Impact of labour shortages worsen for engineering services

The latest engineering services industry survey, backed by trade bodies ECA, BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF, shows the growing impact rising labour shortages are having on business owners in the sector. This is having a clear knock-on effect on their business performance. Almost half (42%) of respondents said labour shortages were the biggest concern for their businesses - up from a quarter (26%) in Q3 2022, and a third (32%) in Q4 2022. Worries about cashflow and payment times persist - almost a quarter (23%) of respondents expect their turnover to decrease in Q2 2023, and 40% expect it to stagnate. While many respondents’ businesses saw revenues rise over the winter, with 40% reporting an increase in turnover between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, optimism may be offset by the fact that two thirds (59%) of SMEs said that between 1-5% of their turnover is currently being held in retentions - a notable increase from an already worrying 53% when last surveyed in January 2023. ECA Director of Legal and Business Rob Driscoll says, “The construction sector is feeling the impact of events that were set in motion following the Brexit vote, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Right now, we are coming to the end of fixed price contracts which have seen firms squeezed by inflation rates of more than 23% on materials. “Rising interest rates have caused a crash in the private housing sector, inflation has reduced spending in the public sector, and infrastructure costs are being reviewed. Increasingly, payments are being delayed to shore up finances when bank lending becomes unaffordable or unavailable. “SMEs unfortunately sit at the sharp end of these factors. They lack the financial cushioning that allows bigger players to ride out these adverse business conditions. Despite this, the M&E sector remains resilient as RMI increases and construction drops.” BESA Director of Legal and Commercial, Debbie Petford says, "The picture painted by our latest survey illustrates the direct link between cashflow and business optimism. "Retentions and late payment are a serious drag on business growth which is exacerbated by the skills shortage. The fact that firms have a high number of vacancies shows there is plenty of pent-up demand for building services expertise, but firms are struggling to find suitably qualified staff and are too busy chasing payment to be able to fully invest in training, recruitment and staff retention. "As usual, we find ourselves praising contractors' resilience in the face of these challenges, but we need more action from government to address the continuing curse of late payment. Freeing up cashflow would allow SMEs to dedicate more time and resource to things that matter to the wider economy like improving our built environment and delivering net zero.” Over half (54%) of sector businesses reported vacancies in their organisations. When asked why they had trouble filling these vacancies, most businesses (54%) cited an insufficient supply of applicants, followed by a lack of appropriate skills (48%) and unaffordable pay expectations (43%). About the survey 142 engineering services businesses responded to the Q1 2023 Building Engineering Business Survey (BEBS), which asked about their business performance in Q1 2023 and their expectations for Q2 2023 and beyond. The survey was carried out in partnership with industry trade bodies BESA, SELECT, and SNIPEF, who together represent over 6,000 businesses of all sizes across the built environment sector, and was sponsored by Scolmore. The survey ran from 18 April to 2 May.

Dame Judith Hackitt draws crowds at digitalisation and building safety debate

ETIM UK was back at Digital Construction Week 2023 recently, drawing a large audience to the main stage for a panel discussion chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt on the topic of ‘Why standardised product data and building safety are inextricably linked’. The panellists were all senior leaders representing the key players in the construction supply chain: Manufacturer: Nico Van Der Merwe, CEO, Signify UK and Ireland (formerly Philips Lighting) Merchant: Frank Elkins, Chief Operating Officer, Travis Perkins House Builder: Angus Macdonald, Founder and CEO, Galion Major Contractor: Stephen Jeffery, Chief Technical Officer, Mace Introducing the session, Judith emphasised that the UK is moving into a different phase of building safety - that of implementation - with digital technologies being used to support that implementation process, warning too that those businesses which are slow to adapt could be left behind. The key themes emerging from the discussion included: Larger businesses with more digital resources and expertise need to come together to help SMEs digitalise The construction industry needs to focus on collaboration Access to high quality product data is a challenge for businesses Trade bodies are a major force in driving the digitalisation agenda, particularly with reference to the focus on high quality product information Digitalisation is a journey, a continuous partnership, and businesses that do not adapt could be left behind Standards and procedures need to be crystal clear In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, Judith conducted an independent review for the UK Government into building regulations and fire safety. Since publishing her final report in 2018 she has continued to press for regulatory change and for industry culture change. Her recommendations for radical reform of the regulatory system recently received Royal Assent in the Building Safety Act 2022. ETIM is the tried and tested data standard for technical product data adopted by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) since 2019 for building materials, HVAC and plumbing products, and the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) since 2017 for electrotechnical products. John Newcomb, CEO at the BMF says, “We were delighted to see a full house for this important debate on the importance of digitalisation in achieving building safety, and I would like to thank Judith and all four of our panellists for their thoughtful and considered contributions. One of the prime take-aways of the event is the need for collaboration across the whole supply chain to drive change. High quality product data is key to successful digitalisation, and we are working with materials manufacturers and builders’ merchants to adopt ETIM as the standard data model.” Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA adds, “We are very proud of this great example of collaboration between two trade associations with similar goals. The Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA) and the Builders Merchants Federation have been working together since 2020 to help standardise technical product data for the good of the construction sector - the data standard is ETIM and the joint venture is ETIM UK. Today we brought together senior representatives from the supply chain to tell their data stories in a panel discussion at Digital Construction Week. We were exceptionally honoured that Judith agreed to chair our panel discussion that highlighted the importance of accurate, reliable and standardised data to ensure building safety. “The main stage auditorium was packed - standing room only - and the discussion could have gone on for much longer. It was great to see so many other industry colleagues showing their support.”

