Lovell launches Tomorrow Home programme

National partnerships developer and contractor, Lovell, has launched a pioneering new pilot housing programme, called Tomorrow Home, to develop state-of-the-art, low-carbon smart homes that will help to address the climate crisis, and, importantly, save residents money. A Tomorrow Home demonstration home has been delivered at the firm’s Cornish Park development in Spennymoor, Durham. This forms part of a wider scheme of 124 homes that are currently under construction, partnering with Thirteen Group to bring a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes for shared ownership. There are two homes that are being used for this project; a pair of adjacent ‘Cornish’ three bedroom semi-detached corner turner house types – one complete with Tomorrow Home features, and the other home with more limited technologies installed. Lovell, in partnership with Teesside University, has collected the data from the construction of these two demonstration homes and will continue to monitor the homes’ performance in use, using metrics including operating costs and embodied/operational carbon figures to assess how the Tomorrow Home performs against other technologies. This will inform the specification of future homes that Lovell develops as the business moves to Future Homes Standard and beyond. The technologies installed in each home are: Plot 65 – Tomorrow Home This home will incorporate the following features: • Eco Heatwave infrared heating system • Atlantic Calypso air source hot water cylinder • Vent Axia whole-house mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system (MVHR) • Myenergi solar inverter and battery store linked to electric vehicle charger • Eco2solar photo-voltaic panels • Recoup waste-water heat recovery (WWHR) • H Jarvis triple glazed PVCu windows • Symphony kitchen – constructed using recycled materials • Multipanel – impervious shower wall to wet rooms • Ideal Standard water efficient sanitary ware Plot 66 This home will incorporate the following: • Daikin air source heat pump together with direct hot water tank • Vent Axia dMEV (decentralised mechanical extract ventilation) • Myenergi solar inverter and battery storage linked to electric vehicle charger • Eco2solar photo-voltaic panels • Recoup waste-water heat recovery (WWHR) • H Jarvis triple glazed PVCu windows • Ideal Standard water efficient sanitaryware Across Cornish Park, Lovell has built in a range of environmentally-friendly measures to support local ecology including, planting the gardens with biodiversity in mind to make sure they are wildlife-friendly, in line with the RSPB recommendations to support local ecosystems. For birds, they have integrated boxes and feeders, to provide both shelter and a regular source of food for a range of different species. Not forgetting hedgehogs, Lovell has also created a ‘hog highway’, to provide a safe route for hedgehogs to move around and between the gardens, without having to use human roads and pathways, as well as creating a hibernaculum, which will act as the perfect place for hedgehogs to hibernate. In addition, further biodiversity/sustainability enhancements include bat boxes, bumble bee boxes, bug hotels, compost receptacles and water butts. National Sales Director, Justine Elliott, says, “We are delighted to formally launch our Tomorrow Home pilot programme, as part of our commitment to building a brighter, more sustainable future for all. As a responsible business, we are driving our emissions down year on year and are constantly looking at innovative ways we can do this, while at the same time continuing to deliver much-needed, multi-tenure homes right across the UK. “Collecting and sharing data is massively important here. Thanks to our partnership with Teesside University, we are able to measure the performance of alternative electric heating systems and various other new to market technologies, so we can gain valuable insight and continue innovating, as we plot a path to net zero.” For more from Lovell, click here.

