Makita launches its latest power source kit redemption

Makita has launched a new redemption promotion for its XGT Power Source Kit range. Running until the 31 December 2023, end users can claim a free 40VMax XGT 2.5Ah battery when they purchase a selected XGT Power Source Kit. Makita power source kits are an ideal way for end users to start or expand a cordless system of XGT 40VMax tools. There are six qualifying power source kits available in total as part of Makita’s latest promotion: Four kits with two batteries (2.5Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, and 8.0Ah options) and fast charger, and two kits with four batteries (5.0Ah and 8.0Ah options) and a twin-port fast charger. All are supplied in a robust Makpac carry case. Purchasing a Makita Power Source Kit enables you to select your preferred battery options, and then select your XGT tools from a wide range of body only models as a cost-effective option. The power source kit and body only products enables customers to build their own kit of XGT products specific to their job requirements. With a high number of XGT models also available in Makpac cases, you can simply connect the Makpac tool cases to your power source kits for improved storage and safe transport. The latest promotion allows end users to claim a free BL4025 2.5Ah XGT Battery (retail value of over £100) with qualifying XGT Power Source Kits. This Li-ion battery is a powerful general use battery with an LED charge level indicator for use with Makita’s range of 40VMax and 80VMax XGT tools. The heavy duty battery can be charged in just 28 minutes with a rapid charger, for optimum performance and productivity on site. Makita’s latest redemption will run until the 31 December 2023. Customers who purchase any qualifying XGT Power Source Kit from an authorised dealer between 01.10.23 and 31.12.23 must register their purchase online via the redemption promotion website within 28 days of purchase to claim their free product (see website for full terms and conditions and qualifying criteria). Customers will receive their free 2.5Ah (BL4025) 40VMax XGT battery on successful application.

Zumtobel receives Cradle to Cradle Certified, Version 4.0 certification

Zumtobel has proudly presented ARTELEA, a slimline, free-standing office luminaire designed for today's dynamic work environments. Combining elegant aesthetics and a powerful lumen output of up to 32,000 lumens, it is a timeless and future-proof lighting solution. With one pole and two luminaire head sizes offered in various configurations, including a wall luminaire, ARTELEA provides up to nine unique possibilities, maintaining a consistent office design language, while allowing maximum creative freedom. Sustainability and modularity are at the core of ARTELEA's design. Crafted from up to 80% recyclable materials, it was designed to Zumtobel's Circular Design Rules (CDRs). It is one of the first luminaires on the market to receive Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard Version 4.0 certification. ARTELEA's high-quality raw materials, such as aluminium, steel, and sheet steel, are chosen for their ease of separation and reuse at the end of the luminaire's long life. With an average service life of 100,000 hours, it is estimated to last approximately 48 years based on a standard 40-hour work week. Design for disassembly ARTELEA is designed for easy retrofitting, embracing the 'design for disassembly' concept. Individual elements are readily accessible, facilitating quick and convenient removal. Most components are suitable for second or even third usage phases, significantly reducing material consumption and associated resources. This approach also contributes to a reduction of approximately 74.2kg of CO2 emissions. Made for networking Featuring swarm technology, it's interface enables networking among individual free-standing luminaires. When a luminaire detects a person's presence, it activates and communicates with nearby luminaires to automatically adjust to pre-defined light levels. This collaboration creates a wellbeing-focused, energy efficient atmosphere in the office. Following the natural rhythm It employs tunableWhite technology with a real-time clock function, providing lighting that syncs with daylight rhythms to enhance concentration and performance. The satinised microprismatic optics ensure even light distribution, reducing glare. It complies with the updated DIN EN 12464-1:2021-11 standard for indoor workplace lighting. Additionally, employees can adjust basic settings to cater to individual preferences within legal requirements, promoting self-efficacy and wellbeing. ARTELEA, designed by EOOS Design, embodies circular design principles. It can be easily maintained, upgraded with cutting-edge lighting technology, and reconfigured for extended service life. All electronics are integrated into ultra-flat light heads. An innovative docking port system allows future modifications, making it an ideal solution for enduring and flexible office applications.

