EV Cables 4U launches at Fully Charged South

EV Cables 4U, a new source for residential and commercial EV chargers, cables and accessories, is being launched at Fully Charged South, offering electrical installers and EV owners a single trusted supplier for everything they need to charge an electric vehicle from the wall to the car. EV Cables 4U says, "More and more of us are enjoying the experience of sitting behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. Getting set up to charge it can be daunting especially for the first-time owner with all the different cable and charging options available. Our team has extensive EV knowledge and can support electrical installers and EV owners with advice on EV Charger options to suit their requirements, including any important considerations for installation at their home or commercial premises, as well as the correct cable to use. "All our products are rigorously safety tested and meet all the latest European Standards to ensure reliable performance. They are constructed from robust materials designed for long-term use, competitively priced and supplied with a one-year warranty." The EV Cables 4U range offers tethered and untethered chargers, with full programmability to control the level and timing of the charge. Owners can program their unit from the touch controls and screen on the front, or remotely via an app on their mobile phone. These chargers are specially designed and manufactured for EV Cables 4U, and offer built in earth protection to simplify installation. Its range also includes both type 1 and type 2 cables in 5m and 10m lengths in a variety of colours. For the driver on the move, EV Cables 4U also offers mobile chargers to provide an emergency back-up if they find themselves at a location with no EV charge point but with access to a standard 13A socket. All electrical products are UKCA and CE marked, ensuring that they are safe and fully legal for use in the UK. A comprehensive range of accessories including carry bags and cases, plug holders and cable hooks is also available.

ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award open for entries

Entries are now open for this year’s ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award. The winner will receive an array of prizes including £3,000 cash, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a unique study trip in Dornbirn, Austria, sponsored by manufacturer ZG lighting. They will also receive a Certificate of Commendation and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner. For over 45 years, the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award has been recognised as a premier training award in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. It aims to showcase the best talent across ECA’s member businesses. There are also great prizes for two runners-up, including a £1,500 cash prize, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a Certificate of Commendation. Finalists will not only have good technical skills, but also be role models for others in the industry. Eligible applicants will have completed their AM2 since April 2022. The entry deadline is 9 June 2023. The winners’ employer will be awarded a year’s subscription to the BSI library and a year-long licence for Electrical OM software, as well as increased company profile, press coverage, and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner. The runner-up’s employers will also be awarded a year-long Electrical OM licence, increased company profile and press coverage. Mark Felber, Director of Edmundson Electrical, comments, “We are delighted to once again sponsor the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award. Edmundson has a long established policy of developing young people within our sector through both our apprenticeship and graduate schemes. The industry continues to lead the way in offering great opportunities for young people to develop a rewarding and enjoyable career." Carolyn Mason, Head of Education and Training at ECA, comments, “Apprentices are crucial to the future of our industry, especially as we move towards a low-carbon future. These awards serve to raise the profile of electrical apprenticeships and highlight the amazing work apprentices are doing to take our industry into the future. “And it's not just the winner who benefits from this award, but their employer too. They are given a unique opportunity to demonstrate how they successfully invest in the development of their staff, to ensure they offer the highest calibre of service.” The award has also boosted the profile of ECA member companies that enter their apprentices, by highlighting their support for future industry talent. Last year’s winner, Veronica Jennings of Imtech Engineering Services, went on a study trip to Austria with manufacturer ZG Lighting. Since winning the award, she has seen her career go from strength to strength in just a matter of months. Veronica comments, “Since receiving the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, I’ve been working hard on sites to move up in the company. Imtech has also invited me to join its core ED&I group, which focuses on support of the next generation and taking positive steps in the workplace. “I wish this year’s entrants the best of luck, and strongly encourage any electrical business with one or more bright sparks to enter!”

