Replenishh partners with VCHRGD

Replenishh recently announced that it has entered a wholesale partnership with EV charger manufacturers, VCHRGD. This partnership allows Replenishh to further extend its brand range to its EV installer customers, whilst providing its standard benefits such as trade pricing and next day despatch. “We are thrilled to be working with VCHRGD,” says Jim Rugg, Head of Replenishh. “Its commitment to affordable, reliable and smart EV charging aligns perfectly with our mission to provide EV charging solutions that are not only cleaner and greener for consumers, but also reliable and safe for installers. As the demand for charging solutions continues to rise, this partnership plays a growing role in expanding the availability of EV charging stations to service the half a million EVs on the UK’s roads.” VCHRGD's mission is to produce smart and sustainable charging technologies for everyone, suitable for a multitude of environments, from homes to workplaces or other public spaces, with the aim of making charging accessible for all. “VCHRGD is thrilled to join forces with Replenishh, a company known for delivering unparalleled service to its installers,” says Alex Watson, Founder and Director of VCHRGD. “As electric vehicles become more popular and the demand for chargers grows, the installer network plays a crucial role in making clean energy accessible. Our partnership with Replenishh will enhance our ability to provide high-quality charging units to electricians, with the added benefit of its exceptional service.” Replenishh offers a comprehensive range of electric vehicle charging solutions, meeting the demands of both residential and commercial customers. These solutions comply with the latest government regulations for safety and smart technology and come equipped with advanced features such as Randomised Delay and Default Charging Schedules, as well as the latest enhanced data storage and security elements to protect both users, and the growing demand on the national grid. Replenishh has already started distributing VCHRGD’s line of EV chargers to its network of installers, who can expect to see the VCHRGD Seven available to order immediately from the Replenishh website. This partnership marks the first time that VCHRGD has ventured into a wholesale relationship, with Replenishh being its sole wholesale distributor. Jim Rugg, Head of Replenishh also adds, “We are excited to be offering the VCHRGD range to our installers. The unit’s modest, yet sophisticated design, emulates its simple installation. Installers are always looking for the best fit for their customers, but it is important that the install procedure is straightforward and easy to navigate. VCHRGD’s units are a great addition to our offering and with their support, we are confident that our two brands can collaborate to create a seamless installer and consumer experience.”

MKM plugs industry skills gap with apprentice program

MKM is using this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) to highlight how important apprenticeships are to combatting the construction industry’s widening skills gap. One area in which the merchant has identified a skills gap is in kitchen and bathroom design. That’s why MKM has invested in its Showroom Design and Sales Level Three programme, which combines customer service and sales skills with practical know-how on designing kitchens and bathrooms. One thing that makes MKM’s apprenticeship offering stand-out from competitors is that the business does not give a standard apprenticeship wage. Instead, all MKM apprentices have the same contract as any other employee across the business, and are paid a competitive wage. What’s more, the apprenticeship positions at MKM are supported by various training providers as well as in-house teams ensuring both business and vocational training is available in all roles across every area of the business. The program started 18 months ago with just three participants, and now boasts over 70 apprentices across central support and its nationwide branch network. The company’s ambition is to grow the offering further still, with the goal being to reach at least 125 colleagues in apprenticeships at any one time, equating to some 5% of MKM’s employees. Kerry Hunt, Learning and Development Business Partner at MKM, says, “Like all of our apprenticeships, Showroom Design and Sales Level Three is designed to help the business in a key area and help plug the skills gap that is impacting the whole construction sector. We offer programmes from levels two to seven, across all business areas, from yard and sales roles through to finance, business management and more. “At MKM’s core is a commitment to looking after its employees and customers. By investing in apprenticeships and promoting ongoing training opportunities for our existing employees, we ensure our staff are given the best opportunities to advance and develop their careers, and are staying true to our promise to deliver top quality service to our customers.” MKM is shining a spotlight on its apprentices on social media over National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the diversity of its offering and the difference the company is making to people pursuing a career in such a rewarding sector. Rennah Banks, Customer Service Apprentice, says, “After I left school, I was a bit clueless as to my next steps. I started working as a waitress and as time went on, I realised that wasn’t what I wanted to do. “I didn’t want to go to university either, so started thinking that maybe the route to go down is an apprenticeship. “I didn’t even know that you got paid at an apprenticeship. “Thanks to working here and getting a proper wage I’ve been able to set myself up for the future - and it’s helped my confidence a lot.”

