NICEIC launches electrical energy storage systems training

NICEIC is expanding its training portfolio, adding an all-new course focused on electrical energy storage systems. “This is an important new introduction” says NICEIC’s Technical Training Manager, Nik Mitchell. “As the nation grapples with soaring energy prices and the race to reach net zero, consumers are looking for ways to utilise energy more efficiently. “Many have already taken steps towards stabilising and securing their own electricity supply by installing technology such as solar PV panels, while others are considering measures to better utilise the supply delivered by the grid. “In either scenario, electrical energy storage systems have a pivotal role to play, and correct design and installation is vital. “Our newly developed course will give certified electrical contractors the tools they need to confidently carry out this work, allowing their businesses to make the most of this expanding opportunity”. Available to book now, the one-day classroom-based course explores the fundamentals of small-scale electrical energy storage systems and their role in creating an ‘energy hub’ to allow users to better manage their energy usage. Delivered by experts, the course will consider both installations with and without installed generation, such as solar PV. Nik continues, “The landscape in which we operate is changing, a fact which was reflected in the recent introduction of a new chapter to BS 7671 dedicated to prosumer installations. “More and more electrical businesses will be called upon to facilitate the installation of low carbon technologies. Ensuring your organisation is equipped with the knowledge needed will allow your business to thrive today and tomorrow”.

Schneider Electric appoints David Williams

Schneider Electric has appointed David Williams to the newly created role of Vice President of Transactional Business in the UK and Ireland. Having joined Schneider Electric in 2011, David has held roles across several business sectors, including solar, smart buildings, digital power solutions and power products. For the past three years, he was Vice President of Marketing across the UK and Ireland, responsible for Schneider’s offer, channel, segment, and digital marketing strategies, alongside running the zones data hub. In his new role, David will lead Schneider Electric’s home and distribution, and power products businesses, supporting the holistic needs of customers and channel partners and driving exceptional customer experience across the zone. This new business covers Schneiders’ end-to-end low voltage electrical distribution product offering, from large air circuit breakers, through its Acti 9 Offer right to residential consumer units and wiring accessories. “David is very well prepared for this new role,” says Kelly Becker, Zone President, Schneider UK and Ireland. “He is a transformational leader, passionate about sustainability, with a deep understanding of our business and a proven track record of building successful teams. I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Stewart Gregory on his retirement after more than 35 years with Schneider Electric, including almost 20 as Vice President of our Power Products division. I thank him for his hard work, dedication, and commitment, which has left a long-lasting positive impact on our customers and the industry.” “I continue to be impressed by the knowledge, expertise and talent of my colleagues past and present, and the innovative energy management solutions being delivered by our valued customers and partners,” says David Williams. “The energy and climate crises have created unprecedented challenges for businesses and consumers alike but knowing our capabilities I am excited by the challenges ahead and the difference we can make together.” David officially began his new position on 1 January, 2023.

Ovia welcomes Richard Wells to its sales team

Ovia has announced the appointment of Richard Wells to the position of Area Sales Manager for the mid Wales and north Midlands regions. Richard brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked within the electrical industry for more than 35 years. He spent the majority of that time with some of the industry’s major electrical wholesalers, and most recently enjoyed a five-year spell with a leading lighting manufacturer. In his role with Ovia, he will be responsible for developing new and existing customer relationships at an independent and national level, as well as engaging with contractors and specifiers to grow brand and product awareness. Part of Richard’s responsibility will be to assist where lighting design schemes are required, and will carry out site visits, as well as assisting with energy scheme calculation results based on information gathered.

Group Horizon celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Group Horizon is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place 6-12 February 2023. National Apprenticeship Week provides an ideal opportunity for the skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country, and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy. Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, believes that organisations should view taking on an apprentice as an investment that will help to address skills gaps, upskill the workforce and drive the business forward. He comments, “Apprenticeships can offer individuals the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a fulfilling career within their chosen industry, whilst at the same time allowing employers to take on and retain highly skilled, ambitious operatives. There are many benefits that come from investing in quality training - apprentices become motivated, bringing fresh and innovative skills and knowledge to the business.” Group Horizon won the ‘Contribution to Training Award’ at the 2022 Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards, in recognition of its work in delivering the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4. The apprenticeship has now passed 100 registrations since it was launched in April 2021. Edward Fitchett, an Apprentice Controls Technician with Johnson Controls, says, “When I first began my apprenticeship I didn’t have much knowledge on the industry, but the mix of training and on the job work gave me a really strong start. There’s a wide range of engineers and other apprentices to work with, who all have different specialties and levels of experience within the industry, so there’s always someone to talk to for advice no matter the issue. Peter Behan adds, “Apprenticeships are for everyone and provide a proven route into skilled employment, offering an opportunity to earn while you learn, gain valuable work experience and pursue a successful career in your chosen field. “We are delighted to support National Apprenticeship Week, which has become an important date in the industry calendar. Businesses that have previously taken on apprentices recognise the value they can offer and the swift return on investment that can be achieved.”

