Street furniture comes in many shapes and sizes. From benches to waste bins, it covers a huge range of outdoor products that enhance an outside space, making it user-friendly, safe, and somewhere where people want to spend time.

This blog post looks at exactly what it is, what it’s used for, the many different types as well as choosing the right pieces for your space.

What Is Street Furniture? 

Street furniture is the term used to describe products and pieces of equipment in public areas and outdoor spaces. These range from decorative pieces such as sculptures, to waste bins and bus stops which are functional products that enhance the well-being and safety of people using the areas.

This type of furniture can be created in a uniform way which is often the case for things like traffic lights, or custom designed and manufactured to reflect the branding of a business, organisation, or local area. It is used to provide comfort, beauty, navigation, and safety to all residents in a particular city.

What is Street Furniture Used For?

Street furniture has a range of uses but is generally there to either keep people safe, influence road user behaviour or enhance the look of a building. For example, traffic lights or bollards keep road users and pedestrians safe whilst bin sheds keep unsightly rubbish out of view and secure until it can be removed.

Seating

A bench with a view or one that provides you with some much-needed rest after a run of brisk walk is a functional piece of kit that is often taken for granted. But just because they’re functional, doesn’t mean they have to be plain. Bespoke options can be created to reflect the personality of the area they’re in, making them a talking point for anyone who uses them.

Shade and Shelter 

The Great British weather is traditionally unpredictable. With blue skies and blazing hot sunshine one minute and a downpour the next, shelters protect from the elements. Whether you’re waiting for a bus or wanting somewhere safe and dry to leave your bike or pram, shelters are the perfect way to keep you and your property shaded when it’s sunny and dry when it’s raining.

Socialising 

Furniture such as litter bins, seating, and picnic benches encourage you to get outside when you’re socialising with friends and colleagues. This type of furniture keeps the area tidy and provides everything you need for an outdoor event whether that’s a celebration or taking your lunch break away from your desk.

Greenery 

Bespoke-raised planters are a great option for large, landscaped areas providing some interest and a focal point for those using the area. Our expert team at Miko Engineering can create planters to your specifications that create a unique structure for anything from vegetables to vibrant flowers and shrubs to bloom.

The History Of Street Furniture

The history of street furniture can be traced back as far as Roman times. In more recent times, items such as bollards used to secure towing and mooring ropes, water troughs for horses, and benches date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Whilst the designs and materials have developed and evolved over the years, the basic principle remains the same which is to keep communal spaces clean and safe.

Early gas street lighting was used to make the streets safer at night, the first one being in London’s Pall Mall in 1807. Georgian Britain saw the increased use of road signs as manufacturing and overseas trade boomed and goods were moved around the country.

Street Furniture Today

As our design techniques, culture, and the needs of the people who use outside spaces have changed greatly over time, the types and specifications of furniture have evolved. High-quality products have replaced basic designs such as electric street lights in place of gas, LED road furniture, and signs to assist pedestrians and road users.

Decorative items such as sculptures that feature modern themes and styles reflect cultural advancements around the world.

The Benefits Of Street Furniture 

Products such as benches, litter bins, cycle stands, and storage are commonplace on streets and outside spaces around the world. They provide a variety of functions that keep us safe and outdoor spaces clean and have many benefits. These include:

• providing comfort
• adding style to an outdoor space
• helping to tackle crime
• encouraging the use of outdoor spaces

Provides Comfort 

Furniture such as benches and picnic tables provide comfort to those who are out and about enjoying the great outdoors. They provide comfortable places to take a breath or have a bite to eat, encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the benefits of being in the fresh air and socialising with friends or chatting with the person they’re sitting next to.

Performs A Function

Some of the best street furniture fulfills a specific function helping to keep those using the area safe. Public shelters such as bus stops are designed to protect from the weather. Bollards, signposts, and other road furniture assist pedestrians to get them safely to their destination whilst mailboxes perform the function of providing a place for mail to be deposited and collected safely.

Adds Style

Just because the primary purpose of a phone box or litter bin is functionality, that doesn’t it can’t be well-designed and full of colour. The best street furniture looks great and can add a sense of style and identity to a specific location, for example, by being painted in bold colours or with a logo or image that represents the area.

Increases Pride In The Area

Street furniture makes an outdoor space more comfortable and attractive for the people who live and work there which helps to increase their pride in the area. Well-designed litter bins and seating areas encourage people to use the designated areas to eat and relax and then clear up after themselves so the area remains well looked after.

Attracts More People

Well-designed, durable street furniture can help to attract more people to an outdoor space whether that’s a public or private area. For example, people may avoid spending time in the park because they know that there is nowhere to sit down and relax. Adding stylish street furniture that is built to last and easy to maintain will attract more people to the area and encourage them to use the facilities.

Can Help Tackle Crime 

A well-designed and maintained public space can help to deter criminal activities. A space that’s easy to use, clean, and easy to keep that way with the use of low maintenance materials, functional and encourages community engagement, and promotes a sense of ownership and pride. That in turn encourages more people to use the space and look after it which makes it less attractive to criminals.

Supports Urban Greenery and Biodiversity

Bespoke planters that reflect the area they’re in help to support sustainability and biodiversity, encouraging people to look after the spaces and respect the greenery that grows in them. Well-positioned planters can divide spaces, control foot flow, and create walkways and the plants that grow in them can help to improve public health by reducing CO2, dust, smog, and other pollutants.

Promotes Social Interaction and Community Engagement 

Street furniture such as benches and picnic tables encourages people to get outside and interact with others, whether that’s their friends and family, or strangers. Park benches are a great place to stop and enjoy the fresh air and have a chat with whoever wants to join you. Well-maintained furniture encourages this type of interaction which supports community pride and engagement.

