Female Skills Competition final to be held this week

SPARKS has announced that the grand final of its Female Skills Competition will take place later this week at Stephenson College in Coalville, Leicestershire. The competition, which started in January, has seen Level 2 and 3 electrical learners from across the UK showcase their skills - and after the intense regional heats, the judges have selected six finalists. Competing for the title of SPARKS Female Skills Competition 2024 Winner during the final on April 18th are the following individuals: - Charlotte Bobbett, Yeovil College - Anne Greaves, Leicester College - Mia Goodhall, St Helen’s College - Sarah Little, Activate Learning - Kaci Riley, Loughborough College - Chelsie Miller, St. Helen’s College Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at SPARKS, remarks, "This competition plays a pivotal role in boosting confidence, encouraging female participation in broader industry events, and contributing significantly to the electrical trade. We are immensely proud of the support this initiative has garnered from across the industry." This year’s competition is supported by prominent industry leaders, including Megger as the headline sponsor, along with Aico, Electric Center, The IET, Milwaukee, Schneider Electric, Prysmian, Snickers Workwear, Fix Radio, and the National Electrotechnical Training (NET). Darren Oates from NET serves as the competition’s head judge. You can keep tabs on the competition's progress by following SPARKS on Instagram and by using the hashtag #SPARKSFSC24. For more from SPARKS, click here.

Travis Perkins colleagues complete charity bike ride

Four friends and colleagues from Travis Perkins have completed a mountain bike challenge in North Wales to raise money for Travis Perkins’ charity partner, Alzheimer’s Society. Travis Perkins, a supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry, announced its three-year partnership with Alzheimer’s Society - a charity that works with people living with and affected by dementia - earlier this year. The partnership will raise vital funds and awareness for the support, care and research that the charity carries out. Organised by Regional Director, Dafydd Jones, the challenge saw Dafydd and three of his colleagues undertake a gruelling three-day, 120-mile bike ride. His colleagues were: Andrew Craig, a Travis Perkins Account Manager; Rob Conde, the Branch Manager of Wrexham; and Matt Peate, the Wrexham Travis Perkins Hire Manager. The team departed from the Travis Perkins Wrexham branch on April 9th and followed a route travelling North-East that saw them finish at Travis Perkins in Caernarfon on April 11th. The route took them over 16,400 feet of elevation covering some of North Wales’ toughest terrains, including the trails around The Denbighshire Moors and Gwydir Forest, along with a challenging ride up to the summit of the highest peak in Wales, Eryri (Mount Snowdon). The team have raised almost £6,000 on their JustGiving page, and have a fundraising target of £10,000. If you would like to donate, please visit the JustGiving page by clicking here. Dafydd Jones, Regional Director at Travis Perkins, comments, “For those who know me, physical exertion isn’t exactly my forte, but in really challenging times, it's important that we support the community where we can. By undertaking this challenging bike ride we wanted to fundraise for Alzheimer's Society and raise awareness of the outstanding work they do for those living with dementia. We want to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and is helping us achieve this target.” Lizzie Pearl, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Society, adds, “We have been amazed by the incredible efforts Travis Perkins colleagues have shown to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. Colleagues have gone above and beyond for our new partnership, and we wanted to say a huge thank you from everyone here at Alzheimer’s Society. “We’re incredibly grateful and in awe of the three-day bike challenge taken on by Dafydd, Andrew, Rob and Matt. The money raised by our brilliant partnership will support our vital research and support services, providing help and hope to all those affected by dementia.” For more from Travis Perkins, click here.

