Prefect Controls makes significant appointments

2023 has been an exceptional year for Prefect Controls. The combination of the energy crisis and a rising demand for student accommodation has meant providers of rooms, where occupants aren’t directly responsible for paying the energy bill, are seeking innovative ways to control consumption, at the point of use. As a result, Prefect has made many significant appointments during the last few months. Will Mills, formerly Senior Project Manager, has become Prefect’s Commercial Director, and is now responsible for all commercial activity and customer services. Since arriving in 2018, Will has been at the forefront of the massive expansion of the Irus system and has been involved in the 80+ sites added in that time. Chris Read joined Prefect earlier this year as Sales Manager. Previously Area Sales Manager for a well-established supplier of HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Chris’s technical understanding of the market, product knowledge and dedication to customer service stands him in good stead, with Prefect systems, to help customers realise their energy saving targets. Danny Golding has been responsible for the technical development of products since starting at Prefect in 2010. His remarkable engineering abilities are applied to the design and performance of products, manufacturing of components, and the design and construction of test rigs. Danny employs the latest CAD, CNC and 3D printing technologies, along with more traditional machining techniques to implement his ideas. Danny becomes Prefect’s Technical Director. Finally, Gareth Chaplin becomes Head of Energy and Sustainability. Gareth was previously Senior Energy Performance Manager at Unite Students, the company he joined in 2005. In the last two years, Gareth was in part responsible for delivering c£20m of energy efficiency projects across the 70K+ rooms within the Unite Students property portfolio. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the analysis of energy and carbon performance, and delivery of projects aimed at achieving net zero and decarbonisation targets. He will be helping Prefect customers to formulate energy saving strategies and implement the right solutions to maximise impact. With all the additional sales and customer service activity, Jenny Keiller has joined the team to provide office administration support to ensure orders, advice, and information reaches customers efficiently. Prefect Managing Director, Glen Golding, comments, “These are very exciting times for Prefect Controls, we are in great shape to be part of an industry that is taking the energy issues, faced by all, so seriously. To have been able to assemble such a demonstrably capable and enthusiastic team that will take Prefect Controls forward, is a great privilege.”

ESP releases a bumper new catalogue

ESP has released the latest update to its comprehensive catalogue, bringing together all products from its extensive portfolio in one, easy to access reference guide. This new edition features the latest major addition to the ESP portfolio – the Aperta IP Door Access range. The new 127-page catalogue provides wholesalers, contractors and specifiers with a valuable resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects. It is divided into eight main product categories: Smart Security, CCTV, Access Control, EVAC, Fire Protection, Emergency Lighting, Essentials and Sangamo timers and heating controls. Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Managing for Scolmore Group, which incorporates ESP, comments, “ESP has continued to invest in its teams, infrastructure and product development programme and in the last four months, we have been able to bring to market a whole new door access range. The new Aperta IP PoE (Power over Ethernet) collection provides quick and easy to install door entry solutions for a wide range of projects, covering large apartment blocks to small commercial properties and domestic dwellings. This is all in response to growing demand from our customers and the contractors using our products and reflects the changing nature of the electrical industry which continues to embrace new technologies and adopt smart solutions.”

