BAFE and NAPIT celebrate landmark certification

BAFE and NAPIT have announced the first ever Third-Party Certification and BAFE Registration to the DS301 competency scheme, which has been achieved by CS Electrics based in County Durham. This competency scheme covers design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance works performed on Grade D domestic fire detection and fire alarm systems. The importance of domestic fire safety was highlighted in 2017 with the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, but this does not only apply to high-rise residential blocks. Both BAFE and NAPIT strongly believe that all domestic properties should have, as a minimum, a Grade D fire detection and fire alarm system which has been installed by a competent organisation. Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, BAFE Group Managing Director, states, “It is imperative that both decision makers and the public understand that electricians cannot do everything regarding electrical systems by default. There are additional British Standards and guidance that outlines heightened competency requirements for particular electrical services, one of which is the safe practice of providing domestic fire alarm systems [i.e. BS 5839-6 Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises]. “All four constituent countries of the UK have comparable fire safety dwelling regulations and guidance available, and we strongly believe that all dwellings should have systems in place in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6. This is especially pertinent to the housing sector which should have far greater scrutiny on this matter in the interest of life safety.” Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer for NAPIT, adds, “Whilst working to BS 7671 [Wiring Regulations] is vital, elevated skills and experience is unequivocally required to perform works for domestic fire safety systems. The importance of correctly designed, installed, and commissioned domestic fire detection and fire alarm works can often be overlooked. NAPIT are committed to enhancing standards within the industry. As a UKAS accredited, government authorised certification body, by providing a scheme which assesses the competence of installers and allows them to demonstrate they have been appropriately certificated to perform this scope of work, we anticipate this will assist in a safer domestic built environment and provide confidence to clients. This is of particular importance with regards to new builds where domestic fire alarm systems must be installed in line with the Building Regulations and relevant British Standards.” Both BAFE and NAPIT have congratulated CS Electrics on its achievement and on leading the way to raising the bar for domestic fire safety system provision. Christopher McTearnen, Owner of CS Electrics, says, “I am extremely proud to be the first organisation that has received this third-party certification to the BAFE DS301 scheme. This will go a long way in demonstrating we are competent to deliver these works, and hope this becomes an industry standard to remove any people who claim to be competent without appropriate evidence of this. It’s so important that fire safety work is performed by the right providers to keep people safe.”

Tamlite Lighting shortlisted for a duo of prestigious industry awards

UK based LED lighting manufacturer, Tamlite Lighting, has been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards, recognising its impact in key areas of ethical manufacturing. The Midland-based firm has scooped nominations at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards for the Midlands and East Region (Energy and Sustainability), as well as the Materials Recycling World (MRW) National Recycling Awards (Partnership Excellence – Commercial and Circular Economy initiative). With a history dating back more than 50 years, Tamlite says it is proud of its manufacturing heritage, and has continued to enhance its position as a sustainable lighting manufacturer both in terms of product design and the packaging and processes that are used to deliver its lighting solutions. In order to be more environmentally friendly, Tamlite believes that the adoption of circular economy design principles is critical. Many of Tamlite’s lighting solutions are manufactured with the circular economy at the forefront of design and the use of recyclable materials within its luminaires continues to be a major focus. However, one of its major success stories has been an 80% reduction in plastic packaging - the equivalent to well over one million plastic bags - since 2018. Working closely with its sister company Waste Experts, Tamlite also offers customers an extensive waste recycling service, whereby luminaires and lamps are brought back into the circular economy, or responsibly disposed of to reduce reliance on landfill. With net zero targets on the horizon, sustainability and social responsibility is core to Tamlite’s ethos. Not only is it taking steps towards improving the sustainability of its products, but it is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint. For example, as a significant energy user, the company has set factory energy and emission reduction targets, allowing it to make real-time decisions on energy efficient investments. Tamlite Lighting’s Managing Director, John Allden, comments: “As a leading lighting manufacturer, we have a responsibility to ensure our processes, technologies and products are in line with our commitment of ensuring a healthy planet for all. Being nominated for two industry leading awards recognises the steps we have taken to improve our approach to the circular economy and sustainability. From conception to delivery, by focussing our efforts on developing lighting solutions that will last long into the future – as well as considering our own environmental impact - we’re creating innovative lighting systems that are considerably more sustainable without compromising quality.” Winners of the Make UK Manufacturing Awards for the East and Midlands region will be announced on 18 October, whilst the Materials Recycling World (MRW) National Recycling Awards gala dinner will be held on 6 December.

