Relocated Worksop Travis Perkins branch creates eight new jobs

Travis Perkins is set to relocate to a bigger site from its current Worksop address. The new branch is set to open its doors on the 11th of July with the vision being the first choice for trade customers in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. The existing eight-strong team will transfer to the new site, and Travis Perkins has recruited an extra eight colleagues for full-time positions, making a total of 16 employees. The new Worksop branch is two acres in size and as part of Travis Perkins' new ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by 90%, the site will include electric forklift trucks and electric charging points. These innovations will help to deliver on its ambition of decarbonising its fleet and becoming a net zero carbon producer. The site also boasts a Hire Service that allows customers to hire tools, plant, and equipment and more. Furthermore, its brand new Benchmarx kitchen display showroom offers a wide range of high-quality kitchen ranges, and a hard landscaping display, increasing Travis Perkins’ offering to customers. As well as stocking bricks, the branch offers an extended range in the yard, including timber, blocks, drainage, and lintels. Customers will be given the choice to trade in-branch and online by using the Travis Perkins App – an app and collaborative effort created with customers to help them not only work smarter but save time by allowing them to check stock on the go from their local branch and order instantly with their personal trade prices. Additionally, the branch offers a fast and convenient one hour Click & Collect service and next day delivery as well as a Branch Delivery Tracking Service, which gives customers the best possible delivery notifications in real-time without having to make a telephone call, saving customers time. These innovations are designed to save Travis Perkins customers time; something which is reported as their biggest pain-point. Combined, these provide a one-stop personalised experience, whether on the move, on site, in-branch, whenever and wherever they need it. Branch Manager, Russell Kemp, says “We’re really excited about the move to a bigger site. We’re doing what matters for the trade in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire and this branch will have everything they need, when and where they need it, and will deliver them value, convenience, and consistency. “The fact that eight new jobs have been created because of the branch relocation is a huge bonus too. It means we’ll be able to support all of our customers with choice, quality, convenience and brilliant service day-in, day-out and offer a fantastic delivery and collection service that doesn’t compromise them on time.”

Over 100,000 homes in Coventry now have access to CityFibre’s network

CityFibre has reached a major milestone having passed over 100,000 homes in Coventry, the first time CityFibre has reached this landmark in a single location. Thousands of residents in Coventry can now enjoy affordable, gigabit-capable reliable full fibre broadband from a range of internet service providers (ISPs) including launch partner Vodafone, TalkTalk, Zen, Fibrehop and IDNet, with Giganet expected to join the network soon. Construction began on the £72.5m project in November 2018 and CityFibre has since laid almost 1,500km of dense full fibre infrastructure across the majority of the city. In Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report, Coventry was ranked second in the UK for its digital connectivity. The full fibre network currently services every building run by Coventry City Council, as well as its traffic management systems, CCTV systems and public WiFi across the town centre. The network has been integral to the delivery of numerous digital events as part of Coventry’s year-long City of Culture and Commonwealth Games events. It also provided ultrafast access to festivalgoers and production teams at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. A report by the consultancy Hatch, commissioned by CityFibre, found Coventry stands to experience significant economic, social and environmental benefits from its new digital infrastructure platform including over £895m in productivity and innovation gains and £197m from a widened workforce over a 15-year period. Enabling 5G rollout alone could drive up to £2bn in positive economic impact. Leigh Hunt, Area Manager for Coventry at CityFibre, says: “Our rollout has helped transform Coventry’s digital capabilities for both residents and businesses, making it one of the best-connected cities in Britain. Passing 100,000 homes is an incredible feat and a real testament to CityFibre’s mission to create a legacy of reliable connectivity. “Digital infrastructure has become the cornerstone of modern day-life, and CityFibre’s investment will accelerate economic opportunity to propel Coventry into a new digital-era fit for generations to come.” Councillor Richard Brown, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Finance, comments: “Access to a better and faster digital infrastructure is making a massive difference to local people and businesses. “Not only is CityFibre installing a fantastic, future-proofed fibre network, it is also making it more competitive for internet suppliers – meaning people and businesses can benefit from some great deals for their internet connections. “I am really proud of the partnership we have with CityFibre and the benefits that this brings for the city.” Paul Ward, Head of ICT & Digital at Coventry City Council, adds: “It’s brilliant that CityFibre has reached this milestone. “This has directly contributed to Coventry being one of the best digitally connected cities in the country as measured by the Ofcom Connected Nations report. CityFibre is a key partner with the city council in pushing forward our ambitious digital strategy plans and helping establish Coventry as a leading digital city directly supporting the One Coventry Council Plan.”

