New chairman marks Lowe & Oliver's centenary celebration

Paul Tuson, formerly Lowe & Oliver's managing director, has been promoted to Chairman of the contractor, after over 35 years of service. Joining the company as an apprentice in 1987, Paul has given his entire working life to Lowe & Oliver. Damian Wyles, formerly finance director, will be stepping up to the role of Operations Director following Paul’s promotion. Fred Lowe, Lowe & Oliver Director, comments, “All of us at Lowe & Oliver are incredibly grateful to Paul. His experience and knowledge in the sector has been invaluable for helping the company to reach 100 years in the industry - an achievement which would have been far more challenging without his contribution. “Paul’s links in the Oxford area and across the south of the country are already second to none, and we’re hopeful that in his new role those can be developed and strengthened even further. Helping to reinforce relationships with existing clients, but also building contacts beyond our current client base.” Paul Tuson, Lowe & Oliver Chairman, adds, “100 years in our industry is an almost unique milestone and it’s one that I’m immensely proud of contributing towards. Reginald Lowe and Herbert Oliver’s vision has been delivered through an entire century and now we must concentrate on building for the second century of Lowe & Oliver. “With the expansion of our leadership team and empowering them to focus on the day to day operation issues I am now able to dedicate more of my time to furthering our clientele base and providing additional business liaison, this is an area of our delivery that I am sure will yield benefits for all.” Click here for more latest news.

Wallbox introduces a new EV charging solution

Wallbox has expanded its Pulsar family with its latest charger, Pulsar Pro, which has been specifically designed for shared spaces. The newest member of the Pulsar family includes features, such as 4G connectivity and RFID reader, to fit perfectly into shared spaces like flats, workplaces and depot charging. “We wanted to offer customers looking for a solution for shared spaces the same compact design that has made our Pulsar family so popular, while optimising Pulsar Pro especially for shared spaces to provide independent communications via the 4G connectivity and the ability to add tariffs or limit access if needed for B2B installations,” says Alan McCleave, Director of UK and Ireland. Designed for businesses and EV drivers, Pulsar Pro perfectly fits into shared spaces including flats, workplaces and depot charging, while its reliability and ease of installation enable a cost-effective solution for charge point operators and installers. Pulsar Pro features 4G, improving the charger's uptime through improved connectivity, which means maximum uptime and fewer failures. It also boasts a wider operational temperature range, providing stronger reliability and a longer operating lifetime. The RFID function provides an intuitive charging experience improving accessibility for tenants and employees. This combined with an attractive and compact design with a halo light to show charging status, make charging simpler for EV drivers. Pulsar Pro comes standard with myWallbox business software, allowing administrators to group chargers by location and manage them remotely. It will be available in Europe and in all markets that follow the IEC standards, including Spain, Netherlands, Italy, UK, Germany, Belgium, France, Sweden. Click here for more latest news.

Electromobility must be seen as a global, interconnected system

The government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This means that millions of motorists will need a network of local plug-in charging points in the future, as two in five UK households do not have their own driveway, even more in urban areas. In addition, demand for electric vehicles in the UK is steadily rising, partly due to the increasing availability of more affordable e-car models. It was therefore surprising to learn from a recent survey by car manufacturer, Vauxhall, that 70% of local councils in the UK have no plans to install public charging points in local streets. Although charging will mainly take place at home and at work in the future, the expansion and development of public charging infrastructure will play a key role in the uptake of electric mobility in the short term. Particularly in transport hubs or for people who do not have charging facilities at home, the availability of public charging stations is an important driver for switching to an EV. For this reason, it is crucial to equip all areas, private, workplace or public space, with an appropriate charging infrastructure. How it could look like: For everyday charging, the focus is on the home AC charging station, whether wall-mounted or portable, so that you can charge flexibly on the go, wherever there is a socket. Businesses will play a key role in charging infrastructure in the future, as EV owners without a charging possibility in their parking space will be able to rely on their employer to provide charging at work. In addition, more charging points will be needed in shopping centres and generally in all types of car parks, so that EV owners can not only rely on the existing public charging infrastructure but can charge their car whenever they want, according to their needs and lifestyle, without range anxiety. Andrew Oakes, Director UK and Ireland at Juice Technology, says that, electromobility must be understood as an overall concept. There isn't just one right solution - the individual areas must work together to make the transition to electric mobility as easy and efficient as possible. Click here for more latest news.

