Baxi strengthens support with key appointment

Baxi has strengthened its support for housebuilders, developers and social housing providers in the journey to net zero with the appointment of Lee Caulfield as its Head of Sales for Residential Specification. Bringing a wealth of experience from previous role as Sales Director at Titon Hardware and 15 years working in the residential new build and social housing sector, Lee has been appointed to lead the residential specification team working with new build and social housing clients. The announcement comes at a critical time for both the new build and social housing sectors. Housebuilders and developers are requiring the best in heat pump expertise, product and training, in line with the Future Homes Standard, and social housing providers require support with heating decarbonisation as funding becomes available through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). Lee’s appointment comes as the company recently launched its updated Baxi Assure range of efficient products and expert support services for all housing providers. This includes the latest ultra efficient Baxi Assure HP50 air source heat pump (ASHP) and Baxi Assure ASHP hot water cylinder, commissioning, servicing and maintenance support and comprehensive training from centres nationwide. Lee says, “I am really excited to join the heating industry at such an exciting time of innovation and development. Bringing my experience of the ventilation world and the housing sector, I hope to lead the team to provide the best residential heating specification expertise and service to our new build and social housing clients.” Click here for more on Baxi.

Toolstation launches its biggest ever summer sale

Toolstation has unveiled its biggest ever summer sale as part of its pledge to help DIYers and tradespeople to secure the best value for trade-quality products. Customers will now have access to thousands of products on sale through its app, in stores and online, and it will run until 13 August 2023. Stand out offers include a £54 saving on the Hawksmoor 40cm Cordless Brushless Lawnmower, reduced from £269.98 to £215.98, perfect for keeping the garden in tip top shape for the summer months; a saving of £90 on the DeWalt 18V XR Combi and SDS Hammer Drill Twin Kit, now £359.98 from £450, ideal for providing the DIYer with the solution to all of their power tool needs; a saving of £24 on the Karcher WD 3 Tough Vac to complete the cleanup, which is now just £95.98. Greg Richardson, Head of Marketing of Toolstation, says, “Tradespeople and DIYers have trusted us for over 20 years to provide them with great value and high quality products for their projects. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is continuing to impact people, making initiatives like our biggest summer sale more important than ever. Customers need only download our app, go online or in store to find the best value on thousands or products.” Toolstation’s offers include the following: Product Original price Sale price Saving Percentage saving DeWalt 18V XR Combi and SDS Twin Kit 2 x 5.0Ah £450.00 £359.98 £90.02 20% Hawksmoor 36V (2 x 18V) 40cm Cordless Brushless Lawnmower 2 x 4.0Ah £269.98 £215.98 £54 20% DeWalt DWD024K 701W Impact Hammer Drill 240V £119.98 £95.98 £24 20% DeWalt Haines Waterproof Safety Rigger Boots Size 9 £72.98 £53.38 £19.60 20% Scruffs Trade Holster Pocket Trousers 32" R Black £59.98 £47.98 £12 20% Stanley FatMax Waterproof Deep Pro Organiser 446 x 356 x 116mm £30.98 £24.79 £6.19 20% Minotaur Screwdriver Set £24.98 £19.98 £5 20% Click here for more on Toolstation.

Lightware appoints new global training manager

Lightware Visual Engineering has announced the appointment of Sven Pelters in the critical role of Global Training Manager. Working from his native Germany, Sven’s first task is to manage the opening of a training centre in the country that will provide training in key strategic areas for the company including equipment demos, operations and processes. Once successfully up and running, Sven will then oversee the opening of further training centres around the world as Lightware continues to expand its global business. Sven brings over 15 years of experience at Kramer Germany, most recently as EMEA Training Manager for the entire EMEA region, following several years working as Head of Technical Support, where he led the German support team and the European repair centre. As well as establishing the new training centre at Lightware, Sven will oversee the operation and development of its team of trainers in the company’s expanding network of offices all around the world. He will also leverage his extensive experience to fulfil the role of its main trainer in Germany. “Sven has a proven track record of establishing training programs at the very highest level in our industry, and his extensive knowledge of the training sector will help us to improve the services we offer our customers on a worldwide basis,” says Tibor Fejes, Head of Training at Lightware Visual Engineering. “I am delighted to be joining Lightware at such an important time for the company as it looks to further build out its training capabilities worldwide,” comments Sven. “Training is a vital part of success in the AV industry and Lightware is investing in all the right areas to ensure the company’s continued growth trajectory both in Europe and in territories around the world.” Click here more latest news.

