CityFibre works on Luton's digital foundations as part of investment

Work to bring full fibre connectivity within reach of almost every home and business in Luton gets underway as CityFibre breaks ground on a new infrastructure rollout that will future-proof the digital needs of the town for generations to come. The rollout forms part of CityFibre’s £45m digital infrastructure investment in Luton and Dunstable. Construction has begun in Luton, with works starting in the Stopsley area, and is being delivered by Instalcom on behalf of CityFibre. The team will use a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Luton Council and the local community to deliver a fast rollout while managing potential disruption. The rollout is expected to move into Dunstable early next year. As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, CityFibre will designate the homes ‘ready for service’, which means residents can choose to connect to full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area. In Luton, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans as well as TalkTalk and Zen, with other partners expected to join the network soon. Speaking of the project, Jean Gowin, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Luton and Dunstable, says: “I’m excited and proud to see work getting underway in Luton today. This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the town as it gets ready to embrace and thrive in the digital age. We appreciate this is a huge build project and there will be some short-term disruption. However, once the network is built, our full fibre will serve the community’s connectivity needs for decades to come.”. Paul Alderton, Communications Director, at Instalcom says: “Instalcom are delighted to be undertaking the network build in Luton for CityFibre. Our civils teams, fibre installation teams and fibre termination and testing engineers will be working collaboratively with the CityFibre build team to ensure that the works are undertaken with minimal disruption. The Instalcom Management team have worked tirelessly during the mobilisation period to ensure that the program of works was produced and agreed in conjunction with Luton Borough Council. We are looking forward to a successful fibre build.”

Worcester Bosch gears up for 60th birthday celebrations with giveaway

In September 2022, Worcester Bosch reaches its 60th birthday. To celebrate 60 years of warming lives and homes in the UK, the company is launching ‘More than 60’, a new campaign which sees 60 prizes gifted to deserving recipients. The rewards range from brand new power tools and van wraps, to day-out experiences and new heating systems. The initiative is open to four different audiences: installers, Worcester heating system owners, community groups and the company’s own employees. Worcester Bosch is looking to give away the prizes to those within these groups who give back to others and, like the company, warm the lives of those around them in their own unique ways. For customers, the manufacturer is looking to reward those who naturally spread warmth with their actions and help others. For installers, Worcester Bosch is looking for those who went above and beyond for their customers, particularly during the uncertain times of the pandemic. For community groups run by volunteers, the company is looking to provide a new, reliable heating system to a deserving, underfunded space in the UK. Keeping on top of running and maintaining community spaces can be difficult, and Worcester Bosch hope its donation can ease some of these pressures. Finally, the company is asking its employees to nominate their colleagues who truly represent its purpose of warming lives in and outside of work. Victoria Billings, Director of Marketing at Worcester Bosch, comments, “We have gone through an incredible journey as a company over the last 60 years; and the one thing we have always aimed to do is warm lives. We want to recognise those who also warm lives in any way and who go that extra mile for others. “We’re looking forward to hearing the inspiring stories of those who are nominated.”

New fire protection enclosures with quick installation for cable junctions

Spelsberg has released a quick installation version of its fire-proof WKE cable junction box. The new WKE SL includes Wago tool-free cable terminals that save time for the installer. The junction boxes are rated to E30 circuit integrity class, meaning that they’ll provide functional integrity for at least 30 minutes for fire alarm systems, acoustic systems, emergency lighting and elevators with evacuation function. The new WKE SL enclosures feature screwless Wago TopJobS terminal blocks. With a flick of the thumb, the terminal connections are opened and the cable can be inserted and securely retained. This means tool-free use and makes cable installations much faster. With E30 fire protection, the enclosure can be used to protect cable junction boxes connecting to equipment that needs to be safely active in the initial phase of a fire. E30 class protection is suitable for circuits connecting alarm units and beacons, as well as emergency lighting. The new WKE SL cable junction boxes are rated up to 450 Vac and are available in three and five pole configurations. The boxes can accommodate cable coil cross sections from 0.5mm² up to 16mm², and each enclosure can take up to two or four cables. The outside diameters of the square enclosures are available in 115mm², 160mm², and 200mm². The enclosures are supplied with either two or three cable entry points and the appropriate cable glands are supplied. The enclosures are made from halogen-free special thermosetting plastic and are robust, rated to the high impact resistance IK08 certification. The boxes also meet IP66, making the units dust tight and providing protection against powerful water jets. The enclosures also meet the German VDE product standard. “The WKE range is long established to provide essential protection to electrical circuits in the event of a fire,” says Chris Lloyd, Spelsberg UK’s Managing Director. “The new WKE SL enclosures now make cable junction fitting even faster and easier in installation, with tool-free flick-up terminal connections. This makes it quick and easy to provide security for circuits that are relied on to protect lives when it matters.”

