Scolmore appoints new Technical Engagement Engineer

Scolmore continues to invest in its technical resource capability to meet the challenges of the evolving electrical industry and is delighted to announce the appointment of a highly qualified and experienced professional engineer to the company’s growing technical department. Taking up the role of Technical Engagement Engineer with Scolmore is Tim Benstead, Chartered Engineer and member of FSH12 and FSH12/1 (BSI committees for fire detection and alarm systems) and the Chairman of JPEL64/B responsible for thermal effects relating to BS 7671. Having started his working life as an approved electrician and designer of electrical installations, Tim went on to spend many years working at Hull College as a lecturer in electrical installation, electrical engineering and building services. This led to a senior engineering role with the Electrical Safety Council, which was followed by a number of years with Certsure LLP as Principal Technical Author/Engineer. Tim is also the author of the book ‘The Practical Guide to Grade D Fire Alarm Systems’. He will be utilising his wealth of technical knowledge in his new position with Scolmore, where he will primarily be responsible for engaging with professional contractors and electricians to advise and educate them on the right solutions and products to meet the ever-changing regulations and technical requirements of the industry. He will also have a role to play in developing and presenting training content across Scolmore’s social media channels, including the SGTV YouTube channel – a key conduit for communicating with industry influencers. Katie Plumstead, Scolmore’s Group Marketing Manager, comments: “We are delighted to have Tim on board. For Scolmore, contractor engagement has a vital role to play in helping us to gain constructive insight into how contractors like to work, the issues they face and what they need to help them do their work in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way. It is valuable feedback from contractors working on the job and often in challenging environments that helps to drive the new product development programme. As a business we are very excited to have the opportunity to harness his technical expertise and skills as we continue to develop our product ranges and engage with the professionals using them.”

Ansell brings visual comfort into view

Ideal for commercial spaces where visual comfort is key, Ansell Lighting has unveiled two new low-glare additions to its commercial range. Volo CCT Recessed Modular and Humber Suspended Linear have both been designed to deliver a UGR<19 rating when installed at typical heights and spacings, controlling the risk of glare and visual discomfort being caused to occupants of the building. Volo CCT Recessed Modular Suitable for spaces where both ambient and task lighting is required from one source, Volo is a high performance direct/indirect luminaire that delivers optimum output. An alternative solution to the classic panel fitting, the architectural LED emits direct light from a central micro-prism diffuser alongside indirect output from the side diffuser sections. TP(a) as standard, Volo is an ideal fitting for commercial settings such as offices, classrooms and meeting rooms and has been designed to deliver visual comfort and help specifiers achieve UGR<19. It has two CCT selectable settings of 3000K and 4000K. Tunable White and OCTO models are also available, enabling CCT to be set between a wider range of 2700K and 6500K. Created as a recessed modular light, Volo can also be surface mounted and suspended (a suspension kit is supplied separately). Emergency, self-test emergency, DALI emergency, digital dimming, PIR and OCTO smart control options are also available. Humber Suspended Linear The latest addition to Ansell Lighting’s linear range, Humber is a design-led, modern suspension light featuring a slim, black powder coated, aluminium profile. Ideal for most commercial interior lighting settings, including offices, retail and hospitality spaces, Humber has a black polycarbonate reflector with individual optics helping specifiers to deliver a low UGR<19 rating. 1-10V dimmable as standard, Humber is also available with a digital dimming option for ease of use. Taking this controllability one step further, an OCTO smart control version has also been created, making it a great option for connected lighting installations. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “Whilst not a legal requirement, the focus on visual comfort and low glare lighting in commercial spaces is ever sharpening. A key factor in wellbeing and productivity, lighting plays an important role in public spaces which is why we have focused on creating new products that can help specifiers and installers to deliver a UGR<19 space. “Whilst different aesthetically, Volo and Humber are both great examples of how the right lighting choices can not only fulfil their purpose but also contribute to a much more comfortable environment.”

