Electrical Safety Roundtable Above and Beyond Awards open for entries

The Electrical Safety Roundtable Above and Beyond Awards (ABA) are now open for entries. The ABA aim to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond their legal duty and strive to enhance and improve electrical safety within the workplace. The awards are open to all individuals and organisations with a notable interest in electrical safety and will be judged on evidence from the past 24 months. The ABA provide a great opportunity to share best practice and promote electrical safety, gain recognition, and provide clients and customers with confidence in products and services. Categories to enter include: Product of the Year Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year Changemaker of the Year Derek Thompson Industry Service Award Commenting on the ABA, Paul Meenan, Chair of the ESR Workplace group says, “As a group we wanted to provide the electrical industry with an opportunity to get their hard work recognised. Enhancing electrical safety is the ESR’s key mission and these awards will provide a great chance to showcase organisations and individuals’ efforts to enhance electrical safety and hopefully inspire others.” Louise Adamson, electrical safety campaigner and member of the sub-group that created the awards says, “It’s a huge privilege to have been asked to be involved in judging these awards and I would encourage everyone with something to shout about, to do so. I know there can sometimes be reticence to boast about successes, but this is about more than the prospect of winning an award. It’s an opportunity to share the very best of practices, which will in turn inspire others to action, improve safety across the electrical contracting industry and beyond, and that will, ultimately, save lives. “Because still too many lives are lost each year in workplaces or because of poor working practices. Those are lives like that of my wee brother, who died at the age of 26 in an entirely preventable electrical incident. I’m committed to working every day to prevent anyone else from having to lose a loved one in an incident which could and should have been prevented. “These awards are an opportunity to share lessons learned, to work collectively to improve safety and ultimately ensure that when a loved one leaves home for work, they then go home safe and sound to their family at the end of their working day or night.” The Above and Beyond Awards are open for entries now and close on 13 January 2023, with winners being announced in February.

Open data to kick start net zero plans

Local authorities can now fast-track their plans to achieve net zero since UK Power Networks made it easier to access the data they need to deliver the transition. The pioneering approach to data is providing 100 data sets all in one place. In partnership with local authorities including Essex County Council and the Greater London Authority, UK Power Networks has identified a series of data sets needed by local authorities to inform net zero plans. They are available for anyone to use, on UK Power Networks’ Open Data Portal and will be continuously updated. Taking a data-driven, evidence-based approach will help uncover the most cost-effective route for communities to contribute towards meeting net zero by 2050. For example, local authorities will now be able to understand the best place to connect renewable energy generators as well as what type of energy generation will be most effective in their neighbourhoods, whether that is solar, wind or battery. Data sets ranging from wind speeds, flood zones and socio-economic data to electricity network maps and information showing where there is extra electrical capacity, are free to use. The majority of the information on the portal is coming from partners, highlighting the importance of working collaboratively and going beyond the energy industry. Having truly open, local, data such as this all-in-one place will help local authorities understand where to start and what factors they need to consider in order to reach net zero quickly and cost-effectively. Access to socio-economic data such as employment rates, age and health conditions alongside energy information will enable local authorities to build this information into their models in order to identify opportunities to: Boost local economies, encouraging investment such as installing electric vehicle charge points Improve the local environment, for example installing more low carbon technologies improving air quality and reducing noise pollution Deliver cheaper, greener energy for local homes and businesses, achieving net zero at the lowest cost With 127 local authorities operating in London, the East and South East, 80% have declared climate emergencies, with 87% aiming to become carbon neutral before 2050. Releasing this data forms part of the Open Energy Data programme carried out in partnership with Regen, an ambitious programme to uncover truly open energy data for all to use in the transition to net zero. It is also the first step as part of a larger movement of proactive engagement UK Power Networks is undertaking with local authorities to ensure they have the tools they need to overcome challenges and deliver a net zero future for all. Lynne McDonald, Local Area Energy Planning Manager at UK Power Networks, says: “Stakeholders told us open data sits at the very centre of the transition to net zero and enables them to make the best choices for their local communities. Access to the right data, in the right format is crucial to driving targets and open data like this is unrivalled in the industry. We hope to empower local authorities to take climate action now, giving them the data and digital tools they need to make informed decisions.” Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer at Greater London Authority, says, “UK Power Networks' enhanced Open Data Portal supports the Mayor’s push for better data to meet London's net zero targets. Together with City Hall's new Planning Datahub and coordinating utility works to 'dig once', planning departments can now actively plan for the environmental impacts and contributions of new developments.” Thomas Day, Head of Energy and Low Carbon Programme at Essex County Council, says, “Good data is essential to plan and target net zero programmes - whether for retrofit, renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, or decarbonising heat. All of these are vitally important challenges not only for net zero but also for growth and levelling up. The initiative by UK Power Networks to bring data together in to one place and make it easier for local authorities to plan our work, engage with local communities and start to explore ‘whole area’ approaches in a more planned and strategic way is vital, to help us with unlocking the potential benefits of the transition to net zero for our residents and our business community.” Tamsyn Lonsdale-Smith, Project Manager at Regen, says, “My hope is for the Local Area Energy Planning open data page to reach as many local authorities as possible who are just starting out on their data journey into local area energy planning. “Working with UK Power Networks to put open source data and tools in one place should significantly reduce the amount of time spent during early planning stages.”

