New Marketing Manager for Seaward

Seaward Electronic has appointed a senior executive to oversee its brand development and marketing as it invests further in growth and international expansion. Natalie Nichol joins as Marketing Manager, in a move that will see her working alongside the senior management team to develop a new marketing and communications strategy. She will also oversee a dedicated marketing team alongside planning new product launches and integrated communications for the company’s range of electronic test and measurement instruments used in a wide variety of electrical, medical, industrial and energy sector applications. Bringing more than 17 years’ experience and expertise in business-to-business and consumer marketing to the role, a key task will be to develop Seaward’s position in the USA, where the company sees significant growth opportunities for its medical device and solar PV test equipment. At its head office in Peterlee, and with an operation in Tampa, Florida, Seaward employs around 160 people. In taking up her new position, Natalie believes there are considerable opportunities for the company to build on its strong brand presence, both in the UK and internationally. She says: “I am delighted to be joining Seaward, which has very strong market presence. I am very excited about the future potential of the business and look forward to developing new strategies to help further raise the company’s profile and its position in the market.” CEO Chris Callan says Natalie is a key strategic appointment and adds: “We are committed to hiring the best industry talent to support our growth and ambitions, so it’s fantastic to have Natalie on board with her strong experience and track record in product brand development and broad marketing experience.”

Milestones reached in Histon power project

Work is progressing rapidly in a power project designed to meet the future needs of homes and businesses across the Cambridge area. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across London, the South East and East of England, has reached a set of major milestones in the £5 million upgrade. The investment, launched last winter, has already seen new electrical equipment installed in Histon, including a third grid transformer to help boost capacity and ensure reliable supplies in parts of Cambridge and the surrounding area. The project, which completes next year, has also safely introduced new modern switchgear equipment to the site which enables power cuts to be fixed remotely for customers. A video capturing the work done by UK Power Networks on site to date partners Morrison Energy Services to date can be seen here: [embed]http://youtu.be/q819uc6SWhQ[/embed] Michael Falcone, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, says: “Cambridge is an ever-growing city and with the move towards more electric vehicles in the transition to net zero we recognise the need to cater for future growth by matching that expansion through investment in the network. “The new transformer and switchboard are major new assets for the Histon site and will provide better resilience of power supplies to homes and businesses in and around Cambridge as the project moves towards completion next year.”

Recolight spearheads the circular economy for the lighting industry

Recolight now brings together a comprehensive range of services, helping the lighting industry to fully embrace the circular economy. Speaking at a key stakeholder event yesterday, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says “The unprecedented heatwave we recently experienced is a salutary reminder of the need for us all to redouble our efforts to tackle the climate emergency. And that has been one of the key drivers for the way Recolight has transformed its business over the last three years. The circular economy is a vital component of the response to the climate crisis.” “We are now doing more than ever to support a circular economy. That includes product design training workshops to help lighting producers design for circularity, and to navigate the emerging voluntary and mandatory specifications. The Circular Lighting Report news service keeps the industry abreast of the latest developments. A certification service will help manufacturers demonstrate their level of compliance with the CIBSE TM66 circular lighting standard. And vitally, the new in-person event, Circular Lighting Live which will take place in London on 22 September will provide a unique forum to consider forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models.” Harvey continues: “This transformation at Recolight has only been possible because we have built new partnerships. We are delighted to now be working with leading lights from across the industry: Ray Molony, Simon Fisher and Helen Loomes.” “These new events and services complement the changes Recolight has already implemented to try to reduce the level of luminaire recycling, and increase reuse of old lighting equipment, and of excess lighting equipment stock.” “At Recolight, we are also doing our best to ‘walk the talk’ on the climate. All our events are hosted at locations that favour travel by public transport. Climate action is one of the criteria in our tenders. And we’ve set an annual internal target for all staff to reduce the carbon footprint of our lamp collection services by 10% this year.” “It is particularly important to mention the pivotal role of the Recolight team in this transformation. I am immensely proud of their passion, energy, and commitment. None of this would have happened without them. “ Recolight’s core business is the operation of the lighting industry’s WEEE compliance scheme. The scheme provides waste collection and treatment services to the customers of its members, to ensure that all scheme members comply with their recycling obligations. Recolight’s waste lamp collections play a major part in helping the UK to ensure that lamp recycling levels are maximised.

