MKM invests in air source heat pump offering from Grant UK

MKM Building Supplies has announced a major investment for the supply of air source heat pumps into the UK market. The investment will see MKM work with Grant UK, to offer the manufacturer’s Aerona3 R32 air source heat pump range across the UK to installers and homeowners. The offering is the latest in a series of commitments made by MKM into renewable and sustainable technologies and follows the government putting air source heat pumps at the heart of its plans for more sustainable homes. With the sale and installation of air source heat pumps set to grow exponentially over the next decade, MKM is working to ensure installers have seamless access to all the stock they need. Which is why Grant Aerona3 heat pumps are now available to order from any one of MKM’s merchants nationwide. Jonathan Phillips, Category Lead, Plumbing and Heating at MKM Building Supplies, says: “With air source heat pumps playing a key role in the government’s sustainable energy drive, it is essential installers have access to all the stock and information they’ll need to meet increasing market demand. “Working with Grant, MKM can significantly strengthen its air source heat pump offering. As a business, we are committed to helping the UK work towards a carbon neutral future, so this latest commitment into an innovative and game-changing technology is an important step forward for us.” Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing at Grant UK, comments: “Air source heat pumps are high on the agenda when it comes to more sustainable energy solutions and demand is only set to increase. That is why it is so important that we work together as an industry to reach wide customer bases, educating both installers and end-users on the benefits of greener, more sustainable technologies.” Grant has manufactured heating solutions for decades, and its Aerona3 R32 range provides a renewable solution to fulfil heating and hot water requirements to support the natural change away from fossil fuel-dependent boilers and other less-sustainable alternatives. Outputs of 6kW, 10kW, 13kW and 17kW are available in the Aerona3 R32 range, with all models offering incredible efficiency and achieving an A+++ ErP energy rating and excellent SCOPs. Furthermore, the range also has MCS and CEN KEYMARK accreditation.

Kettering to benefit from full fibre boost as CityFibre announces investment

CityFibre has named Kettering 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 set to invest £17m in a new town-wide network that will bring fast and reliable full fibre-enabled internet services within reach of nearly every home and business in Kettering. Construction work will begin in early May around the Northfield Avenue and Rockingham Road area in the north of the town. As work is completed in each neighbourhood, CityFibre will designate the homes ‘ready for service’, which means residents can choose to connect to faster and more reliable full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area. 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, near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on. As Area Manager, James Cushing will lead the delivery of the Kettering 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. James says: “CityFibre’s investment will bring a change to connectivity for Kettering. It will bring choice for residents and businesses and align perfectly with the ambitious regeneration and growth plans for the town. 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 wait for residents and businesses to see what is possible with digital connectivity and the important part it will play in each of our lives.” 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 helping residents access essential services and work from home, while enabling businesses to be more productive, innovative and access new markets. Speaking of CityFibre’s full fibre rollout plans for Kettering, Councillor David Howes, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Rural Communities and Localism, says: “Getting the right digital infrastructure in place is a big priority for the council – it’s so important in so many ways. Increasing full fibre connectivity helps support economic growth and innovation as well as keeping communities connected. “We welcome CityFibre’s multimillion pound investment in Kettering and its wider plans for North Northamptonshire. I’m delighted that full fibre connectivity is now available to almost 30% of properties in North Northants, up from less than 10% two years ago. These current plans will help to boost this coverage and progress toward our targets of 40% full fibre by the end of 2023 and then 80% by 2028.”