Jubilee party organisers are being urged to stay safe

As the country prepares for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, UK Power Networks has warned people putting up the bunting to stay safe. Thousands of street parties are expected to be organised for early June as part of an extended bank holiday weekend to mark the Jubilee. Putting up bunting and other decorations, as well bringing in temporary structures such as small marquees, are likely to be on the to-do list for those in charge of the party planning. UK Power Networks wants everyone to enjoy themselves safely at community events and that means staying aware of what is around them, such as electricity service cables and overhead power lines. Debbie Chachulski, a safety advisor at UK Power Networks, says: “Contact with electricity can result in serious burns or even result in a fatality. Every year people are seriously injured after contact with electricity so people’s thought process around the Jubilee still has to consider their personal safety. “Putting up bunting or other decorations is part of the fun, and we want everybody to enjoy the national celebration that is the extended Jubilee weekend as it’s a feelgood occasion for all. There is understandably going to be a lot of needed excitement and national pride. “Our concern, however, is that the risks of working at height still need to be taken seriously, so party organisers need to be aware of service and overhead power cables around properties when using ladders and hanging bunting and ensure they assess the risks to avoid contact with them.” Her Majesty the Queen will become the first British monarch to reach a platinum Jubilee marking 70 years of service after acceding to the throne aged 25 in February 1952. The Bank Holiday dates are June 2 and 3.

New under-desk range set to transform international offices

Legrand UK & Ireland has bolstered its Intersoc range with the launch of Intermod, providing offices a completely flexible under-desk power solution. Intermod is an extension to the Electrak offering and provides a truly international range of power sockets, USB chargers and a wide range of other outlets including data. Intermod is a completely modular system that can be built to customers’ individual requirements and used with other products within the Intersoc range to extend the capabilities. Factory-assembled in the UK, Intermod uses Legrand’s extensive range of Arteor modules, which offers almost limitless combinations. Providing the marketplace’s widest selection of power, data and AV capabilities, Intermod is ideal for buildings that have shared spaces, hot-desking or a clean desk policy. As the nature of under-desk solutions is to allow for cleaner and clutter-free environments, the solution also benefits organisations looking to achieve ISO 27001 compliance. ISO 27001 is a framework that helps organisations keep information assets secure. By introducing clean desk policies which include under-desk power solutions, organisations can encourage employees to ensure they are not leaving non-essential paperwork on their desks. Paul Martin, Lead Marketing Manager at Legrand, says: “Businesses around the world are starting their journey to a more flexible future, and as such are continually transitioning their premises to meet future needs. The launch of our new under-desk range allows us to ensure offices are futureproofed without requiring major upheaval. Existing offices can be upgraded without disruption, providing flexibility and a workplace fit for the future.” To support installers, Intermod and Intersoc are completely compatible and share the same connections and components, including the busbar system and end connectors. As such, they can be electrically and mechanically connected in the same way, making it ideal for retrofitting to existing Intersoc installations.