Encourages Greater Use Of Outdoors

Well-kept outside spaces encourage people to use them. An outdoor dining area at an office, school, or public building encourages people to take a break, get outside, and enjoy the benefits of the fresh air which helps to improve productivity and general health. Well-equipped public spaces such as parks and play areas are more likely to be used than those that lack seating areas and bins.

Improves Ambiance Of Local Areas

Bespoke street furniture is a great way of creating a stunning area that becomes a talking point for all those who visit it. Sculptures and artwork can be used as inspiration for the more functional pieces of street furniture such as bus shelters, cycle stands, benches, and planters creating an inviting outside space for people to meet and socialise.

Qualities Of Good Street Furniture

The Types Of Street Furniture

Street furniture comes in all different shapes and sizes. From benches that can be found in parks, pedestrian, and urban areas to bollards and bus stops, they are functional items that help to keep us safe and comfortable while we enjoy outside spaces.

Miko Engineering has a wide range of products that can be customised to fit in with its surroundings. Our products include:

• Handrails and balustrades. Our team has created an array of bespoke architectural internal and external handrails and balustrades for fire escapes, external walkways, and more. With complete control over every element of the design and manufacturing process, we can create the perfect solution for your space.
• Benches. A practical piece of furniture that can be designed to stand out for the right reasons, enhancing any outdoor space. One of our most popular products, we create high-quality, bespoke benches for schools, playgrounds, and other public places.
• Outdoor bins. Having somewhere to put litter helps to keep public spaces clean which encourages people to want to spend time there. Bins are a functional piece of kit, but they can also add an element of fun with bright colours and bold designs.

• Picnic tables. If you want people to spend time in parks and green areas, there needs to be adequate facilities. Picnic benches are the perfect addition to an outdoor area that encourages socialising while people grab a bite to eat.
• Bollards and barriers. If you want to control road user behaviour, bollards, and barriers will help to control the movement of traffic. They help to keep pedestrians safe by defining specific areas.
• Planters. Planters add a pop of colour and fragrance to brighten up outdoor spaces, not just with the flowers and plants in them, but with their design. They are the ideal product to complement your branding or surrounding area.

How To Choose The Right Street Furniture For Your Area

When it comes to choosing street furniture for a playground or other outdoor area, you need to make sure your choice is right for the space and will last for many years to come. But with so many options available, what factors should you consider to make sure you pick the right pieces?

Here are our top tips to help you decide:

How To Choose The Right Street Furniture For Your Area

What Should I Look For In A Street Furniture Manufacturer?

Just as there are many different options when it comes to choosing the style of furniture, there is also a wide range of manufacturers. Some specialise in particular areas such as community projects, others may have expertise in traffic solutions.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect supplier for your requirements:

Customisable With Bespoke Solutions

One of the main attractions of street furniture is that it can be customised to make a functional piece stand out and become a design feature rather than an eyesore. Many manufacturers provide a bespoke as well as standard service, but not all do. So, if you want benches that match your brand colours or street lights with your town’s coat of arms on them, check that the company provides a bespoke service.

Cost-Effective and Customer-Focused 

Whether you’re a community project, private business or local public body, you want to have a cost-effective service that puts you as the customer at the heart of the process. Don’t just take the company’s word for it that their customer service is first-class. Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to find out what they think of it and whether they’d be happy to recommend them.

Concept To Completion 

The best type of service is one that provides everything from the initial design concept right through to manufacturing and installation, under one roof. Street furniture manufacturers that provide this ‘concept to completion‘ service tend to be the most cost-effective as less money is spent outsourcing parts of the process to other companies.

Functionality and Durability 

Street furniture should be functional and look good, but also fit for purpose so durability is key. Ask to see samples of the materials they use, and examples of their street furniture out in the community so you can sit on their park benches, or have a look at their bollards and handrails to see their quality and durability for yourself.

High Quality

A manufacturer that is proud of its work will show you samples and direct you to where you can find examples of their work. Street furniture that is made with high-quality materials and first-class craftsmanship and design is built to last. Using cheaper quality materials is likely to mean that the products won’t last and will quickly become unusable and need to be replaced.

Get In Touch For Street Furniture Solutions

With so many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right street furniture for an outdoor space or public area, choosing the right manufacturer to guide you through the process is key. Miko Engineering is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of street furniture and outdoor structures. With over 25 years of experience, our team will guide you through the process to ensure you choose street furniture that will last.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and find out how we can create high-quality street furniture that meets your specifications.

In this blog piece, we will cover everything you need to know about smoking shelters at work with all smoking shelter regulations explained.

The harmful effects of smoking on our health and of those we smoke around are commonly known. As a result of many years of campaigns, reports, and studies, the UK government introduced controversial legislation in 2007 that changed the way those who wished to smoke could do so in public places like public transport and enclosed work premises.

The new law directed that places of work must be smoke-free at all times in all enclosed and substantially enclosed parts. Despite suggestions that the legislation was disproportionate, the House of Commons voted in favour of the legislation, marking a new era in the way people in the UK could smoke.

In response to the legislation and the regulations that came with it, businesses had to look at whether it was feasible to provide places for their staff and visitors to smoke safely on their premises. Smoking shelters were created to allow this to happen.

As you’d expect, this type of shelter has to comply with regulations to ensure they are safe and in line with the purpose of the primary legislation which is to reduce smoking and protect non-smokers from being exposed to second-hand smoke.

This blog will tell you all you need to know about smoking shelters and how you can create one that complies with the smoking shelter regulations and helps to keep your building safe and free from smoke.

Pro Tip: You are under no obligation to provide a smoking shelter for your employees – Keep reading to learn more.

The Regulations 

What is a smoking shelter?

