The cooling industry to convene at this year's InstallerSHOW

This year’s InstallerSHOW – the UK’s largest event for influential installers, specifiers and decision-makers within heat, water, air and energy – will welcome the cooling industry to the Birmingham NEC from 25-27 June with a host of events, lectures and discussions. Whilst the show has historically centred around heating and plumbing, this year sees an expansion to embrace a wider range of HVACR issues. InstallerSHOW has created a dedicated Climate Solutions Theatre to mark the occasion, providing a focal point for discussions on cooling, heating, IAQ and M&E. As World Refrigeration Day falls during the show on Wednesday 26 June, the Climate Solutions Theatre will see the UK launch of WRD, incorporating a range of interviews and events around its 2024 theme of Temperature Matters – including a reception to mark 200 years since the birth of Lord Kelvin, the so-called 'Father of Refrigeration'. Wednesday 26 June will also see a series of sessions tackling some of the cooling industry’s hot topics: Institute of Refrigeration President Graeme Fox will give a keynote address on his experiences in the presidency; an expert panel will tackle what people need to know about the latest F-Gas news; refrigerant specialist A-Gas will discuss the importance of reclaiming refrigerants; and consultant Omega Solutions will present on decarbonising supermarket cooling. Thursday 27 June is also an important date for the cooling sector as the theatre dedicates an entire day to celebrating Women in Cooling and Heating. It is anticipated that this will host the biggest industry gathering of women in the UK. Events include an opening address from Colleen Keyworth of the US Women in HVACR association, a panel discussion with leading women from the cooling industry, and a networking lunch for women in both cooling and heating. World Refrigeration Day will also announce its inaugural Influential Women Showcase at the show. Another highlight of the diversity discussions on Thursday 27 June will see Countdown’s Rachel Riley discussing her STEM journey alongside a cross-section of the heating and cooling industry. Other points of interest at this year’s InstallerSHOW include: • The IOR session, What Installers Need to Know about RACHP, on Tuesday 25 June • An international skills challenge featuring Luke Haile, recently picked to represent Team GB at WorldSkills in Lyon in September, brazing off against some of China’s finest refrigeration technicians • Heat pump guru Graham Hendra will give a lecture called Heat Pumps: What’s the Fuss About on Tuesday 25 June • Government construction Director David Hancock will lead a discussion on the opportunities in HVAC from the New Prisons Programme, also on 25 June Added to this are dozens more sessions around the show discussing heat pumps and, of course, a wealth of exhibitors showcasing new products that will be relevant to those working across the cooling industry. With over 600 exhibitors, there’s no shortage of choice, and with 20,000 visitors expected to attend, there will be no lack of networking opportunities either. The official InstallerSHOW 2024 preview is now live, featuring the lowdown on the highlights of this year’s event. To view this document, click here. InstallerSHOW takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 25-27 June. Entry and parking are completely free, and you can register for the event by clicking here.

Rolec EV and The Solar Advisory Service announce partnership

Outdoor electrical expert, and one of the UK’s first EV charge point manufacturers, Rolec, has joined forces with UK-based solar panel engineer and installation partner, The Solar Advisory Service, in a joint mission to spread green energy solutions nationwide. Rolec, which has a full range of solar compatible charge points, has been named The Solar Advisory Service’s official EV charging partner. Like solar energy and electric transportation, the partnership between Rolec and The Solar Advisory Service is a partnership founded on a common goal - a passion to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint. The joint scale of this endeavour means that both companies will be able to provide residential and commercial clients with a comprehensive solution to green energy, starting at the home and extending to public spaces. James Jarvis, Senior Business Development Manager at Rolec, says, “From our very first meeting with The Solar Advisory Service, it was clear that our companies shared aligned goals and recognised the immense potential of a partnership. “Not long after, I extended a further invitation to The Solar Advisory Service to visit Rolec at HQ, where we provided them with the opportunity to not only see our operations and custom-built training academy first-hand, but also to begin implementing our plan for strategic development. “It was a great honour for The Solar Advisory Service to confirm their interest in partnering with us, based on what they observed and experienced during these interactions with the Rolec team, and we are full-heartedly enthusiastic about the combined opportunities we have set out ahead of us. “I am eagerly anticipating working closely with The Solar Advisory Service team to provide EV charging solutions nationwide.” Jamie Lynch, Chief Operating Officer at The Solar Advisory Service, adds, “Our partnership with Rolec is a testament to our shared vision of a more sustainable future. “Together, we are poised to revolutionise the way people power their homes, businesses, and vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow. Whether it's solar energy installations, EV charging points, or integrated packages combining both technologies, customers can now access a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. “We were delighted to sit down with Frankie Mellon and James Jarvis from Rolec, where we were met with nothing but enthusiasm and guidance. Their expertise in EV charging technology complements our offerings perfectly, and we are excited to work with their experience and resources to drive innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our customers. “As we embark on this journey together, we are confident that our partnership with Rolec will enable us to redefine the future of renewable energy and EV charging, through collaboration, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence, we will continue to lead the charge towards Net Zero.” For more from Rolec, click here.

