J S Wright lakes challengers raise £4,200 for Molly Ollys

Intrepid team members from Birmingham building services provider J S Wright have raised more than £4,200 for their adopted charity after completing an epic challenge in the Lake District. Twenty-six staff and three suppliers tested their fitness, commitment and determination by taking part in the Lakes Triple Challenge in aid of Warwick-based Molly Ollys, which cares for children with life-threatening illnesses. They cycled through the trails of Grizedale forest, trekked to the summit of the 803m high Old Man of Coniston and kayaked across Coniston Water, one of the UK’s largest lakes, covering more than 24 miles over an eight-hour period. J S Wright Director and Team Leader David Cook says: “This was an incredible achievement after our staff and suppliers endured a day of testing and gruelling challenges. We were all proud of our efforts for such a great charity.” David adds: “Thanks go to all those who made donations - and it isn’t too late to donate by visiting the website.” Molly Ollys provides emotional and financial support, where appropriate, to children throughout the UK with terminal and life-threatening illnesses. Rachel Ollerenshaw, Co-founder of Molly Ollys, comments: “The J S Wright team are made of tough stuff! From this particular fundraiser, they have raised enough for us to do eight wishes for eight children facing terrifying health challenges - we can’t thank them enough.” Staff from J S Wright and its sister company Wright Maintenance have now raised more than £6,200 for their chosen charity this year from events including a sponsored football match, a one million steps marathon, a virtual walk to the company’s London office, and a dress down day before the Jubilee Weekend. www.jswright.com www.mollyolly.com

Brits are forking out up to £75k to gets pros to fix their DIY disasters

Brits may have the best of intentions when it comes to DIY, but their home renovation efforts could leave them out of pocket by as much as £75,000, according to new research. A new study by Selco Builders Warehouse investigated how often tradespeople get called out to fix a home improvement or repair that’s gone south, as well as which DIY projects Brits fail at most often - highlighting which should really be left to the professionals. They surveyed over 500 tradespeople and found that for 50% of them, jobs involving fixing ‘DIY disasters’ accounted for up to a third (30%) of their callouts. According to the data, failed attempts at tap installations are the most common ‘DIY disaster’ amongst Brits, with 43% of tradespeople having been called out to fix this at least once in their careers. Top 10 ‘DIY disasters’ that tradespeople have been called out to fix at least once:  Tap installation or repair (43%) Pipework (41%) Door fitting / hanging (34%) Leaky roof repair (33%) Kitchen installation (33%) Tiling (33%) Leaky radiator repairs (32%) Flooring (32%) Lights fittings (32%) Sockets or switches installation (31%) Some of the worst DIY disasters tradespeople have been called out to fix: Electric socket installations that caused a house fire Plumbing work for which joints were sealed with tape Brick walls built using neat cement as mortar A load bearing wall removed to create an open plan space Doors hung upside down Badly fitted kitchens with cupboards falling off the walls Fire exit doors that couldn’t be opened Kitchen cupboards hanging at an angle While many UK adults may hope their DIY-ventures could save them some cash, the research also investigated how much materials for popular DIY projects could cost Brits looking to tackle home renovations or repairs themselves. Perhaps unsurprisingly, full kitchen and bathroom installations cost DIY-ers the most money, up to £583 and £762 respectively excluding any furniture, worktops or appliances. Following closely are door fittings, which could Brits set back about £498, and wall installations (£488 just for materials). A third (33%) of tradespeople said they have been called out for a failed kitchen installation, and a further third (32%) have had to fix a botched attempt at flooring, with just over a quarter (29%) also providing services for bathroom revamps gone amiss. According to the research, some botched DIY jobs - such as attempts at home extensions - could even cost Brits up to £75,000 to repair, and while this naturally depends on the scale of the project and subsequent failure, those tackling complicated projects themselves are risking both their money and their safety. Electrical work can be particularly dangerous, and as such it should be executed by a professional aside from small or cosmetic projects, as even small mistakes could have serious consequences like electric shocks and house fires. Additionally, anything to do with gas boilers or systems should always be carried out by an engineer, as it comes with risks of gas leaks, which should certainly not be underestimated. Carine Jessamine, Marketing Director at Selco Builders Warehouse, comments: “Whilst DIY may be commonplace, it is certainly not easy! Despite this, it’s apparent that it’s growing in popularity amongst the nation which is why we were eager to highlight the complications that can arise should things not quite go to plan. “While smaller and less complicated projects can be quite easy and even satisfying to complete, our study has shown Brits often have to call out the professionals to fix home renovations or repairs they have tried but not succeeded at. Sadly, this can lead to an even bigger expense to put things right. Not only this but attempting complicated projects such as full bathroom installations or wall removals can create additional issues to the structure of the home, or the wider systems. For large-scale projects such as bathrooms especially, plumbing installations can be very tricky. A wrong bathtub or shower installation can cause leaks or flooding, drainage problems, corrosion and water damage. It’s important to remember that complex renovations or installations can be tricky or even dangerous to undertake for those who don’t have the correct skills, which is why it’s often best to just leave it to the professionals!”

