Report reveals the UK’s most eco-focused trades

New research from Rated People has revealed which trades are the most committed to sustainability, how tradespeople are going greener this year, and which eco home improvements are seeing the biggest increase in homeowner demand. The research is part of the newly launched 2023 edition of the Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report, where Rated People analysed around 1.1 million home improvement jobs posted through its platform by UK homeowners, and spoke to thousands of tradespeople and homeowners across the UK. The UK’s most eco-focused trades Homeowner demand for eco home improvements has increased considerably over the past two years as people try to live more sustainably and find ways to reduce the cost of their energy bills. Not only are they looking for ways to be greener around the home themselves, but one in three (34%) UK homeowners also say they’d be more likely to choose a tradesperson if they were environmentally friendly, so it’s more important than ever for tradespeople to improve their green credentials. This year, Rated People’s research shows electricians as the most committed to sustainability, with almost nine in 10 (86%) making changes to their businesses to make them more environmentally friendly. Handypeople are second, with 78% making eco changes. Bathroom fitters (75%) take third, gardeners (71%) are in fourth place and builders (64%) take fifth position. How tradespeople are going greener this year More than three-quarters (78%) of UK tradespeople say they will be making changes to their business and ways of working to be more environmentally friendly this year. Well over half (59%) say it’s because they care about the planet, and 42% think homeowners want businesses to be more eco-focused. In 2023, more than half of UK tradespeople (52%) say they’ll take on more local jobs to cut down travel time and use less fuel, and four in 10 (41%) will start giving quotes remotely to reduce the amount of time they spend on the road. Tradespeople will also be improving their recycling methods, using second-hand parts where possible and will start driving electric vehicles to make their businesses more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The rise in demand for eco home improvements Almost twice as many homeowners want to have ‘eco home improvements’ installed this year than in 2022. Last year, one in four (25%) homeowners made their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, while in 2023, this has increased considerably to almost one in two (45%) - and this increase in demand presents a sizeable opportunity for tradespeople in the UK. When looking at the volume of home improvement jobs posted through Rated People by UK homeowners over the past two years, the trades platform can reveal the top eco adaptations that are seeing the biggest increase in homeowner demand. At-home electric car charging points have seen the steepest rise, with demand going up by 2406% in the last two years. In second place are biomass boilers, with an increase of 225%. Energy-producing solar panels are in third position, with demand rising by 222%. Demand for thermal insulation has gone up by 143% and triple glazing has increased by 125%. The biggest opportunities in sustainability As part of the research, Rated People spoke to homeowners who will be having eco improvements installed this year to discover which ones they are planning to have. Four of the top five eco home improvements that homeowners want to install in 2023 are related to reducing energy usage - the top eco improvement planned is a smart meter. In second place is draught proofing, and in third position is installing extra insulation. Other popular eco home improvements for 2023 include: solar panels, electric car charging points, heat pumps and underfloor heating. Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People, comments, “It’s great to see that sustainability is becoming even more of a consideration among tradespeople and homeowners. “Even though April’s energy price cap wasn’t increased, the price of energy is still higher than ever, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners are looking to eco home improvements to help them reduce the cost of their energy bills. “For UK tradespeople, this increasing demand opens up a huge opportunity both in how they run their businesses and the services they provide, and we expect it will continue to grow. Although there are several schemes available to homeowners to reduce the cost of installing green home improvements, if more could be done, UK tradespeople would be able to help even more people to create better, more sustainable homes for the future.”

Keeping safe with the Martindale HPAT400 HandyPAT

Martindale Electric says that its HPAT400 HandyPAT is the perfect device for anyone who needs to check that electrical appliances are safe to use. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination, both visually and with test equipment, of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. With its one-button test selection and backlit display, the HPAT400 is easy to operate. Users can perform a 500V insulation test quickly, and the device enables you to switch between different test voltages of 250V and 500V with ease. This is particularly useful when testing appliances with surge-protected circuits, such as sensitive IT equipment that requires a 250V test. Weighing just 700g, this lightweight, battery-powered, handheld PAT tester is also ideal for use in tight and hard-to-reach spaces. The simple connection diagrams permanently displayed on the case body mean that you can get testing right away. With a single button press, you can activate either a full Class I, Class II or lead test to ensure equipment is safe. The device displays a clear PASS/FAIL indicator, but doesn't show test values. The HPAT400 comes with an extension lead adaptor, an earth bond probe with clip, six AA alkaline batteries, and a sturdy ‘test and go’ carry case with a separate pocket for accessories to keep the HandyPAT protected and safe. The device complies with BS EN 61010 safety standards.