GW Power-Safe marks anniversary with £12m turnover target

GW Power-Safe, a Yorkshire-based building services engineering company, has marked its tenth anniversary by setting its sights on hitting £12 million turnover and creating new jobs this year. The company was established in Hull in 2014 by Managing Director, Daniel Haley, after he was made redundant from his job as an electrician. Today it offers a full range of renewable energy, mechanical and electrical solutions to public sector clients and businesses across all industries. The company now employs a 37-strong team and is actively recruiting electricians, plumbers, gas and heating engineers, air conditioning engineers, renewables specialists and apprentices. In recent years, GW Power-Safe has diversified into decarbonisation and the renewables sector, and two years ago Daniel co-founded C3 Group - which provides sustainability consulting services to businesses around the UK, focusing on sustainable energy solutions, carbon reduction plans, feasibility studies, funding and net zero strategies. C3 Group is headed up by Ash Wray and currently employs a team of four sustainability consultants and designers. In recognition of his work in decarbonising buildings, as well as the success of both GW Power-Safe and C3 Group, Daniel was recently presented with an Octopus Energy Springboard Entrepreneur Award by Octopus Co-Founder, Chris Hulatt. He was nominated for the award by Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice MP, Emma Hardy. This follows GW Power-Safe also being named as Hull College’s Apprentice Employer of the Year. GW Power-Safe celebrated its tenth anniversary with a celebration in Hull’s Victorian Paragon Shopping Arcade. During the event, awards were also presented to team members who go above and beyond. These were voted for by their colleagues and included Apprentice of the Year, Zuzanna Radzewicz; Engineer of the Year, Aiden Armstrong; Office Champion, Amy Mumby; and Rising Star, Dion Wilkin. Daniel Haley, MD of the company, comments, “After leaving school and becoming an electrical apprentice at Hull College, I qualified as an electrician but when I was suddenly made redundant in my mid-20s, I decided the time was right to start my own business, and GW Power-Safe was born. We now provide a full range of mechanical and electrical trades to all types of clients, as well as becoming a renewables specialist. “As part of this we’re now working on solar, commercial battery and air source heat pump installations for public sector organisations such as NHS Trusts and education establishments across the north of England. We also recently secured a place on the Crown Commercial Services’ renewables framework, which provides the public sector with decarbonisation services to support their carbon net zero strategies. “This is already proving to be a big growth area for us which will result in double-digit revenue growth this year as our turnover reaches £12 million. Our team is also growing in line with this and as well as recruiting up to 10 qualified and experienced engineers this year, we’re always committed to investing in apprentices. After I came into the industry as an apprentice, I know how important it is to invest in future talent. We already employ seven apprentices and will recruit another four in the coming months. “Another area that’s driving growth has been the launch of C3 Group and its ability to collaborate with G3 Power-Safe to provide clients with an end-to-end solution, from design right through to delivery, for their decarbonisation needs. This also means that we’re increasingly securing work outside our East Yorkshire heartland and we’re now working on projects across the country, and this national focus will be key to our future growth.”

Elucian offers new Garage Unit with 100A mains switch

Click Scolmore continues to enhance its Elucian consumer unit range to satisfy installer demand, and has now extended its garage units offer to include a new five-way Metal Garage Unit fitted with a 100A mains switch. This new garage unit supplied with 100A mains switch (three free ways) has been added to the range to ensure selectivity can be achieved when being fed from an upstream RCD/RCBO. It is also fitted with a pre-installed tail clamp which is designed to ensure there is no undue strain on incoming meter tail cables. Combining practicality and convenience for the contractor, as well as ensuring a hassle free installation, these units are typically used as an extension to an existing consumer unit but can also be used in isolation. Applications might include garages, house and loft extensions, sheds and workshops. A full range of Elucian protective devices is also available, providing the means to complete and equip any garage unit project. These include RCBOs, AFDDs, RCDs, MCBs and SPDs. A 10-year warranty is also offered. A full brochure highlighting Elucian products can be viewed on the Click website at scolmore.com, as well as on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Scolmore, click here.

Ansell unveils upgraded Raptor Twin Spot light

Offering improved illumination and durability, Ansell Lighting has upgraded its popular Raptor Twin Spot emergency light. Designed to provide superior performance and reliability, the newly enhanced version ensures optimal safety and visibility in emergency situations. Ideal for large open spaces such as warehouses, open plan offices and retail environments, the compact, modern Raptor Twin Spot now offers an impressive 500 lumen output on standard models or 700 lumen output on high output models. Ingress protection (IP) standards have also been upgraded with Raptor now delivering IP65 across all models. Available in both black and white finishes, Raptor’s two moulded polycarbonate heads can be individually adjusted for complete versatility and controlled direction of light. To aid installation, side conduit entry positions have also been added to enhance flexibility and ease of wiring. Powered by a long-lasting LiFePO4 lithium battery - which protects against short circuits, over-charging, and mechanical damage - Raptor is a highly reliable emergency light, Ansell states. Its pulse charging nature enhances product lifetime, whilst the low parasitic load of the lithium battery reduces power consumption, leading to lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint. Raptor also comes with a five-year product and battery warranty. Alongside standard and high output options, Raptor is also available with DALI emergency which includes a self-test feature as standard. This ensures reliable operation and easy maintenance, providing peace of mind and enhanced safety in emergency situations. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “Effective emergency lighting can mean the difference between life and death in a crisis situation. The changes we have made to Raptor enhance its performance and durability, providing the best possible solution for safety and peace of mind.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Toolstation launches skin cancer awareness campaign

