CityFibre is bringing seamless digital connectivity to new parts of Lowestoft

CityFibre is continuing its £15m digital transformation of Lowestoft with construction moving into Carlton, Whitton and Oulton Broad in the coming months. This adds to CityFibre’s growing presence in Lowestoft where work is nearing completion in the north of the town. Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic cables 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, 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. Broadband providers TalkTalk, Air Broadband, Zen and Giganet are currently using CityFibre’s network to bring gigabit-capable broadband services to Lowestoft, with services now live for the first connected residents across Gunton and St. Margarets, Harbour and Normanston and much of Oulton Broad. CityFibre’s UK launch partner Vodafone and local provider InTouch Systems will be launching services in the coming weeks. Charles Kitchin, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Lowestoft, says: “We are making real strides in bringing seamless digital connectivity to homes and businesses across Lowestoft, with many people already enjoying the benefits of reliable, lightning-speed full fibre broadband. “As we move into new areas of the town, with the continued support of East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council and the local community, we will do all that we can to deliver a swift rollout, manage potential disruption and minimise the time we spend in each location.” Cllr Stephen Burroughes, East Suffolk's Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Operational Partnerships and Digital Transformation adds: “This is another significant step in what we see as a potential digital revolution for Lowestoft. In 2019, we agreed plans to explore extending the Suffolk Cloud project to include homes and businesses, as well as public sector organisations in Lowestoft and nine other towns. “Enabling the installation of ultrafast broadband throughout the town means we can help unlock economic growth and regeneration, hampered in recent decades by geographical remoteness. Boosting the town’s digital capability can only help towards making it an attractive area for further investment."

CENTIEL expands Swiss manufacturing facility

CENTIEL has announced its plans to expand its manufacturing facility further to support continued growth in demand for CENTIEL's existing product family and to accommodate a new production line. The company’s range of energy efficient, UPS systems offer the highest availability and reliability developed by the innovators of the industry’s first transformer-less UPS and the world’s first three-phase modular UPS. CENTIEL’s network of channel partners and subsidiaries is also growing, providing leading power protection products worldwide. Filippo Marbach, founder of CENTIEL SA confirms: “The continued and rapid rise in data use has meant more data centres are being developed and they all need quality, critical power protection provision. We originally took over our current factory based in Lugano, Switzerland in 2018, as we expanded and have now extended its capacity to meet the increased global demand for our leading UPS products. “We have also increased our sales, technical support and operational teams over the past few years and therefore added to the office space to accommodate our larger team. The factory, which also incorporates CENTIEL SA’s global headquarters, houses our R&D, production, final test, sales and marketing, logistics and finance departments, in addition to quality control of all CENTIEL’s UPS products. “It is an exciting time in the development of the CENTIEL brand across the globe and we look forward to continuing to lead the world in the development of critical power protection equipment for the data centre industry and beyond.”

Makita UK marks 50 years

Makita UK is celebrating 50 years of trading in the UK. Since entering the UK market in 1972, Makita has delivered a range of high-quality, durable tools that tradespeople across the country can rely on to tackle any job. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Makita’s first UK office. For half a century, the company has forged a strong presence in the UK with a national network of distributors and merchant partners, as well as investment into four purpose-built factory service centres and training facilities throughout the UK. With over 100 years of experience, the company’s dedication to and investment in product development has resulted in a vast range of cordless machines that deliver the flexibility and safety needed for regular, professional use. Today, the company offers over 270 LXT and 50 XGT cordless models in its portfolio, a collection of highly durable machines that can tackle any task. With long battery life and short charge times, the LXT and XGT ranges ensure faster and more efficient work. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “We are delighted to be marking our 50th year of trading in the UK. We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve since 1972 – and the vast array of cordless products and new technologies that we can offer tradespeople to aid their productivity and efficiency on site.” To mark its 50th anniversary, Makita UK will be announcing a number of exciting promotions and product launches throughout the year.

