Energy & Utility Skills appoints Non-Executive Directors

Energy & Utility Skills has appointed Graham Dalton FREng and Pam Vick as Non-Executive Directors. A chartered civil engineer with a long executive career, Graham brings a deep level of engineering and industry knowledge to the Energy & Utility Skills board. Graham previously spent seven years as Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, leading the transition to Highways England; and six years as Chief Executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, where he led a major turnaround in performance. Graham’s earlier career was spent with consulting engineer Mouchel on the design of ports and power stations in the UK, Middle East and far east and several years with contractor Bovis on project management of major capital programmes. Currently, Graham is also a Non-Executive Director at Scottish Water. Pam is a non-executive director, commercial business development advisor, and strategic consultant to boards. She is a NED on the board of independent news media regulator IMPRESS, where she also chairs the Business Development and Communications Committee, and sits on the Audit and Finance Committee. In addition, Pam is a NED on the board of Hendeca Group, a Trustee of the British Ecological Society, has a seat on an advisory board for the charity DEBRA, is a member of the Chairman’s Network, and has contributed to advertising effectiveness textbooks and articles. She is also an ambassador for Women on Boards UK and one of Boardroom Advisors’ most experienced advisors, an organisation that provides part-time CEOs, exec directors and NEDs internationally. Phil Beach CBE, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills, says, “Graham and Pam are deeply experienced and highly regarded professionals with a wide breadth of leadership roles to draw from. “I’m delighted to welcome Graham and Pam to the board of Energy & Utility Skills and very much look forward to working with them both.” Jan Ward CBE, Chair of Energy & Utility Skills, says, “It’s a really exciting time for Energy & Utility Skills as we work with industry to support the drive to net zero and encourage environmental improvement, while also providing essential services. “Graham brings considerable experience, as an engineer and as a leader, to help us in our endeavours while Pam’s commercial experience and wider diversity and inclusion work will equip us well to deliver our new strategy. “Importantly, they also share a passion for and appreciation of the importance of skills to our industry, and are a welcome addition to our board.” Graham says, “I am pleased to have been appointed as Non-Executive Director for Energy & Utility Skills. “Making sure that our energy and utilities workforces are safe, skilled, and sustainable is vital for the future of the UK’s infrastructure, and I look forward to being able use my previous experience to do my part working with the Energy & Utility Skills board.” Pam concludes, “I am looking forward to taking up my role and contributing to the continuing efforts of Energy & Utility Skills to diversify and strengthen the sector workforce.”

Baxi parent company BDR Thermea appoints new COO

BDR Thermea has appointed Luigi La Morgia as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Luigi will join the Management Board and report directly to CEO Bertrand Schmitt. Luigi brings over 20 years of experience in general management, operations and supply chain in large multinationals, including at Ducati, Fiat Powertrain, and most recently Whirlpool, where he served as Vice President Manufacturing and Supply Chain EMEA. In this time, Luigi has been involved in successful company integration processes, supply chain turnaround and world class manufacturing development. In his position as COO, Luigi will be responsible for group-wide procurement, supply chain and manufacturing, to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of BDR Thermea Group’s operations for its customers. This includes the UK-based customers served by Baxi and its brands, both in the residential and commercial sectors. “I am thrilled to join a company whose values I so strongly identify with,” says Luigi. “As part of its ‘sustainable future’ value, BDR Thermea Group has ambitious plans to lead the energy transition in residential and office buildings. And in line with the group’s ‘customer focus’ value, I’m looking forward to developing the efficient and effective operations needed to deliver on changing customer demand. I’m a firm believer in ‘one team’, BDR Thermea’s third value. This is how we get things done, showing that teamwork truly makes the difference.” CEO Bertrand Schmitt says, “To match the robustness of our ambitions, we need strong leadership to guide us in the right direction. We feel very fortunate to have Luigi joining us in the new role of COO, with his wealth of experience helping us to further develop our future-ready operations for the exciting times that lie ahead.”