Balfour Beatty partners with NMITE to inspire budding engineers

Balfour Beatty has announced that it has partnered with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) - a new higher education institution that is revolutionising engineering degree education in the UK.   Based in Hereford, NMITE has designed its curriculum to mirror real-world working environments with students engaged in projects to enhance their practical experience, arming them with critical skills and industry knowledge. With an accelerated degree programme and flexible entry requirements, which includes no prerequisites of maths or physics at A-level, this is embedded within the curriculum.   Through the partnership, Balfour Beatty will actively contribute to the NMITE curriculum, ensuring a seamless integration of industry expertise with academia. The collaboration will see the company provide industrial placements for students on some of Balfour Beatty’s most exciting and inspiring projects across the UK, as well as host seminars that provide technical insights into the construction and infrastructure industry.   Paul Raby, Balfour Beatty Group, HR Director, says, "We are thrilled to join forces with NMITE and contribute to their ground-breaking approach to engineering education. By combining our industry expertise with NMITE's innovative curriculum, we can empower the next generation of engineers to excel in practical skills and meet the evolving demands of the construction industry.   “With this partnership, we can open doors for a diverse range of young people to enter the construction industry by catering to a variety of learning abilities that equips students with a well-rounded skillset.”   James Newby, Chief Executive at NMITE, comments, “Our breakthrough, interdisciplinary model of higher education involves, at every stage, engagement with employer partners and work on real life projects. What better experience for our students to have than to hone their skills with a partner of the calibre of Balfour Beatty? Joining forces with this leading international group will be another fundamental part of shaping tomorrow’s engineers so that students leave NMITE not only work ready but as true game changers.”   This latest partnership is a further example of Balfour Beatty’s commitment to attracting the next generation of talent, with 6.5% of the company’s UK workforce now made up of apprentices, graduates, trainees and sponsored students as part of its membership of the 5% club – a dynamic movement of employers committed to providing ‘earn & learn’ positions. 

‘Futurescape’ initiative launched to plug building skills gap

RD Group, a group of companies comprising EFT Consult, RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, and DRS FM Services, has announced the launch of ‘Futurescape’, an exciting new initiative aimed at tackling future skills shortages within the building services sector. Launched in partnership with Cyfle Building Skills and Young Dragons CIC, Futurescape aims to challenge perceptions and raise awareness of the exciting potential career opportunities within the construction, engineering and renewable energy industries. It will place a particular emphasis on green technologies and their role in improving the built environment and developing more sustainable buildings. It will use innovative, immersive technologies and engaging learning experiences that will expose young people to real life experiences in a virtual environment and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and potential career paths. The project will involve children in both primary and secondary schools coming together to work on a real-life project supported by companies who will engage with the schools and provide opportunities for young people to gain a meaningful understanding of the vast range of opportunities that exist within the sector. The project, which will span the Swansea Bay economic area (Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire), is part funded by the Skills and Talent Programme under the Swansea Bay City Deal. The school engagement will be led by Young Dragons CIC, a Swansea-based community initiative dedicated to helping young people develop entrepreneurial skills such as creativity, problem solving, innovation, communication, negotiation and decision-making.

Toolstation launches new convenience campaign

Toolstation has launched a national brand advertising campaign to coincide with its peak trading period in September. The campaign is designed to showcase its ability to help trade and expert DIY customers conquer their jobs, through its speedy click and collect service proposition, which means that if an order is placed during store opening hours, it is ready to be collected in five minutes at any one of its 550+ store across the UK, making it easier for customers to get everything they need to complete their jobs in one go. The brand positioning will be rolled out across channels throughout the rest of the year, and it continues the strategy of conveying Toolstation’s accessibility and convenience at its stores, online and through the app, while communicating that the brand understands the everyday challenges faced by its trade and expert DIY customers. Angela Rushforth, Managing Director, Toolstation, says, “At Toolstation we know our customers value convenience, availability and expertise above everything else, and this campaign has been designed to demonstrate we have everything they need to conquer any job. Our click and collect proposition is loved by our customers, putting them in control, offering flexibility in picking up their products when it’s convenient to them, saving time and money, enabling them to get the job done in one.” Click here more latest news.

