Small and mighty LED lighting

Compact, controllable, complete systems: outdoor lighting doesn’t get any more convenient than this. Timeguard has upgraded its popular LED100/200 series of LED Energy Saving PIR Floodlights with even more benefits and features. With a compact design, greater lumen output and Timeguard’s fast-fix pin connection for quick installation, the new LED100/200E range is a quality choice for new and existing installations. Available in black or white to suit any décor, a slave terminal and parallel switching facility mean these powerful devices can be the control hub of a larger lighting system. www.timeguard.com

Are you NICEIC’s next quiz champion?

Are you NICIEC's next quiz champion? Do you have what it takes to take the crown from the current holder, Darren Cooke of Stolworthy Electrical? If so, put your skills to the test by signing up for the NICEIC Amendment 2 quiz on 14 September at 8pm. The event, which will focus on the implementation of Amendment 2 of BS 7671:2018, aims to raise funds for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). Providing a lifeline to so many, the EIC delivers free confidential and practical support to those working in the electrical contracting industry and their families. All participants will be asked to make a voluntary donation of £1 to enter, an amount which NICEIC will match, with 100% of the funds raised going directly to the EIC. "The last NICEIC quiz was a great success,” says Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Head of Technical Services. "With hundreds in attendance, it was a tight contest which saw Darren Cooke win ultimate bragging rights. This time, we want to combine our contractor's competitive nature with fundraising for a truly worthy cause. "The EIC do so much great work for the men and women of our industry, and we are pleased to be able to help in any way we can.” Tessa Ogle, Electrical Industries Charity, Managing Director and CEO adds: "We are thrilled to be part of the hunt for NICEIC's next quiz champion and greatly appreciate the support from NICEIC and its contractors. Our work is vitally important and couldn't be done without fundraising initiatives such as this.” To sign up for the quiz, click here and register your attendance. To make a donation to the EIC, click here. www.niceic.com www.electricalcharity.com

Big Red Construction joins forces with the Big Brew

Big Red Construction has become the headline sponsor of this year’s Big Brew campaign, which encourages construction industry workers and tradespeople to come together over a cuppa to support one another and remove the taboo around mental health in the sector. Big Red Construction was only founded just over five years ago and already has an order book of more than £20m of projects where it is either a principal contractor or a main contractor. It sees supporting the Big Brew as ‘absolutely vital’ for the UK construction industry, where the suicide rate of workers is estimated to be as high as two people every day. UK construction sector workers are nearly three times as likely to die by suicide than their counterparts in other industries. Speaking about the tie-up, Mike Lomas, Managing Director of Big Red Industries, praised the trailblazing work of the Big Brew and said that Big Red Construction was proud to be a supporter of a ‘brilliantly simple’ campaign that aims to tackle such a systemic issue with a cuppa. “Through partnering with Band of Builders on this remarkable campaign, we hope to not only increase awareness of the mental health support services that are available but to also encourage other construction companies to join us in being part of the change. Big Red, big change,” says Mike. “It is our key focus at Big Red to support all of our construction workers, as we recognise that not having the correct support or tools in place can have a detrimental impact on those who may be struggling with their mental health and day to day life. It’s absolutely vital that individuals, businesses and the industry at large do all they can to tackle this crisis. “We are supporting this year’s Big Brew because it’s a brilliantly simple idea to encourage tradespeople and contractors to have a quick timeout over a cuppa and check in with colleagues and friends to just see if they’re okay.” Mike added that a key reason why Big Red Construction is throwing its support behind the campaign is because it wanted to be a driving force in the continued momentum of the Big Brew. He says: “We have been impressed with the way that the Big Brew has tackled the mental health crisis in construction head-on; how it has got the industry talking; and how the first Big Brew raised enough money to fund a new, free, construction industry-only counselling service for two years.” Peter Cape, the Big Brew lead at Band of Builders, says that this year more than 300 Big Brew events are expected to be hosted - mainly on construction sites and at builders’ merchants - this October, and the campaign is timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day. “We are delighted that Big Red Construction has been so eager to come on board as a sponsor of the Big Brew and support a campaign that not only shines a light on the mental health crisis within the construction industry but has also put lifelines in place - such as our free counselling service and our new text line (text BOB to 85258) - that tradespeople, contractors and their families can use at any time,” says Pete. “The most effective way to start turning the tide on this is to get tradespeople and contractors talking, and this year we are introducing a tea scale as one way to start conversations - with images of different strengths of a cuppa. So, we are asking tradespeople ‘where are you on the mental health tea scale?’” Pete added that at a time when the suicide rate of UK construction workers is estimated to be as high as two people every day, and UK construction sector workers are nearly three times as likely to die by suicide than their counterparts in other industries, it’s important that the industry comes together. “We are proud that the Big Brew is gaining genuine momentum - particularly through the support of organisations such as Big Red Construction - because it means we can reach out to more tradespeople and construction workers who may be in crisis,” he concludes. You can join in the conversation online by using the hashtag #GiveYourselfABreak. www.wearebigred.com www.bandofbuilders.com

