Technical excellence: must have digital tools from NICEIC

NICEIC has further underlined its support to its 38,000 certified businesses through the delivery of class-leading digital tools. The line-up, which includes a record-breaking series of the webinar programme THE WIRE and the all-new NICEIC Pocket Guide app, further strengthens the suite of free and exclusive tools available to NICEIC certified businesses. In the first six months of 2022, THE WIRE, NICEIC's CPD certified hit technical webinar programme, went from strength to strength. Achieving over 45,000 views, beating previous records, and exceeding numbers seen during the whole of 2021, the latest series delivered 15 episodes covering key topics such as Amendment 2 of BS 7671 and Maximum Demand and Diversity. Adding to this success, the brand extended its digital line-up, introducing the all-new NICEIC Pocket Guide app. Launched last month, the app allows NICEIC users to access over 35 technical reference guides and handy calculators via their handheld devices. In the weeks since its launch, the app has been downloaded by over 20,000 users and gained a top five spot on Apple's Business App Download Chart with a rating of 4.8/5 stars. “We are absolutely delighted with the success seen both with THE WIRE and the Pocket Guide app,” says Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Head of Technical Services. “Not only are the numbers fantastic, which is an excellent indicator, but the candid and positive feedback we are receiving is also hugely encouraging. "We are committed to building on this success and continuing on our quest to ensure that we deliver the tools our customers need to remain at the forefront of the industry.” If your business is certified with NICEIC, and you or your staff would like to download the NICEIC Pocket Guide app for free, please search NICEIC Pocket Guide app via your chosen app store. Or if you are certified with NICEIC and would like to view any of the episodes from the previous series of THE WIRE, please click here.

New South East location for UK's leading renewables training provider

GTEC now has a new location for installers in the South East looking to train in its industry-leading renewables courses. Hosted at The Building Performance Hub in High Wycombe - the only dedicated UK facility for the education and practical hands-on training of building performance for sustainable buildings - qualifications on offer include air source heat pumps, water regulations, solar photovoltaics and electric vehicle charge point installations. An exciting collaboration, candidates will benefit from expert training delivered from a purpose-built venue. Funded by the Building Compliance Testing Association (BCTA), The Building Performance Hub boasts a specially built ‘house', where installers can practice their skills in a more realistic environment. Barry Cope, Group Director for the BCTA, says: “Far too much training takes place in hotels and in the meeting rooms of companies. The Building Performance Hub changes that, offering a state-of-the-art facility that can be adapted for all training courses, using real, life-size models and not ‘death by PowerPoint’. This makes it the perfect location for the building services that compliment buildings, built with energy conservation in mind. “GTEC's experience in the field of renewables training is unrivalled and we are delighted to play host to their courses.” Griff Thomas, Managing Director of GTEC, adds: "The Building Performance Hub is leading the way in helping those working in the construction industry to design and build energy efficient buildings that meet the challenges of net zero. GTEC's range of renewable courses complement its existing delivery, creating an ideal setting for trainees interested in getting involved in the low carbon revolution. “With the South East the most densely populated part of the UK, we are pleased that we can now reach heating and plumbing engineers in this area. There is a wealth of opportunities for building services installers skilled in the latest renewable alternatives to fossil fuels; what's key is that they have access to the appropriate training in convenient locations.” The first courses will be starting with WRAS Water Regulations and the Air Source Heat Pump Installer course. Book through GTEC's website.