Spiralling energy prices: The catalyst to accelerate sustainability for all

A new Powering Change white paper published by Schneider Electric highlights how much more can be done to address the UK’s high levels of energy waste, at a time when every penny counts for UK businesses and consumers. With energy prices set to remain high for several years, and increases in energy price cap impacting consumers, one often overlooked solution is to reduce the high levels of energy waste produced by UK homes and businesses. Over a quarter of all energy produced in the UK lost or wasted each year. While we cannot influence the cost of energy, on average, 82% of the potential energy savings that could be made in buildings remain untapped, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Moreover, the introduction of existing energy management technology can reduce energy use by 30%, dramatically reducing the impact of energy price increases and reducing carbon footprints. Cost is frequently cited as a barrier to introducing efficiency improvements such as installing smart home energy devices, not only amongst private homeowners but also by commercial landlords and property associations. Yet with a lifespan of over 100 years for most buildings, should financing efficiency and ultimately sustainability be a challenge? Key points highlighted in the white paper also include: The untapped potential of smart metres. At the end of 2021, only half of the installed UK domestic meters were smart metres. Of these, 15% were not operational, representing a further 4.1 million smart metres yet to be used to their full potential. Smart thermostats – the quickest, most cost-effective way to reduce energy waste. According to a YouGov survey, only 18% of UK consumers use a smart home thermostat. Costing on average between £120 and £220, these equip both householders and commercial tenants with information about their energy usage and prompt them to adjust their energy behaviour. Green buildings are a smart investment: On average, for example, we typically see a 30% reduction in energy usage, bills, and carbon footprints resulting from investment in smart, sustainable homes, commercial and office buildings. Green means value: A recent report by Schneider Electric customer JLL suggested that over the last three years, houses rated outstanding or good by BREEM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can command an 8% rental premium above that of non-rated buildings command an 8% rental premium above that of non-rated buildings. This echoes a report by the World Green Buildings Council, which estimates a 7% increase in asset value in new or renovated buildings. Nico Van Der Merwe, VP Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric, says: “With the hike in energy prices, there’s an obvious incentive for household consumers to get on top of energy waste and make bills more manageable. Home improvement and access to smart technology will reduce energy bills and energy poverty and make homes more comfortable. There needs to be a shift in thinking because, for many, the ability to invest in energy efficiency is a distant prospect for many consumers who assume it’s something they have no control over. Crucially, this needs to be tackled in a way that makes energy efficiency affordable for all, or the burden of increased energy prices will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.” Kelly Becker, UK and Ireland President of Schneider Electric adds: ‘‘Higher energy bills, food prices and higher travel costs threaten the UK’s economic recovery, and it has never been clearer that energy efficiency must be accessible to everyone. Commercial landlords and housing associations have an essential role to play and set against spiralling energy costs. The financial incentives to reduce our energy use and cut carbon emissions have also never been stronger. “Investing in energy efficiency is a win-win scenario. By embracing energy efficiency now, using existing technologies, we can reduce the impact of rising energy costs and accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions towards net zero to avoid climate catastrophe. Not only are these technologies proven, but they can be deployed quickly at scale – helping to reduce energy bills and decarbonise our homes and businesses immediately. By retrofitting and future-proofing UK housing and building stock we can ensure it’s not a scramble to the finish line.”

Scolmore launches bumper new wiring accessories catalogue 

Scolmore has launched its biggest and most comprehensive wiring accessories catalogue to date. Containing nearly 25% more content than the previous version, Issue 13 brings together all products in the extensive Click range, including the latest major new product addition (the Elucian by Click Consumer Units range) into one, easy to access reference guide. Available to download from the Scolmore website, the new 704 page catalogue provides wholesalers, contractors and specifiers with a valuable, in-depth resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects. The catalogue is rich in product and technical information and features every product from each range that Click covers and incorporates all the latest additions that have been developed to meet the growing demand in the marketplace. Issue 13 is divided into 15 individual sections which covers the Click Smart+ smart home products range, the Elucian consumer units and protective devices range, plus the individual wiring accessories ranges – Deco+, Deco, Define, Definity, Mode, Polar, Part M, Curva and Essentials – along with sections for GridPro, Minigrid, New Media and Flow Connector products. Scolmore’s Group Marketing Manager, Katie Plumstead, comments: “We are continually adding to our portfolio to introduce new and innovative products that contractors are seeking, to help them with quicker and easier installation. We know from our wholesaler customers and the contractors we engage with that, as well as the ability to browse the product range on our website, there is a demand for a hard copy version that they can flick through when away from their screens.”