Mini switch mode power supply added to Vimpex’s Identifire range

A new super-compact single gang PSU 12/24V has been added to the Vimpex Identifire range. It’s capable of supplying either 12V or 24V dc, and is suitable for a wide range of applications across the fire, security, and controls sectors. Used in combination with the Vimpex Identifire relay range, which includes the recently released Wide Voltage Relay, the unit can be deployed in higher current and mains voltage applications. The mini switch mode power supply shares the same look and innovative features as all Identifire products. It fits the majority of recessed single gang boxes for flush mounting or surface mounting, using a dedicated Identifire backbox. As with the entire Identifire range, the units can be branded with a company logo and unique application-specific text labelling to add that extra professional look. Some of the key features of the product include: 800mA at 12V or 400mA at 24V dc selectable via jumper links Bright green LED power indication PCB cover to protect users from mains voltage Cost effective method of powering low current draw devices Small compact device, helping to maintain the aesthetics of the building Available in red and white variants

Nuneaton engineering company goes green

A Midland’s civil engineering business is harnessing the sun’s power by installing 374 solar panels across its facility in Nuneaton thanks to funding from HSBC UK. Ivor King installed the panels, which now cover two-thirds of its headquarters’ roof, using HSBC UK’s Green Fund as part of a seven-figure funding package. The funding support will also allow Ivor King to invest in multi-disciplinary, environmentally sensitive equipment, allowing the business to work in low-emission zones. This capability will help create an additional 20-30 jobs and follows a period of growth for the company which has seen turnover increase by nearly 40% in 12 months. The support from HSBC UK has enabled a 140Kw solar panel installation - the annual carbon saving being the equivalent of planting 70-100 trees per year. The system is capable of halving the electricity bill throughout the summer months. Ivor King now has plans to install batteries on-site, increasing capacity and allowing energy generated on-site to power other parts of the company. Dave Smith, Finance Director at Ivor King, says, “We are committed to continuously improving the sustainability of our workplace and practices. Our new solar panels are just one step in the journey to becoming even more sustainable as an organisation. We are grateful for the ongoing support of HSBC UK as we grow in this area, which is enabling us to take on new work and employees as a result.” Michal Babel, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, adds, “Supporting businesses like Ivor King as they adapt and face up to business challenges is what HSBC UK is about, and we are pleased to be able to help the company in its transition to becoming more sustainable.”