Announcing Circular Lighting Live

Recolight has announced Circular Lighting Live, the UK’s first major in person event dedicated to sustainable lighting. It will take place on 22 September, at the Cavendish Centre, London. Established by Ray Molony, and Recolight and supported by LightingEurope and Defra, the event is a vital step on the industry’s journey to a low carbon, circular economy. To understand this new landscape, the conference brings together leading experts, specifiers and policy makers to share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models. Aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, the presentations will give delegates vital insights that will drive their businesses forward and ensure they stay at the forefront of the sustainable lighting revolution. The event includes a special sponsor programme for brands who share the aims and values of Circular Lighting Live and want to associate themselves with sustainable lighting and the circular economy. Early confirmed speakers include John McRae, Director, Orms; Mark Ridler, Head of Lighting, BDP; Jonathan Rush, Director, Hoare Lea; Rania Georgoutsakou, Secretary General, LightingEurope; Peter Fordham, Electrical Engineering Design Manager, Sainsbury’s; James Butterworth, Senior Policy Officer, Defra; Nigel Harvey, CEO, Recolight; Ray Molony, Editor, Recolight Report; Simon Fisher, Director, F Mark; Sophie O’Rourke, Green Light Alliance; and Marcus Steffen, Principal, MS Lighting. Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, says: “The Circular Economy will become one of the key tipping points in the development of the lighting industry. Recolight are delighted to be working with Ray Molony to support our sector as the pace of change towards greater sustainability accelerates.”

A stroke of genius

Makita has launched its first XGT 80VMax Disc Cutter, to offer professionals a powerful cordless solution that delivers output equivalent to traditional 2-stroke alternatives – with the added safety and improved usability benefits of cordless. The CE001G XGT 80VMax 355mm Disc Cutter is powered using two XGT 40VMax batteries and delivers an impressive maximum output of 3,600W and no-load speed of 5,300rpm, making light work of any high-demand application. In addition, this machine has a large wheel diameter of 355mm and offers a maximum cutting capacity of 127mm, so it is suitable for use on larger workpieces. The disc cutter is equipped with numerous safety features including Active Feedback Sensing Technology that automatically shuts down the power to protect the operator and the machine if the rotation speed suddenly slows down in the event of the blade jamming in the cut or if kickback occurs. To improve user safety further, the CE001G features an anti-restart function that prevents accidental start-up and operators can also choose to connect a water supply to the machine to aid dust suppression. The CE001G has also been designed with an anti-vibration housing, to prevent user fatigue. Vibration is absorbed thanks to a built-in dampening spring, resulting in vibration levels of just 2.0 m/s2 at the front handle. This machine is available as a body only model (CE001GZ) for contractors who have already invested in the XGT battery platform, or as a complete option (CE001GT201) supplied with two 5Ah batteries and twin-port charger. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “We are excited to launch the CE001G. Thanks to our XGT cordless technology, the CE001G offers increased depth of cut and the output needed to tackle high-demand applications without compromising on battery run time, keeping professionals working disruption free for longer. “With Makita’s XGT 40VMax platform, professionals can also use the same batteries to power over 50 XGT models – making it easy to swap between tools and tasks across the workday.” The CE001GT201 also qualifies for Makita’s latest XGT redemption promotion where customers can claim the MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio, or MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMax Worklight with the purchase and registration of selected XGT 40VMax machines.

