Protect yourself from tool theft with ‘Plug and Play’ technology

In the never-ending battle against the scourge of tool theft across the UK, ARMD has added even more features to its smart van alarm and tracker, the ARMD Guard. Designed to protect your livelihood, this device offers a host of features that will make it an invaluable asset to any tradesperson, providing not only peace of mind but also enhancing the chances of recovering stolen tools. The ARMD Guard is engineered with one primary mission: safeguarding your tools and equipment. 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 two minutes, with no technical knowledge required. You simply plug it into the OBD port in your van. The alarm is powered by your vehicle's OBD port, ensuring that it remains operational without draining your van's battery. You can rely on ARMD Guard to protect your tools without compromising your vehicle's performance. One of ARMD Guard's standout features is its silent alert system. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, ARMD Guard discreetly calls you while the criminals are in action, without them knowing. This allows you to take swift action, potentially leading to the capture of the culprits and the recovery of your stolen tools. ARMD recently added a new auto-scheduling for the alarm, allowing users to schedule when the ARMD Guard can be scheduled to be switched on or off, saving time and hassle. You no longer have to keep remembering to turn it on at night or off in the morning if you leave for work at a fixed time. The built-in GPS technology allows you to track your van's location and movements in real-time. Whether you need to keep tabs on your vehicle or recover it in case of theft, it has you covered. You can arm and disarm your ARMD Guard with ease via the app, ensuring your van is always protected when you need it to be. The sensor in ARMD Guard boasts an impressive seven year battery life, offering extended protection without the hassle of frequent battery replacements. Click here for more latest news.

Develop launches new talent development programme

Develop has recently launched its new talent development programme, which seeks to encourage skilled individuals from across the utility sector to become industry leading trainers and help inspire the next generation of talent. The aim of the campaign is to develop those already working ‘hands on’ in the sector to become inspirational trainers and offers an incentive package. The package includes a £5,000 bonus for all new directly employed trainers from industry, formal training and qualifications such as the Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance (TAQA3) and the Award in Education and Training (AET), alongside the company’s new induction programme and a dedicated, highly experienced programme mentor. The innovative project named ‘Emerge’ is all about creating new pathways for talented and experienced people in the sector and providing them with the opportunity to consider furthering their career with a move into adult education and training. Develop is, in particular, seeking to recruit engineers in areas such as electrical and mechanical, New Roads And Street Works (NRSWA), water systems and legionella, gas distribution, the Gas Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS), general health and safety, and management development. Another part of this trailblazing programme, known as ‘Evolve’, seeks to develop existing trainers by providing mentors, qualifications, and further development opportunities – all with the aim of ensuring Develop’s trainers are industry leading. This project also seeks to help support and address the ageing workforce issues in this sector and aims to plug the skills gap in this area. Click here for more latest news.

4lite announces ‘plant a tree’ pledge at Screwfix Live

4lite has announced that it will showcase its energy efficient LED products at the Screwfix Live and plant a tree for every item sold at the show. A wide array of 4lite LED products will be on display at the show at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, including downlights, battens, non-corrosive fixtures, outdoor lights, high bays and emergency lights. They form a selection of more than 450 professional and residential lighting products and solutions, which will be available online and in-store at Screwfix from Autumn. As part of 4lite’s drive to become carbon-neutral, for every product purchased at the show 4lite will plant a tree in the UK, through a partnership with Carma. Carma aims to combat climate change through tree planting projects. The trees are planted by ‘The Green Task Force’ – a team of military veterans who are being supported into employment and given help to overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through nature-based therapy. Steve Burke, Sales Director for 4lite, says, “We’re delighted to be consolidating our partnership with Screwfix by attending Screwfix Live, the premier event for tradespeople and DIYers. “Each tree planted as the result of a 4lite product purchase at the show will absorb roughly 0.7 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime – equivalent to offsetting an average 30 mile round commute for one person per year - so every purchase made at the show will make a real difference. “4lite has a strong commitment to becoming carbon neutral and ultimately achieving net zero, so we’re extremely grateful to have such a prominent platform to promote this vital tree planting in the UK and offer invaluable support to people who have served our country.”

Solar PV panel installations at UK properties rise 40%

Installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at UK properties have risen by 40% over the last five years, and by 15% in the last year alone, reveals a new study of government data by Logic4training. The study analysed the latest data from the Office of National Statistics on the number of solar PV installations in the UK and solar's contribution to the UK's energy capacity. It found that renewable energy sources make up 47.7% of all electricity generated in the UK (as of Q1 2023), which is a new record and a year-on-year rise of 2.4%. Solar PV is now the second largest renewable energy generator (after wind power) that does not omit carbon directly into the atmosphere. UK energy from solar PV is on the rise Solar PV is one of the UK's fastest growing renewable technologies, and provides 4.1% of all electricity generated, compared to 0.4%, 10 years ago. The study also found that solar PV represents 20% of new energy capacity (0.9GWH) since 2019, second only to wind power. 40% increase in solar PV panel installations In-line with the rise in solar PV energy, installations of solar panels have risen by 40% in the last five years, and by 15% in the last year alone. Echoing this, Logic4training's analysis of Google search data shows that online searches seeking information related to purchasing or installing solar PV panels has increased by 22% year-on-year. Demand for solar PV training soars With demand for solar PV on the rise, Logic4training has seen a large growth in interest and enquiries for its solar PV and renewables training courses, an 18-fold uptick over the last year, representative of the growing demand for work in the sector. Logic4training's LCL Awards Level 3 Solar PV Installation training course is aimed at experienced electrical installers.

