Luceco Group appoints Tania Tams as new Marketing Director

A highly experienced marketeer with over 25 years of experience, Tania Tams has previously worked with other brands such as Johnson Controls, ERA Home Security, Caterpillar and Saint Gobain. Now responsible for Luceco Group’s portfolio of lighting, electrical and EV charging brands, Tania will be spearheading a programme of coordinated marketing activity across all communication disciplines, covering trade and consumer audiences.   Wayne Hill, Managing Director at Luceco Group, says, “Tania’s appointment represents a leap forward for us and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to all our brands, including BG, SyncEV, Masterplug and Luceco Lighting.   “I am confident that with her knowledge, passion and drive, Tania will make a hugely positive contribution to the business.”   Tania says, “This is a very exciting appointment for me. With successful brands to work with, Luceco is perfectly poised to maximise its potential, delivering innovative technical and aesthetic solutions to the demands of an ever-changing marketplace by providing both performance and sustainability. I look forward to the challenge.”   To read more on Luceco Group, click here.

Scolmore named as official delivery partner for SkillELECTRIC 2024

Scolmore Group has announced that it is the official delivery partner for this year’s SkillELECTRIC competition. SkillELECTRIC is the search for the UK’s best young electrician and is the skills competition for the UK’s electrical industry. Each year, the best electrical students and apprentices from across the UK compete to win a place in the competition’s grand final. Organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) and run in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, it is designed to promote and showcase high standards and skills across the electrotechnical industry. As a delivery partner, Scolmore has a key role to play and says that it is enjoying a strengthened relationship with the teams at SkillELECTRIC and NET, helping to shape how the competition is run. As part of its commitment to support the electrical industry and to help develop the next generation of electricians, Scolmore Group first became involved as a sponsor of SkillELECTRIC in 2018. The company has continued its support for the competition in the ensuing years, providing a range of materials and products from across the Scolmore Group for use by the contestants during the national heats and the UK final, as well as supplying an array of product prizes for the winner and runners up. Scolmore Group’s Technical Engagement team has also played a key role in the judging process for the competition with Neil McManus, Technical Engagement Engineer, as part of the judging panel. Registration for the 2024 competition opens on 26 February and will run until 28 March. The entry stage involves competitors having to complete an online, timed, interactive task. Those who are successful at the entry stage will be invited to compete in a national qualifying heat. Commenting on this year’s competition, Neil says, “It is a fantastic opportunity to be involved as a delivery partner for the 2024 event. Last year, we saw such a high standard of competitors from the industry showcasing their skills and knowledge throughout the tasks. The level of workmanship and professionalism of the competitors was very high throughout the competition and the event showcased some fantastic talent and commitment from the next generation of electricians. 2024 promises to be another thrilling and rewarding event.” “We are very grateful for Scolmore Group’s support of the competition and welcome our continued relationship with them now as a delivery partner,” says Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC Project Manager at NET. ‘We look forward to working in partnership with the team at Scolmore again this year to strengthen the competition even further and witness the high standard of work from this year’s competitors.” To read more on Scolmore Group, click here.

Homegrown ground source heating on show for Cornwall MP

Cornish MP, Cherilyn Mackrory, was on hand to see how The Kensa Group is deploying Networked Heat Pumps to provide 140 new homes in Quintrell Downs, Newquay, with low-cost, energy-efficient heating.   The Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth joined Kensa CEO, Tamsin Lishman, for a close-up tour and demonstration of the renewable heating system being installed, which will save residents hundreds of pounds in annual heating costs.     Each modern home will have its own Kensa ground source heat pump connected to a Shared Ambient Heat Network, giving residents access to a year-round clean heating system.   This significant project comes as Kensa plans to deliver 70,000 heat pumps nationwide by 2030. This move will create over 7,000 green jobs and help bring people out of fuel poverty.    Tamsin Lishman, CEO of The Kensa Group, says, “I was delighted to show Cherilyn how Kensa’s ground source heat pumps will supply new homes with low-cost, energy-efficient, low-carbon heating.    “What we’re doing here at Quintrell Rise is a great example of how Networked Heat Pumps are a perfect green heating solution for new housing developments, benefiting consumers and the environment.   “This model can be deployed at scale for new build developments across the country and can even be replicated for complex-to-decarbonise properties like retrofit high-rise flats or terraced streets.”    Mark England, Head of Innovation, Sustainability and Procurement at Coastline Housing, says, “Renewable heating schemes such as this are a fantastic addition to any new housing development. It means reduced costs for customers moving forward with their energy bills and it’s also much more environmentally friendly, so it’s a win-win.”   By having a ground source heat pump connected to the shared network, each home at Quintrell Rise will experience reliable heating with low running costs. Homes with ground-source heat pumps also produce around 80% less CO2 than if they were supplied by gas.    To read more on The Kensa Group, click here.

