2023 BELL Lighting roundup

BELL Lighting has achieved a host of notable accomplishments throughout 2023. The move to its new National Distribution Centre, BELL House, was an extremely significant one. As a company, it now has headquarters capable of facilitating rapid growth, a warehouse accommodating 6,588 pallet locations, over 2,100 saleable product, lines and the capability to achieve 300 despatched daily orders. The move also provided BELL with the opportunity to bring its internal teams together, creating a positive environment where staff can help one another and provide quicker solutions to its customers. 2023 was also the year when BELL moved towards sustainability, introducing circular economy-focused products into its range and developing a strategy which places eco-initiatives at the centre of its thinking. With these commitments in mind, BELL introduced the Firestay Geo LED Sustainable Modular Downlight into the market, a product which allows for reuse and remanufacture, thanks to the Geo-Mod light module which can be returned to BELL Lighting for remanufacture at the point of failure. With housing designed to remain in the ceiling for life, the product results in zero waste to landfill, and as recognition for the innovation shown, the Firestay Geo won two Electrical Contracting News Awards (Lighting Product of the Year and Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year), along with a Build Back Better Green Award. BELL also achieved carbon neutral status, a first step towards reaching its net zero goal in the coming years.

EA Technology relaunches its switchgear course

EA Technology, a specialist in asset management solutions for owners and operators of electrical assets, has announced the relaunch of its Keeping Electrical Switchgear Safe course due to increased demand across the industry. The course is said to be essential for industrial or commercial owners/operators of electrical switchgear, or maintenance managers responsible for electrical switchgear. Additionally, Distribution Network Operators, switchgear equipment suppliers, specifiers or asset managers will also benefit from the course. As a one-day course, attendees can quickly and concisely gain all the essential knowledge and skills. Michael Parkhouse, Head of Training at EA Technology, says, “EA Technology is uniquely placed to explain the key points given in the Health and Safety Executive’s publication, HSG 230 – Keeping Electrical Switchgear Safe, and can advise on everything you need to know about how to manage your switchgear assets. The importance of this course cannot be overstated for anyone who works with switchgear equipment, and as the sector goes through positive change across the board, now is the perfect time to ensure your workforce is knowledgeable and your company is compliant.” On the course, attendees will gain critical knowledge of switchgear safety, enhancing the safety for the wider workforce and any others involved with switchgear. Completing this necessary training ensures compliance with safety legislation, helping to reduce the risks of costly accidents and potentially catastrophic failures. The course is framed around five key topics: Legislative Framework and its Implications Maintenance of Electrical Switchgear Condition Monitoring Training and Operational Issues Management of Electrical Switchgear You can book the Keeping Electrical Switchgear Safe course here for 29 February 2024.

Bouygues E&S completes road tunnel LED lighting upgrade for Kent County Council

Bouygues Energies & Services, an Equans company, has completed a contract for the design and build of a new LED lighting and control system for Chestfield Road Tunnel on the A299 near Whitstable for Kent County Council. The energy-efficient lighting solution will result in energy savings of over one million kWh per year, a 63% reduction, equivalent to the energy bills for over 340 homes per year. The tunnel lighting replacement project presented a significant opportunity to lower the authority’s energy consumption and carbon footprint, and in turn, reduce maintenance and electricity costs. The previous lighting system had passed its designed life span, and its maintenance and costs had been increasing year after year just to keep the lights on. The tunnel was predominately lit with old-fashioned fluorescent tubes containing mercury, a hazardous substance. Forthcoming changes in the law will effectively ban the sale of these lamps going forward, which would have created further maintenance issues if not upgraded. The newly installed LED system will massively reduce maintenance works and running costs for Kent County Council. The works included the removal and recycling of all existing lighting systems, cabling along with the associated steelwork, control systems, and the installation of new stainless steel suspension systems and cable trays, in addition to the latest and most efficient LED lighting technology. The installation was controlled by a completely new state-of-the-art lighting control system incorporating luminance meters (photometers) and an RS-485 duplex communication system running throughout the tunnel connecting the DALI-controlled lighting to the existing overall tunnel SCADA control system. As part of these works, modifications and replacement to switchgear and electrical distribution systems were carried out, including 14 tunnel distribution panels, 38 function units in existing LV switchboards and over 14km of power cabling, including both AC and DC systems. Additionally, the tunnel’s uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and battery storage facilities, which are at the end of their design life, have been replaced with an efficient and cost-effective state-of-the-art UPS system. Matt Fitzpatrick, Connected Cities Divisional Sales Director for Bouygues E&S’, says, “The Chestfield Tunnel lighting upgrade solution will play a key role in helping Kent County Council reduce its carbon footprint while providing a sound return on investment and reduced ongoing maintenance costs.” Neil Baker, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, comments, “This has been an excellent project and a demonstration of how, with the right contractor and careful planning, a very satisfactory improvement to the asset can be brought about, ensuring its resilience and greater usability into the future.”