Reading can expect £1bn economic boost from CityFibre rollout

A new report commissioned by CityFibre has identified that Reading stands to be a huge beneficiary from the rollout of future-proof full fibre infrastructure, which is now well underway across the town. The study by the consultancy Hatch, (Economic Impact of Full Fibre Infrastructure from CityFibre’s Network), estimates that, over a 15-year period, the positive impacts of CityFibre’s £58m investment in Reading will include £625m in productivity and innovation gains, £138m from a widened workforce, £18m in local authority efficiency savings and £384m in increased housing value. Technological benefits are also a major focus of the report, which demonstrates that CityFibre’s network in Reading will help realise £1bn gross added value (GVA) from 5G services, £249m from the Internet of Things and £263m from Smart City initiatives, like intelligent traffic management systems and street lighting. The continuing transition to home and flexible working, supported by full fibre access at home and in the office, is also unlocking access to a larger pool of labour for employers. In Reading, working productivity uplifts are estimated to exceed £35m. The direct impact of network construction is also identified as a major contributor to Reading’s economic growth, creating network construction jobs within CityFibre’s build partners and supply chain. Wherever possible, the new jobs will be recruited locally to support the rollout. As a whole, the UK stands to benefit from over £38bn in potential economic benefits. Productivity improvements and innovation are responsible for the largest impact, driving more than £22bn in GVA gains nationwide. This is due to the positive effect that far faster and more reliable digital connectivity has been shown to have on business productivity and innovation, increasing turnover and contributing to the formation of new businesses and business models. Stacey King, Area Manager for Reading at CityFibre, says: “This report demonstrates just how powerful and essential full fibre is as a catalyst for growth and as a platform for innovation and investment. “Reading is quickly becoming one of the best digitally connected towns in the UK, and the opportunity for residents and local businesses is huge. We thank residents for their patience as we progress with the full fibre infrastructure build here in a bid to offer more people access to some of the best broadband packages available.”

Toolbox Talks see electricians add names to SELECT’s growing campaign

The growing campaign for regulation of the electrical industry has received a timely boost after more than 180 electricians pledged their support for the crusade being spearheaded by SELECT. An unprecedented number of professionals rushed to add their names to the association’s Wall of Support at a series of Toolbox Talks held across Scotland in May and June. As well as attracting a record number of delegates, the roadshows also saw 184 electricians from a wide range of SELECT member firms giving their backing to the organisation’s long-running campaign for the protection of the title ‘professional electrician’. In a further sign of its accelerating momentum, the campaign has also been endorsed by Certsure, which offers certification services through the NICEIC brand, with Managing Director Richard Orton adding his name to the wall. Richard, who joined the organisation in January, says: “Technical integrity is at our core, and we are supportive of any initiative designed to strengthen standards, encourage continued professional development and ensure that regular assessments take place. “Such initiatives highlight responsible electrical contractors, and subsequently enable consumers to make informed choices when selecting an electrical contractor. That is why Certsure is supportive of SELECT’s protection of title campaign.” Richard’s arrival on the Wall of Support follows that of Owen Thompson MP, Member of Parliament for Midlothian and SNP Chief Whip, as well as a number of MSPs and other trade associations. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, comments: “It is clear that there is a continuing groundswell of support for our campaign, bolstered by our recent Toolbox Talks that delivered our message and aims in-person to a wide audience. “The ever-growing numbers of electrotechnical professionals who attend the talks for up-to-the-minute technical advice appreciate that regulation is essential to protect our industry, and as a result have been only too willing to offer their very welcome support to our campaign. “We are also particularly pleased to welcome Certsure to the Wall of Support. It is an organisation for which we have the deepest respect, and which shares our commitment to placing quality centre stage as we seek to enhance and improve the industry.” The ‘drive for protection of title’ is currently under consideration in the Scottish Parliament, with SELECT now planning meetings with other MPs and MSPs in the coming months to add further names to the Wall of Support.

Erewash MP and Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner visit store in Ilkeston

Screwfix recently welcomed Maggie Throup MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash, and Alex Avis, reigning Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2022, to the Ilkeston store in Derbyshire. Maggie and Alex, who is from Nottingham, had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Ilkeston store and find out from the team how Screwfix supports customers to get their jobs done affordably and right first time through its hyper-convenient services, such as click and collect in as little as one minute. The pair also met with customers in-store and spoke about the importance and benefits of a career in the trade. Speaking about her visit, Maggie says: “It was fantastic to meet Alex at Screwfix’s Ilkeston branch and I want to again congratulate him on being named Trade Apprentice 2022. “Since 2015, over 5,000 people in Erewash have started an apprenticeship, enabling them to learn whilst also working and earning. “Apprentices like Alex are absolutely essential if we are to build and maintain a skilled workforce for the future and that is why the government is determined to drive up standards through the introduction of schemes such as the Apprenticeship Levy and the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, as well as the new T Level qualification beginning in September. “I want to also thank Screwfix for championing apprentices and recognising their importance to our local economy.”

