Ansell Lighting presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins, visited Warrington-based lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting recently to present it with its King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. Ansell, based on Stonecross Industrial Park in Warrington, was recognised for its patented Panel Pod product in the first King’s Award for Enterprise honours in 2023. The award was presented to Ansell’s Managing Director, Mark Abbott, at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters, which was also attended by the MP for Leigh, James Grundy; the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Kevin Anderson; the Deputy Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Carol Benson;local Warrington Councillors; and key members of staff. The Panel Pod was created in response to an identified industry need, and converts an LED panel light into an emergency light in less than 60 seconds, without needing a conversion kit or additional ceiling fixture to install.  Emergency lighting is required by British law and workplace health and safety guidance, so if the lights go out in the case of fire or other incident it stays on for up to three hours. Since its launch in 2014, almost 500,000 Panel Pods have been sold worldwide. The King’s Awards for Enterprise recognises outstanding UK businesses, with recipients being able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for five years. Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, says, “We were delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant, Deputy Mayor and our local politicians to Ansell. Achieving this award, especially in the first year of the King’s Awards, was testament to the hard work and dedication of our innovation team and everyone involved in the business. “Ansell is an ambitious and growing business, and the launch of Panel Pod was genuinely transformative for us, and it continues to contribute significantly to our ongoing success. It is fantastic to have been able to celebrate that success with our staff and the business community in the north west.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Wholesale expansion for QUEST Electrical

As part of its expansion in 2024, electrical contractor and facilities management provider QUEST Electrical has a new wholesale trade website. QUEST is a NICEIC-approved electrical contractor and facilities management provider and has now expanded its specialist electrical parts offering with an easy-to-use website for trade customers. As part of this expansion, the company is also taking on new staff including electricians, business development managers, site managers and admin staff. Dominic Miller, Technical Director at QUEST Electrical says, “Through our expansion into wholesaling and the introduction of click-and-collect services, QUEST Electrical has witnessed remarkable growth. “This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our team. A special congratulations is owed to Harrison Codd, our award-winning apprentice, whose leadership was instrumental in building our new website and spearheading the project from start to finish.” Many of the products are unique to QUEST and available for next day delivery in the UK, enabling round-the-clock production lines to keep running without interruption. There is also a large range of sustainable and renewable energy products available. Founded more than 30 years ago, QUEST is a forward-thinking business that aims to save clients money, reduce energy costs and make operations more efficient. QUEST creates compelling, smart solutions for customers using its experience, knowledge and unique integrated services.  QUEST employs more than 60 staff and works with blue-chip customers such as Boohoo, Milliken, GXO, Kingspan, Arla Foods, Swizzles and Hovis. With an e-shop for electrical components, QUEST distributes products worldwide offering customers quality products at competitive prices. 

Powerhouse collaboration for BAM Charging Solutions and Sevadis

Sevadis has announced it is joining forces with BAM Charging Solutions, a division of BAM, to form a powerhouse collaboration in supporting the future of electrification. The partnership is set to provide seamless AC and DC charging solutions to BAM’s existing and prospective customers, expand Sevadis' network of EV charging points and reinforce businesses’ pathways to achieve net zero objectives. As part of the BAM’s wider sustainability plan, the company has recently built a brand new state-of-the-art eco headquarters in Kilsyth, near Glasgow. This has been completed with a range of Sevadis EV charging solutions. BAM opted for 32 MaxiChargers with LCD screens in 16 custom pillars with contactless card readers. These provide drivers with convenient charging sessions that can be activated without the requirement of an app. Additionally, a 100kW MaxiCharger DC Fast charging station was also deployed on-site to enable rapid charging. This can get an EV up to 80% battery in 30 minutes or less. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies are set to make a substantial impact on the EV charging landscape. The MaxiCharger is a solution known for its remarkable 99% reliability rate and when combined with BAM’s high-level design and installation skills, the partnership will provide a smooth and trouble-free EV charging experience for businesses and consumers alike. Craig Slater, Managing Director at Sevadis, says, “At Sevadis, we believe in the power of collaboration, and this partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing superior solutions that drive the adoption of electric vehicles. We're excited about the positive impact this will have on BAM’s customers, as they will benefit from our collective strengths, innovation, and exceptional customer service.” Mark Talbot, Operations Manager of BAM Site Solutions says, “At BAM Charging Solutions, our ethos is to provide our clients with the most suitable, robust and modern charging infrastructure available, all as part of our holistic EV Charging offering. The use of Sevadis equipment and expertise is proven. This continues to aid us in delivering future proofed EV charging facilities for existing and new clients, thereby achieving a joint drive towards a net zero future.” For more from Sevadis, click here.

