Key senior appointments at A Alexander Group

Glasgow based A Alexander Group has created two new management roles following the company’s continued growth. Gordon Anderson has been appointed Electrical Small Works Manager, and Alex Lawther has become Fire and Security Service Manager. The family-owned business specialises in large scale commercial and domestic electrical services, as well as fire and security, throughout the UK and has enjoyed significant growth in the past three years. Gordon has been with the business for 15 years, originally working as a buyer and then going on to qualify as an electrician. Taking up his new role, he will be responsible for the reactive and planned maintenance of domestic and small commercial projects. Previously a service engineer, Alex will be responsible for managing the installation and maintenance of commercial and domestic fire and security systems. Stewart Alexander, Managing Director, A Alexander Group says, “As the business continues to go from strength to strength, it’s vital that we have the right team in place to ensure diligent project management. Both Gordon and Alex are experienced in all aspects of the business and ideally placed to support their teams to deliver on quality and customer service.” Based in Glasgow’s southside, A. Alexander Group is a family-owned business and operates four divisions specialising in commercial and domestic electrical services, mechanical services and fire and security services.

NAPIT launches 2023 EXPO Roadshow with renewables focus

NAPIT has announced details of its 2023 EXPO Roadshow, this year with a focus on renewables. Confirmed headline sponsors include MCS, Rolec, Hager, Megger and Surge Protection Devices who, with NAPIT’s technical experts, will be sharing expertise on renewable technologies in the home, microgeneration products, EV charging, and EICR Coding Sessions. Other confirmed exhibitors include TIS, Luceco, Chint, Aico and more. The cost-of-living increase is having a direct effect on consumers sourcing and purchasing alternative methods to heat and power their homes. The EXPO Roadshows are an opportunity to learn, train, and develop the skills needed to progress in this rapidly growing sector. And, throughout January there is an early bird offer with 25% off ticket price. Locations: Milton Keynes - 20 April Epsom - 17 May Chelmsford - 7 June Manchester - 12 July Newcastle - 6 September Leeds - 11 October Cheltenham - 15 November Leicester - 30 November What’s included: Three hours of CPD with dedicated live questions and answer sessions Money-off voucher to be redeemed on the day, which can be used in any NAPIT training courses, publications, FastTest Licences and more Breakfast rolls and refreshments available throughout the day Bag of free goodies to take home Exclusive access to on the day discounts, prizes and giveaways Access to exhibitors showcasing new products

Recolight celebrates a year of circular activity

During 2022, Recolight worked hard to help get sustainability and climate action higher on the agenda. In January 2022 it set a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 10% in 2022. In March, Recolight’s 2022 webinar series started. Topics covered included ‘How to be a sustainable lighting manufacturer’, ‘Remanufacture of lighting equipment’, and ‘Six lights for a sustainable future’. Hosted by Ray Molony, they were attended/listened to by over 1,500 delegates. In April, Recolight’s first ever training workshops were launched - ‘Lighting product design for a circular economy’. Developed and delivered by Simon Fisher of F-Mark, the workshops ran on six occasions with 64 delegates, including two company-specific events. Recolight launched the Circular Lighting Report in June. Edited by Ray Molony, it is a dedicated, independent information channel covering all matters related to sustainability for the lighting industry. In six months, there have been over 100 posts, and 1,500 followers on LinkedIn. In September, Circular Lighting Live was a success with 225 delegates, 25 panellists and speakers, and 15 corporate sponsors. The packed agenda covered: EU and UK legislation, environmental metrics, including assessments of circularity (TM66), embodied carbon (TM65), environmental product declarations, life cycle assessments, and practical discussions included how to encourage more remanufacture and reuse in the lighting sector. During the course of the year, 21 companies joined the Recolight WEEE scheme for compliance in 2022 and/or 2023. Commenting on the year, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says, “I am thrilled by the way the Recolight team has helped to drive sustainability up the agenda for the lighting industry. And the response from the industry has been just as encouraging: we have seen more specifiers, producers and customers putting sustainability at the heart of their strategies. “My one disappointment is that despite setting a target to reduce the carbon emissions of our waste lamp collection service by 10%, they actually increased slightly. That was caused by a highly inefficient retail project which required us to collect small volumes from a large number of stores across the UK. We are determined to do better in 2023 and will set ourselves another ambitious target. “And 2023 is already looking very promising: more growth in our WEEE scheme. Launch of TM66 services working with industry expert Helen Loomes and Simon Fisher. Another webinar series. Circular Lighting Live 2023 in September. And a new Re-use and Remanufacturing conference in April.”

