Bull Products expands Sitenet fire detection and alarm range

Bull Products, a provider of temporary fire protection solutions for the construction industry and other applications, has announced the expansion of its 100% wireless and EN 54 certified Sitenet fire detection and alarm system range. The range has been extended to include devices designed to be more aesthetically suited for internal environments, such as modular buildings, which is often required on a construction project. As a result, Bull Products is reportedly the only provider offering 100% wireless and EN 54 certified solutions for both internal and external temporary environments. While the existing Sitenet range has been successfully used for both internal and external purposes, it has now evolved to include additional solutions optimised for internal temporary spaces, providing a professional, modern and slimline appearance. This enhancement is particularly relevant for spaces such as office environments, offering robust performance and reliability for both indoor and outdoor settings. "We are excited to broaden our Sitenet product range to better serve our customers' needs," explains Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products. "Our customers can now benefit from a highly efficient, professional-looking solution that is as effective in the office and professional space as it is outside. This expansion demonstrates our dedication to providing versatile, reliable, and easy-to-install fire protection solutions that meet the highest standards. We are making it easier than ever for businesses to ensure the safety of their premises." Utilising the renowned and patented Cygnus wireless mesh protocol, which is self-forming and self-healing, the expanded Sitenet range offers a reliable, robust and adaptable solution. The 100% wireless, scalable and intelligent products rapidly detects and alerts users to signs of smoke or fire, whilst being resilient to false alarms. The range is ideal for construction applications from high rise structures and large multi building complexes, to subsurface projects. The new devices are designed with the same attention to detail and performance as the existing range, Bull Products says, ensuring reliable fire detection and alarm capabilities. For more from Bull Products, click here.

Cheshire Council implements multi-sensor alarms from Aico

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has embraced new technologies by recently adopting a revised specification to ensure the safety of its residents. This involves fitting Aico’s flagship Ei3030 multi-sensor alarm across its housing stock on upgrade programmes and where replacements are required. The combined optical, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm was launched in summer 2023 and is quickly being adopted across social housing as the ‘go-to’ device due to its reliability and ease of use, Aico tells us. With three proven, reliable sensors in one unit to ensure accurate fire and CO detection, the Ei3030 eliminates the need for multiple alarms, simplifying installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the multi-sensor alarm is equipped with additional features, such as Intelligent Dust Compensation, whilst integrated software allows the sensors to work together for the extraction and monitoring of real-time data to allow for proactive safety measures to be taken. Additionally, if CWAC were to make future improvement to its housing portfolio, it would have the ability to easily implement Aico’s HomeLINK technology to monitor issues such as damp and mould, indoor air quality and compliance. The Connected Home Solution features the Ei1000G Gateway as the hub of the solution, collating data via Aico’s HomeLINK environmental sensors and creating actionable insights for landlords to view on the HomeLINK portal. Fitted in Ellesmere Port properties, the multi-sensor alarms were installed by the Liberty Group. Its team attended Aico’s Expert Installer Training earlier this year, ensuring they have all the information they need to efficiently install domestic fire and carbon monoxide alarm systems for effective protection. James Fishwick, Electrical Contracts Manager for the Liberty Group, comments, “This is such a good alarm and ticks so many boxes in one go. We were keen to start fitting them as soon as our client gave us the new specification. We’re now starting to see them on others around the country as well. It’s a no brainer.” Carl Traynor, Aico Relationship Manager for Merseyside, adds, “As a former electrician and compliance manager myself, I was used to fitting multiple alarms to cover both smoke and CO. I was always particularly cautious around the migration factor, where CO can be produced in one room or even an adjacent property and have devastating consequences on another. This combined unit is ideal to mitigate these risks.” All Aico’s products are manufactured in Shannon, Ireland, and each unit undergoes comprehensive testing to ensure reliability and accuracy. Aico’s 32 relationship managers across the UK are on hand to offer guidance and support on the implementation of Aico’s home life safety systems. For more from Aico, click here.

NAPIT publishes guide on solar photovoltaic systems

The latest NAPIT publication, NAPIT Practical Guide: Solar Photovoltaic Systems, is now available for purchase. The title has been created to assist electricians and renewable contractors with a practical understanding of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems including design, selection, installation and commissioning of Solar PV Systems. The publication provides practical guidance of maintenance and fault finding of Solar PV systems, using a simple approach to finding the faults that may occur and how to rectify them. The digital edition has already been released, and printed copies of the guide are available to pre-order and are due out on 9 September. The pre-sale price, which is in place until 13 September, is set at £25. The latest NAPIT Practical Guide features: • Overview of Solar Photovoltaic Systems • Scientific Principles of Solar Photovoltaic Energy • Requirements, Standards and Guidance for Solar Photovoltaic Systems • Solar Photovoltaic Systems and Component Parts • Solar Photovoltaic Design • Solar Photovoltaic Installation • Solar Photovoltaic Commissioning • Solar Photovoltaic Maintenance and Fault Finding From the concept of design of a Solar PV System, the guide covers expected performance, PV Self consumption and grid independence to the array mounting and roof interactions, and on to the cable type, location, connections and inspection and testing. By including reference to health and safety, Wiring Regulations, British and Harmonised standards and industry guidance, the NAPIT Practical Guide: Solar Photovoltaic Systems brings all the renewable installer requirements together in one publication. To purchase the digital edition, click here, and to pre-order the printed version, click here. For more from NAPIT, click here.

