CTEK offers free EV charge point training for UK installers

Installers can get free training on installing EV charge points from CTEK. The monthly free online training is delivered by CTEK’s UK-based Skillbase team and will equip installers with the knowledge on how to install and network CTEK EV charge points, load balance, configure and troubleshoot. The four-hour sessions are designed to equip the installer to work quickly and accurately so that each installation is high quality. The training blends technical information about charging products with practical walk-throughs on installation, load balancing and configuration. Installers will also be signposted to additional support and ‘how to’ guides available online and an introduction to the ongoing CTEK support available in the UK. The 2024 training sessions will run from 9 am to 1 pm on Thursdays: 7 March 4 April 2 May 6 June 8 August 5 September 3 October 7 November 5 December CTEK UK Skillbase Manager, Viktors Nikolajevs, says, “We have been running these free training sessions for installers for several years now, and the feedback is always very positive. Installers say it is time well spent to find out all about EV charging, how charging units work and what they need to know to install effectively. “There are always lots of good questions asked, including about load management, communication protocols, networking and RCD protection. Charge point installation is a growing market for installers, ranging from single-unit jobs in domestic settings to multiple output projects for employers, landlords, local authorities and large charge point operators. “Whether you are an installer looking to get into this market for the first time or an experienced EV charge point installer keen to learn more and step up to larger projects, you are very welcome to sign up for a free session and find out everything you want to know.” To read more on CTEK, click here.

Manrose’s Quiet Fan X5 offers a quiet solution

Demand for quieter products in the home is still on the rise. According to a recent National Noise Report from Quiet Mark, 82% of adults surveyed said it matters how loud an appliance is when buying a product. The report also revealed that 84% of respondents said it's important to have quiet time to recharge themselves. This is positive news for bathroom fans like the Quiet Fan X5. According to Manrose, it has proved very popular since its launch due to its quiet operation, easy installation, aesthetics, and environmental credentials - making it attractive to wholesalers, electricians and households. With our lives becoming ever busier and noisier, households are looking for quiet spaces in the home. Nobody wants to listen to a noisy fan while having a bath or a shower. Therefore, the Quiet Fan X5 has a quiet running volume, as low as just 25dB(A), whilst offering a high extraction rate of 90m³/hr. This means moisture-laden air can be removed to avoid condensation and mould, improving indoor air quality. With the energy crisis continuing, the Quiet Fan X5’s low-energy motor with a maximum consumption of 6W and a low SFP of 0.24w/l/s is an ideal solution for energy-conscious households. The Manrose Quiet Fan X5 range ticks all the right boxes with its ultra-low sound levels and its IPX5 rating, which means it can be installed safely within Zone 1 without needing a low-voltage transformer. It’s the ideal choice for a small bathroom, shower room or toilet, where space is at a premium. The Quiet Fan X5 is proving popular with electrical wholesalers, electricians and households. Manrose says that households are impressed with its performance and good looks since it is available with an attractive new tile-like facade. As a result, electricians are set to benefit from more happy customers and improved five-star review ratings. Manrose’s high-quality, long-life motors are continuously rated and warranted for a minimum of 30,000 hours or three years. Available with a range of control options such as Basic, Timer, Humidistat and PIR, the Quiet Fan X5 is suitable for wall and ceiling mounting, offering install flexibility. The Quiet Fan X5 is manufactured using high gloss ABS thermoplastics for strength and durability. It comes complete with integral backdraught shutters and is double insulated so it does not require an earth. The unit also includes a performance-enhancing turning vane system located in the spigot to improve performance by maintaining a high output. The Quiet Fan X5 range complies with Part F & L of the Building Regulations. It is important to choose a manufacturer with good environmental credentials. For example, 100% of Manrose’s PVC ducting is made from recycled window frames and plastics extracted from old fridges are used to create ducting components. To read more on Manrose, click here.