NICEIC appoints new Technical Director

NICEIC has announced the appointment of Paul Collins as its new Technical Director. Paul replaces John O'Neill, who retires at the end of March, having held the position since 2019. “I want to congratulate Paul on his new appointment,” says Certsure Managing Director, Richard Orton. “Having been with the organisation for 13 years and successfully heading up the Technical Services Division for the past four, I have no doubt Paul will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this important role. “I would also like to thank John O'Neill for his outstanding contribution to the business and for being the trusted custodian of our core value - technical integrity - for the past four years.” Having started his career as an electrical apprentice in 1990, Paul moved on to become a NICEIC Qualified Supervisor, gaining vast experience in the electrotechnical, gas, plumbing, heating, and renewable sectors before joining NICEIC in 2009. Since this time Paul has held a number of positions within NICEIC including Helpline Engineer, Head of Consulting, Head of NICEIC, Head of Operations and most recently Head of Technical Services. In his new role as Technical Director, Paul will continue to represent NICEIC on various committees and working groups. “I am delighted to take on this new role” says Paul, “I am passionate about our industry, and I am committed to pushing it forward, raising standards, and ensuring technical integrity remains at the heart of everything we do. “There truly has never been a more exciting time to be involved in our industry and I am excited to be part of the team who will continue to develop and cement NICEIC’s leading role within it.”

Octopus Energy opens seven new wind farms across Europe

Octopus Energy’s generation arm - which manages £6 billion of renewable assets and energy translation projects globally - has successfully opened seven new onshore wind farms across Europe since 2022. These new wind farms - with a combined capacity of 250MW - are located in the UK, Germany, Sweden, France and Poland. They’re the latest renewables projects where Octopus Energy Generation has managed construction. Combined, they generate enough green energy every year to power around 250,000 homes, or make 22 billion cups of tea. They avoid around 270,000 tonnes of carbon emissions - the same as planting 1.3 million trees or removing 150,000 petrol cars from the road every year. Octopus Energy Generation manages 3.2GW of renewables. And by 2030, the company is targeting 20GW of European green generation projects, enough power for 15 million homes, boosting the continent’s energy security and reducing consumers’ bills. Onshore wind is a key part of Europe’s energy security strategy, as the European Union recently outlined its ambitions to more than double Europe’s wind capacity. This also comes as Octopus gears up to take its innovative world-first ‘Fan Club’ model global, to provide people with cheaper energy when it’s windy. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, says, “It’s brilliant to see this flurry of wind farms we’ve built across Europe start generating clean power - and we’ve got big plans to invest in lots more. “New green energy is absolutely essential to accelerate our shift to a renewables-first economy and wean ourselves off expensive fossil fuels. To make sure this energy crisis is the very last one, we can build our way out through cheap green power.” The seven onshore wind energy farms that Octopus Energy has brought online since 2022: Scotland, UK: The 50MW Cumberhead wind farm is managed by Octopus on behalf of Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust (ORIT). All 12 wind turbines were completed in March 2023. There is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in place with Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer of well-loved household products Andrex, Kleenex and Huggies, to supply around 80% of their UK electrical power needs. Germany: Octopus acquired the 22.4MW Biebelnheim-Gabsheim wind farm located in Wörrstadt near Frankfurt last year from renewables developer JUWI and wiwi consult, on behalf of the Sky fund (ORI SCSp), which is now generating. Its four turbines are 241m tall, higher than London’s Gherkin building or Cologne’s Cathedral. France: The Berceronne 9MW wind farm became operational in July 2022, and the Cerisou 24MW wind farm, which Octopus manages on behalf of ORIT, became operational in November 2022. Sweden: Octopus Energy Generation has a 49% stake in the 86MW Rodene wind farm, which is now generating. There’s a PPA in place to export the energy to France-based Faurecia, a company of FORVIA Group, the world’s 7th largest automotive tech company. Poland: The Krzecin 19MW wind farm and the Kuslin 40MW wind farm are both managed by Octopus on behalf of ORIT. Krezcin completed in February 2022 and Kuslin in at the end of 2022.

