BGES Group launches ASSURE: a range of smart building technologies

BGES Group has launched a range of award-winning technologies, to help building managers optimise and decarbonise their estates. The ASSURE product portfolio sits alongside a newly expanded Projects and Service offering, giving building managers a complete, turnkey solution to tackling their energy and maintenance challenges. Best-in-class The technologies in the ASSURE range address the triple challenge faced by building managers: improving comfort conditions, cutting carbon emissions, and reducing operational costs. 45% of commercial buildings' energy consumption comes from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), of which 30% is usually wasted. BGES Group installs and maintains hundreds of building control systems every year, and takes a non-biased, honest approach to smart building technologies. The company undertook extensive research and analysis to identify the best technologies available in the industry. They include flagship product MeteoViva – which uses self-adapting artificial intelligence technology to optimise buildings, creating an on-going comfortable indoor climate while guaranteeing a reduction in energy use with no up-front project costs. Also included in the range is the award-winning SkySpark – which automatically analyses data from a site’s BMS to identify issues. This improves performance, reduces downtime, and increases operational savings. The portfolio also includes Optergy – open-source EMS metering software that allows users to monitor and control building compliance, energy, and tenant utilities usage within a building. Optergy is accredited by NABERS – the leading building performance rating system – and gives estates managers a real-time estimate of their buildings’ NABERS rating, to truly understand how they are performing. The software also integrates with BACnet. Modbus, and REST protocols. Improved service offering BGES Group – which is undergoing a strong period of growth - has also made significant investments in its Service division, which provides proactive and reactive technical support for building management systems. The company has expanded its remote Energy and Control Centre (eCC), which operates 365 days a year, and is introducing new software that will improve engineer response times to maintenance issues. The software will give live status updates to the client and BGES back-of-house support services. BGES eCC engineers currently look after 300 connected sites, equating to 7500 cases a year. Buildings under the care of the eCC operate in optimal conditions for at least 97% for the year and achieve a 90% call out avoidance rate, saving customers time and money that would otherwise be wasted on downtime and unnecessary callouts. New website BGES Group has recently launched a new website to reflect its improved product and service offering, including clear product guidance for building managers, examples of best practice and sector-specific case studies. Gareth Barber, Managing Director at BGES Group says, “We’re committed to providing estates teams with a 'one stop shop' to help them get the best out of their buildings, and that’s why we’ve invested heavily in upgrading our product and service offering. With our open and honest approach to smart building technologies, we’re helping estates teams make informed decisions on the best route to decarbonising their estates.”

Hylec appoints Michael Crowther and Tom Rooney to new roles

Hylec has announced it has made two new senior-level appointments. Michael Crowther takes the newly created position of Marketing & New Product Development Director, and Tom Rooney has been named as Sales Director, replacing Steve Robbins. Crowther and Rooney join Hylec at an exciting time in its continued expansion and will drive new projects to continue growing the successful Hylec brand across all product ranges, including the well-known Debox junction boxes, Weatherproof connectors, and specialist enclosures, as well as Hylec’s very broad range of electrical components for the OEM market and electrical contractors. Crowther, 41, joined Hylec earlier this month in the newly created position of Marketing & New Product Development Director. Formerly Sales & Marketing Director at Camden Boss, Crowther has spent his whole career in the industry and will be focussing on extending Hylec’s product offerings across its many successful ranges and strengthening brand recognition. He comments, “Hylec has a well-deserved reputation for innovation which I am looking forward to contributing to.” Rooney joins Hylec as Sales Director from a sales and export background in electrical engineering and the energy sector. With substantial experience in both industries internationally, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East as well as the UK & Ireland, Rooney’s focus will be on maximising opportunities for growth through existing and new Hylec wholesalers and OEM customers. “The electrical wholesale market is very buoyant at the moment” he comments. “Hylec products offer many clever features that competitors’ products don’t have, and we are looking at increasing our market share in a number of sectors.” Andy Hatter, MD, Hylec comments: “We are delighted to welcome Michael and Tom on board. They both bring a huge amount of expertise to the company and their knowledge will prove invaluable in the next phase of our growth.”