Young Lives vs Cancer supports Alfie through his journey

National Ventilation is supporting World Cancer Day on 4 February and thanking Young Lives vs Cancer for the support the charity has given Alfie Bills throughout his cancer journey. Alfie, the son of Andy Bills, a specification manager at National Ventilation, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2019 at just three years of age. With the family gaining support both emotionally and financially from Young Lives vs Cancer at such a difficult time, Alfie’s father, Andy began fundraising for the charity forming Alfie’s Army. To add to this fundraising, National Ventilation then stepped in to support the charity too as part of a group-wide initiative, which named Young Lives vs Cancer as its charity of the year and has so far raised £5,766. National Ventilation and its group have undertaken a variety of fundraising activities for Young Lives vs Cancer with a number of highlights during the year, including both Easter and Halloween bake sales, where staff baked a range of delicious cakes. Sponsored walks, including the 25K South Coast Challenge walking from Eastbourne to Alfriston in East Sussex, and the Young Lives vs Cancer Challenge 60 virtual event for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, where participants were challenged to jog, run, cycle, walk or swim 60 miles. Charity raffles and tuck shops across the group have also added valuable funds to the total raised. Alfie was diagnosed in May 2019 and has undergone a very intense regime of chemotherapy for three and a half years. After going into remission in September 2019, Alfie entered a three-year maintenance phase where Alfie continued with chemotherapy to help ensure the aggressive cancer doesn’t return. This has been an immensely difficult time for the Bills family. Alfie’s suppressed immune system means that keeping Alfie safe and well has been hugely challenging, and the family has had to avoid shops, restaurants, play gyms, kids parties - anywhere enclosed with people in. Chemotherapy also has many side effects from sickness, tiredness, insomnia, and joint pain. Thankfully Alfie’s last treatment was in September 2022, and his life has begun to turn around. His energy levels have increased, and his anxiety has eased. Alfie now attends a football club organised by Inclusive Sport, which is helping him with his social skills and relationship building. Alfie also loves anything that involves animals and being outside. “Alfie’s last three and a half years have been an absolute rollercoaster and we’ve been on a journey which can only be described as horrendous. Keeping him safe, especially with COVID, has been such a challenge. But now that Alfie has finished chemotherapy, we have seen a massive change and he is enjoying life. He loves visiting zoos, farms and woodland walks and just being a normal little boy”, says Andy. “I’m so grateful for the help we have received from Young Lives vs Cancer throughout our journey. They’ve supported us both emotionally and financially during this very tough time. Through our fundraising we have been able to give something back to this amazing charity.” “National Ventilation is delighted to support Young Lives vs Cancer as its charity of the year to raise funds to support children and young people and their families in their fight against cancer,” says Robin Francis, Managing Director at National Ventilation. “At National Ventilation we have seen first-hand how Young Lives vs Cancer helps young people and their families. The charity has supported Alfie and his family throughout their journey, as well as Matt Dyer who works at the company who also had cancer as a child, so we know just how important the work of this charity is.”

Save up to £100 with Toolstation’s new catalogue

Toolstation has launched its latest catalogue offering hundreds of new deals, and brands that aim to help customers save money on trade-quality products during a challenging period of rising costs. The launch comes after Toolstation saw unprecedented demand for its most recent catalogue, with all print versions snapped up by customers. Tradespeople and eager DIYers will be able to collect a printed version of the new catalogue from their local store or view the whole range online and via the Toolstation app. The catalogue leaves no stone unturned with a wide selection of power tools, plumbing fittings, lighting and electrical accessories, painting and decorating products, construction gear and more, making sure no customer is left behind. Trade professionals who are preparing for a new year of jobs can enjoy a wide range of offers on power tools and accessories, including savings of up to 26% on Milwaukee and Bosch power tools, and up to 28% on DeWalt drills and accessories. For those facing outdoor work in the harsh winter weather, the catalogue also features a pair of Stanley Warrior Waterproof Safety Boots available for up to 20% off RRP. Award winning workwear band Scruffs also offers a Winter Essentials Pack for just £7.98. As customers continue to face the challenge of rising costs, the catalogue offers up an array of deals on smart home products that trades and customers can use to upgrade their home, and take control of their bills, including up to 31% off smart thermostats. Trade Account customers will be able to benefit from the 5% discount available on every purchased product from the new catalogue, with no minimum spend. Signing up to a Trade Account offers customers added support with more efficient financial management, up to 60 days interest-free credit, flexible credit limits and online account management. Customers can apply online or via the app.

Halma expands in fire safety sector with acquisition

Halma has announced that it has acquired Thermocable for its safety sector fire detection company, Apollo Fire Detectors. Thermocable is a manufacturer of linear heat detectors (LHDs). LHDs are temperature sensitive cables, installed in areas at risk of overheating and fire, which trigger an alert when they detect a change of temperature. Thermocable’s specialist detection technologies expand the range of devices Apollo offers, helping to keep more people safe from the risk of fire. “Thermocable’s specialist technologies will further enhance Apollo’s existing strengths in fire detection and alarm systems for industrial and commercial customers,” says Andrew Williams, Group Chief Executive of Halma. “They will enable Apollo to address a greater range of customer needs in niche applications for a variety of sectors such as urban infrastructure and transportation, logistics, natural resources and emerging applications in renewable power generation.” Thermocable’s technology is particularly suited for use in challenging infrastructure and industrial applications such as tunnels, factories, car parks, and increasingly solar farms. “Our long-term growth is driven by increasing urbanisation, population growth and safety regulation,” says David Bulley, Managing Director of Apollo. “With the acquisition of Thermocable, we will serve a greater range of customer needs globally while offering an extra layer of protection to help extinguish fires at the source before they cause serious harm. Its technologies are highly aligned with Apollo’s purpose to protect people and their environment.”