UK Power Networks receives major innovation funding boost

More than a dozen high profile innovation projects have been given the green light after UK Power Networks secured funding from industry regulator, Ofgem.  The latest round of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, has seen 13 UK Power Networks’ projects given the go-ahead, with funding to the value of more than £6.2 million.  UK Power Networks’ projects, which represent over a quarter of all schemes awarded funding by the regulator, support the ongoing decarbonisation of the UK’s heat and transport sectors. Having completed their initial discovery phase findings, these projects have now been selected to head into active development.  Among the initiatives, UK Power Networks has placed a special impetus on supporting communities most at risk of being left behind in the low-carbon transition.  Project Guidelight will seek to address the low adoption rates of time-of-use tariffs and digital technologies among low-income and vulnerable households, whereas Project SHIELD (Smart Heat and Intelligent Energy in Low-Income Districts) will look to deploy new methods for installing low carbon technologies, making the decarbonisation of heat and energy affordable and accessible for consumers in vulnerable circumstances.  These projects help make up a strong pipeline of innovative ideas helping enable everyone to transition to a low-carbon economy. Other projects include:  Connectrolyser: Aiming to scale hydrogen electrolyser hub development, speeding up new connections and supporting the transition to net zero. Heat risers: An innovative heating project aiming to accelerate the decarbonisation of multi-occupancy buildings and reduce costs for all, using whole building solutions. Park and flex: Exploring the vehicle to grid capabilities in short, medium and long-stay carparks. Full circle: Aiming to make low carbon heating affordable for vulnerable and hard to reach customers by working with heat network developers, property developers and more to improve efficiency and cut costs. Ian Cameron, Director of Customer Service and Innovation at UK Power Networks, says, “This is an enormous show of support from our regulator. The Strategic Innovation Fund is an incredible opportunity for networks to scale up their decarbonisation efforts, and we firmly support the continued investment in innovation and the benefits it brings to our communities.  “We, alongside innovative minds from across our industry, are focused on unlocking greater value, helping our customers to lower their energy bills and accelerate the UK’s low-carbon transition.”  Launched in 2021, the fund is expected to invest £450 million by 2026. Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the SIF programme taps into the best of UK and international innovation and aims to align with other public innovation funding for the benefit of customers across the UK.  As part of the industry’s new price control period, the SIF funding mechanism enables system operators, transmission and distribution companies, to work in partnership alongside independent innovators. The 2023 round of funding is the first time distribution network companies have been given access to take part. 

Snickers Workwear supports SkillELECTRIC

This year’s SkillELECTRIC UK finalists have been kitted out in high-quality technical clothing and accessories, thanks to a new partnership between SkillELECTRIC and Snickers Workwear. In addition to donating work trousers, belts, kneepads, hoodies, polo shirts and gloves for the competitors, Snickers Workwear’s sister brand, Hellberg is providing safety glasses, and Solid Gear safety footwear is providing a top of the range pair of ‘Revolution 2’ safety shoes to each finalist. The SkillELECTRIC UK final takes place over 15 - 16 November at Oldham College, it’s one of 50 WorldSkills UK national finals taking place around Greater Manchester that week, with around 400 competitors in total taking part. To be crowned SkillELECTRIC champion, competitors will have to excel in a complicated two-day installation including four circuits, SWA and FP cable, lights and sockets, conduit, trunking and a smart module, all set to a strict timescale and against a rigorous marking criteria.