Toolstation, the supplier of tools and building supplies, has launched a ‘Raise Your Skin Standards’ campaign which is designed to raise awareness of sun protection for tradespeople when working outdoors. The campaign features images of plaster cracking and flaking, alongside striking statistics of how tradespeople are affected by skin cancer. Meanwhile, the text on the advert reads: “Cracking - you wouldn't leave a site like this, so why let it happen to your skin? Stand up to skin cancer with sun protection on site”. The campaign will be launched across Toolstation’s social media channels in August and will be targeted at tradespeople. The campaign launches as research from Toolstation found that one in four (24%) tradespeople never wear sunscreen when on the job, despite 68% always (or often) wearing it while on holiday. The poll of tradespeople also found that 59% of customers who work in a trade had suffered from sunburn while working outside. Half (50%) of trade customers who rarely or never wear sunscreen when working outside in the summer said they don’t wear protection because they forget or don't think about , while 14% don’t think they need it. The same proportion (14%) opt against wearing it because they believe it to be inconvenient. Greg Richardson, Head of Marketing at Toolstation, says, “We know that tradespeople don’t have much time on their hands, so prioritising suncare can be difficult - but it’s really important that tradespeople are well informed about the implications of being burnt while working in the sun and the steps they can take to minimise that risk. We hope the campaign helps them overcome that risk and will make wearing sun cream when working outdoors as common as PPE.” Rebecca Fanning, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, adds, “We are pleased to partner with Toolstation on its ‘Raise Your Skin Standards’ campaign to help raise awareness of staying safe in the sun amongst Toolstation’s community. The stark statistic that tradespeople are eight times more likely to develop skin cancer is a reminder of the risks sun exposure can have on developing skin cancer, and the importance of following skin protection advice and checking skin regularly. Working with valued partners like Toolstation helps Macmillan to amplify this message and direct Toolstation’s community to Macmillan’s support services if they need more information. For more from Toolstation, click here.

Bodycare enhances store experience with TRILUX lighting

Bodycare, a leading health and beauty retailer with over 130 stores across the UK, has chosen TRILUX lighting solutions as part of its ongoing store improvement programme. Bodycare faced the challenge of upgrading its store lighting to create a vibrant shopping atmosphere while keeping costs down and ensuring a speedy installation process. This was a significant challenge as it required a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality. TRILUX Lighting addressed these challenges with a tailored lighting solution that improved the look and feel of Bodycare stores nationwide. Steve Gill, Managing Director, Fisch Design, comments, "Fisch Design continues to work closely with TRILUX on the fast-paced Bodycare retail store programme. Tasked with providing high output lighting schemes in different store settings, with or without false ceilings, TRILUX has responded to the brief with lighting calculations and drawings supporting its supply-line of a comprehensive range of fittings. We are delighted with the results and our collaboration, which has successfully contributed to a major uplift on recent store presentation." Over the past year, several Bodycare stores - including locations in Thornaby, Ipswich, Braehead, Stevenage, and Wood Green - were upgraded with new TRILUX lighting solutions. The project focused on two main concepts: 1. Toko + Quira EW CRI 94 for stores with recessed ceilings 2. E-Line Next LED continuous line + spotlights in black for stores without recessed ceilings TRILUX's Toko and Quira, with their high colour rendering index of 94, ensure that Bodycare's merchandise is presented in the best possible light. This high CRI makes product displays pop while enticing customers. The efficient white LED chips and precision optics deliver excellent performance at a very reasonable price point, TRILUX says, offering a cost-effective solution for retailers looking to enhance their store environments. The E-Line Next LED continuous line system, known for its ground-breaking light quality, proved ideal for stores without a ceiling grid. This system offers the flexibility to add spotlights to highlight specific product displays in suspended versions. The choice of black fittings helps the luminaires fade into the background, allowing the lighting distribution to guide and entice shoppers. The E-Line system's ease of installation ensured quick and efficient store turnarounds, aligning with Bodycare's need for a fast and cost-effective upgrade. The new lighting system not only improved the visual appeal of the stores but was straightforward for the contracting team to install. This cost-effectiveness is a key advantage of TRILUX lighting solutions, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the initial investment. Peter Fitzpatrick, Senior Advisor at Baaj Capital LLP, echoed this sentiment. He notes, "The TRILUX range offered good quality products at the right price, which has ultimately enhanced the customer shopping experience. Reduced glare and better display lighting entice customers to view the wide selection of products. The new lighting has transformed many stores and has been a part of our rollout of the store improvement programme. The comments we have received so far have been very favourable." For more from TRILUX, click here.