Empowering women: JTL champions diversity in the industry

JTL has championed the inclusion of more women in the electrical and plumbing and heating trades, addressing the growing demand for diversity in these industries. JTL campaigns for a diverse and inclusive workforce, and apprenticeships are a brilliant way for people of all ages, genders and abilities to kickstart their careers. Continuing to encourage women to complete apprenticeships is about so much more than continuing work to bridge elements of the gender pay gap, which can be seen clearly in sectors where females and males are visible through their absence. More importantly, it is about supporting the next generation of trade professionals to carve a career for themselves in the building services engineering sector, a sector where UK skills shortages mean there are real opportunities for both school leavers and mature candidates to embark on a career in a highly skilled and well-paid job. A recent study by My Local Toolbox revealed a notable rise in the number of consumers actively seeking tradeswomen for their projects. This indicates a shifting preference towards a more diverse workforce in the trade industries: About 11% of female homeowners expressed a preference for hiring a tradeswoman. Comments from respondents highlighted that they often feel more at ease and secure when engaging with a tradeswoman. Also, 26% of homeowners have previously hired a tradeswoman, showcasing a growing trend in the acceptance and employment of tradeswomen. A significant 96% of homeowners expressed their willingness to hire a tradeswoman, underscoring the strong demand for greater diversity in the trades. A dramatic volume increase on Google search queries for ‘lady plumber near me’ (+450%) and ‘lady electrician near me’ (+50%). However, according to ONS, currently only around 2% of tradespeople in the building services engineering sector are women. This statistic underscores the necessity for concerted efforts to inspire and support more women to explore and pursue careers in this sector. Encouragingly, there has been a positive trajectory in the number of women beginning construction-related apprenticeships in recent years. One shining example of this trend is Demi Whitehead, a JTL electrotechnical apprentice for William Davis Homes, who has emerged as one of eight UK-based apprentices to reach the finals of World Skills SkillELECTRIC UK. This achievement is a testament to the talent and potential that women bring to the trade sectors. Demi Whitehead, JTL apprentice, comments, “I find it really rewarding to represent women in the trades and to also see year-on-year growth of like-minded apprentices joining the industry too. As a young girl, I always aspired to be an electrician, fast forward five years, I stand here defying gender stereotypes and conquering every challenge that comes my way, just as any male electrician would. “My advice to other women who are looking at starting a career in the trades is to go for it and have a determined mindset. In my view, the apprenticeship route is the most promising path. I’ve not only received valuable support from JTL, as my training provider, but also from my company and college. This comprehensive support system makes it the optimal choice for aspiring tradeswomen.”

Octopus Energy backs over 100 solar projects

Octopus Energy’s generation arm announces investments in two renewable energy developers in Ireland and Portugal.  This will enable the companies to build over 100 new solar projects on rooftops and sites of businesses, creating 250 MW of solar power whilst reducing reliance on fossil fuels and boosting energy security.  In Ireland, Octopus has taken a majority stake in Verde Energy Group, which installs energy efficiency solutions for a range of organisations, from local councils to large corporations.  Verde Energy will use the investment to develop over 50 solar projects across the country by 2027, totalling 100 MW of new solar energy.  It comes as Octopus continues to scale its activity in Ireland, with investments in one of the country’s largest solar farms as well as onshore and floating offshore wind developments.  Ireland has ambitious green targets, aiming for 80% of electricity to come from renewables by 2030, including an 8GW solar target.  In Portugal, Octopus set up a joint venture with local entrepreneurs to drive the development of solar energy. The new company called SparkWave Energy will build over 50 solar projects by 2027, amounting to 150 MW green energy.  Octopus first entered Portugal’s clean energy market last year with its investment in renewables developer FF New Energy Ventures operating in Iberia.  Portugal has 2.6 GW of solar capacity, the growth of solar outpaced other renewable sources last year - and it is expected to reach 21GW by 2030.   As part of these deals, Octopus will finance solar installations with zero upfront costs to the business customers who receive them. The businesses will benefit from solar power installed at their premises and sold back to them at an affordable rate through fixed Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).  Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, says, “Verde and SparkWave are great partners to work with to scale this massive solar opportunity we’re seeing across many countries in Europe and beyond. Projects like these are making the Emerald Isle even greener and helping sunny Portugal capitalise on its amazing sunny weather.  “We’re looking forward to scaling these ventures to bring cheaper, cleaner energy harnessing the power of the sun to even more businesses.” 