Tool thefts rise as nights draw in

A new analysis of police force data by Direct Line business insurance has revealed that November is the peak month for tool thefts. In both 2021 and 2022, tool theft peaked in November, as darker nights drew in and the clocks changed. As the days grow shorter, tradespeople are encouraged to review their tool security, as the analysis shows a 34% increase in tool theft during November 2022, after the clocks changed, compared to April 2022, after the clocks moved forward and days got lighter. The rise in thefts is even higher when looking specifically at tools stolen from vehicles, which were 44% higher in November 2022, than in April of the same year. The data also showed a general increase in tool theft over the darker months (October – March). Tool theft from vehicles was 20% higher over the autumn and winter of 2021/2022, compared to spring and summer of 2022. Direct Line business insurance’s research shows that the average value of tradespeople’s tools taken from their vehicles was £3,425. This would suggest that over the autumn-winter of 2021/2022, £37 million worth of tools were stolen from vehicles, a £6 million increase from spring-summer 2022. Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, comments, “In the winter months, the long nights provide cover of darkness for thieves, making it easier for them to break into vehicles, garages, lockups or building sites unnoticed. Tool theft is hugely disruptive and stressful for tradespeople, alongside having to replace tools, many may not be able to work while they do so, which directly affects their livelihoods. With police force data showing that thieves exploit the darker days to steal tools, now is a good time to reflect on where and how tradespeople store their tools and make any necessary changes; from installing additional locks and alarms to being aware of where to park, in garages, driveways and in well-lit areas, where possible. “We offer tradespeople a range of products and services to help cover them in the event of loss or theft. Our comprehensive van cover comes with £500 tools and equipment cover as standard, and we offer tradespeople a range of flexible insurance cover options allowing them to build a policy covering their specific insurance needs, whether that’s cover for during the day at work or tools locked in a van overnight.”

WJ Group unveils three new products at Highways UK

WJ Group has continued to champion the development of innovations with the launch of three unique products: Weatherline Ultra, ClickLite Solar Road Studs, and RapidGrip. Unveiled at Highways UK, following feedback from National Highways delegates at the WJ Innovation Day, the new innovative products will deliver a multitude of benefits, including helping to improve road user safety, reduce carbon and increase delivery efficiency. Weatherline Ultra is the latest addition to its Weatherline range. Building on the success of the line of products, this newest road marking system offers even greater levels of performance and durability. Designed to ensure enhanced visibility in any weather thanks to its dotted profile, it achieves over 500mcd/m²/lx (> R5) and 75mcd/m²/lx (RW4) in challenging wet conditions. [caption id="attachment_40280" align="alignleft" width="326"] Weatherline Ultra[/caption] Developed for longevity, Weatherline Ultra offers a guaranteed lifespan of at least five years, keeping maintenance interventions to a minimum. Further, the new system draws on the success of WJ’s product range by incorporating biogenic binders to maintain low levels of embedded carbon. The second product launched is the ClickLite Solar Road Stud. Developed in close collaboration between WJ Group and Clearview Intelligence, the new solar road stud offers unparalleled visibility to redefine road safety standards in the UK. The ClickLite Solar Road Stud delivers up to 900m of visibility, allowing road users up to 30 seconds to adapt to any changes in a road’s layout. Perfect for poorly lit areas, the ClickLite Solar Road Studs offer a tenfold increase in visibility, when compared to regular studs. In the past, installation speed, replacement and cost have created challenges for the implementation of solar studs, however, this latest innovation has successfully tackled these issues. Thanks to their design, the studs fit into standard P09 casings through a clip insert, making them simple to install and offering robust protection. Teams can now match the installation rate of 301 road studs. More impressively, ClickLite solar road studs have reduced costs compared to traditional models, offering a remarkable return on investment for enhanced safety. [caption id="attachment_40279" align="alignright" width="300"] ClickLite Stud[/caption] Finally, RapidGrip is a sprayable one-part application cold-applied coloured surfacing system that offers increased delivery efficiency through its spray application. Its versatility means that it can be used for places of relative safety (PRS), parking bays and pedestrian areas with it offering twice the required texture depth and offers a skid resistance value of 65SRV. Thanks to a rapid application of 37m in 30min, it reduces traffic management requirements during installation, reducing cost and disruption to the public. It has the potential to significantly ease the ongoing challenge of maintaining PRS Bays, with the ability to rejuvenate three in a single shift.