IDEAL Industries supports the electricians of tomorrow

IDEAL Industries is sponsoring the SPARKS Learner of the Year competition for the second year running. As a silver sponsor, IDEAL Industries is committed to supporting the next generation of talent across the UK electrical sector. Following the success of last year’s competition, IDEAL Industries has continued to support electrical students and apprentices, championing safety-first practices for all trainee electricians. For this year’s contest, IDEAL Industries has supplied a range of products to be used in the competition and will offer the winner a day of training. The SPARKS Learner of the Year contest is a national competition with six regional events across England and Wales. Each participating college can enter one student, ensuring the competition features the very best up-and-coming talent to inspire others. Each regional contest will see 10 to 14 trainee electricians battle it out to secure a regional accolade, each winner will then move forward to compete in a grand finale. With regional heats due to take place in January and February 2023, and the grand final scheduled to take place over two days during April, the competition involves a six-hour practical test, judged by NAPIT. As a sponsor, IDEAL Industries will be present on the day to support and encourage everyone using its products during each installation. Brett Smyth, General Manager of IDEAL Industries EMEA comments: “It is so important to encourage the next generation of electrical talent. As a business, it is our responsibility to engage with trainee electricians and develop products that will enable faster, safer and more consistent electrical installation. “By working closely with trainees and apprentices, it enables us to highlight some of the new, innovative approaches we have developed, and support them with installation techniques suitable for the more contemporary, modern projects. Once again, we are very proud to be sponsoring this event and we wish each contestant the very best of luck.”

Manrose holds spooktacular bake sale

Manrose has held a Halloween bake sale to raise money for the cancer charity Young Lives vs Cancer. The company raised a total of £500.72 across its group. The Halloween-themed bake sale proved popular, with many staff taking up the baking challenge and supplying some monstrous cakes which they devoured while donating to a worthy cause. The bake sale marks one of a number of fundraising events that are being held by Manrose this year to support this organisation. Young Lives vs Cancer is the company’s charity of the year as part of a group-wide initiative which has raised £4,435 so far. Young Lives vs Cancer is a cancer charity for children and young people that is solely funded by donations. The charity helps families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. The £120 raised will help towards the charity continuing to fight for children and young people with cancer. For example, £15 could pay towards a social worker to support a recently diagnosed young person; £38 could pay for a family to stay in one of the charity’s Homes from Home near the hospital and £100 could pay towards a financial grant to ensure families facing money worries can pay for basics like food. Rose Bailey, Fundraising Engagement Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer says: “Well done to Manrose’s staff for such excellent fundraising. We’re so grateful that Manrose has chosen to support Young Lives vs Cancer this year. Thanks to the employees, young people facing cancer, and their families, won’t have to face cancer alone. Thank you so much to everyone at Manrose for your fantastic support!” “We are delighted to be able to help Young Lives vs Cancer by raising funds for this amazing charity in the vital work they do to support children and young people and their families in their fight against cancer”, says Clive Britton, Senior Sales Director at Manrose. “Our staff have done great job raising so much money for the charity, but with charities finding the current conditions tough it would be great if we could raise some more valuable funds to offer support to children and young people and their families. If anyone could donate any amount, large or small, we’d be very grateful.” Donate here.