Daniel to represent UK electrical industry at EuroSkills 2023

Apprentice electrician, Daniel Knox of GP Electrical & Security, Enniskillen and South West College, Northern Ireland, has been selected to represent the UK at the EuroSkills 2023 competition, taking place in Gdansk, Poland this September. Past SkillELECTRIC competitor, he will be part of a 20 strong ‘Team UK’ with fellow competitors from different skills and specialisms, from engineering to creative. EuroSkills will welcome 600 skilled young professionals under the age of 25 from 32 countries to participate in competitions and demonstrations in 43 different skills and trades. Around 100,000 visitors from across Europe are expected to attend the event between 5 September – 9 September. Geoff Shaw, Training Manager, WorldSkills UK, says, “So far we have covered a variety of activities including technical and time management, which are both crucial components of the competition. Currently our main focus is looking at control circuits and the interworking of different building automation devices. Daniel has settled well into Squad UK and has embraced the challenges and opportunity this offers.” Daniel says, “My training with Geoff has been very enjoyable so far and the amount I have learnt has without a doubt helped me improve in my career as an Electrician. Outside of the face-to-face and remote training sessions, I have been refreshing my memory by drawing and wiring control circuits at home and looking over paperwork from previous jobs completed in training weeks. “I’d like to say thank you to my boss, Gary Phair, who has been very supportive in this venture. I have been very fortunate he has supported every step of my training to prepare for EuroSkills. As the competition becomes closer the realisation of what I am a part of is starting to sink in!” “I'm delighted and proud that Daniel has been selected to represent the UK at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023,” says Gary Phair, Managing Director of GP Electrical & Security. “This is a wonderful achievement for Daniel, and we are so pleased by the recognition of the effort he has put into both his studies and on-the-job training. “GP Electrical & Security is very enthusiastic about the apprenticeship system, having trained and supported many apprentices over the years, and it’s always very rewarding to see our apprentices reaching the high professional standards required, not just by us as an employer, but the whole industry as a profession we can be proud of. Daniel thoroughly deserves his place in the team for his motivation, knowledge and the meticulous installation work we have seen first-hand here at GP Electrical. The whole company is thrilled for him! “National and international training and competition events such as this are a great way to support classroom and practical training. It's great to see the skills of regional students and apprentices showcased on an international level and we wish Daniel and Team UK all the very best of luck, and especially hope they have a great experience in Poland!” NET will be reporting on Daniel's progress throughout his training programme and during the competition in September. Click here for the latest ECN competition.

myenergi co-founder takes home top accolade

Jordan Brompton, Co-Founder and CMO of myenergi, has been named in the 2023 list of Inspirational Business Women in STEM & Construction. Run in conjunction with Natwest, Jomas Associates and the Federation of Small Businesses, the initiative celebrates entrepreneurs that are challenging the status quo, tackling underrepresentation and acting as role models to the next generation. A true leader in the sector and a champion of women in business, the judges were impressed by Jordan’s pivotal role in driving the rapid growth of myenergi, alongside her commitment to leading the transition to electrification. As one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses, myenergi is renowned for its industry defining portfolio of eco-smart solutions that help users to reduce reliance on mains energy supply. Jordan says, “When we founded myenergi, the vision was simple – create a positive impact, push the boundaries of possibility and change the world through pioneering green technologies. In the few years since, we’ve built a global brand and helped householders all over the globe to reduce their reliance on mains supply. “Throughout our whirlwind journey, we’ve been firmly committed to tackling underrepresentation within STEM. It’s a subject very close to my heart, as an entrepreneur who was told as a school leaver that her career options were either in hairdressing, or travel and tourism. Ever since, I’ve been committed to challenging the status quo and giving others a voice. “Making the list, alongside such an incredible lineup of inspirational women, is a real honour. It makes me so proud of the myenergi journey, how far we’ve come and the mountains we’re moving to inspire the next generation to consider roles in the sector.” Click here for more on myenergi.

