Skills for Security appoints James Gribben as Commercial Director

Skills for Security has appointed James Gribben as its Commercial Director. James’ experience working for leading companies within the sector will prove invaluable in helping the company continue along its growth trajectory, through widening its fire and security customer base in apprenticeships, commercial training and sponsorship, whilst expanding into adjacent markets. David Scott, Managing Director, Skills for Security, says, “We're excited to be welcoming James across to Skills for Security as our commercial director. I have worked closely with James over the last 18 months in his role at the BSIA and can see the value and professionalism he brings to SfS as we look to strengthen our marketing and sales functions.” He will continue to work closely with the BSIA, who own 49.9% of Skills for Security, collaborating on projects for the benefit of both organisations and the wider industry. James is based in the north-west and takes up his post immediately.

Recolight applauds the lighting industry’s adoption of a circular economy

At a press and stakeholder association event, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey applauded the huge steps taken by the lighting industry in adopting a circular economy. Nigel said, “Over the last three years, we have seen a step change in action on the circular economy in the lighting industry - and Recolight has been delighted to be a contributor to that transformation. “Many more lighting industry companies are now active in the circular economy. Our recent lighting remanufacture conference had over 70 attendees. A significant number of producers now actively remanufacture and upgrade existing lighting - rather than just supplying new lighting. That is a huge change, and the needle is moving in the right direction. “At Recolight, we’ve been proud to be a part of this revolution. Over the last three years, our circular economy webinars have been joined by 3,500 attendees, with a further 4,450 listening in afterwards. We have been delighted that over 50 of the lighting industry’s most influential sustainability leaders have presented on the webinars. “In September last year, Circular Lighting Live, the UK’s first conference and exhibition on sustainability in lighting was a sell-out success. We were so delighted with the feedback we have received, that the event will be some 30% bigger in September 2023. What was most heartening was the number of attendees who said that the event had spurred them into action. “We’ve also been thrilled by the take up of our workshops on lighting product design for the circular economy, joined by around 100 attendees from a wide range of lighting manufacturers. For 2023, new workshops will be giving practical guidance on how to validate the sustainability of lighting products.” Commenting on the event, Nigel says, “We have sought to encourage and drive action on the circular economy in the lighting industry, because it is the right thing to do. It is part of our response to the climate crisis, but we are thrilled that it has also contributed to the attractiveness of Recolight as a compliance scheme - we have a record number of companies are considering joining Recolight at the end of 2023.” He concludes, “The changes we are now seeing have only been possible because of the effective partnership approach that has built up across the industry. Recolight are proud members and contributors to the LIA, the ILP, and the SLL, and we are delighted to work collaboratively with our friends and partners in the press.”

Become a Wiser Approved Installer with Drayton’s new virtual training

Ahead of the upcoming heating season, Drayton has further strengthened its training offering with the launch of its new virtual training sessions, which help heating engineers to achieve Wiser Approved Installer status. The new virtual training sessions, hosted by Training Manager James Clark, focus on Drayton’s popular Wiser smart heating control, which can help homeowners save up to £575 on their energy bills. During the session, heating engineers will learn everything from commissioning, set up and troubleshooting, to how Wiser integrates with existing heating systems. Installers will have the opportunity to ask James any technical questions throughout the session, which aims to leave them completely confident with installation and how to get homeowners started with the system. Once complete, installers will get signed up to Drayton’s 9º Network if they’re not already a member, and will have their new Wiser Approved Installer status verified. The first hour-long sessions, which are limited to nine places per date, are set to take place at 7pm on 14, 15, 21 and 22 June. Trade Marketing Manager for Drayton, Clare Weller, says, “At Drayton, we’re always looking for ways to offer added value for our installers. With so many homeowners now looking to invest in system upgrades that will help reduce their energy bills, demand for our Wiser system is higher than ever, so it’s important that installers are clued up on how this solution works. “These new virtual training sessions are a great way for heating engineers and electricians to get valuable time with our training manager, James, to expand their knowledge as well as benefit from becoming a Wiser Approved Installer. With this status, installers can grow their business with leads from our consumer website, obtain extended warranties and get access to a whole range of other perks.”