Octopus Energy report reveals how to speed up green grid connection

Queue-jumping, sunset clauses and a data-driven can-do attitude are simple ways to connect renewables to the grid faster, a new report by Octopus Energy’s generation arm outlines. Increasing competition in the connection process and greater collaboration between developers are the other two areas that will help unleash Britain’s colossal green energy potential. Implementing this five-point-plan could unlock new wind and solar farms with clean electricity for around 2.5 million homes - covering the electricity needs for households in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds combined every year. The report by Octopus’ generation arm - who manage £6 billion of renewable and energy transition projects - is much needed. The UK has one of the longest power grid connection queues in Europe, with over 200GW of wind and solar projects currently waiting to get connected. More urgency is needed to tackle this, as highlighted by a recent government committee report showing how the UK is jeopardising fossil-free targets due to slow grid connection issues. Connecting more wind and solar farms will deliver homegrown cheaper energy to British homes and drive down energy costs, as renewable energy like wind and solar continue to be the cheapest sources of energy with prices plummeting in the last decade. The recommendations from the new report 'End the Gridlock' are drawn from Octopus’ own renewables development experience and from investments from the funds it manages. The five-point-plan to speed up grid connection times for renewable projects: Proactive queue jumping to connect renewable projects that are further along Enforce sunset clause on grid offers so old fossil fuels don’t take up space A more transparent can-do attitude with data and the tech driving it, creating ‘zones’ ripe for developing renewables quickly Increase competition in the grid connection process Enable collaboration between developers to share and reduce connection costs Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, says, “To accelerate Britain’s colossal renewable energy opportunity and drive down energy bills fast, we need to connect cheap green projects to the grid quicker. There’s no time to waste in an energy crisis - we need to end the gridlock now. “The single biggest blocker to renewables is waiting to connect to the grid, so we’ve identified quick wins that can genuinely make a difference today and connect wind and solar farms at pace. If we act fast, we can reduce reliance on expensive, polluting fossil fuels, and jump-start a cheaper, greener energy future for British homes and businesses.”

CEF announced as the second ECN Awards sponsor

Electrical Contracting News is delighted to announce City Electrical Factors (CEF) as the second sponsor of the ECN Awards. CEF will sponsor the Sustainable Products category, which comprises the Electrical Vehicle Charging Product of the Year, Power Product of the Year, and Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year awards. The ECN Awards are being held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry on 30 November 2023. CEF is the expert supplier of electrical products and services for professional buyers and installers all over the UK. CEF offer the largest range of products including leading brands and value alternatives, alongside specialist knowhow, friendly advice and support that’s the best in the industry. Established in 1951, privately owned CEF has a UK national network of more than 390 stores and the business now extends to the USA, Canada, Ireland, Spain and Australia. Customers can place online orders for next working day delivery at cef.co.uk with access to more than 38,000 products from over 300 leading suppliers. To find out more about CEF go to cef.co.uk. Sustainability and the environment is something CEF cares very deeply about, which is why the company is excited to be sponsoring the Sustainability Products category at the ECN Awards. 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. Please visit the Awards website to enter your company or project for an award and to purchase tickets to this not to be missed event. If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Byne on 01634 673163.

Burg-Wächter provides all-round security for homes

The BURGcam Light 3010 from Burg-Wächter combines four essential functions into one camera that allows users to monitor their property at any time, from anywhere. A winning combination Combining a smart LED floodlight, video camera, motion detector and intercom function, the sleek and stylish BURGcam LIGHT 3010 is easily set up and operated via the free secuENTRY key app. The BURGcam LIGHT 3010 features a 110° view angle, full HD quality and infrared night vision, ensuring a good view even in the dark (up to 10m). What’s more, the integrated microphone and loudspeaker mean that users can communicate remotely with callers to the door via the app. In addition, the BURGcam LIGHT 3010 supports the Alexa Echo Spot or Echo Show 5/8/10. If motion is detected, a push notification is immediately sent to the user’s phone with the app allowing them to see who is there, whilst even greater security footage can also be recorded by inserting an SD card (available separately). Modern and discrete, but also tough and robust (waterproof to IP65 standard and operates in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C) the BURGcam LIGHT 3010 is easy to install and align thanks to its ball joint mounting and comes complete with a 12V dc power supply unit. Combining four essential features - floodlight, camera, motion detector and intercom - in one product, the BURGcam LIGHT 3010 gives users convenience and the peace of mind when it comes to smart home security.