Screwfix expands with 80 stores opened in the last year

Screwfix is on track to reach its ambition to open more than 1,000 stores across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, following the opening of 87 stores in the past 12 months (72 in the UK, 10 in Republic of Ireland and five in France). The new stores have created more than 800 jobs within the local communities in areas such as retail management, service assistants and supervisor roles. The latest openings, which bring Screwfix to over 870 stores, continue the retailer’s record of opening one store per week for the last 10 years, and be more accessible to hardworking tradespeople. Through new store formats and the Sprint Service, which delivers to customers in 60 minutes or less, Screwfix says that it continues to champion tradespeople and serious DIYers. Following the launch of its French website in 2021, Screwfix also opened its first five stores in France last year, initially located in the Hauts de France region. John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, says, “The ongoing expansion of our network ensures we continue to bring Screwfix ever closer to our customers. “In response to sustained demand from tradespeople across the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, we have accelerated our store opening program so that our customers are always near a Screwfix store. We know that time is money for our customers, and we understand how much they value convenience, so they can get what they need and get back to the job. “Our latest store openings are testament to the hard work of our colleagues, and we are delighted to have created more than 800 jobs within the local communities our stores serve. We are excited about the year ahead and to continue to provide our customers with the ultimate convenience.”

Legrand awarded ISO/IEC 27001 certification

Legrand has announced that its building control systems (Legrand BCS) division has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification. This certification confirms that Legrand BCS has achieved the most rigorous international standards for protection and security within the software and firmware used for its connected devices, embedded systems, and IT system. This includes the company's Legrand Shading Systems, Vantage, and Wattstopper brands. "This certification validates the time and effort we've put into ensuring that our customers have end-to-end secure technology solutions," says Adam Murano, VP Software Excellence at Legrand BCS. "For us, that includes meeting any and every measure for information security when using our products. Not only will specifiers, end-users, and homeowners feel safer and more secure, but this will also help streamline the bidding process. We are proud to be among only the most elite technology manufacturers that have met what is one of the most prestigious cyber security standards in the market." ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is an information security standard published by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Legrand BCS' certification was issued by Bureau Veritas upon successfully completing the formal audit process. This certification is evidence that Legrand BCS had met all the rigorous international standards for ensuring the security and protection of employee data, customer data, financials, intellectual property, third-party data, cyber security, cryptography, and data privacy, as set forth by the standard.

Recolight announce circular economy webinars for 2023

Recolight have confirmed dates for four new webinars in 2023, aimed at helping the lighting industry drive forward its sustainable practices. Much has changed over the last three years since Recolight launched its webinar series for lighting and the circular economy. New metrics have been developed, remanufacturing and reuse is starting to take off, and new regulations are being implemented. Circular lighting guide, Ray Molony says, “We have reviewed the feedback from Circular Lighting Live 2022 and looked at the topics you want to learn about more. The webinars have been designed for the whole lighting industry, specifiers, manufacturers and end users. They look at what is being achieved to move to a more sustainable business model, and the tools to help take your business forward. They are designed to complement Circular Lighting Live Conference, at which we plan to go into even greater detail.” Together with Ray Molony, who will chair the sessions Recolight are inviting leading specialists from across the lighting industry to present. The webinars are: 23 Feb - understanding environmental metrics: a manufacturer’s guide 23 March - taking action: sustainability for lighting manufacturers 18 May - making Cat A fit-outs sustainable 23 June - the waste regs and your responsibilities Recolight CEO, Nigel Harvey adds, “In the last three years, the Recolight Webinars have been attended by over 1800 delegates, with more than 4000 listening to the replays. At Recolight, we are delighted that speakers and delegates have joined us from across the whole lighting industry; a testament that together, we can make a difference in moving towards sustainable business for all.”