Electricians among highest earning trades in the UK

Experts at Clear Amber have analysed various data sources - including job listings website, Indeed - to find the average weekly pay for different trade positions throughout the UK and determine which profession earns the most. The top 10 highest earning trades in the UK, along with their average weekly pay: 1. Carpenter (average weekly pay of £832) 2. Gas engineer (£735) 3. Scaffolder (£718) 4. Electrician (£679) 5. Window fitter (£657) 6. Plumber (£635) 7. Roofer (£589) 8. Bricklayer (£545) 9. Landscaper (£507) 10. Welder (£496) Electricians rank fourth amongst the UK trade professions earning the most, boasting an average weekly pay of £679 (which is just above the UK's average weekly pay of £677). This trade is in high demand and requires specialised skills and certifications, which experts at Clear Amber say is represented in their earnings. Carpenters have been crowned as the highest-earning trade in the UK, with an average weekly pay of £832 - which is 23% higher than the UK’s average weekly pay. Workers within this trade need to have a diverse and expert skill set that represents their earnings. Gas engineers rank second among the UK’s highest-earning trades, with a weekly salary of £735 - 9% higher than the UK’s average. Specialised training and up-to-date safety regulations are vital in this trade, corresponding to their higher salary. Scaffolders take the third spot in this list, boasting an average weekly pay of £718 - 6% higher than the UK’s average. This trade is physically demanding and requires precision and adherence to safety regulations, justifying the elevated earnings. Further findings reveal that traders in the East of England earn the most, with an average weekly pay of £660, including overtime; while the South East of England offers the most jobs for trade workers, with over 3,303 live job adverts on Indeed. The full research can be accessed on Clear Amber's website by clicking here.

SuperIR technology to improve clarity in thermal imaging

HIKMICRO, an expert in temperature measurement and detection, has launched its SuperIR technology which offers enhancements in thermal imaging. The company says that its SuperIR technology features cutting-edge advancements that can transform the way professionals in the electrical, plumbing and heating industries perform diagnostics and maintenance. Built on the backbone of advanced neural network algorithms, SuperIR increases the resolution of an image by a factor of four times or more in real-time, while preserving the clarity and detail of thermal images. Unlike traditional multi-frame enhancements, SuperIR operates on a single-frame basis, significantly reducing noise and enhancing edge definition without requiring multiple exposures or additional processing time. The technology is available on HIKMICRO’s ECO Series and Pocket2 products which are popular with electricians, heating and plumbing installers, as well as with HVAC engineers. The SuperIR image enhancement technology upscales thermal images when viewing live with 25 Hz fast image frequency and image capturing on these products. Using SuperIR, a 96 × 96 (9,216 pixels) Eco Series thermal camera can be turned into an ultra-sharp thermal camera with up to 240 x 240 (57,600 pixels) resolution. Likewise, a 256 x 192 Pocket2 image can be converted to 640 x 480 pixels via SuperIR algorithm. The SuperIR technology eliminates the need for the camera to capture multiple frames to enhance image resolution. This is particularly beneficial in situations where stability is a challenge, such as inspections of overhead power lines or detailed electrical components, where even minimal movement can lead to focus issues. With SuperIR, images are enhanced on-camera, in real-time, with no problems caused by hand movements. By upgrading the pixel count significantly without compromising the thermal camera’s portability and ease of use, SuperIR allows for finer details and sharper images. This makes it ideal for detecting minute temperature variations that could indicate potential faults or failures in electrical and plumbing systems. SuperIR integrates noise reduction and edge smoothing algorithms directly within the camera. This not only improves the quality of thermal images but also makes the interpretation of data more accurate and reliable - which is crucial for precision-dependent tasks in the trades. Customers also benefit from ongoing firmware upgrades that enhance image clarity and algorithm performance, ensuring their thermal imaging capabilities evolve with their needs without the requirement for new hardware investments. HIKMICRO says that its SuperIR technology is particularly beneficial for UK tradespeople, including electricians and HVAC professionals. The superior image quality and detail provided by SuperIR make it invaluable in a variety of applications including: Electrical Inspections: Quickly identify hotspots in circuit breakers and other electrical installations without the risk of downtime or hazards. Heating, Plumbing and HVAC Analysis: Efficiently diagnose issues within heating systems, detect leaks and blockages in pipes, or assess insulation quality in buildings. Preventative Maintenance: Conduct thorough assessments of critical components in commercial and residential buildings to prevent costly repairs and replacements.