HiKOKI announces free Multi Volt battery pack offer

HiKOKI Power Tools has announced an exciting free Multi Volt battery pack offer to its customers. From 1 January-31 March 2024, customers spending £300 including VAT or more on any HiKOKI cordless tools from an approved UK/ROI HiKOKI seller or dealer, can grab a cutting-edge BSL18A36 MV Battery Pack for free, subject to terms and conditions. HiKOKI's Multi Volt batteries can switch between 36V and 18V, in addition to providing the high power needed for heavy-duty tasks and can charge in just 32 minutes. Compatible with all cordless HiKOKI Power Tools, the BSL18A36 MV Battery Pack ensures that professionals always have the right amount of power for the job, thereby reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Its rapid charging time and long-lasting power make it an essential addition to any toolkit. All qualifying customers can complete the redemption form on the HiKOKI Power Tools website, where the terms and conditions can also be found.

Essential preparation tips for contractors

As January's self-assessment tax deadline approaches, self-employed contractors and business owners in the UK construction industry face the critical task of preparing for their tax self-assessment. Often, busy schedules lead to last-minute preparations, resulting in a lack of clarity about tax obligations and what is owed. The 31 January 2024 is the most important deadline for self-assessment tax returns. If you are filing your tax return online for the year 2022-2023, it must be submitted to HMRC by midnight on that date. Tax obligations can be complex, especially for those in the construction industry. It is essential to understand your income tax, but also National Insurance contributions, VAT (if applicable) and any deductions under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). The CIS affects most contractors and subcontractors in construction, involving deductions from payments made to subcontractors, which counts toward their tax and National Insurance. “Many tradespeople underestimate their tax liability or miss out on allowable expenses,” says Kevin Thomas of Indigo Group. “You need to ensure you're not overpaying or underpaying by understanding the nuances of your tax obligations. Starting early can significantly reduce stress and provide ample time to address any discrepancies. It also helps in efficient cash flow management, ensuring you have the funds ready for your tax bill.” Self-assessment preparation  Gather financial records: Ensure all your invoices, receipts, bank statements and records of expenses are organised and up-to-date. Understand CIS deductions: If one is a contractor or subcontractor under CIS, then understand how this impacts your tax return. Deduct allowable expenses: Identify which expenses are allowable for tax purposes to reduce your taxable profit. Calculate preliminary figures: Estimate your income, expenses and tax liability to avoid surprises. Seek professional advice: If in doubt, consult with an accountant or tax professional who can provide tailored advice, especially in complex areas like CIS compliance.   “Contractors will find it an extremely busy time as subcontractors approach them for their earnings statements,” continues Kevin. “This is where Indigo Group can help those with a subcontracting workforce; every subcontractor’s statement of earnings is held and uploaded to the individual subcontractor’s safe and secure Indigo portal. This means they can obtain this information directly from us ready to complete their tax returns – saving time and hassle for everyone.”   

UK Power Networks’ DSO opens up new data to boost renewables

UK Power Networks has become the first Distribution System Operator (DSO) to respond to industry calls and to publish full data on curtailment history across its network. The company has acted to be more open with data on when and why distributed energy resources are curtailed to reduce the impact and produce more renewable energy in the customer's home. UK Power Networks introduced flexible connections to the UK in 2014, enabling renewable energy generators to connect to the network faster and cheaper. The trade-off is that flexible customers can sometimes see their exported energy curtailed to keep the network within safe limits. UK Power Networks’ DSO is already providing easy access to detailed data of curtailments into the public domain on its Open Data Portal. After launching the UK’s first independent DSO in May 2023, the company has established new data and operations teams working to understand and reduce the curtailment process. DSO Director, Sotiris Georgiopoulos, says, “We know generators want to get as much of the energy they produce onto the network, and that’s exactly what we are doing. By gaining a really clear understanding of exactly what’s happening and then working with our customers we’ve been able to deliver a significant drop in the volume and duration of curtailment. “We strongly believe in the principle of opening up our data and we’re opening up granular curtailment reporting to release data on exactly how much spare capacity is available at each Grid Supply Point, and how many projects have already requested a new connection, supporting customers by sharing more data and ultimately getting more renewable energy into people’s homes at a lower cost.” Commercial Director of Locogen, Phillippa Hardy, welcomed the move. She says, “The more data we have on curtailment, capacity and constraints, the more we can support our clients to plan where renewable energy, energy storage and hydrogen projects are best placed to support the networks and customers".