Garden lighting range available from Ovia

As we approach the warmer days and longer evenings, Ovia has a range of garden lighting products to help your clients get their outdoors summer ready. A collection of wall lights, spike lights and bollards make up the range, ensuring all areas of the garden can benefit from a new lease of light. The majority of the range is available in cool white 4000k and warm white 3000k colour options. With warm white a very popular choice for external garden lighting schemes due to its softer light source, Ovia is experiencing high demand for this collection. The range sits within Ovia’s Amenity Lighting category. There are seven different wall light designs in the range including: Twist – an innovative IP65 11W up and down wall light with integrated Cool White LED output which makes a stylish addition to an outside space. Finished in grey, it is available in warm and cool white options and designed to illuminate up and down to highlight a pathway or feature wall. Verta – 6W and 12W options for this IP54 cylindrical up or down LED wall light, finished in black and available in warm and cool white options. Centuri – 7W IP54 boxed LED wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation, in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options. Orna – 7W IP54 square, up and down LED wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options. Quadra – 10W IP54 rectangular LED backlit wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options. Avori – 15W max, IP54 boxed wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation. Finished in grey with a tinted lens. The Spear spike light is a 7W IP65 LED in a grey finish, that can be easily positioned at various locations to highlight a feature or path. It is available in warm and cool white options. The Tribus 7W IP54 LED bollard is available in a mini (350mm height) or maxi (750mm height) version to provide flexibility. They come in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options.

Powerlite Fitzgerald announces the new Urban Path luminaire

Powerlite Fitzgerald has announced a fresh look at its Urban Path luminaire, which is designed for urban environments. Manufactured using heavy gauge steel and seam welded with the latest machinery and technology at its factories in Cornwall and West Yorkshire, the Urban Path has been created to be an ideal luminaire for a range of outdoor settings. Reflecting Powerlite Fitzgerald’s philosophy where the emphasis is on function, form and technical excellence, the Urban Path has been manufactured with the needs of urban environments in mind. Rated IP65 and IK10+, the Urban Path is dark sky compliant and is available with options of path, street, or flood optics, which makes it an ideal solution for cycle ways, walkways, subways and many other urban applications. Being a British manufacturer enables Powerlite Fitzgerald to offer flexible solutions for its clients and their customers’ projects. With the adaptability that in-house design affords, Powerlite Fitzgerald is also able offer the Urban Path in bespoke RAL colours as well as various dimming options, integral emergency and integral photocell. With an extensive knowledge of LED lighting, its experienced technical team can ensure a quick turnaround and a product that meets the exact specification of the application. Powerlite Fitzgerald also supplies the Urban Path with a five-year warranty and one-year on site guarantee. Discussing the Urban Path, Ben Arscott, Sales Director at Powerlite Fitzgerald comments, “It is our mission to create products that help to create safe and well-lit areas with the ideal installation options for our customers. The Urban Path is specially manufactured with our customers in mind to create flexible and high-quality lighting solutions.”

Local Hero Awards finalists revealed: Public vote opens for winner!

