is clearly sign posted with a warning/caution regarding the spikes
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I have double checked any regional council bylaws relating to security structures
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I have double checked that there is no legislation surrounding the security structure I want to erect in my place of work or in a public arena.
For more information or help on legislation you can call the Department of Labour on 0800 209 020.
Residential Fencing "A Real Asset"
This is a reminder and confirmation that fencing is an absolute and definite asset to any residential property.
A property on the rental or buyers market must cater to the wide and varied public; does the prospective buyer have children, pets or are they people who like privacy and to be hidden from people neighbours? All of the aforementioned people and more will relish the idea of not having to erect a fence after moving in to their new house and will be willing to pay more for a property which already caters to their needs.
When talking to a seasoned Real Estate agent who has been in the game for around 25 years, Sheryl Anderson assured me that a fence is an irrefutable asset; Sheryl continued to tell me of a house she recently sold where the buyers bargained down the price by a significant amount as they would have to erect a fence for their children and dog; the amount the sellers lost far exceeded the cost of erecting a fence!
Furthermore, fenced rental properties will yield greater rental as confirmed by an article fronted “Hot Tips to maximise your rental property” by Allen Realty Ltd. The article provides 5 tips to gain higher rental payments; the second tip states “Fenced is better”. The article stipulates:
“Fenced properties appeal to a wider group of tenants-those who want privacy, are security conscious (most tenants these days), and those who have children.
A fenced property versus an unfenced one, will secure a higher rental from tenants in these groups. Since fencing is an "improvement" it also adds to the capital value.”
So, if a fence increases the value of your property; what ways can you maximise the potential increase in value when choosing your fence?
• Style – What image would you like to convey with your fencing? What do the houses around you have? Sometimes your fence style can be influenced by the fence styles used in your neighbourhood; especially if you live in a semi detached or compound style neighbourhood (Gulf Harbour, for example, where all of the properties must have a consistent look). Do you want to express an intimidating sense of security with a 1.8-2.1m high spike top security fence? Or would you like to convey a welcoming innuendo with a shorter landscape fence style of around 0.95m high?
• Finish – Powder coated or Hot Dipped Galvanised, Epoxy or non Epoxy. Be aware, some pre galvanised fences (usually the modular fences [In ASPL’s case the Bulldog Boss and Duke Ranges]) MUST be Powder Coated prior to erection. Powder Coating colours the fence to practically any colour you can imagine and you can choose from a number of finishes including matt, satin and gloss. The powder coating colour and finish you choose can make your fence as inconspicuous or visually loud as you wish.
Hot Dipped Galvanised fences are a silvery colour and provide excellent corrosion protection. If you live in a corrosive area such as around salt water, thermal activity or other potentially corrosive environments, you should opt for an extra coating of Epoxy which will significantly extend the life of your fence and the powder coating. The salt in the air reacts chemically with the steel and causes rusting.
• Height – Is the fence going to be serving a specific purpose? Do you need it for a pet, for children, for security, a pool or for a styling statement?
Fencing comes in a number of heights; these include landscape, pool, motorway, kindi and security.
Landscape height is generally between 900 and 1000mm.
Pool height is only compliant at 1200mm or higher. Keep in mind, a property which has a pool without a fence is a liability; erecting a compliant pool fence (1200mm or higher, an anti scale distance of over 900mm, the bottom horizontal no more than 100mm off the ground and vertical bar spaces of no more than 100mm) need not be expensive and difficult with the help of ASPL.
Motorway fencing is sturdier than pool and landscape fencing and is around the same height.
Kindi fencing is around 1.5m high and is perfect for properties that house children and larger pets.
Lastly are the security heights, typically 1.8-2.1m high; with the different styles that ASPL offer, these security fences can exude menace (use Spike top styling or a Spike Razor Top accessory) or a friendly request to those around your property that it is not to be entered. Bear in mind that your local council should be consulted prior to the installation of a tall fence as height restrictions may be enforced around your area. If you have questions regarding any of the fencing mentioned above, call the knowledgeable staff at ASPL on 09-427 4980 OR 0800 FENCENZ, also always consult your local council bylaws.
• Spacing of verticals – For fencing which does not require specific compliance to any bylaws, the width of vertical bar spacing can massively alter the look and weight of a fence. For an un-imposing look go for narrower wire (Stan or Max); for a bulkier, sturdier fashion statement go for a Boss or Duke fence with larger tubular verticals.
The evidence is irrefutable; fencing is an asset, something that you pay for now but will yield greater fiscal benefits in the future.
Gaining the peace of mind that you have a high quality, long life product to keep your kids and pets in, intruders out and maintain privacy will be worth more than financial benefit on the sale or rental of your property.