Electrical experts urged to apply for £135m public sector framework

Electrical maintenance and compliance experts can now apply to be part of a £135 million public sector asset and building management framework. Launched on 31 January, consultancies and contractors have until 16 March to apply to be part of the ASC1 (Asset Safety and Compliance) framework, delivered by public sector construction framework provider, LHC. Designed to help the public sector meet building life, safety and maintenance government guidelines, and legal responsibilities, ASC1 will provide a full suite of asset safety and compliance services. As well as electrical testing and maintenance experts, LHC is now welcoming applications to provide property protection and associated services, asbestos management, water testing, treatment, and management, plus heating, ventilation, and air conditioning-related services. Available nationwide, the framework is worth up to £100 million in England, £20 million in Scotland and £15 million in Wales. It covers all five LHC Group business units including Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) in Scotland, Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA) in Wales, South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) across the south west of England, Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) across the Midlands and north of England, and London and South East (LSE) for London and the south east of England. Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement at LHC, says, “This framework has been developed in direct response to our discussions with housing associations, local authorities, schools and healthcare clients, who expressed a need for long-term compliance-related expertise to help them meet asset maintenance and management requirements. “We are now looking for contractors and consultants to apply to be part of ASC1’s pool of specialists the public sector can draw upon. We’d encourage experts in property protection, asbestos removal, water testing and maintenance, gas safety and heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and electrical testing to apply. “This framework groups several specialisms together in a bid to encourage more collaboration across the marketplace. We hope will increase the visibility of companies on the framework and open more opportunities for public sector contracts, especially for regional suppliers and SMEs.” There are five workstreams to apply for under ASC1, including: Workstream 1 - Asbestos Consultancy, Surveys and Removal Workstream 2 - Property Protection and Associated Services Workstream 3 - Water Testing, Treatment and Management Workstream 4 - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Compliance, Servicing and Maintenance Workstream 5 - Electrical Testing and Associated Services

J S Wright Supplier Award winners celebrate success

It was two years in succession for all three companies that picked up the prizes at J S Wright’s Supplier Awards. The awards are an annual event celebrating levels of quality, commitment and service delivery by the suppliers of the J S Wright. National building fixings and support products supplier R&M Fixings & Supports, underfloor heating specialist Mec-Serv and renewable energy systems supplier SAV Systems, were named as Supplier of the Year, Subcontractor of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year, respectively. All three companies also won last year’s awards, while for SAV Systems, it was the eighth time that the company had won the Manufacturer of the Year title. The trophies were presented by Peter Grierson, Managing Director of J S Wright in a ceremony held at the San Carlo restaurant in Birmingham. Peter says, “We would not be the successful business that we are without the support of our key subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers. Partnerships like these, built on trust, honesty and great service and supply, play a vital role in enabling us to continually grow our business.” Steve Cargill, R&M Fixings & Supports Director, adds, "We are delighted to have been named Supplier of the Year by J S Wright for two consecutive years. This award would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our entire team. “Our partnership with J S Wright is vital to our success and we are committed to continuing to provide high-quality service and products to them in the future.” Matt Pullin, Mec-Serv Director, says, “I am thrilled that we have won the Best Subcontractor award for the second year running. I am proud of all our team for their continued hard work that has again resulted in this coveted honour from a key client.” Jan Hansen, SAV Systems Sales Director, comments, “This year we are particularly proud to win the Manufacturer of the Year award, with 2022 having been a difficult year with supply chain issues. So this does give us some acknowledgement that our efforts were well received. “We are proud to work with J S Wright and look forward to many more years of doing so.”

ABB E-mobility delivers millionth EV charger

ABB E-mobility has announced the delivery of its one millionth electric vehicle charger, the latest milestone in the company’s ongoing mission to enable an emission-free future through smart and reliable EV charging solutions. The launch of ABB E-mobility’s new $30 million, 16,000m2 production facility in Valdarno, Italy, assisted in doubling the company’s production capacity over the last two years. The manufacturing site set a new benchmark for the sector, producing one DC fast charger every 20 minutes thanks to its seven production lines. In addition to its Valdarno facility, ABB E-mobility has continued its expansion globally. Earlier this month, the company announced the commencement of manufacturing at its new production facility in the United States - set to produce up to 10,000 chargers annually for public charging, school busses and fleets. 2022 also saw a significant increase in ABB E-mobility’s stake in major Chinese charging provider, Chargedot. ABB E-mobility CEO, Frank Mühlon, says, “From the production of the EU’s first 50kW charger in 2010 to the launch of the Terra 360, which is capable of delivering 100km of range in less than three minutes, ABB E-mobility has long sought to develop the innovations necessary to create an emission-free mobility future. “While our continual investment in research and development shows our ongoing commitment to enhance the field of e-mobility, it is the global delivery of these solutions at scale which is integral to the realisation of our goals. I would like to thank our customers globally for their continued collaboration in hitting this one millionth charger milestone. I look forward to the millions yet to come, and to the cleaner, greener world they will help create.”