Luceco celebrates SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024

The hard-fought SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024 competition recently concluded, with the winner being announced as Kian Milroy from St Helens College. Jane Thorp from Suffolk New College was placed second. Supported by Luceco Lighting, one of the event's sponsors, the six winners from the regional heats went on to compete at the grand final, held at the Schneider Electrics Innovation Hub in Coventry on 24-25 April 2024. Simon Shenton, Head of LED at Luceco Lighting and judge for the competition final, says, “It’s been great to be involved with the SPARKS Learner of the Year for 2024. Seeing the nationwide talent that has come from this event is truly spectacular and has shown people how important and talented our future electrical contractors are.” Jamie Neal, Luceco’s Head of Customer Engagement, presented the winners with their prizes at the event. He comments, “Being able to take part in SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024 and meeting these talented future electrical contractors was a wonderful experience. Kian, Jane, and all the participants worked hard to get where they are and I congratulate them all on their achievements.” Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at SPARKS, notes, “Each year, the SPARKS Learner of the Year event gets better and better, and this year is definitely no exception. We want to thank Luceco Lighting for being our lighting sponsor this year and for providing products for our next generation of electrical contractors.” For more information on SPARKS Learner of the Year, visit https://www.sparks-magazine.co.uk/learner-of-the-year/ For more from Luceco, click here.

Initiative takes aim at UK's construction skills crisis

On The Tools has launched an initiative to help tackle the growing skills gap in the construction industry. This comes at a time when MPs have concluded that the UK lacks skills for infrastructure. Furthermore, The House of Commons investigation concluded that the UK does not have the capability to deliver the government’s infrastructure plans. On The Tools CEO, Lee Wilcox, recently spoke on BBC's The One Show about the growing skills shortage, commenting, "Currently, the industry is around 940,000 people short of what we need. Over the next decade, we're going to have a lack of homes. We're going to have a lack of schools and hospitals, the UK economy will be affected, and the reality is we need a couple of hundred people a day joining the industry. "As part of our Closing The Gap white paper on the skills shortages in construction, we found that one of the biggest factors was the perception of being a tradesperson. The public think that it's cold, it's dirty, and that it's low pay. And actually, it's the absolute opposite. A lot of the time the earning potential is high, and it's not just manual labour. "There's lots of opportunity across technology and innovation, as well as content creation. I think it's really, really important that we start to spread a positive message around the industry and what the opportunity is." On The Tools has launched a resource hub that caters for tradespeople looking to take on apprentices, businesses looking to support them, and those considering apprentices. It also launched a series of billboards designed to appeal to consumers. For more from On The Tools, click here.

Webinar series to focus on construction regulation changes

In response to the evolving building safety landscape in the UK, Bureau Veritas is hosting a comprehensive three-part webinar series to ensure residential developers and construction professionals are fully informed on the latest regulatory changes. The series will cover the following key topics: Approved Document B: second staircase The Government recently announced important updates to Approved Document B, including the requirement for two staircases in all new tall residential buildings over 18 metres. The webinar will explain these changes in detail and provide guidance on the implementation timeline. If you are a developer, this is your opportunity to gain clarity on how to ensure compliance and keep projects moving forward. Non-higher risk buildings: the new process This webinar will provide an overview of the new building control process that applies to all non-Higher Risk Buildings (non-HRBs) since 6 April 2024. We will cover the key responsibilities, documentation requirements and steps involved in this revised control system - giving you a solid understanding of the new non-HRB building control regime. Higher risk buildings: the new process Building on Bureau Veritas's experience with the HRB submissions process to the Building Safety Regulator, this webinar will dive deep into the Gateway Submission process for Relevant Higher Risk Buildings, which include residential, student accommodation and hospitals with a floor over 18 metres. It will share crucial insights and details gained from the company's past submissions to help improve people's understanding. To register for the webinars, click here. For more from Bureau Veritas, click here.