Milestone year for Niglon’s founding family

The family behind the Niglon brand is celebrating 80 years in business - and rewarding one lucky customer with a Playstation 5 to mark the occasion. The firm, which now supplies more than 4,500 products to wholesalers across the UK, can trace its roots back eight decades to 1943 when Stanley Douglas Hinley began working as a manufacturer’s agent under the trading name S.D Hinley. At the time, he made a commission for selling Cryselco, Grelco and Contactum products. Over time, his sons, grandson and eventually his great-grandchildren joined the company, which took on the Niglon name in 1966. Several moves were also made during the time - although the company has always been proudly based in the Midlands - before the team found its permanent home in its purpose-built headquarters in Solihull in 2016. The third and fourth generations of Hinleys still work for Niglon today, ensuring they’ve retained a family-feel while modernising the firm and its processes to ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry. Operations Director Oliver Hinley says, “We are hugely proud to have been part of the electrical industry for 80 years. The success of the company is undoubtedly due to the hard work and family values instilled by my great-grandfather Stanley Hinley which have remained a strong part of our company identity to this day. We also pride ourselves on having a wealth of experience across the entire team. “We’ve grown as a company and celebrated many milestones along the way, meaning we’re well prepared for the next 80 years!” To celebrate reaching the milestone, Niglon wanted to thank its loyal customers - so any contractor who sends a picture of their invoice (as proof they have purchased Niglon products worth £75 or above from any UK wholesaler since the start of 2023) to the company’s Instagram page before the end of February will receive a bundle pack containing a hoodie, beanie hat, snood and flask. All entries will go into a grand prize draw to win a Playstation 5. The winner will be announced at the beginning of March on the Niglon Instagram page.

Changes announced to BCIA management committee

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced changes to its management committee, with the addition of new members Jen Vickers, Ron Purcell and Jason Harper, while thanking Richard Meacham and Simon Ward who have both left the committee after serving their three-year tenure. The BCIA has also welcomed back Rob Wood as Chair of the Skills Working Group, and would like to thank Wendy Belfield for covering the role on an interim basis for the past few months. The BCIA is run by its members for its members, and appointments to the management committee are by election. Members are however encouraged to participate in the marketing, technical and skills working groups which enable the BCIA to tackle particular issues and projects in a focused way. Jen Vickers is Document Engineer for Crown House Technologies, part of Laing O’Rourke, and works within Enterprise Solutions, which delivers specialist systems including BEMS. More recently Jen has started to project manage the BEMS package on a number of projects. Jen also oversaw the launch of the BCIA Young Engineers Network in April 2022. Ron Purcell is an experienced controls and BMS engineer and advocate for smart buildings and controls with 40 years’ industry experience. He is an active member of CIBSE and holds an HNC in electrical and electronics engineering. Previously, Ron has worked in several roles including working on site servicing and commissioning controls and BMS systems and in more desk-based positions running technical support, business development and sales. Jason Harper has been involved in the BMS industry since leaving school. He started as an apprentice for Energy Saving Systems and went on to work for a number of companies before becoming Managing Director of Integrated BMS in 1997. BCIA President Graeme Rees comments, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jen, Ron and Jason on to the BCIA Management Committee. The experience and knowledge gained from their respective careers will make each of them a valuable addition to the team and I look forward to working with them.”