JTL launches first apprenticeship academy in partnership with Enerveo

JTL has recently partnered with Enerveo to launch its first apprenticeship academy. The academy will see 20 JTL trainees undertake a six-week traineeship before beginning their apprenticeship with Enerveo. The goal of the traineeship is to equip learners with key skills that will form the foundation of their apprenticeship journeys, as well as educating them about the role. All 20 learners, who began their traineeship at the end of July, will begin their apprenticeships in September. The traineeship will cover sector-specific training alongside developing each learner’s English, maths and digital skills. Three weeks of the programme will also focus on practical work experience, during which Enerveo will assign each trainee with a colleague to shadow within a relevant department. These departments span across Enerveo’s multitude of services such as mechanical, electrical, high voltage, test and inspection services, EV charging and street lighting. Judi Wheeler, National Delivery Director at JTL, says: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Enerveo to launch our first apprenticeship academy. This is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to gain valuable industry experience that will be specifically relevant to their future apprenticeships. We’ve championed our traineeships as a valuable tool for achieving a tangible experience to ground an apprenticeship, and we look forward to our trainees receiving that with our new partners at Enerveo.” Carolyn Reed, Enerveo HR Director, says: “We’re so pleased to be working with JTL on this brilliant project. An apprenticeship is a fantastic way for learners to really understand the different areas of our business and gain valuable experience on-site. We look forward to following the journeys of our 20 trainees over the next six weeks as they build their paths to their future careers.”

Meet Fix Radio: the UK's only national radio station for builders

New data has shown that radio fans spent more time listening to commercial stations rather than the BBC over the first part of the summer; the first time that this has happened since 1999. It is radio stations such as Fix Radio that are continuing to grow through the loyal fanbase that it is building. Fix Radio is the home of entertainment, music and information for UK tradespeople. In the last five years the station has been built from the ground-up with tradespeople in mind, providing a mixture of authentic trade voices, up-beat music and a schedule designed around the tradesperson’s day. After working on building sites for six months, Founder and CEO, Louis Timpany saw first-hand how builders relied on the radio during busy periods to keep their energy and morale up, but he was dismayed by the monotonous and limited music-choice played on mainstream media outlets, and boring spoken content featuring unrelatable stories. As a result, he launched Fix Radio in 2017 to target the 2.2 million construction workers in the UK, providing a mixture of authentic trade voices, up-beat music and content relevant to builders on-site. This culminated in a £1 million crowdfund in April 2022 to aid the radio station’s growth and progression. Fix Radio started broadcasting nationally in May and has grown substantially since. Currently broadcasting nationwide on DAB, online and through its app, it reaches an audience of 85,000 tradespeople each week. Fix Radio has built a loyal trade audience in London and Manchester with its blend of entertaining content, powerful coverage of issues such as mental health and tool theft, and varied music libraries. The station’s schedule includes some of the biggest talent in the industry, including Facebook superstars the Bald Builders, Clive Holland of the BBC and formerly Cowboy Trap, the country’s most famous plasterer Chris Frediani from DIY SOS. Louis says: "It’s so humbling to see so many of the builders all around the UK that have got behind us and showed us all of their support. It’s given all of the team a massive boost - it’s a seriously exciting time for the business and I can’t wait to share the plans we have to continue our growth throughout the UK."