Major new guide provides clarity around electrical installation checks

New guidance has been launched to help provide consistency and transparency on how to conduct thorough electrical safety checks on private rentals and how to report properly on any defects found. Best Practice Guide 10: Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector, published by charity, Electrical Safety First, is useful for electricians, landlords, letting agents and tenants in understanding what inspection and testing is required and how to produce a detailed report. Although it is now mandatory for landlords to carry out electrical installation condition reporting (EICR) at least every five years, consistency of reporting varies hugely. This can be confusing for those reading the report and can lead to safety risks being reported incorrectly or ignored. David Powell, Electrical Installation Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First, says that a key problem is that an EICR could cover lots of areas, so it is vital to establish and agree with the landlord or person ordering the work what’s to be included and what isn’t included in the electrical safety check. This new guide is the first of its kind to address this problem. David says, “It is setting a bar about what is the minimum standard to expect, and what should be inspected and tested. It also sets out how to record findings clearly in the extent and limitations section of an EICR and elsewhere in the report. “Many organisations have collaborated and agreed on this guidance, and it has also had input from several industry bodies, government departments and letting agents.” For electricians, the guide helps them better understand what is expected of them, how to define the extent and limitations, and how to report properly. For landlords and tenants, it explains what an EICR is, what to expect from an electrician, questions to ask, and how to prepare for a check. The new guidance is the latest in a series of ten best practice guides offering free expert advice and information on technical issues involved in electrical installation work. Produced by Electrical Safety First, in association with leading industry bodies, the 10 downloadable guides support the work of designers, installers, verifiers, and inspectors of domestic electrical installations.

Screwfix tests new women's workwear range

A snapshot poll has shown that most female tradespeople say buying workwear is difficult due to poor sizing and lack of available sizes. Screwfix has carried out a sample survey with 40 female tradespeople to uncover the challenges they face when buying clothing for their job. More than eight in ten said buying workwear is difficult, with almost half (48%) highlighting that poor sizing and lack of available sizes is a key issue. Not designed for my body type and ill fitting (35%), too expensive (26%) and uncomfortable, stiff materials (24%) are other problems associated with purchasing essential clothes for the trade as a woman. Female tradespeople admit to making their own moderations to clothes with more than half rolling up sleeves and trousers (54%) and adding additional holes to belts (15%), buttons or zips (11%). Furthermore, almost one in ten (9%) use scissors to adapt items, including cutting off and shortening trousers, sleeves, and tops. The issue is so problematic that it’s a key barrier for women entering the trade with 68% saying more inclusive PPE, workwear and products need to be designed with female tradespeople in mind. Katie Jones, Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 and member of the all-female Pro-Panel, says, “As a woman in the trade, I think it’s really important the industry is as inclusive as possible. Having female tradespeople able to access workwear that’s not only fit for the job, but also comfortable, is a key part of this. “I’m excited to be a part of Screwfix’s Pro-Panel and look forward to meeting the other members to share our thoughts and experiences and to be among the first to put Screwfix’s latest women’s workwear range to the test out on the job.” Matt Compton, Commercial Director at Screwfix, comments, “We want the trade to be as inclusive as possible, and not being able to find suitable protective clothing has been highlighted as an issue for female tradespeople. “Participants in our poll told us that comfort is key when looking for workwear, followed by durability then protection, so we have recruited a Pro-Panel to stress test our latest range and feedback findings. We’ll be sharing their honest reviews with our customers, based on their experiences on site, to make it easier for all to source clothing that is fit for purpose.” The research found that T-shirts and polo shirts, safety boots, trousers and cargo pants are the most worn items of women’s workwear. Some of these items have been provided to the Pro-Panel comprising previous winners and finalists of Screwfix Trade Apprentice and Screwfix Top Tradesperson, plus content creator, Els Electric. Feedback will be shared on Screwfix website and social channels in the coming months.