People across the UK are being urged to cast their vote in a ‘local hero’ competition being run by SGS Engineering, looking to reward tradespeople who go above and beyond for their local community. Earlier this year, Brits were encouraged to nominate builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners, plasterers, and other well deserving tradespeople who have been serving their community with good deeds. Last year, hero builder Graham Nash of Pinnacle Builders in Leeds was crowned the winner in the inaugural awards, when he won the public poll (with 39% of the 2,000+ votes), thanks to his incredible hard work correcting the errors made by cowboy builders whilst working at the homes of ordinary people. Going above and beyond, Graham even made the corrections completely free of charge. The public vote for this year’s edition has now opened, enabling friends and family, as well as the wider community, a chance to rally behind their local finalist in the hope of securing them a grand prize of £1,000, alongside the honour of being named the nation’s ‘Local Hero 2022’. An additional four regional finalists will take home a £250 runners-up cash prize. Voting closes at 11:30pm on Monday the 2nd May, and the winner and runners up that secure the most votes will be unveiled on Thursday the 4th May. The Finalists are (in alphabetical order)… Ash Haynes – Bruno’s Eco Services (Swansea, Wales) Ash responded to the cost-of-living crisis and the isolation brought on by the pandemic by offering to do gardening, cleaning and landscaping work for free for those in need. Ash also kindly offered up the time to talk to anyone who needed some company. Band of Builders – (Wisbech, England) A volunteer group made up of trade professionals, Band of Builders raised thousands of pounds to help people living within their local community and beyond. In the past year they have clubbed together to complete free-of-charge building work for those in need across the country. Darren McGhee - DMG Services Group (Bellshill, Scotland) DMG services, a roofing company, went above and beyond when they offered free repairs for elderly people, and have also offered apprenticeships for unemployed people in the local area. James Anderson - Depher (Burnley, England) A kind-hearted plumber, James has responded to the energy price crisis by continuing his fantastic work with Depher, standing for Disability and Elderly Plumbing and Heating Emergency Repair. Depher has completed vital plumbing work for elderly and unwell people who were desperately in need. Naima Ben-Moussa – Lady in Red Plastering (Buxton, England) Naima is a female plasterer who has thrived in a traditionally male dominated industry, making the headlines by fixing walls destroyed by domestic abusers for free. More recently, she has even set up her own charity to help domestic abuse survivors. One Transformations Group (Pontypool, Wales) Volunteers from the company teamed up with other local businesses to create a wonderful garden for a local blind woman after a rogue builder had left it in a sorry state. Steve Parker - Parkers Plumbing and Bathroom Installations (Northampton, England) Steve is a plumber who kindly offered to fix the boilers of elderly people aged 65 and over that live near his local village of Irchester during the winter. Dave Gordon, General Manager at SGS Engineering explains: “The Local Hero Awards 2021 brought some heart-warming stories in to the spotlight during what was a very difficult time for people up and down the country, including those who took elderly customers for a fish supper, and of course our winner Graham Nash, who bravely tackled the shoddy work of cowboy builders. “Looking through the finalists for this year, it is fantastic to see a new crop of tradespeople working wonders for the people in their local area and demonstrating acts of true kindness. “It is now in the UK’s hands to determine who wins this fantastic cash prize. We’re also very happy to be able to share that that some of the regional finalists will each receive £250 in cash too – it’s our way of saying thank you on behalf of those they’ve helped.” Cast your vote here.

500 tickets for Grand Designs Live up for grabs with myenergi

myenergi is giving away 500 tickets for this year’s Grand Designs Live show (ExCeL London, 30 April - 8 May). Launched to celebrate the company’s sponsorship of the Green Living Live zone, it’s a must-win prize for anyone embarking on a home build, renovation, or improvement project. To be in with a chance of winning, simply ‘like’ myenergi on Facebook or Instagram and comment on the prize post, tagging the person you’d most like to take with you. 250 lucky fans will take away a pair of tickets, granting full entry to the exhibition and all breakout events. For those who aren’t lucky enough to win, myenergi will also unveil an exclusive ‘two for one’ purchase code via social media ahead of the show. A celebration of sustainable building products, planet-friendly construction materials, renewable energy generation technologies, innovative furnishings and EV charging equipment, the Green Living Live zone at Grand Designs Live will showcase some of the world’s most progressive brands. There’s also a live theatre stage and advice hub devoted to issues surrounding sustainability, as well as expert panel discussions and free project advice. Alongside sponsoring the zone, myenergi will also be exhibiting on stand Q6A of the main exhibition. The ‘green team’ will showcase the company’s latest range of eco-smart home energy technologies, including its zappi electric vehicle charger, eddi power diverter and harvi energy harvesting sensor. What’s more, Kevin McCloud, host of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, is set to make a meet and greet appearance. Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, comments: “As smart home technology becomes ever-more commonplace across the UK, self-builders, renovators, and property improvers are looking towards the latest innovations to make their projects both energy efficient and future proof. As a true pioneer of planet-friendly technologies, we were keen to showcase our latest products at Grand Designs Live and sponsor the Green Living Live zone. “As well as meeting visitors, our team will be on hand to discuss the value of renewable energy self-generation solutions (such as solar PV and domestic wind turbines), the most effective options and how our products can work alongside these technologies to provide complete zero-emissions energy independence.”