Toolstation launches Everyday Great Value campaign to help customers save money

Toolstation has launched its Everyday Great Value campaign on its app, in-store and online to help showcase the value it offers its core customers on the items they need the most every day. The new campaign, which launched on 1 August, was established to help customers save money on trade-quality products during a challenging period of rising costs. Every two weeks, Toolstation will highlight a selection of 10 to 15 products that are currently the best value on the market, to ensure customers are able to purchase everyday products for the best price possible. These products range across various trade types, from plumbing fittings, electrical accessories, painting and decorating products, construction gear and more, making sure no customer is left behind. The highlighted products will be replaced every two weeks with a new selection to further demonstrate the great value on offer. These products will be accessible to customers via the Toolstation app, online and in-store, displayed using the campaign logo. 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 that they use frequently. That’s why we’re continually reviewing our prices to bring them great value within our range. With this new campaign, we hope to help our customers save money on trade-quality products by giving them easier access to great value everyday essentials.” The current Everyday Great Value range includes adhesive, handsaws, electrical sockets, cable and more, and will be showcased both in-store and online until 16 August.

New additions to the sales team at Scolmore Group

Scolmore is delighted to announce two new appointments to its sales team, with Jonathan Roberts and James Collins taking on key roles. Jonathan Roberts has been appointed Group Key Account and Specification Manager and will be responsible for developing new business opportunities across Scolmore’s group of companies - Click, Ovia and ESP - and the breadth of products that are offered. With his vast experience working with a leading manufacturer of circuit protection systems, he will have a particular focus on the comprehensive Elucian consumer unit and protective devices range. Jonathan’s experience in the electrical industry started with a four-year tenure with a large independent electrical wholesaler, followed by 13 years as part of a sales team with a major supplier of circuit protection systems and wiring accessories. He has acquired in-depth technical knowledge of installation requirements and a thorough understanding of the latest wiring regulations. James Collins has been appointed Area Sales Manager for the Kent and Sussex regions. His responsibilities include developing new and existing relationships with customers and contractors to drive demand for the breadth of products available from Scolmore. James has a wealth of experience, having worked in the industry for over 12 years. He started out with an electrical wholesaler working as a van driver and - with focus and determination - worked his way up to branch manager. His eight-year stint within the wholesaler environment was followed by a move to the manufacturing side, where he spent four years with a leading manufacturer and distributor of wiring, lighting and electrical accessories.

Digital communications upgrade supports a reliable, flexible power network

UK Power Networks has upgraded digital communications across 16,000 electricity substations to enhance network visibility and reliability, while preparing for a future with more smart connections and flexibility services. Engineers have rolled out new 4G mobile network routers which enable remote communications and control of electricity substations across the South East and East of England to maintain reliable supplies for millions of homes and businesses. The new infrastructure maintains modern communications used by automatic power restoration systems and allows engineers to remotely control local network equipment. The routers send signals between network control systems and 11,000V secondary substations to restore customers’ power supplies quickly in the event of a fault. While its primary purpose is supporting electricity network resilience, the communications will also enable UK Power Networks to connect more smart flexibility services and electric vehicles in the future, supporting the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Barry Hatton, Director of Asset Management at UK Power Networks, says: “This is a great example of how we are engineering infrastructure for now and the future. “Meeting the net zero challenge needs collaboration across many skillsets, departments and partners and this project is a great example of that. We have taken an innovative approach to introduce new technology that maintains visibility and control for our substations while paving the way for more low carbon technologies connecting to our networks, such as electric vehicles. We have readied 16,000 sites where we can deploy smart approaches more easily, meaning more EVs can be accommodated at a lower overall cost.” UK Power Networks trained 78 employees in new skills to support the roll-out, enabling engineers with basic computer knowledge to replace equipment without specialist SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) engineering skills. Steve Slim, Managing Director of Cherry & White, which provided the network routers, says: “We were delighted to provide the communications technology that will continue to support fast, resilient and secure wireless connectivity for digital communications across UK Power Networks regions, while enabling Britain’s biggest network operator to prepare for the future. “Delivering these systems supports the reliable operation of UK Power Networks’ electricity system for millions of homes and businesses, ensuring the network continues to perform at its best.”