CEF to bring TechTalks to locations across the UK

Leading electrical wholesaler, CEF, has announced that registrations are now open for its upcoming series of TechTalks, commencing in September. Taking place in over 20 locations across the UK, the free and educational events are back for a fourth series and will once again feature expert advisers and presenters providing insightful information on the latest standards, regulations, news and products from over 20 leading brands with CPD accredited training. The upcoming series, centred around the theme of ‘Have your say’, will provide a platform for electricians to collaborate with CEF and its event partner, the Institute of Engineering and Technology (the IET). Attendees will be given the chance to expand their knowledge about the industry, as well as share their opinions and ask questions. CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth, says, “We are thrilled to be returning for our fourth series of CEF TechTalks. We’ve had more than 10,000 people attend the previous series, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to further connect with our customers.” Digital certificates marking attendance and CPD accreditation will be emailed to all attendees following the events. Additionally, CEF will offer exclusive discounts and giveaways to all event participants along with a pack of 'Techcards', which act as a handy reference to the topics covered at each talk. Complimentary breakfast and refreshments are served at all events. The first talk is scheduled to take place in Glasgow on 3 September 2024, with the final event taking place in Oxford on 21 November 2024. Other locations include Edinburgh, Wrexham, Manchester, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol, Southampton, London, Durham, Preston, Newmarket, Maidstone, Isle of Man, Derry, Belfast, Leeds, Sheffield, Cardiff and Exeter. For the full list of dates and venues, and to secure a place, visit your local CEF branch or register for free at cef.co.uk/tech-talks. For more from CEF, click here.

NAPIT responds to the general election

In this story, Frank Bertie, Managing Director of NAPIT, welcomes the positive approach of the new Labour Government’s willingness to engage with industry to bring forward plans to meet the net zero targets, and looks forward to working with Government officials, politicians and policy makers from all parties. After the general election on 4 July, where the Labour Party secured a landslide victory, it was encouraging to see the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, talk about "the opportunity of clean British power, cutting your energy bills for good." Additionally, it was promising to see the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, outline plans to "get Britain building again," including new housing targets and lifting the ban on on-shore wind. NAPIT welcomes these changes to the planning system, as well as new housing and on-shore wind. These changes will provide our members with increased opportunities and confidence with planning their future work. The renewed vigour in setting these ambitions can only stimulate confidence in the newbuild housing sector and for retrofit renewable installations in the existing UK housing stock. The commercial sector equally needs a similar intervention to provide confidence to allow planning, training and increases upskilling the workforce. The net zero policy is essential for tackling the effects of climate change, necessary for the security of energy supplies and for the opportunities for the renewable-led skilled workforce to develop and grow. As promised in Labour's election manifesto, the new government plans to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years. This will create more work opportunities for our members, whether it is in electrical work, heating, plumbing, the installation of microgeneration technologies, or energy efficiency measures. Clean, affordable and secure energy can only be a positive for the planet, households, businesses and the economy with the opportunity for highly skilled jobs and careers as we transition to net zero. We look forward to working with the new Government officials, politicians and policy makers from all parties to develop a plan to train the UK workforce to meet the needs of our low carbon future. It is vital that there are sufficient trained and accredited workers to take advantage of those opportunities as we transition to net zero, which is where organisations such as NAPIT will be an integral part. For more from NAPIT, click here.