CICV tells construction clients that rise in project costs reflects ongoing global turmoil

The Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) has reassured clients that ongoing price rises for projects are caused by global events not ‘profiteering’ – and says any increases only reflect the spiralling costs that are affecting the whole construction industry. Clients have voiced concerns at the increasing costs of construction work, but the body insists this is due only to ongoing global events sparking a rise in fuel costs and shortages of raw materials and labour. Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of CICV, member the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), says: “The war in Ukraine, energy price hikes, the impact of Brexit and fallout from COVID 19 have all created a ‘perfect storm’ just as there is a surge in demand, with price increases being imposed on the industry as a result. “Construction professionals are increasingly being forced to shoulder these ongoing rises, particularly when it comes materials, and are having no option but to pass these increases on to clients. But it is not profiteering – it is a necessity for these businesses to survive.” The CICV’s Post-Brexit & Trade sub-group this week discussed the higher costs for raw materials, energy, labour and transport being faced by construction businesses of all sizes in Scotland, with particular focus on inflationary pressures for SMEs caused by external factors. Iain adds: “This is a really challenging time for all in the construction supply chain with costs rising, often at short notice. The critical thing now is that we work together as a supply chain. “Too often in construction we have contracted down all risks, but we are now in a position where fixed prices could undermine the resilience of contractors or suppliers and we need to adopt a more collaborative approach and consider how fluctuations clauses can be deployed and any risks fairly shared so as not to undermine the quality or viability of a project or businesses.” The CICV says as well as the negative impact of political, military and health issues, the withdrawal of red diesel in April has also led to higher costs for construction firms. Chris Cassley, Policy Manager at CICV member the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), says: “The UK Government’s environmental strategy with the removal of red diesel for construction plant has undoubtedly contributed to the current financial impact on industry, and despite representations to government departments, has proceeded regardless. “The rise in energy and material prices, together with supply chain pressures and higher inflationary figures, has led to a tipping-balance for suppliers and customers alike, and in many instances resulted in necessary price increases. These increases are very likely to be passed back up to the client and for government projects, it will be the taxpayer who will ultimately have to pay.” Another warning came from Andrew Richards, Strategic Director of Safedem and a member of the Construction Scotland Industry Leadership Group, (representing SMEs and the supply chain) which is working in tandem with CICV to support the industry. Andrew comments: “The knock-on effects caused by the global events of the past two years looks like they will continue for the immediate future, so clients should consider fluctuations and rises in construction costs as part of ‘the new normal’ and shouldn’t expect prices to fall any time soon. “Construction professionals are equally concerned about the uncertainty that surrounds the marketplace and are only passing on cost increases through necessity, not greed.”

Siemens supports Spain’s Iberdrola with sustainable Clean Air switchgear

Iberdrola aims to become carbon neutral across Europe by 2030. To achieve this goal, it is systematically implementing its environmentally friendly and sustainable business model. To this end, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has been commissioned to supply its sustainable medium-voltage switchgear to the northern Spanish province of Burgos. This marks the first installation of fluorine gas-free switchgear from Siemens’ climate-friendly blue portfolio at a customer site in Spain. “With our latest blue GIS portfolio, we are supporting Iberdrola in implementing its sustainability strategy while contributing to the energy transition in Spain,” says Stephan May, CEO of the Electrification and Automation Business Unit at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “At Siemens, we create purpose-driven technologies designed to enable our customers to achieve their business and sustainability goals.” The Merindades substation, which supplies power to the industrial area of Villarcayo in Burgos, is equipped with fluorine gas-free Siemens NXPLUS C 24 medium-voltage switchgear. The 24 kV, 25 kA, 1250 A switchgear with Clean Air technology is part of the new climate-friendly blue GIS portfolio from Siemens Smart Infrastructure. This innovation not only eliminates SF6 as an insulation medium, but any gas mixture based on fluorine. Instead, Siemens uses the insulation gas Clean Air, which consists exclusively of natural elements from the ambient air and has a global warming potential of less than one. NXPLUS C 24 retains the proven benefits of gas-insulated switchgear, such as simple and safe handling during operation and a compact size. In addition, the environmentally friendly systems offer straightforward end-of-life recycling.