Ansell shows support for electrical apprentices

Lighting designer and manufacturer, Ansell Lighting, has joined forces with Warrington & Vale Royal College to provide support and resources for electrical apprentices and full-time students. Ansell has built a strong relationship with the college, with team members undertaking regular talks and presentations to the students on the latest lighting technology and products. The college is also keen to build relationships with industry partners in order to help students and apprentices learn more about lighting and electrical products and help them build their knowledge. Furthermore, Ansell has now supplied a series of product boards including downlights, retail and commercial fittings, emergency lighting packs and its own smart OCTO lighting technology, all of which is to be displayed within the College and available for the students to interact with. Each board has information about the luminaires and their benefits, as well as a working product attached to it. Mike Talbot, Sales Director at Ansell, explains, “As a manufacturer, we recognise the importance of investing in and supporting the next generation of electricians and installers, at a time when there has been talk of skills shortages within the industry. “We have worked on a number of projects with colleges across the country, but in this instance, it has been especially great to support students and apprentices local to our Warrington headquarters.” Karl Hill, Subject Leader for Electrical Installation at Warrington & Vale Royal College, adds, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Ansell Lighting to our Warrington campus last week. We are very grateful for the donation of various product boards, which will be displayed in our brand-new electrical workshops, as they will help our students gain a better understanding of how these fittings work, setting them up perfectly for their careers after college. We look forward to collaborating more with Ansell Lighting in the future." For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

NICEIC encourages businesses to invest in young electricians

As GCSE results are released, NICEIC, the UK's leading certification and training body for the electrical industry, is encouraging businesses to tap into a pool of potential new recruits. The electrical industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by the UK’s ambitious net zero targets and the surge in demand for sustainable energy solutions. According to the government’s latest Energy Trends report, the renewable share of total electricity generation in the UK reached 50.9% in the first quarter of 2024. As electricity becomes the primary energy source for homes, businesses, and transport, advancements in generation and storage technologies are creating a wealth of opportunities for young people. School leavers entering the workforce through the likes of apprenticeships and training courses are able to bring fresh perspectives on this through their strong desire to learn. By investing in their training and development, businesses can cultivate a highly skilled and future-proofed workforce. Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, says, "Businesses investing in young talent is essential for the future of the electrical and energy sector. School leavers bring a fresh perspective and a strong work ethic, making them valuable additions to any business. By providing opportunities for training and continued professional development, companies can create a future-proofed and skilled workforce. “As the UK looks to businesses to step-up and achieve its net zero goals, the demand for skilled electricians and engineers is continuing to grow, creating ample opportunities for those looking to take on new talent to close the existing skills gap.” Demi Whitehead, Electrician at NICEIC-certified business, William Davis Homes, exemplifies the career progression possible within the electrotechnical industry. Having started as an apprentice, Demi has developed a comprehensive skill set, which was demonstrated when she reached the final of SkillELECTRIC 2023, a competition which showcases the UK's top electrical talent. Rebecca Jones, Head of HR at William Davis Homes, Demi’s employer, comments, “Apprenticeships are an excellent career option which bring many benefits to both young people and employers, and the success that Demi has experienced is testament to this training model. “Through an apprenticeship, a young person is able to enter a new industry and gain all the relevant qualifications needed to thrive, and at the same time employers are able to train to their own standards, ensuring relevant skills and expertise are maintained for the future.” Demi adds, “The electrotechnical industry provided me with such a wide scope of categories that I could choose to specialise in, whether that was domestic-based, installing electrical vehicle charging points, or even becoming a teacher in the subject. “I have found that working as an electrician has meant that no two days are the same in my role. It’s a great way for me to learn on the job and have the opportunity to grow with the business. My role is very rewarding as it means I’m able to see the housing developments progress from start to finish with my contribution.” NICEIC works with over 40,000 certified businesses across the UK and is committed to supporting those in the industry through its training course offerings and wide range of exclusive resources. NICEIC encourages businesses to explore the benefits of recruiting school leavers for electrotechnical roles. By investing in their training and development, businesses can secure a pipeline of skilled talent and contribute to the industry's continued growth. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Three electricians reach semi-finals of Screwfix contest

