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Chill factor pays as temperatures soar




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Soaring temperatures have meant fun in the sun for many this week, and a boom in sales for firms in the business of helping people to cool off.

As the mercury rises so does the demand for ice cubes — good news for The Ice Company (Polarcube) Ltd, on Jessop Way, Newark, which distributes nationwide.

In the hottest week of the year so far, with temperatures nearing 30ºC — higher than the previous two summers — Ice Company staff still feel the chill in areas of the factory as low as -28ºC.

The company produced a million pallets of ice cubes in June alone, and took on three more staff, taking its total to 35.

The operations administrator at the factory, Mr Nigel Coe said: “It’s very good at the moment, a few more weeks like this and we shall be away.

“June was an excellent month for us. The last two summers haven’t been that good but so far this year we are doing well.”

Mr Coe said it was only in the cold store that staff worked in temperatures as low as -28ºC and on the factory floor the temperature was normal.

The heatwave has also been welcomed by Water At Work, on Bingham Industrial Estate, which supplies water coolers to businesses and homes in the East Midlands and has seen about a 40% increase in the number of bottles sold.

The business belongs to mother-of-two Tanya Rostron, of Scarrington, who set it up 12 years ago after being made redundant from her job in marketing.

Tanya Rostron said they normally sold about 700 bottles a week but this had risen to about 1,000.

She said: “It has been brilliant. I have never known anything like this. It’s incredible. In two days we have had 16 new contracts, which is superb.”

She said the demand for domestic water coolers had increased dramatically.

Tanya Rostron said: “People are wanting to have coolers at home. I think it’s because doctors are recommending people drink quality water.”

She said customers also liked the environmentally-friendly aspect of the coolers because all the bottles were recyclable.

Tanya Rostron said: “The heatwave is good news. We’ve taken on two part-time staff and if the business keeps going like this it will be the start of more.”

It’s not all work, however, as people seek sweet treats to help them stay cool.

Thorntons in the Market Place, Newark, had already doubled its target of ice-cream sales by Wednesday this week.

The assistant manager of the branch, Belinda Corah, said: “When it is really hot we are busy with ice-cream sales constantly.

“We were prepared for it and have an extra freezer upstairs. If we do run out, we can phone for an emergency supply.”

Although welcomed by many, hot weather can also bring problems and has prompted timely health warnings for both people and animals.

The RSPCA is reminding dog owners not to keep dogs in cars, caravans or conservatories.

In Nottinghamshire last year, the RSPCA received 32 calls about 52 dogs in hot cars. In 2007 there were 39 calls about 62 dogs.

The RSPCA’s chief veterinary adviser, Mr Mark Evans, said: “A hot car can be a death trap for dogs. It is as simple as that.

“Leaving your dog in a car, even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day, can put your pet at huge risk of suffering and even death.”

St John Ambulance volunteers are preparing to treat a rise in heat-related illnesses and warn that people must be aware of symptoms.

The commander of St John Ambulance Nottinghamshire, Mr Graham Robinson, said: “Extreme heat can be dangerous, particularly for the very young and old, but by being prepared you can spot early warning signs of illness or care for someone who needs your help.

“Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are the most serious problems to develop in a heatwave so it’s essential that people can spot the signs.

“It’s also useful to know how to cope with ailments like cramp, fainting, sunburn and dehydration.”

Anyone wanting advice can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. In an emergency call 999.



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