BGEN pledges to expand its apprenticeship programme

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February), BGEN has pledged to expand its apprenticeship programme to 75 employees by the end of this year. At BGEN, 50 apprentices already work for the company with each receiving vocational training and study to achieve industry-recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships range from Level 3 to Degree and are in a variety of disciplines, enabling recruits to forge careers as electricians, mechanical engineers and pipefitters, as well as quantity surveyors and network and systems engineers. The scheme is also being used to upskill 10 existing BGEN employees, enabling BGEN to grow talent through the provision of learning opportunities for career development. To invest in its future and to create a more diverse workforce, BGEN has already doubled its apprentice headcount over the last two years. “I began my own career as a craft apprentice, so I’m both proud and delighted that the company I lead invests significant resources in developing a young and diverse workforce,” says Robin Whitehead, Chief Executive at BGEN. “Our business is evolving and only by moving with the times and investing in those who work for us will we be best able to solve the engineering challenges of the modern world for our customers – now and in the future.” Michelle Stott, HR Director at BGEN, says, “We’re committed to supporting all of our employees, working at all levels and in all business units, to grow with us. We’re looking forward to increasing our apprentice headcount – giving all 75 of them the opportunity to learn and develop their skills, knowledge and experience whilst working with a wide range of world-class engineering solutions and some of the largest blue-chip clients out there.” To read more on BGEN, click here.

New Fire Manager app part of Siemens Building X expansion

Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of Fire Manager, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more information available by clicking on a site of interest via a fully encrypted connection that ensures the safety of the data. The move is part of the ongoing development of Siemens Building X, a digital building platform that supports customers in digitalising, managing, and optimising their building operations (energy, HVAC, security and safety). It enables remote monitoring and intervention, real-time notification and efficient, predictive maintenance. Fire Manager offers a range of benefits, including a status overview of a site/sites, both live and historical events, customisable notification via SMS or email and data that assists with maintenance and planning. Included in the data that Fire Manager provides from a fire safety system is the potential for disturbance-free testing (DFT), which allows detectors to be tested automatically, with the results recorded in the portal. Alongside Fire Manager, which automatically transmits notifications of the fire system status to service providers, notifications can be sent to their customers by Fire Connect; a native iOS and Android app. Fire Manager and Fire Connect work with Siemens fire safety solutions such as Cerberus PRO, the company’s comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system. For those who want to maintain their dashboards, Fire API provides the opportunity to integrate the data into their dashboards. All three offerings - Fire Manager, Fire Connect and Fire API - are part of a new licensing model which paves the way for increased customer flexibility by offering choice regarding which data and app bundle best suits a specific need. The Fire apps and API are designed to digitalise the customer workflow for fire safety operation and maintenance. This saves time and resources whilst improving safety and minimising the disturbance of building users. It enables service providers to monitor all sites at any time remotely and connect directly to the fire panel. This transparency allows for maintenance activities to be planned, carried out and documented efficiently. The enhanced solutions drive digital transformation but also yield sustainability benefits. By offering maintenance options and a fire system status remotely, it is possible to save CO2 emissions related to yearly site visits. To read more on Siemens, click here.