Scolmore appoints new ASM for the West Yorkshire region

Scolmore is delighted to welcome Toby Meadows to the role of Area Sales Manager for the West Yorkshire region. Having graduated from University with an MSc in Business Leadership and Management, Dan secured his first position as a graduated trainee with a leading electrical wholesaler and soon worked his way up to become an external sales executive, a position he held for more than four years. In his role with Scolmore he will be utilising the knowledge and experience gained to develop and build new and existing relationships with customers and contractors to drive demand for the breadth of products available from Scolmore. He will pursue a proactive approach to supporting the local contractors aligned to Scolmore’s customers in the region, with joint trade counter events, product training sessions and local ECA branch meetings being undertaken, with the aim of bringing added value to the relationships. As Scolmore continues to grow and expand its product offer, Toby will ensure that customers are kept up to date with all the latest developments – from a product, technology and regulations point of view. Last year saw the launch of two major new product ranges, with the Click Smart+ home automation products and the Elucian by Click range of consumer units both having a strong impact. Toby comments: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the team at Scolmore. It is a forward-thinking company, always looking for ways to enhance its range of products, as well as the service and support it offers to its customers. I am looking forward to a busy and rewarding future with them.”

ElectricalDirect powers up its new customer referral programme

ElectricalDirect has launched a keenly anticipated referral programme, enabling its customers to earn discounts off their orders together with their friends. Using the ‘Refer a Friend’ programme, powered by MentionMe, customers shopping with ElectricalDirect can encourage others to enjoy all the benefits of shopping with the supplier and take advantage of its lightning quick delivery service, easy free returns and competitive pricing on over 12,000 products. In doing so, each referrer and their friend will receive a discount off their next purchase. Customers who successfully refer a friend will be eligible to receive money off their next order when their friend places their first order (subject to terms and conditions). The introduction of the customer referral programme on ElectricalDirect follows the success of the programme on its sister company website, IronmongeryDirect. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect says: “We are delighted to launch our new ‘Refer a friend’ programme for our customers. The initiative further demonstrates our fantastic reasons to shop and ‘Trusted to deliver’ company promise, as we continue to place our customers at the heart of everything we do. With over 12,000 products in stock, existing and new customers choosing to use our ‘Refer a Friend’ service will have plenty of products to choose from when using their discounts.” The programme is now live on ElectricalDirect’s website, and customers can choose this option at the point of purchase.

JIB highlights membership benefits as electrical apprenticeships surge

With The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) reporting a surge in electrical apprentices earlier this year, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is issuing a reminder of the benefits JIB membership can deliver for apprentices and their employers. The JIB is an impartial organisation that sets the standards for employment, welfare, grading and apprentice training in the electrical contracting industry. Its work is targeted at improving the industry, its status and productivity. Figures from The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education show that the intake of electrical apprentices remained strong throughout the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrating the value employers place on apprenticeships as the preferred route for training. The JIB has operated a registration programme for apprentices for more than four decades. This programme sets the apprentice on the right track from day one, gives greater support to their employer as they bring through this next generation of talent and shines a light on those training providers who are supporting the highest standards of technical, employment and health and safety knowledge within the electrotechnical industry. In addition to the apprenticeship benefits, there are a number of other services available to member companies that will help to assure clients and contractors that they are dealing with a professional company working to high employment standards. For example, the standards set out in the JIB National Working Rules act as a comprehensive set of terms and conditions of employment adopted by all JIB company members, operatives and apprentices. The JIB handbook also acts as an invaluable guide to ensure members are acting within employment law. Access to the JIB Skills Development Fund is another popular benefit, providing financial assistance for courses for those undertaking further education and training in the electrical industry. JIB Chief Executive Jay Parmar comments: “Our members range from companies with one qualified electrician and one apprentice, setting their employment arrangements on a sound footing, through to some of the largest players in the industry, who benefit from recognised Gold Standard in employment practices. A bespoke template Contract of Employment is available for all JIB company members taking on new employees under the JIB terms and conditions and the JIB staff are always on hand to provide free support to members.”