MP visits Guildford’s £7.3m power upgrade

Guildford MP Angela Richardson has seen behind the scenes of a £7.3m upgrade to a key electricity substation in Guildford. UK Power Networks, which delivers electricity supplies to 8.4 million homes and businesses across the South East, London and East of England, is currently investing in resilience and capacity at the key power hub in Guildford to future proof the network. Over the last year, engineers have built and equipped a new switchroom and replaced two electricity transformers, which step down voltage, enabling electricity to be safely delivered to smaller electricity substations and properties. The project is in its final stages of delivery, with the second transformer due to be energised in the coming weeks. Ms Richardson says: “It was fantastic to visit one of the main UK Power Networks’ electrical substations in my constituency which deliver power to 19,000 local homes. I welcome the £7.3 million of recent investment in the local electricity network to serve our local community while facilitating the net zero transition.” Barry Hatton, Director of Asset Management at UK Power Networks, says: “Our teams have worked hard to deliver this significant investment in new power infrastructure to provide safe and reliable electricity supplies to thousands of residents across Guildford for years to come. “This was a complex project completed safely and this key investment in Guildford increases the resilience, flexibility and automation of our network while delivering up to 15 megawatts of additional capacity to meet growth in demand. “Projects like this one in Guildford are central to our work to maintain reliable electricity supplies for the communities we serve while preparing for a future where more low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and electric heating, will connect to our networks.” UK Power Networks is investing £600 million in its electricity networks across the South East, London and East of England this year.

SELECT recognises extraordinary career of Len Bunton

A construction industry professional who has worked tirelessly for better conditions across the sector has been recognised for his remarkable career with the Lifetime Achievement Award by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Len Bunton, FRICS, FCIArb, Hon FRIAS was honoured by the campaigning body at the SELECT President’s Lunch at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on 30 September. As a Past Chairman of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Scottish Building Contracts Committee, Len has enjoyed a long career as a chartered quantity surveyor, arbitrator, adjudicator, expert witness and mediator. His stellar track record includes playing a significant role in customer care, best practice, business development and dispute avoidance, most recently with the Conflict Avoidance Process and Conflict Avoidance Pledge. Announcing the award, Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “I was only eight years old when Len first qualified and took the first steps on what has been the most extraordinary career path. “His list of achievements is so long and so varied that it is tiring just reading them out. He really is a human tornado, with a never-ending supply of energy and ideas aimed at improving the industry and the conditions of those who work within it. “Len was also instrumental in the establishment of the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum [now the Construction Industry Collective Voice] which has been so important in facilitating the sector’s safe return to work after the pandemic.” Len accepted his award from SELECT President Alistair Grant at the event, which was attended by around 100 senior industry figures. The clearly emotional industry stalwart thanked the assembled guests, adding: “We have seen some great advances across the industry in recent years and we must continue to work together to ensure we improve conditions for everyone.” Seven years after qualifying in 1972, Len started his own firm and, within a few years, built it into a 50-strong practice focusing on project management, cost management, building surveying and dispute resolution. It was acquired in the Nineties by a leading UK company, of which Len became a main board director. In 1996, he joined the board of the Bucknall Group and further developed his experience on major building and civil engineering projects. In recent years he has been involved in many dispute resolution issues as arbiter, adjudicator, expert witness, mediator, conciliator and claims consultant, and is currently Chair of the Conflict Avoidance Working Group in Scotland, and Vice Chair of the UK Conflict Avoidance Coalition. He has also developed specific experience in construction insolvency and corporate recovery.