Milestone installation by Prefect Controls

Tom McAndrew, Project Manager at Prefect Controls, has witnessed an auspicious event this month: The installation of a milestone control unit on the Irus Portal. Irus is a building energy management system designed specifically for multi-occupancy dwellings, ensuring energy can’t be used unnecessarily. It controls heat input to individual rooms. There are now 50,000 control units at 101 sites. These include university campuses, PBSA providers, and hotels. Currently the largest single site is UWE with over 3,000 controls. The campus in Bristol saw a saving close to 900,000kWh in the year following the initial installation. The number of interconnecting devices that seamlessly integrate to monitor and control has also expanded, boosting the power of the Irus Portal. SMART Tank, the only pre-plumbed, pre-wired hot-water cylinder with on-board controls was launched earlier this year. It provides monitoring of consumption, temperature, and wastage of both energy and water as never seen before. PipeSense measures water temperature within pipes at point of use. But also monitors room and pipe temperature, identifying water wastage through dripping taps or leaking toilet cisterns. HobSensus is helping to keep residents safe in kitchens. It ensures electric hobs cannot be left on if the person preparing food is distracted and leaves the hob unattended. When integrated with Irus, greater functionality can be unlocked. Tom comments, “Being part of the drive to decarbonisation, and helping accommodation providers on their journey to reach net zero targets, is very fulfilling. With Irus and our local controls, we calculate that around 10% of the UKs student accommodation estate is now controlled by a Prefect product.”

Rako celebrates double win at the Smart Building Awards

Rako has triumphed at the Smart Building Awards, winning both the Manufacturer of the Year and Best Lighting Control categories. Held on 13 September, at the Village Hotel in Farnborough, the awards celebrated the best products, projects, and companies within the smart buildings industry. “We are delighted to have won two categories at the Smart Building Awards,” comments Paul Wafer, Director at Rako. “Being recognised for our products is brilliant, but to also win the manufacturer award is very special. The whole team dedicates a vast amount of time to ensure we are providing our customers with the very best products, service and training. It is a fundamental part of Rako and for it to be acknowledged and rewarded is a fantastic achievement. Thank you to our team and loyal customers for their support.” As a manufacturer, Rako focuses on creating high-quality and timeless lighting control that can deliver a personalised and customisable space, whether it be a residential property or a boutique hotel. Its comprehensive range of products ensure it is leading the way in terms of technology and product development. Rako also prides itself on providing excellent training courses in lighting control from its innovative experience centre in Rochester. Best Lighting Control was awarded for Rako’s EOS Portrait keypads. The elegant, vertical design, which is popular in the EMEA and APAC markets, creates a clean, uncluttered aesthetic with six recessed push buttons offering a reassuring, tactile interface. Each button is fully customisable and can be addressed to separate Rako Rooms or Channels, providing simple configuration to suit particular client’s needs. Lighting, curtain and blind configurations are available as standard with custom engraving also available.

GO TO-U and Parkopedia to elevate the EV charging experience

GO TO-U has entered into co-operation with Parkopedia to elevate the electric vehicle (EV) charging experience. Harnessing the power of advanced data analytics and machine learning, GO TO-U has established itself as a frontrunner in predicting EV charging demand, optimising resource allocation, and improving the charging process. Through this dynamic partnership, GO TO-U will share essential data points from its expansive network of EV charging stations with Parkopedia, while drivers benefit from Parkopedia’s seamless in-car parking and charging integrations that take the stress out of finding chargers and managing charging sessions. The new partnership will deliver driver benefits in three key areas: Data exchange: GO TO-U will seamlessly share real-time data from its extensive EV charging network with Parkopedia, enhancing the accuracy and availability of charging station information for drivers. Activations and payments: Activations and payment technology will empower drivers to secure charging sessions and pay for these, ensuring a seamless and stress-free EV charging experience. Optimised charging: By incorporating GO TO-U's data insights, Parkopedia will enhance its connected car services, enabling more efficient charging and minimising wait times for EV drivers. This transformative co-operation encapsulates a shared commitment to streamlining and enhancing the EV charging journey for drivers around the world, with planned global markets including Asia, North America and Europe. The combination of GO TO-U's predictive analytics and Parkopedia's in-car parking and charging functionality, offers drivers the greatest level of charging accessibility and convenience. As the EV industry accelerates towards a sustainable future, the collaboration between GO TO-U and Parkopedia helps to make finding and paying for charging simpler and more convenient. Further updates will follow, as both companies collaborate to shape the trajectory of parking and charging globally.