A smoking shelter is a designated outside space for people to smoke in which protects them from the weather. The purpose is to provide shelter, but also to allow appropriate ventilation so that the smoke can disperse, reducing its harmful effects for those smoking and non-smokers who are near the shelter.

The smoking shelter regulations specify the type of structure it needs to be, but it can simply be an area with a canopy so that those smoking have some protection from the weather. You can create a more enclosed shelter than that with a back and sides if you want to provide more protection. However, it cannot be wholly enclosed.

Are smoking shelter regulations enforceable?

There can be some confusion around smoking shelters and whether the regulations are enforceable. It’s important to note here although it is discussed in more detail below, that there is no legal obligation to have smoking shelters.

However, if you do have them, they must comply with the regulations. Those are that shelters must not be fully enclosed, but they can have walls and a roof, as long as there is a permanent opening so that smoke can disperse into the air.

Why are smoking shelters used?

Smoking is harmful to our health so why is it appropriate to have smoking shelters?

Ultimately, whether your employees or customers and clients smoke is their personal choice. Providing somewhere for them to do this safely and away from the entrances and exits to your building not only protects non-smokers, but it helps to create a good impression for visitors.

Smoking shelters help to minimise cigarette litter and encourage smokers to use them and keep public buildings and enclosed areas smoke-free, helping you to comply with your obligation under the smoking ban legislation.

Are smoking shelters compulsory outside public buildings?

No. You are under no legal obligation to provide smoking shelters for your employees, customers, or clients. However, you are legally obliged to provide no-smoking signs within workplace buildings to ensure they are smoke-free and if you do have shelters, they must comply with the regulations.

Although it isn’t a legal requirement to have smoking shelters in designated outdoor areas, it is good practice to have them. They encourage smokers to only smoke in that area which helps you to comply with your legal obligations for enclosed workplaces, work vehicles, and the like. They also reduce the likelihood of you receiving second-hand smoke complaints.

How many sides can a smoking shelter have?

The regulations don’t specify how your shelter should look other than it must have openings so that it is not fully or substantially closed. This gives you free rein in terms of a lot of the design and materials used. However, to comply with the regulations, the shelter must not have any fittings that can be opened or closed which means that more than 50% of the space is enclosed. This is to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation to disperse the smoke. Enclosed spaces allow smoke to linger which is harmful to occupants and is exactly what the smoking legislation aims to avoid.

If you want to create a shelter against a wall, you need to make sure there is still a large enough opening to comply with the regulations. That may mean that the other sides are open. With careful planning and design, this kind of structure will still provide adequate protection from the weather.

Seating areas can be added as well as outdoor heaters that will keep your employees, visitors, and customers warm and dry while they smoke. Doors, passageways, and windows are not considered openings and are therefore excluded from the calculation as to whether an area is enclosed or substantially enclosed as when closed, they don’t allow for the intended natural ventilation.

How far must a smoking shelter be from any other structures?

There are no legal requirements on how far a smoking shelter should be from any other structure. However, we’d always recommend it be at least 2 metres away from other structures. There may be ventilation issues if it’s too close to a building, or you may receive complaints if it is too close to any entranceways or windows.

If you would like further information you can reach out to us directly or get in touch with your local council or authority.

How can Miko Engineering help?

If you would like to provide a smoking shelter on your premises, contact our team of experts who are available to talk through your ideas.

At Miko Engineering we work on the basis that ‘all things are possible’. This motto comes from over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of street furniture and shelters. These blanket terms cover a wide range of products, including our smoking shelters.

Just because this type of shelter has to comply with certain regulations, doesn’t mean that it has to be dull. We can help you to create a bespoke design that enhances your building and complies with the requirements of the regulations so that your staff and clients are safe.

We also have a range of standard shelters that can include seating areas and a range of other options.

To find out about our full range, get in touch with the Miko Engineering team today!

Find Out More About Smoking Shelters

Street furniture, which can also be called road furniture, can have a big impact on an outdoor or public space, whether it is used to make a space more enjoyable and more functional, or to assist pedestrians and passersby. By having high-quality street furniture, your outdoor space will be greatly enhanced.

Browse all street furniture products designed and installed by Miko Engineering, or find more info below.

What is Street Furniture?

Street furniture is a collective term for items and structures that are installed or placed in public areas and other outdoor public spaces for various purposes. For example, seating, waste disposal and bollards & barriers. Street furniture can also include decorative items such as sculptures, fountains and planters, used to enhance the visual appeal of public spaces.  It’s important to remember that street furniture differs from legal road requirements such as street lights, traffic lights and traffic signs that influence road user behaviour.

Why is Street Furniture Important?

There are a number of reasons why street furniture is an important addition to your outdoor space. Here are a few reasons. 

Provides Outdoor Facilities

Adding the right street furniture to an outdoor space provides a range of outdoor facilities that ultimately make the space more inviting and enjoyable for people. For example, seating options provide a place for people to rest and socialise, and outdoor litter bins help to manage waste and protect buildings from a build up of litter.

Can Help Create A Safe Environment

Bollards, handrails and balustrades are all examples of street furniture that play an important role in creating a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Makes a Good Impression

Street furniture can help to create a positive first impression of a place, making it more attractive and inviting to visitors. Pragmatic street furniture such as mail boxes, street signs and bus shelters also help to make a good impression but in a practical sense as they serve very specific purposes. Other forms of street furniture such as benches and planters are very much designed to help create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in a street setting.

Our Different Types of Street Furniture Available

Our street furniture range is a small but important part of our overall product range at Miko Engineering. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality products as well as bespoke options where possible. Below are the different types of street furniture we have available. 