New ASM joins Ovia team

Ovia is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Naunton to the position of Area Sales Manager for the South Midlands and East Anglia regions. Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in the electrical industry for 16 years and has held sales and new business development roles with a number of leading lighting manufacturers. She started her career in the industry at a time when CFLs were the latest technology and has witnessed first hand the effect of the evolution of the LED market. In her role with Ovia, Sarah is responsible for developing new and existing customer relationships at an independent and national level, as well as engaging with contractors and specifiers to grow brand and product awareness and to assist where lighting design and specifications are needed. Ovia continues to invest in new products and solutions to bring to the professional electrical contract market a vast range of high quality, competitively priced products that are available exclusively through the reliable wholesale channel. Later this year the company will launch its fourth Ovia lighting catalogue. Issue 4 promises to be bigger than ever, with the introduction of innovative new products that will continue to meet the demands of the evolving lighting sector.

We can retrofit our homes to be net zero within a decade

By Nico van der Merwe, VP Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland Today, we are spending more time at home amid increased home-working. This is leading many of us to re-evaluate our housing conditions: to enjoy more outdoor space or to move to a quieter neighbourhood. We’ve also witnessed a temporary resurgence in wildlife and urban neighbourhoods have enjoyed cleaner air than they have for decades, giving us a glimpse of what the future could look like if we transition to cleaner energy and promote biodiversity. However, there is a growing challenge linked directly to our dwellings. Residential housing is set to become the biggest consumer of electricity globally. In 2019, 34% of all CO2 emissions came from the residential sector. Today, we may be driving less, but we are working from home more, watching more TV, streaming more on Netflix, playing more video games and sending more Tweets. In the near future, EV charging and the electrification of heat will see consumers’ electricity consumption increase two-fold by 2050. If the trajectory continues, we could see our energy bills soar by 70%, and the share of residential emissions rise even further. At the same time, many countries, including the UK, are committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is clear that this goal isn’t attainable without the creation of net zero homes. Many wonder if that’s realistic over the course of our lifetime. But I believe it could be possible within the next decade.

CityFibre investing £23m in High Wycombe to deliver full fibre rollout

CityFibre has named High Wycombe as the next UK town in line for a multi-million-pound investment in its digital infrastructure – a move that will see it join the nation’s growing list of full fibre enabled communities. CityFibre is investing £23m in a new town-wide network that will bring fast and reliable full fibre-enabled internet services within reach of almost every home and business in High Wycombe. Construction work on the full fibre network will start in June in West Wycombe, with Instalcom appointed as build partner. As work is completed in each neighbourhood, CityFibre will designate the homes ‘ready for service’, which means residents can choose to connect to full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area. Nationally, CityFibre is building new and better digital infrastructure for up to eight million homes and businesses through its up to £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme. Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic technology to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on. A full fibre connection also goes far beyond simply enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed. As an essential digital utility, full fibre boosts households and businesses alike, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as making us more productive and innovative. As Area Manager, Neil Madle will lead the delivery of the High Wycombe project. He will be responsible for ensuring works are delivered efficiently and considerately, while also acting as the main point of contact for all stakeholders. Neil says: “The next chapter in High Wycombe’s story starts here. Our builders will soon get to work on a town-wide full fibre network – and we think people will be blown away by the difference it will make, both now and for generations to come. We cannot stress the importance of digital connectivity and the major benefits it will reap now and long into the future and can’t wait for residents and businesses to enjoy the results.” Speaking of CityFibre’s full fibre rollout plans for High Wycombe Peter Strachan, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration at Buckinghamshire Council comments: “We welcome the strategic investment CityFibre are making in High Wycombe. A full fibre infrastructure will help businesses and residents right across the town to unlock the power of full fibre connections which offer unrivalled speeds. Full fibre connections carry data at light speed all the way directly from the home right through to the point of connection. These kind of speeds boost households and businesses alike, whether it’s a case of enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed or helping to unleash productivity and innovation in local businesses. By offering such superfast speeds the City Fibre network could help transform the digital lives of around 125,000 people in High Wycombe.”