VINCI Energies acquires NorPower

VINCI Energies acquires NorPower, one of the independent providers of extra high voltage overhead lines in the UK. The company, based in Muir of Ord in the Scottish Highlands, enhances the services offered by VINCI Energies in the UK & Republic of Ireland, whilst continuing to demonstrate its commitment to help its customers achieve the energy transition and the upgrade of their networks. NorPower represents the group’s second acquisition in Scotland in the past two years, as well as the opening of new design offices in Glasgow which further demonstrate its commitment to its colleagues and customers in the region. Scott Van Der Vord, Chief Executive Officer, VINCI Energies UK & ROI, says, “We are delighted to welcome NorPower into the VINCI Energies Group and specifically to our network of decentralised businesses in the UK and Ireland. NorPower will be a great addition to our group enabling us to further enhance our offerings and experience in the HV overhead line segment. We now look forward to welcoming over 30 new colleagues who join the group and the opportunity to work with Alistair and Neil in the future to build on the success they have built up with their staff over the past 20 years across the UK.” Alistair Macleod and Neil Lamont, NorPower Directors, comment, “We are pleased to begin NorPower’s next chapter as part of VINCI Energies UK & ROI. Whilst we thank our clients and suppliers for their business and support to date, we know we can use the strength of the VINCI Energies network of business units in the UK and around the world to better serve our customers during the current period of unprecedented investment in energy infrastructure and beyond. The group’s business model will give us the double benefit of driving NorPower’s growth whilst looking after and providing new opportunities for our loyal and skilled workforce who have always been our key priority and whom we sincerely thank.”

Award-winning underfloor heating system for installers

ThermoSphere Ultimate is an electric underfloor heating cable with guaranteed reliability and the first and only cable to combine TwistedTwin construction and in-line joint technology, making it the strongest and most robust cable on the market. In electric underfloor heating installation, most faults occur at the connection or ‘joint’ where the hot underfloor cable meets the cold cable running to the thermostat. These joints are typically crimped or soldered and then heat shrink wrapped, making them three times thicker than the cable. Their bulky size forces installers to carve holes into the subfloor, insulation, and membrane mats using sharp blades and even grinders. It drastically improves installation time and removes all these issues installers currently face: Cable failure due to the high risk of damaging the cable Compromising the waterproofing layer and membrane mat guarantee Overheating and cable failure because the holes don’t carry away heat Damage to reputation with customers Loss of time and money to revisit, replace and repair installations The company has incorporated the hot-to-cold joint connections into the primary manufacturing process, creating invisible joints and a reliable cable that’s uniform in thickness from end-to-end. It offers many benefits to installers and merchants: A one-step cable installation saves time and effort, and speeds up and simplifies the installation process. Prevents cable damage during installation and stops cable failure by removing the number one fault in underfloor heating installations. Helps to preserves the waterproofing layer of the decoupling membrane. Allows for quick quality workmanship with an automatically flush finish ready for tiling. Compatible with all membranes on the market so installers can rely on trusted products. Reduces environmental impact and waste to dispose of. There is no plastic, so the reel is recyclable and compostable. Comes in four cable lengths so installers can reduce the number of multi-cable installations. If the cable fails in first 12 months due to manufacturing, the company will replace the system and flooring. The guarantee means merchants and installers never need to worry about damage or dead stock. Click here for more latest news.