Tree trimmers branch out with new software

The country’s largest electricity distribution company is investing £24 million a year and rolling out new software to help cut back trees and prevent power cuts. UK Power Networks will invest the sum over the next three years to make the electricity network more resilient so its eight million customers will have even fewer power cuts - thanks to a new data analysis system called ‘TRIM’. The new Tree Risk Investment Model was invented by a member of staff and was tried out last year with great success. The innovative software can produce a priority list of where to cut trees so they don’t come into contact with power lines, after analysing the number of historic power cuts, how many properties are connected to that circuit, and how many spans of cables there are in the area. The prioritised list, based on real-life data, helps tree cutters work in the most effective way. The success of the method, used first as a pilot in the South East and then in the East of England, has led to the company investing £24 million a year over the next three years to help reduce the number of power lines damaged by trees and branches, particularly during storms. Commercial manager Mike Leicester used to work as a tree clearance contractor for UK Power Networks until he joined the company full time. He says, “The main idea was to provide the business user with an easy to use, fast response, one page dashboard solution. I am delighted it has worked and the company is now going to make it more automated.” Power supplies are 99% reliable, partly thanks to the continual tree cutting programme, with the company working closely with landowners, and staying mindful of the environmental impact and birds nesting. Tree manager Bill Blackburn says, “This is a real positive step forward. We can make data-based decisions on when and where to target tree cutting. It will start to make a difference to customers, helping prevent interruptions to power caused by adverse weather like storms.” Sam Smith from contractors TreeSmiths, comments, “We have found this to be a really positive step forward in minimising faults and as such, reducing power cuts. “With the new data tool in use, we are now being steered to the high priority feeders and circuits. UK Power Networks can now define exactly which area is a priority, ensuring our resources are being utilised to maximum efficiency. We have no doubt this is a really great tool to be using to pinpoint the areas in need of vegetation clearance with high volumes of customers before they become an issue.”

Eaton and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions launch new finance solution

Eaton has joined forces with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions to offer a tailored finance solution to help business owners accelerate their energy transition while preserving cashflow. In an era of elevated energy prices, business owners are increasingly looking to invest in technology that will help them to reduce energy costs and ensure business continuity. Energy storage, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and EV charging infrastructure can help achieve these goals. The solution developed by Eaton and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions offers a predictable fixed payment that includes infrastructure and equipment, as well as access to Eaton’s global service network. Andreea Laplace, Strategic Financing and Venture Business Development Director at Eaton, says, “By taking an integrated approach to the energy transition, businesses will reap additional cost savings and reduce their carbon footprint. Our Buildings as a Grid approach can include any combination of EV charging infrastructure, energy storage and renewable generation, but implementing all three yields most benefits. “Our EnergyAware UPS combines UPS technology with advanced energy storage functions to protect valuable equipment from power disturbances, while also leveraging batteries to reduce operating costs or earn money from energy market participation. “The financial solution we are offering with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions gives customers access to energy transition technologies affordably, helping them to conserve cash while at the same time making a positive environmental impact.” Pascale Favre, Head of the Technology Lifecycle Solutions business line at BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions says, “Eaton’s approach is in line with our aim to support our clients’ transition with our group strategic plan: growth, technology, sustainability by 2025. This is why we are looking forward to accompanying Eaton and its customers in deploying sustainable infrastructure and equipment.” The finance programme is available now in France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Germany and the UK, with further European expansion planned for later in 2023.

NICEIC and the Electrical Industries Charity deliver mental health support

With suicide rates among professionals in the electrical industry the highest of any profession, NICEIC and the Electrical Industries Charity are joining forces to get everyone talking about mental health and wellbeing. This Blue Monday, the date in the calendar many refer to as the gloomiest day of the year, NICEIC will deliver its fourth WIRE episodes dedicated to the topic. NICEIC’s Learning and Wellbeing Manager Danny Mouskovias, says, “It is essential that the taboo associated with talking about mental health is removed and that the many men and women of our industry have somewhere to turn should they need it. “This session will provide guidance on how to start those all-important conversations and provide practical tips on things we can all do to ensure we take better care of ourselves and each other.” Guest speaker Grace Ellis, continues, “The Electrical Industries Charity is dedicated to supporting the electrical and energy industries. Such a huge part of what we do encompasses mental health, and we have a wide range of help and resources available. Our service is free to access and is completely confidential. The webinar will discuss what support is available to you, should you need it.”

