CEDIA reimagines annual awards programme

CEDIA has announced the opening of the 2023 CEDIA Smart Home Awards (formerly the CEDIA Awards). The new title aligns with CEDIA’s mission to increase awareness of CEDIA and the industry among consumers and allied trades. Additional changes to the programme include a new Health, Sustainability or Wellness Project category and redefined level definitions in the Best Integrated Home category based on CEDIA’s market research. The Best Integrated Home category now includes: Mass market integration: a project in a home with a value near the average sales price for the area. Mid-market integration: a project in a home with a value well above the average sales price for the area, but not considered part of the luxury market. Luxury integration: a project in a home located within a private development or estate in the most desirable areas. Uber luxury integration: a project in a home located within a rare collection of the area’s most elite. These new and expanded categories join 10 others in the Home Technology Integrator Project portion of the CEDIA Smart Home Awards. The Manufacturer Product Awards are also accepting submissions for Best New Product (hardware or software) and Product Hall of Fame. The CEDIA Smart Home Awards will continue to recognise the industry’s most active volunteers and leaders through the Volunteer of the Year Awards, CEDIA Fellows and the Lifetime Achievement Award. “The CEDIA Smart Home Awards are truly a mark of excellence in our industry,” says CEDIA Global President and CEO, Daryl Friedman. “As we consider the future of this programme, we also want their recognisability to extend far beyond our own community. The CEDIA Smart Home Awards name provides a clear explanation for allied trades and the general public, while establishing CEDIA and our award winners as leaders in the space.” The CEDIA Smart Home Awards are now accepting submissions for the Home Technology Integrator Project Awards until 21 April. CEDIA members who completed projects between March 2021 and the project deadline will be considered. Manufacturers may submit their hardware and software products for the Manufacturer Product Awards until 19 May.

Signify appoints Nico van der Merwe as CEO for the UK and Ireland

Signify has appointed Nico van der Merwe as Chief Executive Officer for Signify UK and Ireland, starting 1 February 2023. Nico joins Signify from Schneider Electric, where he spent 15 years in various roles, most recently as Vice President for Home and Distribution, UK and Ireland. Nico has two decades of experience in international business and leading strategic business transformations. He started his career in Sub-Saharan Africa, where he worked in sales, marketing and general management roles, before taking the position of Vice President Channel Development - Europe, based in France. Throughout his international career, Nico has demonstrated a track record of developing and implementing new business models and delivering sustainable results. “I’m excited to join Signify as CEO of the UK and Ireland, and I look forward to working with the teams further to drive our lighting innovations in this dynamic market.” says Nico. “Signify is a company with a rich heritage, a powerful product portfolio, a talented team, and a strong leadership position in sustainability. I am sure we are well positioned to further grow the business and industry while continuing to make a positive impact on society and the environment through our innovations. The UK and Ireland have exciting opportunities in the market for us and our customers.’’ Based in Guildford, Nico will report to Maria Letizia Mariani, CCO of Signify.

“We’re here to steal your workers”, WA tells UK

The Government of Western Australia has announced a delegation of industry representatives will travel to the UK and Ireland this month in an attempt to recruit thousands of workers to move Down Under. Police and Defence Industry Minister, Paul Papalia, will lead a delegation of key industry figures aiming to steal British and Irish professionals to help fill almost 31,000 vacancies across multiple professions throughout the state. Employees from many sectors are being actively sought, including electricians. Central to their efforts will be selling the huge lifestyle advantages on offer - citing higher wages, lower cost of living, an array of housing choices and around 3,200 hours of sunshine per year. Once the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement signed between the two countries comes into force this year, it will provide a simplified pathway for UK citizens to work in Australia, with mutual recognition of qualifications for skilled workers and much greater benefits for the working holiday maker visa. The delegation will hold skills events and attend job fairs in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Dublin in an attempt to spread their message across as much of the country as possible. The arrival of the delegation on February 25 will come at the end of a month which has seen continued strikes across public sectors, high inflation, record energy costs and a gloomy economic forecast. The WA Government says that Western Australia is regarded as one of the safest places to invest in business in the world, with a booming economy across sectors such as mining, new energy, construction, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. That has resulted in a huge surplus of vacancies in the job market, with almost 31,000 unfilled in December last year, and unemployment standing at just 3.5%. Minister Papalia says, “We are here to steal your workers by offering them a better life in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Western Australia is a fantastic place to live and work. “Our wages are higher and our cost of living is lower. Our health system is world class. You will be taken care of.” According to the WA Government, the salary of an electrician in Western Australia is 172% higher than an electrician working in the UK - $111,105 (£63,714) in WA, compared to $64,527 (£36,302) in the UK.