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is supporting a net zero energy grid

Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) are working with industrial partners to develop and deliver the next generation of measurement techniques to support the electricity grid in achieving net zero targets. NPL is developing, testing, and validating new inertia measurements methods, and reference techniques, required to underpin stability and control in the net zero grid, and working with National Grid ESO (NGESO) to evaluate the accuracy of commercial inertia measurement systems being implemented. Developing and validating measurement methods for inertia, to provide confidence to UK operators in their adoption, supports security and efficiency in energy supply with increasing renewable energy sources. To meet net zero objectives, unprecedented levels of intermittent renewable energy sources will need to be connected to the British grid. For power system operators, one of the biggest technical challenges to achieving net zero is the decline of grid inertia which needs to be effectively managed to ensure continued stability and reliability of the power system. Traditionally, power system operators have relied on inertia provided by fossil-fuelled synchronous generators to prevent frequency excursions that can trigger grid instability. Another issue which could limit progress to net zero is the interference and disturbances that can affect connected equipment. Net zero technology such as renewables, EVs, High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and energy storage require power convertors which inject disturbances into the power system. These disturbances can impact protection systems, grid assets and equipment, and domestic appliances. Network operators need new measurement methods to identify and quantify the prevailing interference levels to manage and mitigate them and maintain supply quality and reliability to allow the grid to safely host the essential net zero technologies. Pro-actively investigating mitigation methods will ensure issues do not become more wide-spread and impact consumers. Internationally there is currently no standardisation on how to perform these types of measurements. NPL has led a European normative project (SupraEMI), which has developed and proposed measurement algorithms for associated international standardisation, providing a clear understanding for development of disturbance measurement capabilities in the UK and guidance to industry. In collaboration with an industry steering group of experts, NPL is developing a new measurement system, accreditation-ready test rigs, and on-site survey capabilities, to support new British grid codes and enable mitigation action and grid planning to overcome issues associated with the injection of these disturbances. NPL research on inertia and disturbance measurement supports the development of measurement infrastructure to underpin the deployment of new technologies, operational procedures and novel practices to reach stable and reliable net zero grids. Ben Rowton, Strategic Business Development Manager for the Energy and Environment sector at NPL says: “A net zero future requires increasing the levels of renewable energy sources and low carbon technologies connected to the power grid. NPL’s expertise in developing novel measurement methods and testing standards means we are in an excellent position to support network operators, equipment manufacturers and regulators, to ensure security of supply whilst the UK adopts and deploys innovative products, services and unique operating models.” Julian Leslie, Head of Networks at National Grid ESO, comments: “Our investment in world-first inertia measuring tools and pioneering green engineering projects is helping us to operate the fastest decarbonising electricity network in the world. “As more renewable energy sources connect to the network, our work with NPL will help explore how we can improve the management of system stability to enable us to operate a zero-carbon grid by 2025.” Francis Mosley, Senior Innovation and Systems Engineer at Ofgem, says: “Ofgem’s objective is to help deliver a net-zero economy at the lowest cost to consumers. The work NPL is delivering to enable the transition to a sustainable energy system, particularly in developing the next generation of measurement techniques, plays an important part towards meeting net zero goals.”

BCIA tees off to launch Young Engineers Network

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) launched its Young Engineers Network on 7 April 2022 at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, where young engineers were able to meet and collaborate with one another to establish the objectives of the network. They also had the opportunity to watch a video tour of a prestigious new building project for which one of the group has been instrumental in delivering the BEMS. Afterwards there was a further opportunity to network during a round of crazy golf at Swingers. Designed to give the industry’s young engineers a forum for networking and support, the Young Engineers Network has been launched to provide help and guidance for young people who want to progress in the building controls industry. It also provides an opportunity for them to showcase projects which they have been involved with and discuss the technical challenges which they face on the wide variety of activities they are working on. Individuals, work teams and employers will all benefit from the improved engagement, motivation and ownership of this initiative which aims to: Establish a network and forum for young BEMS engineers to share learnings and best practice Help attract and retain young talent into the BEMS industry Help guide young engineers in their career within the BEMS industry Enable young people to establish a link to the BCIA Young engineers attending the launch event were the first to view the inside of the new and exclusive Soho Place development which has been built above Tottenham Court Road Tube Station and Crossrail. Joel Edward, a BMS Commissioning Engineer from Crown House Technologies who attended the event, says: “The event was a great opportunity for young engineers to meet and share experiences with others within our peer group. I’m really looking forward to being a part of a group which provides a discussion forum for us to share ideas on new technology and industry practice and learn more about the industry in which we work.” The BCIA Young Engineers Network will meet on a quarterly basis and can look forward to a mix of training sessions, tech talks and the opportunity to get to know each other in a social environment. Paul Wetherfield, Vice President of the BCIA, comments: “In recent years, the BCIA has been leading the charge in ensuring there is enough talent coming into the building controls sector to meet the demands of the industry. We are sitting on the crest of a wave in terms of a new generation of skilled engineers in the making and it is crucial that we offer them the right support in order for them to fulfil their potential.” Jen Vickers, who leads the Young Engineers Network, concludes: “The launch of the network was a fantastic event and the passion and enthusiasm demonstrated by the young engineers in attendance gives the BCIA plenty to be optimistic about for the future.”