Princeps signs distribution agreement with Hammond Manufacturing

Princeps has announced that it has signed an authorised distribution agreement with Hammond Manufacturing. Princeps is supplying Hammond’s complete portfolio of electrical enclosures, which can also be modified and customised in-house to suit specific customer requirements. Hammond manufactures a huge range of electrical enclosures in metallic and non-metallic materials - mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, ABS, polyester, GRP - as well as various ranges of small electronics, enclosures and accessories. There are enclosures in many sizes and styles, suitable for the vast majority of applications to protect delicate electrical and electronic installations, including (depending on IP and IK rating) models that are waterproof, resistant to particle ingress such as dust or chemical sprays and robust enough to withstand other hazards found in commercial and industrial environments. Hammond has the in-house capability to modify any of the thousands of its enclosures to suit challenging designs where a standard solution is not suitable. Services include non-standard sizes, alternative materials, cut-outs, punched holes, louvres, pre-installed accessories, hinge changes, special paint colours, silk screening and more. David Nash, Sales Director, Princeps, comments: “Hammond enclosures are renowned for their variety and quality, and we are delighted to have been appointed as a Hammond authorised distributor, which further enhances our capability to provide complete customer solutions. Hammond’s in-house customisation service saves time and effort: instead of having to carry out modifications or sub-contract thus work out themselves, we work with our customers to understand their requirements, assist with modification drawings if necessary and supply the Hammond enclosure with everything done. This totally streamlines processes for customers and saves time, effort and cost. Recently, for example, we were able to save one customer in the rail industry 60% compared with the cost of buying a standard enclosure and having modifications carried out by a third party.” www.princeps.com www.hammfg.com

KNIPEX launches tool cases and kits brochure

KNIPEX has launched a new downloadable brochure featuring its much sought-after tool cases and kits. The brochure looks at the stylish range which features five models, each offering a myriad of configurations and options, and an ideal balance between an attractive design and plenty of storage space. The KNIPEX tool cases have a sturdy construction and have the most compact dimensions possible, as well as being light in weight. They are tailored to the many different needs of tradespeople and are therefore available in a wide range of sizes and versions. The brochure also features full tool kits designed for each trade, with cases crammed full of quality KNIPEX tools which are sure to get every professional’s mouth watering! Download the brochure here. www.knipex.com

Octopus Energy’s EV roaming service surpasses milestone

Octopus Energy’s electric vehicle roaming service, Electric Universe, has surpassed 300,000 charge points globally as it rebrands to supercharge international growth. Only two years since launch, it is now one of the world’s largest ‘virtual’ EV charging networks. Electric Universe (formerly Electric Juice) is making charging electric cars simple, allowing drivers to use just one card and one app to access over 300,000 public charge points from a range of brands across the globe. The breadth of charge points accessible on Electric Universe is quickly expanding internationally. Over 450 charging networks have joined, including IONITY, Osprey, Mer, Fastned, Char.gy and EVBox. In just the last two months since Geniepoint, MFG and ShellRecharge joined the roaming service, adding hundreds more rapid chargers for customers across the UK, with more scheduled to come onboard this year. This milestone comes as Electric Universe launches new product features to drastically improve the EV charging experience, including an interactive map showing EV charge points and their availability across more than 50 countries. The new feature prevents ‘range anxiety’, alleviating fears of running out of power before finding a charger. The EV market is set to massively grow with 230 million EVs forecast to be on the roads globally by 2030. The UK currently has around 465,000 EVs, with the government laying out ambitions for a tenfold increase in charge points by 2030. More than half of drivers aged 16 to 49 years are now likely to switch to an EV within the next decade. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy for Business, the business arm of Octopus Energy that created Electric Universe, comments: “Going from zero to over 300,000 EV chargers in two years reflects our rocket-speed growth - and this is only the beginning for Electric Universe. On the road to greater electrification of our society, drivers are increasingly choosing electric. Being able to charge an EV easily will underpin this shift. We’re moving full steam ahead to grow our EV roaming service even further globally to help accelerate the transition to a cheaper, greener energy future.” Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Energy’s Electric Universe, adds: “For many, charging simplicity is the key to making the switch to an EV. The technology we’re building with Electric Universe means that the greener and cheaper option will also be the easiest option - positively transforming the EV charging experience for people across the globe today and in the years to come.” www.octopus.energy.com www.electroverse.octopus.energy.com