East Midlands EV drivers lose out to Londoners, says new evidence

Drivers of electric vehicles in the east Midlands face increasing problems charging their vehicles in public places as EV numbers soar. A Freedom of Information request by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) shows that most local authorities in the east Midlands have no plans to install new public electric vehicle charge points. ECA has revealed that the majority (91%) of local authorities in the east Midlands are yet to put strategies in place for new electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs). The figures raise concerns about the region's readiness for the growing number of EVs on Britain’s roads, and highlights disparities in EV charge point provision across the country. Over a third of all Britain’s EVCPs are in London, and over half of the local authorities in the Greater London region have an EVCP strategy in place. “The east Midlands needs to catch up with other parts of the UK or risk being left in the dust,” says Carol Baker-Wightman, ECA Regional Manager for the east Midlands. “We need a countrywide approach from central government to help the east Midlands plan its own EV charging network.” Clint Cottee, Contracts Director at ECA Member firm MA Broughton Electrical in Nottingham, says, “Our sector sits at the front lines of the net zero transition. It is vital that low-carbon technologies like EV car charging points, PV solar panels and home battery charging systems succeed in the long run, but the government needs to step up its efforts to get more public charge points up and running. “At the moment, our infrastructure and regulations are not keeping pace with EVs on the road, and our work towards a net zero Britain could stagnate unless the situation improves.” The government has set ambitious targets for the uptake of EVs, with plans to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2030 and install 300,000 new charge points. But, with only seven years to go, recent figures suggest we could be up to 20 years off-target. Luke Osborne, ECA’s Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, says, “More than 8,700 EV charge points were installed in 2022, bringing the UK total up to 37,000. But this is simply not fast enough to keep up with demand, let alone the government’s target of 300,000 charge points by 2030. “Right now, there are an average of 30 electric vehicles to every charge point in the UK. We must act fast to reduce this disparity and make it as easy to charge an EV as it is to fill up on petrol or diesel. “With time running out until the sale of new petrol and diesel cars are banned, we desperately need joined-up policy from central government that is passed down to local authorities, and then to the electrotechnical and engineering services businesses - who will be collectively upgrading the nation’s infrastructure and making Britain net zero ready.” ECA’s research also found that the number of local authorities actively investing in public on-street charging points was growing steadily, but patchily, because of different approaches and levels of funding from central government.

Toolstation raises over £750,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support

Toolstation raised over £750,000 for its designated charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support, in 2022. Since launching the charity partnership in 2020, Toolstation has raised over £1,500,000 for Macmillan to help fund vital physical, financial and emotional support for millions of people living with cancer across the UK. With the £750,000 donation, Macmillan could pay for 12 Macmillan nurses for a whole year, helping people living with cancer, and their families, to receive essential medical, practical and emotional support. Alternatively, the donation could support the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support team in running its Macmillan Support Line phone service for over five months. In this time, they could deal with more than 40,000 calls and web enquiries from people who need practical and emotional support or help to navigate cancer services. Fundraising took place across the business, with colleagues at its distribution network, support centre in Bridgwater and over 550 stores all getting involved throughout the year to help reach the record figure. Several colleagues were sponsored by the business to shave their heads for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of its Brave the Shave campaign, whilst Toolstation’s Managing Director, James Mackenzie, and Retail Director, Simon Robinson, put on their running shoes to help raise money by participating in the 2022 London Marathon. Last April, Toolstation launched its collaboration with micro-donation charity Pennies, with customers able to add an optional donation to Macmillan Cancer Support onto their purchases when paying by card and contactless. Additional fundraising initiatives included store raffles, bake sales, team hikes, fancy dress days and the ongoing support of Macmillan Coffee Mornings, all of which were supported through customer and colleague donations. Toolstation has continued its support for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2023, with each store currently offering the chance for customers to win a hamper full of CT1 goodies worth over £160 by entering a prize draw, with all proceeds being donated to the charity. CT1 sealant and adhesive is a construction adhesive that will never shrink or crack, and can be structured and painted with any type of paint. James says, “It’s amazing to think that we’ve raised so much money thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues. The wonderful work and support that Macmillan Cancer Support provides helps so many people. Our fundraising will support the charity in its efforts to be there for everyone living with or affected by cancer.” Kate Goldman-Toomey, Director of Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy at Macmillan Cancer Support, says, “We are so incredibly grateful for Toolstation’s continued support. Both colleagues and customers have gone above and beyond again, raising an incredible amount, undeterred by a potentially challenging fundraising environment. At Macmillan we rely on donations from the public and valued corporate partners such as Toolstation for 98% of our income. This support helps Macmillan to continue doing whatever it takes to give people living with cancer the support they need, when they need it most.”