BGES Group grows Southern team of smart building specialists

Due to growth, BGES Group has expanded its presence in London, with a move to larger premises and the addition of three specialist team members. The company, which has been headquartered in Sheffield since 1995, has seen growing demand for its services in the South. Its investment in several central London premises will equip the company to deliver on several smart building technology projects in the region. Recently completed projects include a building management system upgrade at Exchequer Court, and an adaptable smoke, ventilation and pollution clearance package for the Battersea Power Station redevelopment. Lewis Locke, London and South Regional Director says, “We are so excited to be moving into our new London offices - and it’s an essential next step as we grow our business in the South. We are seeing huge demand for energy efficiency retrofit projects, particularly in the commercial sector, as building owners rise to the challenge of meeting stricter minimum energy efficiency standards, coming into force in April 2023.” Specialist team         As part of the expansion, BGES Group’s London HQ welcomes the appointment of two new team members. Rob Ordish joined the company’s Sheffield headquarters in 2019 and has been promoted to manage its southern and London regions in his new position of Regional Operations Manager. Rob will be working with the regional director to deliver all South, Midlands and London operations (projects and service works). “I’m excited to be part of the team building on opportunities from our London HQ,” Rob says. “Now, more than ever, estates teams need to find better ways to control building energy use, and smart building technologies offer huge, untapped potential for savings.” Ben Snuggs joins the company as Operations Coordinator for the South, supporting Rob and the southern team with coordination, scheduling and administration. “I was attracted to BGES Group by their strong reputation in the industry, and the wide variety of projects they are working on in the region,” Ben says. “I’m delighted to be joining them at this pivotal stage in their growth.” Another new addition is Tom Lauder, who will take over from Rob as Service Manager for all the national and Northern service works. Tom will lead the growth and development of BG Service’s national and Northern contracts and head up the Energy and Control Centre (eCC) team. “BGES Group has big plans to improve its eCC and service offering in 2023,” Tom says. “I’m looking forward to helping turn that ambition into reality.” BGES Group’s expansion plans will continue later in 2023, with the addition of specialist team members to bolster its projects division.

Screwfix customer wins electric van

Rebecca, a greenkeeper from Leamington Spa, is the winner of the Screwfix Big App Giveaway, driving home with a brand new electric van that she will make the most of for her business. In October 2022, Screwfix gave customers the chance to win fantastic prizes by purchasing via its app, including Smart Home heating bundles, iPhone 14, and TUI Holiday e-vouchers, with the first prize being an all-electric Ford Transit van. Based in Leamington Spa, Rebecca has been a Screwfix customer for years. She has been in the trade for 12 years as a full-time greenkeeper at Fulford Heath Golf Club and spends most of her weekends working on landscaping projects. The new electric transit van will be massively beneficial for her business, allowing Rebecca to have more space for her tools and travel sustainably. Rebecca says, “I can’t believe it, I am literally over the moon. When I placed the orders on the app, I could only hope to win one of the prizes, I certainly couldn't imagine winning the main prize. I currently pack all my equipment in my car so winning a brand-new electric van will make transporting my tools so much easier and help me expand my business too.” On 11 January, Rebecca received her new vehicle at home and celebrated the winning in her trusted Screwfix store in Leamington Spa, Unit 4 Tachbrook Link, Tachbrook Park Drive, CV34 6RS. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, says, “We are delighted to give Rebecca the keys to her new electric van. At Screwfix, we pride ourselves on championing the trade and the Big App Giveaway proves it. The winning prize was incredibly sought after with more than 160,000 customers entering the competition in less than a month. It’s a real bonus that the van is going to someone where it will make a real difference in helping them to grow their business.”