Elevate your smart home sales pitch

In the dynamic world of smart home technology, staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptation. Ivory Egg, a KNX distributor with almost 20 years KNX experience, offers a comprehensive KNX Sales course designed to empower electricians with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the growing market of smart home and building automation. KNX Sales - course overview Currently in the KNX Training world, the focus has been on learning the topology and programming of KNX, and what has been missing is the important step of learning how to sell smart home technology and win projects. The Ivory Egg KNX Sales course is tailored for electricians who want to deepen their understanding of KNX technology and effectively communicate its benefits to potential clients. The course is structured to provide practical sales tips, ensuring participants can craft a winning sales strategy for their smart home consultations. Key learning objectives During the KNX Sales Course, learners will cover the following topics: Understanding the sales process and how to use it to improve sales results How to recognise and communicate with different project stakeholders Different approaches that can be used to sell technology and KNX Using the SPIN method to significantly increase customer buy-in The difference between quoting and design Managing customer expectations Why choose Ivory Egg training? Ivory Egg is renowned for its expertise and dedication to promoting KNX technology. By choosing this course, participants benefit from: - Expert Knowledge: Course content has been created by an industry expert with extensive experience in KNX and smart home technology. - On Demand Learning: Learn at a time and pace that suits you. Ivory Egg Training is 100% online and self-paced to offer ultimate flexibility. - Lifetime access: Revisit your course(s) as often as you like to refresh your knowledge. The Ivory Egg KNX Sales course provides the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively promote and sell KNX solutions. Whether you are new to selling smart home technology or looking to enhance your existing skills, this course will help you achieve your business goals. To learn more about Ivory Egg Training email training@ivoryegg.co.uk or visit https://ivoryegg.ac-page.com/ivory-egg-training.

ECA champions electrical apprenticeships

This A-level results week, ECA is highlighting the importance of electrical apprenticeships in the move to low carbon technologies and net zero. ECA is putting the need for more electrical apprentices firmly at the centre of the new government’s agenda. This week, the body launched the Electrical Skills Index - a dataset analysing how many people in England are starting classroom-based courses compared to apprenticeships – to highlight the areas of the country facing a shocking shortage of electrical skills. The Electrical Skills Index shows constituency by constituency how newly elected MPs in England can champion electrical apprenticeships in their area. A career in electrical engineering, design or installation can open a whole world of opportunities, ECA says, and it all starts with an apprenticeship. ECA’s own Technical Director, and former President, Mike Smith began his electrotechnical career aged 15. He comments, “Undertaking an electrical apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made. It gave me the opportunity to learn about electrical theory and the practical elements of how to install various cabling methods, containment, switchgear and electronics. “Far from restricting career choices, undertaking an apprenticeship has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to develop as I wanted, at a pace that suited me.” ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year 2023, Adam Allen, also decided to take the leap and launch his career with an apprenticeship. He notes, “The electrical industry is always advancing quickly – especially in the low carbon technology sector – so there are so many paths you can choose once you become qualified. I have always maintained that choosing a career in the electrical industry was the best decision I could have made. “Because the industry is so expansive, there will certainly be a rewarding career path for you too – you just have to reach for it.” The Electrical Careers website is an industry-approved portal for finding routes into electrical apprenticeships. For more from ECA, click here.

New Mitre Saw offers power and precision

HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the new C12RSH3 Mitre Saw, which is designed to deliver unmatched precision and power. Tailored for professionals, the new saw combines advanced technology with ease of use in an effort to redefine standards in woodworking and construction. The new Mitre Saw comes equipped with XACT CUT LED technology that projects a precise shadow cutting line, eliminating the need for re-adjustment and ensuring accuracy right from the first cut. Its compact sliding system with double guides not only boosts stability, but also facilitates operation close to walls. The HiKOKI C12RSH3 has been engineered with functionality in mind, featuring a front-facing bevel and mitre mechanism for hassle-free adjustments. The bevel lock handle is conveniently located on the operator's side for easy loosening or tightening of bevel lock and improved efficiency. With the convenience of a one touch mitre lock, adjustments are reportedly quick and easy, which can save time when shifting between various cutting angles. The linear ball bushings enable smooth and precise sliding, while the highly rigid metallic mitre scale has nine positive stops and indications for easy-to-read measurements and quick settings. The C12RSH3 Mitre Saw is robust, featuring a 1520W power input and a 305mm blade diameter. It operates at a no-load speed of 4,000 rpm, offers dual bevel capabilities, adjusting from 0° to 45° on both the left and right sides, and weighs just 25.5kg. It is available in two models: the C12RSH3J1Z 240V model, and the C12RSH3J12Z which is 110V. Both models come with an automatic three-year warranty, which can be extended to a five-year warranty subject to registration and terms and conditions. For more from HiKOKI Power Tools, click here.