Two in three UK tradespeople are going greener in 2022

New research from Rated People reveals how UK tradespeople are adapting their businesses this year to be more environmentally friendly as homeowner demands for ‘eco home improvements’ like roof insulation, electric car charging points, and heat pumps goes through the roof. Uniquely placed with its own marketplace data, Rated People analysed more than 800,000 home improvement jobs posted by UK homeowners on its platform and spoke to over 600 tradespeople and 2,000 homeowners to conduct the study. It shows that almost two in three tradespeople (63%) will be making eco changes to their businesses and work in 2022, and 70% are planning to extend their skillset this year to take on more eco jobs. Four in five (81%) tradespeople think eco home improvements will be even more popular this year for homeowners and 43% of UK homeowners also said they would now be more likely to choose a tradesperson if they were environmentally friendly. So, there’s a big opportunity for tradespeople if they increase their green credentials this year. The top eight eco changes tradespeople are making in 2022: Improve recycling – 41% (of tradespeople will do this in 2022) Reduce waste – 34% Use environmentally friendly materials/ products – 27% Take jobs locally/ don’t travel too far for jobs – 27% Give more quotes remotely to cut down on driving – 25% Get an electric vehicle – 20% Use British parts where possible/ support other local businesses – 18% Use second hand parts where possible – 14% The Greenest Trades When looking at which trades are planning to make eco changes this year, more than four in five (85%) bathroom fitters are intending to be more environmentally friendly in 2022 – the most of any trade. And at least 55% of all the other trades in the top 10 are also looking to upgrade their practices to be more environmentally friendly this year. The top 10 trades making eco changes the most in 2022: Bathroom fitters – 85% (are going greener this year) Roofers – 75% Gardeners/ landscape gardeners – 68% Builders – 68% Electricians – 65% Carpenters/ joiners – 64% Painters and decorators – 62% Plumbers – 60% Plasterers/renderers – 59% Tilers – 55% Almost two in three tradespeople (63%) say their main motivation for making eco changes this year is because they care about the planet. An awareness of changing consumer preferences is also having an impact, with one in three (36%) of those who are making eco changes in 2022, saying they’re making changes because homeowners want businesses to be more environmentally friendly. Just 13% say they are doing it because their competitors are, so they feel they also need to. Eco Upgrade Opportunities for Tradespeople in 2022 When looking at the top 10 most popular eco adaptions for this year, the research shows UK homeowners are keen to invest in eco home technology. One in five are planning to have a smart meter installed, and given energy prices are increasing by around £700 a year on average for households, it’s easy to understand the motivation. One in five (19%) will also be installing smart lighting, 18% are upgrading old appliances for newer more energy efficient models, and one in six (18%) want to have solar panels installed. The top 10 eco improvements homeowners are planning to make in 2022: Installing a smart meter – 20% Draught proofing – 20% Installing smart lighting – 19% Extra insulation – 19% Upgrading old appliances – 18% Installing solar panels – 18% Installing a low flow toilet – 14% Installing double glazing – 13% Creating a compost pile – 13% Installing a smart thermostat – 13%

CityFibre introduces Chloe Smith MP to £50m full fibre works in Norwich

With construction of its new full fibre network for Norwich now well underway in the city, CityFibre welcomed Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North for a tour of the works, giving her a closer look at the £50m project. During the visit, Ms. Smith met representatives from CityFibre and was introduced to full fibre digital infrastructure, the best network technology currently available. She was also provided with demonstrations of the typical build process, including excavation and reinstatement. The project forms part of CityFibre’s up to £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme which will bring full fibre networks within reach of up to 8m homes and businesses across the UK. Speaking of the tour, Charles Kitchin, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Norwich, says: “It’s great to see such enthusiasm and excitement for the digital infrastructure that we’re building beneath the streets of Norwich. This new network will enable unbeatable homeworking and digital entertainment experiences. We look forward to giving residents more of a choice when it comes to connectivity. “Aside from the benefits it will bring to residents on a personal level, this new and improved digital network will drive a range of economic benefits for the whole city, such as making us more productive and innovative. As the world moves increasingly online, full fibre will future-proof Norwich and make it one of the best-connected communities in the UK.” Commenting on the progress of CityFibre’s £50m project, Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North, adds: “It was great to visit the team at CityFibre and learn more about the really extensive programme across the city that will allow Gigabit speed broadband services to be supplied to homes & businesses in Norwich North. “This full fibre network is a huge step forward in Norwich. It's never been more needed, and I am delighted to see such investment and commitment taking place in Norwich.” Construction is being delivered by Telec Networks on behalf of CityFibre. The team is using a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and the local community to deliver a fast rollout while minimising potential disruption.