ARMD agree anti-tool theft partnership with IBMG

ARMD and the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) have entered a partnership that looks set to protect more tradespeople from the terrible effects of tool theft. The partnership will bring ARMD’s all-in-one smart van alarm, tracker and insurance package to IBMG’s builder customers, offering a solution that proactively prevents theft in the first place and gets them back on the tools should the worst happen. IBMG’s brands include some famous independent merchant brands, from Chandlers Building Supplies, Grant & Stone, CRS and Parker Building Supplies to Devondale Electrical Wholesalers, Burns Plumbers Merchants and many more. All of IBMG’s 100,000 customers will benefit from exclusive discounts on the ARMD GUARD security alarm, its dedicated insurance and alarm/insurance bundles. “We are delighted to be working with IBMG,” says Duncan Jackson, Chief Commercial Officer of ARMD. “Tool theft is the scourge of tradespeople that effects 78% of them. Together with IBMG we are protecting their livelihoods with affordable solutions that help prevent theft and quickly reimburse them if the worst happens.” “Tool theft is a risk that many of our customers face, and this fantastic partnership adds value and gives control back to hard working tradespeople when it comes to protecting their livelihoods,” comments Ian Kenny, Group Marketing Director at IBMG. Ian says, “Our partnership with ARMD allows us to offer our customers an affordable product to help mitigate the risk of tool theft. Supported by exclusive discounts for IBMG customers, we hope to offer our hard-working customers increased protection at an affordable price point.” The recently launched ‘plug and play’ ARMD GUARD smart van alarm and tracker and silently watches over tools and in the event of a break-in the alarm triggers a phone call notification. This instant alert allows tradespeople to take immediate action by calling the police and catching thieves in the act while it locates and tracks the van, if it is stolen, with the inbuilt GPS. The ARMD GUARD integrates seamlessly with the ARMD app, which includes a tool inventory that allows tradespeople to keep a record of the value of their tools. The app also provides van security, insurance, tool and van location all in one place, all working together to bring a superior layer of protection to a tradesperson’s livelihood.

Gear up for summer on-site with Carhartt’s range of work shorts

As the sun starts to shine and the days grow warmer, it's time to change from those heavy work trousers into something more comfortable: work shorts. But not just any shorts will do. You need something that's tough and flexible, built to withstand the rigours of a hard day's work while still allowing you to move with ease. That's where Carhartt's range of work shorts comes in. Its Utility Work Shorts (104352) and Canvas Work Shorts (103111) are both made for working on-site. Made with Rugged Flex technology that provides extra flexibility in all the right places, you can crouch, crawl, bend, and kneel without feeling restricted. And with triple-stitched main seams, these shorts are built to last. Carhartt says that what really sets the Utility Work Shorts apart is their pockets. They are plentiful enough to hold all of your tools, phones, coins, and more, and to ensure they will withstand constant use, the high-wear areas, including pocket edges, are reinforced with tough Cordura material. The fabric of the Canvas Work Shorts is not only comfortable, but it washes well and looks great too. And thanks to Stain Breaker technology, these shorts are stain-resistant, meaning they're made to get dirty but come up sparkling, looking new for longer. The Utility Work Shorts are a relaxed fit with 11in inside leg and come in black or steel. The Canvas Work Shorts have a 10in inside leg and are available in black, navy or dark khaki. In these Carhartt's work shorts, you'll be comfortable, flexible, and ready to tackle any job that comes your way this summer.