Upgrade your power tools with Milwaukee at Toolstation

Whether you are a tradesperson looking to give your tool kit an upgrade for the new season, or an eager DIYer preparing to take on a home renovation project, Toolstation has all the essentials you need to conquer the job, including the new M18 FUEL GEN 4 Combi Drill & Impact Driver from Milwaukee. With an extremely compact design ideal for access into tight spaces, a higher power efficiency under load, and an advanced heavy duty chuck providing increased bit grip, the Gen4 Combi Drill is now available online and through the Toolstation App, which is currently offering an extra 10% discount to first time users until 5 November. The drill can be purchased solo or as part of a Combi Drill and Impact Driver Kit, which includes a Gen4 Impact Driver, offering multiple speed and torque settings to maximise application versatility. The kit also includes a M18 Battery 5.0Ah and M12 Battery M12 - M18 Fast Charger, both of which can be purchased separately. Customers can have the new Milwaukee range delivered directly to their home or job site via Toolstation’s next-day delivery offering.

Cleveland Cable Company continues to see remarkable growth

Cleveland Cable Company has announced outstanding growth within the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. This remarkable achievement reflects the company's commitment to delivering cable solutions for a variety of industries and projects. In a significant milestone, Cleveland Cable Company’s export business has seen an outstanding 300% increase in growth, compared to the same period in 2022/23. Highlighting the company's continuous expansion and demand for its products and services. Over the course of these three months, the company has successfully shipped its products to 29 countries, with 27 of them located within the EMEA region. The company’s expertise and commitment to tailoring installations to meet customer needs, have established it as a trusted partner for projects as diverse as data centres and renewable energy facilities to event venues. This demonstrates the company’s adaptability across industries worldwide. The company's current position is even more remarkable given the recent challenges it has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, Brexit and the rising cost of living. Additionally, the conflict in Ukraine has significantly impacted the availability of raw materials such as wood, as Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus account for 35% of the world's timber production. This has had repercussions on global markets for timber and related products, including wooden drums and pallets used for exporting cables worldwide. In response to the supply chain challenges, it has introduced its 'drum amnesty' initiative, extending its waste reduction efforts not only to its own drums but also to those from other suppliers. This commitment to sustainability and adaptability has been a defining characteristic of the company's success throughout its 45-year history.

A new ‘building block’ for fibre cabling to speed up UK roll-out

Deployments of full fibre broadband networks in urban and rural areas across the UK will be made quicker and easier thanks to a new ultra lightweight (ULW) fibre cable constructed with ACOME Group’s patented nanomodule technology. The cable, designed specifically for urban and rural aerial use in the UK market, can fit 96 fibres in each module, whilst maintaining modules of 12 fibres. This means that network builders can deploy more fibre in the same diameter of cable. ACOME’s nanomodule technology removes the restraints of aerial cables’ 7mm size, which typically limits them to a maximum of 48 fibres. The new 96-fibre cable also addresses key pain points that installers face helping to reduce installation times by an average of three hours and countless hours off maintenance times for every kilometre of cable deployed. This is because the cable is grease and gel free, making it easy to handle and install and eliminates the need for fibre cleansing. The cable is also kink free. The elimination of sealing gel or grease, typically used on cables for an additional layer of protection, negates fibre cleansing, reducing the fibre preparation times. This includes reduced splicing times compared to conventional cable designs which results in significant cost savings and ultimately mitigates the cost of the cable itself. It also reduces the risk of damage to the fibre and racks where they are placed. The product was developed following the success of the 72-fibre version of ACOME’s nanomodule cable, used by network builders including FullFibre. FullFibre was able to quickly and cost effectively deploy a 26km-long fibre network spine for the region of Hertfordshire. “The density and 12-module structure of the cable allowed us to use existing network infrastructure,” says Technical Delivery Director at FullFibre, Dan Jones. “Without which, we would have had to dig extensively, and the cost and disruption would have been huge.” Unlike many other products on the market the 96-fibre new cable is constructed with modules of 12-fibres, mirroring the architecture of existing fibre infrastructure. Using a 12-fibre module makes it less complicated for installers to identify the colour of the cable being put into a rack in comparison to a 24-fibre module. The nanomodule design also saves thousands of pounds per kilometre deployed in cost savings and one ton of carbon per three kilometres of cables that are installed, calculated by ACOME. For example, comparing the deployment of a 96-fibres ULW cable with two 48-fibres cables, not only are installation times halved, but the carbon footprint of the deployment is reduced by 24%. As the technology does not require any fibre cleaning solvents, operators can avoid waste pollution from both the sealing and cleaning substances that are needed to maintain traditional cables. The product essentially removes all extraneous materials, increasing the density of the cable between 80 and 100% when compared to traditional cable designs. The 96-fibre ULW cable has been built with PIA compliance in mind, being able to maintain modules of 12-fibre, thanks to the density of the nanomodule technology – which is 30% smaller than traditional cables. This avoids additional fibre management on splice trays and the need for the fibres to be ring marked.