National Ventilation’s Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 shortlisted for award

National Ventilation has been shortlisted in the Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2022. The company’s Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 bathroom fan has reached the shortlist for the ‘Best New Product’ award. Winners will be chosen via a two-step process, with entrants must first facing an online vote by industry professionals. After voting, entries will be critiqued by a specially selected judging panel, comprised of individuals with extensive industry knowledge and experience. The Electrical Wholesaler Awards has provided a unique platform for the recognition of excellence and achievements across the electrical wholesale sector. The two-step award process means only the very best pick up a coveted stamp of industry approval. The winners of the Electrical Wholesaler Awards will be announced during a live lunchtime awards ceremony on Thursday 13th October 2022 at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel, London. National Ventilation’s Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 fan is a clever multi-function fan. The seven in one IntelliSense i7 bathroom fan is the intelligent choice for wholesalers, electricians and households alike. With a choice of intermittent or continuous running, this ultra-quiet, ultra-modern, smart bathroom fan runs extremely quietly at low speed of just 17dB. The ingenious fan also offers an intelligent humidity sensor, a useful overrun timer and presence sensor, an airing function to avoid stuffy odours in the bathroom, while offering a high performance of up to 110m3/hr. “At National Ventilation we are delighted the Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 has been shortlisted in the Electrical Wholesaler Awards. The IntelliSense i7 is quiet yet versatile and with its seven in one option, wholesalers and electricians can be confident that they are making the right choice”, says Robin Francis, Managing Director at National Ventilation. “It also offers reduced energy consumption due to a low-voltage motor - using about a third less than conventional bathroom fans. All in all, the IntelliSense i7 fan is the intelligent choice.” Versatile enough to ventilate bathrooms, toilets and utility areas, the seven in one IntelliSense i7 boasts six core ventilation modes including three continuous ventilation modes, three intermittent modes, and one heat mover mode that allows the fan to transfer surplus heat to an adjacent room. Suitable for installation in wet areas (IP44) such as WCs and bathrooms the fan offers further installation flexibility since it is suitable for both wall and ceiling mounting. This makes IntelliSense i7 the ideal choice for electrical wholesalers, who can offer this intelligent fan to their customers, confident that with its seven in one option, the fan’s versatility means it will fit the majority of bathroom installations. With one fan suitable for most installations, it also means wholesalers can hold less stock in their warehouses. Meanwhile, electricians can keep the fan in their van knowing they will always have the right solution for their customers to hand and that they can also expect happy customers thanks to all its intelligent features. The IntelliSense i7 is stylish yet great value and is packed with clever features all backed up by a five-year warranty, which will be attractive for households. To help protect a home from condensation and mould the fan boasts an intelligent self-adjusting humidity sensor, which continuously measures the humidity level in the room. When it senses a sharp rise in humidity (e.g. when taking a shower) or if the relative humidity (RH) exceeds 70% it starts up automatically. When the humidity level is restored, the fan returns to basic flow or stops. Meanwhile, a useful presence sensor is activated by motion, or when the light is switched on to ensure the fan operates when the room is in use. The over run time is 15 minutes with the fan switching to a medium speed, 60 m3/h, and depending on the choice of mode, it starts up immediately or after 2.5 minutes. However, if the humidity control or presence sensor has not been active for 24 hours, the airing function will start up with the fan operating at medium speed for 30 minutes every 12 hours. This avoids stuffy, musty odours in the bathroom when the room is unoccupied for a while. Offering excellent performance with a high capacity and good pressure capability, the IntelliSense i7 also features a unique self-calibrating motor that senses and compensates its speed if, for example, wind resistance increases in the ventilation duct. It can be compared to a built-in cruise control that automatically ensures an optimal ventilation flow and avoids backdraughts even when the fan is running at low speed. For electricians, installation is made easy. Suitable for both wall and ceiling mounting, once the wall frame is installed, the fan is simply fixed to the wall frame, phase and neutral are connected and the job is done. The fan offers plenty of space for electrical connection, a liftable terminal block, it has integrated seals around the back side of the wall frame and cable and screw entries, and a built-in multi-pole switch. Changing the function is made easy too. Simply lift the cover plate, select the desired mode with a screwdriver and close the cover. It’s also possible to change mode when the motor unit has been removed from the wall frame. If you would like the IntelliSense i7 to win the EW Awards this year, cast your vote here. www.electricalwholesalerawards.com www.nationalventilation.com

