All change at NAPIT

Mike Andrews, CEO of NAPIT, is stepping up to take the new role of Divisional Managing Director for UK and Ireland Compliance and Certification Division within Phenna Group, and Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer, will be stepping into the role of Managing Director at NAPIT. In his new role, Mike will be leading the division in which NAPIT is an integral part for the Phenna Group. Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group comments, “With a strong track record in compliance and a keen eye for certification and industry standards, Mike will spearhead initiatives to grow and elevate the Group's high standards in these critical areas.” Frank has been part of NAPIT from the very beginning and is perfectly positioned to continue to drive NAPIT forward and build on its continued growth. Mike says, “It is a great opportunity to take the leadership role in the Compliance and Certification Division with Phenna Group. There are many opportunities for growth within this division, and cross business collaborations which will not only benefit the individual companies, but their customers and the Phenna Group as a whole. "Frank Bertie has been with NAPIT from the very beginning and has built up an unwavering rapport with NAPIT members, staff and customers over these years. Frank’s knowledge of the electrical industry is unrivalled, so he is perfectly positioned to take over this leadership role and continue to lead NAPIT forward on their continued growth.” Frank comments, “Over the years I have seen the NAPIT go from strength to strength - this continued growth is a firm focus in the ongoing strategy for NAPIT. Collectively with the fantastic NAPIT employees we will ensure that the same exemplary standards of customer service, service delivery and support are upheld, and NAPIT continues to excel and grow.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

Cologne's mobile network fully prepared for the Euros

CU Phosco has successfully installed its Connected Urban smart pole in Cologne, Germany. This cutting-edge 5G streetlighting mast was deployed just in time for the start of the European Football Championship, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of urban mobile network infrastructure. The Connected Urban smart pole, strategically located near Cologne Cathedral and the central train station, is a symbol of today's smart city innovation that serves one of the city's major fan zones on Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer. This advanced solution provides both high-performance lighting and robust 5G network capabilities, ensuring an enhanced mobile experience for thousands of football fans and city residents. The Connected Urban smart pole is designed to handle high bandwidth demands, offering seamless 5G and 4G/LTE connectivity for mobile telephony and data usage. This deployment ensures that Cologne's mobile network is fully prepared to support the influx of visitors during the European Championship.  The Connected Urban smart pole is not just a temporary solution for the European Championship. It will remain a permanent fixture in Cologne, providing a high-performance mobile network for residents and visitors during major events, such as the annual Carnival, which attracts around 1.5 million visitors annually. This underscores its long-term value and contribution to the city's infrastructure. CU Phosco's Connected Urban smart pole is a modular and fully customisable solution that integrates high-performance lighting and mobile network technology within a single, compact footprint. Replacing a conventional lamp post, this innovative intelligent pole leverages existing infrastructure to deliver both essential urban lighting and advanced telecommunications capabilities. Available up to 20m tall, as standard, it offers a greater range for mobile coverage, ensuring improved network reliability and seamless connection on the nationwide O2 network via a dedicated fibre-optic link. For more from CU Phosco, click here.

Applications for Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024 now open

In a bid to find the very best in trade talent, Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024 is now open for entries. The annual award has seen 14 of the nation’s best tradespeople take home the coveted title since its inception in 2010. Screwfix Top Tradesperson, which last year saw Devon-based carpenter, Astrid Arnold scoop the top prize, celebrates the outstanding work tradespeople do, highlighting their professionalism and dedication to promoting and supporting the future of the industry.  To enter, tradespeople from the UK and Ireland can put themselves forward, or can be nominated by employers, customers or friends, by filling out the online application form at screwfix.com/stt or screwfix.ie/stt before entries close on Sunday 14 July.  Following entry, the standout applicants will be shortlisted to take part in a semi-final interview in August. From there, just 10 will head to final at Screwfix Live in Farnborough on Friday 27 September, where they will go head-to-head in front of a panel of esteemed industry experts.  The winner will join the likes of Astrid Arnold, along with 2022 champion, Toby Peacock, and Dan Lloyd, who topped the trades in 2021, in the Screwfix Hall of Fame. They’ll also walk away with an incredible trade bundle worth £20,000/€20,000, comprising of tech, tools, and training to boost their business.   Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, says, “Screwfix Top Tradesperson is all about recognising the incredible contribution that tradespeople make day in, day out. Although only one person can take home the title, this award looks to celebrate everyone in the trade – from electricians to plumbers, builders to painters, and carpenters to roofers – while showcasing just how rewarding a career in the industry can be. “There’s an abundance of exceptional talent across the board, but we’re particularly looking for someone who goes the extra mile for their customers and acts as an ambassador for the industry, helping to inspire the next generation of tradespeople.  “The calibre of applications we receive year on year is phenomenal, and we can’t want to see what this year’s entrants bring to the table.” For more from Screwfix, click here. 