Toolstation launches 100th catalogue with new products and offers

Toolstation has launched its landmark 100th catalogue, providing tradespeople and expert DIYers with hundreds of new products and offers to help conquer any job during spring and summer.  The retailer first opened its doors over 20 years ago and is finding that the catalogue is just as relevant today as it was back then. Toolstation’s customers rely on the catalogue to browse for their essential trade quality products before visiting their nearest store, shopping online or purchasing on the app. Research conducted by Toolstation showed that 64% of trades prefer having a catalogue while on site, and 57% find it easy to read through. Chris Other, Customer Director at Toolstation, comments, “Our iconic catalogue can usually be found in every tradesperson’s toolbox, and while the look and feel has evolved over the last 20 years, it's a tried and trusted formula that our customers like, alongside the option of our hugely popular app and click and collect service. To reach the 100th edition is a thrilling milestone and, as usual, it's packed with thousands of trade quality brands, products and prices.”  Toolstation now stocks over 25,000 trade quality products varying from power tools, electrical items, painting and decorating essentials, plumbing supplies, workwear, screws and fixings, landscaping, kitchen and bathroom units and more.   The 100th catalogue milestone sees the arrival of hundreds of new products and ranges from brands including DeWalt, Draper, Bosch, Kärcher, Sandtex, Wessex and more, several of which benefit from introductory offers.  Customers can enjoy the new catalogue savings with an additional 5% off all orders by becoming a member of the Toolstation Club. The loyalty club, which launched in January this year, will automatically take 5% off all orders during the first month of membership, with no restrictions on basket size or price. The catalogue is available from all 550+ Toolstation stores across the UK. Customers will also be able to access the new catalogue online and through the Toolstation app, taking advantage of the retailer’s speedy click and collect service which offers collection within five minutes when an order is placed during store opening hours.  To read more from Toolstation, click here.

Industry trade bodies seek intervention on FHS and HEM proposals

BEAMA, alongside several other trade bodies, has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Michael Gove MP, to seek ministerial intervention on key areas of the Future Homes Standards (FHS) and Home Energy Model (HEM) consultations, following a series of conversations with the Department for Levelling Up & Housing Communities and the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero. The signatories represent a cross-section of trade associations covering manufacturers who supply the key net zero enabling technologies which allow new homes to decarbonise heat, use energy responsibly and supply domestic EV charging capabilities. As such, they are strong supporters of the general policy direction which will electrify future homes and move to a more accurate, open-source model for compliance assessments. However, they have aligned to collectively raise two fundamental shared concerns which require the Government’s direct intervention, in advance of the three consultations closing on the 27 March. The Home Energy Model does not allow for informed understanding of the specification impact of the Future Homes Standard. There are significant limitations within the current HEM FHS Assessment Tool which makes accurate, trustworthy modelling of the two proposed notional build options for new dwellings impossible to undertake. Without this modelling, the trade bodies say that they cannot ensure that specification choice remains within the market to allow for the potential application of a range of zero-carbon ready and affordable whole building heat strategies. They say that the performance requirements within Part L of the Building Regulations must protect specification flexibility and it must be ensured that the Government publishes alternative compliant specifications beyond air source heat pumps and heat networks. The trade bodies are concerned about the lack of formal consultation plans for key changes to the Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) and SAP Appendix Q. There is currently no detail within the HEM consultations on the future process for PCDB integration and the process by which the model will recognise new technologies. The current PCDB has been developed through many years of investment by hundreds of manufacturers. The missing detail on these future processes and the formal consultations on these details with industry undermines confidence in the HEM. As an industry, the trade bodies are calling for Government intervention to ensure that no finalising decisions are made on the performance requirements of new build homes without accurate modelling capability, and that the future process for the PCDB and adding new technologies into the Home Energy Model will be transparent and include future industry consultation. Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, says, “The Future Homes Standard and the Homes Energy Model and associated wrapper will be crucial for decarbonising homes, as well as key indicators for UK supply chain investment in this sector. It is therefore essential we get this right or risk undermining a supply chain that the UK needs to deliver net zero and future energy security. "Time and resources must be allowed within the Government process to get this right and we do have concerns over the validity of the current consultation process. This letter is intended to elevate this consideration and ensure Government are fully aware of the significance of this decision – if we get this wrong, we risk limiting UK technology innovation and market delivery. This is business critical for us and we are putting fundamental resources into helping Government with this process and ensuring industry have their input.” To read more from BEAMA, click here.