Legrand unveils latest CSR roadmap

As part of its ongoing commitment to social and environmental causes, Legrand has unveiled its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roadmap covering 2022 to 2024. The roadmap is built around four pillars. Together, they will help the organisation reduce its carbon footprint, make advancements in diversity and inclusion, develop a circular economy and take the next steps as a responsible business regarding employee wellbeing and customer satisfaction. Integral to furthering sustainability goals and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, this is the fifth CSR roadmap Legrand has put into practise. The environmental focus is on reducing the carbon emissions generated by Legrand and its customers, phasing out single-use plastics, and increasing the use of recycled materials. As part of their commitment to social responsibility, Legrand will ensure more management roles are held by women, aim to achieve a customer satisfaction rate of 90% and improve workplace safety. Pascal Stutz, CEO of Legrand UK & Ireland says, “Since our first CSR roadmap, we have seen marked improvements in the lives of our employees, the service to our customers, and our impact on the planet. We are always looking for ways to improve, and this fifth CSR roadmap is a fantastic step forward towards our social and environmental goals.” Beyond providing electrical solutions and expertise, Legrand is continually re-examining its own practises to become more sustainable and inclusive. As part of the company’s overall aim of improving lives by improving spaces, this latest announcement will target specific social and eco-friendly practises. Pascal adds: “Our latest roadmap provides excellent interim goals that keep us focused and on track toward achieving net zero and social equality. We aim to make the world we live in a better place to be and are excited to progress, knowing that Legrand is helping enhance people’s environments and their quality of life.”

Research shows where the biggest opportunities are for tradespeople

Last year saw an unprecedented rise in demand for home improvement – up by 32% in just 12 months, and new data from Rated People now reveals where the biggest opportunities are for tradespeople in 2022. The findings are taken from the 2022 Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report where Rated People analysed more than 800,000 home improvement jobs on its platform posted by homeowners around the UK, in order to reveal which trades, and which towns and cities are seeing the biggest increases in demand. The trades that had the biggest spikes in demand Requests for driveway pavers shot up by 73% in just 12 months, painters and decorators had 61% more enquiries from homeowners when compared to the year before, and demand for traditional craftspeople increased by 53% in 2021. Bathroom fitters, builders, stoneworkers, plasterers, kitchen specialists, roofers and cleaners also made the top 10 list of trades that have seen the biggest boom in demand. Top 10 trades with the biggest increase in demand in 2021: Driveway pavers +73% Painters and decorators +61% Traditional craftspeople +53% Bathroom fitters +50% Builders +46% Stoneworkers +46% Plasterers +42% Kitchen specialists +41% Roofers +40% Cleaners +39% The places around the UK where demand increased the most Llandrindod Wells in Wales saw demand increase by 131% in 2021 (the biggest rise in the whole of the UK) and two other places in Wales also make the top 10, third place Llandudno saw demand go up by 76% and demand increased by 66% in seventh place Swansea. Many coastal areas feature in the top 10 towns and cities that have seen demand increase the most, including Llandudno and Swansea in Wales, and Torquay and Brighton in England, which is likely because so many homeowners relocated to areas away from big cities with more space. The top 10 areas where demand for tradespeople increased the most in 2021: Llandrindod Wells +131% Dumfries and Galloway +86% Llandudno +76% Exeter +71% Harrogate +68% Truro +66% Swansea +66% Torquay +60% Brighton 58% Carlisle +58% How tradespeople can capitalise on surging demand The home improvement boom of 2021 doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, as 86% of tradespeople say they’re ‘very busy’ this year. So, to capitalise on the opportunities brought about by plentiful demand, many tradespeople are optimising their businesses for the short term, whilst also future-proofing their operations for years to come. Almost half of UK tradespeople (45%) say they’re investing in new tools and vehicles this year, and many are also focussing on marketing and promotion – one in three (30%) are improving their website and social channels and one in four (27%) are investing in marketing to attract new business. How tradespeople are adapting their business in 2022: Investing in new tools and vehicles – 45% (of UK tradespeople are doing this in 2022) Hiring more staff to complete the work – 36% Improving their website and social channels – 30% Investing in marketing/ advertising to attract more business – 27% Expanding skillset to offer more services - 26% Expanding into different locations – 21% Forming partnerships to facilitate more jobs – 14% Hiring support for business/ admin operations - 10% Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People comments: “The pandemic brought about lots of challenges for tradespeople to navigate, but it’s also given rise to a huge increase in demand for their services as more people want to adapt the homes that they’re now spending so much more time in. More homeowners than ever are looking for tradespeople and we want to help trades across the UK make the most of this time for their business success. So, if you’re looking for ways to attract more customers, head to Rated People to find out more.”

