New bird control system is no flight of fancy

A long-term, effective and humane solution to bird control for buildings, bridges and other roosting structures is being marketed by Glide Holdings. 'Glide' has already been successfully trialled on installations in the property, construction and rail sectors, where it has proved to make a real difference in resolving the environmental hygiene issues and control of birds.

Maintenance-free Glide is a frame made from marine-standard stainless steel (grade 316), held in place using both primary clamps and wires secured using Gripple fasteners. It is simple and discreet in design with the added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing - a critical point for architects, civil engineers and the administrators of the UK's heritage buildings and sites - and is guaranteed to give long-term protection against birds landing and nesting on the structure to which it is attached.

Importantly, initial installations show that Glide lives up to its long-term performance promise. With "broad and strong" patents pending, it allows immediate and easy access for building repairs or any cleaning that may be required and unlike netting, mesh panels etc, it permits uninterrupted bridge inspections to be carried out by rail industry engineers. It is simple and quick to instal, and to-date has proven to be as strong today as it was when installed years ago.

Glide Holdings is the brainchild of UK businessman and CEO, John Holly, who is now looking to take his solution to the property and construction market on a volume scale and deliver tailored applications, to include design, fitting, testing and all inspection/procedures required.

For him it is all about a humane approach to public hygiene:

"Without exception, competitive products have been criticised for causing injury or distress to birds. However, our solution is easy and aesthetically acceptable and cannot physically cause any injury. Basically, the design has ensured that birds simply cannot land or nest and it leaves the building bird free!

"We are all aware of the health implications and the disruption caused by pigeon or bird guano, (droppings) - it is even speculated that the Minnesota bridge collapse was linked to the build up of pigeon guano. However, the fact remains that due to time constraints many companies and organisations on a global scale fail to investigate effective preventative measures available, until it is too late and the irreparable damage is done.

"We have spent the last five years developing this product and we have worked with a number of organisations to trial it, mainly in the London area. It has passed with flying colours so now we're looking to take this to the market on a volume scale."

Glide Holdings has, in its ranks, two renowned businessmen. Gordon Roddick, entrepreneur, activist and co-founder of both the Body Shop and The Big Issue - together with Rory Stear, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Freeplay Energy Group, (recognised as one of TIME magazines 'Environmental Hero's' together with David Attenborough, Al Gore, Robert Redford and other leading figures) - have both been inspired by Glide's environmental and humane solution to a growing problem of roosting birds.

Rory Stear reinforced that both he and Gordon Roddick were seduced by the product because they felt there was no other offering that is humane to birds and yet 'does the job' asked of it:

"Here we have a product that has endless opportunity world-wide and our buildings and cities will be safer and cleaner for its application," he says. "It's a one-off, single source solution - the complete package! We are now looking to scale up the business and deploy experienced fitting teams who would be able to upgrade the solution when needed, and routinely conduct twice yearly inspections. It couldn't be simpler."

T: 0208 367 7350
E: info@glideholdings.com
W: www.glideholdings.com

24th April 2008