Shortlist for Ansell Lighting’s community campaign revealed

Ansell Lighting has announced a shortlist of four projects in its Shine a Light campaign, which aims to recognise and reward the work of community organisations that provide vital support and services. Entries for the competition, in which the winner will receive a lighting installation worth up to £5,000 to help improve its facilities, flooded in from all over the country. Now four, selected by a team of lighting experts at Ansell, will be put to the public vote. Spark Community Space, in Southsea, Portsmouth is a charity set up by Becki Simmons after she suffered a brain injury and felt there wasn’t a safe comfortable space for her to spend time. Spark offers access to support and services to people who feel like they don’t ‘fit in’, so they can bring the ‘Spark’ back into life. The charity is about to move into brand new premises and wants to ensure the lighting will cater for all the groups and organisations that will be using the space. Cleethorpes Band was established more than 140 years ago as ‘brass banding’ became popular in the UK. The band still forms an important part of the Northeast Lincolnshire community today, performing regularly in the surrounding area. Its rehearsal room and premises in an old printing works needs lighting renovation to enable players to more easily see their sheet music, and to make the building more welcoming to new members. From Tiny Seeds Community Interest Company in Holmfirth, Huddersfield, provides free parenting, baby and childcare support to local families. Kate and Tracey, who have both worked in childcare for many years, were approached by the local council to set up the centre in 2021 and they are now hoping to develop a sensory room within the centre to support families with additional needs, as there is currently no sensory service provision within the local area. Lighting plays an important role in a sensory room and so the prize could be transformational for the project. Elmbridge Community Eco Hub, in Walton-on-Thames, provides a multi-functional safe space and range of community minded activities, including a community fridge; a Library of Things, regular Repair Café, seed bank, book/boardgame/Jigsaw swaps, Skill Share and litter picking sessions, and a huge community garden. The Hub is housed in a 200-year-old former stable block but the lighting is old and ineffective so improved lighting would help accommodate the different activities the building is used for. Voting for the four projects is now open, and you can cast yours here. The project with the most votes, which will be announced later in October, will receive a lighting consultation and design, Ansell Lighting products and a contribution of up to £2,000 towards installation by an approved electrician. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says: “We were really impressed and also touched by the entries we received - there are some fantastic community projects and organisations out there, mostly run by amazing volunteers, who really do give so much to their local communities. “We think our shortlist includes a great selection of projects and hope that our friends and customers take some time to read about the work they do and then vote for their favourite. We can’t wait to help the winner to transform its space and expand its good work.”