Mind the gap

Commenting on the Building Safety Bill, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of consumer protection charity, Electrical Safety First, says: “We are delighted the Bill takes us a step closer to addressing the ‘safety gap’ around electrical safety in high rises – by including a requirement for the Government to complete a cost-benefit analysis for introducing regular electrical installations checks in all residential tower blocks in England. “Currently, only private landlords are required to undertake five yearly electrical safety checks, despite most high rises being composed of mixed tenures. England, unlike Scotland (with Wales set to follow suit), has not yet extended this requirement to social housing and there is no such legislation covering homeowners across the UK. This is despite the fact that, in 2021 alone, electricity caused 355 fires in high rises and, according to Government figures, the number has increased over the last three years. “The Charity has led the call for a uniform approach to electrical safety in tower blocks and we have worked closely with Lord Foster of Bath to help address this regulatory gap, which leaves families and buildings at risk. We want to see mandated, five yearly, electrical safety checks in both social housing and leaseholds in mixed tenure high rises, to protect all occupants and ensure consistency and effectiveness. Not only would this protect hundreds of thousands of people, it will also help provide the peace of mind that everyone wants to feel in their own home.”

Travis Perkins offers discount to NHS, Armed Forces and emergency service members

Travis Perkins is offering all members of the armed forces, emergency services, NHS, and social and foster care sector a 10% discount accessed through both the Blue Light Card and the Health Service Discounts websites via their affiliate partner Awin. The offer gives a 10% online discount on all products through Blue Light Card and the Health Service Discounts accessed via their websites directly, as part of their efforts to ensure frontline service workers are being supported for their ongoing efforts and service leavers successfully transition to civilian life, and frontline workers are being supported. In 2017, Travis Perkins signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant who offer Reservists support during mobilisation and encourage additional leave for training commitments. Its robust recruitment programme includes offering CV and interview guidance, proving work placements during resettlement, and participation with Careers Transition Partnership (CTP) events. The discount is also available to members of the emergency services, NHS, and social care sector. In 2021 Travis Perkins was one of the BMF member companies that took part in the ‘Builders’ Merchants Supporting the NHS’ discount scheme. Adrian Hobson, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Travis Perkins says, “We’re here to help build better communities and enrich lives, and by supporting groups like these, who have over the last few years shown incredible examples of personal sacrifice, generosity and community spirit, it gives us great pride to be in a position to show support back, as a small recognition and a thank you to those who support others.” Tom Dalby, CEO of Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service, comments, “We are thrilled to work together with Travis Perkins to recognise and reward the incredible work of our blue light and defence communities. It's a way to say thank you for their dedication, and hopefully the boosted garden and landscape discount will come in handy as we approach summer.”

Knightsbridge delivers quality and style for kitchens and bathrooms

With so many homeowners treating the kitchen as their main living space and their bathroom as sanctuary and spa, Knightsbridge has compiled a comprehensive suite of products that suit the exacting demands of the kitchen and bathroom sector. Available from all major wholesalers, the collection covers product areas such as pop-up chargers, sockets, switches, dimmers, LED mirrors, wiring accessories and lighting – from LED strip lighting to spotlights and under cabinet downlights. Each product incorporates style and high design values with safety, security and ease and speed of installation, and satisfies the huge demand for the same aesthetic and functional detailing found in the rest of the home. Beautifully illustrated in the 60pp Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Guide, the collection reveals how Knightsbridge is a one-stop-shop for all bathroom and kitchen lighting and electrical items.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and why should you get onboard?

NAPIT's Chief Operating Officer, David Cowburn, reflects on the launch of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, exploring what this means for installers and consumers and outlining how to get involved. According to the Climate Change Committee, there are 29 million existing homes that need to be upgraded to low carbon heating systems by 2050 to reach the Government’s net zero target. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which has been introduced as a replacement for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, aims to encourage the use of low-carbon heating and the replacement of fossil fuel boilers by lowering the upfront cost of installing a heat pump or biomass boiler. Eligible low carbon heating systems that are commissioned on or after the 1 April 2022 can access support under the scheme, and grants can be applied for retrospectively. Installers have been able to open an account for the scheme with Ofgem since the 11 April to prepare for grant applications and payments opening on the 23 May. With the rising cost of energy being experienced by many across the UK, this scheme is well placed to assist those who are looking to make energy efficiency improvements within their homes. The £450 million allocated to the scheme over three years will provide £5,000 towards the installation of an air source heat pump and £6,000 towards the installation of ground source heat pumps for on and off-gas grid properties. Additionally, grants of £5,000 are available to install biomass boilers in off-gas grid properties in rural locations. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, when combined with the Chancellor's recent announcement in his Spring Statement of 0% VAT for five years on the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers, is a promising step forward in England and Wales’s journey to decarbonise heat in buildings. The scheme is installer-led, and householders who live in England or Wales will be eligible. The scheme is not available to people living in social housing or new builds; however, some self-builds may be eligible. To qualify for the grant, a property will need to have a heat demand no greater than 45kWth, as well as a valid Energy Performance Certification (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, unless there is an insulation exemption, such as the property being a listed building. Installers must be MCS certified, and they will apply for vouchers on behalf of homeowners through their BUS account. After the installation is completed, vouchers are directly paid to the installer and the value of the voucher is removed from the invoice issued to the customer. Despite the delays to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme’s introduction, the policy is a welcome step towards increasing the uptake of heat pumps in homes in England and Wales and it is pleasing to witness Ofgem’s engagement with industry to enhance the accessibility and simplicity of the application process.