Bureau Veritas bolsters its electrical capabilities in solar and EV charging

Bureau Veritas has appointed two specialist roles to its expansive electrical division as it continues to lead the way in testing, inspection and certification across the UK. Alisdair Macdonald joins the team as Principal Consultant with a wealth of experience in solar power, electrical engineering, and batteries. For the last 20 years Alisdair has worked as an electrical and electronics consultant across a range of disciplines, building specific and technical expertise in solar energy systems. During that time, he was instrumental in designing and installing a Grid Tied Solar Photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system for Solaray Systems at MAN Truck & Bus South Africa (part of VW Global), making it the first carbon-neutral MAN plant in the world. He has also worked for BAU Systems Submarines as a Principal System Engineer in control and instrumentation. Now in his new role at Bureau Veritas, Alisdair will be focussed on developing the business’ electrical engineering offer within the solar and battery industries. Also joining Bureau Veritas’ as Senior Consultant is experienced electric vehicle charging expert, George White. George is an experienced design engineer, with a demonstrated history of working in the construction and engineering industries. George joins Bureau Veritas from EV charging point manufacturer and installer Pod Point, where he was responsible for managing large commercial projects for the brand. Michael Kenyon, Head of Electrical Technical Development at Bureau Veritas, says: “As we transition to a net zero and circular economy, bolstering the expertise across our electrical division is fundamental to ensuring we are in a position to continue to meet our customers’ challenges head on, with experience and innovation at the heart of what we do. “We’re delighted to welcome both Alisdair and George to the team – both of whom bring a wide range of technical capabilities to our service. Alisdair’s unrivalled experience in solar energy systems will mean we’re able to offer an end-to-end solution for a wide range of customers, including investors in solar wind farms, from audit through to inspection and assurance. “George’s experience in pre-construction, design and client consultancy will allow us to provide clients with impartial, practical, and relevant solutions to the UK’s growing need for EV charging points in the commercial and industrial sectors. “Our electrical division is a core commercial focus for Bureau Veritas over the coming years, and we’re looking forward to working with both Alisdair and George as we strive to continue to lead the way in electrical testing, inspection and certification services within the UK.”

ERA raises £20,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospices

ERA has raised over £20,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospices, its nominated charity for 2020 and 2021, which supports seriously ill children and their families. Over the last two years, employees from across every area of ERA’s operations have taken part in a series of fundraising activities to raise vital funds for the charity. This included the ‘GMF 100’ Cycling Challenge, which saw employees take to their saddles to cycle 100 miles in a single day. Helen Downer, President of Tyman UK and Ireland, comments: “We are delighted to have supported Hope House Children’s Hospices over the last two years and to have raised crucial funds to help the charity provide essential services. “With many of our fundraising efforts put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic, we chose to select Hope House as our nominated charity for a second year running, which allowed us to continue our fundraising efforts and raise a further £11,934 in 2021.” Hope House Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices supports over 750 families throughout Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales, providing palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions, in addition to counselling and bereavement support. Lynsey Kilbert, Fundraising Team Leader at Hope House Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices, says: “As a charity, we rely heavily on the contributions from fundraising events to be able to run our services and provide assistance to families who desperately need our support. We are incredibly grateful for ERA’s support over the last two years, the funds which they have raised will allow us to continue to be there for families who need us most.”