Miguel Matias joins Naked Energy as Commercial Director

Naked Energy has announced the appointment of Miguel Matias as Commercial Director. With over 25 years of global consulting and executive experience in the energy sector, Miguel will play a crucial role in driving Naked Energy’s expansion. His role focuses on strengthening the business’s foothold in its European and US markets and scaling the production of solar heat technology. Prior to joining Naked Energy, Miguel’s extensive career has seen him manage well over 500GWh of renewable energy projects across four continents and develop expertise in sustainability and a variety of renewable energy technologies, including renewable heat. He spent over 17 years as the CEO of Self Energy Group, the UK’s first decentralised energy services company (ESCO), in which he oversaw renewable energy projects across Europe, Middle East, South America and Africa. Beyond his role at Naked Energy, Miguel is also an angel investor, working with Energy Planet on developing several energy start-ups across the UK, Spain and Portugal. Miguel’s expertise in the sector will help accelerate Naked Energy’s growth and ensure the business grows strategically across key industries of hospitality and leisure, large-scale residential developments as well as industrial process heat. Christophe Williams, the co-founder and CEO of Naked Energy, says, “We’re delighted to announce Miguel’s appointment as Naked Energy’s new Commercial Director. Naked Energy is at a pivotal phase of its journey as we look to grow the business internationally and drive the wider movement to decarbonise heat. “We’re excited to have Miguel as part of the team to provide his expert insights to drive forward our mission to change energy for good.” Miguel says, “I’m thrilled to be a part of Naked Energy’s rapid growth. The team are passionate about accelerating the decarbonisation of heat and have the experience to make the business tremendously successful. I look forward to working with everyone and helping to push the boundaries of clean energy.”

Win with Martindale Electric

Martindale Electric is celebrating 95 years of innovation and service in electrical safety by giving 95 EZ365 socket testers and three iPads as prizes in an online competition. The company is running a prize draw competition until the end of June to win these great prizes, anyone can enter by answering three really easy questions on a special 95th anniversary quiz. “This is a great way to celebrate our 95th anniversary and we want our customers and all test equipment users to have a go at winning these great prizes,” says Steve Dunning, Martindale Electric’s Managing Director. “Everyone who enters gets placed in the draw for the prizes - get entering and good luck.” The EZ365 socket tester is a quick and easy way to test polarity, loop impedance and RCDs (30mA). Featuring red/green LEDs and a buzzer to indicate 28 fault conditions, these products are the first line of defence when it comes to electrical safety. The closing date for entries is 30 June 2023.

Vent-Axia supports Clean Air Day

Vent-Axia is supporting Clean Air Day on 15 June and welcomes the theme ‘clean up our air to look after your mind this #CleanAirDay’. Clean Air Day aims to improve public understanding of air pollution, build awareness of how air pollution affects our health, and explain the easy actions we can all take to tackle air pollution, helping protect the environment and our health. The theme for Clean Air Day 2023 reflects the raft of recent research on how air pollution can affect the brain, leading to an increase in poor concentration, anxiety, depression, and dementia. Researchers from the universities of Oxford, Beijing and Imperial College London, found that even low levels of air pollution can cause depression and anxiety over time. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, followed almost half a million UK adults over 11 years and found that even when air quality was within official limits, those living in areas with higher pollution were more likely to suffer mental health episodes. And as air pollution increased, so did cases of depression and anxiety. The findings suggest a need for stricter limits on air pollution. Indoor air can contain over 900 chemicals, particulates, biological materials, viruses and bacteria. Each of us breathes 9,000l of air a day, so poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can affect the health of everyone in our home. Even naturally occurring CO2 can have an impact on our health with high levels of 2,000-5,000PPM causing headaches, sleepiness, poor concentration, increased heart rate and slight nausea. With this year’s Clean Air Day focusing on how air pollution affects our mental health, the air we breathe indoors is more important than ever. To help protect health in the home, Vent-Axia has been working hard to provide ventilation solutions to improve IAQ for households. For new build homes, Vent-Axia says that its Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system boasts up to 93% heat recovery. A vital part of an MVHR system is its filters. Inside an MVHR unit, fresh incoming air passes through a filter to remove pollen, debris and products of pollution. Meanwhile, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Multivent Plus HX CO2 provides continuous ventilation with CO2 sensing and control abilities. It can help maintain a healthy indoor space by boosting when CO2 levels reach 1,000PPM or purge when 1,500PPM is reached to ensure a constant good indoor air environment free from excess CO2 levels. Ultra quiet and energy efficient too, homeowners can control the unit via an app to ensure the ideal home environment. For private refurbishments, the Vent-Axia PureAir Sense fan is equipped with an odour sensor that increases airflow when the air quality is poor, ensuring a comfortable living environment. Meanwhile, Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units, the Lo-Carbon PoziDry Pro and Lo-Carbon PoziDry Compact Pro, are designed to improve IAQ and prevent moisture build-up within social housing properties, providing a highly effective solution to help landlords control condensation and mould as well as offering high levels of air filtration. Meanwhile, the Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution range is ideal for the deeper refurbishment of properties, including bedrooms and living rooms, and combines continuous ventilation with heat recovery. The range consists of three different dMVHR units, which can be used on a room-by-room basis or used together to help maximise energy savings. dMVHR uses the heat from the stale air that is being extracted to warm up the fresh air that is coming in. Therefore, bringing in fresh but pre-warmed air providing ventilation whilst also saving energy. The range comprises: the Lo-Carbon Heat Save, Lo-Carbon Tempra and Lo-Carbon Calido - by using these units together as a Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution it will help maximise energy savings by introducing heat recovery to the property. And for advanced air purification in the home, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room air purifier cleanses the air removing harmful particles, neutralising bad smells and removing pollen and pet allergens, for a fresher and healthier home. Designed with an advanced six-stage filtration system, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room filters out mould, dust, viruses, PM2.5, VOCs, pet allergens and odours with its High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter removing 99.9% of particles. Vent-Axia has also now extended its air purification range with the Vent-Axia PureAir Room 500 X, for larger homes or commercial premises. Partnering with CodiKoat, who have developed the fastest ISO certified antimicrobial and antiviral coating technology in the world, the PureAir Room 500 X features an advanced seven-stage air cleaning system, offering a healthier and safer environment with its ground-breaking CodiKoat HEPA PLUS filter. This medical grade H13 HEPA filter contains an advanced coating, a unique nano treatment, certified to ISO 18184:2019 (determination of antiviral activity of textile products) by independent labs, which kills 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and fungi within seconds of contact - making it the world’s fastest ISO certified antimicrobial and antiviral HEPA filter. It is vital to combat air pollution to stay physically and mentally healthy. By making some simple changes you can protect yourself and others by ventilating and purifying your home to improve the air you breathe.