Signify announces launch of new UK lighting brand

Lighting specialist Signify is launching a comprehensive new over-the-counter trade range of lighting under a new brand named Ecolink. Designed and developed in the UK to meet the specific needs of electrical professionals, the new Ecolink range has been developed with the vision to illuminate spaces through competitively priced, energy efficient LED luminaires. July sees the first phase of the Ecolink launch, with the range comprising: • LED Panel with four possibilities – on/off, on/off plus three-hour manual emergency, DALI, and DALI plus three-hour manual emergency • IP65 rated LED floodlight with IP65 motion sensor • LED batten with options for plug-in self-test emergency lighting pack, or a manual test emergency pack • LED standalone emergency range, comprising IP65 bulkhead, twin spots, recessed and surface mounted spots • LED emergency exit signs for wall and ceiling mounting, all equipped with high-quality Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries • LED non-corrosive fitting with the choice of manual test emergency pack, or plug-in self-test emergency lighting pack For flexibility and ease of ordering, the same emergency pack can be used across both the LED battens and non-corrosive luminaires. Phase two of the range will be launched across September and October, and will see the addition of: • LED bulkhead - available in switchable CCT (correlated colour temperature), enabling users to select their preferred lighting colour temperature, as well as switchable lumen output allowing the brightness to be adjusted to suit the application and meet regulation requirements • LED highbay • LED fire rated downlight - available with switchable CCT The new Ecolink range in its totality meets most of the lighting application requirements of UK electrical installers in day-to-day projects, Signify says, noting that is designed to be a one-stop shop for all commercial and residential projects. Ecolink LED lighting products are available instore and online from many distributors. Installers can view product information via the Ecolink website and purchase from a range of online stockists. There is also a distributor login area on the site, for wholesalers who wish to buy stock. For installers wishing to use Ecolink in projects that require a lighting design, the range is also available via Signify’s new LumXpert app. Installers can create tailored lighting designs, generate quotes and enjoy real-time access to stock availability and special offers from a range of wholesalers. There’s also the option for access to extended payment terms. Nico van der Merwe, CEO UK&I, Signify, says, “We are delighted to bring our new range of Ecolink products to the mass market, to not only deliver on the lighting needs for the majority of installer projects, but to do so in a simple, easy to order way, with guaranteed reliability at a pocket-friendly price.” For more from Signify, click here.

InstallerSHOW announces Building Safety Week 2025

Following a record-breaking event at the NEC Birmingham in June, InstallerSHOW has announced the launch of Building Safety Week 2025 with partners, Building a Safer Future (BSF) and the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI). A joint initiative with the BSF and CCPI, as well as a host of other industry associations, Building Safety Week will address and solve major issues affecting the whole sector as a result of new legislation from the Building Safety Act. Building Safety Week at InstallerSHOW 2025 aims to create a culture change in how we build – across the supply chain – on any sized project. Utilising the UK’s largest gathering of professionals in the sector, Building Safety Week will act as a forum for sharing insight, information and learnings from BSF champions who have embarked on continuous improvement, to the construction sector manufacturers who are delivering clear and concise information on their products. Nathan Garnett, Business Development Director at Lyrical Communications, says, “We feel that together we can embed a culture of building higher quality buildings, as well as assisting the whole sector, from specifier to installer, when it comes to understanding and abiding by the Building Safety Act. There is an awful lot to do, and collaboration and knowledge sharing is critical. “Regular communication with our community of over 500,000 professionals in the coming months, as well as delivering Building Safety Week to 30,000 visitors at InstallerSHOW 2025, will be vital in driving that culture change.” Amanda Long, Chief Executive, Code for Construction Product Information, adds, “The CCPI is really pleased to be supporting Building Safety Week at InstallerSHOW 2025. It will allow us to really focus on how building safety is being prioritised in the industry and specifically on how schemes like the CCPI can really help the sector deliver the standards that it needs to deliver safer buildings. The installer is the key part of the whole process, and we have to be a part of that conversation.” Louise Wren, Building a Safer Future Lead, comments, “Building Safety Week at InstallerSHOW 2025 will be a focal point for everyone to come together, collaborate and share best practice. BSF Champions are market leaders in continuous improvement, and together we are looking forward to supporting the whole industry by celebrating and sharing that success as part of Building Safety Week.” Plans are already well under way for Building Safety Week at InstallerSHOW 2025, and the organisers are in discussions with a high volume of stakeholders about their involvement. With collaboration at its heart, organisers are keen to hear from anyone wishing to support Building Safety Week. For more from InstallerSHOW, click here.