Drayton launches new installer rewards programme

This year, heating controls manufacturer Drayton is celebrating 75 years of supporting installers, kicking things off with the launch of its new installer loyalty programme, Drayton Rewards+. The new and improved loyalty programme, which replaces 9º Network, is designed to give installers more; from perks and points, through to being part of a community of like-minded heating engineers and electricians.  On Drayton Rewards+, installers can earn valuable points by registering products and by completing free in-platform online training courses, which can then be redeemed against a range of items from the rewards catalogue, including products, workwear, merchandise and more. Exclusive points bonuses will be available throughout the year, which installers can hear about via emails from Clare@Drayton and Drayton’s social media channels, including The Drayton Community Facebook group.  When members claim points for products installed, they're automatically given an extended five-year warranty they can offer their customers. This gives homeowners even more reason to choose them over the competition. Training modules will also be available for installers to access at their leisure with a bonus 500 points received for each module completed. From getting to grips with the Digistat range, through to fitting the Wiser smart system and obtaining Wiser Approved Installer accreditation, Drayton continues to offer ongoing support to installers and help them stay ahead of the competition.  Clare Weller, Trade Marketing Manager at Drayton, comments, “For the past 75 years, Drayton has been there for installers, providing them with quality products they can rely on as well as support to help them stay ahead of the curve. To tie in with this milestone, this year we’re excited to be launching Drayton Rewards+, our new way of giving back to the installers who choose Drayton.  “Drayton Rewards+ is far more than the opportunity to collect points when fitting Drayton products; it is designed to help installers level up their skills, stay competitive, grow their business and be part of an active community of like-minded professionals. As well as all of this, our Drayton Rewards+ members will also be the first to hear the latest news from Drayton, with invitations to participate in product trials and receive exclusive product previews.” Existing 9º Network members should check their inbox for an email notification about how to set up their new account on Drayton Rewards+. Meanwhile, installers looking to join Drayton Rewards+ can register via the website. For more from Drayton, click here.

New Elucian Dual Row Consumer Units from Click

Click Scolmore has introduced a new range of Dual Row Metal Consumer Units to add to its extensive Elucian portfolio. Developed to meet customer demand for larger installations, the Elucian Dual Row Consumer Units are ideal for a varied range of locations and have been designed to cater to a variety of diverse electrical needs. They offer the contractor reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind in every electrical installation. The range comprises 32 Way (16 + 16), 36 Way (18 + 18) and 44 Way (22 + 22) Dual Row Multi-Tier Elucian Metal Consumer Units. All units come furnished with a 100A Mains Switch, 2 Pole Type 2 SPD and a new 100A 2 Pole Connector which links both tiers together. Specifically designed for use in the Dual Row Consumer Units, the new 100A 2 Pole Connector allows users to directly connect the devices on the bottom tier din rail to the 100A Mains Switch and SPD on the top din rail. The connector is internally linked on each pole and acts as a direct connection which allows one supply for the whole board. This ensures seamless control and enhanced safety for the installer. The new Dual Row Metal Consumer Units come supplied with a 10-year warranty. The full Elucian range by Click range can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website – www.scolmore.com – or on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Scolmore, click here.