Webro secures future with Norden

Webro has announced that it has been appointed as the Pan-European distribution partner for Norden’s connectivity and security solutions. Norden’s brand portfolio includes NCS, Eyenor, Secnor and NVS. Norden Communications is one of the fastest growing ELV (Extra Low Voltage) infrastructure systems manufacturers in the market, with innovation and sustainability at the core of its development. Webro will work in partnership with Norden to drive value-engineered solutions into the UK and Europe. Webro is fully stocked with the latest network and surveillance product offering across Norden’s multiple brands, these include cabling infrastructure, video surveillance systems and access controls. Ahead of the official market launch, the Webro team has undergone training with Norden to ensure outstanding customer service. In combination, the proposition is clear - to support customers with the right product selection for each project, at the right price, and always on time, so that orders can be placed with total confidence. Norden CEO Asif Ashraf says, “We’re joining forces with Webro at an important time in Norden’s development, and are very excited about working with the team. Webro have extensive knowledge and experience, offer exceptional service levels, and provide superb logistical capabilities. It’s the ideal partnership to ensure the ongoing success of our brand.” Webro Sales Director, Chris Bacon says, “We’re delighted to have secured this exciting distribution partnership with Norden. We see it as pivotal to providing our existing customers and new prospects with innovative security solutions. We have an ambitious growth plan to achieve ongoing success across the Norden brand line up.” Working in close partnership, Webro will drive an ambitious strategy to establish Norden as a key competitor in the UK and European markets.

UK Power Networks launches support days for field staff

UK Power Networks has focused on helping its field staff by offering wide-ranging mental health support ahead of Men’s Health Awareness Month in November. The company has recognised operational teams can find it more difficult than office-based staff to access support services. Field staff who spend most of their time on the road, fixing underground or overhead cables, are much more likely to find themselves working alone, meaning they can risk feeling isolated. Now a series of wellbeing events across the East of England have begun, covering psychological safety, neurodiversity, mental health (by ex-armed forces speakers) as well as occupational health advice. Connie Dickie, Employee Engagement Manager for UK Power Networks, says: “We want to provide a safe and comfortable environment for colleagues to learn and share their emotions and experiences with open discussions and signposting to support services as required. “This new initiative is designed to support the whole person, and targets colleagues who are at the sharp end of keeping the power flowing to our customers. There are pressures which come with their jobs, not least staying safe around electricity, and we want them to be assured that we care about their welfare. “The workshops held so far have been well-received and we have more events planned before the end of the year. These are all face-to-face as while webinars have their place, we feel these sessions work best with everybody there in person for that human touch.” Pete White, a mental health consultant, who delivered guidance and practical tips to employees attending, says: “Having events like these do provide a deliberate interruption to the usual work pattern and a way for employees to ask if something needs to be done to improve things in their lives. “Other companies should follow UK Power Networks’ lead in my view, as it was fantastically well received, I had a lot of people come up to me after the session, in some cases people you might not expect to want to engage, wanting to share their thoughts and feelings. “I’m an armed forces veteran so I bring in some of my experiences in the Royal Air Force, including serving in Afghanistan, and you hope people can relate to that kind of sharing of experiences because the purpose is for everyone to feel they can open up in an environment like this. It’s great that the company are offering them the chance to.” Dr Phil Clarke, a psychological safety consultant, who also presented, says: “It is important to consider psychological safety in any environment and it’s right that companies like UK Power Networks are creating an opportunity for people to come forward and challenge how they feel both from a professional and a personal perspective. “The sessions so far have been well received with some good conversations with staff. We know that men, in general, can find it difficult to open up about their mental health, it’s a really important discussion to have at work, and people at the sessions have said they feel the benefit of taking the time to do it.” Peter Clements, a field staff supervisor who introduced the first event in Cheshunt, is a key point of contact for his team and felt the day was welcomed by those who attended. He says: “In my role as a field staff supervisor there are a lot of people I look after going through a whole range of different feelings and emotions, I have dealt with a lot of colleagues with different issues going on. “A lot of pressure can build up in this job, above all, the responsibility is on all of us to work safety and make sure we go home safe at the end of the day. “These wellbeing days aren’t about ticking a box, they’re a way of demonstrating to our field staff that we can help them and that as a company we do care about their welfare. It’s always a win-win if you can help people, and events like these are an innovative way to do that. “We know that older men can be a group who traditionally find it difficult to talk about their mental health. I think that’s something which has gotten better in recent years, but there will be guys who will still be reluctant to open up. “There is no obligation for them to do so at these events, but there is an opportunity to share their experiences and feelings if they wish to. Often there aren’t as many chances for them to reflect on things with colleagues, so these events are important. “There is a lot to think about doing jobs in the field, starting with the need to stay safe during a job, nobody can afford distractions. These meetings have been created to provide support to ease those pressures.”