Trade Mastermind announces exciting van giveaway

Trade Mastermind, a training and coaching provider for the UK's construction industry, has announced a special giveaway launch to beat the January blues, helping business owners start the year with the right strategy. All attendees of its 7-Figure Business Builder Masterclass events stand a chance to win a Ford Transit Custom worth £15,000. BBC Apprentice winner Joseph Valente, CEO of The Trade Mastermind, has expressed his enthusiasm for the new year and the launch of a new training suite. "This is a big investment for us in our business and the construction industry. We can now train up to 100 businesses at once in this venue live," he says. "I'm giving away a Ford Transit van on 2 February, worth £15,000. To enter, simply attend one of our free training days in January, get a proven business strategy to scale in 2024, and explore the new community and training space we’re creating for everyone in the industry. ''These training days, occurring between 1 January and 31 January, offer valuable insights for trades looking to scale and grow. You'll learn about lead generation, sales, operations, systems, processes, and finance. Although the day itself is worth £500, we're offering it for free if you register. This automatically enters your name to win the van," added Joseph. This giveaway is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support and nurture growth in the construction industry. The 7-Figure Business Builder Masterclass covers vital topics such as marketing, sales, financial management, and operational efficiency. These masterclasses are designed to equip construction business owners in any trade with the tools and knowledge necessary to scale their businesses effectively. In addition to the chance to win the van, January attendees also receive exclusive bonuses, including a free full-day business training, a £100 Amazon gift card, and a signed book by Joseph. "Our goal is to not just provide knowledge but also to add tangible value to the hardworking business owners and sole traders in the construction industry," adds Joseph. "This van giveaway is a symbol of our dedication to the success of our clients."

Greenbrook joins forces with Tillex

GreenBrook, manufacturer of the Norslo First Fix range, has announced its exclusive UK distribution partnership with Tillex Cable Management, a Danish company renowned for manufacturing a quality, innovative range of clips and plugs. This collaboration marks an exciting opportunity to offer these unique electrical fixing products to customers in the UK. The partnership will combine GreenBrook's established wholesale customer base with Tillex’s extensive experience in manufacturing environmentally friendly and functional products, providing contractors with a range that enhances their productivity and ensures peace of mind for a secure installation. The quality of these items is clear to see and feel upon inspection and GreenBrook says it is sure contractors will find them superior to other fixings currently available. The plugs use the Tillex/Thorsman colour coding for easy reference and are made of strong Nylon or Polyethylene with a high load-bearing capacity. They won’t crush, go brittle, snap, or fall to pieces upon installation. The screwed cable clips – fitted with either a T20 or PH2 screw head, are ideal for the quick fitting of cable into concrete, plasterboard and metal joists. The screws used are highly corrosion resistant (Classed C4) for use in areas with high air humidity and high atmospheric pollution – so are ideal for use on roofs when installing solar panels or satellite cable. All Tillex products are supplied in handy, resealable boxes that stop the items from spilling out.