JTL to host 'Trade Talks' event in West Midlands

JTL, the largest training provider for electrical and plumbing and heating apprenticeships in England and Wales, will host an upcoming 'Trade Talks' event at its Birmingham training centre in Aston. Scheduled for Thursday 29 August from 3pm to 7pm, the event will give local employers in West Midlands the chance to take advantage of exclusive opportunities, engage directly with JTL and share their business needs. This event is an opportunity for employers to: • Get support and advice about taking on an apprentice • Explore the trade fair and meet industry leaders showcasing their latest products • Listen to trade talks from industry leaders on hot topics in the electrical, heating and plumbing sectors • Obtain exclusive discounts and freebies • Tour JTL Birmingham’s state-of-the-art training facilities JTL is opening its doors to hear directly from employers about the skills they require and the support they may need in taking on an apprentice. As part of its commitment to improving its services, JTL aims to tailor its training programmes to better meet the demands of the industry. The event will also introduce Neil Hammersley, JTL’s new Delivery Team Manager for the region. With more than 28 years of experience in the electrical industry, including 20 years with JTL, Neil is dedicated to enhancing JTL's services for both local employers and apprentices. JTL’s Chief Executive, Chris Claydon, will be there alongside the local team and is keen to meet and speak to employers directly. Complimentary food and beverages will also be provided. Neil Hammersley, Delivery Team Manager, JTL Birmingham, says, “We look forward to welcoming local employers to this important event and hearing more about how we can best support business needs in the region. “Strong partnerships with local employers are really important to us here at JTL. Our high-quality apprenticeship training is always tailored to address the specific skills needs of the region. By working closely with employers to ensure our apprentices receive training that is both relevant and of the highest quality, we play a crucial role in training the next generation of skilled professionals and contribute to a more sustainable future in the building services engineering sector.” For more from JTL, click here.

Click announces new wiring accessory additions

Click Scolmore has introduced a variety of new products to its comprehensive wiring accessories portfolio. This includes the Deco and Deco Plus Decorative Unswitched Socket Outlets, the 50A Definity Control Switch Inserts and the Mode In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers. The new Deco and Deco Plus 2 gang unswitched socket outlets have been added to Click’s extensive decorative wiring accessories range. Designed with the consumer in mind, the socket outlets come offered with a safety shutter feature to increase security and overall reassurance. The safety shutters are designed to exceed BS 1363 requirements, where a standard BS 1363 Shutter only requires an engaging earth pin to open the shutter. These are available in satin chrome or stainless steel finishes and black or white inserts. Added to the Definity range are the 50A Control Switch Inserts which have been introduced in ‘Polar White’ and ‘Black’ to match the other Definity inserts in the decorative wiring range. This allows for a non-ingot solution for Polar White, Metal White, Matt Black and Metal Black cover plate finishes. New to the Click Mode range, is the 1 gang and 2 gang In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers. Compatible with most Oral-B toothbrush models, these products offer a wireless charging point for electric toothbrushes as well as additional space for a spare/replacement toothbrush head. The design allows them to be fitted directly onto the bathroom wall, offering easy access to charging without messy cables, and ensuring the electric toothbrushes are always charged and ready to go. They are also antibacterial and antiviral certified. The full range of wiring accessories can be found on Scolmore's website and in Issue 15 of the company's Click catalogue. For more from Scolmore, click here.