Construction unemployment down 23% year-on-year

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, says: “Like most industries, UK construction took a massive hit during the pandemic and sadly thousands of workers found themselves unemployed. However, new data has revealed that the number of those without work in the sector is down 23% year-on-year, suggesting stability has started to return. “Between December 2021 and February 2022, there were 54,000 unemployed construction workers, which is 16,000 fewer than the year before. Last winter, the number reached 70,000, which was just shy of the COVID-19 peak of 75,000 (July to September 2020). “The recent drop of 4,000 is the sharpest decrease in unemployment in eight months. “Redundancies are also significantly down year-on-year. There were 5,000 over the winter, which is 44% fewer than the equivalent period 12 months ago (9,000). “With more people in the sector, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the average hours worked and earnings for each individual fell slightly, but they remain high. “Weekly earnings now stand at £680 on average, which is £13 less than a month before. However, the £693 figure reported in January is the highest since records began 22 years prior, and the February wage was still up 6% from last year. “Similarly, the average number of hours worked each week dropped a little from 35.2 to 35.1, but this is still 8% higher than 2021. “The drop in unemployment is fantastic news for UK construction and follows recent increases in the overall number of workers. This data hopefully suggests that we’re set for a positive summer, with plenty of opportunities for the excellent people working in the sector.”

Recolight’s Lighting Product Design for a Circular Economy workshop

Recolight’s first training workshop focusing on Lighting Product Design for a Circular Economy ran in London during April. The course was designed following feedback from the Recolight Circular Economy webinar series. They were told that the lighting industry needed to fully understand the Circular Economy, and how products can be designed to embed circularity. The one day in-person workshops do just that. They include practical guidance on circular design issues including design for long and extended use, upgradeability and reparability, replaceability, choice of materials, use of recycled raw materials, and design for recovery. The workshop includes hands-on case studies of products designed to circular economy principles. This is what some of the attendees for its first course had to say: “A great, informative workshop that de-mystified a lot of the industry’s movement towards a Circular Economy. The mix of delivered content and open discussion made for a truly productive day.” Says Graeme Stears, Technical Manager, LightGraphix. “With Circular Economy being such a fundamental part of our future, it’s important our industry collaborates to make change happen. Thank you to Recolight & F Mark for a valuable workshop, bringing together like-minded businesses and helping to navigate the way forward.” Comments Leighton James, Product & Marketing Director, TRILUX Lighting. “Both the presentation and associated discussion were engaging, informative and thought-provoking. The workshop provided a great snapshot of the general state of circularity in the lighting industry today, and the challenges and possible solutions for designing to improve that situation.” Says Mustanir Ali, Certification Manager, BSI. “A very informative and worthwhile day! Although the topic is massive in its importance and complexity it was delivered in a very logical, practical and thought-provoking way.” Concludes Gary Dettmar, Head of Architecture, TRILUX Lighting. The workshop is presented by Simon Fisher, founder and director of F Mark, a consultancy specialising in the design, development and engineering of lighting products and associated systems. The workshops, which are CPD accredited, will run again on 17 May - Birmingham, 7 June -Leeds, 14 June - London.