ECA asks: why are electricity prices four times more expensive than gas?

ECA has called for the next leader of the Conservative Party to transform the way energy is taxed, to make sure net zero energy sources are incentivised, and consumers’ bills are reduced. ECA, which represents 3,000 member businesses in the electrical and engineering services sector, has made three immediate proposals for the next Prime Minister: Transparency on the use of ‘green’ taxes from our fuel bills, to demonstrate fair investment in net zero infrastructure Parity between gas and electricity taxes in fuel bills In the longer term, moving incentives for low carbon energy into general taxation “ECA has been championing the vital role of the electrical sector in the transition to net zero for many years now,” says ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, Andrew Eldred. “In light of the recent leadership debate, where energy bills and net zero were at the fore, we want to remind the two remaining candidates that now is the time to refresh outdated energy policies, incentivise renewable energy generation, and ultimately bring down the skyrocketing cost of energy for Britain’s homes and businesses.” In 2021, 40% of the UK’s electricity was generated from renewable energy sources. However, fuel taxes on domestic electricity bills are 20% higher than on gas, meaning renewable energy is more heavily taxed. Research shows that rebalancing ‘green’ taxes, called levies, on electricity and gas will help to drive down the cost of electricity and reduce customers’ bills. Eon says this policy could see £100 saved per year for up to 70% of households. “This is the big-ticket issue for the next Prime Minister, and the opportunity to create a fairer, greener energy infrastructure in Britain cannot be squandered,” adds Andrew. “The recent devastating heatwave should give ample warning to the next Prime Minister that climate change cannot be ignored. The quickest way to enact real, lasting change is to make it easier for UK households to access cheap, clean energy and to know how their taxes are being used to make net zero happen.”

Kensa offers expertise to ensure UK is Heat Pump Ready

Kensa Group is supporting four feasibility studies into high-density heat pump deployment across different parts of the UK as part of BEIS’ Heat Pump Ready programme, stream one. Addressing the challenges raised in the UK Government’s 10-point plan and the Heat and Buildings Strategy to decarbonise heat by 2050 requires heat pumps to reach a scale of install exceeding 600,000 a year by 2028. Kensa has long pioneered the installation of ground source heat pump technology connected to shared ground loop arrays and ambient heat networks as a solution to this challenge of scaling up. Whilst this is not a new concept and smaller networked heat pump systems have been installed successfully, so far this is still not a mainstream solution. The Heat Pump Ready projects will focus efforts on street-by-street installations, demonstrating a tangible pathway for a rapid transition to renewable energy. BEIS has announced that Heat Pump Ready Programme, stream one, has awarded a total of £2,055,202.43 to 11 projects across the UK as part of its £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. Kensa will be working together with teams of skilled partner organisations from across local authorities, energy companies, finance, community energy, academia and top-tier consultancies to develop feasibility plans for four innovative community heat pump solutions in Leeds, Greenwich, Teignbridge and Bridgend. Part of the challenge with these projects will be developing compelling offerings to the complex networks of stakeholders in each location and engaging them with the benefits of ground source heat pumps and a different solution to the problem of decarbonisation. Ieman Barmaki, Sustainability Director for Kensa, says: “We’re excited to be working with the very best partners on these community-wide heat pump solutions which have the potential to change the way we heat our homes here in the UK. “Together we are trying to break down the perceived barriers to the widescale electrification of heat and showcase to policymakers and the public that networked heat pumps can achieve mass decarbonisation goals at scale for the lowest economic and societal cost.”

Junior football team thrilled with new kit sponsorship from ESP

The Walsall Phoenix Junior AFC under-sevens team will be looking to make a big impression when they take to the pitch at the start of next season in September 2022, when they will be sporting their striking new football strip. The under-sevens team has received sponsorship from local business, ESP, to fund the new team kits. Established in 1897, Walsall Phoenix Junior AFC is the longest standing, biggest and most successful football club in Aldridge in the West Midlands. The under-sevens team is managed and coached by Anthony Halls. Anthony says, “We are incredibly grateful to ESP for their generosity in sponsoring the football kit. The boys were very excited to see their new kits and enjoyed modelling them for the photos. The kit will get its first official run out during our tournaments this summer and we’re hoping they will help the team continue on its successful winning streak. We would like to thank ESP’s Managing Director, Neil Baldwin, and all who were involved in making this sponsorship possible.” Neil Baldwin, Managing Director at ESP, says: “We’re delighted to support Walsall Phoenix Junior AFC. It’s community groups and teams like this that make Aldridge such a great and rewarding place to live. We’re proud to have the ESP logo emblazoned on their kits and wish the team every success in their upcoming tournaments and next season’s league.”