Andy Carter MP and BGEN welcome Employment Minister to Warrington

Warrington South MP Andy Carter welcomed the Minister of State for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, to Warrington on 20 January. The Minister paid a visit to BGEN, a Warrington-headquartered multi-discipline engineering solutions company that operates globally, to see first-hand the results of investment in training and apprenticeships taking place in the town. The visit coincided with data from the Office for National Statistics showing that Warrington’s unemployment levels have fallen over the past year to 2.3%, far below the UK national rate of 3.7%. During his visit, the Minister met with BGEN’s senior leadership team to discuss the company's recent achievements and current challenges the company is facing as it seeks to expand its workforce and global operations. Guy Opperman was also given a tour of the facility, which manufactures electrical panels for the company. The ministerial visit came as BGEN has set out to increase its overall workforce from 1,000 to 1,300 employees. The company, which has areas of operation throughout Europe, the Far East and Africa, offers a range of apprenticeship, trainee, and graduate schemes. It also recently committed to recruit, retrain and support more female employees, which includes the formation of a women’s forum. “It was interesting to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the business with Guy and Andy,” says Robin Whitehead, chief executive at BGEN. “We have made a firm commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people into the business to support our existing clients and new service offerings such as net zero engineering.” Minister for Employment Guy Opperman MP says, “I was delighted to visit BGEN who are providing high skilled jobs in Warrington South. It was fantastic to visit the team with Andy Carter and have the opportunity to see the skill that goes into their work. BGEN is a local success story - it’s going from strength to strength.” Andy Carter MP says, “It was a real pleasure to have the Employment Minister come over to the constituency and pay a visit to BGEN, a great employer in Warrington South. As well as providing jobs for over a thousand people, they’re doing excellent work towards helping achieve our net zero targets and ensuring that recruitment in engineering is better open to women, apprentices and those fresh out of university. I’d like to thank Guy Opperman for taking the time to visit Warrington, and also to BGEN for hosting the Minister and myself.”

M+E contractor puts vital steps in place to support growth aspirations

ASH Integrated Services increased turnover to £4 million in 2022, and aims to hit £5.5 million in its current financial year. A key part of its plans includes securing further contracts within facilities management and maintenance, and the firm has attained ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 to support this goal. The firm, which was awarded the certificates in just four months following significant investment, counts Lancashire County Council, a hotel chain, and a university as clients in its maintenance division. The ISO certificates will play a major role in assisting ASH win new maintenance work in 2023, says Gary Zetter, Operations Manager, who was recruited to lead on the ISO journey. Gary says, “It’s highly unusual to find a company of our size offer truly integrated M+E services in-house, and adding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 further cements our position in the market as an innovative business. “It also strengthens our message that we genuinely care about improving our people and service solutions. “While we believe we operate and work within a good company, how do we actually know? This auditing process tells us, and there is no hiding place.” ASH, which employs 45 engineers and office support staff, delivers M+E projects across the UK in industries including education, hospitality and the public sector. Its maintenance work is predominantly in the north west, north Wales, and the Midlands. Antony Grace, co-founder and Director at Ash Integrated Services, says, “To secure the certification in just four months is a testament to the foundations already in place at the business as well as how every employee bought into the journey and played a vital role. “We have already received positive feedback from current and potential clients, and I’m excited about the opportunities ASH Integrated Services will now have.” Gary adds, “The lead auditor has said our ISO achievement was ‘a spectacular result considering our starting point, and time period set. “This was all made possible thanks to the investment and drive of the three directors and co-founders, as well as the buy-in and dedication of the entire ASH team.”

CTEK’s charger wins UK E-Mobility award

CTEK has won the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Manufacturer of the Year award at the UK’s E-Mobility Awards 2023. CTEK won the coveted award for its Chargestorm Connected 2 (CC2) electric vehicle supply equipment which was designed to be compact, smart and reliable. The CTEK team was presented with the award at the E-Mobility Awards ceremony, hosted by the broadcaster Quentin Wilson at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire. Cecilia Routledge, CTEK’s Global Director of Energy and Facilities, says, “It is a huge honour to be named winner of this coveted award. We are very pleased that the experienced E-Mobility Awards judges picked CTEK and our CC2 for this title. “The UK market is very important to CTEK, and this win will be celebrated equally here by our UK team and back in Sweden at our headquarters where the research and innovations for CC2 took place and continue every day.” CTEK’s CC2 is one of the few chargers available with a choice of either a single or dual socket, where two vehicles can be plugged into the same unit to charge at the same time. The units can be wall or pole mounted, and CTEK also offers a four-socket solution, where two dual socket CC2s are mounted back-to-back, allowing four EVs to plug in and charge at once. Installers only need to dig one hole and fix one pole for every four charging points, making setting up a charging location quicker, easier and more cost effective. CTEK says that CC2 is one of the most dynamic EV chargers around, designed to be robust, reliable and easy to use. It’s packed with safety features and smart functions that gives drivers flexibility to choose the time, power and length of charge. Cecilia adds, “We are really excited to be a part of the UK’s transition to greener and more sustainable transport.”