Develop Training officially opens its sixth training centre in Brentwood

Develop Training has now officially opened the doors to its sixth training centre in Brentwood, Essex. The new Brentwood-based centre is situated in the rural setting of Codham Hall and ran its first course, Gas Distribution for Managers, at the start of February. With centres opening in Birmingham, Ashford and Norfolk, and both the York and Derby centres undergoing extensive refurbishment, 2022 is expected to be one of the busiest years in the company’s 50-year history. All of Develop Training’s centres are purpose-built and set out to recreate real-life working environments, providing learners with the opportunity to learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of their training within well-managed, structured environments. Matthew Gray, Head of Operations & Training, says: "Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, we are continuing to grow and are set to rapidly expand our nationwide training provision throughout 2022. We are really looking forward to seeing our customers enjoy the benefits of all of our latest developments. “Our new centre in Brentwood is in the perfect location for those based in and around the London and Kent areas. The Gas Distribution for Managers course is the first in a wide variety of training Develop will be delivering from this centre covering a diverse course offering from mains gas, electric and water to streetworks (NRSWA) and confined spaces. This is an exciting time for Develop Training, and we are committed to ensuring we're able to offer training of the highest quality in locations that are convenient for our clients."

NAPIT educates industry on PRS Regulations in England

Frank Bertie, NAPIT’s Chief Technical Officer, reflects on the success of the NAPIT webinar series that provided support to landlords, letting agents and local authorities on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Regulations 2020.  Since early 2020, NAPIT has run a series of free webinars to provide details and an opportunity for questions on the Electrical Safety Standard in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.  In our most recent batch of webinars in November 2021 and January 2022, a total of 109 individuals from local authorities and 258 lettings agents and landlords joined the webinars. Over the whole period of running this webinar series, we have engaged with over 850 individuals from local authorities, letting agents and individual landlords. The webinars discussed topics such as understanding Electrical Safety Reports, known as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) within the trade, the meaning of a qualified and competent electrical contractor and how to find one, as well as a detailed overview of what the regulations require of both landlords and local authorities. The regulations require private landlords to have every electrical installation in their residential premises inspected and tested at intervals of no more than five years by a qualified and competent person. Commenting on NAPIT’s campaign, Kate Faulkner, Managing Director Propertychecklists.co.uk, says: "With new rules on electrical Regulations coming in over the last few years, it’s essential for landlords and agents to understand them – inside and out. NAPIT’s insightful and engaging presentations really explain things from their perspective, making it easier to understand how the regulations work and the duties that an agent and landlords must undertake. It’s wonderful to see NAPIT taking the time to raise awareness of the regulations and improve knowledge and understanding of individual landlords and agents." Feedback from the PRS webinar attendees showed 100% found the webinars were useful and easy to understand. Attendees noted that the webinars were ‘really helpful and informative’ and ‘speakers were clear and precise about the information provided’. Another attendee noted the webinars provided ‘an excellent overview of the new Regulations’.