Screwfix unveils billboard to support Top Tradesperson winner

Screwfix Top Tradesperson champion, Toby Peacock, is preparing to see his name (and face) in lights in his hometown, Cambridge, after a 6x3m digital billboard has been unveiled outside Cambridge Football Club. The award, which celebrates the very best of those working in the trades, saw the local electrician and owner of Down to Earth Electrical stand out among nine other tradespeople from across the UK and Ireland. Toby Peacock was announced as the Screwfix Top Tradesperson at the final, hosted by a panel of industry experts, held at Screwfix LIVE in Farnborough, on 23 September. Toby wowed the judges with his professionalism and dedication to the trade, walking away with an ultimate trade bundle, consisting of £20,000 worth of tools, technology, and future training. The unveiling of the digital billboard is a first for the retailer, and further cements its role in supporting tradespeople like Toby. Toby comments, “The support Screwfix has already given me following my win has been incredible. As part of the competition, I received a prize bundle, but to see my face and business outside my home-town football club really has been the cherry on top for me. It will raise awareness of Down to Earth Electrical in my local area, helping me to attract new customers and grow my business further.” Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix adds, “Now in its 13th year, the Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition continues to go from strength to strength, shining a light on the very best of those working across the trades and the extra lengths it goes to support its customers, as well as its local communities. The billboard we’ve unveiled today not only celebrates Toby’s huge achievement in being recognised as Screwfix’s 2022 Top Tradesperson, but also the important role of tradespeople within our local communities, something we at Screwfix are incredibly passionate about championing.”

BEAMA launch guides to help installers get to grips with the latest regulations

Following the enactment of updated standards on ventilation this summer, BEAMA has published three new bitesize guides to help installers better understand and implement Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations in existing homes. The guides come at a critical time, as the UK now seeks to make homes and buildings as efficient as possible in the wake of the cost of living and energy crisis. The drive towards increasing insulation in homes to reduce heating costs this winter could exacerbate mould problems if ventilation is not considered at the same time, meaning that a health crisis may also be imminent. Action must be taken to ensure building regulations are stringently adhered to. Designed to simplify the regulations, the novel guidance, titled ‘New Regulatory Requirements for Ventilation in Existing Homes and Your Responsibility’, is broken down into three parts: Ventilation requirements when undertaking energy efficiency measures Selecting and installing suitable extract ventilation Commissioning new or upgraded ventilation installations in dwellings Ventilation in a dwelling is vital for the health and wellbeing of its occupants. If the performance or fitting of ventilation units or systems in a dwelling do not meet specific requirements and performance standards, levels of indoor air pollutants may rise above safe levels, breaching regulations. High levels of indoor air pollutants can have a potentially serious impact on the health of those living in a dwelling, contributing to conditions including asthma, heart disease, dementia and even cancer. As detailed in the new ventilation standards introduced on 15 June 2022, it is the explicit responsibility of a building contractor, sub-contractor or installer to ensure that all work complies with and meets building regulation requirements. Following the correct procedures is crucial to meeting the latest technical performance standards, which ensure that ventilation in a dwelling is safe and fit for purpose, under inspection from a buildings inspector or building control officer. Director of Technology Sectors at BEAMA, Colin Timmins states: “With the recent introduction of new Building Regulations and a potential health crisis looming this winter, it is essential that installers and contractors across the country have the insight they need to effectively deliver adequate ventilation. By simplifying Approved Document Part F on Ventilation, our three latest bitesize guides reflect BEAMA’s commitment to driving higher standards by providing clear and effective guidance to those who need it”.