Electricians reduce fuel consumption through vehicle maintenance and behaviour

Electricians are being reminded that vehicle maintenance and driver behaviour can pay dividends in reducing fuel consumption as pump prices remain volatile. The timely advice has been issued by fuelGenie as electricians face financial pressures from all sides, including recent record pump prices, sharply rising inflation and increases in the cost of living as a result, plus the prospect of possible changes to road tax that could hit SMEs hard. However, cost-effective vehicle maintenance and changing driver behaviour (which can be at no financial cost whatsoever) can drastically reduce fuel consumption. For instance, underinflated tyres are one of the main reasons for less miles-to-the-gallon and it has been estimated that if all four are underinflated by 10psi then it can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10% because of the greater drag being caused. fuelGenie Managing Director Robert Pieczka comments: “The financial squeeze looks set to only get worse so it is financially prudent for electricians to look at reducing operating costs. “This includes vehicle fuel costs which can be a major draw on business outgoings. Reducing fuel consumption, through vehicle maintenance and changing driver behaviour, is an economical way to reduce fuel costs and is more crucial than ever.” Other vehicle maintenance tips to reduce fuel consumption include correct wheel alignment, plus regular vehicle servicing. Meanwhile, changing driving attitudes behind the wheel can also have a significant positive benefit in reducing fuel consumption. This includes making small changes such as not accelerating too fast, avoiding aggressive driving, braking too sharply and removing any unwanted objects from the vehicle to lighten the weight. Further ways to improve fuel economy include avoiding idling and using vehicle stop/start technology where possible, plus reducing the aircon, heated windscreens and any other electrical usage as much as possible. Anticipating the road conditions and keeping moving where possible, together with avoiding coming to a complete stop, will also help save fuel. Robert adds: “Controlled driving techniques and regularly checking the condition of the vehicle is something we should all be doing. “Fuel cards are also an effective way to reduce motoring costs. fuelGenie itself is a completely free fuel card for UK businesses looking to save on their fuel costs and control driver spend by using a low cost supermarket petrol station network.”

SkillELECTRIC strengthens partnership with Electric Center

SkillELECTRIC 2022 is benefitting from a significant donation of competition materials thanks to a renewed partnership with Electric Center. Electric Center is a trading name of Edmundson Electrical, who have supported SkillELECTRIC for over a decade. This year, the Electric Center brand and its industry-leading range of own label Acel products are now the focal point for the strengthened relationship. Across all national heats and the UK final, Electric Center will be supplying a range of containment and cables for the competitors to work with during challenging practical tasks to install a complicated set of circuits with various components and equipment. SkillELECTRIC is the only electrical industry competition aligned to WorldSkills UK. Those who excel at the 2022 UK event may have the chance to compete at the international WorldSkills 2024 event in Lyon, France. Mark Stuart, Electric Center Brand and Marketing Manager, says: “It gives me great pleasure to support such a renowned competition as SkillELECTRIC through the donation of materials from our Acel range. Here at Electric Center we appreciate that the young men and women taking part in competitions such as these are the future of our industry and we’re delighted to lend any assistance we can to aid their development.” Jennie Phung of National Electrotechnical Training (NET), who organises SkillELECTRIC, comments: “We are extremely grateful for Electric Center’s support. For many years the contribution made by Edmundson Electrical has been invaluable to the ongoing running of the competition. We’re now delighted to be working with Mark to bring Electric Center and the excellent range of Acel products into the SkillELECTRIC heats and UK final.” All those who entered SkillELECTRIC 2022 will be completing an online, timed task which will be scored and ranked. The highest scoring competitors will be invited to progress to the national qualifying heats which take place across May and June.