OSRAM shines a light with range of powerful inspection lamps

OSRAM has launched four high powered inspection lamps, providing illumination of any hard-to-reach area, surface or room, making them perfect for electricians, no matter what the job. The lighting specialist recognises that trade professionals are often required to carry out intricate work in dimly lit areas, and has therefore developed these powerful lamps especially for professional use. The range provides an inspection lamp for any purpose. The LEDInspect Flood 20w is designed to provide wide and large-area lighting with its three light functions, including high, low and flashing. With a total of 44 LEDs and 20 watts of power it produces a bright white light of up to 2000 lumens with a colour temperature of up to 6000 Kelvin. With a rechargeable 11.1V 2000 mAh lithium battery, the unit will continue to shine a light in the darkest of environments, with an operating time of up to five hours on high power, 10 hours on low and 20 hours when flashing. For those requiring a less powerful inspection lamp with the same high quality features, there is the LEDInspect Flood 10w. Offering 25 LEDs, from 10 Watts and up to 6000 Kelvin. The lamp has a rechargeable 3.7V 4000 mAh lithium battery, with an operating time of up to five hours on high, 10 hours on low and 12 hours when flashing. If versatility and flexibility is a priority, then professionals should opt for the new LEDinspect PRO HELI 1000, as this multifunctional LED work lamp features an extraordinary design, with a tripod that can be extended up to 1.75m, and a multidirectional head, allowing the individual elements to be moved independently of each other. The integrated hook enables it to be hung anywhere. With two light functions, 57 LEDs, 10 Watts of power and up to 6000 Kelvin colour temperature it is sure to brighten up the tightest of spaces. With a rechargeable 3.7V 4000 mAh lithium battery, this multifunctional light provides an operating time of up to five hours on its high function and up to 10 hours on low. Flexibility is also a key feature in the design of the new LEDinspect PRO SPACE 1000, as it includes a multidirectional and multivariable lighting system with rotating, swivelling and removable individual elements. Designed with 36 LEDs in its main light and 2 x 12 LEDs in the side lights, the highly flexible lamp offers 10 Watts of power and up to 6000 Kelvin. All units are rechargeable with a 3.7V 3600 mAh lithium battery for the main light and 3.7V 1800 mAh lithium battery for the side light, providing an operating time of up to four hours on high, 10 hours on low and 12 hours when flashing. Working environments are prone to build up of dirt or dust, and therefore all of the lamps in OSRAM’s new range have the IP protection class IP54 and IK06, allowing professionals to rest assured that whatever lamp they choose is protected against the ingress of particles and against water splash, with a non-slip and dirt-repellent surface. It also means they are impact resistant, making them highly durable – a must when working on site. On-the-go working has also been considered in the design of these lamps, as they all contain an integrated angle stand and magnets for hands-free work and easy attachment, making them an ideal work lamp for any manual activity. As an added bonus, the LEDInspect Flood 20w, LEDInspect Flood 10w and LEDinspect PRO HELI 1000, can all be used as a power bank, as two USB connections are integrated. Perfect for charging your phone when working and on the go!

Scolmore helps disseminate Amendment 2 changes

Amendment 2 BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 of the wiring regulations came into effect on Monday 28 March 2022. As the industry gets to grips with the latest changes to the 18th Edition wiring regulations, Scolmore Group has offered its support to several of the industry’s key organisations as it embarks on a series of events to disseminate the changes to as wide an audience as possible. Scolmore Group is headline sponsor for ECA’s #Project18 Amendment 2 Roadshow, which aims to unpack the major changes and help electricians and contractors understand how the latest changes will affect them. The event is available exclusively to ECA members and will give attendees the opportunity to listen to ECA’s expert technical team who will discuss the changes, breaking down each part, what has changed and what these changes will mean for working practices and businesses. The Roadshow will visit seven towns and cities throughout the UK until May. It is a CPD certified event, and all attendees will be issued with a CPD certificate. At the same time, the UK's largest electrical wholesaler/supplier, CEF, is bringing free TechTalks to 31 locations across the UK to help its customers understand how the latest changes to the 18th Edition wiring regulations affect them. Scolmore Group has offered its full support to the event as one of the key sponsors. The series of TechTalks runs from the beginning of April to the middle of July. Scolmore Group was also a main sponsor of the NICEIC’s recent UK-wide tour which was timed to coincide with the release of Amendment 2. The free, CPD certified events were hosted by NICEIC technical experts and delivered a technical overview of the update with a question-and-answer session for contractors in attendance.

Brands to ‘pick and fuse from’ with ElectricalDirect’s catalogue

ElectricalDirect has released its latest catalogue, showcasing the key highlights from its range of over 12,000 stocked products for tradespeople to ‘pick and fuse from’. Perfect for browsing whilst on the go, the 2022 Spring / Summer Edition is available for free delivery, or to view directly from the retailer’s website. Packed with information on its key product lines as well as new additions to the line-up, the new catalogue features a wide range of products for professional electricians and contractors to choose from, including: JCC Lighting ElectricalDirect has added more commercial and domestic lighting solutions from JCC including fire rated downlights, bulkheads, floodlights, panels and accessories. A notable newcomer to the collection is the JCC Aluminium LED Floodlight, available in black or white 10W, 20W and 30W configurations. With an angled bracket for easy installation, this highly efficient floodlight features adjustable PIR detection and is IP65-rated for protection against dust and moisture. MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix Renowned for high quality and comprehensive range, ElectricalDirect stocks a huge selection of MK sockets and switches including the Logic Plus Rapid Fix socket that makes wiring projects up to 45% quicker thanks to its screwless terminal design. This game-changing 13Amp 2-gang product is backed with a 30-year manufacturer’s guarantee. FuseBox consumer units The new catalogue features a wide range from this innovative brand of circuit protection equipment. Visit ElectricalDirect’s website to view the entire collection of RCBOs, MCBs, RCSs and RCCBs, as well as consumer units and DIN rails. Carrie Earl, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect says: “We are pleased to introduce our latest catalogue as a useful tool for busy tradespeople to browse while on the go. With over 12,000 products in stock, the catalogue showcases some our key ranges, as well the latest products that we have introduced to ensure we continue to help professionals meet the different demands of each job.”

