eFIXX to host panel discussions at EI Live!

This year’s EI Live! has something exciting in store for electrical contractors/electricians – eFIXX will be hosting two panel discussions in the event’s Technical Theatre. Smart Home Installer Secrets The first panel discussion takes place 11.30-12.40 on 13 September and focuses on Smart Home Installer Secrets. Discover insider tips for guaranteed smart home success from a panel of expert installers. Learn what truly hooks customers, which cutting-edge technologies are trending (and which to avoid). Plus, get the scoop on the latest emerging applications that will take your smart home installation game to the next level. Panellists include Alex Sime, Neo Electrical Solutions and Craig Gifford, Gifford Electrical. The session will be Chaired by Gary Hayers, Editor of eFIXX. Is Wireless the Future of Smart Home Installation? The second panel discussion is being held 11.30-12.40 on 14 September and asks the question, Is Wireless the Future of Smart Home Installation? Find out more about the future of wireless technology for smart homes through the eyes of an expert panel. They'll explore the question on everyone's mind: can it match professional standards for reliability? Plus, the panel will delve into the exciting new Matter wireless communication standard and its impact on the smart home industry. Panellists for this session include Ray Molony, Editor, Designing Lighting Global; Peter Broome, Rako Lighting Controls; Michael Gorman; and CEDIA. This session will also be chaired by eFIXX Editor, Gary Hayers. EI Live! takes place at Farnborough Exhibition Centre on 13-14 September 2023. The exhibition is the main event for the residential AV and home automation industry, including smart products from the world of electrical contracting. So, if you want to increase your chances of success in the smart building market then look no further than attending EI Live! and one of the exclusive sessions created by eFIXX. To register your attendance for FREE at this world-class event, and to secure your seat in one or both of the above sessions, please click here.

Double award win for Aico

Aico received the award for Customer Service Excellence on 14 June from the ASCP Safety and Compliance Awards. In addition to this achievement, Aico was honoured with the Fire Safety Manufacturer of the Year award at the Fire and Security Matters Awards on 15 June. The ASCP Safety and Compliance Awards recognise the achievements of inspirational individuals and organisations working within social housing and facilities management sectors. Aico were proud to be the headline sponsor. The Customer Service Excellence award was in recognition of Aico’s outstanding customer service, from implementing successful customer service strategies to going above and beyond for its customers. Aico were also the headline sponsor of The Fire and Security Matters Awards, which celebrate innovation and achievements in the fire and security sectors. The award for Fire Safety Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to Aico in acknowledgement of excelling in its commitment to innovation and dedication to delivering products and services to the highest possible standard. The Fire and Security Matters Awards were hosted by well-known comedian Hugh Dennis and had over 450 guests in attendance. Andrew Sturgess, National Specification Manager at Aico, comments, "These awards are a recognition of our commitment to excellence and passion for innovation. We are always looking for ways to improve our products and services, and we are constantly striving to be the best that we can be.”

Octopus Energy creates solar street with east London community

Octopus Energy has completed work on its first ever community solar energy installation in Walthamstow, east London. Project ‘POWER STATION’, started by Walthamstow-based artists Hilary Powell and Daniel Edelstyn, aims to install solar panels on as many houses as possible in one street to create their own local green power station. The initiative lets residents generate clean electricity that benefits them and their local community, save money on their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. Hilary and Daniel crowdfunded £113,000 by sleeping on their rooftop and have used this to offer Lynmouth Road residents in Walthamstow, east London, subsidised solar installations via Octopus Energy. The partnership started in June and in just one week Octopus has completed the installation of solar panels on all 13 houses that have joined the project so far with the potential to expand to 30 homes in total. The solar panels will aim to reduce bills by a third. The houses who join the ‘POWER STATION’ will also see an average carbon reduction of 70% and help reduce costs for all bill payers by decreasing demand on the grid. The vision of ‘POWER STATION’ matches Octopus Energy's commitment to building greener, fairer power and this is an opportunity for Octopus to test the viability of further community-led solar projects in the future. Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy Group, comments, "This project fills me with so much joy and pride - it’s a powerful example of the tremendous impact people can have in accelerating the green energy revolution. “Hilary and Dan didn’t come from the energy industry, and yet they found a way to help their community move to green power and massively reduce their energy bills. We are delighted to have joined forces.”