Gary Lynch from Birmingham, Richard Pullen from Banwell and Steve Cook from Wallasey have reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024. Gary (pictured above), 33, who owns Lynch Electrical Services, has more than 17 years’ experience working in the trade. He showcased resilience, dedication and ambition in the initial application, which secured him a place in the semi-finals for the national award. Gary was inspired to start his own business after a knee injury left him unable to walk for 12 months. Since setting up his business in 2021, Gary has worked tirelessly to ensure that it delivers high quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. Richard, 39, works for PB Design and Developments, and has more than 12 years’ experience working in the trade. Having retrained as an electrical engineer, Richard previously worked as a telecommunications operator for The Royal Corps of Signals in the army for over a decade. He then moved to PB Design and Developments, where his passion for electrical works took off, specifically, carrying out installation work for hospitals and on the London Underground. Steve, 48, who owns S.C. Electrical Contractors, has been working in the trade for more than two decades. Working across the Wirral area, Steve works with his son, a second-year apprentice, and both pride themselves on the strong reputation they have built for their business. Each will now compete against 26 other top tradespeople from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland for a chance to be shortlisted as a finalist. If successful, they will become one of just 10 finalists to take part in the in-person final to be held at Screwfix LIVE on 27 September 2024. Here, a panel of industry experts will put each tradesperson through their paces before selecting this year’s overall champion. The winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024 and take home a fantastic trade bundle made up of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000 / €20,000. With the national award now in its the 15th year, each hopes to join the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame in 2024, taking a place alongside reigning champion, Astrid Arnold - a Devon-based carpenter who claimed the accolade in 2023. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, says, “The nation’s tradespeople are often unsung heroes, working tirelessly day in and day out with the utmost passion and dedication. Our long-running national award aims to shine a light on the very best of them, recognising the outstanding work tradespeople deliver and the impact they have within their communities. “Once again we’ve been blown away by the strength of the applications we’ve received for Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024. Each of our semi-finalists has already proven themselves as an ambassador for their trade, and I wish them all the very best of luck as they look to gain a place in September’s national final.” To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024, visit screwfix.com/stt. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Marshall-Tufflex cables utilised in dental surgery refurb project

Penkhull Electrical has installed Marshall-Tufflex products as part of a major refurbishment project for the new Abbey House Dental Surgery in Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent. With sustainability being a key principle for the client, Marshall-Tufflex’s cable management solutions were chosen to meet the project’s environmental and functional requirements. The project involved completely stripping back and redesigning the three-floor premises to accommodate Abbey House Dental Surgery’s chic new clinic. Staffordshire-based Penkhull Electrical, which has built a solid reputation for delivering quality service with a personal touch, was contracted by Artico Design and Build, the main contractor, to install the complete electrical works for the bespoke refurbishment project. This included lighting, heating, telephones, CCTV and audio-visuals with Smart Office interfaces for full functionality. A critical specification factor for Penkhull Electrical Director, Greg Smith, was that the products aligned with Penkhull and Artico Design and Build’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Having worked with Marshall-Tufflex on several previous projects, Greg was confident in the brand’s ability to provide environmentally-friendly solutions. “We’ve worked for Artico Design and Build on several projects, and our values align,” Greg explains. “Sustainability is a key principle for our client. All products needed to meet the environmental, sustainable side of the project, but also be functional and complement the dental practice’s luxurious aesthetics.” To meet these requirements, Penkhull Electrical specified a range of Marshall-Tufflex products, including Tufflex Tile, Maxi trunking, Basor Fast Fit Wire Basket, and Sterling Curve Bio perimeter trunking system. The Tufflex Tile, a lightweight and strong alternative to the traditional wooden pattress, was used for the ceiling installation, reducing dust levels and installation time. The Maxi Trunking, made from 100% recycled PVC-U, provides a tamper-proof and flexible power and data cable management solution throughout the surgery. The Basor Fast Fit Wire Basket features integrated couplers which simply join together for fast installation. Sterling Curve Bio, a sleek trunking system with segregated compartments, was specified for its antimicrobial properties. The trunking uses a silver ion ingredient which ensures that 99.9% of harmful bacteria will not survive on the surface, making it the ideal choice for the dental practice. "We've installed Marshall-Tufflex in the past," Greg adds. "We used to specify off-the-shelf products but are more environmentally aware now. We want to specify and install products that align with the circular economy and can be recycled and reused. This 100% played a part in selecting Marshall-Tufflex's products." Marshall-Tufflex provided technical support and specification assistance throughout the project to ensure the installation met Penkhull Electrical and Artico Design and Build's exacting requirements. Despite the challenges posed by the building's age, such as uneven walls, the functionality of the cable management products - particularly the dado and adjustable bends - enabled them to accommodate the existing structure without significant issues. "The support provided by Marshall-Tufflex was excellent," Greg concludes. "We're really happy with the result, and Marshall-Tufflex is now our 'go to' company for cable management. It is an important part of our value chain. You only have to have one part of the supply chain fall over to cause significant problems on a project, so we need to be sure we're partnering with a reliable manufacturer – which Marshall-Tufflex is." For more from Marshall-Tufflex, click here.