Rising fuel prices make it more important than ever to switch to fuel cards

Electricians are being urged to make the switch to fuel cards now as the UK struggles with record pump prices. The advice has been issued by fuelGenie as diesel prices have reached a record high, despite the Chancellor recently introducing a 5p a litre cut on the average price of fuel. Indeed, despite this intervention, diesel prices have risen to 180p a litre according to the Government’s weekly fuel pricing data. Fuel prices will remain volatile and there is also the risk that fuel prices could increase even further if the EU bans Russian oil in the not-too-distant future. fuelGenie’s Managing Director Robert Pieczka comments: “These are worrying times for businesses in the UK, many of whom use diesel powered vehicles. “There seems little room for optimism in the near future as it seems diesel prices will be squeezed even further. “That is why we are urging businesses to make the switch to fuel cards. On average, fuelGenie customers enjoy much lower cost fuel than the national average, helping them save money and, ultimately, keeping costs down to their own customers in turn.” Fuel cards are an effective way for businesses to help reduce motoring costs while also creating a more efficient business model, which is paramount as the UK is hit with rising prices, including away from the forecourt. The fuelGenie fuel card itself can 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. Robert adds: “It needn’t be all doom-and-gloom for businesses. There are ways to reduce fuel prices, such as switching to a fuel card. “Other ways to reduce motoring costs include correct and regular vehicle maintenance, together with educating drivers on how to drive more efficiently, such as not accelerating too fast.”

Building Safety Act welcomed but ‘more needs to be done’

Wrexham Mineral Cables has welcomed the Building Safety Act 2022’s passage into law as a ‘step in the right direction’ yet believes more still needs to be done when it comes to protecting occupants. The act is intended to create lasting, generational change to the way in which high-risk and high-rise residential buildings are both constructed and maintained. It also enshrines in law the Building Safety Regulator at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to provide oversight of the new system with powers of enforcement and sanction, whilst a Construction Products Regulator will also have powers to remove dangerous products from the market. Wrexham Mineral Cables believes that Dame Judith Hackitt’s recent comments that there has been too little progress on improving building safety since her Independent Review of Building Regulations in 2018 drive home the urgency to put all unidentified fire safety hazards - such as the true fire scenario testing of fire-resistant cables – under the spotlight. And until this happens building safety will remain on a knife edge. Fire resistant cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that building critical systems - including emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, emergency voice comms, fire monitoring systems and smoke extraction systems - continue to function beyond dynamic fire events, providing vital time for the safe passage of occupants. In the case of a high-rise building, these circuits must do everything possible to continue sounding the alarm, maintain visibility and extract smoke and fumes, especially in the event of entrapment within the building. It’s alarming to think that so many fire rated products were deemed not fit after the enquiry, yet the one product that is essential for the heartbeat of the building continues to undergo fire performance tests that are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios. Under current testing standards, only fire-resistant cables that are greater in diameter than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris, and water jet testing on a single test sample. This rules out almost 90% of the entire MICC cable range as their diameters are under 20mm. Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at WMC, comments: “We welcome the Building Safety Act yet there is still some way to go to ensure occupant safety. Whilst this legislation will make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence, we can only truly make buildings safe by identifying all possible hazards. We still don’t believe this is happening. “Despite the continued focus on building safety, sadly there are simply too many cables classed as fire resistant that would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-life scenarios. This is putting lives at risk. We strongly believe there should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. With the passage of the Building Safety Act, we should no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done. Introducing a higher classification of cables would help people in positions of responsibility identify fire resistant cables which can survive, rather than simply resist fire.”