Benches

Benches are a practical addition to any space. They can be a rest stop amongst the hustle and bustle of urban areas or they can be a popular socialising point in playgrounds. Not only this, but people will tend to spend more time in spaces where there is a free bench to sit on. We have a variety of bench options, including our popular ‘Vitality Bench’ which was designed in partnership with Newcastle University to offer an ergonomic solution for the elderly and visually impaired. 

Outdoor Bins

In addition to being a positive step in helping the environment, having outdoor bins will enhance the appearance of your outdoor space by reducing the amount of litter. We offer a range of litter bins that are suited to commercial buildings and offices, schools, colleges, universities and spaces. 

Picnic Tables

Picnic benches do not go out of fashion. They are an excellent way to add extra outdoor seating capacity and encourage social spaces. By facilitating more seating where people can gather around and spend time together, you can improve the well-being of the people in that space. Our picnic benches are all hard-wearing and robust and can be placed nearly anywhere outdoors. 

Bollards & Barriers

Bollards are extremely versatile and are suitable for many purposes, including car park barriers, security bollards, street bollards or steel parking bollards. Our range covers mid steel to heavy-duty HGV security parking posts. 

Planters

Whatever the environment, planters are a great way to create an appealing and welcoming aesthetic for any space. They can help to soften an urban landscape or they can serve a functional purpose at schools as an educational tool. We offer bespoke planters to suit any space.

Handrail & Balustrade

Providing extra stability and durability to your outdoor area, handrails and balustrades are an essential addition to areas with stairs, ramps and other elevated areas. They also help to make spaces more accessible to those with disabilities or mobility issues. 

Are you Interested in Street Furniture in your Outdoor Space?

At Miko Engineering, we design, manufacture and install street furniture in public spaces, car parks, and commercial premises. We offer a wide range of products and can also offer bespoke design solutions. If you are thinking of adding street furniture to your outdoor space, speak to us today and we will help you to make your outdoor space fit for all purposes. 

Having outdoor bins installed can bring a number of benefits to your business that help to keep surrounding areas of your business clean and safe.

What Can Bins Do For Your Outdoor Spaces?

Outdoor bins are a necessity in order to keep local environments appealing, safe and litter free. Helping the local environment remain a pleasant and safe place to spend time for pedestrians, whilst maintaining a welcoming space for visitors and employees to pass through on their way to and from your business.

Pairing outdoor bins with outdoor bin storage will help keep your bins sheltered and safe, especially in the Autumn and Winter months, when the British weather is harsh, rainy and wet.

Litter Prevention

Whether it’s recycling bins or regular outdoor waste bins, installing bins helps to heavily reduce the amount of litter outside of your business or school. Many people will only dispose of their litter into a bin if there is one nearby and if it’s easily accessible, so by offering safe spaces for people to dispose of their rubbish it will help reduce litter, allowing for cleaner and safer public spaces.

Additionally, without bin storage, bins can be blown over by strong winds causing public litter to become scattered and also attracting wild animals and rodents. This spreading of public litter can become a health and safety risk, increasing the potential of pedestrians stepping on glass or other harmful materials.

Tidy Environment

A tidy environment is key to the safety of employees, visitors and anyone visiting your premises.

Installing litter bins at easily accessible points such as bus stations, bus stands, building entrances and exits, parking spaces, pedestrian crossing, will help to encourage visitors and passers by to dispose of their litter accordingly.

Outdoor bin storage also helps to combat smell and deter rodents and flies, allowing for your property to remain a pleasant, safe and enjoyable place for employees and visitors to spend their time.

Good Impression

Although bins are a necessity, they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing. Outdoor bin storage is a practical solution that helps to disguise unappealing outdoor bins whilst also keeping them sheltered and tidy. This will undoubtedly help to make a good impression on visitors and those passing by your premises.

Interested In Our Outdoor Bin Storage Or Outdoor Litter Bins?

We Miko Engineering, we manufacturer both Our bin shelters are manufactured and installed with nature in mind and aim to blend in effortlessly with the surrounding area with plenty of versatility and flexibility on offer. Contact us for more information!

In a pact to reduce co2 emissions the UK Government has pledged to ban diesel cars by 2030, in an effort to reach its net zero target by 2050. In order to prepare for the change, and providing a new opportunity to attract customers to your business, installing electric vehicle charge points will help your business get ahead of the game for inevitable increase of EV drivers on the roads and in car parks.

As part of this government drive towards encouraging individuals to select electric vehicles, they have set up the ‘The Workplace Charging Scheme’ which is designed to enable businesses to better accommodate workplace electric charging.  With the EV market growing, widespread adoption and the expectation for charging provisions in workplaces as standard is not too far off.

Investing in EV charging stations and canopies and will help future proof your business, as it’s likely the government will begin to put pressure on businesses to install them in the near future. Local authorities have already started putting EV chargers in public car parks and motorway service stations and we are now starting to see more businesses introduce smart EV charging.

Why Are Electric Vehicles Becoming More Popular?

There are a variety of reasons as to why electric vehicles are becoming more popular in the UK. The change is heavily encouraged by Government incentives and subsidies to help push the transition from diesel and petrol to electric, as well as growing awareness and concern of the plant. The growth of the EV market is expected to soar in coming years, so it’s important that businesses are prepared to cater towards this.

Environmentally Friendly

The main selling point for electrical vehicles is that they’re kinder to the environment.

Electric vehicles have a smaller carbon footprint as they don’t emit any exhaust fumes whilst driving, unlike petrol and diesel cars that pump exhaust fumes into the atmosphere that  contribute to climate change and pose significant risks to public health.

Cheaper To Run

Compared to diesel and petrol vehicles, electric vehicles are marginally cheaper to run. Although there is a higher up front cost than diesel and petrol vehicles, the long term costs are much less. There’s also cheaper service and maintenance plus low or no vehicle tax.