Siemens adds to Desigo's capabilities with a new controller

The PXC5.E24 is the latest automation station from Siemens to be added to the Desigo HVAC and building control system. A fundamental requirement for efficient building automation is a reliable control system. The new controller joins the existing PXC4 and PXC7 controllers and features 24 onboard I/Os, which can be extended to offer 80 points on a single compact unit. Siemens says that the PXC5.E24 is designed for optimum interoperability, with its two RS485 ports, enabling Modbus data point integration via RTU and the BACnet open communication protocol. It also features an onboard KNX PL-Link, making daisy-chain network extension easy, with M-Bus integration available soon. Quick installation and commissioning are ensured through a simple and intuitive license-free ABT Site engineering tool, supported by the ABT Go mobile app, allowing connectivity from a smartphone. A further benefit in terms of installation is that the controller can provide power for up to four extension I/O modules from the TXM I/O range. Secure remote connectivity offers the capability to monitor and make changes to the system off-site, reducing the potential number of site visits and improving sustainability. Alarms can be processed on-site or remotely through the user’s wireless access to the controller. Security is a central feature of the design, with certificate handling and signed firmware to prevent cyber-attacks from malware and viruses. Desigo is designed to manage any facility, irrespective of its size or complexity and, according to Siemens, enhances occupant comfort and productivity. To read more on Siemens, click here.

Markel Direct launches search for The Nation’s A* Apprentice

Markel Direct has announced the launch of The Nation’s A* Apprentice award to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2024.    The award aims to celebrate the outstanding work skilled trades apprentices all over the UK are doing within their workplace whilst highlighting the important role apprentices will play in the future of the trades and construction industry.    To enter for the award, the UK public will be given the opportunity to nominate an apprentice they believe to be 'The Nation’s A* Apprentice'. Nominations will be judged against a range of criteria, by a panel of judges, made up of industry experts, who will be looking for three apprentices who have gone above and beyond their general role, clearly demonstrating what it means to be a team player and have overcome any personal challenges to create a positive impact in their role as an apprentice.    Nominations are open until 23 February and can be submitted here.   The winners will receive a development package worth up to £5,000, consisting of: · A Festool toolkit and accessories worth £4,000 · 24-hour tools cover for a year from Markel Direct · £750 to spend on TuffStuff workwear   Following the nomination stage, a judging panel of Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, Louis Timpany, CEO and Founder of Fix Radio, and James Wilson, Marketing Manager at Festool, will assess a shortlist of finalists and select three winners to receive The Nation’s A* Apprentice award. The winners will be announced in the week commencing 18 March 2024.   Speaking about the competition, Rob says, “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are excited to launch this award to promote the outstanding work apprentices are doing within the UK trades and construction industry. In light of the current skills crisis within the UK trades sector, it’s crucial that we highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the pivotal role they’ll play in moving the industry forward in the coming years”.    The competition is open to all residents of the UK, the Channel Islands and The Isle of Man, and must be 18 or over at the time of entry.    To read more on Markel Direct, click here.

Luceco Group supports young talent through apprenticeships

Dan Heyes has found success and growth through an apprenticeship with the Luceco Group.   He had been looking for an opportunity to start a creative career in design engineering through an apprenticeship. Through his apprenticeship at Luceco, Dan gained the qualifications and experience needed to kickstart his design engineering career.   Whilst his course at Shrewsbury College covered maths, electrical engineering, project and design engineering (CAD and Solidworks), pneumatic/hydraulics, machinery, welding, and computed aided manufacturing (CAM), his apprenticeship meant he was able to try different engineering roles, gain additional qualifications, alongside the qualification he needed to become a design engineer.   Throughout his trainee years, Dan benefitted from the training and support of Luceco managers and seniors. After qualifying, the company offered him an additional short course that was more specified for his line of work.   Since qualifying for his apprenticeship, Dan has gone from lighting design trainee via junior lighting design engineer to recently becoming a lighting design engineer.   Dan says, ‘I feel like I have developed a lot as a person since being at Luceco, I feel more professional in the way I act, as well as more confident with my abilities in social situations, compared to when I first joined.   ‘I would certainly recommend apprenticeships to other young people thinking about their future careers.’   Lee Kinsey, Lighting Design Manager at Luceco Group, says, ‘We were delighted to support Dan in his endeavours and equip him with the skills and qualifications needed to develop his career. Supporting and nurturing young talent is a company priority as we look forward to the future.’   To read more on Luceco Group, click here.