HPAT600KIT1: Martindale’s solution to PAT testing

Whether you're working in a commercial or residential setting, Martindale Electric says that it’s HPAT600KIT1 advanced Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) kit provides a complete and cost-effective solution for all your PAT testing needs. The kit is easily transported and self-contained in a professional carry case, and has been put together with a number of additional tools to offer value for money and provide users with what they need for safe and accurate testing. Included in the kit is the Martindale HandyPAT600, designed to perform safety checks in accordance with the IET Code of Practice. The tester includes both automatic one-button testing, plus single-test selection for diagnostics. The HandyPAT600 features a run test for checking the integrity of the fuse, and that the appliance is switched on prior to testing. The pass levels can be easily adjusted for testing appliances with long power cords or long extension leads. In addition, it has memory for storing the test results of up to 200 appliances for on-screen recall later. The compact design, with a bright backlit display, provides the ability to test in all locations, particularly under a desk or behind a monitor, where lighting may be restricted. For a complete PAT solution, the kit includes a test register book - a convenient method of recording test results, 500 pass labels and 100 fail labels - to ensure that tested appliances are clearly marked, 230V extension lead adaptor, earth bond probe and crocodile clip, while the mains and in-car chargers provide you with all the power you need to carry out your testing on the go. The kit includes the industry-standard CP501 mains socket tester for additional general electrical testing and the NC2 non-contact voltage indicator for detecting live voltages. Versatile, reliable and designed to meet all your PAT testing requirements, the HPAT600KIT1 offers great value, makes it easy to choose what you need, and provides a complete solution for PAT testing wherever you are working.

City Plumbing expansion gives installers a helping hand 

City Plumbing is celebrating a year of significant growth following the opening of 22 new branches last year. Having boosted its network to over 370 branches across the UK during 2022, the merchant is committed to pairing expert knowledge with thousands of competitively priced products to help local tradespeople. Supporting plumbers, heating engineers, bathroom installers and electricians across the UK, all new branches have expert teams on hand to help customers quickly source over 20,000 spares available from leading manufacturers, including boiler parts and electrical products. With enhanced online ordering systems, next-day delivery, click and collect, and delivery to a customer’s site also now available, City Plumbing is confident that tradespeople can more easily access the products and know-how they need - however, wherever and whenever they need it. The Bathroom Showroom is also available in all new City Plumbing branches to help bathroom installers and homeowners create bespoke bathrooms to match their demands with dedicated end-to-end support. Last year, The Bathroom Showroom made customers’ lives even easier by offering complimentary 3D design planning, virtual appointments, and tile sampling. The business is dedicated to providing a service to all areas of the trade in one place, with the 2022 expansion seeing the addition of Electrical trade counters in every branch. This new offer provides electricians with access to over 2,000 electrical products and advice from experts who have worked in the sector. With ongoing legislation changes, and the introduction of government subsidies for renewable technology, installers are also increasingly looking for guidance on the latest technologies to help them deliver energy efficient heating solutions. As a result, the majority of new branches are also home to Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, supplying expert advice and offering solutions for a wide range of renewable technology systems and green energy projects, including heat pumps, solar solutions, biomass boilers, underfloor heating and more. Darren Redwood, Operations Director for City Plumbing, says, “Last year saw us massively boost our branch network, meaning our customers can access local expertise wherever they are working across the UK. Whether it is an unplanned emergency, a routine parts top-up or you simply need advice from our expert teams in-branch, we’re here to help. “We recognise that the industry is constantly evolving, as is the demand for new products and solutions, and we’ve been working hard to ensure our branches cater for all of our customers’ needs. The expansion of network, service range, and offering is testament to this, and we look forward to opening more new branches in the year ahead.”

Could you be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023?

The search is now on for Screwfix to discover the best and brightest trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland. Applications are now open for Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023, with the entry period closing on 19 February. The competition is back for its ninth year, and coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, shining a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 champion will receive the coveted title and a career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget, and £2,000 worth of technology - everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business. What’s more, the champion’s college will receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment, helping to provide outstanding services for tomorrow’s trade professionals. Alex Avis, 26 from Nottingham, won the Screwfix Trade Apprentice title in 2022. An apprentice in carpentry and joinery, Alex switched career from an office to a building site, and his passion for the industry and the people working in it came across loud and clear. Alex says, “Winning Screwfix Trade Apprentice has provided me with a fantastic platform to share my positive experiences working in the trade. While the tools, tech and training prize has really helped me towards my ambition of running my own business. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and I highly recommend applying.” Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix says, “We are incredibly excited to bring back the Screwfix Trade Apprentice for 2023, as we search for exciting new talent in the industry. Every year we meet apprentices who are passionate, dedicated and absolutely committed to delivering the highest standard of work in their chosen trade and I’m sure this year will be no different. “I’m looking to forward to seeing the applications, and would encourage those with passion, dedication and who ‘go above and beyond’ to apply. We’ve seen first-hand the massive difference this accolade and the prize bundle can make to a trade apprentice’s career. We can’t wait to crown our 2023 champion.” Entry to Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 is completely free and open to all apprentices who are enrolled at college, either have a part-time placement with an employer or are a full-time college student. Apprentices can apply themselves or be nominated by their college or employer. All applicants must be over the age of 16.