Balfour Beatty VINCI completes giant pier for Water Orton Viaducts

Balfour Beatty VINCI has completed the first of 32 giant piers for the first Water Orton Viaduct, as work ramps up to build the Delta Junction, HS2's most complex network of structures in the West Midlands. HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands is building the 1,400m long northbound and southbound structures, which will connect HS2’s Birmingham Curzon Street Station with Crewe and Manchester. They are part of the Delta Junction, which is a triangular section of the high-speed railway made up of nine precast segmental viaducts, embankments, and other bridging structures, with around 10km of track crossing a network of motorways, roads and rivers. Reaching 20m tall at its highest point, the two viaducts will be amongst the tallest structures along the HS2 route, taking trains over key transport corridors including the M42, the Birmingham to Peterborough rail line and the River Tame. The pier was built in situ with a bespoke formwork designed specifically for the project, and with a fully prefabricated reinforcement cage, assembled in the rebar factory located near Coleshill. The piers will support the deck, which will be built using an innovative construction method and bespoke machinery. The deck segments will be produced at HS2’s nearby outdoor purpose-built Kingsbury factory near Lea Marston. The factory is making a total of 2,742 segments for the entire Delta Junction, generating over 6km of post tensioned viaduct. The segments will be transported to site using haul roads to reduce HS2’s impacts on local roads. To reduce environmental impacts, engineers have incorporated Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), a by-product of the steel manufacturing industry, into the structures as an eco-friendly concrete alternative to a traditional concrete mix, reducing carbon use by more than 60%. After the piers are constructed, the viaduct spans will be built by raising each segment from a temporary suspension tower erected on top of each pier. When each span is complete, the suspension tower will be disassembled and moved further along the viaduct to build the next span. An innovative ‘match-casting’ technique means that each viaduct segment is cast against the following segment in a production line, creating a seamless viaduct deck when installed. Each segment is uniquely precise and adjustable by as little as 5mm. This approach, where each segment is poured against the previous one, ensures the whole arch fits perfectly when assembled on site. Once built, the area underneath the viaduct will be landscaped to provide a connected and accessible area with tree planting, new wildlife habitats, footpaths and cycle routes.

Eight essential tips to protect your van and tools

If you’re working as a tradesperson or courier and take pride in your van, the last thing you want to deal with, is the stress of someone breaking into your vehicle, especially when your van is a lifeline for everyday work. Van theft isn’t uncommon. In fact, recent research reveals that there were over 40,000 cases of tool theft in 2022. And with the cost of living affecting an increasing number of households, rates of theft may begin to rise too. To help tradespeople and couriers protect their tools and their vehicles, the insurance experts from Toolbox by Admiral have offered eight of their top tips for keeping your van and tools safe. When it comes to van security systems, make sure your van has a Thatcham Category 2 security alarm and immobiliser. Most vans will be factory fitted with an alarm and immobiliser, but older vans may require one to be installed manually. Aside from security systems, there are lots of ways to protect your van without breaking the bank. The insurance experts at Toolbox have provided eight top tips to help keep your van and tools safe: Empty your van Even though Toolbox provides cover for your tools when they're left in your van overnight, it's still important to bring all your heavy duty tools inside every evening, so that they’re not at risk of theft. Even though it may be a pain, an empty van is a big deterrent for thieves. Inventory list Many of us are fairly forgetful and if asked to recall every item kept in our vans, we’re simply not going to remember. Therefore, it’s really useful to make sure that you’ve got a list of all the tools and equipment kept in your van, and even have photos of each item too. Doing this allows you to keep on top of stock and to spot theft quickly. It’ll also help if you have to make insurance claims, should the worst happen. UV pens Mark all of your tools and any high-value goods with your name or your business’ name in UV ink. If you’ve done this, you’re more likely to recover your tools if they get found by the police or if someone purchases them from the thief. Also, when buying second-hand tools, many tradespeople will look for UV markings that don’t match the person selling, to see if they’re stolen goods. Speak to staff Spend an afternoon with your team discussing the do’s and don’ts when it comes to van and tool safety and security in order to protect your business. Alongside this, ensure that when onboarding a new member of staff, they are made aware of this advice. Park safely If you’re not parking in a secure location, it’s important to make sure that you’re prioritising well-lit areas, especially those that have CCTV. Areas that are well-lit and have active security measures tend to deter thieves. Security locks It’s crucial that you invest in security locks for your van. The first option is slamlocks, which lock as soon as the van door is shut, making them a great option for couriers who are delivering from door-to-door. Next are van deadlocks, which are very difficult to get past as thieves would need to go through the internal lock to get to it. Finally, vibration sensor alarms will set off with a small vibration on the van, which is ideal for ‘peeling’ break-ins, where thieves break into your van by peeling open the doors of the van. Don’t forget your cat No, not your four-legged friend, but your catalytic converter. Many vans are targeted for this rather than the tools, parcels and other goods stored within the van, as a van’s added ground clearance makes the catalytic converter much easier to get to. Consider purchasing an anti-theft device designed for catalytic converters. Insure your van and tools It’s easy for insurance to fall to the bottom of tradespeople’s ‘to-do’ lists, however, looking out for your future self and your business is worth it. When buying van insurance and tool insurance, make sure to check whether it covers your van and contents when parked away from home, or when contents are left in the van overnight. Click here for more latest news.