Stacey Lucas announced as new Vice President of BCIA

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced Stacey Lucas as its new Vice President. Stacey has been a member of the BCIA’s Management Committee since January and replaces Paul Wetherfield, who stepped down from the role in September. Stacey began her career at Sontay in 2001, when she joined the company as a customer service advisor. By working her way up through customer service and sales departments, she has built long lasting relationships with many of Sontay’s customers. The knowledge and insight learned in these years has given Stacey a fantastic knowledge base and high level of technical understanding of the building controls industry - which is of great benefit to the evolvement of the BCIA and its members. Graeme Rees, BCIA President, comments: “Stacey has been a fantastic addition to the BCIA Management Committee, and I am delighted to now welcome her to the position of Vice President. Her career is a great example of the many routes people take into the building controls industry and her experience will be a great asset to the BCIA’s cause.” Stacey says: “When I first started out in this industry, I did not know a great deal about it, but I have certainly caught the building controls ‘bug’ and I am more excited than ever about the new technologies embraced by the industry and the future that lies ahead. It is an honour and a privilege to become Vice President of the BCIA and I look forward to supporting Graeme during his time as President. It is vital that the BCIA continues to play a key role in positioning the BEMS sector as an enabler of net zero, driving up industry standards and supporting new talent into the industry.”

Screwfix and the Woodland Trust partner to support Snaizeholme project

Screwfix has announced the launch of its partnership with the Woodland Trust. Supported with funding from Screwfix, the Woodland Trust will restore, protect, and plant a new native forest at the charity’s Snaizeholme project in North Yorkshire. With a £50,000 donation, Screwfix will support the regeneration and rewilding of the Yorkshire Dales National Park area, with the aim to improve biodiversity and create a flourishing haven for woodland animals, including red squirrels and birds. Snaizeholme is part of the Woodland Trust’s ambitious plan to establish England’s largest new native woodland and is set to become the flagship project for the charity, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Pip Greensmith, Head of Partnerships for the Woodland Trust, says: “The Woodland Trust’s vision for Snaizeholme will restore an entire ecosystem, lock up carbon for years to come, and help mitigate flooding in the catchment. We have an opportunity to boost biodiversity at a time when the natural world is in crisis. Woodland creation on this scale is imperative if we are to tackle the potentially catastrophic loss of nature. Transforming the landscape with sympathetic native planting, and allowing natural regeneration to occur, forms a critical part of the work of the Woodland Trust. Support from businesses like Screwfix allows this to become a reality.” In the next 12 months, with Screwfix’s contribution, 4,000 trees will be planted in Snaizeholme, home to 250 acres of upland peat bog, which the Woodland Trust is looking to restore in the area to preserve its role as mosaic of natural habitats for protected species as well as its CO2-absorbing properties, vital for the environment. Olivia Green, Sustainability Manager at Screwfix, comments: “As a business, we are thrilled to partner with the Woodland Trust. We share the same vision of a greener and more sustainable future. The project at Snaizeholme will help boost the water quality of the streams running down into Snaizeholme Beck and safeguard native residents. “At Screwfix, we know it is vital to restore damaged habitats as well as reduce the environmental impacts we have as a business. Screwfix's contribution to the Snaizeholme project supports our company’s long-term commitment to protecting nature and becoming forest positive by 2025, by creating more forests than we use. We look forward to seeing this amazing habitat thrive.”