The UK government have also set up various  financial incentives to encourage people to make the transition to electric, such as the Plug-in Car Grant and Homecharge scheme.

Align With The 2030 Ban On Sale Of Petrol and Diesel Cars

After 2030, car manufactures will only be allowed to produce zero emission vehicles, meaning that there will be a lot more electric car drivers on the road. The switch to more eco-friendly cars will be more appealing to drivers if they are confident that there are enough electric car charging points available, highlighting the need for EV charging points and EV charging canopies.
We’ve gone into further depth about the 2030 ban on sale of petrol and diesel cars on another blog.

How Can Electric Vehicle Charging Shelters Benefit My Business?

EV charging shelters bring with them an array of benefits for your business. From giving you competitive advantage to boosting the morale of your employees, investing in electric vehicle charging shelters and charging points is definitely a highly valuable addition to your business.

Accommodate For Increase In Popularity Of Electric Vehicles

Installing EV charging shelters will help to accommodate for the increase in popularity of electric vehicles. Offering a safe and sheltered area for drivers to charge up their electric vehicles will work to increase footfall and time spent at your business. Drivers will be likely to return if they experience a positive charging experience, and choose to visit your business over close competitors.

As well as benefiting visitors and increasing footfall to your business, introducing EV canopy shelters and workplace charging will make life easier for employees and provide increased convenience for clients. Keeping employees happy and providing convenience for clients will help boost morale and

Improving efficiency and cutting costs. Electric charging points at work may make life easier for employees, reducing time spent seeking out where to charge, for example. For companies where vehicle fleets are part of the business there are opportunities to save on fuel and maintenance costs.

Help Your Eco-Friendly Image

With the ever growing awareness and consideration of the environment and our detrimental impact on it, choosing to install EV shelter canopies will highlight your brand values and show that the business is invested in positive environmental change.

Advertising Opportunities That Can Increase Revenue

Electric vehicle charging shelters will also provide an opportunity to advertise your business and promote your services and any offers you have one, which can help to generate additional revenue.

Interested In EV Charging Shelters For Your Business?

Miko Engineering can provide a range of EV charging shelters that will work to improve footfall to your business and ensure you’re providing your customers and employees with safe and secure electric vehicle charging. Our electric vehicle canopies include:

• Cantilever EV Canopies 
• Asymmetric EV Canopies
• Mono Pitch EV Canopies

Green peace, along with many other organisations, have been campaigning against polluting vehicles for nearly three decades, making the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars a long time coming. Originally the government committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2040, but they have now brought back the timeline by 10 years. Changing the phase out deadline will significantly reduce climate-wrecking emissions, and also help to clean up toxic air pollution and cut carbon emissions on our streets. The ban also hopes to create thousands more jobs in the electric car industry.

The switch to more eco-friendly cars will be more appealing to drivers if they are confident that there are enough electric car charging points available, highlighting the need for EV charging points and EV charging canopies.

What Is The 2030 Ban On Petrol and Diesel Cars?

The petrol and diesel ban set to come into place in 2030 will see a government ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, with the sale of hybrids being outlawed from 2035. The 2030 Legislation Net-Zero is part of the PM’s 10-point plan for ‘green industrial revolution’, and looks to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions, in hopes of tackling climate change. The petrol and diesel car ban is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality with less diesel vehicles producing higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which have been linked to increased risk of respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, heart disease and many other conditions.

Why Do We Need Electric Vehicle Charging Canopies?

With this push for electrical cars comes the increasing need for EV charging points, and installing EV charging canopies is a great addition for a number of businesses. They provide a sheltered area surrounding the charging points, allowing those charging up their vehicles to stay safe and sheltered from the harsh elements. They also help to identify electrical vehicle charging stations and provide potential advertising opportunities.

What EV Charging Canopies Do Miko Engineering Offer?

Cantilever EV Canopies

Our Cantilever EV canopies are our most popular electric vehicle canopy.

Our design options include:

• Gullwing Option
• Roofing Options: Solar Panels, Polycarbonate
• Lighting
• Advertising Panels

Mono Pitch EV Canopies

Simple yet attractive, our mono pitch EV canopies are a great way to improve the functionality of your car park.

Our design options include:

• Doubled Sided Gullwing Option
• Roofing Options: Solar Panels, Multiwall Polycarbonate, Glazing
• LED IP65 Lighting
• Personalised Advertising Panels

Asymmetric EV Canopies

These stylishly designed and architecturally inspired EV canopies are a great way to make a statement and boost the aesthetic appeal of any carpark.

Our design options include:

• LED IP65 Lighting
• Personalised Advertising Panels
• Roofing Options: Solar Panels, Multiwall Polycarbonate, Glazing
• Bespoke Sizes

Add Solar Panels and Electric Vehicle Charging Points

Miko also offers a range of additional features that will boost the benefits and functionality of your EV canopy, these include:

• EV Charging Points
• Solar Panels
• Advertising Signage

Interested In Electric Vehicle Canopy Installation?

If you’re interested in finding out more about our electrical vehicle canopy installation, or any of our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team and we would be delighted to help.

Commercial canopies come in all shapes, sizes and finishes making them suitable for a range of businesses with several different uses, such as providing weather protection against high winds or simply an installed outdoor shelter to add to a building. Workplace canopies act to maximise your outdoor space, making it more functional and also boosting the aesthetic appeal of your property. Miko Engineering’s canopies incorporate everything that you need to create a usable, sheltered and aesthetic outdoor space.

Why Are Commercial Canopies At Work Important?