How to stay safe this summer

Step into summer and stay safe is the message, as school children begin their break and families have fun in the sun. UK Power Networks wants youngsters to have a good time during the holidays but to keep away from electricity substations and overhead high voltage cables. Inspired by the Women’s World Cup or Wimbledon, kicking footballs and hitting tennis balls can be hazardous near overhead power lines or an electricity substation, so can wild camping, caravanning and fishing, drone or kite flying. For example, model planes and drones can travel at very high speeds. If they strike a power line or crash into a substation, they can potentially damage an important piece of equipment and cause a power cut for local residents. Although playing near substations should always be avoided, sometimes toys and balls can get stuck inside the fence. It is important that you do not try and retrieve the items yourself, even if they look like they are in reach. The company, which distributes electricity to more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the Southeast and East of England, wants all household members to enjoy their holidays and safely retrieve lost items on request. Top tips to stay safe around electricity during the summer months include: If your kite or other toy heads towards a power line, drop the control or string immediately because electricity can jump across gaps and travel down to you. Anglers who use long carbon fibre fishing poles are reminded to always ‘look out, look up’ for overhead power lines before setting down to fish. Electricity can jump across gaps so always carry poles horizontally and parallel with the ground. Never climb a tree that’s near overhead lines as they carry high voltage electricity, and branches can make contact with the cables. When camping, never attach or tie anything to electricity poles, pylons or electrical equipment and never light a fire under an overhead line as heat could cause the wires to sag or break. If hosting an outdoor event, be careful where you site small marquees to avoid contact with overhead power lines and never attach anything to awnings or canopies. If you lose any property inside a substation fence, do not try and retrieve it. Call UK Power Networks on 105 and an engineer will safely collect it for you. Debbie Chachulski, Safety Advisor, says, “With the summer holidays almost here and schools breaking up, we want everybody to enjoy the break, but would always urge people to do so safely and be mindful about when they need to think about electricity. “We are encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings as there are risks posed by overhead power lines. These lines can carry anything from 230V to 132,000V and even coming into contact with the lowest voltage cables can be fatal.” Click here for more on UK Power Networks.

GRIDSERVE partners with Dootrix

GRIDSERVE has signed a long term, multimillion pound partnership with Dootrix to provide the user experience and backend cloud engineering services that will help deliver a seamless, stress free, electric vehicle driving experience. Its sun-to-wheel operations start with hybrid solar farms that promote biodiversity while generating power. They are sited as close to possible to the company’s charging points and forecourts.  The deal represents a vote of confidence in Dootrix, which has been working with GRIDSERVE since 2019. Dootrix has already developed a range of critical business systems for the company and continues to build its Azure cloud platform. Dootrix will be its first choice partner throughout its business journey.   The next stage of that journey will be to provide the digital technology that will accompany GRIDSERVE’s nationwide rollout of charging points with the aim of providing drivers of electric vehicles with a quality of on-the-road experience that makes a compelling case for EVs. First steps will focus on the driver interface before diversifying to offer a range of forecourt, vehicle and ancillary services.   “GRIDSERVE has worked with a number of partners over the years and it’s a huge endorsement of Dootrix that they chose us to help realise their goals,” says Rob Borley, CEO, Dootrix. “We couldn’t be prouder to be working with one of the fastest growing, innovative and passionate companies, one that’s set to transform the EV experience and help save the planet in the process.”   “From our first meetings with GRIDSERVE, we knew we had an alignment of values and ambitions, and we are delighted to be working with them on the next stage of their development, as they solidify their position as one of the key players in their space,” adds Sam Nicholson, Account Director, who oversees Dootrix’s partnership with GRIDSERVE.