Ansell Lighting launches S16 catalogue

Ansell Lighting has launched its latest product catalogue - S16 - with 1,500 new product lines, including new specialist healthcare products and an LED strip lighting range. While the company - which recently received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation - has a raft of new products, it is also reducing the number of SKUs across a large number of ranges, as part of its sustainability drive and commitment to the environment. By making changes to key products - such as adding power selectability and CCT, or removing drivers - the number of SKUs required for stock is reduced. Highlights of S16 include the new ARX collection of healthcare lighting, which includes robust bulkheads, liners and cornice fittings, as well as anti-ligature fittings. The new LED-Cell strip consists of eight ranges including COB, dim-to-warm, eco, high efficiency, single cut, professional, ultra-long and irregular bend, all with self-adhesive backing and available in RGBW, RGB, RGBTW and single colour options, as well as IP20 and IP65 ratings. The complete Ansell Lighting product range, including all the new product ranges, can be viewed on its recently relaunched website, including all the specification variations for the new products, dimensions, LED information and product downloads. Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, says, “Our S16 catalogue is crammed full of new products and innovation but as a business we are also very conscious of the environment and making life as easy for our customers as possible. “We’ve made changes to some products so that we can reduce the number of SKUs we need to ship and that we, and our customers, need to hold in stock. For example, we have removed the drivers from our Pace panels so that the end customer can select the driver they require, rather than us and the wholesaler having to hold multiple versions of Pace with different drivers. “We are also excited to bring a host of new products to the market, including what we believe to be the most comprehensive LED strip collection available.” The new catalogue can be downloaded here.

JTL Regional Award winners announced

JTL has announced all of its winners for the JTL Regional Awards. The annual Regional Awards celebrate apprentices who demonstrate outstanding levels of achievement and commitment to learning throughout their apprenticeships. The award winners were each presented with an engraved trophy and £100 in prize money. They now go ‘head-to-head’ in the hope of being named JTL National Apprentice of the Year at the National Awards taking place in London on 28 June. All of the regional winners, who automatically qualify as finalists for the National Awards, undertook either electrical or mechanical engineering services (MES) apprenticeships with JTL. They are: Northern Jared Bell (Electrical) - WBB Electrical Services - Training Officer Ian Hay Martin Staples (Electrical) - Securlec - Training Officer Anthony Lett Brandon Gallagher-Kenningham (MES) - Airco - Training Officer John Wilkinson Southern Sam Shepard (Electrical) - NRT Building Services Group - Training Officer Dan Hatton Halil Yorgancioglu (Electrical) - A Y Electrical - Learner Assessment Manager Paul Hughes Eastern Jake Shaw (Electrical) - Voltec Electrical & Security - Training Officer Pablo Parra Harry Armitage (MES) - CTD Plumbing & Heating - Training Officer Chris Swales Craig Johnson (MES) - Phil France Plumbing & Heating - Training Officer Chris Swales Western Amy Lister (Electrical) - Goodridge Electrical - Training Officer Oliver Schofield Harry Gough (Electrical) - Evans Electrical - Training Officer Rhys Regan Jack Allward (MES) - Tilbury Douglas - Training Officer Paul Walton Judi Wheeler, National Delivery Director at JTL, says, “Our annual awards ceremony gives us a platform to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our apprentices. We’ve established a wide base of learners across the country over the years, and we’re incredibly proud of everything our recently announced regional winners have achieved in their apprenticeships so far. “The JTL National Awards are truly one of the most exciting occasions of the calendar for us here at JTL, offering a chance to focus on learners who have gone above and beyond during their apprenticeships.”

Naked Energy announces Alex Mitchell as new Head of People

Naked Energy is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Mitchell as its new Head of People. Alex has over 20 years of experience working in HR and specialises in supporting growing businesses by developing high-performing teams and attracting talent in line with business strategy. Alex built her career following her degree in Human Resources Management and her Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) qualification. Prior to founding and successfully running the HR Consultancy Mitchell HR, Alex had over five years’ experience as HR Director for the FTSE 250 company Regus (UK). Her career covers the full ‘People’ function across a variety of industries and at different stages of growth, which gives her a unique perspective of the opportunities and challenges that scaling businesses can face. This year, as Naked Energy continues its rapid global expansion, Alex’s expertise will ensure the business grows strategically to support its mission to change energy for good. Christophe Williams, co-founder and CEO of Naked Energy says, “We’re thrilled to have Alex onboard as Naked Energy’s new Head of People. Her extensive experience in HR will be invaluable as we continue Naked Energy’s international expansion. We look forward to working with her to help push the boundaries of clean energy.” Alex says, ‘‘I am delighted to have joined Naked Energy at such an exciting time. There is already a fantastic team in place, with individuals who all have the passion and experience to make the company hugely successful. I’m really looking forward to working with them to help accelerate the decarbonisation of heat.”