Ansell Lighting achieves a King’s Award for Enterprise

Ansell Lighting has been honoured with the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise, Innovation. Ansell is one of 148 organisations nationally to receive with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise and has been recognised for its excellence in the Innovation category for its patented Panel Pod product. The Panel Pod was created in response to an identified industry need, and converts an LED panel light into an emergency light in less than 60 seconds, without needing a conversion kit or additional ceiling fixture to install. Emergency lighting is required by British law and workplace health and safety guidance, so if the lights go out in the case of a fire or other incident it stays on for up to three hours. Since its launch in 2014 almost 400,000 Panel Pods have been sold worldwide. The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s, by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The award programme, now in its 57th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years. Winners of the award are invited by The King to a reception at Buckingham Palace. Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, says, “Achieving this award, especially in the first year of the King’s Awards, is a great honour and testament to the hard work and dedication of our innovation team and everyone involved in the business. “The design and creation of the Panel Pod was genuinely transformative for our business and continues to contribute significantly to our ongoing success. Its launch paved the way for new relationships with wholesalers and contractors who we had never worked with previously. It is a fantastic example of continuous innovation as, over the last eight years, we have continued to re-evaluated its design, making it lighter and more discreet, upgrading the battery to Lithium and now we are working on a reporting capability for it that will be extremely valuable to the building managers using emergency lighting.”

RoHS Directive ban - are you prepared?

With revisions to the RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) coming into force this year, Mike Collins, Director of Operations at Ovia, looks at the implications of the ban on fluorescent lamps for contractors and wholesalers. The EU published its review of RoHS exemptions on mercury containing lamps on 24 February 2022 in the Official Journal of the European Union. In accordance with the amended RoHS directive, compact fluorescent lamps with plug-in bases and all T5/T8 fluorescent lamps may no longer be placed on the market in the EU as of the dates outlined in this article below. Our industry then awaited confirmation of the UK timetable, and on 30 January 2023, DEFRA published the Secretary of State’s determination applicable to England, Scotland and Wales on the government’s website. The lamp-type exemptions mirror the EU, but with extended implementation timescales as outlined below. The EU phase-out date for all compact fluorescent lamps with plug-in base (CFLni) is 24 February 2023, with a GB phase out date of 1 February 2024 The EU phase out date for all T5 and T8 (2ft, 4ft and 5ft) fluorescent lamps in ring form is 24 August 2023, with a GB phase out date of 1 February 2024 for T5s and 1 September 2023 for T8s. T8 fluorescent lamps in other lengths have an EU phase date of 24 August 2023, with a GB phase out date of 1 February 2024. The above lamps cannot be placed on the market from the stated dates; however they may still be available from suppliers until stocks are exhausted and the industry has been planning to navigate these changes. The focus for alternative light sources is currently on LEDs as they offer decisive advantages compared to fluorescent lamps. Ovia has been working with its customers to facilitate a smooth transition to alternative lighting luminaires to ensure they have the stocks needed to meet the ongoing demand from contractors, designers and specifiers. Ovia has an LED replacement for virtually every lamp type and with the company’s commercial and utility ranges, there are ideal alternatives to the phased-out products. As far as the compact fluorescent lamps with plug-in base are concerned, the following Ovia downlights from the commercial range will make ideal alternatives - Sprite commercial aluminium LED downlight, E-Sprite Eco commercial LED downlight, Polypanel LED recessed downlight, Alupanel LED IP44 recessed downlight and Inceptor Apto LED adaptable downlight with CTA Switch. LED Luminaires from the Ovia utility range that would be recommended as alternatives to the T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps include the Inceptor Duo up and down dimmable linear luminaire, Inceptor U-Lite compact, non-corrosive luminaire, Inceptor B-Lite linear batten multi-current LED light, and Inceptor A-Lite 4ft and 5ft College LED linear batten. One thing is certain, the RoHS ban on inefficient light sources will result in the increased availability of energy-efficient alternatives. This, in turn, will ultimately help to reduce energy consumption and costs both in domestic and commercial environments.