DEWALT and McLaren F1 team launch limited-edition collection

DEWALT has launched a limited-edition collection of McLaren Formula 1 team branded power tool, battery, and storage solutions, exclusively available at Screwfix. The limited-edition products include an 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill Driver, Brushless Impact Driver, Brushless Twin Kit, as well as a three-in-one TSTAK Tower, and Pro Backpack. “This exclusive, limited-edition collaboration is an exciting step in the partnership between DEWALT and the McLaren F1 team,” says Mark Woor, EMEA-ANZ Brand Marketing Director for DEWALT. “The world of F1 demands excellence in execution in a highly pressurised working environment, as does the job of construction professionals and tradespeople who work on tough jobsites every day.” As the official tools and storage partner of the McLaren F1 team, the extensive co-branded DEWALT collection gives construction professionals and tradespeople who put their tools to the test day in and day out access to the same range of high functioning, reliable and versatile solutions used by the McLaren F1 team. From drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, to the engineers who prepare cars for racing competitiveness, the McLaren F1 team relies on tough tools that help deliver optimal performance to make the ultimate difference on the track. The new DEWALT McLaren F1 team co-branded collection, includes: McLaren F1 team 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill Driver - DEWALT’s latest and most powerful brushless two speed Hammer Drill Driver delivering up to 90Nm of torque in a compact 177mm body. It comes with two G-Class POWERSTACK batteries that deliver 50% more power. McLaren F1 team 18V XR Brushless Impact Driver - DEWALT’s smallest and most powerful 18V XR impact driver delivering 205Nm of torque in a 100mm compact body and ideal for automotive, industrial and construction applications. It comes with two POWERSTACK batteries that deliver 50% more power. McLaren F1 team 18V XR Brushless Twin Kit - combining a hammer drill driver, impact driver, two POWERSTACK compact batteries, charger and TSTAK Kitbox, the comprehensive collection is designed to cater for all application and storage needs. McLaren F1 team three-in-one TSTAK Tower - a high performing DEWALT storage solution to protect tools, accessories, and fastenings from damage by water and dust. McLaren F1 team Pro Backpack - the tough and versatile DEWALT backpack that is perfect for storing and transporting tools and accessories quickly, safely, and securely. Matt Dennington, Executive Director of Partnerships and Accelerator, McLaren Racing, says, “We are excited to launch this limited edition co-branded collection with DEWALT. Every aspect contributes to performance in Formula 1, and with DEWALT’s tool, battery and storage solutions, our team can continue to develop with innovation and versatility.” Ben Lainton, Screwfix Director of Trading, says, “We are delighted to welcome the exclusive limited-edition DEWALT x McLaren F1 team Tools and storage into Screwfix. We know how important high-quality products and convenience are for busy tradespeople, and this new launch will go even further to help our customers to get their jobs done. To mark this exclusive co-branded collection, these products will be available in an unprecedented all-black and will be available for a limited time only. Customers can also claim a free POWERSTACK Compact battery when purchasing one of the power tools in the range. Customers will find all the information either online or in our new Packed with Power publication.” Win a McLaren F1 Team VIP experience in Las Vegas To celebrate the launch of the new DEWALT McLaren F1 Team range, any purchase of a limited-edition DEWALT x McLaren product between 3 July to the 6 August 2023 can be entered for a chance to win a McLaren F1 Team VIP experience in Las Vegas. Entries are to be submitted here by 20 August 2023.