Top 10 tips to get your van ready for the cold weather

Tradespeople have been offered advice to help prepare their vans and work vehicles for the cold weather, with the UK experiencing a dramatic drop in temperatures over the last few weeks. Insurance experts from Toolbox by Admiral have researched and revealed ten tips to help prevent hazardous weather conditions leading to serious damage to vans and any tools stored inside. A tradesperson’s van is their trusty sidekick, getting them to and from jobs and keeping their tools and equipment safe and secure. But the colder months can intensify existing vehicle issues, leading to breakdowns, costly repairs, and annoying work interruptions. If you’re not careful, any tools and equipment stored in the vehicles can also suffer weather-related damage, and poorly maintained vehicles could even invalidate insurance policies, leaving tradespeople unprotected. From booking a winter health check with a mechanic to preparing a kit for emergencies, these tips should help tradies keep safe on the roads this autumn and winter. A spokesperson from Toolbox by Admiral, says, “As providers of insurance for tradespeople, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting vans and work vehicles ready for the colder months. “Hazardous weather conditions like extreme rain and freezing temperatures not only increase the risk of accidents, but can also lead to damage to any tools and equipment stored in work vans. “Poor vehicle maintenance can also exacerbate any existing mechanical issues, resulting in breakdowns that can mean costly repairs and potential loss of business due to downtime. “Essentially, winter-proofing your work van is an investment in your business. It not only safeguards your most valuable assets, such as your tools and your van, but it also ensures that your insurance cover remains valid so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible after any potential incidents.” Here are Toolbox’s top ten tips to help tradespeople get their work vehicles ready for the colder months: Winter health check Having your vehicle looked over by a professional is the best way to keep you safe on the roads. Winter health checks reduce the chance of breakdowns caused by cold weather and safeguards any tools and equipment from weather-induced damage. A mechanic will check over things like tyres, battery, antifreeze and coolant levels, lights, brakes, and wipers. After checks, they’ll let you know if any work is needed. A check also helps maintain the validity of any related insurance policies, preventing them from becoming null due to poor vehicle maintenance. Check your vehicle’s tyres Checking if your tyres are suitable will not only keep you safe, but it’ll protect other road users too. Your van’s tyres need to have an adequate tread depth for the icy and wet weather conditions, otherwise, you won’t have enough grip on the road surface and you’ll take longer to brake. Vans follow the same law as cars when it comes to the legal tyre tread depth. They need to have a minimum of 1.6mm tread across the central three quarters of the tyre, and around the entire circumference. Drivers can face fines of up to £2,500 for each bald or defective tyre, as well as three points on your licence! Snow chains could also be something to consider for extra grip if you have a larger van, but note that they’re only legal in the UK when driving on snow covered ground, and with a maximum speed of 30mph. You could also think about replacing your summer tyres with winter tyres for extra grip in snow and ice. Check your headlights Tip three is to keep your headlights clean and make sure your headlight bulbs are working at full capacity. It’ll likely be pitch black before you finish work throughout the winter months, so there’s no doubt you’ll need your headlights working perfectly. Clean headlights will give you the best visibility. So, if they’re starting to look blurry, make sure you scrub away any excess dirt or mud. This will mean other vehicles will be able to see you more clearly. Check your windscreen and wipers As well as having a well-lit road to drive on, your windscreen will need to be kept clear at all times when driving. Windscreen wipers play a star role while you’re on the move, so they can’t leave any streaks behind. You’ll also have to get any chips or cracks repaired as soon as you can to stop further damage. It usually means your windscreen wipers need to be replaced if they’re squeaking or juddering as they move, but if it’s just a case of them leaving streaks of water, you can clean the windscreen wiper blades with warm water and soap. Make sure to check your wiper fluid too! Keep things clean Wet roads, dirt, and icy rain means you’ll need to clean your windows, wing mirrors, and windscreen a lot more often. To help keep them clear inside and out, you could get yourself a van window cleaning kit to keep in the glove box. Check you’ve got a good quality screen wash, as windscreen damage is more common in the frosty months. You’ll also have to get any chips or cracks repaired as soon as you can to stop further damage. Top up your engine coolant with antifreeze If you’re confident with making your own mixture, top up your engine coolant with around 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water. When it’s particularly cold, experts say you could bump the antifreeze up to 70%. You should be able to find the van’s coolant tank using your handbook. You’ll then just need to check the coolant levels to see if they’re below or near the lower line. If needed, top up your engine coolant with the antifreeze and distilled water, or a pre mixed liquid if you prefer. Speak to an expert if you’re not confident doing this yourself. Check your battery There’s no worse time to find you have a flat battery than on a cold night. If your battery is over three years old, it might be best to replace it before it officially starts to fail. But otherwise, there’s a few things you can do to keep on top of your van’s battery health: Check the connectors aren’t starting to corrode Keep it warm: park in a garage or shelter where possible Limit your use of the van stereo and other features Get an insulated van cover Plan your journey We know that each job is important to you, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Think about whether it’s worth making the journey in bad winter weather, or if it’s best to rearrange for when the roads are safer. If you’ll be travelling, make sure you’ve got at least a quarter tank of fuel in case of delays on the road. You should also give yourself extra time and drive a bit slower, leaving an additional bit of distance between you and the vehicles in front. We’re all aware that it’s much easier to lose control of a vehicle in winter weather, so do what you can to look after the other road users too. Emergency kit for vans As a van owner, you’ll probably already have a few things that’ll help you stay safe in case of emergency, like tools, a high visibility vest, and warm clothes. However, it’s worth adding to your kit in the winter. Some of the things you should consider having in your emergency breakdown kit through the colder months include extra coolant, a tyre pressure gauge, booster cables, a tow rope, a blanket, water and snacks, a scraper, de-icer, and a first-aid kit. Tools insurance Our final tip is to protect yourself against the worst happening. Tool insurance can cover you against fire, theft, and damage in transit. Should anything happen to your tools in the colder months, getting them insured will give you the peace of mind you need.