BCIA membership total passes 150 members

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has welcomed 12 new members to the organisation in the second quarter of 2023, taking the total number of members to more than 150 for the first time ever. The joining companies are Vexo International, Trinity Controls, Westminster Controls, Airthings, Bonney & Jarman, Carbon Numbers, DMS Metering Solutions, Eaton Electric, Sterling Controls, Novus Controls, Metric Services Leicester and Defined Technical. The BCIA aims to promote the use of building controls as a key factor in the operational efficiency of buildings. Its members span the full range of companies operating in the building controls and building energy management systems (BEMS) sector, including system integrators and manufacturers. On behalf of its members, the BCIA has built strong relationships with the trade press, other associations and the government. Members have exclusive access to the BCIA Market Information Service (MIS), which provides unique data on the UK controls industry for BCIA members. Marc Gaunt, Segment Manager, Commercial and Industrial Buildings at Eaton Electric, says, "Eaton’s goal is to improve the quality of life and the environment around us, helping integrators and in turn their clients to expand their knowledge, experience and benefits of energy transition technologies. We are delighted to be joining the BCIA and look forward to working with them to help build a sustainable future." Paul Hanrahan, Director at VEXO International, comments, “The BCIA shares our goal to assist with the mitigation of global warming by offering long term sustainable design and product solutions. Protecting the environment is at the heart of our company and we look forward to working with our fellow members to achieve this.” BCIA President, Graeme Rees, says, “I’d like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest members. The make-up of our membership today is roughly 14% large corporation and manufacturers with 70% being small-medium enterprises. We are also seeing growth in very small businesses, of less than four employees who now make up 15% of our membership base. “To ensure the BCIA appropriately reflects the shape and make up of our industry it is really important that as many of our members as possible contribute to BCIA activities wherever they can.”

Simply Certification becomes the newest MCS certification body

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has welcomed Simply Certification, its newest contractor certification body (CB), for the installation of small-scale renewables. Simply Certification is the second CB appointed by MCS since 2022. It now offers MCS certification alongside APHC, NICEIC, HETAS, OFTEC, NAPIT and the IAA. Since becoming UKAS (UK Accreditation Service) accredited in April to assess contractors to MCS standards, Simply’s client base of over 200 construction organisations and any new clients it attracts can now gain MCS certification to install low-carbon technologies to the highest standards. It is now licensed under MCS to deliver assessments for air source heat pumps (ASHP) ground/water source heat pumps (G/WSHP), solar PV and solar heating technologies. Simply Certification is recognised for its ethos around quality and supportive approaches to certification, MCS accreditation complements its existing offering which benefits from its industry partnerships. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, says, “We are pleased to broaden our selection of certification bodies and increase choice for contractors who want to gain MCS certification by welcoming Simply Certification to the scheme. “Simply Certification join us at an exciting and pivotal time in MCS’s history as we launch our Scheme Redevelopment Consultation. This is inviting views on proposals to transform the way that the scheme operates. Simply Certification will allow MCS to expand our industry reach, and help us to champion quality and grow the number of MCS certified contractors.” Alexandra Gates, Managing Director at Simply Certification, says, “We’re delighted to gain UKAS accreditation to certify contractors against the MCS standards. We’ve worked exceptionally hard to put in place an MCS assessor infrastructure that ensures the highest degrees of responsiveness and have a wide-reaching base of assessors stretching from Scotland down to the Isle of Wight. This latest achievement is a testament to the amazing team we have at Simply Certification. “Our mission is to be the certification body of choice for businesses that operate within the built environment sector, and we continue to make progress towards that ambition. Over the last few months, we’ve been working closely with a range of stakeholders to help grow the UK retrofit supply chain and a number of our projects are coming to fruition making the pathway to certification and compliance a much smoother process.” Richard Wiffen, Scheme Manager at Simply Certification, adds, “We’re uniquely positioned in that our focus and expertise is within the built environment - particularly around sustainability - delivering a range of ISO standards as well as PAS 2030 and now MCS Certification. This latest accreditation will add enormous value for our customers.”