UK Power Networks Services wins Piccadilly line power upgrade

UK Power Networks Services will complete electrical infrastructure upgrades to allow a new fleet of trains to operate on the Piccadilly line, improving reliability and service frequency. The project - which began in June 2022 and is scheduled to finish in June 2025 - will see UK Power Networks Services complete the design and construction works to upgrade several key electrical substations, and the installation of new electrical infrastructure, electrical control systems, and cables along key parts of the line. The initial framework contract runs for six years, with potential for two more. All this will increase electrical capacity to allow Transport for London (TfL) to launch a new fleet of air-conditioned modern trains with improved reliability, efficiency, and accessibility for passengers. Overall, the line upgrade will allow for a 23% uplift in peak capacity, with a train running on the line every 135 seconds at the busiest times from 2027. The announcement extends UK Power Networks Services’ longstanding portfolio on the London Underground. The infrastructure specialist has previously worked on several initiatives, including a major redevelopment at Liverpool Street as part of the Crossrail project, and 16 substation upgrades along the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and District lines. The high voltage electrical upgrades will take place above and below ground at 21 electricity substations, with planned works at Cobourg Street, Manor House and Mansell Street. Electrical infrastructure benefits include the installation of new transformers, SCADA cabinets, an upgrade of the line’s cable network, and a host of structural improvements. Upgrades will be phased to minimise disruption for passengers, with the line scheduled to stay open throughout the project. Philip Heathcote, Head of Markets at UK Power Networks Services, says: “We’re at our best when we partner with clients to make their long-term objectives a reality. Our teams are excited to bring their unique expertise to this long-term collaboration and add value though innovation, dedication, and a shared vision to make the London Underground more reliable for the future.”

Nine in 10 UK tradespeople increasing prices due to rising fuel costs

Rising fuel costs are hitting UK tradespeople hard, and nine in 10 (90%) say they are being forced to increase their prices to keep their businesses alive. With petrol and diesel reaching record levels and topping £2 per litre in some areas, IronmongeryDirect surveyed 500 tradespeople to reveal the impact this is having on the industry. Almost every respondent (96%) said that their livelihood is reliant on their vehicle, and workers drive over 5,000 miles a year for jobs, on average. This annual mileage will now cost individuals almost £500 more for diesel vehicles, and over £450 for petrol users, than it did this time 12 months ago. Almost half (47%) of tradespeople say that their profits are being affected by the fuel crisis, and a third (33%) say that their company is struggling to cope. Understandably, many are increasing their prices to keep up. Nine in 10 (90%) tradespeople say they will up their quotes as a direct result of the fuel costs, with the average increase standing at 24%. Some trades are increasing them more than others, and scaffolders are planning the most significant hike (39%). The trades planning on increasing their prices the most because of rising fuel costs are: Scaffolder 39% Roofer 35% Bricklayer 34% Building surveyor 30% Electrician 28% Plasterer 27% Carpenter 26% Joiner 25% Builder 22% Plumber 22% Painter decorator 16% Landscaper 16% Some tradespeople plan to stop driving altogether, and one in seven (14%) say that they are now using public transport to get to jobs, because they can’t afford the fuel. For those who have no choice but to continue driving, motoring experts Euro Car Parts have shared their top tips on how to increase your fuel efficiency and save money: 1) Manage your revs The most fuel-efficient RPM to change up a gear is 2,500 for a petrol vehicle and 2,000 for diesel. So next time you’re changing gear, keep an eye on the revs count, stick to that number and the pennies you’ll save will soon stack up. 2) Slow down on high-speed roads The most efficient speed to drive at is between 55-65mph and driving at 70mph compared to 80mph on a motorway could save you 25% more fuel. 3) Turn your engine off Keeping your engine idle whilst stationary still burns fuel, so if you know you’re not going to be moving for a while, turn it off to conserve your petrol or diesel. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, says: “The fuel crisis is affecting all of society, but people who drive regularly as part of their job, like most tradespeople, are being hit particularly hard. “Worryingly, its independent traders who will feel the impact greatest, as their profit margins are likely far narrower than larger corporations, who may be able to ride out the wave. “Hopefully prices will begin to fall before too long, but in the meantime, reducing mileage and increasing fuel efficiency will help to slightly soften the blow.”