High-quality tools showcased in latest Jefferson catalogue

Running from April to September, the new catalogue from Jefferson Tools introduces an array of high-quality tools that have been designed to meet the demanding requirements of professionals across the automotive, building/construction and agriculture sectors. Among the highlights are tools for lifting (like a range of Nemesis jacks), axle stands for holding cars when they've been lifted by the jacks, and a wheel dolly boasting a heavy-duty chassis for stability and endurance. There is also a new selection of Rotomold Drum fans, air conditioners, and even electric pressure washers. Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools, comments, "What makes this catalogue special is the number of totally new tool introductions to our range – and this pace is speeding up, which is why we need two catalogues a year. We've curated a selection of products specifically for this spring-summer edition, focusing on industrial cooling solutions such as air conditioning and electric pressure washers, ideal for spring cleaning tasks." As temperatures rise moving into the summer months, Jefferson Tools is prepared to address the challenges of a potential heatwave with its versatile air conditioners. Featuring a three-in-one functionality for air conditioning, dehumidifying, and air cooling, these units offer comprehensive climate control for both indoor and outdoor environments. Not lacking ambition, for larger cooling requirements - in spaces like workshops or warehouses - the catalogue presents the new industrial fan, ensuring efficient and effective ventilation. The new edition includes a collection of hand tools that are essential for a variety of professional and household tasks. Electricians will find the range of pliers and cutters indispensable for their wiring and installation work. For those in the agricultural sector, catalogue highlights various spanner sets, ranging from 6-32mm, as an indispensable tool for farming machinery maintenance. Automotive professionals and enthusiasts alike will likely appreciate the extensive selection of socket sets and wrenches, tailored for the automotive industry yet essential for any garage. Builders and contractors are not left out, with a variety of multipurpose ladders and scaffold towers on offer, along with large variety of other essential tools. For more from Jefferson Tools, click here.

A guide to preventing fatigue whilst behind the wheel

Van experts at Lease Van have shared five tips for tradespeople and drivers to remain in proper control of their vehicles when working long shifts. New data has revealed that 60% of van drivers in the country are working longer hours, equating to an average of nine hours a day - which is an increase of 7% on the average working day. Anyone working for extended periods of time is more likely to feel fatigued and exhausted due to a lack of energy levels. Tim Alcock from Lease Van comments, “The most important thing for all van drivers to do, even if they’re not working extended hours, is to stop and take regular breaks and follow the law on recommended driving hours. This differs depending on what type of vehicle you’re using - so van drivers should check the guidance on the government website. “But there are several things you can do to prevent feelings of tiredness whilst driving - such as taking regular breaks with fresh air and staying hydrated with water and not just caffeine. Van drivers should also keep up a regular sleeping pattern even if this is during unsociable hours, so their body knows when to store or release energy.” Here are Lease Van's suggestions that could help prevent feelings of fatigue whilst driving: 1. Regular breaks with fresh air Ideally, regular breaks should be taken every two or three hours for at least 30 minutes. Getting outside to stretch your legs on a rest break will help to prevent the brain from feeling foggy and fatigued. If necessary, drivers can also have a short nap on their breaks to freshen up. 2. Avoid certain times Research shows that driving at 6am is the most common time drivers are likely to fall asleep whilst behind the wheel, with 10pm being the optimal time for focus. Although this may not be possible for shift workers, if possible, drivers should avoid travelling in the early hours. 3. Health and safety arrangements For commercial drivers who are employed, it’s important to talk to your employer about the health and safety contracts when it comes to driving times. Any feelings of being overworked which may impact driving safety should be discussed with employers. 4. Regular sleeping pattern Even if this is at obscure times of day due to working unsociable hours, it’s still important to maintain a regular sleeping pattern. Your body will know when to release or store energy at the right time when you go to bed and wake up consistently on schedule. 5. Stay hydrated It can be tempting to stock up on energy drinks and caffeine whilst on the roads to prevent feelings of tiredness, but this can also impact concentration and energy levels. Make sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water to fight fatigue. For more from Lease Van, visit the company's website by clicking here.