Electrical trades: asbestos and you

Electricians and electrical contractors across the UK are being warned about the hidden dangers associated with asbestos. The warning comes as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos and You campaign, targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in properties across the country today. Around 5,000 people a year die from asbestos-related illnesses and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000. But HSE is warning that despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos, and it is still a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age. Tim Beaumont, HSE’s acting Head of Construction Policy, says, “Asbestos can be found in things like Artex, cement boards under eaves, garage roofs, old bath panels, boiler houses and fires and even mortar between bricks can contain asbestos. “There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but that’s not to say it can’t be managed safely. “All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed. “Younger tradespeople need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them in later life like it is affecting older tradespeople now.” Asbestos is only dangerous if not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to control exposure to fibres. Paul Reeve, Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) Director of CSR, says, “We actively support HSE’s campaign to help get the vitally important message out that, despite being banned in the UK today, asbestos is still encountered by those who work in older domestic, public and commercial buildings. “Electricians and other professionals can disturb materials that contain asbestos in their day-to-day work in these older properties. Examples include backboards of meter and fuse boxes, discovering asbestos when drilling stud walls, or laying cables in lofts where loose fill insulation has been used. Ensuring young, but also other, employees and contractors who work in these buildings are aware of the serious health hazards from asbestos fibres is one of the most valuable activities that anyone in our industry can undertake.” From the 1950s until 1999, materials containing asbestos were used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings in the UK. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. These diseases will not affect you immediately as they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. It can take 20-30 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, extreme tiredness, pain in your chest or shoulder and in more advanced cases, swollen fingertips. If asbestos cannot be safely managed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Where present, asbestos should be closely managed by those responsible for the building.

Baxi introduces the Remeha Gas 210 Ace boiler

Baxi has launched the next generation Remeha Gas 210 Ace floor standing boiler series, designed to deliver enhanced flexibility, connectivity and control. The new Remeha Gas 210 Ace builds on the features and benefits of its predecessor, the Gas 210 Eco Pro, combining compact dimensions with a new, improved control platform and optimised connectivity to provide the performance and design flexibility that modern heating demands. Built on the Remeha Ace control platform, the Gas 210 Ace boasts control capability for optimal lifetime performance. An intuitive smart controller allows rapid access to an extended range of parameters for even easier installation, commissioning and maintenance. Built-in 0-10V and volt free contacts provide direct connection to any building management system at no extra cost. New BACnet and Modbus gateway options, as well as optional OpenTherm and Bluetooth functionality, are also available for enhanced connectivity and even greater efficiency. With its versatile design, the Gas 210 Ace can be fitted in most commercial applications. Extremely compact and lightweight in structure, the boiler is quick and easy to install, while its ability to be installed back-to-back in modular configuration provides added flexibility in space-saving design. The optional secondary return feature makes the hybrid ready Gas 210 Ace perfect for use in low temperature installations as well as for retrofit applications. Paul Arnold, Product Manager at Baxi, says, “Our new Gas 210 Ace completes the standardisation of controls across all Remeha boilers. Versatile, adaptable, reliably efficient and now with optimised control and connectivity, the Gas 210 Ace is perfectly suited for use in retrofit projects as well as with low temperature technologies like heat pumps or underfloor circuits. Plus, it also comes with our industry-leading comprehensive seven-year warranty and 24/7 round-the-clock technical support helpline for added peace of mind.” The Gas 210 Ace is available in 80, 120, 160 and 200kW output models that deliver high SBEM seasonal efficiencies of up to 95.8% GCV for reliable high performance. With excellent low Class 6 NOx emissions and quiet operation, it meets all environmental regulations and delivers improved comfort for end users.