ABB extends available arc protection options

With the new, smart and cost-efficient combination of UFES and Relion, ABB extends its portfolio for quenching arc faults with a type tested solution that also provides a built-in protection scheme, which doesn’t rely on slow circuit breaker operation. The solution sees ABB combine its Ultra-fast Earthing Switch (UFES) and Relion 615, 620 relay series, as well as the new all-in-one, digital REX 640 control and protection relay for the first time. The outcome is a low investment and simple upgrade for businesses currently focusing on arc fault detection, but at the same time requiring a higher level of arc flash protection for personnel, equipment and pressure sensitive buildings. INEOS Phenol, having already successfully installed the Relion protection scheme, sought a way to enhance arc protection safety even further with minimum disruption and little additional cost. Cue the first UFES+Relion installation, which is now available globally. Due to rapid and reliable UFES fault detection and the short switching time of the primary switching element, an arc fault is extinguished very quickly. UFES+Relion is suitable for new switchgear and for upgrades of existing panel in both MV and LV applications. It also helps to ensure a secure power supply and reduces production downtime. Relion already brings beneficial functionalities like advanced selectivity and event logging - and when used with its arc option in existing or new SWG projects, only the UFES primary switching elements and the electronic unit have to be added to complete the lineup. Light and sensor wiring is also limited to a single panel. In short, it takes minimum effort to install and is easier to maintain. UFES+Relion actively mitigates an internal arc in <10ms after detection, which means any thermal and electrical damage can be significantly reduced, along with mechanical impact on neighbouring panels – for enhanced operator safety when compared to using only conventional or fast relay protection. Sami Raitakoski, Global Head of ABB’s Control & Protection Products Division, says, “The industries we serve are continually evolving in line with key market drivers like digitalisation, safety and performance efficiency. So that we can continue to meet the needs of our customers, our product ranges must evolve too. Our recent work with INEOS Phenol is a perfect example of this. While the business had already introduced our Relion technology at its Marl Chemical Plant in Ruhr, Germany’s third largest integrated industrial site, in order to enhance overall safety and operational reliability, it wanted to take it one step further. With the cost and complexity involved in the ‘traditional’ route of additional relays and breakers not an option, the UFES+Relion package proved to be the ideal solution. The end result is greatly increased safety, energy reliability and process continuity - all of which have been delivered at pace and with little extra cost.”

Blackhall Heating & Electrical transforms with BigChange

Blackhall has invested in a BigChange job management system to secure its next 100 years of business. Blackhall has transformed the management of its mobile operation with integrated CRM, tracking and reporting, resulting in better customer communications, fewer queries and more accurate on-site charging. BigChange is also supporting Blackhall’s green ambitions with the intelligent scheduling and routing of its fully electric fleet and its commitment to 100% paperless working. Blackhall selected BigChange to replace a previous scheduling system, which it felt had not kept pace with technology or its changing requirements. "Blackhall’s has been through various transitions in its 110-year history evolving from a one-man-band to hugely respected provider of high-end domestic and commercial services, and technology has always played a part," comments Stuart Blackhall, Business Director and Peter Blackhall’s great, great grandson. "My grandfather, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the engineering sector, made the first foray into computers in the early 80’s with a reported investment of £20,000 and a desire to extend the use of technology to support all aspects of the business." "Now, 40 years later, that is exactly what we have with BigChange," Stuart continues. "A system that supports every aspect of the business. From initial customer enquiry, right the way through to invoicing and payment, BigChange allows us to capture and record information and share it within the business to inform decision making, and with our customers to improve service levels." The cloud-based BigChange job management system, which incorporates customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, resource management, job finance and business intelligence in one simple to use and easy to integrate platform, was selected by Blackhall and is being used across the business. Customer enquiries, quotes and correspondence, created and stored within the CRM, together with automatically generated ETA notifications are boosting customer service levels without additional back-office resource. Whilst, customisable job sheets, complete with photographs and time and date stamps, are helping to manage customer queries and improve on-site charging. Blackhall is also using BigChange to minimise its environmental impact and manage rising costs. Having already invested in a fleet of electric vans Blackhall uses BigChange to schedule jobs and route its vehicles between jobs reducing unnecessary mileage and avoiding areas of congestion. Real-time tracking and driver behaviour alerts are also helping to improve the performance and maintenance of vehicles, reducing servicing costs and minimising additional charges such as parking fines.