Hardwearing tool bags and rolls: Carhartt has tool storage covered

Experience convenience and durability on-site with Carhartt's Water Repellent Tool Bag and Tool Roll. When it comes to keeping your tools organised and accessible, these hardwearing, reliable companions have got you covered. Carhartt’s Water Repellent Tool Bag (B0000352) is a beast of a tool bag, says its maker. With a 16in main zip compartment, it has 30 pockets to house all your valuable tools. Made from 100% polyester and incorporating Rain Defender technology, this bag repels water, keeping your kit safe and dry in bad weather. With an inner metal frame ensuring rock-solid robustness and an abrasion-resistant base for extra durability, this tool bag is built to withstand tough conditions while keeping your tools easily accessible. If you’re looking for something more compact, try the Carhartt Water Repellent and Abrasion Resistant Tool Roll (B0000355). This utility roll has 18 slip-in pockets of various sizes, keeping your tools organised. No more fumbling around for loose screws or bolts - two zip pockets provide secure storage, three large side pockets offer ample space for your bulkier essentials while the dual side release buckle closure ensures they stay snug and secure. Made from abrasion-resistant material and fortified with Rain Defender technology, this tool roll withstands light rain, offering protection for your gear. With their rugged construction, abundance of pockets, and Rain Defender technology, these Carhartt storage solutions ensure your kit remains organised, accessible, and safe from the elements. They are the ultimate choice for professionals who demand excellence.

Combine but separate the old from the new with Hamworthy

To help support the installation of its new Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler onto existing heating systems, Hamworthy Heating has announced its latest range of Plate Heat Exchangers, for increased boiler protection and performance. Energy efficient boilers are now the industry standard, but this can be an issue when integrating a new condensing boiler into an existing system and pipework. Challenges to consider are potential un-controlled leaks from existing systems, causing raw oxygenated water to be constantly added to the system. This further adds to the corrosion of the system and boilers creating problems from blocking heat exchangers with suspended solids and corrosion problems from system metals. To bridge the gap between old and new systems, the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler is now available with a range of easy-to-install AHRI certified plate heat exchangers to protect the new boilers from old systems. Plate heat exchangers separate the boiler from a secondary circuit (existing system). This prevents the risk of debris from entering the boiler, which could result in expensive maintenance intervals or even operational failure. Furthermore, as limescale and system debris can block heat exchanger waterways by utilising a plate exchanger, overall system efficiency is optimised, and the investment of the new boiler is protected. Featuring a brazed design with no need for gaskets or supporting equipment, the latest range of plate heat exchangers from Hamworthy Heating offers a compact solution to maximise valuable plant room space and keep the boilers operating at maximum efficiency helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint whilst protecting your investment. Featuring a large surface area with thin plates to provide efficient heat transfer, the latest plate heat exchangers from Hamworthy also help to reduce energy consumption, which in turn, can help to lower energy costs. The Stratton mk3 boiler features a 5:1 turndown ratio, pre-mix burner technology for clean operation with ErP Class 6 NOx emissions, and up to 97% gross seasonal efficiency. Offering exceptional system tolerance, the Stratton mk3 is backed by a five-year heat exchanger warranty. Available in seven different outputs from 40-150kW, the Stratton mk3, which is available with a range of easy-to-install AHRI certified plate heat exchangers, can be cascaded to meet building demands or larger installations more effectively. In these applications, plate heat exchangers can also be used as a pressure break, where heating, water service, or chilled water is being pumped up multiple storey heights or in the case of older tank fed systems allows for the hydraulic separation of new to old.

Women in trade: construction is hungry for new talent

When asked what an average skilled trades worker looks like, many will automatically picture the stereotypical tradesman. But this comes as no surprise because despite the growing interest, women continue to be outnumbered across the UK construction sector while the industry faces a growing skills gap. According to the latest ONS figures, of the 2.1 million people currently employed in the construction industry, only 15% are women. However, Trade-Up's most recent independent survey - conducted by Censuswide across the UK - reveals that 31% of individuals are likely to consider becoming a tradesperson. Notably, this trend extends to women, with one in four open to skilled trades. The benefits of women pursuing a career in trade For women (and men), there are practical barriers which stand in the way of enabling adult learners to pivot into a career in trade. These include limited routes to entry as well as costly and time-consuming training programmes. But as the country faces a huge labour shortage, now is a fantastic opportunity for the industry to pave the way for adults and future generations who think a trade career could be for them. This can be achieved by delivering quality training and providing a network filled with opportunities. “The construction and trade industries are hungry for talent, and there is a clear appetite to pursue a career in this space. The focus now is on shattering the glass ceiling and bridging the divide to build an industry that is not only inclusive, but welcoming,” says Melanie Waters, Managing Director of Trade-Up. Exploring the reasons behind the growing interest in trade, our survey revealed the following topped the list of key motivations: Flexibility (38%) Good salary prospects (32%) A growing sector (30%) Stability (30%) Respondents who are not satisfied with their current career are particularly attracted to the sector’s flexibility and salary prospects. Yet aside from the practical barriers, confidence was deemed the biggest obstacle for 53% of women, with the perception of not having the right skills or meeting industry stereotypes.