KNX UK announces details of this year's National Conference

KNX UK has announced the details of its upcoming National Conference, an event designed for professionals in the building automation, construction, building design and electrical engineering industries. Set to take place on 5 September 2024 at SAMA Bankside in London, this year’s conference will offer a dynamic and interactive agenda aimed at equipping attendees with the knowledge to thrive amidst changing regulations and technological advancements. Notably, the event will provide critical insights into PSTI and RED Compliance and KNX IoT. This one-day event promises a rich programme filled with expert insights, practical applications, and strategic guidance in the rapidly evolving world of building automation. Featured speakers include Jesús Arias on the global expansion of KNX IoT and Alex Buchan CEng., who will provide crucial updates on PSTI and RED compliance affecting all levels of the supply chain within the UK and EU markets. Other guest speakers include Harry Doling of Umbra Shading and the KNX UK Chairman, Iain Gordon. Attendees will benefit from CPD opportunities, product demonstrations, and discussions designed to enhance understanding and proficiency in implementing KNX technology. The 2024 National Conference is an exceptional platform for manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and consultants to connect, share insights, and explore collaboration opportunities. Engage in project forums, discussions with KNX experts, and get hands-on experience with the latest KNX innovations during product demonstrations. The event will also celebrate standout innovations and contributors within the KNX UK community, highlighting their achievements and inspiring future excellence. All attendees will enjoy a free lunch and refreshments throughout the day, with a licensed bar available to facilitate networking in a relaxed atmosphere. KNX UK is committed to delivering a conference that not only provides essential industry knowledge but also fosters an environment of growth and advancement for professionals across the board. We encourage all members and industry stakeholders to attend this transformative event. For more information on the conference agenda and to register, click here.

Fergus provides tips on how to maximise your profit margin

Fergus, the job management software designed for tradespeople, is providing trade business owners with tips to get their gross profit up in just 90 days. The advice is based on real world experience from Fergus Founder and Tradesperson, Dan Pollard, who successfully ran a heating and plumbing business before he founded Fergus. “Having a plan will help trade business owners increase their profits by making efficiencies and pricing properly,” says James Chillman, UK Country Manager for Fergus. “In around three months we will be heading into the Christmas period. Get to grips with a plan now and by then you could be enjoying your festive time off knowing your business is in great shape for the next year.” Here are Fergus's seven ways to maximise your gross profit margin: 1. Master your margins Understanding your profit margin is fundamental to financial management. It involves knowing what each job should bring in after covering all variable costs, such as materials and labour. Aim for a gross margin that compensates for your fixed overheads. This clarity ensures each job positively contributes to your business's financial health. 2. Embrace effective job management software Implementing job management software is crucial for tracking and boosting your gross margin for each project. With tools like Fergus, you can assign team members to jobs in seconds and see any conflicts, notify your team of any changes via the mobile app and look ahead to check what needs ordering and when. Fergus also offers real-time insights into financial performance, helping you make informed decisions swiftly. By managing every detail, from quoting to invoicing, Fergus ensures that no opportunity for profit is overlooked. 3. Optimise labour efficiency Labour costs often consume a significant portion of the budget so it's essential to ensure that every hour paid is productive. Plan your workforce’s schedule meticulously to prevent idle time and unnecessary overtime. If you’ve booked a last minute job, check to see who is close-by to take it on so there’s no travel time wasted. 4. Tightly control overheads Regularly review and audit your overhead expenses to identify where spending can be reduced without affecting operational efficiency. This could involve renegotiating contracts, automating processes, or eliminating unnecessary expenses. Every penny saved on overheads directly increases your bottom line. 5. Implement strategic purchasing Effective inventory management is critical for maintaining healthy profit margins. Adopt a strategic approach to purchasing – buy enough to meet demand but avoid excess stock. Use forecasting systems to align purchases with actual needs, minimising waste and reducing costs. 6. Refine your pricing Ensure your pricing reflects the true cost of doing business, including all direct and indirect costs. Regularly adjust your pricing models based on competitive analysis and customer feedback to meet market demands and support your financial goals. 7. Educate and engage your team A team that understands the financial goals of your business is invaluable. Educate your team on how their work impacts the company’s gross margin. Engaging them in this way not only helps them understand their role in the company’s success but also empowers them to take proactive steps towards cost-saving and efficiency-enhancing measures. This fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. For a free trial of Fergus software, visit fergus.com. For more from Fergus, click here.