Expert advice on how to manage customer waiting lists effectively

A life in the trades sometimes comes with setbacks, and these can affect how quickly workers can attend requests for new jobs. Research by IronmongeryDirect found that the average waiting list for a UK tradesperson is five weeks, with roofers having the largest demand (nine weeks). Staff shortages (28%), finding staff with the right skillset (16%) and delays with parts (17%) are just some of the main reasons for these long waiting lists. With this in mind, Ellis Osborn, Ecommerce Manager at IronmongeryDirect, shares the following six tips to help tradespeople manage their waiting lists and keep customers happy: Prioritising your waitlist Prioritising your waitlist is crucial for ensuring your business runs smoothly. Review your list of jobs and identify those which are most urgent so you can complete these first. You may have an emergency call out, or some customers who have been waiting a number of weeks. Whoever you choose to prioritise, it’s important to keep all staff and customers updated and be transparent about why you have to push work back. Keeping in touch with customers No matter how long your wait list is, it’s crucial to keep a constant line of communication with your customers to let them know when planned work is due to commence. Be honest about waiting times from the beginning, and open about potential delays, such as materials shortages, or larger jobs taking longer than expected. Being clear with people will help to avoid any confusion and keep them happy. Suggest alternative businesses where possible You may find that customers were hoping to have the work conducted earlier and can’t wait for your available slots. If this is the case, you may want to suggest other businesses that may be able to take on the work sooner. Building relationships with other tradespeople can be a really positive thing to do, as if you recommend them to customers when you’re unable to take on the work, they might be able to return the favour at a later date to help you out. Offer temporary solutions There might be cases where you’re unable to attend a job to complete it fully, but you’re able to provide a temporary solution or workaround for the customer while they wait. This shows commitment to the customer, while buying you some time. Quality assurance The most effective way to keep customers happy is to ensure that when you do get to their job, you do it to the highest quality possible, justifying their long wait for your time. Nothing is more important than doing the job well, so providing a brilliant service is key to a satisfied client base. How to keep organised Keeping organised can often feel like a mammoth task for a lot of people, but understanding what work you have coming in and when will help your business run more smoothly. 1. Planning your calendar - having a work calendar will help you to view your upcoming jobs and when new work can be planned in 2. Factor in time off – no matter the size of your business or how busy you are, it's important to plan in holidays and time off so you don’t experience burnout. Plan your leave in advance so you can move work around it 3. Use your time wisely - seeing both planned and potential work in one handy document will help you to plan your time effectively. You may have jobs in close proximity that you can schedule together, which will help you cut down on travel time. For more from IronmongeryDirect, click here.

£35 million power boost to homes across Beds and Cambs

Thousands of homes and businesses in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire are set to benefit from a £35 million investment in the electricity network. UK Power Networks’ major project at Little Barford, which began in 2018 and has now gone ‘live’, involved upgrading the capacity and reliability of power supplies for 190,000 properties across Cambridge, Bedford and St Neots. In one of the biggest infrastructure investments in the region for many years, the project involved the installation of new cable circuits, re-routing of overhead power lines and the installation of new towers. All equipment on the Little Barford site was dismantled and replaced with new kit installed under cover. Ten-metre high concrete frames were taken down, with one left standing for an extra few months while house martins nested on it. Working alongside its Alliance partners Kier, Wood, and Morrison Energy Services, UK Power Networks installed new 132,000-volt underground cables that stretch 2.5km between Little Barford and Eaton Socon. Engineering teams used directional drills to channel underneath main roads, a river and a golf course with minimum impact on the local environment. The work will future-proof local power supplies, as well as enabling more low carbon electricity generation to feed into the grid. As more people connect renewable energy, heat pumps and electric vehicles to local electricity networks, UK Power Networks plays a critical role in helping to enable the UK’s transition to a Net Zero economy. Collaborative working with the neighbouring power station and other interested parties allowed all the works to run smoothly. Arinze Udenwa, Project Manager for UK Power Networks says, "The improvement works at Little Barford have replaced old equipment with modern kit that will increase network reliability for years to come.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