Commercial canopies are hugely important and serve to greatly benefit a number of businesses, similarly to large marquees that you may find in retail outlets. With a commercial canopy, you show people what kind of atmosphere your business has and that you have the appropriate equipment and facilities to allow people to be outside all year round.  Customers who set foot in your business will also remember this when they’re considering whether or not they will come back as an outdoor canopy at work will certainly leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re wanting to make the most of your outdoor space, improve employee and visitor experience, or simply boost the outdoor aesthetic appeal of your business, Miko are on hand to help.

Which Outdoor Canopies Can Benefit Your Workplace?

There are a number of benefits to installing canopies at your workplace. Different designs come with different purposes and benefits. The team at Miko have pulled together the three of the most common commercial canopies to help you divide which which workplace canopy is best for your business:

Entrance Canopies

Entrance canopies provide a safe and sheltered space for employees and visitors, as well as making your entrance more inviting and comforting. An entrance canopy is also a great place to prominently display your brand, colours, and logo. It is a constant way to advertise your business around-the-clock without even trying.

Covered Walkways

The main benefit of covered walkways at work is that they can connect buildings allowing employees and visitors to move between buildings whilst staying safe and sheltered from the elements such as heavy rain, snow or UV rays. Miko have a range of standard and bespoke covered walkways available to suit your requirements, ranging from contemporary to classic styles in a mixture of materials.

Shade Sail Canopies

Shade sail canopies provide a cool and sheltered space for employees to spend their lunch and socialise. These areas can also be used as extended working areas for employees that want to wish to get some fresh air whilst working. By combining your sun shade with picnic tables and other outdoor furniture you can transform your outdoor space into an open social space whilst remaining more sheltered from the elements and offering UV protection.

Find out more about outdoor canopies

For more information on outdoor canopies for schools and businesses, check out our other canopy blogs:

• The benefits of having an outdoor canopy
• 6 benefits of installing canopies at your school
• The importance of a canopy covered walkway for a commercial building 
• Outdoor canopies for schools
• A guide to entrance canopies
• A guide to outdoor canopies
• The benefits of an entrance canopy
• School canopies for summer terms

Contact Us

Miko Engineering have a range of commercial canopies that can help boost the functionality and outdoor appeal of any workplace. If you wish to discuss any of our products don’t hesitate to contact the team on 0191 428 0452.

Cycling is one of the healthiest, and environmentally friendly, ways to travel. Now more than ever people are more conscious of their carbon footprint, and are opting for cycling or walking over driving or getting on the bus. With cycling quickly becoming many people’s ‘go-to’ form of travel, it’s important that organisations help cater for and encourage this, whether it be with bike racks that cater for multiple bikes, indoor storage with large floor space where cyclists are able to store bikes safely and securely. By providing secure cycle storage it offers somewhere safe and secure for riders to store their bikes whilst they’re at work or school.

Secure cycle storage proves extremely beneficial to an array of organisations. Schools, hospitals and offices are among the vast array of organisations that can benefit from cycle storage. From traditional to more contemporary designs, the engineers at Miko Engineering can design cycle storage to compliment and boost the curb appeal of any surrounding environment.

Bike storage and security

Installing secure bicycle storage and bike sheds outside gives riders peace of mind when having to leave their bikes outside, whether it be for short or long periods of time. Bikes are expensive and leaving unattended runs a risk of the bike being stolen or vandalised. Students, staff, and visitors are therefore more likely to cycle as they have the reassurance of having somewhere safe to store their cycling equipment. It also means that parents can allow their children to take their bikes to school without having to worry about them not being there at the end of the day.

Provide protection from elemental harm

Another advantage of cycle storage is that it provides protection from the harsh elements. A bicycle left exposed to harsh UV rays or heavy rain can cause damage that can affect the function of the bicycle, which can require costly repairs. Over time rain can also cause your bicycle to rust. So by installing secure cycle storage, it can remove this risk and give riders a peace of mind when leaving their bicycles unattended outside.

Miko Engineering offer a range of cycle storage, from sheltered cycle compounds to more simplistic cycle racks, we can cater to whatever the needs of your organisation.

Aesthetic Appeal

As well as providing a secure place to store bicycles, cycle storage can also boost the aesthetic appeal of any building. Secure bicycle storage can come in a variety of designs that can blend into the surrounding environment. Popular cycle storage can come in the form of metal bike sheds or even wooden bike sheds with many benefits to either shed material and design. So if you’re looking for a non intrusive way to improve the curb appeal of your organisation, cycle storage is a great idea!

Whether you’re looking for a traditional or contemporary addition, the engineers at Miko Engineering can assist with a bike shelter that is designed to complement and enhance its surrounding environment.

Promotes Active Lifestyle

Cycling offers both physical and mental health benefits, so by installing secure bicycle storage this gives incentive for students, workers, and visitors to opt to cycle instead of drive or take public transport. Installing cycle storage at your property helps to encourage students, visitors and workers to cycle to work or school. Cycling to and from is a great way to get exercise at the beginning and end of each day and research shows that those who cycle to work or school demonstrate greater brain performance.

From being more productive to being generally happier and fitter with a stronger immune system, the benefits of cycling are endless. Additionally, by encouraging students to cycle to school it will also help to reduce the amount of traffic at school gates during drop off and pick up times, helping it become safer for everyone passing by.

Interested in Cycle Storage?

The benefits of installing secure bicycle storage far outweigh the cost. Whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary addition, our engineering experts can assist with a bike shelter that is designed to complement and enhance its surrounding environment. Contact the team at Miko Engineering to find out more about our bespoke cycle storage!

First impressions count! So lift the whole ‘frontage’ of your building and create welcoming entrance areas for employees, visitors and clients with an entrance canopy.

In this guide, we introduce the benefits of entrance canopies. See our range of entrance canopies to find out what we can create for you, or for more on our design, manufacture & install process.

Why Are Entrance Canopies Important?