AWEBB adds two new companies to its consortium

Electrical purchasing consortium, The Association of Wholesale Electrical Bulk Buyers (AWEBB), has announced that Contact Electrical Wholesale and Bonus Electrical joined its progressive buying group on 1 July 2024. This move comes as both companies transition from other buying groups to AWEBB, reinforcing AWEBB’s market wide commitment to strengthening collective capabilities in the electrical wholesale industry. Contact Electrical Wholesale is an electrical wholesaler based in central Birmingham. With an impressive track record of over 18 consecutive years of growth, it is renowned for delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to its customers' needs. Founded 60 years ago as a modest electrical wholesaler, Bonus Electrical has grown into a multifaceted operation with multiple sites, distinguished by its commitment to excellence and customer service. The decision to join AWEBB underscores Bonus Electrical's dedication to advancing its market position and embracing future opportunities, the companies say. By joining AWEBB, both companies gain access to a wealth of resources, including management training, networking opportunities and extensive commercial knowledge and expertise. Matt Dodwell, Managing Director of Contact Electrical, comments, “Joining AWEBB marks an exciting milestone for Contact Electrical. We believe AWEBB’s strong deals and shared values will support our future planning and help us better serve our customers and achieve new heights.” Mike Burgess, General Manager of Bonus Electrical, adds, “AWEBB's strategic initiatives, including group marketing, comprehensive training programmes and the opportunity to innovate and share best practices with such innovative fellow members, is something we are all very excited about.” Mark Lambert, CEO of AWEBB, notes, “We are delighted to welcome both Contact Electrical and Bonus Electrical to AWEBB. They both have a very impressive track record of growth and excellence, which makes them a fantastic fit for our association. The addition of both these new members underscores our dedication to fostering synergy and driving positive change within the industry. We look forward to many happy years of collaborative working." For more from AWEBB, click here.

Investment to future-proof cable network in south London

UK Power Networks is to invest more than £7 million in replacing 4.5 kilometres of underground cables between Sydenham Park and Churchfields Road in south London. The new 33,000-volt cables will be the latest design to maintain safe and reliable power supplies to customers in the local area, as more people use low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) chargers in future. According to statistics published by the Department for Transport, EV registrations across Lewisham and Bromley have increased by 80% year-on-year since 2018. The project started in Sydenham Park in March this year and will take around 22 months to complete, with Churchfields Road being the last section of electricity network to receive an upgrade. Alun Read, Project Development Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “This is one of a number of high-profile schemes we are delivering across London and the South East over the next five years. Successful delivery of these projects will result in a more secure network to meet future needs. This will also help the UK towards achieving net zero by enabling the installation of new EV charging points, heat pumps, renewable generation and battery storage facilities.” To limit disruption to residents and businesses, UK Power Networks has combined two projects together for 2.2km of the cable route. They will share the same trenches to avoid digging up the area twice. The team will also use a new section of cable already installed in Penge High Street between Crystal Palace Park Road and Oakfield Road, to avoid roadworks in the High Street. With support from the Greater London Authority, work is underway to identify opportunities to collaborate with other utilities to deploy a ‘dig-once’ approach. This will mean that at points, two or more utilities may work in a shared trench, avoiding multiple excavations over time and minimising disruption to residents, businesses and road users. On Laurel Grove and Blean Road in Bromley, UK Power Networks has collaboratively planned joint works with Southern Gas Networks (SGN), saving residents months of potential disruption from streetworks. These collaborative schemes will be rolled out wherever possible along this and other major cable routes. Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe CBE, says, “As the GLA, local authorities and utilities prioritise decarbonisation and affordable home delivery for London, it is important that the construction process also delivers benefits to local communities. “Increased, long-term collaboration between infrastructure providers ensures that delivery is streamlined and as minimally disruptive as possible to Londoners. UK Power Networks and utilities working with the GLA are identifying ways to compound benefits to local residents as these cables are laid, including collaborating with SGN to deliver gas and power upgrades together in Bromley. “I look forward to seeing UK Power Networks build on these efforts to collaborate across more of their major route network in London, meeting long-term infrastructure needs and working collectively towards net zero by 2030. The Mayor’s Infrastructure Coordination Service plays a crucial role helping utilities and other infrastructure providers collaborate.” Kieran Coughlan, Director of Capital Programme at the electricity company, adds, “This is one of many projects that we are working on to enhance the resilience of the electricity network and cater for future demand. “Investing in these projects benefits hundreds of thousands of customers who will have improved infrastructure in the south London area and may want to be using low-carbon technologies like EVs and heat pumps as the UK moves towards net zero. “Working closely with stakeholders such as the Greater London Authority makes these investments run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, and we have ongoing collaboration and shared goals for the community.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Recolight makes new appointment to Board of Directors