Ellis celebrates global partnerships at Distributors' Conference

Ellis Patents has held its highly anticipated Distributors' Conference for 2023. This was the first time the company was able to host this long-awaited, usually triennial, landmark event since 2017. Distributors from across the world, including New Zealand, Spain, Peru, Turkey, Poland, France, Norway, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Dubai, USA, Netherlands, Singapore, Belgium, the UK, and Ireland, joined together for two days of unparalleled networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Throughout the conference, Ellis showcased its latest innovations in cable cleats and cable management solutions, highlighting its unwavering commitment to excellence in the electrical industry. The event was not just about cable cleats, it was a testament to the company's dedication to nurturing and strengthening global partnerships. A key highlight of the conference was the guest speaker, Neil Golding from EIC, who delivered invaluable insights into the ever-evolving energy market. His expertise provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the industry's current landscape and future trends. Danny Macfarlane, Managing Director, Ellis, says, "Ellis's 2023 Distributors' Conference has been an incredible journey of connection, collaboration, and inspiration. We are thrilled to have had the privilege of hosting our esteemed partners from around the world, and this event has underscored the strength of our global network. We remain committed to innovation and partnership, as we look forward to shaping the future of cable cleats and cable management solutions." The conference offered a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with industry experts, explore cutting-edge solutions, and foster relationships that will drive the companies’ success in the years to come.

