Commercial Fencing Case Study: B&M Stores

Knight Fencing was chosen to supply and install perimeter fencing and gate systems for a new garden centre at the B&M Stores site in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

The site required 150 metres of fencing as well as a service yard gate and a fire exit gate. Security was a primary requirement of the project, both in terms of safeguarding the site and stock against illegal entry and stopping the passing of products through the perimeter fencing. The fencing also had to provide protection for the contents of the garden centre and customers from the elements, in particular strong wind.

Approach and materials:

Having received a full project overview and following a full survey of the site, we decided to use CLD Securus 358 mesh fencing for the project, in combination with galvanised welded mesh roll, flat wrap razor wire roll and Tenax windbreak mesh. For the gates, we decided to use a double-leaf CLD LockMaster swing gate solution and a CLD PedMaster gate system.

Fencing systems

To meet the client’s requirements with regard to security and safeguarding, we carried out the following:

We installed CLD galvanised prison mesh fencing panels to a height of 2.5 metres (this formed the lower section), above which were placed 2.3 metres of 75x25mm galvanised welded mesh rolls, which overlapped inside the prison mesh (this formed the upper section). On top of this, we installed three strands of short barbed tape – this gave the fence the required height of 4.8 metres.

In addition, we installed Tenax windbreak mesh to the inside face of the fence, to a height of 4.2 metres. Also, on the inner face of the fencing, we installed, to 2.3 metres, mesh coils of flat wrap razor wire to the fence meshes.

Gate systems

The gate systems were constructed to the same specifications as the fencing. The service yard gate was a double-leaf CLD LockMaster swing gate system, with lockable ground door bolts and a slide bar. The fire exit gate featured standard exit ironmongery.

Environmental and sustainability:

All CLD fencing and posts are made from 78% recycled steel, so by supplying and installing CLD fencing and posts, we help to make what we do more sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment. All the fencing and posts used on this project were from CLD.

Overcoming challenges:

The principal challenge relating to this project was making sure goods couldn’t be passed through the external perimeter fencing of the garden centre, thereby stopping theft in this way. To achieve this, the minimum gap of the fencing mesh had to be 10mm. To provide this level of security, on the inner face of the fencing, we installed mesh coils of flat wrap
razor wire to the fence meshes to 2.3 metres. This reduced the gap of the fencing to the required size and complemented the security features of the galvanised prison mesh fencing panels and barbed tape.

In addition, to protect the store and customers against the elements, in particular strong wind, we installed Tenax windbreak mesh netting to the inside face of the fence, to a height of 4.2 metres.

Health and safety:

Our installation crews and manufacturing staff are expertly trained and hold all the necessary health and safety certifications. Knight Fencing holds all key fencing industry accreditations, including CHAS, SSIP, Constructionline, Beta Pro-net and EFIA.

Client feedback:

“Knight Fencing Ltd was tasked with erecting a 4m high-security fence to form the perimeter of a 1500m sq. garden centre for our clients. A complex construction of double mesh and razor wire, not dissimilar to a prison compound.

Engaging with Knight Fencing as our preferred contractor for this, the first project for Pexhurst, I found their expertise and knowledge invaluable.

Due to the client’s specification being obsolete at the time of order, we were able to collaborate easily with them to provide an alternative product well within the required time frame, which they adapted with ease when presented with the challenge of working with new materials.

As the site manager overseeing the project, and despite a rotation of different fitters, I was able to foster a good working relationship with them. I was impressed by their work ethic and discipline, which resulted in safe outcomes and zero snagging.

Thank you, Knight Fencing, a job well done, and we look forward to working together again in the future.”