Recolight has announced the appointment of a new Director, Steve Meadows, who will represent Signify on the Recolight board. Steve has been with Signify since 2007 and recently took over the role of Services & Operations Director Professional for Europe West. On joining Recolight, Steve says, “I’m delighted to join the Recolight Board, taking over from my colleague Robert Sprott who represented Signify for over three years. I’m a champion of Recolight’s Circular Economy activity, and all they do to raise the profile of the need for action on sustainability in the lighting industry. I really look forward to getting to know and supporting the Recolight team.” In announcing the news, Recolight Chief Executive, Nigel Harvey, comments, “We are delighted that Steve has joined our board. The breadth of his experience and knowledge of our industry will be invaluable to us as we expand the range of services we offer to meet the changing needs of our producer members and collection partners.” Steve joins as Non-Executive Director representing Recolight’s founding members, along with Board Chair Andreas Adam, Senior Director at LEDVANCE, and Andrew Clark, Financial Controller at Feilo Sylvania UK. Also on the board are Steven Reed, Commercial Manager at Trilux and Stephen Bell, Services Transformation & Compliance Director UK & IE at Zumtobel. For more from Recolight, click here.

Nuvolt installs EV charging stations at Creditsafe offices

Creditsafe, a provider of business intelligence services, has made a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Nuvolt to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its UK office in Caerphilly, Wales. Creditsafe says that the initiative highlights its dedication to eco-friendly practices and providing convenient charging options for staff and visitors. In collaboration with Nuvolt, Creditsafe has successfully completed the installation of state-of-the-art Project EV dual electric vehicle charging stations in its employee car park. These newly installed EV charging stations have been well-received by both staff and visitors. Luke George, Facilities Manager at Creditsafe, comments, “We are thrilled with the new EV charging stations installed by Nuvolt at our UK office. The entire process from design to commissioning was seamless. The end result perfectly aligns with our sustainability goals. Our staff and visitors now have convenient access to charging facilities.” Jo Horrigan, Co-Founder and Director at Nuvolt, adds, “We are proud to support Creditsafe in its journey towards sustainability. Our innovative EV charging solutions are designed to meet the needs of modern businesses looking to make a positive environmental impact.” Creditsafe is now ideally positioned to transition to electric vehicles, aligning with the UK government’s goal of full EV adoption by 2035. This project not only supports Creditsafe’s environmental initiatives but also encourages EV usage among their staff, enhancing convenience for both employees and visitors. For more from Nuvolt, click here.