PureAir Home PIV rids bungalow of severe condensation

A PureAir Home from Vent-Axia has solved the problem of condensation for a couple in Shropshire. The Vent-Axia PureAir Home Positive Input Ventilation unit (PIV) was installed in Mr and Mrs Hopkins’ two-bedroom bungalow in Shrewsbury. Built in 1982, the couple moved into the bungalow two years ago but had a problem with condensation from the start. The couple tried using the trickle vents in the PVC double glazing to combat the condensation, but this did not work. The condensation problem in the home was so severe that Bruce Hopkins became fed up wiping the windows with kitchen roll every morning. The couple would also open the windows to increase ventilation, but this made the bungalow cold.    Due to the condensation problem, Bruce bought a humidistat, which showed that the humidity in the property was 80%. Bruce was determined to find a solution and researched how to rid a home of condensation. He discovered that PIV was the solution and visited his local electrical wholesaler, Alert Electrical, to buy one. Since Bruce already had a Vent-Axia extractor fan in his bathroom, he chose a Vent-Axia PureAir Home. He arranged for an electrician to install the unit and within two days of the installation, the condensation disappeared. To Bruce’s surprise, when he checked the humidistat the humidity in the home had dropped to 40%. Since the installation of the PIV, the house has been condensation-free.     “Severe condensation was an ongoing problem in our home, which I was determined to solve. After researching, the Vent-Axia PureAir Home PIV unit seemed the ideal solution. Since we installed it, we sleep better, feel warmer, and our clothes are dryer. Before this PIV, everything felt a little damp. The printer paper had waves in it. Now nothing. The air quality is much better too. My wife and I would like to thank Vent-Axia for this product as it has really changed our lives,” says Bruce.   The PureAir Home was installed in the loft. Air is drawn into the PureAir Home unit via the loft from outside, and incoming air is filtered via the high-grade ISO ePM10 (G4) or optional upgrade ePM2.5 (F7) filters, removing nasty contaminates before gently introducing it into the habitable areas of the property. The diffuser directs the airflow upwards, where the incoming air mixes with the warm air that gathers at ceiling height. The airflow can be adjusted to meet the needs of a property. This means that when Bruce and Llin extend their home in the near future, the airflow can be changed to meet the property’s new needs, ensuring condensation will not return.   The PureAir Home PIV offers whole-house air purification and humidity control. Designed to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and prevent moisture build-up, the PureAir Home offers a highly effective solution to control condensation and mould, as well as offering high levels of air filtration. The PureAir Home reduces the risk of health issues in the home by improving IAQ and quickly eradicating conditions that lead to mould growth and associated health issues such as asthma and itchy skin. Providing fresh, tempered air into the home that is drier than the inside air, the PureAir Home creates an indoor environment where condensation and mould find it hard to exist, benefiting occupants and avoiding the damaging effects on the building.    Boasting quick and simple installation, the PIV unit is highly energy efficient, unobtrusive, near silent and helps provide a healthy environment. The PureAir Home’s discreet diffuser features Smart Air technology, which increases airflow performance by 10% but at a lower noise level than traditional diffuser designs, whilst allowing control over airflow direction. SmartSense control allows a quick and accurate set-up, alongside an automatic summer shut-off that stops hot air from coming back into the property.    To read more on Vent-Axia, click here.

TikTok trades - inspiring the next generation of tradespeople

Although tradespeople don't even make up a minority of TikTok's user base, the platform has a surprisingly larger-than-life community dedicated solely to manual trades. You can watch hours of content related to anything from bricklaying to landscaping, offering an insight into various trades and their daily routines.    As the UK currently undergoes a labour shortage, ductwork and air ventilation specialist Airmatic knows that one solution is attracting new talent and upskilling younger people through apprenticeships.   The TikTok trade community is not only a form of entertainment but can be leveraged as a marketing tool and a platform for challenging some of the expectations and perceptions that younger people may have about a career in manual trades.    Endless content The rise in trade-related content on TikTok can be largely attributed to the home renovations/DIY category, which is currently the fifth most popular content category with over 8.9 billion views. Some of the most popular categories underneath this umbrella include flooring (9.3 billion), carpentry (7.6 billion), plumbing (7.5 billion), roofing (6.6 billion), and landscaping (5.1 billion).   Whether it's learning how to paint a room or tile laying, TikTok offers a wealth of tutorials covering diverse subjects catering to different skill levels. So much so that the demand for this content has inspired more and more businesses and self-employed tradespeople to produce their content.    Addressing the labour shortage  With an ageing workforce and a decline in younger people entering the trades, the UK is faced with hundreds of thousands of unoccupied positions across multiple sectors. Attracting and retaining talent and offering better opportunities for young people can help address these shortages and bridge the gap.   Apprenticeships have been shown to support the current skills shortage, pushing firms to think creatively about attracting talent in the hopes of training up the future workforce. According to the latest UCAS 2023 application figures, there has been a growing demand for apprenticeships, as 40% of students considering undergraduate study were also interested in apprenticeship options, making a 180% increase since 2021. In 2023, there was a 22% increase in the number of apprenticeship views on Career Finder, further demonstrating this rising popularity.   For this reason, TikTok represents a pivotal marketing opportunity. Through video content, companies can adapt their strategies to engage young people by showcasing the positives of this style of work, company benefits and breaking down other perception barriers that younger people may have. By consistently creating and sharing engaging content, you can demonstrate brand transparency, increase brand awareness, build an engaged audience and effectively market your products and services.    Challenging the misconceptions Misconceptions are still rife in the industry around career routes and most importantly about the earning potential. Although seven out of the 11 trades professions earn more than the national average salary, a survey by Checkatrade reported that the majority of participants underestimate this amount.   There are also some reservations about diversity in the industry. For the younger generation, visual representation is key as 23% of young women from the same survey said that they would consider a trades career if they saw more people like them in the industry.   By showcasing the creativity, skill, and diversity in manual trades, TikTok has the power to inspire a viable future for these careers in young people's minds, by breaking down stereotypes, demonstrating representation and giving a sense of belonging in industries traditionally dominated by male and older demographics. This further demonstrates that TikTok's trade craze isn't just about entertainment but about investing in a positive future by empowering and inspiring the tradespeople of tomorrow.