LIA Announces keynote speaker for upcoming AGM

The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA) has announced that Hywel Davies, independent expert in building safety regulation and building performance change, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Annual General Meeting and lunch. Exclusively for The LIA's members and their guests, the event presents a unique opportunity for members to gather and engage in discussions about pertinent topics within the lighting industry. Following the discussions, there will be a chance to network with fellow industry colleagues. This year will see the return of business seminars, which are carefully curated to inform and educate members about important updates in the world of business. The LIA has also invited the top four students from this year’s Nottingham Trent University talent engagement programme to showcase their innovation, creativity and dedication. The event will also highlight their exceptional ideas which have the potential to revolutionise the field of lighting design. In recent years, keynote speaker Hywel’s work has focused particularly on Building Regulations and the building safety reform, ventilation and health risks in buildings, and on Net Zero buildings. He has been closely involved in the development of the new building safety regime and its practical implementation in the sector.  Hywel has also chaired the expert group review of the Approved Documents which contributed to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent report, and he contributed to the Morrell Day review of construction products and testing. “We are delighted to have Hywel Davies as our keynote speaker at this year's AGM and lunch this May. His wealth of knowledge and experience in Building Regulations, the building safety reform, and the built environment will provide invaluable insights to our members and attendees, and inspire meaningful discussions on the future of the industry,” says Ayça Donaghy, CEO of the LIA. “We are also excited for NTU students to meet members and get vital feedback from people at the forefront of the sector”. This year's event promises to feature more lights, music, awards, and diversity. The Annual General Meeting and lunch will take place on Thursday 16th May 2024 at The Drapers Hall in London. It is open to all LIA members, and you can register by clicking here. For more from The LIA, click here.

Record financial support for offshore wind

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has pledged a record £800 million of support for offshore wind in this year’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 6 (AR6). It represents a fourfold increase for offshore wind on the previous round, as the industry strives to deliver the UK’s ambition of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating offshore wind. This equates to 2,600 extra wind turbines by 2030. Now the focus turns to designing, planning and constructing the projects to meet the additional capacity targets set for offshore wind in the UK – and Bureau Veritas is on hand to support with end-to-end solutions at every stage of the project lifecycle. A key partner for offshore wind farms  In the highly regulated and safety-critical renewables sector, it is important to make sure projects run safely, efficiently and with quality. Engaging the support of an independent partner like Bureau Veritas right from the initial design stages can help reduce development risk, boost supply chain efficiency, navigate the complexities of certification and permitting, and ultimately ensure projects run safely and to schedule. The company's new offshore wind capabilities brochure – available to download now – sets out Bureau Veritas’s solutions to tackle those challenges throughout the project lifecycle, including: Certification – demonstrate compliance and secure viability  Site design and permitting – reduce development risk  Procurement – access a global, reliable supply chain  Construction – run projects safety and to schedule  Asset operation – integrity and performance   Asset management – optimise costs, reduce risks, boost performance and sustainability   Darren Taylor, Bureau Veritas Sector Lead for Renewable Energy, says, “With the latest round of funding now announced and record support for offshore wind, it looks set to be a busy period for site developers and operators. This is the time to make sure everything is in place to reduce risks. “By enlisting the support of an experienced, independent partner, you can verify conformity, achieve compliance and optimise costs more effectively throughout all stages of offshore wind projects. We’re passionate about the energy transition and supporting the key role that offshore wind has to play in achieving net zero. We’re with our clients every step of the way throughout the lifecycle and at key milestones to ensure projects run safely, efficiently and with quality.” For more from Bureau Veritas, click here.

New battery offers fast charging for electric cars without installation work

Juice Technology, a manufacturer of charging stations for electric vehicles, has introduced the Juice Ultra 2 battery, a new integrated battery that enables fast charging with up to 210 kW without increasing the contracted electrical power or additional installations. Reportedly a much more cost-effective service than that offered by conventional DC fast charging stations, by continuously supplying power to the batteries, a high charging capacity is achieved despite the low grid connection power. Within an hour, the device can be installed, connected to the grid and ready for use. For this, any conventional industrial socket (CEE32, CEE125 or CEE63) can be used. It avoids charging peaks that would otherwise generate costs that would have to be paid to the grid operator: the battery is charged continuously during the day or only at times with more affordable energy tariffs, which leads to a significant reduction in costs. The integrated energy storage system with lithium-ion batteries is managed by a powerful energy management system (EMS), which can be operated locally or via remote access. This EMS coordinates the energy flows between the grid, the battery and the electric vehicles and ensures optimised energy distribution. This makes this charging station a fast, flexible and cost-effective option in certain scenarios, such as vehicle dealerships, transport companies or commercial fleets. Juice Ultra 2 battery allows you to enjoy the benefits of fast DC charging with the flexibility and ease of an AC charging device. As mentioned above, the device has a power output of up to 210 kW, which can be distributed via intelligent charge management to two CCS charging points and is available in two versions: with one battery unit and a storage capacity of 233 kWh, or with two battery units and a combined capacity of 466 kWh. The 233 kWh battery allows six standard charging processes in series which, once completed, allow the battery to be rapidly recharged. It can be charged continuously or only at set intervals. The Juice Ultra 2 battery's smart energy management system helps to reduce costs by avoiding peak times when energy is most expensive, as charging of the integrated battery can be carried out at times when energy rates are more affordable (at night, for example). Thus, the savings potential is considerable, as additional costs related to performance and energy provider tariffs are avoided. The smart energy management system of the Juice Ultra 2 battery makes it possible to store and use electricity from photovoltaic systems to charge electric vehicles without the need for additional installations. The solar energy generated is first used for self-consumption in the building and the surplus energy generated after this process is used to charge the integrated battery. In this way, fleet owners can further offset their carbon footprint.