Applications are open for the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022 award

It’s back! Talented tradespeople from across the UK and Ireland can now apply for the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022 award, and the chance to be crowned the champion of the trade. Now in its 13th year, the annual award celebrates experts of the trade, highlighting their professionalism, dedication, and exceptional skills. It’s simple to apply. Tradespeople can put themselves forward by filling out the online form on the Screwfix website, or customers can nominate tradespeople they think are deserving of the title. A selection of applicants will be shortlisted in August to take part in a semi-final interview. The selected top 10 then go through to a final, hosted by a panel of industry experts, at Screwfix LIVE in Farnborough, between 23rd-25th September. Only one tradesperson will walk away with the coveted title and an incredible 'trade bundle' worth £20,000, comprising of tech, tools, and training to take their already successful career to the next level. Dan Lloyd, the 2021 winner and currently holding the title, says: “My colleague encouraged me to apply for the award and when I entered, I hoped I had a chance at winning, but I had to pinch myself when my name was announced. “Going through the interview stages and meeting different people across different trades was great. Whether it was their work in the community or what they have done to better their own careers, all the finalists were worthy of the title, but to say I was thrilled to be crowned would be an understatement. “Since winning, I have driven my business forward and the prize has meant we have been able to invest in our team and equipment without detriment to our own finances. It has been amazing.” Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, comments: “Our nations tradespeople are true professionals and work incredibly hard day in, day out. Although we reward one exceptional tradesperson through our annual award, we want to celebrate everyone in the trade and truly champion the industry, showcasing just how rewarding a career in the trade can be. “In crowning a winner, we look for an individual who not only goes above and beyond for their customers, but also invests in the future of the trade and acts as an ambassador for the construction industry. “We expect a raft of exceptional applications in 2022 and are really looking forward to getting a closer look at what our outstanding tradespeople have to offer, crowning one deserving winner ‘Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022!’”

Electricians urged to use summer break to reduce outgoings

Electricians are being urged to use the summer break to see how they can reduce outgoings when being faced with rising inflation, rising interest rates, the cost-of-living crisis and volatile fuel costs at the pump. The timely advice has been issued by fuelGenie, which is aiming to help small businesses overcome these challenging times with lower cost fuel, consolidated payments, easy to manage invoicing and a handy mobile app. Fuel cards are a proven way for small businesses to help reduce motoring costs and start to create a more efficient business model, especially when using fuelGenie which promotes cost-effective supermarket fuel. Robert Pieczka, Managing Director at fuelGenie, comments: “The summer break provides a further opportunity for small businesses to reassess their operating costs and consider ways to reduce financial outgoings against a back-drop of rising costs. “One such option is making a switch to an established fuel card provider such as fuelGenie. “With these cost savings at the pump, together with the right advice and support from a recognised fuel card provider, then small businesses can be better prepared in these volatile times.” fuelGenie has no card fees and no hidden surcharges, unlike some other fuel cards. Robert continues: “Businesses who are using other fuel cards where they believe they’re getting great fixed weekly pricing could also use the summer break to check through their fuel card invoice to compare if they are actually getting a good deal.” Additionally, many smaller businesses may have considerable administration and receipt processing costs and may be using pay and reclaim, while not reclaiming all VAT because of lost receipts, or simply not be aware of the benefits of fuel cards – all combining to push up overall operating costs. The fuelGenie fuel card also allows small businesses to understand their fuel usage and cost with easily accessible and dedicated reports. Robert adds: “On average, fuelGenie customers benefit from significantly lower cost supermarket fuel than the national average. This in turn helps them save money and these savings can be passed on to their own customers.” The fuelGenie fuel card itself can now be used at over 1,350 Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s forecourts nationwide. Additionally, the updated fuelGenie mobile app is assisting businesses by providing even more card detail and invoice functionality.