Top marks for apprenticeship scheme

UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship programme has achieved the highest standards set by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The apprenticeship has been accredited by the IET, recognising the quality of the company’s specialist training to keep power supplies flowing to 8.4 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England. Assessors endorsed the high quality of training programmes which prepare apprentices for key roles as electricity cable jointers, linespeople, substation fitters and engineers. Dudley Sparks, Head of Technical Training at UK Power Networks, says: “IET Accreditation is recognised as a high-quality seal of approval throughout industry, and it aids companies in the recruitment, retention and development of graduates and professional engineers. “IET accreditation of our apprenticeship programme is a fantastic achievement and is a recognition for all those involved that have made contributions from our technical training and assurance department to our in-business mentors, managers and apprentices alike.” The firm operates dedicated training schools in Sundridge in Kent, Frant in East Sussex, and Bury St Edmunds and Risby, in Suffolk, where power apprentices gain the skills needed to help maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies and enable low carbon technologies for a net zero future. IET Accreditation Manager, Dan Canty says: “The IET congratulates UK Power Networks on being awarded accredited status, which demonstrates that they maintain the highest standards of quality, content, technician support and assessment and continuously improve on those standards.” An IET Accredited Apprenticeship demonstrates UK Power Networks’ commitment to development and progression and endorses the quality of the company’s scheme against IET benchmarks. Earlier this year, Ofsted inspectors also praised the quality of technical training at UK Power Networks following its first full inspection of the company’s training centres. UK Power Networks achieved an overall effectiveness rating of Good, plus Outstanding in the areas of ‘personal development’ and ‘behaviour and attitudes’. The IET accredits apprenticeships delivered by organisations that have potential to deliver competencies required for professional registration, usually at Engineering Technician (EngTech) or ICT Technician (ICTTech) level. Registration, awarded by the Engineering Council, is only available to professional, competent technicians and engineers, and is recognised throughout the world.

BCIA Award winners announced on spectacular evening of entertainment

The winners of the 2022 Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards were announced as the finest talent in the building controls industry, gathered at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole for an exclusive dinner on Thursday 5th May. Graeme Rees made his first speech as BCIA President, in which he paid tribute to immediate past president, Terry Sharp, before drawing attention to the success of the BEMS Controls Engineer apprenticeship programme as a prime example of the BCIA’s commitment to investing in training and addressing the skills gap. He also underlined the importance of greater member engagement to help build on the incredible achievements the organisation has delivered so far. Terry Sharp was next on stage, donning a glittery jacket and armed with some interesting statistics to host a game of ‘higher or lower’. Actor, comedian and presenter Sally Phillips was the special guest for the night, delivering an entertaining speech before welcoming the deserved winners on stage to collect their trophies. The first award of the night went to Global Associates which was named Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year. Next up was the Engineer and Young Engineer of the Year, won by David Hayden and Alex Lacey respectively, both of BGES Group. The Energy Management award went to Global Associates for its estate-wide roll out with retail group DFS, and AES Control Systems was named Best Service and Maintenance Provider. Belimo Automation UK’s Energy Valve 4 and Thermal Energy Meter won Technical Innovation of the Year in the Products category, while Optimised Group won in the Projects category for its work with the King’s Cross estate. Group Horizon picked up the trophy for the Contribution to Training award, and One Sightsolutions won the Smart Buildings award for its work for ARUP at 80 Charlotte Street in London. The final award of the night was won by Joanna Harris of Sodexo for the Outstanding Contribution award. Joanna is well known in the industry for volunteering her time to make the industry a better place for everyone. She has also been an inspiration for young engineers and for young females considering a career in the building services sector. After the awards there was time for more entertainment as guests enjoyed catching up with industry colleagues with a mock casino and a Scalextric competition. BCIA President Graeme Rees was delighted with the event, he comments: “This year’s BCIA Awards was another fantastic occasion showcasing the very best talent and innovation this industry has to offer. I was very proud to make my first speech as President, Sally Phillips was a great host, and I would like to congratulate all of the finalists for being nominated and all the winners for scooping their prizes in some very tough categories.”