Centaur to mark 50th anniversary with charity walk

Centaur, a specialist in PVCu cable management solutions, is celebrating 50 years of British manufacturing. Its factory in Redditch, where the company's journey began, is the exact same site where it continues to manufacture in-house and develop its product range and fabrication abilities to this very day. For half a century, Centaur's dedication to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its reputation and name in the market. This milestone anniversary is not just a testament to its enduring achievements, but also a celebration of Centaur's commitment to British manufacturing. To commemorate this achievement, a small group of dedicated employees will embark on a 50-mile walk around Redditch starting on 22 August at 4.30pm, walking continuously throughout the night until they arrive back at the Centaur factory with 50 miles under their belt. This challenging endeavour aims to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that Centaur has consistently supported over the years. By walking these 50 miles, the staff hope to not only mark the 50th anniversary but also contribute to a cause that makes a huge difference in the lives of those that are affected by cancer. ECN readers can join Centaur in celebrating its 50-year anniversary and supporting this worthy cause by donating here, or by joining the staff on 22 August to wish them luck on their venture.

EV Blocks introduces the B800 for rapid EV installations

In the fast evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for efficient and reliable charging solutions has never been higher. EV Blocks is stepping up to meet this need with its innovative new product, the B800, which is specifically designed to accommodate DC chargers - marking a significant advancement in EV infrastructure, the company says. The B800 features a precise design with a single entry point for ducting and a detachable adaptor plate for mounting DC chargers. This thoughtful engineering simplifies maintenance and charger updates, and EV Blocks states that it a game-changer for contractors and EV charging station operators. One of the most significant problems the B800 solves is the lengthy concrete curing process. Being precast, the B800 eliminates the need for pouring and curing concrete bases. This allows for quicker installation and reduced downtime, enabling faster deployment of charging stations to meet the growing demands of the EV market. Moreover, the B800's spacious entry point simplifies initial DC charger installation and future maintenance by providing easy access to cables and hard-to-reach areas during ducting, cable pulling and cable dressing phases. This user-friendly design reduces repair time and ensures charging stations remain operational and efficient, offering reliable service to EV owners. Additionally, the B800 promotes a more simplified and consistent infrastructure for DC chargers. Its standard design means that installation processes can be streamlined across multiple sites, leading to uniformity and predictability in charging station setups. This consistency is beneficial for contractors, operators and end-users, ensuring that every installation meets high standards of quality and performance. In conclusion, EV Blocks' B800 is a ground-breaking solution in the EV charging infrastructure landscape. As the demand for EVs continues to rise, innovations like the B800 will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and efficient future for electric mobility.

Luminaire sets new sales landmark for CU Phosco

CU Phosco, a family-owned designer and manufacturer of outdoor lighting equipment, has announced that it has sold over 100,000 of its E950 luminaires. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the E95X range, which has been available as an efficient and reliable street lighting solution since its release back in June 2020. The E95X range, comprising the E950 and E951 luminaires, offers high-quality, cost-effective solutions for replacing existing sodium discharge and compact fluorescent lights on minor roads. With various configurations, including Low Power (LP) and High Power (HP) options, and multiple colour temperatures (2200K, 2700K, 3000K, and 4000K), the E95X is versatile enough to meet a wide range of lighting requirements. Notably, the range recently received DarkSky accreditation, reinforcing CU Phosco's commitment to environmentally-friendly lighting schemes. Matt Murray, Sales and Marketing Director at CU Phosco, comments, "Reaching the 100,000 unit mark is a significant achievement for us. The E950 has proven itself as a reliable, cost-efficient option for local authorities, providing functionality and outstanding performance with minimal fuss”. Since its first order, which went to a project in Brighton, the E950 has been a reliable solution for various locations, including East Sussex, Suffolk Highways, Pembrokeshire, Brighton & Hove, and South Gloucestershire. The product has demonstrated a remarkable performance record with only 67 confirmed failures in the field to date, equating to an impressively low failure rate of approximately 0.067%. This is equivalent to a reject rate of 670 units per million sold, which can be considered world-class within the sector, the company states. As CU Phosco continues to innovate and refine its offerings, it remains dedicated in its commitment to providing advanced, cost-effective lighting solutions. The success of the E950 is a testament to this commitment, CU Phosco tells us, and the company is now looking forward to celebrating many more milestones in the years to come. In recent months, CU Phosco introduced PhosLink, a small power adaptor designed for the E95X luminaire range. Seeking to offer an unprecedented level of power adjustability and efficiency for outdoor lighting applications, PhosLink enables customers to tailor the power output of their luminaires to suit specific project requirements, directly on-site or within their depots. As a result, customers can benefit from more streamlined stock management with the flexibility to adjust the lumen output as necessary either in the workshop or on site, and greater adaptability in their inventory holdings. CU Phosco has also recently launched affordable finance options, with Asset Finance and Lighting as a Service designed to support customers in today’s tough operating environments. Initially available for their UK-based specifiers, the bespoke funding packages - developed in collaboration with Siemens Financial Services - are tailored to help customers update their lighting and columns, including high masts, while effectively managing their profit and loss (P&L). For more from CU Phosco, click here.