New opportunities announced by UK Power Networks’ DSO

UK Power Networks has launched more opportunities for organisations to provide electricity flexibility across London, the east and south east to help free up almost 100MW of electrical capacity. Last month UK Power Networks launched its Distribution System Operator (DSO) to help enable the uptake of low carbon technologies like electric vehicles, heat pumps and renewable energy generation, quicker and at lower cost. With electricity demand forecasted to double by 2050, finding smart and flexible ways to provide the power needed, been identified as a vital way to help the country meet its net zero targets. It can make a significant difference to shift the times when electricity is made or used, for example, by charging an electric vehicle in the morning rather than in the evening to even out the peaks and troughs of energy use. In the last financial year UK Power Networks attracted 37 organisations to provide 1,467MW of flexible electrical capacity. Now UK Power Networks’ DSO is looking for new providers to support flexibility in 22 zones through the provision of 98MW of capacity. It is offering organisations unprecedented benefits, including low minimum capacity thresholds, flexible metering requirements and high levels of support from its in-house team. UK Power Networks is aiming to save £410 million on what would have been required on upgrading its network to 2028, through developing and supporting flexibility markets. Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Director of DSO says, “Flexibility is at the heart of a smart, affordable energy system. We’re seeing increasing participation in the marketplace and are keen to open it up to even more providers, offering new income streams while delivering tangible benefits to our customers.” Archy de Berker, Co-Founder of Axle Energy, says, “Flexibility is a fast-growing market and offers a tremendous opportunity for new entrants to get involved. UK Power Networks’ dedicated flexibility team have been hugely supportive and we're excited to work closely with them to unlock new sources of domestic energy flexibility.”

JTL shortlisted at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

JTL has been shortlisted in the annual Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards alongside three of its apprentices - Mazidur, Jordan and Josh. The awards, which take place in October, highlight the achievements of multicultural apprentices and the contribution of the employers and learning providers who assisted them. As a result of its continued pledge to better support diversity in its associated industries, JTL has been shortlisted for a Learning Provider of the Year Award. It now hopes to put a spotlight on each of its apprentices’ unique stories that led to their own successes. Mazidur Rahman, 25, was born in Bangladesh before his parents brought him to the UK where he trained as an electrical apprentice. Maz currently supports his family overseas and will finish his apprenticeship early next year. He is shortlisted as an Engineering and Manufacturing finalist. Jordan Jeremiah Campbell, 23, is a local figure in his part of Kent. A semi-professional footballer and currently practicing following the completion of his apprenticeship. Jordan has been shortlisted as a Construction Services finalist. Joshua Singh Samra, 23, completed his apprenticeship in 2022 after entering the field as a gas engineering apprentice. He’s routinely given back to his community and been shortlisted for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year. JTL continues to celebrate multicultural apprentices as part of its efforts to encourage better diversity across the industry. A report from 2019 indicated that 74% of Millennials, who will make up 75% of the population by 2025, believe a workplace is more innovative when the culture is more inclusive. Diverse workforces are more attractive to would-be employers and customers as they demonstrate a more accurate representation of society as a whole. Similarly, diverse workforces note improved productivity through the utilisation of newer, wider perspectives. Julie Asher-Smith, Director of Human Resources at JTL, says, “We are exceedingly proud of all of our apprentices who have been shortlisted for these awards, and we find this a fantastic opportunity to put a spotlight on the wonderful stories we so often hear of our multicultural apprentices at JTL. “It is paramount that we champion a more diverse workforce. Not only does this create opportunities for more people, but there is also a demonstrably positive effect for the companies that subscribe to external schemes like ‘Committed 2 Equality’ and internal Equality and Diversity Impact Measures (EDIM), just as we do here at JTL.”