Embrace the changing seasons with Carhartt's A/W range

As autumn takes its colourful hold, gear up with Carhartt's latest collection of work pants, water-repellent sweatshirts and insulated vests, designed to tackle the demands of any job site. Whether you’re scaling scaffolding or manoeuvring through tight spaces, the Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Canvas Work Pants (103109) are engineered to handle it all. Made from a wrinkle-resistant, midweight canvas blend, they offer just the right amount of give, allowing you to climb, crouch and stretch with unparalleled ease. The leg opening easily accommodates your work boots and with multiple pockets, including a handy mobile phone pocket on the right leg, your essentials are always within reach. Available in classic black, dark khaki and navy, these pants are the perfect autumn companions. No need to fret about autumn showers – the Rain Defender Loose Fit Midweight 'C' Graphic Sweatshirt (105940) has a water repellent finish, so it’s perfect for drizzly autumn days. The attached three-piece hood with an adjustable drawcord, convenient front handwarmer pocket and stretchable, elastane-reinforced rib knit cuffs and waistband, ensure snug insulation. Top it off with the sharp Carhartt logo 'C' graphic and you've got a sweatshirt that combines style with functionality. When you need to turn up the heat, the Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Insulated Vest (102286) is your ultimate ally. Designed to repel water and lined with smooth nylon, its slightly loose fit allows for easy layering over tees and shirts or under heavier winter coats. Featuring Carhartt’s Wind Fighter technology, it tames the wind and keeps you snug. Available in versatile black, navy, Carhartt brown and chestnut, this vest ensures you stay warm and stylish throughout the season. Carhartt’s autumn/winter range is wide. With these key pieces you can face the challenges of any job site whatever the season throws your way.

ARMD urges trade to protect their van and tools this winter

ARMD has warned the industry that as darker winter evenings draw in, tool theft increases dramatically. In fact, looking at the insurance claims made by the trade, the winter months are the busiest months for insurance claims by tradespeople who have fallen victim to tool theft. “Winter provides the veil of darkness thieves use to break into vans. The ARMD tool insurance and smart van alarm are a great first line of defence, but there are other things you can do to make it tough for the bad guys. Don’t leave your van with the engine running when de-icing it, remember to lock your van and make sure you have some visible deterrent like stickers to show the thieves the van is alarmed,” says Stephen Holland, Co-Founder of ARMD. “It is really important hard-working tradespeople take control now and get their kit insured and their vans protected against these horrible thefts. When your livelihood is at stake, in just a few clicks you can have the peace of mind that should the worst happen, you will be back on the tools in days or even hours, rather than weeks.” With ARMD, you can quickly insure and protect your business. You can register your tool inventory for free with the ARMD app and the ARMD Guard Smart Van Alarm and Tracker is engineered to safeguard your tools and equipment. “One of ARMD Guard's standout features for the darker evenings is its silent alert system. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, where your van is out of sight or is masked in darkness, the ARMD Guard discreetly calls you while the criminals are in action, without them knowing. This allows you to take swift action and call the police, potentially leading to the capture of the culprits in the act and the recovery of your stolen tools,” continues Stephen. Its key benefits are tailored to address the specific needs of tradespeople, ensuring that your tools remain safe and secure. The 'Plug and Play' alarm can be set up within a few minutes, with no technical knowledge required. You simply plug it into the OBD port in your van. The alarm is powered via your vehicle's OBD port, ensuring that it remains operational without draining your van's battery and the passive infrared sensor goes in the back and watches over your tools looking for movement. It's worth doing everything you can to ensure your van and tools stay safe throughout the winter nights. To help, ARMD has some further simple tips: Choose your spot: The nights are drawing in now and you might find you’ll be returning to your van after nightfall. Don’t get caught out by parking your van in what seems a well-lit spot by day but ends up being a quiet, secluded place by night. You want it to be hard for criminals to approach your van without being noticed, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to find a spot that’s busy and bright no matter what time of day. Block it out: Consider installing security grilles or window tints to obscure the view inside your van, preventing potential thieves from easily seeing what's inside. Get it hidden: You can create hidden compartments inside your van or use vaults to store valuables or tools. These compartments can be designed to blend in with the interior, making it harder for thieves to find them. Remove the key bags or cases that you could not work without from your vehicle in the evening and bring them into your house. Anti-tamper screws: Replace standard screws with anti-tamper screws on doors, windows and other entry points. These screws are designed to be more difficult to remove without the proper tools. Add additional security features: Consider additional security features like deadbolt locks and steering wheel locks and apply decals or stickers that show your van is equipped with an advanced security system. Thieves love an easy target – make sure your van isn’t one. DNA mark your tools so they have a better chance of being returned if they are found. Register them and their serial numbers in the free to use ARMD tool inventory app. And of course, get ARMD with the latest smart alarm and tracker and tool insurance.