New PIR detector with superior motion detection

A new, redesigned outdoor PIR detector MLSA360 from Timeguard combines the benefits of latest componentry to offer superior motion detection and accuracy with a flexible multiway mounting design. The polycarbonate case can be configured to easily to fit in any location with surface, ceiling, inner and outer corner mounting. Once mounted, the detector head can pan and tilt through 90 degrees horizontally and 30 degrees downward. Furthermore, Timeguard states that an anti-creep zone makes it ideal for use above entrances and windows. The MLSA360NP will switch up to 400W LED. For more from Timeguard, click here.

Chint to sponsor ECN Awards 2024 drinks reception

ECN is very pleased to announce that Chint has been confirmed as drinks reception sponsor at the ECN Awards 2024. The Awards will take place on 5 December 2024 at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry. Chint is a global manufacturer of automation, protection and distribution equipment. As a world leading smart energy solutions provider, Chint enjoys a truly worldwide reach and is present in over 140 countries, employing more than 40,000 people. The company has become the third largest low-voltage distribution manufacturer globally, yet it continues to offer the local service and support that its customers deserve. Chint’s UK Stockport site offers expert technical and commercial teams, providing complete solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial installations. Few can truly say they manufacture 95% of their entire product offering in-house, but Chint can, and this control enables sustained high product standards time and time again. 2023 saw the production of Chint’s first carbon net zero devices, independently verified carbon footprint declarations and internally metered smart protection devices. “It is a great pleasure to be sponsoring the ECN Awards drinks reception,” says Haibin Zheng, Managing Director. “It promises to be a fantastic evening for all attending, and the industry as a whole.” Companies in the electrical contracting industry are leading the way in innovation and are constantly striving to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in all sectors, and ECN believes it is important to recognise their efforts and achievements. If you feel your product, company or project deserves an ECN Award, please enter. Entries are now open – please enter here. If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Byne on 01634 673163.

Electricians help raise awareness of mental health issues

For Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), UK electricians have shared their own mental health experiences to encourage other people in the industry to speak about their feelings. IronmongeryDirect’s latest Mental Health in the Trades report revealed that more than four in five (82%) tradespeople experience some form of mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, due to work. Ahead of the company’s Match for the Mind tournament – a charity football event being held at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium on 25 May to raise money for Mind – IronmongeryDirect asked workers to share their own mental health stories to inspire others, and to reassure people that they are not alone in their feelings. Below are a selection of their comments: Lewis Hill: “A lot of my team have experienced mental health problems, and the site can be a very a difficult place to be if you’re struggling, especially if you’re working alone. The accumulation of the stresses of work and the stresses of home life can be too much for some people, and it should be okay to open up and talk about it. There should always be support there for anyone who is struggling. I can’t wait for Match for the Mind to help spread this message.” Jay Jones: “Making friends at work is a great way to keep your mental health up. Everyone at your workplace shares something you do, their day to day and what they enjoy doing. I garden voluntarily in my area and for family and friends in order to get outside more and see something get done from scratch to end. This is rewarding.” Jack O’Rourke: “My uncle passed away last year after dying by suicide after his silent struggles with his mental health. This last year, I have been trying to raise awareness and promote mental health and it’s something which is really important to me.” Joseph Devey: “I suffered with depression in my teens and early twenties. It took me a long time to figure out what was actually happening to me, but I was very fortunate that I had friends and family members I could speak to who recognised the signs. I was able to click with my therapist and was able to change my focus and make meaningful positive steps in my life. Charities like Mind are incredibly important in our society now, and I always talk to people to recommend that they seek help and try therapy. I genuinely don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t receive the help I got.” Thomas Forster: “When I first started out as a labourer, I didn’t have many friends and went through a severe battle with depression as I fell out with my best friend. However, on site changed my perspective as everyone was friendly and happy to talk. Not necessarily open, but very friendly and willing to have a casual chat. Some of the lads I got closer to I can now call my friends, so I’m glad I became a part of this industry. I want to help show that it shouldn’t be as stigmatised as it is.” Ellis Osborn, Ecommerce Manager at IronmongeryDirect, comments, “From both our research and from speaking to tradespeople across the UK, it’s clear how prevalent mental health problems continue to be within the industry. We thank the players from our upcoming Match for the Mind charity tournament for sharing their own stories, to encourage others to seek the support they need.” To read the full Mental Health in the Trades 2024 report, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades To find out more about the Match for the Mind, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/enter-now-for-your-chance-to-play-football-at-chelsea For more from Ironmongery Direct, click here.