UK reaches 250,000 certified heat pump installations

According to the latest data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy installations, the UK has now reached 250,000 all-time certified heat pump installations. It is a major milestone in the UK’s adoption of small-scale renewables, and the latest data highlights that uptake is gathering pace. From January to July 2024, more than 30,000 certified heat pumps were installed in homes and small businesses across the UK, which is a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and puts 2024 on track to be a record-breaking year for the technology as more people transition to cleaner, greener heating solutions. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) remains a vital part of making heat pumps more affordable and accessible. Recent government figures show that Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications are up 73% from January – June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with a total of 14,554 BUS applications submitted in the first six months of 2024. This reflects the growing number of consumers across England and Wales who are taking advantage of the incentive, which provides £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump and requires it to be MCS certified. For those in Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan offers a similar incentive, with grants up to £7,500 for heat pump installations, and up to £9,000 for households that qualify for a rural uplift. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, says, “It’s great to see the growing number of consumers across UK who are switching to heat pumps to heat their homes. Clearly, there is still some way to go in order to achieve the target of 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, but with the BUS running until March of the same year, consumer demand looks set to continue rising. “MCS certified installers give consumers confidence in the quality, safety and performance of their heat pump installation, by ensuring that it is installed to the highest quality using certified products. MCS standards play a crucial role in ensuring consumer confidence in renewable energy, providing peace of mind for those transitioning to cleaner, greener heating solutions.” MCS holds a comprehensive repository of data on the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies across the UK on The MCS Data Dashboard. For near-real-time updates on renewable installations, you can sign up for free to the dashboard by clicking here. For more from MCS, click here.

Trimble to host Connected Construction Conference

Trimble, an industrial technology company, is to host a Connected Construction Conference in London this autumn. Taking place at Hilton Bankside on 17 October 2024, the event will cover every stage of the project cycle from concept to construction, showcasing the latest digital trends, innovations and industry-leading software suites. Aimed at construction professionals and free to attend, the one-day conference will guide attendees through every stage of the construction process, demonstrating how Trimble’s range of solutions combined with industry insights can streamline processes, improve collaboration and deliver results. With a packed agenda, the conference will feature keynote presentations from leading experts in their field, interactive sessions, live software demonstrations, product masterclasses, customer stories and engaging panel discussions on a range of topics, including The Building Safety Act, AI & Technology Trends, and the value of Connected Construction. Many of the sessions will also feature a live Q&A, in which attendees are encouraged to ask questions and open up a dialogue with industry leaders in order to expand their knowledge base. Steve Attwell, VP EMEA Sales at Trimble, says, “We’re really excited to bring the first Connected Construction Conference to the industry. Designed with UK construction in mind, it’s a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders, meet with likeminded peers and learn from current Trimble customers who are pushing the boundaries in their respective sectors, showcasing how they’re using technology to revolutionise the way they work. “The event also offers the unique chance to learn what’s happening behind the scenes for the Trimble ecosystem and what our product teams have been working on. We talk a lot about the importance of Connected Construction and our products are at the heart of delivering this, providing interoperability and a streamlined dataflow. Whether you’re a Trimble user or not, this event is for everyone.” - The conference will take place on 17 October at the Hilton London Bankside, with registration from 9am and the main session running from 10am to 4.30pm. As well as networking opportunities throughout the day, the conference will also be followed by an optional drinks reception. You can register your free place at the event by clicking here. For more from Trimble, click here.

Siemon wins 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award

Siemon, a global provider of network infrastructure solutions, has been recognised with a 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award. The award honours companies demonstrating "exceptional commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices". This recognition underscores Siemon’s ongoing dedication to sustainable business operations across its global enterprise. “We are immensely proud to receive the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award,” says John Siemon, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operations Officer at Siemon. “Sustainability is a core value at Siemon, and we are committed to integrating sustainable practices into everything we do, from product design and manufacturing to customer service and supply chain. This award results directly from the high level of engagement and commitment of our people to ESG principles and values. It provides positive affirmation of their dedication to environmental and social responsibility in everything we do.” Siemon’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its comprehensive ESG strategy, which focuses on several key areas: • Environmental Stewardship: Siemon is committed to minimising its environmental impact throughout its operations and product offering. This includes reducing heat trapping pollutants, harmful chemicals, energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage. • Social Responsibility: Siemon fosters a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being. The company is also dedicated to giving back to its local communities. • Governance: Siemon adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance, ethics, and transparency. By prioritising sustainability, Siemon says that it is creating long-term value for its stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the environment. For more from Siemon, click here.