LG launches new reward programme for installers

  LG Electronics’ (LG) has launched LG All Stars, a flagship reward programme for its heat pump installers in the UK. The new programme offers installers access to a personalised app that offers exclusive benefits, customer lead-referrals and priority technical support on a bronze, silver and gold basis – with each tier unlocking a new catalogue of rewards based on their sales performance. Members of All-Stars also gain access to LG’s training academy and reinvention centre, which offers training and certification on all HVAC solutions, including the latest generation of heat pumps. The programme is part of the global strategy, LG’s Future Vision 2030, which is set to help LG Business Solutions more than double the sales of its HVAC business by 2030 - and, through its green energy solutions, will support the UK on its transition to clean energy. It will reward installers for purchasing and installing registered LG heat pumps and offer them a way to increase their regional presence, with priority listings on the LG website. The loyalty programme is open to all installers, regardless of experience level. And, it provides them with a seamless personalised experience, for purchasing, installing and maintaining HVAC technologies in their install base. Vishavjeet Sodhi, Head of Air Solutions, LG Business Solutions, says, “LG All Stars will help installers propel their business forward by rewarding their continued loyalty. And provide significant momentum for the roll-out of LG technologies, including heat pumps across the UK. “There’s a significant need to upskill installers on the next generation of heat pumps, to support net zero targets. The programme is designed to support installers in every way we can. We are going above typical rewards programmes, to offer holistic sales, installation and maintenance support to our partners.” LG All Star members can redeem points for exclusive rewards, access priority technical support, receive preferential website listings for their business, and access LG customer lead referrals. Installers will also receive access to special promotions, available only to programme members. The launch of LG All Stars follows the company’s recent announcement that it will train approximately 37,000 HVAC professionals globally each year across its combined HVAC Academies, building a network of skilled installation and service engineers.

Toolstation offering free coffees and sausage rolls

Toolstation has announced that customers can pick up a Costa Coffee or a Greggs Sausage roll completely free of charge, after purchasing anything in store from one of its branches this coming Monday (1 July). The deal applies on a first come first served basis, with the first 2,000 customers nationwide receiving a reward of either a Costa Coffee or Greggs sausage roll by simply making a singular purchase in-store. After making the purchase, customers will immediately be emailed a voucher code that can be redeemed in Costa Coffee or Greggs. The offer comes as research by Toolstation shows that 12% of tradespeople called out to household jobs have been asked to make their own hot drinks, as opposed to being offered a beverage on the job. Chris Other, Customer Director for Toolstation, comments, “It’s normally tradition for tradespeople to be offered a cup of tea while they work, so after an intense weekend of football and music, we are offering our customers a free brew or sausage roll from Costa and Greggs at any of our 575-plus branches to get their week off to a strong start.” For more from Toolstation, click here.

Schneider named world’s most sustainable company

Schneider Electric has topped the ‘World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2024’ list by Time magazine and Statista. This recognition reflects Schneider Electric’s ambitious goals to reduce its own emissions, but also the company’s commitment to helping its customers to become more energy efficient and reduce their emissions. Time and Statista used a transparent, multi-stage methodology to identify the world’s most sustainable companies for 2024. The process began with a pool of over 5,000 of the world’s largest and most influential companies. Following a rigorous four-stage assessment, the final ranking excluded unsustainable industries and considered factors like external sustainability ratings and commitments, corporate reporting practices, and environmental and social performance indicators. This comprehensive approach produced a ranking of 500 companies from over 30 countries. Both Time and Statista highlighted Schneider Electric’s technological expertise and the Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) programme. This programme drives and measures the company’s progress toward global sustainability 2021–2025 targets, contributing to six long-term commitments that cover all environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. Among this progress, the company helped customers reduce their carbon emissions, with 553 million tonnes of CO2 saved and avoided since 2018. The company has also made significant progress in transforming its own supply chain. Carbon emissions from Schneider Electric’s top 1,000 suppliers fell by 27% since the beginning of the programme – and 21% of the company’s most strategic supply chain partners have met Schneider Electric’s decent work standards. “We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as the world’s most sustainable company,” says Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric. “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, which is embedded in everything we do. We consider the environment, society, and good governance in our decisions and daily operations. That’s why we’re pushing hard to make even more progress on our sustainability goals and ensure everyone contributes to creating a positive and enduring impact”. Schneider Electric was also recently included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the 13th consecutive year, ranked number one in its industry and securing its place in the Europe index. This achievement reflects Schneider’s strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, with sustainability at the core of its strategy. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Octopus Energy fires up heat pump rollout