UK’s first ever sustainability conference for lighting a sell-out success

The Circular Lighting Live conference and exhibition sold out over a week before the event was due to take place. With 250 registered attendees from specifiers, manufacturers and suppliers, the one-day conference, which took place on 22 September, discussed how the lighting industry can make the circular economy a reality. Chaired by Ray Molony, Editor of Circular Lighting Report, the packed conference room heard key presentations on forthcoming EU and UK legislation, and the plethora of different environmental metrics that exist, including assessments of circularity (TM66), embodied carbon (TM65), environmental product declarations, and life cycle assessments. Practical discussions included how to encourage more remanufacture and reuse in the lighting sector. The pivotal role of the specifier in encouraging more sustainable lighting was tackled by two panels, both composed of five experts, drawn from across the industry. The conference was complemented by a vibrant supplier exhibition including a 3D printing demonstration from Platinum sponsor Signify, and other stands from Gold sponsors ASD Lighting, DW Windsor, Lucent, Orluna, Primelight, Silent Design, and Trilux. Commenting on the event, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says: “We have been thrilled by the level of energy and commitment expressed during Circular Lighting Live. It really does seem that we all get it: the really significant changes we need to make to address the climate crisis, and to improve material efficiency.” “We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. So, we’ve already announced that Circular Lighting Live 2023 will take place on 21 September 2023. We will be at a bigger venue, so we will be able to welcome many more delegates and sponsors.” Gareth Davies, Principal Lighting Consultant at Stantec says: “Great to see this coming to the forefront of the industry. I think this has opened a lot of eyes to the magnitude of the task ahead, and also shown that it is not an impossible goal. A lot of people have realised we are not where we'd like to be, and we need to start/accelerate our movement in the right direction. The conference offers a great chance for people to journey together and support one another in this critical area.” One of the main takeaways of the event was the value of TM66, the CIBSE and SLL specification for circularity in the lighting industry. TM66 is increasingly being seen as a helpful tool to allow specifiers to identify lighting products that are properly designed with circular economy principles. Nigel adds “Recolight was proud to host Circular Lighting Live. It aligns perfectly with our ambition to desire to support and encourage our industry to become more sustainable. And we did our best to practice what we preach: the programme, delegate list, and feedback form were emailed rather than printed. The venue chosen favoured public transport, rather than travel by car. And even the food was vegetarian, to reduce the carbon footprint.” www.circularlighting.live.com www.recolight.com

Yeo Valley Organic continues sustainability efforts with more rooftop solar

SolarEdge Technologies announces the completion of a second solar PV system for leading organic food producer, Yeo Valley Organic. The installation of a 623MWh rooftop array at its Newton Abbot manufacturing facility furthers Yeo Valley’s ambition to become 50% electricity self-sufficient within the next 10 years and follows the earlier installation of a 1.13MW rooftop system at its Isleport site. Together, the PV installations are expected to cut carbon emissions by 400 tons each year. The solar projects were installed by SSWUK (Solar Southwest), which chose SolarEdge’s DC-optimised inverter solution to maximise energy yield at the energy-intensive production facilities. The SolarEdge system uses Power Optimisers to increase the energy production of each module in the array by overcoming issues such as shading and soiling that can limit output in traditional string inverter systems. Jonathan Bensted, Managing Director at SSW, says: “Ensuring the safety of its people and property was another important consideration for Yeo Valley. It was impressed by SolarEdge’s suite of embedded safety feature, including its SafeDCTM function, which automatically reduces the voltage in each solar module to a touch-safe level to enable maintenance teams to access the roof safely, and arc fault detection. We’re finding that many of our top-tier clients are asking for this feature for the added peace of mind it brings”. Karl Tucker, Chairman, Yeo Valley Farms, comments: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Yeo Valley. Our commitment to invest in green technologies as part of our Sustainable Development Business Plan is an important part of our vision to build a more sustainable future that involves reducing food miles, improving packaging and being 'powered by nature’.” www.solaredge.com www.yeovalley.com