Tradespeople reveal the seven most frustrating customer habits

New research has revealed the most frustrating customer habits tradespeople have to endure whilst on the job. The research, conducted by Ultra LEDs, found that customers not being at home after arranging a job tops the list for the most frustrating customer habit. The top seven most annoying customer habits are: Not being home Not only does this waste time, it can also cost a tradesperson money as this is time they could have spent on another job. With the majority of tradespeople being self-employed, any time spent not working is time they aren’t getting paid for. Constantly asking for progress updates When working on a job, it’s no surprise that customers constantly asking for progress updates can really irritate a tradesperson. The time it takes to complete a job can of course vary, so it’s not uncommon for jobs to take longer than initially expected. Adding on extras Coming in at number three is customers who wait for the tradesperson to arrive and then start adding to the list of agreed jobs by asking them to do additional tasks that have not been quoted for. This is bad enough, but what can make this situation even worse is if the customer is expecting the additional tasks to be done for free. It’s worth noting that most tradespeople quote for jobs by estimating how long they will take and also the cost of buying materials, and thus price jobs up accordingly. This means that if extra tasks are added on top, this could result in the tradesperson being late for their next job and/or incurring more costs themselves. Not paying on time, or trying to bring the cost down after the work has been agreed Late payments or asking for discounts after work has commenced can have a damaging impact on a tradespersons’ business, especially for those working for themselves or as part of a small team (particularly during a cost-of-living crisis). This behaviour can also have an impact on their ability to do more jobs or even pay their own bills, as the vast majority of tradespeople will pay for their own tools and materials ahead of the job. This means that anyone not paying on time, or asking for a reduction after the work has started, will be hitting the tradesperson’s bottom line. Getting harassed by a pet Not everyone loves pets, especially if it's an overly aggressive dog that’s barking constantly or just generally getting in the way of the tradesperson. Tradespeople want to get on with their job and they don’t need a pet harassing them; this could be everything from a dog standing and barking at them to a cat climbing up at them or constantly getting in their way. Not only is this occurrence irritating for the tradesperson, it can also potentially be dangerous. Not having enough room to complete the job Tradespeople don’t expect you to undertake a full spring clean just for them to be able to do the job, but they will need space to work and will usually have a lot of tools or equipment with them to enable them to complete the work. They will only allocate a certain amount of time for the job so it’s worth making sure none of that time is wasted or used to clear personal items out of the way so they’re able to complete the work. Not being offered a drink This one isn’t really annoying but more about common courtesy. For those working hard on the job, they may not have had a chance to stop all day if they’re busy, so being offered a drink can be a life-saver. Even if it’s just a glass of water or a cup of tea, it can be enough to make their day. Tom Cain, Technical Engineer at Ultra LEDs, says, “As a tradesperson, customer interaction is a key part of the job but it can also be the most frustrating. When you’re on the job, the last thing you want is for the customer to be constantly asking for updates, being barked at by a dog or turning up for them not to be home when you’ve agreed a date and time. “If you’re having issues with your customers, it can be difficult to remain diplomatic. However, it’s important for both the business and your own personal reputation to remain professional.”

Toolstation increases colleague salaries by 9.4%

Toolstation is increasing pay for its 5,500 colleagues. The retailer has introduced a pay rise of 9.4% for all colleagues at entry level and in all store and operations roles. It means that the hourly rate for entry level colleagues will increase to £10.60. Jag Nagra, HR Director for Toolstation, says, “We’re a business that cares about our colleagues, and this investment recognises their hard work and is designed to support them with the rising costs they face. “We have also introduced a series of policies designed to promote wellbeing and provide support for different life events. These initiatives are integral to our ambition to create a workplace that supports colleagues in moments that matter and may have an impact on their working lives.” This series of policies cover the following: Flexible working for colleagues that have worked at Toolstation for a minimum of 13 weeks 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory for maternity, adoption, or surrogacy circumstances Two weeks paid paternity leave New parents have up to 10 days additional leave during the first two years to cover emergencies One weeks additional paid leave for both new parents for the two years following the birth of their child Two days paid leave for those undergoing fertility treatment or an IVF cycle Two weeks paid leave for those affected by miscarriage and two days paid leave for affected partners A Trans and Gender Reassignment policy that supports colleagues going through the process of transitioning, provides single sex spaces and use of non-gendered terminology when referring to a group of individuals or an individual of unspecified gender identity Its Menopause Policy provides a wide range of adjustments to support colleagues experiencing the menopause Toolstation has also taken steps to help promote positive emotional wellbeing at work, including introducing a network of trained mental-health first aiders and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme that is available whenever colleagues need support or advice for their mental health. It has also recently introduced the Aviva DigiCare+ Workplace App for, available to all colleagues. The benefits include an annual health check, access to a digital GP, a second medical opinion, and mental health and nutritional consultations.