CEF strengthens sustainability and social value with new appointments

CEF has strengthened its commitment to sustainability and social value by adding two senior appointments to its team. Paul Thomas joins CEF as Head of Environmental Sustainability, reporting to Connor Dalton, Director of ESG and Sustainability. Paul will lead, coordinate and implement the environmental goals of CEF’s sustainability strategy across its UK sites. He will also be responsible for environmental topics including CEF’s commitment to become carbon net zero by 2040. Paul says, “I am looking forward to implementing real world environmental improvements to this exciting company to help make us a world-class sustainability leader within our industry.” Paul will be working in close partnership with fellow new appointee Nathalie Ritchie in her role as Head of Sustainable Supply Chain. Working in partnership with CEF’s procurement and category management teams, Nathalie will support the business to develop and deliver an ambitious sustainable supply chain strategy that ensures compliance with legislation, industry standards and growing customer requirements. Nathalie will be responsible for the co-ordination of CEF’s EcoVadis supply chain programme as well as social topics such as human rights, modern slavery and factory working conditions. Nathalie says, “I am truly excited about this new challenge and the opportunity to make a significant and positive impact.”

Balfour Beatty awarded £42m Little Horsted substation contract

Balfour Beatty has announced that it has been awarded a £42 million contract by National Grid to construct the Little Horsted substation grid supply point (GSP) in east Sussex. The two-year contract will see Balfour Beatty design and build a new 400kV substation as well as two new terminal towers which will support electrical conductors transmitting high-voltage electricity to the Little Horsted substation GSP. Once complete, the new substation will form a key part of National Grid’s Little Horsted Connection Project, which will allow local electricity distributer, UK Power Networks, to connect with the National Grid - improving the electricity supply in east Sussex. Balfour Beatty will look to engage a workforce from the local, surrounding area and will also plant approximately 500 trees during the construction programme. Ian Currie, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission and Distribution business says, “As one of the leading high voltage substation suppliers in the UK, we are perfectly positioned to deliver the Little Horsted substation GSP. “Building on our longstanding and successful relationship with National Grid, this latest contract will see us improve the power supply in east Sussex, and help provide the UK with the grid connectivity required to meet increased future demand.” Works are due to commence in early 2024 with completion expected in Autumn 2025. At peak, the project will employ a workforce of up to 120 people including a number of apprenticeship and graduate positions.

KNIPEX launches the Robust26 Move tool case

Transport all of your tools safely and reliably with the Robust26 Move tool case from KNIPEX. Made of impact-resistant polypropylene, this case is fit-to-fly, temperature-resistant, dustproof and waterproof, ideal for even the most demanding tasks and toughest of operating conditions. When you need to move lots of tools safely, KNIPEX says that the new Robust26 Move tool case (00 21 33 LE) is perfect. With an extendable, ergonomic handle, smooth-running wheels and an automatic pressure compensation valve, it is great for plane, train or van. It is also impact resistant thanks to its tough polypropylene shell and is temperature-stable from -30-80°C. The interior of this case consists of 19 tool pockets, 61 straps and a document compartment. The tool boards with the tool pockets and straps are made from dirt-repellent PP twin-wall sheets, while the lockable base tray can be divided individually using an aluminium divider system. Magnetic recesses offer a practical storage area for small items and there is an integrated padlock fitting to keep all your tools secure. This robust case is available empty or with equipment for the electrical or HVAC sector. The Robust26 Move electrical tool case (00 21 33 E), is equipped with 16 KNIPEX tools, a total of 22 branded tools, and is partially VDE tested according to DIN EN 60900. For HVAC professionals, the Robust26 Move sanitary tool case (00 21 33 S) has been designed with 12 KNIPEX tools - a total of 17 branded tools. It is also partially VDE tested according to DIN EN 60900. If required, several cases can be conveniently stacked.

HellermannTyton makes a mark with a bespoke solution

Small but mighty, HellermannTyton’s permanent marking solution, the TipTag5, can help engineers identify even the smallest wires and cables in the most challenging of environments. The cable management specialist has designed the 5.5mm high by 50mm long cable marker to ensure compatibility with the requirements of the telecoms industry. For instance, it is halogen-free for use in data centres. An evolution of HellermannTyton’s original TipTag solution, the business recognises that these would be too large for bespoke use in telecoms and in data centres. Ideal for marking wire and cable bundles, the TipTag5 range provides two rows of printable tags, offering customers a quicker and more efficient printing process. And for optimal print quality and longevity, the tags can be printed either on or off-site using HellermannTyton’s premium range of thermal transfer printers and ribbons. Mary Arrowsmith, Product Manager for HellermannTyton, comments, “We are delighted to introduce the TipTag5 to the telecoms industry. As a business, we are always looking for ways to improve our solutions to best suit the needs of our customers. In the world of telecoms, we identified that our standard TipTags would be too large and impractical for their needs, so we have designed the TipTag5 as a bespoke identification solution which can cover small to large cables, complementing our existing range and meeting requirements for small data cables. “As well as providing easy identification, its perforated design, with fastening slots for cable ties, ensures secure labelling, we have also included a wrap-around feature that tops the cable ties from being secured too tightly to prevent damaging the fibre cables.” Manufactured from a specially compounded halogen-free material, the TipTag5 is designed for use where limited fire hazard properties are required, and can operate in temperatures ranging from 40-90ºC, making it suitable for challenging environments.