BGEN becomes founding partner of the Warrington Fund

BGEN has become a founding partner of the Warrington Fund. Distributed by Cheshire Community Foundation, this new grant programme will build a permanent fund for charities, community groups and voluntary sector organisations in the Warrington area – the Cheshire town where the firm’s headquarters are located. The Warrington Fund supports mental health and wellbeing, tackles poverty and disadvantage, as well as developing education, skills and employment – focusing on projects that support the development of sustainable, self-reliant communities. The programme will open after Easter, and charities can apply online.  All charitable donations made by BGEN will now contribute to one central fund, with monies distributed to grassroots community projects for maximum local impact. By becoming a partner, BGEN further enhances its longstanding commitment to charity and community support – creating a much enhanced, collaborative and more strategic means to deliver legacy-leaving funds. It will also bring about further volunteering opportunities for BGEN employees. With the provision of a regular impact report – detailing how its donations are supporting local projects - BGEN will also be able to measure and communicate its positive social impact in line with its ESG commitments. Grant applications will be presented to the Warrington Fund decision-making panel, that will meet twice a year, to decide how they’d like to see funds to be directed. “We feel privileged to be a Founding Partner of the Warrington Fund and having the opportunity to support the development of sustainable, self-reliant communities within Warrington and the immediate surrounding area,” says Amy Twist, Head of Sustainability at BGEN and member of the Warrington Fund Advisory Panel. “By becoming a partner, we can ensure that our contributions are directed to priority projects that are important to us - improving mental health and wellbeing, tackling poverty and disadvantage, developing education, skills and employment and building sustainable communities. We look forward to leaving a legacy within the Warrington area that will positively impact future generations.”     For more from BGEN, click here.

Signify releases 2,000 Environmental Product Declarations

Signify has committed to sharing the environmental impact of its full range of products. The company has already made available more than 2,000 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), covering more than 70,000 product variations around the world. Due to customer demand, the Americas are currently served by the Declare labelling system. As the EPD program continues, all products worldwide will ultimately receive EPDs. Municipalities, businesses and individuals are increasingly looking for fast, effective ways to reduce their environmental footprint. As lighting currently accounts for 12% of global electricity consumption and 5% of global CO2 emissions, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting can significantly reduce global electricity consumption. EPDs quantify products’ environmental impact over their full life cycle, enabling comparisons to comparable products and empowering customers to make informed decisions on lighting investments. In addition to driving greater transparency for customers, EPDs are advancing evidence-based sustainable innovation within Signify, providing a quantified footprint which acts as a baseline for further improvements in next-generation product iterations. Maurice Loosschilder, Global Head of Sustainability at Signify, says, “Signify is committed to making the low-carbon future a reality, offering businesses, cities and consumers energy-efficient products, systems and services that can reduce global electricity consumption for lighting by over a third. Being transparent about our products’ environmental impact gives customers the information they need to make informed decisions, whether they are lighting cities, offices or their own homes, as well as helping us to meet our own sustainability goals.” To read more from Signify, click here.