Free Amendment 2 webinar on top 10 changes to the Wiring Regulations

On Monday 10 October from 11am to 12:30pm, electrotechnical and engineering services association, ECA, will present a live webinar and Q&A explaining the most important changes to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and how these might affect electrical and engineering services businesses. The webinar is CPD accredited, and open to the public. Delivered by ECA Technical Manager, Darren Crannis, the presentation features the top 10 changes in Amendment 2, plus bonus information including training and compliance resources to help business owners. To register for the webinar, click here. Amendment 2 of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) came into full effect on 28 September 2022. All work must now be compliant with Amendment 2, as previous editions of the Wiring Regulations have been withdrawn. ECA's Technical Manager, Darren Crannis, says, "These changes could have a huge impact on your business if you have not already completed projects or agreed what version of the Wiring Regulations you are working to. "This webinar will be a great chance for ECA Members to catch up on any information they might have missed during our #Project18 Amendment 2 Roadshow in the summer, and for non-Members in the wider industry to get up to speed with the key changes in the Wiring Regulations.” ECA has produced a suite of Amendment 2 guidance notes and editable certificates to assist Members. These are available on the Amendment 2 webpage.

Private retrofit ground source heat project breaks ground

Lord Matthew Taylor has officially opened the Heat the Streets project in Stithians. Kensa Utilities' European Regional Development Fund supported project has officially broken ground in the most ambitious part of the project; the retrofitting of private homes in the off-gas Cornish Village of Stithians. Lord Matthew Taylor was on hand in Stithians to officially start the borehole drilling, which is the first step in the installation of the split ownership ground arrays, through which the ground source heat pumps will provide homes with all their heat and hot water. Lord Taylor states: “Heat the Streets in Stithians is a national first - the first time a cost-effective way has been demonstrated to achieve the UK’s net zero targets for heating existing housing stock. "Already delivering the lowest running costs for heating homes of any system, Kensa’s model of a ‘street main’ for ground source heat to enable affordable zero carbon heating for every home in the street is the world’s first." Through Heat the Streets, homes in Stithians will be part of a street by street retrofit program that will see existing heating systems replaced with efficient ground source heat pumps that are made just three miles from the village. Due to the funding which Kensa Utilities received, all the equipment is being provided with no upfront cost to the homeowner. Heat the Streets is demonstrating Kensa’s vision for the decarbonisation of home heating and the mass rollout of heat pumps which are required to meet the government's net zero goal by 2050. Through the street by street roll out of the infrastructure, which residents pay to connect their heat pump to, this split ownership model offers a viable renewable alternative to the mains gas network. Each home will have its own ground source heat pump, offering residents full control over their heating, independent billing, and the flexibility to switch energy suppliers, much like a traditional gas boiler. Kensa Utilities’ Director of Business Development, Lisa Treseder says “The ground array infrastructure serving ground source heat pumps has a lifespan of around 100 years, making it ideal for split ownership and long-term investment. The ground array represents over a third of the cost of a ground source heating system. By splitting out this system cost, Kensa will make ground source heating more accessible to British households. We hope that this infrastructure will eventually take the place of the UK’s gas network."

Rako lighting control gets active at Friskis & Svettis

Friskis & Svettis is on a mission to make fitness fun and has recently worked with The Kontrast Group to develop a bespoke lighting concept, complete with Rako lighting control, to enhance each space and activity across five of its Swedish locations. From sites across the country, Friskis & Svettis offers a wide variety of classes with the aim of creating unique and memorable experiences for its members. As well as popular classes including dancing, spinning and yoga, it also provides tailored training for children and parents, seniors and disabled clients. To continue to develop its offering, the company sought to give each workout area its own specific feel that could adapt depending on the class. Custom-made luminaires were designed and installed by The Kontrast Group, controlled by a Rako system, to set the mood, whatever the activity, helping to signify high energy, relaxation or a change of pace. The dance studio, for example, features scenes to suit any step, with lights that adapt to the tempo; while in the spinning studio the light transitions from blue to red to mixed colours as the class increases in intensity. The concept behind the gym space was for members to feel as if they’re in a club, so contrasting light levels create different environments. More mellow tones are used in the yoga studio, while stretching takes place in near darkness to enhance relaxation and focus, with class leaders framed by spotlights. Even communal spaces such as corridors have been integrated into the design, featuring lighting scenes that contrast with the exercise spaces and uplights that provide soft lighting during the day. At Friskis & Svettis all class leaders are volunteers and can include people of all ages and technical ability. As leaders need to be able to control the lighting, simplicity was key. To achieve this, specific scenes have been pre-programmed into the Rako system and can be selected and managed via a touchscreen from the front of the class. Leaders can also use this to control the music that accompanies workouts. These password-protected touchscreens communicate with the Rako Hub so different scenes can be recalled quickly and easily. The only exception is in the spinning studio where a hardwired control unit has been chosen due to the intense nature of the workout. Dali enabled lighting control also means the same values can be received by multiple devices to guarantee a consistent experience across multiple rooms. The speed of the Rako system was particularly noted along with the ease of installation and programming it offers, as well as its ability to integrate with other systems. EOS keypads were also singled out by The Kontrast Group for their neat design.