Solar installation at Legrand achieves CSR roadmap milestone

Legrand UK & Ireland has saved over a tonne of CO2 in a single month with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array on the roof of its West Bromwich site, near Birmingham. The panels were installed and commissioned in October 2023 and before the end of November had saved 1,087kg of CO2 emissions.   This emissions reduction represents a significant milestone on Legrand’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roadmap, with the installation’s annual CO2 savings projected to be around 29 tonnes.   The West Bromwich site serves as Legrand’s National Distribution Centre, housing a variety of Legrand products and components before shipping. The site is now home to 330 PV panels, each with the capacity to generate 500w as part of a 165kWP system. Legrand’s latest CSR roadmap is the fifth the company has put into practice. The environmental part of the roadmap focuses on reducing the carbon emissions generated by Legrand and its supply chain, phasing out single-use plastics and increasing the use of recycled materials.   The PV installation is just one of many ways Legrand is cutting carbon. Others include procuring more sustainable components and materials for the products it manufactures and designing those products to be as energy efficient as possible, helping lower the emissions of its customers.   Pascal Stutz, CEO of Legrand UK & Ireland, says, “We are really happy with the carbon saving the PV panels have delivered for us. We’re always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the planet and a big part of that involves switching to renewable energy. As a major UK manufacturer, we understand that we have a responsibility to the environment and that means doing everything we can to lower our carbon footprint while making it easier for our customers to reduce their own Scope 3 emissions.”   For the third year running, Legrand has been the recipient of the Platinum EcoVadis medal, meaning that its practices are in line with the most ambitious objective of the Paris Agreement – namely, limiting the global increase in temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and achieving carbon neutrality.   Pascal continues, “The health of the planet is something we take very seriously and we are dedicated to our environmental commitments. The solar power system at West Bromwich is a significant step forward, and we’re looking forward to continuing our progress by making further carbon reductions in the coming months and years.’’   To read more on Legrand, click here.

Vimpex launches Ugo Reset – the ultimate call point reset tool

Vimpex has launched a new call point reset tool, the UGO Reset, the ‘Swiss army knife’ of call point test and reset keys for fire alarm and access control resettable call points/emergency release buttons. The UGO reset keeps the keys that fit most major fire alarm and emergency exit push button switch brands, all integral in one handy, easy-to-use, trouser-pocket-sized case. Each key can be folded out when required and neatly folded back afterwards so they cannot be lost, making it quick, easy and hassle-free to test and reset call points on site. The Ugo Reset from Vimpex can be used on most alarm brands, including Sycall, KAC, STI and others. The Ugo Reset from Vimpex is available from most fire industry distributors and is destined to become a toolbox staple of fire and access control engineers everywhere. Its convenience will appeal to engineers and facilities managers with multiple call point types on site. To read more on Vimpex, click here.

JTL appoints Sandra Warren-Smith as National Delivery Director

JTL has announced the appointment of Sandra Warren-Smith as its new National Delivery Director. In her new role, Sandra will oversee the management of JTL’s regional teams, training centres and apprenticeship programmes. With an extensive background of experience and commitment to contributing to the education agenda and creating career opportunities, Sandra is poised to drive JTL's mission of upskilling individuals through its apprenticeship programmes. Before joining JTL, Sandra served as the Operations Director for Skills at PeoplePlus UK, where she led the delivery of high-quality skills and employability programmes whilst managing a large and diverse team. Sandra’s leadership was instrumental in streamlining processes, enhancing systems and launching new products and services. Her proven track record in strategic partnerships and business transformation initiatives makes her an invaluable addition to the JTL team. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, says, "We are delighted to welcome Sandra to JTL as our new National Delivery Director. Her extensive experience and dedication to quality and innovation in education settings align perfectly with our purpose and vision. Sandra's leadership will undoubtedly drive forward our mission of providing exceptional apprenticeship opportunities to individuals across England and Wales." Sandra's appointment follows the retirement of Judi Wheeler, who held the same role at JTL for eight years where she managed four regional teams to deliver apprenticeships, professional courses, and assessment services. Chris adds, “We extend our gratitude to Judi for her dedicated eight years of service and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.” Sandra says, “I am thrilled to join the team at JTL and look forward to bringing the insight and knowledge that I have gained over my years of experience to my new role as National Delivery Director.” To read more on JTL, click here.