Win a trip to Australia with the JIB Apprentice Exchange Programme

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is offering one lucky apprentice the chance to spend six weeks living and working as an electrician in Brisbane, Australia. The JIB Skills Development Fund will cover the cost of flights, accommodation, wages and associated costs for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, where the winner will spend time with several contractors in the city. The apprentice will also visit the contractors' association, union and leading training providers to get a better understanding of how the industry works and compile a report on their experiences of the electrical industry in Queensland, Australia. Previous winners have described how the experience enhanced their career. Thomas Hyland, who won a trip to Brisbane in 2013, says: “The apprentice exchange trip benefited my career enormously. I truly believe the knowledge and understanding gained on that trip has helped me to secure the position I am in today.” Luke Wheeler, who won a trip to New York in 2012, adds: “I would certainly recommend applying to the apprentice exchange as there is nothing to lose! It was such a great experience, and I met many friends who I still keep in touch with today. I really appreciate being given the opportunity.” To be eligible to apply, the applicant must: - Be in Stage 3 or Stage 4 of an apprenticeship with a JIB-registered training provider - Be working for a JIB member (who is also a member of the ECA) - Be a member of Unite the Union - Hold a valid, in-date passport and driving licence - Have the endorsement of their employer and training officer As many people started their applications before the exchange was postponed due to COVID-19, anyone who was eligible at the start of 2020 will remain eligible even if now a qualified electrician. A shortlist of candidates will be invited for interview with a panel of industry representatives, who will be looking for apprentices who are knowledgeable, confident, and willing to learn. Richard Clarke, Chair of the JIB Skills Development Fund Trustees, says: “The JIB Skills Development Fund is delighted to welcome the next set of applicants for the JIB Apprentice Exchange Programme. As previous winners have highlighted, it offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance not only your electrotechnical career, but also to experience and learn about life as an electrician in another country. Furthermore, the successful applicant will act as an ambassador for the UK electrical contracting industry, learning about and sharing best practice and experiences for the benefit of the electrical community internationally. We encourage applications from anyone eligible who is interested in pushing themselves to see how far they can go with their electrical career.” Application forms can be downloaded from the JIB website. The deadline for applications to be received is 28th October 2022. www.jib.com

Carl Kammerling appoints new marketing lead

Carl Kammerling International, the home of C.K Tools, is pleased to announce Paul Pugh as its new Head of Marketing. Paul comes with a wealth of UK and international experience, including 23 years in the power tools sector and as a partner in an electrical contracting business. He’s actioned senior roles for both DeWalt and Milwaukee respectively, across field marketing, sales, product management, and key account management, and in major global markets such as China, Hong Kong, and Dubai. As well as responsibility for the full marketing mix, range management and brand development, Paul will also be taking a senior lead on new product excellence as well as ensuring closer customer and end user alignment in the business’ activity. On his appointment, Paul says: “Carl Kammerling International has such strong heritage and has been the trusted choice for the electrical and industrial trade through the likes of its C.K Tools brand, so it’s a real pleasure to now be part of the family. “I’m extremely passionate about aligning products more closely with the realities of end-user applications, in order to provide genuine solutions. Products should make working days easier, safer, and deliver real benefits in terms of productivity, so this will be a focus for both our NPD and marketing moving forward.” www.carlkammerling.com www.ck-tools.com