Knightsbridge launches new range of LED battens

The new BATSC range of LED battens from Knightsbridge provide energy efficient, cost effective and technologically advanced replacement alternatives to outdated legacy fluorescent lighting in industrial, commercial or office environments. The BATSC (batten, self-contained) units are colour temperature and wattage adjustable, offering ultra-high efficiency and contain the latest control chip technology. Highly durable, owing to its steel and polycarbonate construction, the battens are low maintenance and long-lived in operation, with an estimated lamp life of nearly seven years or 60,000 hours of continuous use. Three variants of the battens are available, all offered in 4’, 5’ and 6’ lengths and in standard or emergency versions. The range is led by the BATSCW which is the most cost effective go-to version for the majority of straightforward applications, while still delivering advanced versatility through its wattage and CCT adjustability. Depending on length, BATSCW wattages are adjustable from 18 through to 52W (4’ – 18/32W, 5’ – 22/41W and 6’ – 27/52W) and in three temperatures: 3000K warm white, 4000K bright, neutral white and 5700K daylight. The emergency models are all self-test. The BATSCWM delivers the same colour temperature and wattage options as the BATSCW, yet with the added benefit of a microwave presence sensor. Detection angles are 150o if wall mounted and 360 o when ceiling mounted, and with a range of 6m when mounted at a height of 3m. The BATSCDA is the Digital Addressable Interface (DALI) incorporated version of the BATSCW. Its wattages are fixed at 32, 40 and 48W in the 4’, 5’ and 6’ lengths respectively. Also fitted with microwave sensors, the DALI control gear allows for connection into simple room or networked building control systems. All the BATSC LED battens are IP20 rated. Finally, with high emphasis on ‘installability’, the BATSC collection is no different, with push-fit loop in, loop out terminals, combined with hinged gear trays, it has a simple and fast fitting. Click here for more product launches.

Armorduct launches new range of IP4X trunking

Armorduct has launched a new range of IP4X trunking that will prove faster and easier to install on site. The company’s newly designed solution is manufactured in the UK using locally sourced steel, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative for contractors when compared to other solutions. The trunking is available off the shelf with all the accessories, fixtures and fittings supplied as fully assembled components for every order. The fixtures are all supplied with captive fittings and overlap covers, the latter to achieve the IP4X rating, to save time on site. While the trunking is available in 3m lengths as standard, the company can also provide it cut to length for delivery to site to save installation time and waste. The company can also quickly adapt bespoke trunking solutions to meet particular market needs and solutions. In addition to its standard system, Armorduct offers different options for specific applications including a weatherproof solution, tamper proof systems for ministry of justice applications, and versions for the rail industry. All can have multiple compartments supplied with equal or unequal splits. Alfie Rowe, Managing Director at Armorduct, says, “As an independent British manufacturer supplying our local market, we can provide a superior service compared to our competitors. Being local allows us to offer far more than just standard products, as we can easily and quickly adapt them to meet a customer’s needs. We offer a complete cable management solution, whether that’s using standard products, bespoke designs or a combination of both. We sum this up as bigger, better, British.” The new IP4X trunking range is available in a wide range of different materials including pregalvanised steel, stainless steel, Magnelis/MagiZinc, powder coated, clear polyester coated and aluminium. Click here for more product launches. 

Webro announced as latest ECN Awards sponsor

Electrical Contracting News is delighted to announce that Webro Cables & Connectors has been confirmed as the latest sponsor of the ECN Awards. Webro will sponsor the Training Category at the ECN Awards, which will be held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry on 30 November 2023. Webro’s purpose is to build a better-connected world to bring people closer. The company has enjoyed continuous growth throughout its 40-year history. This is driven by a strong reputation for providing quality product solutions that conform to the highest standards, attentive customer service, and a dependable logistics operation. An extensive range of copper and fibre cable and connectivity solutions are available across a wide line-up of applications, primarily the smart building, power, fibre and telecoms, data network, fire and security, control and instrumentation, TV and satellite, and future energy sectors. Webro remains at the forefront of industry with focused investment in product development, and the relentless pursuit of emerging markets and technologies. Commenting on the sponsorship, Webro’s Head of Marketing, Chris Mellor-Dolman, says, “We’re both proud and excited to sponsor the Training Category at the ECN Awards. We’re passionate about training and development. From apprentices to qualified professionals, it’s the proven route to a fulfilling career.” The ECN Awards have been designed to recognise the very best of the electrical contracting industry. The electrical contracting industry is vast, and we believe that those who strive to make all sectors of the industry safer, more advanced, more efficient and more sustainable deserve recognition. This is why we have created 20 awards within the following categories: Products, Sustainable Products, Projects, Training and Companies. You can enter your product, project or company for an award here, and to purchase tickets to this not to be missed event, please click here. If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Byne on 01634 673163.