CICV unveils Best Practice Guide to help construction companies

The Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) has followed up the results of its recent payments survey by issuing a new Best Practice Guide to help contractors and sub-contractors improve cashflow, and prevent costly and damaging disputes. Compiled by more than a dozen industry experts, the guide offers a wealth of practical information, demonstrating how to take control and proactively deal with a range of issues to enhance the entire contractual chain. As part of its mission to improve the sector, the open source publication is being supported by an upcoming webinar on 3 March that will see experts from the CICV talk through the guide and offer further insights into preventing financial disagreements. Both resources have been produced in response to last week’s CICV survey on payment and cashflow issues in the industry in Scotland, which revealed that businesses are still suffering the scourge of late payments, outstanding retentions and unexpected charges. Industry consultant Len Bunton, who is Chair of the CICV Pipeline and Commercial sub-group, says, “Following the recent CICV survey, we concluded that the contracting supply chain needed some guidance on improving the commercial management of projects. “Our experienced contributors have walked through the construction process, giving their best recommendations on how to do things better day-to-day. A lot of the problems we deal with are self-inflicted, so we have gone back to the basics of improving the way in which commercial activities are carried out. “This is not rocket science, but it’s clear the whole process needs a massive shake-up. Following publication of the guide and our webinar to take the supply chain through it, I am confident we can get change into the UK industry.” As the latest initiative from the industry body, the Best Practice Guide is free to download from the CICV website and looks at a number of areas of interest, including: Tender qualifications Contract amendments Payment schedules Payment applications Payments received and value Variations Retentions Fluctuations Notices Record keeping Quality/defects Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP) The guide has been drawn up by experts from a range of industry bodies, including Len, Finishes and Interiors Sector CEO Iain McIlwee, Scottish Building Federation Commercial Director Ian Honeyman, and the National Hub Programme Director of Scottish Futures Trust, David MacDonald. Ian says, “Agreeing a mutually beneficial and collaboratively agreed contract is the first, vital stage in any construction project, and an area in which can lead to costly and damaging disputes. “The CICV has therefore looked at the most common reasons for payments being delayed and changed, and has prepared this guide to help companies and individuals understand how to avoid them.” CICV Chair Alan Wilson, who is also Managing Director of electrical trade association SELECT, says, “Being paid on time and receiving what you’re due in full is essential for the survival and growth of every business, so this guide and accompanying webinar will help contractors and sub-contractors improve the commercial management of building contracts.”

Thorn Lighting joins the Electrical Distributors’ Association

Thorn Lighting is proud to announce its affiliation to the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA). As an affiliate member, Thorn Lighting will be part of a community of leading supply chain businesses, working together to promote the interests of the UK’s electrotechnical sector. This affiliation strengthens Thorn Lighting's commitment to providing innovative, energy efficient lighting solutions to customers. As part of the EDA, the company will have access to the latest industry insights, trends, and best practices, allowing it to serve its customers better and grow its business. Wholesale distributors are the essential link between manufacturers of electrotechnical products and the electricians and electrical contractors who install them. The EDA supports and represents UK wholesalers that join as members, with affiliated membership open to manufacturers, solution providers and service providers. Paul Kilburn, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Zumtobel Group, says, “We are thrilled to become an affiliate member of the EDA as it is crucial for our business growth in distribution. This affiliation will further enhance our position as a leading provider of lighting solutions and better serve our customers. Our membership will provide access to their networking events, enabling us to build relationships with wholesale partners and create opportunities for us to engage on important subject matters such as training, marketing, CSR, and HR. “We look forward to working with the EDA and our fellow affiliate members to promote the growth of the electrical industry.” Margaret Fitzsimons, Chief Executive at EDA, adds, “The EDA Board and team are delighted to welcome Thorn Lighting. Their Affiliation gives them access to a wide range of benefits including our comprehensive program of networking events, professional training and apprenticeships, digitalisation initiatives to improve the flow of high quality product data through the supply chain - plus our research and industry insight.”