Baxi becomes principal partner of Oxford United

Heating and hot water expert, Baxi, has announced a record sponsorship deal with EFL Championship newcomers Oxford United FC which will see the company become the club's principal partner from the start of the 2024/25 season. As part of the new deal, Baxi branding will feature across the front of Oxford United’s men’s and women’s first team kits, along with replica shirts for both adults and juniors. In addition, as principal partner, Baxi branding will also be present across the Kassam Stadium and its hospitality areas, as well as on the club’s website. Baxi will also work with Oxford United to deliver marketing campaigns across social and digital platforms to engage with the club’s growing fanbase, including those featuring the club’s and Baxi’s mascots, Ox and Baxter. The Baxi logo was seen on the front of the men’s team shirts for the first time during Saturday’s victory against Norwich City in the opening home game of the new Championship season. With a rich footballing history, this is the first season the club has competed in the second tier of English football in 25 years. Baxi’s partnership with the club will also see the heating and hot water specialist increase its engagement with homeowners, heating professionals and businesses in the region. Both organisations also carry ambitions for growth into a sustainable future. Baxi’s support for low carbon heating solutions is also echoed by Oxford United’s plans to deliver the UK’s first all-electric stadium. Nick Platt, Sales & Marketing Director at Baxi, says, “Our new partnership with Oxford United FC is an exciting development for the Baxi brand, and one that feels like the perfect match on a number of levels. We have shared ambitions for growth and a mutual commitment to sustainability; both of which we expect to unlock a number of new opportunities over the coming season.” Adam Benson, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at Oxford United, adds, “We’re delighted to announce this principal partnership for both our men’s and women’s teams. It was hugely important that we secured the right agreement with the right company. Baxi has a proud history and are committed to excellence and innovation – we look forward to developing a long-term relationship with them.” For more from Baxi, click here.

Ovia introduces Inceptor U-Lite luminaire

The Inceptor U-Lite from Ovia is a highly successful U-Lite luminaire which is designed to bring even more benefits to the installer. A slimline, non-corrosive utility LED luminaire, the Inceptor U-Lite is designed to offer protection against the elements. Furthermore, with a removeable diffuser and gear tray, the Inceptor U-Lite ensures a hassle-free installation. This Inceptor model includes switchable CCT - 4000K, 5000K and 6500K - and improved assembly. The gear tray and diffuser assembly can be disconnected and removed by disconnecting the suspension clips and Molex connector for lighter/simple installation of the base. Offering multiple positions for the terminal block allows greater flexibility for retrofit installations. The luminaire also offers emergency self-test as standard. With 60 variants in the Inceptor U-Lite range, Ovia is offering a product that is suitable for every market and for numerous applications; for example, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and car parks. The Inceptor U-Lite is offered in dimmable and addressable variants in the form of SwitchDim, Corridor Function and DALI which can cater for every application. Inceptor U-Lite comes in three different lengths - 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm - and each length is available in a single lamp and a twin lamp equivalent output. It is suitable for wall, ceiling or suspension mounting with adjustable fixing centres. Pre-fitted anti-tamper clips allow the installer to screw the retaining clips so that others cannot open the luminaire without the use of a tool. The full range can be seen in the new Ovia Issue 5 catalogue which can be downloaded from the Ovia website by clicking here. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pld7osgI2N8[/embed] For more from Ovia, click here.