CEDIA’s UK Tech + Business Summit proves productive

The first of CEDIA’s four UK Tech + Business Summit events launched in Bristol on Wednesday 20 March, six years since CEDIA last visited this South West city. The free-to-attend event provided a unique, accessible opportunity for attendees to discuss the latest in innovative technology, network with fellow industry peers, and gain dynamic business-centric education. CEDIA in Bristol CEDIA says it was pleased with the support it received for the recent Bristol event, with 25 sponsors signing up to showcase their latest products to integrators, electricians, designers and technicians. A carefully curated selection of insightful business seminars were presented by the likes of Leslie Shiner from The Shiner Group, Hazel Napier from BEB Consultancy, and CEDIA’s Steve Carter. “Being a sponsor of the CEDIA Tech + Business Summits is a must for us,” comments Shane Caswell from Webro. “Through these events, CEDIA is bringing the industry together - it feels like they’re building a community. The Bristol event was great for us. Speaking to some of the attendees, they really felt the value of the discussions and panel sessions this year as they can take away information that will benefit the running of their businesses. The day after the event, we had orders in from some of the attendees who we met at the show.” “Overall, the event had a really nice, relaxed vibe and it provided the ability to actually talk with people and peers, and the seminars were spot on,” says Rob Simmonds at Maven. “This is the first CEDIA Tech + Business Summit that I’ve attended, and I have to say that it was one of the nicest events that I’ve been to.” “The event itself was an enlightening forum for exchanging ideas and gathering insightful feedback from smart home professionals, empowering us to develop smarter products for the industry,” says Sam Horseman, from first time sponsor, Super Rod & Klein Tools UK. “We're looking forward to the next opportunity to deepen these connections and continue our journey towards innovation and collaboration.” CEDIA heads to London Looking ahead, on Thursday 18 April, the CEDIA Tech + Business Summit will head to London. During the one-day event, attendees can meet over 50 sponsors displaying their latest products and immerse themselves in a packed agenda. Alongside valuable opportunities to network and get hands-on with cutting-edge technology, the London programme also holds three business sessions hosted by industry leaders. Late Payments, Paperwork and Problems – Reduce Your Risk in 10 Simple Steps (Hazel Napier, BEB Contract & Legal Services) The session will focus on simple tips and ideas attendees can implement into their own businesses, including a Q&A session and a free, handy checklist to take away. Standing Out to Your Customers in The Right Place at The Right Time (Emma Landford and Dan Fernandez from FOUND) By focusing on some key areas of your website, your brand can be found by people searching for your products or services when they're planning their project so they can get the correct information from accredited smart home providers, not the electrician your neighbour recommended. Money Matters - Enhancing Business Profitability with Standards (Ben Goff, Cinema Lusso) Find out more about CEDIA Standards by delving into the current portfolio of what’s available and the future roadmap in 2024 and beyond, plus find out ways how you can get involved. Gain insights from CEDIA members leveraging these standards to make more informed engineering decisions, contributing to enhanced business profitability. To keep up to date with all information and book your place today, visit https://cedia.org/tech-business-summits/london/ For more from CEDIA, click here.