30% of electricians encounter asbestos every week

For Mesothelioma Awareness Day (26 September), an event aiming to bring more attention to the dangers of asbestos, ElectricalDirect surveyed trade workers from across the nation to see how often they encounter it, and the impact this has on their health. The study found that 78% of electricians have come across asbestos - the fibre-like material once used for insulation - in their working lives. This has serious consequences, with 41% having had symptoms of an asbestos-related disease or knowing a colleague who has. Tradespeople are amongst the most at-risk workers of asbestos-related diseases, and, across all industries, the majority are exposed to the potentially lethal material on a regular basis. Three in five (60%) find it every year, over a third (35%) say every month, and one in 12 (8%) come face to face with asbestos every day. Tragically, one in 20 (5%) know someone who has died of such a condition, and every week 20 tradespeople deaths are attributed to asbestos. Some trades are more likely to be exposed than others, and so should be particularly cautious. Almost every carpenter (95%) questioned had some history with asbestos, and bricklayers (88%) are a close second. With such severe consequences, it’s important that tradespeople know the warning signs of the diseases and consult a doctor straight away if any appear. Dr Rhianna McClymont, Lead GP at Livi, the digital healthcare provider, says that asbestosis causes a range of symptoms, including: Persistent cough Shortness of breath Wheezing Pain in the chest or shoulder Tiredness Swollen or ‘clubbed’ fingertips However, ElectricalDirect’s research found that the majority of UK tradespeople are unaware of these symptoms. When asked to identify the signs of asbestosis, almost two-thirds (64%) failed to select a persistent cough, and over half (55%) didn’t pick out shortness of breath. Dr Rhianna explains more about the condition. What is abestosis? “Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by breathing in large amounts of asbestos dust for a long time. The asbestos gets lodged in the lungs causing scarring around the air sacs (alveoli), which means oxygen can't reach the bloodstream easily. The scarring leads to the lungs hardening, making it more difficult to breathe because the lungs cannot hold as much air as they used to.” What causes it? “The condition is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos, a material used in the past for cement, insulation, car parts, and some roof and floor tiles. The fibres in asbestos break down into little pieces when they're damaged, released into the air and then breathed in. These fibres get stuck in the lungs, and over a long time, can cause permanent lung damage.” Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says: “Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos is a still a real issue in the industry, and it’s awful that so many tradespeople die from related diseases every year. “Some people might not experience symptoms for decades after their exposure to the material, so it’s important that individuals remain vigilant, and see a doctor immediately if they spot any signs.” www.electricaldirect.com

Welcome back to Screwfix Live 2022!

Screwfix Live 2022 has opened its doors and is pleased to welcome customers to Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre until 25th September 2022. With more than 170 brands under one roof, the free-to-enter show is the chance for tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts and families to enjoy live product demonstrations, competitions, giveaways and at least 10% off every item purchased. What’s more, there will be celebrity appearances across the weekend to meet and greet Screwfix customers. And it doesn’t stop here. To continue to bring the largest trade and DIY show to customers’ fingertips, Screwfix Live will be hosting a virtual event from 26th to 30th September for any customers unable to attend the physical event. Customers can enjoy exclusive deals, special guest appearances, live shows, and great prize draws by visiting the Screwfix website or the Screwfix app. Max Britten, Managing Director for UK and Republic of Ireland at Screwfix, comments: “We are delighted to officially open the doors to our flagship event, bringing suppliers and customers together, under one roof. With over 170 brands, guest appearances, giveaways, live product demonstrations, and at least 10% off every item purchased at the show, we hope everyone enjoys their time with us this weekend. All customers who cannot attend the physical event, please visit our website or the Screwfix app from 26th September, where you can enjoy all that Screwfix Live has to offer, including extraordinary deals and live shows’’. www.screwfix.com

Amendment 2 – are you ready?

NICIEC is urging contractors and the wider industry to ensure they are fully prepared for Amendment 2 of BS 7671:2018, which, following a six-month transition period, comes into effect on 27 September. “Amendment 2 introduces some sizeable changes,” says NICEIC’s Head of Technical Services, Paul Collins. “Designed to improve safety and push the industry forward, it is vital that those operating in the electrotechnical space are up to speed and ready to put the changes into practice.” NICEIC has designed an expansive support package to help the industry navigate the changes and ensure a smooth transition. The package includes a range of expert-led training courses covering everything electrical contractors need to know and a wide range of publications and guides. In addition, NICEIC also offers a new and improved streamlined suite of Electrical Forms. Available in physical format via the NICEIC web-shop and in digital form via NICEIC Online and the NICEIC Cert mobile app, these forms are updated in line with Amendment 2 and are available now. Furthermore, the 38,000 businesses certified by NICEIC also benefit from NICEIC’s highly regarded technical helpline and a bank of free and exclusive CPD Certified materials, including webinars and technical reference documents. Paul continues: “To support the industry transition, we have developed a full and comprehensive package of class-leading training solutions, materials and tools. “We have worked hard to cover all bases, ensuring that our offer delivers the tools contractors and industry truly need. “If you operate in the electrotechnical space or in an associated industry, I urge you to make the most of these resources. Doing so will ensure that come 27 September, you are up to speed and ready to go.” www.niceic.com