Construction workers have one of the biggest gender pension gaps

With TikTok searches for content around pensions increasing by 83% in the past 12 months and Google searches for ‘how much is a women’s state pension’ increasing by 238% in the same period, women are becoming more aware that their pension could be significantly impacted by not only their gender but also the choices they may choose in their lifetime, says Raisin UK. The company has compiled a report looking into the Gender Pension Gap to find out exactly what the implications are on women’s pensions in the UK.  Raisin UK is raising awareness of the gender pension gap in the UK, as its findings show that the average annual gender pension gap has reached a loss of £763 per year for women who work as construction contractors compared to their male counterparts. This equates to a total loss of £34,335 across a 45-year working lifetime.  This is the fourth greatest pension loss out of all UK industries, falling only behind women working in education and sales. Savings expert and co-founder of Raisin UK, Kevin Mountford, explains what parents can do to prevent losing out as a result of having children when it comes to retirement: “Ultimately, there are a lot of systemic changes that need to take place to help close the gender pension gap for good. However, there are some steps women can take before having a child that can help ensure they don't end up worse off when it’s time to retire.” Pay a larger contribution early on Typically, by law, the average employee pension contribution in the UK is at least 5%, however, it’s important to note that this may not be affordable for all. Where people are able to do so, they can choose to pay more before they expect to have children. This means you don’t have to worry as much when having to plug the gap while having dependents. Start saving early with workplace pensions  Take advantage of workplace pension schemes such as the UK's auto-enrolment scheme. Starting these schemes early ensures you benefit from both employer contributions and tax relief, and will help you to build up a larger nest egg without seeing too much of an impact on your take home pay in later years. Contribute to Personal Pension Plans (SIPPs) Consider setting up a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) alongside your workplace pension for additional retirement savings. SIPPs offer flexibility and control over your investment choices, acting as an additional layer that allows you to save, invest and build up a larger pot of money for when you retire. Stay informed about UK pension laws Keep yourself updated on UK pension laws and regulations, including changes to the state pension age and contribution requirements. Staying informed empowers you to assert your rights and plan for retirement effectively, ensuring women have equal access to retirement benefits and opportunities. Invest in ISAs Save into Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) as part of your retirement planning strategy. ISAs provide tax-efficient savings options, including cash ISAs and stocks and shares ISAs, so that you can put extra money away to save for retirement. Lifetime ISAs, if not used for buying your first property, can be withdrawn at the age of 60 to help you through retirement

Carhartt launches women's tops and jackets for spring

Carhartt has introduced an extensive line-up of women's tops and jackets this spring, each designed for the demands of the workday. The arrival of warmer spring days means t-shirts can make a welcome return. Carhartt’s women's Pocket T-Shirt is a long-sleeve classic that combines style with a bit of extra warmth. Tailored for a relaxed fit, it has plenty of room for movement and is made from a soft and comfortable cotton blend. Featuring a classic crew neck and a practical chest pocket with a flat-bottom hem, it is available in black, Carhartt brown, mink and sable. The women's Crewneck Sweatshirt is available in an Apple Butter hue or classic Black. This sweatshirt offers a lightweight yet sturdy solution for brisk spring days on site. Made from a blend of cotton and Tencel in the French Terry fabric, it is gentle and soft on the skin, ensuring all-day ease and comfort at work. Carhartt says its women's Canvas Detroit Jacket is the epitome of versatile workwear. Made from a stretch canvas and enhanced with Rugged Flex technology, this jacket offers unhampered movement, whether the user is tackling tasks on-site or unwinding outdoors. Sitting comfortably below the waist, it is ideally proportioned for wearing with a tool belt and yet equally suited for a casual day out. With a corduroy-lined collar for extra cosiness, multiple pockets, adjustable snap sleeve cuffs and available in black or Carhartt brown, it is a practical jacket for work and home. To read more on Carhartt, click here. 

Samac Fixings launches Performance Plus Trade Case

Samac Fixings has introduced the new Samac Performance Plus Woodscrews Trade Case - a collection of 900 precision-engineered screws, designed for excellence in any fixings task. This durable and robust case features a handle designed for seamless site-to-site transit and is built to absorb the bumps and knocks of construction life. It will protect screws from dust, debris and water and when the day winds down - simply pop it into the back of the van, secure in the knowledge that screws will remain snug in their compartments. Packed with hundreds of Performance Plus High Performance Wood Screws, this case is ideal for every job on-site. The screws are designed with a Pozi drive and a robust double countersunk head to reduce the chances of head breakage and self-countersinking ribs, guaranteeing a sleek and flush finish every time. With a specialised protective coating, these screws are corrosion resistant, while the milling thread and serrated thread work in tandem to minimise resistance and prevent the dreaded wood split, ensuring a secure fit that lasts. To read more on Samac Fixings, click here.