Luceco lights up to support Macmillan for 2024

Luceco has announced that it will be supporting Macmillan as its chosen charity for 2024.   With almost 60% of Luceco employees voting for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company will be taking part in a host of fundraising activities throughout the year, including coffee mornings, cake sales and even coracle racing for the more adventurous.   Sarah Thompson, Communications Manager at Luceco, says, ''Macmillan’s work is 98% funded by voluntary donations, so fundraising is essential to make sure they can deliver the vital support people need. Team Luceco is an enthusiastic bunch so we’re looking forward to doing our best to support this great cause.''   Kate Thomas, Relationship Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in the West Midlands, says, ''Macmillan Cancer Support is absolutely delighted to have been chosen by the staff at Luceco Group as their charity partner for 2024.   ''One in two people will experience a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Macmillan are here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. We understand that cancer and its treatment can throw a lot your way. It can affect your body, your money and your relationships, but with support like this partnership, we can be there for people living with and beyond cancer.    ''We are really looking forward to working with Luceco and its employees across the country!''   To read more about Luceco, click here.

AC Electrics celebrates 50 years as a member of SELECT

AC Electrics has celebrated a unique milestone as it chalks up its 50th year as a member of the trade association, SELECT. Over the last half-century, AC Electrics has grown from humble beginnings in Cleland, Lanarkshire, to become a pioneer of green technology that’s also been hand-picked to work for the government in sub-zero temperatures in challenging foreign climes. Founder Benny Smith says a key part of the firm’s progress has been the support it has received from SELECT, which it joined way back on 12 February 1974 when it was still the Electrical Contractors Association of Scotland. Speaking in the latest issue of the association’s cabletalk magazine, Benny revealed that he joined the association when he started on his own after leaving a safe job, simultaneously buying his first house and helping his wife Rosemary raise two small children. He says, “I felt I wasn’t getting anywhere, so I spoke to a house builder who convinced me that I should start up on my own. To give me a helping hand, he offered me a contract to carry out the electrical works on a new housing development he had underway.” This led to more and more contracts, particularly with local authorities and public bodies in Central Scotland, which continue to this day. Benny says, “For example, in 1979, we were called in to wire a 30A socket in the telephone room of NHS Lanarkshire’s Hartwood Hospital and we are still working for the trust 45 years later.” Benny soon became a regular at his local Lanarkshire branch of SELECT, where he enjoyed meeting up with fellow electricians and keeping abreast of developments in the industry. After three decades in the hot seat, growing changes in technology influenced Benny’s decision to hand over the reins to sons Paul and Kevin in 2004. He says, “We could never really transition from faxes to emails, and that’s what our customers wanted, so we thought it was time for the next generation to take over.” Under the brothers’ stewardship, AC Electrics was one of the first companies in Scotland to become involved with electric vehicle charging through its relationship with BMW-Schneider Electric in 2013. The company was also called upon by the UK Government to undertake a special foreign assignment to upgrade the visa section in the British Embassy in Moscow in 2009. After installing retractable car bollards at Holyrood, Edinburgh, Paul and his crew were recommended for the unusual project, which saw the installation of weather shelters, thermal heaters, body scanning and X-ray equipment to the entrance compound. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “We are very happy as an organisation to have supported such an important local firm over a remarkable 50 years of growth which we are pleased to see is continuing.” To read more on SELECT, click here.

Aztec Solar appoints new Operations Manager

In the face of rapid expansion, Aztec Solar Energy, a nationwide engineering-led consultancy and installer of bespoke solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (BESS), has appointed Andy Rowlands in a new role as Operations Manager.   Andy will manage and oversee the implementation to the final delivery of projects for Aztec Solar Energy. He will have a team of project managers, logistics and the design team reporting to him.   He brings more than 24 years of experience in the electrical industry, of which the last three years have been in the solar PV sector. Talking about his new role, Andy says, “It’s great to be joining such a rapidly expanding company. Aztec Solar Energy are involved in every aspect of the business from design to final installation and is exploring new opportunities, such as operations and maintenance of systems in the future.   “They can demonstrate their long-term commitment and passion for solar energy having been in the business through both the early days and even when FITs stopped. They are passionate about renewable energy for commercial buildings and are in it for the long term.”   Chris Cowling, Commercial Director for Aztec Solar Energy, says, “Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him and is already introducing new processes that will help us evolve our current business and develop into new areas. He is a welcome addition to our expanding team.”