CEF opens one of its largest branches yet in Cannock

CEF has relocated its Cannock branch to a larger, more modern location and is welcoming customers to its new premises. The new branch and trade counter boasts around 11,000ft² of space, making it one of the largest in the company’s national network. CEF Cannock is well established, having been part of the CEF branch network for more than 30 years. Local customers will be pleased to know that it’s not moved very far - just around the corner to a new location on Swaffield Park, still offering great access, just off the M6. Branch Manager Richard Bullock, says, “I am looking forward to welcoming customers to this new, clean modern environment, where we can stock and display so many more ranges. With our impressive warehouse space, the opportunity to stock even more market-leading brands and new innovative technologies is fantastic. And the team here will enjoy working in the kind of environment that their hard work deserves.” The additional storage space allows greater capacity for a wider range of renewable energy products including solar panels, and electrical vehicle charging points and accessories. Customers dropping into the new CEF Cannock will be able to take a seat at the breakfast bar where they can browse and order online over a fresh brew. And Richard has secured a range of great deals and giveaways to entice new and regular visitors to the new location. CEF Cannock has a very experienced team helping to make the move go smoothly. In fact, they have over 110 years’ worth of service and expertise between them. As well as Richard, who has served 22 years with CEF, there’s van driver Dave Brown who has 25 years on the clock, Assistant Manager Jason Fellows and Account Manager Toniann Haines who have both been with CEF for 20 years, Robert Dangerfield - sales assistant of 15 years, Ben Booth - Account Manager of eight years, Ben Brookes - sales assistant of five years. And two relative newcomers, Josh Brophy - sales assistant with 18 months’ experience and Cheryl Corney - part-time sales assistant who has been with the company for one year. They will be working closely with the CEF national accounts team to help service businesses with local and national requirements for electrical goods.

New Pattress Mount Kit added to Elucian consumer unit range

Scolmore continues to expand its Elucian by Click consumer unit range to provide electricians with products that offer them convenience and easy installation solutions. The latest addition is a new pattress mount kit, which allows cables to be fed from the top, bottom and either side of the consumer unit. With the pattress mount secured to the wall and attached to the back of the consumer unit, the electrician has space between the mount and the unit to neatly feed cabling from the trunking through the rear knockouts. The mount allows for a maximum of 16mm trunking, which would slide behind the consumer unit. Because the mounting kit comprises two separate parts - a left and right mount - it can be used across any size of distribution board and is therefore compatible with the full Elucian consumer unit range - five, eight,10,12,14,16 and 22-way. For the contractor, this means carrying just one type of kit inn the van, regardless of the size of consumer units being installed, and for the wholesaler it means minimum space taken up in store, with just one size of kit needing to be stocked. A template is supplied with each kit to allow the installer to easily work out the correct positioning of the mounts for the particular size of board they are installing - from five-way to 22-way. Once the mount positions have been marked on the wall, the pattress mounts are fixed using screws and plugs, and the consumer unit positioned on the pattress mount. The consumer unit is fixed to the pattress mount using the screws and washer provided. The serrated washers must be used to ensure earth continuity.

SELECT welcomes 25th organisation to its Associate Membership scheme

Legrand has become the latest big name to join the Associate Membership scheme, which continues to flourish after being launched last year. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, says, “We are delighted that a company of Legrand’s heritage and international reputation has become the 25th Associate Member of SELECT. “We hope they will now enjoy a successful partnership, promoting their services and getting to know our members across Scotland. “Our Associate Membership scheme has proved extremely successful, allowing us to build stronger relationships with some of the industry’s biggest names, and in turn give them the opportunity to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body.” Neil Baldwin, Head of Sales - Wholesale for Working and Living Spaces at Legrand, says, “We are proud to be associated with SELECT, an organisation which shares many of our values, as well as our dedication to skills, quality and technical expertise. “SELECT has been serving its member companies well for more than a century, and we hope to be able to expand and develop our relationship with its members in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.” Launched in January 2022, SELECT’s Associate Membership scheme gives manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association and build beneficial relationships with its 1,250 member businesses. Legrand has followed hot on the heels of fellow manufacturers Hispec and V-Tac, who became SELECT’s first new Associates of 2023 in January. Other Associate Members include Aico, Aurora, Electrium, Hager, Luceco, Megger, Scolmore and Thorn Lighting. Associate members will again appear at SELECT’s popular Toolbox Talks in May and June, exhibiting products and answering member queries. Through sponsorship and exhibitions, they will also play a key role in other SELECT events including the second Professionals’ Day at the Falkirk Wheel on 20 September and the President’s Lunch in Glasgow on 29 September.