Revolutionary new heat pump could be saving homeowners money, sooner

A ground source heat pump product with the potential to slash gas bills by up to a third has been awarded UK government funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to accelerate its development for mass market deployment. Kensa has been granted funding under Stream 2 of BEIS’ Heat Pump Ready Programme to further develop its highly flexible storage heat pump technology, seen by some in the industry as the most disruptive update to heat pump technology since the refrigeration cycle was patented in 1865. The Heat Pump Ready (HPR) Programme forms part of BEIS’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative clean energy technologies and processes through the 2020s and 2030s. The Heat Pump Ready Programme will support the development of innovative solutions across the heat pump sector. A successful widescale roll-out of the flexible ground source heat pumps could save homeowners hundreds of pounds on their energy bills, provide protection from volatile gas prices, and offer a cost-effective solution for the electrification of heating and cooling the UK. The thermal battery capacity of the highly flexible storage heat pumps means they can hold heat energy for a significant amount of time. Utilising direct integration of thermal storage into the refrigeration circuit removes two instances of heat exchange making the whole system architecture more efficient when compared to heat pump and hot water provision being connected hydraulically. This major innovation separates the demand for heat and hot water from its generation. This means that the highly flexible storage heat pumps can be run when electricity is at its cheapest and the heat stored for use later when it is needed, reducing running costs and strain on the grid without compromising on people’s thermal comfort. It also makes installation simpler and cheaper, as no separate hot water cylinder is needed. Whilst prototypes are currently being trialled in a small number of properties, being developed as part of the BEIS Heat Pump Ready Programme means the product can be designed to meet volumes with the aim of reducing manufacturing costs to drive down the cost of heat pump units in the future. The Heat Pump Ready Programme supports the development and demonstration of heat pump technologies and tools, and solutions for optimised deployment of heat pumps. The government’s recently published Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out several key commitments for helping to ensure that the transition to low-carbon buildings is affordable and achievable for all, including delivering a package of measures to scale up the deployment of heat pumps to 600,000 a year by 2028 and to support industry to reduce the costs of heat pumps. As a key solution for decarbonising homes, heat pumps will be critical for meeting the UK’s legally binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. Dan Roberts, Technical Director, Kensa Heat Pumps says: “The public sector funding provides a huge opportunity to accelerate development of this innovation and integrate its benefits within the larger scale plan to meet the United Kingdom’s commitment to net zero. The UK does not have time to spare to meet its 600,000 heat pumps yearly target by 2028. This funding, and the group of skilled partners we have assembled, will accelerate development time and allow the project to move much quicker. “We are proud that this revolutionary product will be British designed and manufactured, bolstering the green economy. It will impact the entire UK population positively, reducing the cost of heating, and reducing the cost of upgrading the National Grid so that more people across the nation can access and benefit from sustainable heating.” Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan says: “In light of rising global gas and oil prices, getting low-carbon heating technology into homes is a priority for this government as it will help households ditch the costly fossil fuels that are driving up bills. “Heat pumps are a proven, reliable technology that uses cheaper renewable energy produced in the UK. We are already bringing costs down through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and slashing VAT to zero, but by finding innovative ways to make them even cheaper and easier to install, we will help more homes see the benefits even quicker.”