Government fails to hit EV charger target

According to new research conducted by the RAC, the Government has not hit its target of having six or more rapid or ultra-rapid electric vehicle chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023. Just 46 (39%) out of 119 motorway services reviewed by the RAC on Zapmap now have a target number of chargers above 50kW to serve the UK’s growing fleet of battery-electric vehicles, which should have exceeded the one million milestone by the end of 2023. The number of rapid chargers has grown from just 27 (23%) at the end of April. Since the end of spring, a further 178 high-powered chargers have been installed at motorway services. Positively, there are now more than 400 ultra-rapid chargers in service and 55% of drivers are now offered the fastest possible charging speeds. Only 18 service areas have no rapid charging above 50kW but, worryingly, four have no charging facilities: Leicester Forest on both sides of the M1, Tebay South on the M6, and Barton Park on the A1(M). There are now 693 Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors – the most common charging connector – at the 101 services offering high-powered charging, an increase of 225, or 48%. For the CHAdeMO connectors predominantly used by Nissan and Renault electric cars, there are now almost 282, up 32% compared to the end of April. 70% of all high-power motorway charging is now ultra-rapid, significantly reducing the time drivers spend ‘filling up’. Encouragingly, there are 14 services in England with more than 12 such devices – up from only six in the spring. The Moto-run services at Exeter on the M5 have the most high-powered chargers of all motorway services, with 24 devices. Looking at all high-powered motorway chargers collectively, there are currently an average of five (4.9) devices at all 119 service areas in England – up from 3.4 at the end of April. The Government’s target of having at least six rapid chargers above 50kW by the end of 2023, with some having more than 12, is set out in ‘Taking charge: the electric vehicle infrastructure strategy’ published on 25 March 2022.  It intended to accelerate the roll-out of high-powered chargers on the strategic road network through the £950m Rapid Charging Fund so that EV drivers have confidence in the ability to undertake longer journeys. However, it wasn’t until early December 2023 that the Government announced it would be providing £70m in grants for a pilot scheme involving upgrades at 10 motorway service stations. As of November 2023, charging statistics from Zapmap show the UK has 53,029 charging devices a fifth (19% or 9,992) are rapid or ultra-rapid. Looking at this figure against the RAC’s research reveals that only 6% (581) of all these high-powered chargers are at motorway services. The Government says it expects there will be around 300,000 public chargers of all speeds as a minimum by 2030 and more than 6,000 high-powered chargers along strategic roads by 2035. Forecasts in the Competition and Markets Authority’s ‘Building a comprehensive and competitive electric vehicle charging sector that works for all drivers’ suggest that at least 280,000-480,000 public charge points will be needed by 2030.

Recolight welcomes and responds to WEEE Consultation

The government launched the eagerly anticipated WEEE consultation on 28 December 2023. A range of measures are proposed within the joint UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive consultation. Recolight has said that it’s pleased to see that the initial policy proposals cover what had been expected. The reform of the WEEE regulations is intended to encourage greater reuse and collection of waste electricals and for products that are not recyclable, or remanufactured, proposals are in place to make it easier for consumers to recycle. There are two separate consultations: Firstly, proposals for short-term regulatory change and secondly, a call for evidence in other areas to aid the development of new policy proposals. Proposals for short term regulatory change Free of-charge collection of WEEE for consumers In essence, providing householders with a free-of-charge collection of both small WEEE and bulky WEEE, financed by the producers of new products. Enhanced options for consumer takeback via retailers This includes strengthened obligations on retailers, in particular, a free collection of used appliances when delivering new appliances, and simpler in-store take-back options for consumers. Tackling non-compliant products sold via online marketplaces The government proposed a new class of producers. This would require online marketplaces to take on the financial obligations for the collection and treatment of their overseas sellers. This would be consistent with the current packaging reforms. New category for vapes Establishment of a new category for vapes to ensure the cost of collection and treatment of these products is correctly borne by vape producers – and not by other producers. Setting up a new central WEEE administration body This would manage several functions currently undertaken by various organisations, together with managing household WEEE collections, to control costs. Call for evidence The call for evidence invites stakeholders to provide input into future policy development in a range of areas. This includes measures to incentivise better eco-design of new products, requiring producers to finance fly-tipped WEEE, incentivising reuse over recycling, and providing business end users with easily accessible WEEE collections. Recolight response Commenting on the launch of the consultations, Recolight’s Chief Executive Nigel Harvey says, “This consultation is long overdue, but it is pleasing that it has prioritised some ‘quick wins’ for early implementation. For the lighting industry, the most important is no doubt action to end the scourge of WEEE non-compliance through online marketplaces. Research has shown that the overwhelming majority of smaller electrical products, such as light bulbs, offered for sale through online marketplaces do not comply with the WEEE regulations. The proposed changes will require marketplaces to finance the WEEE obligations of products from outside the UK sold via their platform. For the lighting industry, this cannot happen soon enough.” He adds, “We also welcome the proposed changes to make it easier for consumers to recycle, via household collections and enhanced retailer takeback obligations. Research has shown that some 155,000 tonnes of WEEE are discarded each year in the residual waste. And yet, increasing producer targets has not increased WEEE collections. Instead, what is needed, is an expansion of the options open to consumers to recycle. There is ample evidence that shows consumers will recycle when the infrastructure and communications are in place.” Next steps The Consultation will run for 10 weeks. Recolight will be working closely with scheme members to gather views and to develop a response that seeks to ensure changes work well.