Entrance canopies prove extremely valuable to a range of businesses, helping to improve the experience of those visiting your property, and creating a sheltered space that can be utilised all year round. For retail an entrance canopy can improve customer experience by providing shelter from unpredictable weather, whether it be harmful uv rays on sunny days or extreme weather conditions such as heavy downpour and strong winds. For schools they can provide a sectioned off and sheltered area for pupils, staff and parents to wait, and if big enough they can be used as a play area or even an outdoor learning area! The list goes on.

Entrance canopies offer all year round protection from extreme weather. If you want to help ensure your visitors are dry in the autumn and winter months, and to provide some shade from the sun in the summer months, commercial entrance canopies are a great way to protect those coming into and out of your building. Most entrance canopies adopt a modern design however at Miko, we offer bespoke entrance canopies that can be tailored to fit your building and blend in well with the surrounding area.

How Can A Bespoke Entrance Canopy Improve Your Building’s Entrance?

A great, and cost-effective way to boost the appearance and functionality of your building. Here are just a few ways that an entrance canopies can improve your buildings entrance:

Protection from the elements

One of the most important purposes that an entrance canopy serves is protection from the elements. With rain, unfortunately, being a common occurrence in Britain they are definitely a must! They also provide shelter from the sun and harsh UV rays ensuring that those waiting are kept safe and happy.

Boost curb appeal

Entrance canopies are a great way to boost the curb appeal of your building, without a hefty price tag. They can also help to communicate your brand message to the public, and for retail they can help encourage customers to visit your store! Furthermore, if big enough, signage can easily be fitted to the entrance canopy to allow you to welcome your visitor, provide important customer information and display your store’s name.

Bring attention to the buildings entrance

For most buildings, the entrance isn’t always obvious, it could be that there are numerous doors which can cause confusion to those visiting the building for the first time. Installing an entry canopy can help avoid any confusion and direct customers to the correct and main entrance of a building.

The Different Types Of Entrance Canopies

Miko Engineering offer a range of different types of entrance canopies that can help improve the functionality of your building entrance:

Wave Entrance Canopy

Miko Engineering’s wave entrance canopies give your building a soft and contemporary look, and prove extremely popular in primary schools. Their quirky design is just as practical as our mono pitched or curved walkways, and offers the same level of weather protection.

Monopitched Entrance Canopy

Miko’s monopitched entrance canopies are a popular choice in schools and small businesses. The simplistic mono pitched design offers an elegant look that compliments even the traditional and modern buildings. They also offer a cost efficient solution to help identify the entrance to your premises.

Curved Entrance Canopy

Hugely popular, the curved entrance canopy is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your building. The curved design is elegant and allows for a larger width span due to the extra strength of the radiused sections.

Wall-mounted Canopy

If you’re not keen on a free standing canopy then our wall-mounted canopies could be the perfect option. Wall mounted canopies are much smaller than the other types of entrance canopies, making them better suited to non-essential access or exit points such as fire exits.

Bespoke Entrance Canopies

Offering flexible design and endless possibilities, a bespoke entrance canopy is the perfect way to personalise a school, business or other premises’ entrance. Our in-house design and drawing team can create a unique canopy to suit your needs and design preferences. Alternatively, we can manufacture in response to architects’ drawings.

Unsure which canopy is best for your building entrance?

A member of our design team can help you choose the right entrance canopy for your business

Experience the benefits of an entrance canopy today!

Find out more about outdoor canopies

For more information on outdoor canopies for schools and businesses, check out our other canopy blogs:

• The benefits of having an outdoor canopy
• 5 benefits of installing canopies at your school
• The importance of a canopy covered walkway for a commercial building 
• Outdoor canopies for schools
• A guide to outdoor canopies
• The benefits of an entrance canopy
• How can canopies benefit your workplace
• School canopies for summer terms

How can Miko Engineering help?

Entrance canopies are an ideal solution for commercial and residential buildings across the UK. By introducing an entrance canopy to your outdoor space, you will deliver high quality aesthetics and help to make your space fit for all weather conditions.

Here at Miko Engineering we recognise that no premises are the same as another. Each will have different budgets and available space for entrance canopies, but Miko can provide a solution for everyone. All of Miko Engineering’s canopies and shelters are bespokely designed and manufactured in the UK, this helps offer the maximum amount of personalisation, and the best installation solution.

An outdoor canopy is a cost-effective way for businesses to make the most of their outdoor spaces. They can be made in a range of designs and sizes and can enhance the outdoor area for a range of businesses in different sectors including retail, schools and universities, and offices.

Canopy benefits include providing shelter from the harsh elements and creating large spaces for outdoor play and learning for school children. Miko Engineering offers a variety of different types of outdoor canopies that can be designed and adapted to fit the needs of your business, helping to make your outdoor space usable all year round.

This blog post will look at the different ways canopies can enhance your patio area or outdoor space and highlight some of the key benefits.

Different Uses and Types Of Outdoor Canopies

The bespoke nature of outdoor canopies means they are suitable for a wide range of uses. Miko Engineering is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of outdoor canopies, offering a variety of unique bespoke designs and styles that will enhance your building and make the most of its outdoor space.

Their flexibility means you could add a door to change it from a sheltered area to a safe and enclosed outdoor space. We have a wide range of doors including sliding doors which are the most popular type of canopy door with our customers.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Having An Outdoor Canopy?

An outdoor canopy can completely transform any outdoor space, making it a usable and safe area regardless of the season. Our range of canopies incorporates everything you need to create a usable, sheltered, and aesthetic outdoor space that can provide shade from the sun or protection from sudden downpours from the Great British weather. The benefits of outdoor canopies are numerous and Miko Engineering can work with you to create the best one for your building.