Hartlepool furniture group upgrades its EV charging units

When The Optimum Group, a specialist commercial furniture manufacturer with a purpose-built showroom and factory space in Hartlepool, needed to upgrade its previous EV charging units to accommodate more vehicles, it turned to BG Sync EV to provide the flexibility it needed. After an endorsement from its business vehicle leasing company, the group chose North East EV charging specialists, Get Charging, to recommend and install the most suitable EV chargers for the company. Mike Pearson, Director of The Optimum Group, says, “Increasing our business vehicle fleet meant we needed to increase the number of EV chargers we needed, and Sam at Get Charging recommended the BG Sync EV chargers. We wanted an option that didn’t just use an app, but could also be activated with a key fob for ease of use. “The key fobs mean everyone in the business can quickly and easily use the chargers without having to rely on having their phone on them or having their phones charged up. Although, the great thing about the chargers is that you have a choice – some of our staff prefer using the app, and so they have the option to do that.” With dynamic charging up to 22kW on three-phase AC power, the Type 3-Phase BG Sync EV charger uses Wi-Fi, Ethernet and RFID connectivity with 24 hour app support, making charging accessible for all. BG SyncEV says that it is easy to install and suitable for residential and commercial use, with three-phase power required - whilst also fully compliant with the latest electric vehicles regulations. Mike adds, “Sam at Get Charging supported us throughout the whole process, coordinating the shutdown with our factory manager to get the chargers on the grid once they were installed, and also informing us of grants we can use to help make the purchase and installation more affordable. “This allowed us to be able to afford four new EV chargers for our business and let the company easily use our electric vehicles all day, knowing we have a quicker and cheaper way to keep them charged. We couldn’t recommend them more.” BG Sync EV Business Development Manager, Leon Wong, notes, “The Optimum Group was looking for EV chargers that were reliable, quick, look good, and could be used all day, and Get Charging was able to recommend the BG Sync EV chargers because it knew they would be able to deliver on all those fronts.” For more from BG SyncEV, click here.

City Plumbing joins the Heat Pump Association

City Plumbing has become a member of the UK’s Heat Pump Association (HPA), the trade association committed to accelerating the deployment of heat pumps UK-wide. The HPA acts as a central point for the exchange of knowledge and information on all things relating to heat pumps and liaises with the Government directly on behalf of its members. It also works to inform the public and the wider HVAC industry about the benefits of heat pumps to encourage adoption. City Plumbing became the first national plumbing and heating merchant member in December 2023. The membership enables City Plumbing to provide a supply chain perspective and work with other like-minded association members to support the UK’s net zero ambitions and help meet the UK’s goal of 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. Dave Evans, CEO at City Plumbing, says, “By joining as members, we hope to bring a new outlook to the HPA, with a strong understanding of the supply chain and the challenges and concerns of the installer base. “Joining the HPA demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the transition and adoption of renewable technologies and low temperature heating in the UK.” Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director of City Plumbing’s Renewables and Electrical division, adds, “Installers are the ones who will make the Government’s commitment to net zero a reality. I’m pleased to be able to join the HPA and champion the voice of our installers to drive positive changes for both those who are already installing heat pumps, and those with the potential to become heat pump installers. “Since the start of 2023, we’ve helped over 350 plumbing and heating engineers become accredited heat pump installers in partnership with GTEC Training. Joining the HPA is another important step for City Plumbing in actively supporting the adoption of renewable technologies.” Earlier this year, the merchant opened its second specialist Renewables Centre in Basildon and also recently ran a series of Electrification of Heat events, giving installers access to a broad suite of renewable products and support on installation. For more from Heat Pump Association, click here.