Sean Smyth becomes ECA President

The new President of the ECA has been announced as business leader and electrical engineer, Sean Smyth. Sean recently celebrated 50 years in the electrical industry, having begun his career as a JIB apprentice in 1973 and progressing to become CEO of WT Parker Group. During Sean’s tenure as CEO, he grew the business from £27m to £80m turnover, developing a diverse business in niche markets and forming key client partnerships. The business was acquired by Edwin James Group in 2017 and rebranded as EJ Parker Technical Services (Central), with Sean remaining as a director on the board. Sean became an active member of the ECA in 1995. Sean takes over the ECA presidency from Steve Murray. During the last 12 months, Steve played a critical role in guiding ECA as it supported its members through difficult times, including economic uncertainty around the pandemic, materials and labour shortages, and price volatility. Sean comments, “I’m delighted to be taking over this prestigious role, representing ECA as an industry advocate and business leader. Our industry faces significant challenges, but I am determined to support ECA’s members and the wider industry to maximise every opportunity in the next 12 months. “I want to use my time to enable every member to grow their business, prosper in this uncertain business climate, and be aware of all new initiatives though clear communication and ongoing support.” ECA Presidential team The full ECA presidential team for 2023/24 is as follows: President - Sean Smyth Senior Vice President - Stuart Smith Vice President - Ruth Devine Immediate Past President - Steve Murray ECA CEO, Steve Bratt, adds, “We are delighted to announce Sean as our new ECA President. The entire ECA team looks forward to working with Sean to further develop what the ECA delivers for its members, and in support of the wider engineering services sector. “With Sean at the helm, ECA will continue to push the industry towards better skills and competence, safer buildings, and a greener sector as we move towards net zero. “I would also like to welcome long-standing ECA advocate Stuart to the role of Senior Vice President, Ruth as Vice President, and finally to thank Steve for his vital contributions to ECA’s national and regional activity during the past year, and his support for the ECA team.” The new ECA Presidential team was confirmed on 17 May 2023.

Knightsbridge sees Part M in anthracite and white

Knightsbridge has recently compiled a collection of wiring accessories ideally suited to environments where meeting Part M of the Building Regulations is a concern. The collection covers safety, ease of use and hygiene, encompassing anti-bacterial switches and sockets and accessories dedicated for those with disabilities. At the heart of the Part M range is colour-contrasted, outboard rocker sockets, and high contrast and wide-rocketed switches for both lighting and appliances. To assist people with visual impairments, socket chassis come in a striking anthracite finish with white rockers for contrast. This range satisfies recommendations that switches contrast with front plates, which in turn contrast with walls. By mounting the rockers on the sockets’ outboard edges, the risk of an accidental disconnection or contact with live pins is greatly reduced. Both one and two-gang sockets are available. Two-way light switches - again in anthracite and white - come with single or two-gang wide rockers, or in a traditional narrow format in one, two or three-gangs. Other switches are available for fan isolation, hobs, ovens and 13A fused spurs, with and without neons. Other products in Knightsbridge’s range that lend themselves to Part M applications include pull-cord operated switches to assist the less-able, and a series of data and media modules. At a time of enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, whether in the home or workplace, the moulded range of Part M products from Knightsbridge also possess anti-bacterial properties that can help in the fight against disease and infection. Tested to ISO 22196: 2011, the range is produced using Urea Formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material which has properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and makes a positive contribution to reducing instances of common bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella Pneumoniae and E-Coli and Salmonella. In addition, Knightsbridge’s precision manufacturing methods result in fine, scratch free faces - avoiding dirt traps in which harmful microscopic organisms might lodge. The range’s high gloss, high quality materials’ resistance to scratching helps maintain product appearance over the longer term too. Knightsbridge says that the collection is guaranteed for 25 years (two years on electronic products).