Poplar HARCA expands rollout of Aico’s HomeLINK connected IoT sensors

Following a successful pilot in Q4 2022, Poplar HARCA is extending the roll out of connected IoT devices across a total of 6,000 homes. Provided by Aico, the HomeLINK environmental sensors have been designed to provide Poplar HARCA and its residents with data to help them identify any issues in their homes, including damp and mould monitoring, ventilation, fuel poverty and indoor air quality. Poor quality housing causes a substantial drain on public resources, with an estimated cost to the NHS in England of £1.4 billion to treat those experiencing health effects attributed to living in poor housing. In 2019, it was estimated that the NHS spent £2.5 billion in treating illnesses that were directly linked to cold, damp and other hazards in homes, such as mould. The pilot phase started in November 2022, when Poplar HARCA installed 2,000 devices in the first 486 homes. Now the second phase of the roll out will see more than 15,000 Aico HomeLINK devices installed in 3,000 homes over the next 12 months. Poplar HARCA owns and manages over 10,000 homes, community centres, commercial offices and shops in the east end of London, all located within a compact area of just four miles. They chose to deploy Aico’s HomeLINK system, which worked as a gateway for communicating all of the data from sensors in the properties they manage, to help them protect residents. Additionally, Aico’s HomeLINK sensors are collecting data on temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide across Poplar HARCA’s portfolio. Tenants can use the HomeLINK app to access information about the conditions within their homes, while landlords can use the Portal for live data updates. Each property has its own gateway, giving the housing association a complete overview, whether for one house or a block of flats. This live data is gathered by environmental sensors, and alerts users via the app to any issues in terms of poor indoor air quality, cold homes or overheating, damp and mould, and condensation - all of which have been proven to be seriously damaging to residents’ health if left unresolved. For those residents that are unsure about using apps, alternative methods of communicating alerts, including SMS messages, emails and post are available. Taking this a step further, the Signature of Mould Insight provides a tool to analyse the root cause of a damp and mould issue, comparing potential 'Structural' issues with the fabric of the property, to potential 'Environmental' issues relating to how the property is used. This knowledge enables landlords to take targeted action to resolve damp and mould, meaning resources are used efficiently and the conditions within residents’ homes are improved in good time. Elizabeth Williams, Assistant Director of Asset Management, Poplar HARCA, comments, “The goal is to have safer, greener, healthier homes. While still at a relatively early stage, this rollout is already having tangible benefits to asset management at Poplar HARCA. In properties where devices are fitted, we’re able to support residents before mould proliferates which benefits their health and reduces our operating costs. This is a great achievement in itself.” By receiving notifications from Aico’s IoT devices, Poplar HARCA is able to automate repair requests across all of their homes. They have set up their own dedicated project team including experts in IoT technology, data analysis and project management who work closely with the property management team to ensure that the IoT project aligns with the housing association’s overall business objectives. Aico HomeLINK sensor technologies also provide a strong return on investment for landlords who will ultimately improve the quality of their homes, keep costs low with preventative maintenance, and ensure they are compliant with the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Chris Jones, CEO, HomeLINK, comments, "Poplar HARCA has proactively adopted the housing ombudsman's best practices, using IoT sensor technology to address damp and mould issues at their root. This approach fosters healthier living environments, enhances residents' wellbeing, and offers cost benefits through optimised investments and reduced maintenance. Their investment in and dedication to enhancing the quality of their housing stock, ensuring the health of families residing in their homes, serves as a positive example for the sector and highlights the importance of embracing change for the betterment of our communities."