IMServ wins pilot contract with Alt HAN Co

IMServ has won a six-month Crowded Meter Room Pilot contract with Alt HAN Co, a not-for-profit collective of energy suppliers. IMServ's scope of work in this pilot addresses how to create enough space in buildings that would otherwise prevent the installation of smart meters and Alt HAN equipment. IMServ’s expertise in meter communications will use the latest technologies to ensure all meters and the In-Home Display will be able to connect to the Smart Metering network. Using their engineering capabilities, they will survey and design how they will move the existing equipment in the crowded meter rooms to make space for the Alt HAN equipment to be fitted. The sector-wide project is to develop and test ideas for making more buildings smart-ready, which could affect around 10,000 apartment buildings across GB. IMServ will conduct a feasibility study to provide valuable cost and operational information on whether the solution is viable at a larger scale. IMServ’s expertise, therefore, makes them an ideal partner with Alt HAN Co to carry out this pilot to help ensure all customers can benefit from smart metering. Crowded meter rooms are a more common problem for apartment blocks, where meters are often installed alongside each other in a meter room or cupboard. Currently, many UK homeowners' electricity meters are co-located in rooms with insufficient space to deploy smart metering functions. Steve Brown, CEO of IMServ, says, "We are pleased to be awarded this pilot project which will embark our working relationship with Alt HAN. It is a significant win for IMServ and further cements our position as a leading energy metering expert in the sector." Chris Perry, Operations Director at Alt HAN, says, “Alt HAN is all about not leaving customers behind in the transition to smart energy. Space in meter rooms is a potential blocker, and it is right that we try to find effective market-wide solutions. Alt HAN is uniquely placed to support because of our ability to do things collectively on behalf of all energy suppliers. The meter room pilot and these new commercial partnerships show the commitment from all stakeholders to innovate and test new things operationally.” The Crowded Meter Room Pilot is a nationwide project that will run for six months.

Leeds College of Building celebrates training milestone

100 electricians have benefitted from free Level 3 18th Edition Wiring Regulations training at the Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, reboot and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional skill shortage areas. Since July 2020, 100 employed and self-employed electricians have completed the specialist training at the Leeds College of Building. Reboot funding from July 2020 to March 2022 helped to upskill 70 electricians, and a further 30 qualified through Skills Connect funding between January and March this year, with the latest cohort completing in Spring. The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations programme is aimed at practicing electricians with relevant experience and allied professionals needing to update and enhance their understanding of current wiring regulations. This is an essential qualification for anyone looking to certify that their installation work meets current building and wiring regulation guidelines. Colleges from the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, including the Leeds College of Building, have delivered training to over 700 people in the region so far, and provided a springboard for careers in priority areas such as digital, engineering, manufacturing, green skills, and construction sectors. Yasmin Ali, Business Engagement Manager at Leeds College of Building, says, “We’re delighted that 100 individuals have gained sought-after qualifications through our partnership with the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). “Tutor Adrian Holland has been exceptional in delivering training on the latest electrical industry standards, helping students attain excellent pass marks. As a result, uptake for the training has been superb. This work is essential to help sustain in-demand professions such as these.” Georgia Williams, Project Manager at West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, says, “It’s great to see that the work of our colleges, in partnership with WYCA, has made such an impact on the region. Leeds College of Building has worked hard to deliver the 18th Edition to electricians and through the Skills Connect and reboot projects, we’ve been able to allocate funding to make the course accessible and remove some of the barriers to learning for those wanting to progress within the sector. “We are continuing to work with WYCA, local employers, and our colleges to offer more opportunities to people who want to progress in their careers through Skills Connect and Skills Bootcamps programmes whilst addressing skills gaps for employers in the region.”