The National Trust and many private estates make extensive use of two-way radio to keep all staff in touch over wide areas.

National Trust at Cliveden

Formerly home of the Astor family, the National Trust's Cliveden has glorious gardens overlooking the Thames in Berkshire. The Astors entertained a diverse mix of people from Lloyd George and Winston Churchill to George Bernard Shaw, Ghandi and Henry Ford. Cliveden still hosts royalty to this day. It is a popular site set in 376 acres and just nine miles from Windsor Castle. With ever-growing visitor numbers and an all-time record for 2019, this year looks to be another great year.

Need

The National Trust at Cliveden required a communications system that covered the whole site both outdoors and indoor. The team needed secure, guaranteed communications that were legal and scalable as their visitor numbers grew and the site expanded. Any radio system had to blend in with the site – no modifications to the land or buildings would be accepted. Cliveden needed any equipment to be on a flexible contract and to sit within its yearly budget. The existing communication system was owned by the National Trust and there was still some life in the equipment. Foresolutions needed to consider the existing equipment and support National Trust in making good commercial decisions.

Solution

Foresolutions and its partner Hytera designed a multi-channel dual redundant system with an antenna infrastructure that hid inside the buildings but covered the whole 376 acres. The Hytera system with PD705 UHF radios has capability for emergency calls, lone working and multiple talk groups – giving the customer maximum flexibility in their day- to-day operations. Foresolutions also serviced and re-programmed all the trust’s existing Motorola radios, enabling staff to use their old equipment. Cliveden needed full use of 70 radios over five channels – visitor numbers exceeded 27,000 in one month last year,

Results and Outcome

The results of the new digital radio system can be witnessed across the site. No more wondering whether someone received a message as each one is confirmed. Volunteers and the team have great communications across different work groups. This has enabled the National Trust’s Cliveden team to be safer, smarter and more efficient.

Foresolutions MD Tom Ross said...

“Working with heritage sites can be challenging – especially when they’re over a large landscape and close to so many iconic buildings and places. Managing frequencies and making sure that what we do fits physically and aesthetically is a challenge but it’s one that we enjoy; we pride ourselves on getting it right. We delivered a Hytera radio system that exceeded customer expectations. We’re proud to supply the National Trust and heritage sites across the UK.”

Keith Wilkie From the National Trust at Cliveden said...

“The team at Foresolutions supplied a collaborative and joined up approach and worked as part of our team. They delivered great technology which works well and is great value. Foresolutions delivered on its four promises:

  1. Quick and easy installs within a few days

  2. Flexible contracts that sit in line with our budgets and needs

  3. Money back guarantee – we could try before we buy

  4. Lifetime warranty on the products for peace of mind.”
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