Bear in mind the variables you should consider to get the most out of your fence: style, finish, height and function. Always check any legislation regarding fencing in your area before making a decision.
If you have any questions regarding landscape fencing, pool fencing, motorway fencing, kindi fencing, security fencing, gates and fittings do not hesitate to call the friendly team at ASPL for a chat (0800 FENCE NZ).
Optimising Your Website
This topic is a worldwide phenomenon. Technology advances force paradigm shifts in importance of different marketing techniques and platforms. Gone were the days of only being able to scour the morning paper for deals or going to your one trusted shop (Farmers and Foodtown for my nana)...Those who deny that a website which is competitive in Google rankings, easy to use and attractive to the potential customer must step out of their stone cave and accept the inevitable.
To consider; what are your goals in having a website?
• PARAMOUNT! Communicate with your customers
• Portray who you are
• Inform your potential customers what you offer
• Educate your potential customers about products and services available to them
Having a decent website will build trust between yourself and your customers and will be easy to understand whilst offering plenty of information thus nurturing repeat business.
Your website can be your point of difference...It is one of the strongest marketing tools you have. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.
For some, the idea of building, updating or maintaining a website is like cycling up a hill backwards, however it need not be an impossible feat.
The first step is to find a suitable hosting company which offers a holistic approach/service where they will develop, host and optimise the site. You will find it much easier to have all of your eggs in the one basket as opposed to having to jump (often playing a mediator) between three parties for the maintenance and optimisation of the site. It also ensures that all of the people working on your site are on the same page where communication lines are more open. Ensure that the host you chose has search engine optimisation specialists who can provide you with long term guidance and support services.
The website hosting company you chose will most likely sort out the HTML for you. Some will offer you a “word editor” which instantly updates the HTML as you type into a word screen. This can be both a blessing and a burden. Sometimes having access to that HTML will save you many dollars as some hosting organisations will not let you change the HTML which is responsible for lots of functions including background colour and changing templates...then they will charge you big dollars to alter that HTML themselves.
Here at ASPL, we are investing a lot of time and effort into improving our websites for our customers and also their effectiveness in Google.
A few activities we have been undertaking (we are in the beginning stages, there is a lot more to do) include layout changes, prioritization, keyword infiltration, consistency of keywords and content additions, but most importantly, we are trying to develop meaningful, quality links with other relevant companies. Google highly rates links with other companies. This is the simple reason: If you have many other websites linking to yours, it shows Google that your content is of high value and relevant.
Try to develop links in each of your important landing pages which you are optimizing.
If you would like to develop a reciprocal link with any of ASPL’s websites, contact us on 09-427 4980 or at sales@aspl.co.nz.
Other links which are helpful are those to online articles or other sources. Not only have you developed another link, but you can offer your customers more information, henceforth gaining trust and giving an impression of expertise.
Here are some tips which can help you to optimise your website
General
1) Try to have bold colours on your website that will reflect the look of your company. This creates continuity which helps your audience recognise you from simply your colour use.
2) Use images which will not take a long time to load (compress them using an image editor prior to uploading the image) and ensure to name their alt tags with key words or relevant names.
3) Try to have a call to action on each page which allows the user to easily take their interest further, e.g., To contact us, click here.
4) Make sure your information is easy to follow and emits the right tone
5) Contact details should be easily found and clearly displayed
6) Build trust with your customers by offering information about the services which you offer, such as testimonials, guarantees and personnel information.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
1) Ensure you have links coming in to almost all of your pages (if possible). It tells a search engine that you evidently have large amounts of worthwhile content.
2) Your website, no matter how large or small, should have a site map which links every page on the site. This will help the search engine robots find every page with just two clicks. A small site will more commonly have a ‘navigation bar’.
3) Develop keywords for each landing page which will be strewn throughout that page and put those keywords in the title tag for that page. These words should be relevant to your site and spelt the same throughout the page...i.e. if you decide that one of your keywords are “fence” make the title tag include “fence” and then put that word throughout that entire page; make sure you do not change the term through the page to “fences” or “fencing”.
4) Words in titles and content are prioritised, so use the most important keywords and relevant words first.
5) Put as much information as you can on each page you wish to optimise. Have a few pages of articles which are related to your website to increase the amount of content and potential keyword use. Use different keyword search terms for each different article. Any homepage should have 300 words on it...at least.
6) Use your keyword search term for the page as the page title and title tag. This makes the page very relevant and more likely to rank highly on Google. Ensure that the keyword/phrase is consistent.
To further discuss any of the topics covered in this article, feel free to contact Amy at amy@aspl.co.nz.
Alternately, there are numerous sites with an abundance of SEO tips and information on Google.
ASPL
20Anvil Road,
Silverdale, 0932
PO Box 120, Silverdale, 0944
www.aspl.co.nz
09-427 4980