Octopus Energy has launched a nationwide partnership programme with installers to turbocharge the rollout of heat pumps, solar and battery systems and EV chargers while supporting local businesses. Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy, announced the ‘Octopus Trusted Partners’ programme at the InstallerSHOW 2024 in Birmingham on 27 June. Octopus has rapidly expanded its heat pump activities since entering the market in 2021. It is now the UK's leading heat pump installer, following the successful launch of its own air-source heat pump – the ‘Cosy 6’ – last year. With demand for heat pumps increasing over 20-fold in the last year, Octopus’ new partnership programme will refer customers to trusted local installers for clean tech installations that Octopus can’t currently tackle. This will ensure customers can access cost-saving heating products faster, while creating new business opportunities for local installers. The programme will build a network of trusted and verified installers authorised to install Octopus products, getting more money-saving tech in people’s homes (and more quickly, too). Heat Geek has joined as a trusted partner of Octopus, automatically giving all installers on the Heat Geek network access to the enhanced referral benefit and the ability to receive leads from Octopus. Heat Geek empowers the largest community of independent installers to engage in the heat pump market. It equips them with the training and tools needed to design and install heat pump systems to the highest quality level. Over 2,000 heating engineers have used Heat Geek's multi-award winning training platform already, with more joining every day. It comes as Octopus drops the UK’s cheapest smart heat pump tariff ‘Cosy Octopus’ even further, adding a third off-peak window to the tariff. All three windows are priced roughly 50% below the price cap. An average heat pump customer on ‘Cosy Octopus’ can save £315 a year on heating costs compared to a customer with a gas boiler on an SVT. Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy, says, “As an entrepreneur, I’m in awe of anyone who gets up each day to run their own business. As the largest installer of heat pumps in the UK, we’re committed to bringing clean heating to as many homes as possible – but we can’t do it alone. “I’m delighted to announce ‘Octopus Trusted Partners’, and Heat Geek as our primary partner - working together to get a heat pump for everyone who wants one, and unlocking cheaper greener power for all.” Aadil Qureshi, CEO of Heat Geek, adds, “Decarbonising home heating is absolutely critical if we are to tackle climate change. Octopus has an incredible job of making homeowners aware of heat pumps and drive up adoption. We share its belief that no customer who wants a heat pump end up with a boiler. That’s why we’re delighted to add Heat Geek to its trusted network of installers.” Octopus has already invested over £50 million to speed up the rollout of heat pumps. Its ‘Cosy 6’ is designed and manufactured in the UK. Octopus also built an R&D and engineer training centre for heat pumps in Slough – the first of its kind in the country. For more from Octopus, click here.

Click introduces new Aquip Recessed Mounting Kits

Click Scolmore has introduced a new and innovative Recessed Mounting Kit for its Aquip66 two-gang weatherproof socket enclosures. It will slash socket protrusion by 50%, ensuring a sleek and discreet installation. The kit is made up of three components – a polycarbonate mounting base, a black silicone rubber seal and a polycarbonate bezel. Here are four easy steps for installing an Aquip66 two-gang weatherproof socket with the new recessed mounting plate: • Step 1 - Use the mounting base to mark against the wall and chase out approximately 173 x 145 x 42mm from the brick work. • Step 2 - With the mains power OFF, pull through the mains cable. Then insert wall plugs, screw the mount and seal into position. • Step 3 - Ensure the mounting base is securely screwed to the wall with the silicone rubber seal. Now clip the outer bezel onto the fitting. • Step 4 - Finally, wire up, insert and secure the Aquip66 Weatherproof Socket into the Recessed Mounting Kit. The kit is available in anthracite grey to match the IP66 Aquip Weatherproof range. The full Aquip66 brochure can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website – www.scolmore.com - as well as on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Scolmore, click here.