ECA responds to the government's Energy Security Strategy

The ECA has responded to the government’s Energy Security Strategy. While ECA broadly supports the government’s ambitions for solar and wind power, it urges government to focus first on energy efficiency, retrofitting our aging housing stock, and creating the right conditions for upskilling the electrotechnical workforce. ECA Energy Solutions Advisor Luke Osborne says: “The quickest route to energy security is to reduce our energy use by retrofitting our aging housing stock. By creating better incentives for energy efficient buildings, such as a home insultation scheme and an expansion of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include other low carbon, energy saving solutions, consumers would see an immediate reduction in fuel bills. These are solutions that are available now and can make a difference now. “Boosting oil and gas is not an acceptable short-term measure – energy efficiency is. The notion that we can delay our switch to low carbon energy by burning more fossil fuels in the interim is misguided, especially in light of the IPCC’s latest climate change report.” ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs Andrew Eldred comments: “Measures to encourage electricians to upskill are urgently needed as they are essential to delivering the ambitions set out in this strategy. Without a properly trained and qualified workforce, the UK cannot meet its low-carbon energy needs. “We urge the government to listen to the electrotechnical sector and focus its drive on giving competent firms and individuals the confidence to invest in low-carbon upskilling, as a starting point on our way to energy independence and net zero.” Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, says: “The JIB welcomes the arrival of the government’s eagerly anticipated Energy Strategy. The shift away from non-renewable energy sources towards a more sustainable future is vital if we are to meet the target of net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050. “The JIB will continue to work with industry bodies to ensure there is a trained, competent and skilled workforce in place to deliver a greener built environment.” The new strategy seeks to make the UK more self-sufficient by boosting domestic energy production. The government has said that, under the strategy, up to a quarter of the UK’s energy needs could be met using nuclear power by the year 2050. The strategy also aims for offshore wind to power all UK homes by 2030.

Hylec launches Debox 11 junction box for exterior and interior projects

Hylec has announced the launch of Debox 11, a versatile and robust IP66/IP67-rated surface-mounted junction box with a total of 10 cable entries and five 3–way lever connectors. Specifically designed for interior or exterior use on projects such as exterior lighting, outbuildings and anywhere exposed to water or dust ingress such as industrial environments, Debox 11 is the latest junction box to join Hylec’s Debox family. Like the rest of the Debox junction box family, Debox 11 saves electrical professionals’ installation time with its thoughtful, ergonomic design. Debox 11 features 10 cable entry points – two on each side and a further two in the base of the box. All have soft membrane covers, giving a quick puncture-entry self-sealing system rated to IP66. The eight side-entry points also have a M20 size threaded entry for cable glands, with no requirement for an internal locknut, giving a higher protection rating of IP67. Wires are easily and quickly connected into the five x 3-lever screwless connectors which are supplied with Debox 11. Minimum cable diameter is 3mm, maximum 12mm. Voltage maximum is 400V, 32A. Internally the five connectors are held securely by moulded mountings. Also, should the application require a PCB, Debox 11 has four PCB fixing posts in the base to take a PCB mounting plate. After inserting the wires, the Debox 11 lid is securely fastened with two included captive lid screws. For secure external fixing, Debox 11 offers two alternative convenient mounting methods: for internal fixing, there are four screw fixing points in the corners (which do not pierce the housing and therefore do not compromise the IP rating); or for external fixing, there are two unique fixing lugs located on the sides, which preclude the need for external mounting fixtures. The Debox 11 housing is manufactured from black, RAL9003 flame-retardant, impact-resistant polypropylene and is rated for use in temperatures ranging from -30degC to +100degC. Dimensions are 85mm wide x 85mm deep x 53mm high.

CityFibre receives Gold Award for high health and safety standards

CityFibre has received a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Health and Safety Award for working hard to ensure its staff and build partners operate in a safe environment. RoSPA Awards recognise world-leaders in health and safety practice, with 2,000 entrants every year vying to achieve the highest possible accolade. CityFibre earned the award for displaying its commitment to health and safety over the last 12 months, underpinning its commitment to the ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management Standard. The award highlights its culture to improve occupational health and safety from both an internal and external perspective. Examples of this include CityFibre’s recent and successful build partner safety forums, incident review boards and contractor continual improvement plans. This is CityFibre’s second consecutive RoSPA award, having earned the Bronze prize in 2021 for creating several measures aimed at mitigating occupational health and safety risks across the company and with build partners. The RoSPA awards come as CityFibre is rapidly scaling its nationwide build programme which is expected to be substantially completed by 2025. The Full Fibre network will address approximately a third of the UK market including at least eight million homes, 800,000 businesses, 400,000 public sector sites and 250,000 5G access points. Richard Thorpe, Chief Delivery Officer at CityFibre, says: “This award is a testament to our hard-working employees and build partners who continually strive to maintain the highest possible health and safety standards. “After winning Bronze last year, we were committed to redoubling our efforts to improve our standards even further, and we’re delighted that those commitments have now transferred into actions. “However, the learning never stops and as we continue to scale and accelerate our build programme, we will continue to prioritise health and safety to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved in building and operating our key piece of national infrastructure.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, comments: “This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment. All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. By receiving this recognition CityFibre join like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to health and safety. “I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award – congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive-up health and safety standards every day. You are a fantastic example to others in your sector.”