A chance to win with Drayton’s new Digistat campaign

This heating season, Drayton has announced that it is giving installers even more reasons to choose its new Digistat range. With the new Digistat designed to cut call backs, thanks to the simple app control via Bluetooth that makes it easy for customers to manage their schedules, Drayton has partnered with Fix Radio to find some of the most memorable call back stories from across the UK – from the funny to the down-right bizarre. To be in with the chance of winning a SONOS Full Home Bluetooth System in the Call Back Calamities competition, installers must share their story via the Fix Radio website, with some of the best being shared live on air. The competition runs until Sunday 5 November. Alongside this, there are unmissable savings of up to 30% to be had in merchants nationwide when purchasing the new Digistat. Installers should act fast, as these savings are only available limited time between now and the end of the year. The new Digistat is an evolution of the Digistats installers know and love, combining their favourite features with a contemporary new look and Bluetooth connectivity, offering customers simplified in-home control of their heating via the Wiser Home app on their phone. Jeremy Palmer, General Manager at Drayton, comments, “Our iconic Digistat range has been a firm favourite amongst heating engineers and electricians since it launched almost 30 years ago. Our newest generation of Digistat is designed to help make installers’ lives easier than ever and with less time spent on call backs, they have more time free to spend on the things that are important to them, whether that be growing their business, upskilling in a new area, or simply spending more time with the family. “The campaign aims to highlight these benefits and by partnering with Fix Radio, as well as On The Tools to produce exclusive social media content with Andy Cam, we hope to reach a wide range of installers across the country. Plus, with savings to be had on the new Digistat, there’s never been a better time for installers to make sure their van is fully stocked!"

Find out every trade’s favourite songs to work to

The magic of music has been a secret weapon in the workplace, helping boost tradespeople’s brain activity and turn up the volume on productivity. But when it comes down to it, what do tradespeople listen to at work? Well, according to the Toolbox's research, green thumbed gardeners love working along to tunes about balmy weather, which is probably unsurprising when you consider that good weather is usually associated with growth and vitality in the garden. Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles, Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks, Sunny by Bobby Hebb, and In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry are all in gardeners’ Spotify playlists. The Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) seem to have stolen the hearts of builders in the UK with their infectious blend of rock, funk, punk, and a dash of psychedelic seasoning, as Toolbox found that two popular RHCP songs made it to builders’ top 10 songs - 1999’s Californication and Snow (Hey Oh), released in 2006. And it turns out that landscapers are big country music fans, as Jon Pardi, Oliver Anthony, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, and Jason Aldean all make it into their top 10 songs. Interestingly, six of carpenters’ top 10 songs are by classic rock bands like AC/DC, Gun N’ Roses, and The Rolling Stones, and another three are by country musicians Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. Electricians also appear to be big Guns N’ Roses fans, as Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child O’ Mine, and Paradise City all feature in electricians’ top 10 songs on Spotify. Working with such a variety of materials and tools, it’s hard to believe that different trades have much in common at all, but a love of music might be the one thing that brings all tradespeople together. Out of all the trades’ playlists combined, Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana featured most often, closely followed by the 2004 smash hit Mr Brightside by The Killers, and AC/DC’s classic Back in Black. A spokesperson for Toolbox by Admiral, comments, “There’s a whole symphony of reasons tradespeople and other workers enjoy listening to tunes while they’re on the clock. Research shows that the limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and memory, lights up when our ears perceive music. This makes music a fantastic stress-buster, but in the most basic sense, it can also help muffle out annoying background noise, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. “However, it’s worth noting that although there are countless benefits of listening to music at work, it can come with health and safety concerns, so make sure to listen at sensible volumes, be mindful of tripping hazards, keep electrics away from water and consider music licensing laws when listening to music at work. “Despite everyone’s best intentions, sometimes accidents can happen. Fortunately, if you’re a tradie or own a trade-related business, our flexible public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance policies can protect you, your employees and your business from costly legal repercussions.”