M-Tech records bumper start to 2022 with trio of new corporate client wins 

One of the North West’s leading electrical suppliers and installation companies has reported a record start to 2022 with a surge in demand for its services. M-Tech supplies electrical products and support services to a variety of corporate organisations across the region. The Bootle-based company was established in 2009 when it started out delivering domestic electric installation support services and has since evolved to work with large scale private sector organisations. Recent big business wins also include significant contracts with Liverpool One, plus leading social housing provider Torus and high street solicitors. The trio of new contracts put M-Tech on track for a record start to the year. M-tech Founder and Managing Director, James Winters says: "We are delighted with our new client wins as we expand business operations into the corporate sphere. The new business has helped us report the best start to a year since we launched in 2009 and puts us on a firm footing to have a highly successful 2022. "Of course, the pandemic did see business dip a little particularly with clients in the entertainment and leisure sectors but we're finally moving on from that as the economy opens again. These new client wins are a massive vote of confidence in the business. It is an exciting time for M-Tech." M-Tech employs 20 people from its Bootle headquarters and will launch an apprenticeship recruitment programme later this year.

Scolmore joins SELECT Associate Membership scheme

Scolmore has become the latest Associate Member of SELECT. Scolmore has joined a host of others signing up to the Associate Membership scheme launched by the campaigning trade body for the electrical sector in Scotland. As well as being eligible for a wide range of benefits, Associate Membership will also allow Scolmore to build beneficial relationships with SELECT’s 1,250 member businesses, who between them have an annual turnover of around £1 billion. Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, says: “We are delighted that a company of Scolmore’s prestige and reputation has been so keen to join our scheme, which is aimed squarely at encouraging partnerships that will benefit the whole electrical industry. “Designed to accommodate organisations who don’t meet the usual criteria of membership, the scheme gives some of the industry’s biggest names the opportunity to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body. “At the same time, it will allow us to build stronger relationships with organisations that can offer relevant and useful services to our members.” Barry Taylor, Sales Director for Scolmore Scotland and Northern Ireland comments: “We are proud to be associated with SELECT, an organisation which shares many of our values, as well as our dedication to skills, quality and technical expertise. “SELECT has been serving its member companies for more than a century and has a richly deserved reputation for being ahead of the curve when it comes to technical innovation, members’ interests and meaningful communication. “We hope to be able to expand and develop our relationship with SELECT’s 1,260 member companies in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.” The SELECT scheme (which was formally launched on 1 January) is open to service providers, manufacturers and any other commercial organisations related to the electrical industry. They do not have to be UK-based and may have a European or international remit. Among the benefits are a prominent logo and biography on a dedicated section of the SELECT website, networking and promotional opportunities, the chance to host webinars and events and the ability to promote goods and services via a wide range of member communications. Iain adds: “SELECT has always been a strong advocate of collaboration and cooperation within the construction sector and we believe this new initiative will allow our existing members and new Associate Members like Scolmore to enhance and expand their networks to everyone’s benefit.”