ECS Check welcomes 1,500th registration

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has announced Salford City Council as the 1,500th organisation to register for ECS Check. Launched in early 2020, ECS Check provides a free-to-access digital solution that enables the industry to verify all electrotechnical personnel on-site throughout the supply chain. This has provided a simple solution, using the recognised ECS card network, to give real- time access to help companies demonstrate the competence of their workforce and supply chain, in line with Construction Design and Management Regulations, recommendations of the Construction Leadership Council and Common Assessment Standard. The system is also an example of how workforce competence can be assessed which has been recognised within Working Group 2: Installers and BSI Flex 8670 for core criteria for building safety. With access to more than 150,000 valid card holders in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ECS Check is providing essential visibility on the competence of the workforce. The digital platform is also a Licence to Practise system for public contracts in Northern Ireland, helping clients and employers raise the bar on standards for installation electricians. Jack Youd, Councillor for the Walkden North ward of Salford City Council, says: “ECS Check is a powerful tool for Salford Council to support people in Salford achieving the high-quality apprenticeships through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme. We have worked closely with Unite the Union and the Joint industry Board to join the scheme and through this working partnership Salford Council is able to improve the skills and qualifications situation on the ground much more effectively.” ECS Check does away with the need to send and store images of ECS cards as the most up-to-date information is all at hand through one online system for both employers’ own staff and their subcontractors. The system is available both through an online portal on a browser and as an app for auditing personnel on the gate or for spot checks. This smart system has now seen 1,500 companies register to use since launch, including a number of clients and main contractors such as Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Birmingham Airport, Mace, MOD, Morgan Sindall, National Grid, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, a number of councils and local health trusts. Combined, these represent companies with more than 500,000 employees and a turnover of over £40bn worldwide. Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles, comments: “ECS Check provides a structured framework of competency and enables greater visibility for clients to show building project work is being carried out by qualified electrotechnical personnel in all levels of the supply chain. This information has often been missing from projects which are systematically subcontracted. “The ECS Check system identifies how projects are supporting people from the local area with employment, whether these projects provide the necessary opportunity for training apprentices and builds a picture of how we are achieving greater diversity and equality.” Andy Reakes, Head of Growth at the JIB, adds: “This is another major milestone for ECS Check as it continues to establish the highest levels of on-site competency in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Domus Ventilation appoints new Contractor Sales Managers

Domus Ventilation has announced the arrival of two new Contractor Sales Managers - Leigh Strange and Lewis McLeggan. The expanded team will be headed by Tom Hemming, who has been promoted to National Sales Manager, responsible for contractor and distribution sales. Leigh Strange is well versed in the ventilation industry, although most recently has been working in the plumbing and heating sector where he has enjoyed several senior roles, including National Specification Manager and General Manager. “I feel I have come home to an industry I enjoy and now with more overall general sales and management experience” states Leigh on his return to the HVAC sector. “Domus Ventilation was the perfect company to join, large enough to develop with, but small enough to still have a family feel”. The role of Contractor Sales Manager is a new one for Leigh, but something that he brings extensive experience to, being able to read plans, advise on products, and communicate at all levels to ensure everyone is kept informed through a project’s entirety. Lewis McLeggan is a newcomer to ventilation, but certainly not to the built environment where he has been working for the past eight years. Lewis’ roles have predominantly been in Account Management positions, growing key accounts within the London and Home Counties for UK manufacturers selling into the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors.  As with Leigh, Lewis was attracted to Domus Ventilation as it is part of the extensive Genuit Group of businesses which serve the construction industry, yet “still has the small company feel to it, with the ambitions to be a disrupter in the industry”. For Lewis, the move into ventilation comes at an exciting time: “ventilation will be playing an integral part in reaching the net zero carbon emission goals by 2050. I want to be part of this challenge by understanding all the key stakeholders in the sales cycle, from architects, M&E consultancies, contractors to the project wholesalers. I am bringing my cradle to the grave approach to selling to the role.” The new Contractor Sales Managers will be headed by the recently promoted Tom Hemming. Tom has worked within the ventilation sector for 14 years, starting out as a Contractor Sales Manager, which gives him the advantage of fully understanding what is required to make a success of the role. Tom has long been an advocate for the ventilation sector, saying: “Most people don’t think about the quality of their indoor air, yet it touches everyday life. If you have a comfortable indoor climate with fresh air, people don’t notice until something goes wrong and their homes become too hot, or damp, or stale. Ventilation is an unsung hero in many ways and becoming more important as we begin to understand the wider implications of poor indoor air quality.” With his new role as National Sales Manager, Tom is determined to get this message across to contractors and distributors.