Instrotech launches test equipment competition

Instrotech, a supplier of test equipment, is continuing to mark its 40th anniversary by announcing the latest in its series of prize draw competitions. With the first and second competitions complete, the third event commences today (1 August). This time around, Instrotech is asking entrants to solve a test and measurement themed puzzle. To be entered into the prize draw, simply piece together the online puzzle pieces correctly to make an image of a Megger 1721 and submit along with your personal details. The first prize is the Megger 1721 multifunction installation tester itself, alongside two runner-up prizes of a Megger AVO 215 multimeter and a Megger MLM50 laser distance meter. Guy Brown, Sales Manager at Instrotech, comments, “After the huge success of our first two 40th year competitions, this time - in partnership with Megger - we again have fantastic opportunities to win some great test equipment prizes, so why not have a go?” To enter the competition, complete the quiz at instrotech.com/40-years. Terms and conditions apply. The competition ends on the 30th of September with the draw taking place on October 2nd 2024. Instrotech will be running its final prize draw in November. For more from Instrotech, click here.

MCS welcomes its newest product certification body

Intertek Shanghai, a global independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organisation, has been announced as the latest MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) product certification body. It becomes the tenth MCS product certification body and the second to be based outside of Europe, and will focus on the product certification of solar panels and heat pumps. MCS is the standards organisation for small-scale renewable energy and heating across the UK, requiring both installers and product manufacturers to adhere to industry-recognised standards that ensure the highest quality, competency and compliance. Product certification to MCS standards is managed by accredited certification bodies such as Intertek Shanghai, who assess products to ensure that they comply with the quality standards required under MCS. This allows them to award use of the MCS certification mark to products that have been rigorously tested. The number of manufacturers with MCS certified products continues to grow, as consumer appetite for high-quality small-scale renewables drives demand. There are currently 131 manufacturers with MCS certified heat pump products – a 25% increase over the last 12 months. For solar panels, this figure stands at 181, representing a 9% increase in the number of manufacturers that have certified solar products over the last 12 months. As a result, there are now more than 1,500 MCS certified heat pump products and over 90,000 solar panel products, demonstrating the wide (and growing) choice available to installers and consumers. Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, says, “The demand for small-scale renewables continues to gather pace in the UK, with solar panel installations surpassing the 1.5 million mark and heat pumps on track for a record-breaking year in 2024. This is reflected in the significant growth we’ve seen in the number of MCS certified contractors – an increase of 38% over the past 12 months – but it’s crucial that product choice also mirrors this to service the growing demand. “This is where accredited product certification bodies have a really important role to play in strengthening the UK supply chain for renewable technologies. They provide rigorous testing of products to ensure they are high-quality and certified, which ultimately broadens choice for installers and consumers alike. Intertek Shanghai has a fantastic reputation in the testing, inspection and certification sector, so it’s great to welcome them as our second product certification body outside of Europe.” Jessica Li, General Manager of Certification & GMAP of Intertek Electrical Shanghai, says, “Obtaining accreditation as an MCS Product Certification Body means that we will be able to greatly improve the services of local enterprises and can directly issue MCS certificates to them, helping Chinese manufacturers to enter the UK and European markets. Our successful accreditation demonstrates Intertek's mission to promote high-quality and compound growth for our customers. “It also confirms that we will focus on renewable energy together with Chinese enterprises and seek a sustainable path for green and low-carbon transformation. It is hoped that Intertek Shanghai and MCS can continue to expand cooperation in different product areas, increasing the product choices available to installers and consumers.” As the low-carbon landscape continues to evolve, Intertek Shanghai and MCS will collaborate to explore cutting-edge renewable technologies, ensure the quality and sustainability of products, and create opportunities to drive progress against net zero goals. For the full listing of products that have been MCS certified through product certification bodies, click here. For more from MCS, click here.