JTL celebrates apprentices’ success at various national competitions

JTL celebrates as eight of its apprentices have reached the finals at multiple national-level competitions. The not-for-profit charity currently serves around 8,000 apprentices and offers apprenticeships in the electrical, plumbing and heating sectors. The competitions include the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, the WorldSkills UK finals and the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, where JTL itself has been named amongst the finalists for Learning Provider of the Year. The ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award is the premier training award in the electrotechnical industry, seeking to recognise outstanding apprentices with good technical skills as well as a proven record of being role models for others in the industry. This year, JTL apprentices James Stanford, Veronica Jennings and Charlie Ewing make up all three of the nominated finalists. The World Skills UK competition sees the country’s top students and apprentices come together for an annual chance of representing the UK in the ‘Skills Olympics’. This year, JTL electrical apprentice Liam Hilton and JTL fire, security and emergency systems apprentice Nathan Portman were invited to the live qualifying heats, where they became two of the highest-scoring competitors nationally. They now go on to compete in the grand finals taking place in November. The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards annually recognise stories of talent and diversity from apprentices, their employers and learning providers. This year, the judges decided that based on their nominations, JTL apprentices Diljeet Rai, Ibrahim Khan and Jaydee Singh should all be shortlisted to reach the finals. JTL itself has also reached the final for a category at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, making it through as a finalist for Learning Provider of the Year. Liam Sammon, Director of Learning and Innovation at JTL, says: “It has felt like a constant stream of good news regarding awards this year at JTL. We couldn’t be prouder of our apprentices, and it’s particularly inspiring to see how much they have progressed. “We were also delighted to see that we had been shortlisted as a finalist for an award as prestigious and significant as Learning Provider of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards. Serving a diverse community is paramount to our work here at JTL, and we’re honoured to see that recognised.” www.jtltraining.com www.eca.com www.worldskillsuk.com www.multiculturalapprenticeshipawards.com

ESP welcomes new Area Sales Manager for Scotland

ESP is delighted to welcome Stuart Finlayson to the team as the new Area Sales Manager covering Scotland. Stuart joins ESP with more than 11 years of sales experience, having worked with a number of leading brands, including Jaguar, Land Rover and DFS, he will be bringing his knowledge and sales expertise to his new position. In his role with ESP, he will be responsible for developing new and existing customer relationships at an independent and national level. As ESP continues to grow and expand its product offering, Stuart will ensure that customers are kept up to date with all the latest developments - from a product, technology and regulations point of view. In the last 12 months alone, ESP has broadened its product category offering with two significant launches - the comprehensive Fort Smart Security range and the Beacon Disabled Refuge collection. A major new CCTV range is also due for launch at the beginning of September and Stuart will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategic sales plans to bring all these new products to an expanded customer base and solidifying ESP’s presence in the region. Commenting on this new appointment, Barry Taylor, Scolmore Group Sales Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, says: “We are delighted to welcome Stuart to the ESP team. He will be a great asset to the business as we continue to drive our growing range of security solutions through the electrical wholesale channel here in Scotland.” www.espuk.com

Toolstation offers Everyday Great Value to customers

Toolstation has launched its latest catalogue in stores and online, offering a wide array of new products, brands, and offers at amazing value, aiming to help customers save money on trade-quality products during a challenging period of rising costs. Online, on the app and in store, Toolstation will be supporting customers by showcasing its Everyday Great Value range, which launched in August. The range aims to highlight the best value products currently on the market across various trade and DIY sectors, from plumbing fittings, electrical accessories, painting and decorating products, construction gear and more, making sure no customer is left behind. The value range will play an important role over autumn and winter, as customers face a challenging few months of rising costs, including energy prices. As the preparation for colder days and darker evenings begins, the catalogue intends to help Toolstation customers find the necessary products to help cut down energy costs. Customers will be able to select from a wide array of offers on heating and lighting products that are currently the best value on the market, including up to 25% off central heating controls, £40 off smart home accessories, and 25% off dimmable lighting. The new catalogue also offers support to tradespeople preparing to face the harsh winter weather with a selection of great value prices on items they need the most every day, including savings on waterproof work gear, weatherproof toolboxes, power tools and more. On top of some great deals, Trade Account customers will also get a further 5% discount on every purchased product, with no minimum spend. Signing up to a Trade Account offers customers added support with more efficient financial management, up to 60 days interest-free credit, flexible credit limits and online account management. Customers can apply online or via the app. Matt Nourse, Commercial Director at Toolstation, comments, “Now, more than ever, we know how important it is for our customers to save money on products they use frequently. That’s why we’re continually reviewing our prices to bring them great value within our range. With the launch of the new catalogue, we hope to help our customers save money on trade-quality products by giving them easier access to great value every day essentials.” www.toolstation.com