What’s new from Makita: the latest XGT 40VMax products

Makita UK has expanded its XGT 40VMax range of machines with the launch of the DK0014G 2-Piece Combo Kit, DK0172G XGT 2-Piece Combo Kit, KT001G Kettle, KP001G Planer, HS011G Circular Saw and VC005GL, VC002GL and VC004GL Dust Extractors. DK0014G and DK0172G XGT 40VMax 2-Piece Combo Kits A must have for any tradesperson, the DK0014G and DK0172G combo kits both feature two of Makita’s most popular professional cordless power tools in a convenient storage solution. The DK0014G includes the TD001GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Driver and HP001GZ XGT 40VMax Combi Drill. The DK0172G includes the TD001GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Driver and HP002GZ XGT 40VMax Combi Drill. Both kits also include two 2.5Ah XGT batteries and the DC40RA Fast Charger, and everything is helpfully packed into a type 3 Makpac case for easy storage and transportation. The kits also come with the 191C10-7 ADP10 charger adaptor, so tradespeople can use the DC40RA to charge their existing LXT batteries, making it even easier to switch between tools and tasks. With the TD001GZ close at hand tradespeople can easily remove or drive screws into harder materials - and the HP001GZ and HP002GZ make screwdriving and drilling applications a breeze. KP001G XGT 40VMax Planer The incredibly powerful KP001G is perfect for smooth, rough and thin planing. It has a planing width of 82mm and an impressive cutting depth of 4mm, and can deliver a no-load speed of 15,000rpm for maximum efficiency and rapid cutting. With left and right chip ejection, the brushless KP001G also features a foot on the base plate to raise the base of the machine off the bench or material when not in operation, which protects the workpiece from scratches and damage. To ensure user safety, this machine has an electric break that works to quickly stop the blade once the tool is powered down. It also includes Makita’s soft start technology - and an anti-restart function to prevent accidental start up. Thanks to the inclusion of Makita’s Auto-start Wireless System (AWS), the KP001G can also be wirelessly connected to a compatible dust extractor via Bluetooth, enabling the dust extractor to automatically start when the tool’s trigger is engaged. HS011G XGT 40VMax (270mm) Circular Saw Compatible with a guide rail, this powerful circular saw is designed for precision rip cutting and delivers output that is equivalent to corded alternatives. It has a no-load speed of 3,500rpm, it bevel cuts up to 1 degrees (left) and 60 degrees (right) and has a maximum cutting capacity of 101mm at 0 degrees, 71mm at 45 degrees and 51mm at 60 degrees. The HS011G features constant speed control that works to maintain the blade speed and ensure optimum cutting performance. To ensure user safety, this machine includes AWS technology for efficient dust extraction and includes an electric brake to quickly slow down the wheel rotation. VC005GL, VC002GL and VC004GL XGT 40VMax Dust Extractors The VC005GL, VC002GL and VC004GL Dust Extractors have been developed to offer tradespeople a powerful solution for quickly and effortlessly cleaning up at the end of the workday. All machines deliver a maximum sealed suction of 23kPa and have large tank capacities (VC005GL – 8L, VC002GL – 8L and VC004GL 15L) to prevent regular work breaks to empty the tank. The VC002GL and VC004GL also include an automatic self-cleaning filter to prevent blockages and ensure optimum efficiency. The VC005GL can be used for dry vacuuming and the VC002GL and VC004GL are both suitable for vacuuming finer, airborne particles. KT001G XGT 40VMax Kettle The KT001G Kettle is the perfect jobsite companion. It can be powered by Makita’s XGT 40VMax batteries or the PDC1200 portable power pack to boil water wherever you are on site. It is equipped with an anti-spill lock button to prevent accidental spills and it stops boiling automatically when the kettle or power supply stand is lifted to ensure safety. It has also been designed to provide high heat retention, while keeping the kettle surface cool. Thanks to the carry handle on the power supply stand, the KT001G is easy to transport around site. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “Our latest 40VMax products join the wider, expanding XGT range, which now consists of over 50 models that can all be powered using the same XGT batteries. This means that professionals can effortlessly switch between tools and tasks to maximise their on-site productivity and efficiency, or even pour themselves a hot cup of tea!”