Toolstation celebrates launch of 97th catalogue with van artist

Toolstation has launched its latest catalogue offering hundreds of new brands, products and offers at amazing value to help customers get renovation-ready for the summer. To celebrate, Toolstation partnered with former handyman turned van artist Ricky Minns, a regular Toolstation customer, to create a piece of art celebrating the new catalogue. Ricky, aka Ruddy Muddy Art, created the artwork by selectively wiping away dirt off the back of his van to reveal Toolstation’s latest catalogue, and posed with Toolstation colleagues outside his local store in Fakenham. The catalogue, which will be available in all 550 Toolstation stores across the UK from 12 June, focuses on helping tradespeople and DIYers get renovation-ready for a season of summer living with a wide selection of landscaping, power tools, painting and decorating, lighting and electrical accessories, workwear, construction products and more, making sure customers can complete the job at hand. Toolstation customers will also be able to access all the new deals and ranges in the catalogue, online and on the Toolstation app. The front cover introduces two new power tools to the DeWALT range, including an 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill (£149.98) and 18V XR Brushless Impact Driver (£149.98), with introductory savings of £120 when purchased together. The catalogue also features savings of up to 15% on Toolstation’s own brand landscaping range, Hawksmoor, which launched 13 new products in March including a selection of new chainsaws, lawnmowers and trimmers. Customers can enjoy up to £70 off a Hawksmoor 166cc 53cm Honda Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower and 15% off a Hawksmoor 1010W 45cm Long Reach Electric Hedge Trimmer 230V. Trade account customers will also be able to benefit from the 5% discount available on every purchased product from the new catalogue, with no minimum spend. Signing up to a trade account, offers customers added support with more efficient financial management, up to 60 days interest-free credit, flexible credit limits and online account management. Customers can apply online or via the app.

Fergus encourages the trade to work smarter and make more money

With material costs on the rise and business insolvencies up 30% from last year, Fergus is encouraging tradespeople to keep a close eye on the amount of profit they are making. Although a seemingly obvious point, many tradespeople just do not have pin point knowledge of how much money they are making that could go towards better living, family holidays and the stuff that really matters. “Working on a 10% net profit means that in a 40-hour week, you are only making money in the last four hours of the week,” explains James Chillman, UK Country Manager. “That is a scary stat, and it means for the rest of the week up until Friday afternoon, you are busy just getting to the break even point." “The way to really boost net profit is to manage costs properly and keep an eye on the profit level on each job,” adds James. “With material costs on the rise and the spectre of inflation still lurking in the background, it really is time to get a handle on your business outgoings and know for sure which jobs are making a good profit, and where you need to take action if profit levels drop.” With Fergus job management software, you can see how a job is tracking and how much it’s making or costing you. It will tell you if a job is running over budget and give you insight into what’s going wrong before you lose your margin. Even before a job even starts, you know how much money you are going to make on it. You can see the state of your jobs and business at a glance using a colour-coded dashboard too. “If you're not using job management software, seeing how your business is performing in certain areas and how profitable individual jobs are can be difficult,” continues James. “We really are on the trades’ side and want them to get to a place where they have the time and money for the more important things in life. Making profit is the key to this - why not let job management software give you a helping hand?”

Powerstar announces SCF Partners as new owners

Powerstar has announced that existing investor, SCF Partners, has taken full ownership of Powerstar. SCF has been a minority shareholder in Powerstar since December 2021, working alongside Powerstar’s founder and majority shareholder Dr Alex Mardapittas. The transaction represents an opportunity to build on the foundations laid by Alex over the past 22 years, and to position Powerstar as a global leader in smart energy solutions. Alex will step down from his chairmanship and as a director of the business, but continue supporting the business as a consultant, utilising his vast experience in the sector to support Powerstar’s continued growth and development. Solon Mardapittas, Chief Executive Officer of Powerstar, comments, “Alex has been the driving force behind Powerstar’s success all these years. His tenacity, knowledge, and vision has taken the business to where it is today, and I’d like to personally thank him for his immense contribution to the business. This further investment and commitment from SCF demonstrates the strength of Powerstar's positioning in the net zero and decarbonisation space. I’m excited to work with SCF in this next phase of our growth story.” Colin Welsh, partner with SCF and Powerstar Board Director, says, “On behalf of SCF I’d like to thank Alex and commend him on building a terrific business which we are pleased to take forward. As we look to the future, we are delighted to have Solon in the CEO role working alongside CFO David Seabridge and the rest of the team. We believe Powerstar’s unique capabilities will be critical in enabling the world to electrify and decarbonise, so with SCF’s support Powerstar can accelerate the deployment of its smart technologies and in doing so help solve the complex power management challenges that need to be overcome to achieve net zero.”