We’ve pulled together the top ten canopy benefits to highlight their value for your business which includes:

Protection From Harmful UV Rays

Installing an outdoor canopy will help to provide protection and shade from harmful UV rays for anyone using the outdoor area of your building. This will enable staff, customers, or students to enjoy the benefit of being outdoors in the sunshine without any concerns about harm from the sun, especially in the summer months.

Weather Protection

Another benefit of outdoor canopies is that they are water resistant and protect users from bad weather conditions such as sudden downpours which enables the outdoor spaces to be used all year round. For example, outdoor canopies are very popular in schools as they allow children to be outside in all weathers, whether it’s for play or outdoor learning.

Canopies can enhance a school building and use all of the available space to its full capacity. They can be used to create a protected, nurturing environment that can help to enhance a child’s learning experience without being limited to only using the space in good weather.

For offices or hospitals, an outdoor canopy can be used in a range of ways, for example, to enable staff to travel between buildings whilst remaining protected from the weather, keeping both them and their equipment and documents dry. This can help to create a more comfortable environment to work in, especially when the weather is as unpredictable as it is in the UK.

Creates An Outdoor Shelter

A key benefit of having an outdoor shelter for organisations such as nurseries, schools, and colleges is that it provides more usable space and allows children to spread out as they learn, play, or eat. This provides benefits to the organisation during the summer months such as reducing the need for air conditioning which helps to save energy, lower fuel bills, and reduce your carbon footprint.

The space could also be used as a safe and covered designated waiting area for pupils, customers, staff, and any visitors so that they stay dry while they wait to enter the building. An outdoor canopy has multiple uses and can also be used for outdoor storage for things like outdoor toys and furniture which saves time at the end of each day and precious space inside the building.

In a post-COVID environment, outdoor canopies provide a safe designated area for customers, clients, students, and employees to form socially distanced queues at busy times of the day.

Adds Value To Building

An outdoor canopy can increase the value of a commercial building without the hefty price of a traditional type of extension. An outdoor canopy extends a building and its usable space, creating a larger area that can be used for dining, learning, working, and socialising.

Outdoor structures aren’t just limited to adding value to commercial buildings. Residential garden canopies are particularly popular as they allow people to fully utilise their space outdoors whilst being protected from harmful UV rays, rain, and snow.

Allows For Outdoor Learning In Schools

Being outside has several benefits in a learning setting such as feeling energised and uplifted and can help to improve the mood and well-being of children. Having an outdoor learning space helps to provide students with more inclusive and engaging ways to learn. It also allows them to understand and learn about nature in a way they wouldn’t get, sitting in a classroom.

An outdoor canopy can also provide much-needed space. Many schools and college buildings are too small for the number of children they serve, and so creating an outdoor space that can be used throughout most of the year which has a much lower price tag than a traditional extension, is a huge bonus.

Branding Opportunities

Installing an awning or canopy at your commercial building is not only a functional and eye-catching addition, but it also provides an opportunity to promote your brand. It’s the ideal place to highlight your company’s branding so that passers-by as well as clients can see it.

Adding your logo or brand colours on your canopy, or promotional material such as details of your services can help potential new customers get a feel for your business and encourage them to find out more.

Energy Efficiency

An outdoor canopy that provides shade and protects from the sun during the summer months creates a usable space that is naturally ventilated and cool. This can help to reduce energy bills as there’s no need to use air conditioning or other cooling devices such as electric fans to keep the space cool, which in turn improves energy efficiency and reduces your organisation’s carbon footprint.

Aesthetic Appeal

Awnings, covered walkways, and other types of canopies that offer protection from the elements are not only a functional addition to your building. They can also enhance its appearance. Innovative and bespoke design opportunities mean that your canopy can improve the look of the outside of your building, transforming an underused or drab area into a functional, eye-catching structure.

Health and Wellbeing 

We all know how much it can feel to be outdoors in the fresh air. Having a space where your employees or students can relax and unwind during their breaks can help them to feel invigorated and energised when they get back to work.

A canopy that creates an outdoor learning area can have many benefits for school children such as improving their development and mental health. There are also benefits for adults in having an outdoor working space. As well as the obvious benefits of improving mood and energy, working outdoors for part of the day can give your eyes a rest from staring at a computer screen.

Holding meetings outside with notes and ideas being taken with a pen and paper can help to improve creativity and enhance your memory. Installing an outdoor canopy allows your employees to do this even if it’s raining or blazing sunshine.

Creates Event Hosting Opportunities

A large outdoor canopy can provide you with the space to host events in an open space with lots of fresh air to create an energised and relaxed atmosphere. Hosting an event in this way creates less disruption to your office space and will encourage people to engage and connect away from screens and electronic devices.

Having your branding on the canopy will showcase your business and help to communicate your messaging to everyone who attends, leaving a lasting, positive impression.

Find Out More About Outdoor Canopies

Miko Engineering offers a range of outdoor canopies with stunning designs. We can also design and manufacture bespoke products that suit your setting perfectly. Our most popular designs include our Mono-pitched Canopy and Wave Canopy which can be created as either covered walkways, or entrance canopies.

All of our covered walkways and entrance canopies are manufactured from certified British Steel and adhere to the highest quality control and safety measures. Our steelwork is galvanized and then powder coated with any standard RAL colour, giving us the ability to offer a much wider range of options compared to our competitors.

Get in touch with our expert team to find out how we can help you to enhance your outdoor areas.

For more information on outdoor canopies for schools and businesses, check out our other canopy blogs:

• 6 benefits of installing canopies at your school
• The importance of a canopy covered walkway for a commercial building 
• Outdoor canopies for schools
• A guide to entrance canopies
• A guide to outdoor canopies
• The benefits of an entrance canopy
• How can canopies benefit your workplace
• School canopies for summer terms