Industry leader Steve Murray becomes ECA President

The new President of ECA is business leader and electrical engineer, Steve Murray. Steve jointly owns WT Jenkins, an electrical contractor based in Liverpool. Steve joined WT Jenkins in 2000 whilst undertaking a Higher National Diploma in electrical engineering. Six years later, he became co-owner of the business with Tony King. After serving his apprenticeship, Steve worked for Stark and McCormick for 16 years, carrying out all aspects of electrical installation, maintenance and repair. Steve has been an ECA Council member since May 2014, having previously been a Branch and Regional Chair for a number of years. The ECA Presidency has been taken over from David Lewis. During the last 12 months, Mr. Lewis played a critical role in guiding ECA as it supported its members through a difficult period, including economic uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic, materials shortages, and price volatility. New ECA President Steve Murray comments: “I’m delighted to be taking over this prestigious role, representing ECA as an industry advocate and business leader. “Our industry faces significant challenges, but I am determined to support ECA’s members and the wider industry to maximize every opportunity in the next 12 months. “I want to use my time to enable every member to grow their business, prosper in this uncertain business climate, and be aware of all new initiatives though clear communication and ongoing support.” ECA Presidential team The full ECA Presidential team for 2022/23 is as follows: President – Steve Murray Senior Vice President – Sean Smyth Vice President – Stuart Smith Immediate Past President – David Lewis ECA CEO Steve Bratt adds: “We are delighted to announce Steve Murray as our new ECA President. The entire ECA team look forward to working with Steve to further develop what the ECA delivers for its members, and in support of the wider engineering services sector. “With Steve at the helm, ECA will continue to push the industry towards better skills and competence, safer buildings, and a greener sector as we move towards Net Zero. “I would also like to welcome long-standing ECA advocate Sean Smyth to the role of Senior Vice President, Stuart Smith as Vice President, and finally to thank David Lewis for his vital contributions to ECA’s national and regional activity during the past year, and his support for the ECA team.” The new ECA Presidential team was confirmed on Wednesday 11 May 2022.

JTL reminds employers of the importance of functional skills

JTL is reminding employers about the importance of functional skills as part of apprenticeship courses. The new digital campaign highlights the reasons that functional skills are such a crucial element of any apprenticeship and how it equips learners to develop confidence and fluency in maths and english. According to GOV.UK, 48% of school leavers in the academic year 2020/21 had not obtained a grade 5 or above qualification in their english and mathematics GCSEs. Functional skills are an essential part of every apprenticeship program for learners who do not have GCSE grade 4, as without prior achievement of maths and English qualifications, apprentices are unable to sit their End Point Assessment. In order to complete the functional skills qualification, employers need to allow their apprentices time away from work to access the remote learning plan. Not only is the plan flexible, allowing the learner to complete the course at a time suitable for them and able to be accessed remotely, but all the skills taught are applicable to the learner’s day-to-day work. Some examples of these skills can be found below: Lorraine Hall, Head of Quality, Teaching, Learning & Assessment at JTL, says: “With so much coverage in the news recently regarding the decreasing number of school leavers achieving a GCSE grade 4 in maths and english it’s crucial for employers to understand the importance of functional skills. Not only is it a necessity for any apprentice looking to complete their programme, but it also plays a huge role in ensuring that learners are better equipped to work in a safe and professional manner. “The functional skills element of our apprenticeship programmes is designed to be as flexible as possible. We offer remote learning to reduce the need for all elements of the programme offers them practical skills that can be applied to their role.”