CTEK unveils new advanced CC3 EV charge point

CTEK has unveiled Chargestorm Connected 3, its most advanced charge point to date. It includes vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging and ‘plug and charge’ automatic vehicle identification and is ready for the next era of EV adoption   CTEK says that the Chargestorm Connected 3 (CC3) incorporates the latest hardware and software innovations ready for easy installation and smart charging and is primed for the possibilities of an EV energy ecosystem with next-level connectivity and control.   CC3 builds on CTEK’s decade-plus experience in designing and manufacturing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). CTEK has already sold more than 100,000 Chargestorm Connected series charge points in the UK, its home market in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe.   Designed for ease of installation and ease of use, CC3’s anti-tamper enclosure, cyber security features, dual-socket options and up to 22kW charging make it suited to multiple charge point installations at destinations such as car parks, apartment blocks and workplaces.   Fully compliant with current UK regulations governing charge points, each CC3 has a unique password, tamper alerts and encrypted communication. CC3 also meets the ISO15118 standard and is primed for the upcoming V2G (Vehicle to Grid) and V2X (Vehicle to Everything) revolutions. It supports the latest OCPP 2.0.1 standard (Open Charge Point Protocol), ensuring smooth interaction with multiple third-party hardware and software.   The company says CC3 breaks new ground in connectivity. In-built Wi-Fi enables seamless installation, networking and wireless load balancing. The optional 4G modem uses less power to provide uninterrupted connectivity, independent of traditional network setups, whilst dual ethernet ports make future networking possible.   Incorporating CTEK’s Nanogrid dynamic load balancing technology, CC3 ensures optimal power distribution between EVs and other local power demands. For installers, CC3 appears alongside a redesigned wall mounting bracket with reconfigured punch-out holes and daisy chain capabilities for network and power cabling, all designed for an efficient and streamlined install. Each CC3 variant supports one and three-phase electricity supplies.   Daniel Forsberg, CTEK’s Marketing Manager EVSE, says, "The Chargestorm Connected 3 is more than just an EVSE; it’s the embodiment of a synergy between state-of-the-art technology and user-centric design. We're not merely charging vehicles; we're fuelling the journey towards a more connected and efficient e-mobility future, pioneering in the realm of destination charging."   To read more on CTEK, click here.

NAW: Why we must promote the vital role of apprenticeships

Every year, National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) celebrates the power of apprenticeships, highlighting its positive impact on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The benefits apprentices bring to businesses are invaluable, providing significant returns on investment and yet not enough businesses are taking advantage of this vital resource, particularly in the engineering sector, which is already suffering from a talent shortage. Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group, warns that more businesses should seek to implement apprenticeship schemes to safeguard the industry's future. “Not enough businesses have recognised the sheer potential of apprenticeships in today’s engineering world and just how much these can benefit their company, as well as make a positive impact on the industry,” he says. According to the adi Group, its quality EAL-accredited pre-apprenticeship and its apprenticeship offering, along with the overall commitment to investing in the future of young aspiring engineers, is a positive example for others in the industry and beyond. Having begun his engineering career as an apprentice, Alan is determined to spearhead a change in the mindset of businesses, educating others on the importance of apprenticeships. He continues, "We want to motivate other businesses within the industry to take proactive measures to change the engineering sector for the better and a crucial aspect of this transformation is recognising and championing the indispensable role of apprenticeships.” Data shows that apprenticeship starts in 2022/23 are down 3% compared to the previous year, showing a discouraging lack of growth. But with predictions that the labour demand gap in engineering will widen, with an estimated shortfall of 40,000 workers by 2028, businesses should look towards apprenticeships as a key element of the solution. Apprenticeship schemes represent a highly effective route for individuals aspiring to enter the STEM fields. While statistics reveal that university degrees and higher education remain the predominant choice amongst young people in the UK, apprenticeships can offer the practical skills and experience necessary within engineering, which traditional academia neglects to provide. Going on to share his advice on how to offer best-in-class apprenticeships, Alan says, “It’s about helping budding engineers gain the hands-on core skills and knowledge they need to progress and succeed in an engineering career, in the right ways. “Adi’s pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship models are unique in the field, carefully designed to help outline a path of success for young talent within the industry and increase accessibility. We offer youngsters the opportunity to gain practical engineering skills in their chosen area from our in-house mentors, as well as the experience of a real-world work environment, which we believe to be vital. “And we don’t just train apprentices on the engineering aspects of the job – we nurture all areas of their development, getting them involved in responsible business activities, training them up on health and safety and sustainability, and helping them build relevant soft skills. We further aid their growth through a dedicated mentorship scheme, designed to ensure every apprentice is personally supported in achieving their individual goals and aspirations.’’ To read more on adi Group, click here.