Just 0.3% of tool thefts have resulted in a charge

Metropolitan Police data has revealed that 34,712 tools were stolen in London from 2021 to 2022 compared to 21,445 tools from 2019 to 2020. While as many as four in five tradespeople have experienced tool theft, just 0.3% of all cases (three cases per 1,000) ended in a charge for the suspect. In over 86% of the tool thefts reported between 2021 and 2022, a suspect was never identified. In addition, there were three times as many cases where a suspect was known but not charged than there were charges. The Tool Theft in London 2022 report, collated by London telehandler hire specialist, Herts Tools, comes from a freedom of information request to the Metropolitan Police. The data reveals the impact of tool theft in London, the most affected industries and the types of tools that are targeted most often. While tool theft from a vehicle has increased by 25% in the last year - accounting for a third of all tool thefts recorded in 2021 and 2022 - a suspect is 20 times less likely to be charged for tool theft from a vehicle than they are for any other theft category. Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, says, “It’s disappointing to see that the tool theft epidemic is getting worse in London. It’s not surprising to see that high-price items such as powered hand tools are still the most sought-after by thieves. Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the trade for second-hand (and potentially stolen) tools is booming, tempting more people into stealing tools. “We’re urging those across all trades to double-check they have theft security measures in place, to avoid falling victim to crime.” Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, says, “With eight in 10 builders reporting that they have had tools stolen before, tool theft is a serious issue for Britain’s tradespeople. It's a shame that over a 40-year working life, tradespeople will typically lose £10,000 and six working days to tool theft. Aside from the detrimental financial impact, tool theft causes mental health issues and stress for builders. “Builders can protect themselves by bringing tools inside at night, adding extra locks to their van and marking tools. Installing an affordable CCTV system is a further option, as well as registering tool serial numbers on an online database. Builders should also check their insurance policies to see what they have covered.” How can you recover your stolen tools? Report your tools as stolen, calling the police on 101 immediately Find serial numbers, makes and models for your tools Retrieve photographs of your tools Make an insurance claim, giving your provider an itemised list of missing items Use any tracking devices to locate your tools, informing police where you suspect they are, rather than retrieving them yourself Visit local pawn shops to search for the items, as well as online marketplaces like eBay Join trade groups on social media, detailing the missing items - somebody else might find them

Preparing for the new tax year

The start of a new tax year can be a daunting time for tradespeople, especially those who run their own businesses. With so much to do to ensure that you are ready to face the year ahead, Fergus is helping the trade with some valuable hints and tips. “With the right preparation and planning, you can make the most of the opportunities that the new tax year presents and get your trade business in shape,” says James Chillman, UK Country Manager. “Don’t forget you can automate a lot of the hard work with job management software like Fergus, especially when it’s seamlessly integrated with accounting software like Xero.” Chase any outstanding invoices One of the most important tasks you should complete before the end of the tax year is to chase any outstanding invoices. This is essential for two reasons; firstly, you need to ensure that you receive all the money you are owed before the end of the tax year so that you can report it on your tax return, secondly, chasing overdue invoices can help to improve your cash flow and ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses. Compile your expenses Another important task you should complete before the end of the tax year is to compile your expenses. As a tradesperson, you are likely to have a range of expenses that you can claim against your tax bill, such as tools, materials, and travel costs. However, to claim these expenses, you need to have proof of purchase. Therefore, you should gather all your receipts, bank statements, and vehicle logs, and ensure that you have all the documentation you need to make your claims. Conduct a stocktake and make any final purchases If you carry stock or materials, you should have conducted a stocktake before the end of the tax year. This will help you to identify any discrepancies and ensure that you have a clear picture of what you have in stock. Once you have completed your stocktake, you should make any final purchases. This will help you to reduce your taxable profit and ensure that you have everything you need for the year ahead. Gather and organise your financial records It’s essential to keep accurate financial records for your trade business. Not only will this help you to manage your cash flow and make informed business decisions, but it will also make it easier for you to complete your tax return. You should therefore gather and organise all your financial records, including bank statements, receipts, and invoices. Check your eligibility for tax relief measures There are several tax relief measures available to tradespeople that can help to reduce their tax bill. For example, you may be able to claim capital allowances on any equipment or machinery you purchase for your business. You may also be eligible for tax relief if you use your home as an office. Therefore, before the end of the tax year, you should check your eligibility for any tax relief measures and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to make your claims. Finalise your payroll If you have employees, you should ensure that your payroll is up to date before the end of the tax year. This means making any final payments, ensuring that all your employee records are up to date, and completing your end-of-year returns. You should also ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to complete your P11D forms for any employees who receive benefits.