Baxi's training courses to boost installer confidence

Baxi has launched a full suite of air source heat pump (ASHP) training courses to support heating engineers and installers, as they look to become more familiar with and qualified to install the increasingly popular technology. From understanding how air source heat pumps work to designing, installing and commissioning them, Baxi’s new courses have been developed to help installers work comfortably and efficiently with the technology, at every level of experience. The new ASHP courses, which are available at its network of training centres across the UK, offer practical, hands-on training, all delivered by Baxi’s accredited training experts. For those starting out on their training with heat pumps, the ASHP Product Day explores the principles about how a heat pump works, the Baxi product range, installation considerations, the policy landscape and grants available to installers and customers. For those looking to gain their Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation, BPEC’s accredited ASHP Course is a hands-on programme that covers the principles of design, installation, commissioning, and servicing of ASHP systems. This course is delivered by Baxi and can include water regulation training for those who have not done their qualification. After a formal assessment that leads to a nationally recognised BPEC qualification, heating engineers can use the qualification to demonstrate competence in heat pump installation for their MCS application. BPEC course applicants can now take advantage of the new government Heat Training Grant of up to £500 towards the cost of training. To further support engineers with the cost and time spent for qualification, those who take this up can also earn £1,000 worth of Baxi Works loyalty points, once they register their first Baxi Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) via the scheme. Finally, installers already fitting heat pumps with BPEC accreditation, or another recognised heat pump qualification, can take the Baxi Heat Pump Installer Training. The modular courses give in-depth knowledge and practical skills and are split into two parts - part one on design and application and part two on installation and commissioning of Baxi ASHP products and accessories. Upon completion of the course, Baxi will offer a free-of-charge commissioning supervision service to give additional support to installers on their first installations. Once comfortable with the installation and satisfactory commissioning checks have been made, each engineer can become a Baxi Heat Pump Installer, earning enhanced warranty and points on installations through the Baxi Works loyalty scheme. Luke Nicholls, Director at Renew East, who took part in a Baxi ASHP product day course, has installed many ASHPs over the years. He says, “The training that Baxi provided, even as an experienced air source heat pump engineer, was great. The tutors really knew their stuff and the product. They made us feel really comfortable with the product before it arrived on site. My advice to any installer looking to get into air source heat pumps is get yourself on a training course.”

HiKOKI Power Tools launches cordless lighting range

HiKOKI Power Tools has launched a range of cordless lighting solutions tough and robust enough for all types of construction work and applications, from really tight cramped spaces to larger sites that need plenty of illumination. Boasting outstanding running times, all of the lights in the HiKOKI range work with the company’s 18V or MultiVolt batteries, with some of the models even offering hybrid power options and can run on either corded or cordless power. The UB18DG Cordless Tripod Light is an 18V cordless LED light that can produce up to 4,000 Lumens of brightness. This makes it ideal for illuminating large work areas, such as construction sites, warehouses and workshops. The light is mounted on a sturdy tripod that can be adjusted to a height of up to 215cm, allowing you to position the light exactly where you need it. One of the key features of the Cordless Tripod Light is its hybrid function, which allows it to be used both cordlessly and corded, use it with a battery for maximum portability or plug it in for unlimited runtime. The light is also IP55 rated, which means it is protected against dust and water jets, making it suitable for use in a wide range of environments. The UB18DB Cordless Construction Light can be suspended and fixed wherever you work. It has been designed for the toughest construction sites, the dimmable light has a long run time of up to 51 hours and is dust and water, as well as impact, resistant. The 360° adjustable angle allows you to direct the light as you need it and it can also be mounted on the tripod. One all-rounder, which also has a USB port so you can charge your phone or mobile device, is the UB18DC Cordless Construction Light. With a maximum output of 4,000 lumens, it will easily light up even the darkest corners of a work area. With a runtime of up to 34 hours on an 8.0Ah battery, you can be sure that the light will last as long as you need it to. For the ultimate in lighting options, the IP65 rated UB18DDJ4Z has an even brighter 10,000 Lumen together with a hybrid power option, which means it can run corded or cordless and this model also has a spark protected lens. Handheld torches and lanterns are also part of the range and are ideal for inspection jobs ensuring that every nook and cranny is well-lit. The UB18DEW4Z is an 18V cordless torchlight with a head that can be angled as you need and a long run time of 63 hours per charge with a 5.0Ah battery. The UB18DFW4Z is a cordless lantern which has a large hook for suspended lighting. The lantern is a great option as it provides 360° lighting for work areas and low and high lighting modes. Tools in the HiKOKI lighting range are covered by the company’s three year warranty. Terms and conditions apply.