Toby Peacock crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022

Toby Peacock, a Cambridge electrician, has proved he is the brightest spark and has been officially announced as the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022. Toby, 26, was presented with the award during Screwfix Live, held at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 23 September. The electrician walks away with the prestigious title and ultimate trade bundle consisting of £10,000 worth of tools, £5,000 worth of technology and £5,000 towards future training. Taking part in the final against nine other high-calibre tradespeople from across the UK and Ireland, Toby faced a panel of esteemed industry experts, including representatives from Screwfix, Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, and Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 winner, Dan Lloyd. Toby was a stand-out winner, speaking to the judges openly about his own personal struggles with mental health and how that has driven him to want to become an advocate for mental health in the trade industry. Toby is even starting his own podcast, ‘Tearoom Talks Podcast’, to help raise awareness and, in the future, he is determined to work closely with charities that have helped him. What’s more, Toby is incredibly passionate about sustainability and previously worked on large commercial projects such as the largest solar farm in Cambridge - Vine Farm Solar Park. After starting his own business, Down to Earth Electrical, he was keen to keep his carbon footprint low by reducing waste, reusing, recycling, and helping customers to appreciate the benefits of EV charging and solar power. Toby says: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I couldn’t quite believe it when I was announced as Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, especially after getting to know the other finalists who are all inspirational, incredibly hard-working tradespeople. It’s been such an amazing journey and I couldn’t be prouder. “Winning this award will impress new customers, it will help me grow my business, and of course, it will make a massive difference to my life. I’ve always been true to myself, and I think my customers really value that. I want customers to trust me, to see me as an honest tradesperson who will help them in their project. “It’s great that the judges saw this in my interview. It can be difficult to open up and talk about mental health and, as someone who has experienced it, I completely get that. But we must speak up if we want attitudes to change, and I plan on using some of the prize money to continue to raise awareness. I would also like to take on some apprentices and pass on my knowledge about sustainability and the importance of great customer service.” Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, comments: “We know that tradespeople go to considerable lengths to support their customers, their local communities, and the next generation. Screwfix Top Tradesperson is our way of championing them and recognising their extraordinary efforts. Year-on-year, we are blown away by the level of high calibre applicants we receive, and their stories show the effort they put in day in day out. All 10 of our finalists are a true credit to their trade. “We were really impressed with Toby’s commitment to sustainability and how dedicated he was at raising awareness of mental health within the industry. This is such an important topic and something that really came to the fore during the pandemic. Toby’s professionalism, positivity, and ambition for the future of the trade really wowed the judges and mirrors our aspirations as a business. I’m delighted to announce Toby as our 2022 winner and look forward to where this accolade will take him and his business.”

World EV Day - City & Guilds drive change to meet 2030 targets

World EV Day is a global movement, driving change, celebrating e-mobility and encouraging transitions to sustainable transport. City & Guilds have made significant strides to support this agenda in the past 12 months by developing a range of new products that will support the need to train tens of thousands of people to fit the new EV charging points required in the years ahead. Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO at City & Guilds, says: “At City & Guilds we are committed to supercharging our positive social and environmental impact by developing the skills needed to create a more sustainable world. It is critical that we transform the way we operate and live out our purpose by developing the skills needed to enable climate recovery and sustainable growth. It is a real honour for City & Guilds to be playing an integral part in promoting the safe use and installation of EV charging points while also working towards a more sustainable future.” City & Guilds is working with industry associations and companies to develop training to equip more electricians with the skills to install electrical vehicle (EV) chargers. The move is designed to support the effort to help the UK meet its target of 300,000 chargers by 2030. To develop a new portfolio of charging design and installation training courses City & Guilds has been working in collaboration with companies such as Shell UK, to ensure the products truly meet the needs of industry. The shared aim is to set exceptional, market-leading standards and help train up the net-zero generation of the future. The courses include skills to install domestic and small-scale commercial EV chargers, as well as commercial and large-scale design and installations. Roger Hunter, Vice President of E-mobility at Shell, says: “By 2030, we aim for 90% of UK drivers to be within 10 minutes of a Shell fast charger. Installing and maintaining these will involve thousands of hours of highly skilled work, requiring electrical engineers that the UK doesn’t have in vast numbers today. So, this is a great opportunity for us to combine our skills to train up the net zero generation of the future.” In further support of World EV Day, City & Guilds is asking people to strengthen the call to professionalise the EV charging market by making their own commitment to drive up standards and promote safety.