Power up with Makita

Makita is offering end users the chance to get their hands on a FREE MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio, MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMax Worklight with the purchase and registration of selected XGT 40VMax machines. Makita’s XGT 40VMax range has been designed to offer tradespeople the high output, durability and fast charge times needed for regular professional use. From 1st April 2022 until 30th September 2022, Makita is offering end users the chance to expand their XGT collection with its latest on-line redemption offer. This redemption deal is available to those who purchase XGT 40VMax machines (supplied with two batteries and a charger - body only models are not included), spanning across both construction and outdoor power equipment. Qualifying products include twin kits, demolition hammers, rotary hammers, combi drills, circular saws, mitre saws, angle grinders, vacuum cleaners and dust extractors – as well as hedge trimmers, brush cutters, line trimmers and more. When purchasing a qualifying XGT machine, users can simply register it online to redeem either the MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio (compatible with LXT, XGT and CXT batteries), or MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMAX Worklight. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “Our XGT 40VMax range provides end users working across all trades with a selection of machines that they can rely on to tackle higher-demand applications with ease. Our new redemption offer is ideal for those looking to expand their existing XGT kit – or those looking to introduce XGT into their armoury.” To qualify for the redemption offer, qualifying models must be purchased from 1st April 2022 to 30th September 2022 and registered online within 28 days.

Class, comfort and control: C.K Tools launches new products

C.K Tools is continuing its promise to produce high quality tools that meet the most demanding needs of trade professionals, with new offerings and updates across its crimpers and wire strippers. The hand tool specialist’s new Modular Crimper 8P (T3853), Automatic Wire Stripper Pro (T3943) and improved two-component handles across both products and their accompanying ranges, will ensure every trade professional has the highest-class product for the job, with improved comfort and control. [gallery columns="2" ids="30450,30451"] The pass-through Modular Crimper 8P (T3853) The biggest headache when working with 8P Modular Plugs? Getting extremely thin wires cut to the correct lengths and inserted in the correct sequence to ensure no missed connections at the point of crimping – and a poorly designed crimper never helps the situation. Not only do C.K Tools’ new crimpers include a deadlock system and high compression for easy, safe and precise crimping of 8P Pass Through Modular Plugs, they also cut, strip and trim wires making them the perfect multi-tool for the job. The crimpers have been produced with precision engineered dies and made from carbon alloy steel for strength and durability; combined with 40,000 test cycles and you’ve got a quality crimper you can trust to deliver safe connections every time. Moreover, they also come with a new, unique two-component handle which is more comfortable to use and enables you to apply more efficient pressure without the fear of hand strain. Extra crimper comfort across the whole range And that two-component handle now also features across C.K Tools’ entire crimper range thanks to the multiple benefits the new design provides. Providing greater ergonomic support and combined with an auto-stop ratchet system which releases when the correct pressure is applied, the unique handle design ensures reliability, accuracy and more importantly protection for muscles and joints from the over-application of compression. [gallery columns="2" ids="30452,30453"] Strip away with ease C.K Tools' Automatic Wire Stripper Pro (T3943) is giving tradespeople a reason to add it to their tool bags. With extended stripping capacity and automatic adjustments from 0.05-8mm², the Automatic Wire Stripper Pro now also features C.K Tools’ new two-component handle for fatigue-free wire stripping. The handles are also shatterproof so can withstand the toughest of working environments and new hardened and fully replaceable stainless-steel blades ensure reliability and efficiency, enabling long-term use of the stripper.

MEGAMAN launches new Performa and Essentials fixture range

MEGAMAN has launched two distinct LED fixture ranges: Performa and Essentials. Integrating existing solutions with some of its latest product launches, the two ranges have been designed to provide a flexible lighting portfolio for various indoor and outdoor applications. For adaptable, high-performance fixture solutions, Performa combines quality materials with added value features. With motion sensors, emergency compatibility, dual beam technology (DBT) and colour change technology (CCT), performance is paramount for all products in the Performa range. For cost-effective, everyday products, Essentials should be the go-to for contractors and wholesalers alike. Providing reliability over innovation, Essentials solutions deliver in terms of cost and results for both retrofit and new-build installations. The two ranges feature integrated LED downlights, battens, high bays and bulkheads, as well as floodlights and panels. TEMPUS emergency lighting systems are also available in both ranges (with self-testing, high performance products available from Performa) providing a complete lighting solution for every application. “By introducing Performa and Essentials, we are offering customers greater choice; making it easier to find the right fixture depending on budget and requirements,” comments Micaela Abbott, National Sales Manager at Megaman. “We have developed the ranges in response to the needs of our customers in an ever-changing market with the aim to make life easier for our wholesaler partners and contractors alike.”