Dickies celebrates 100th anniversary with Made in Dickies campaign

Dickies turns 100 with the launch of a new marketing campaign, Made in Dickies. For a century, the Dickies brand has been worn around the world by ordinary people making extraordinary things. The artists, builders, farmers, plumbers, skaters, welders (the makers) deserve to be celebrated. The Made in Dickies campaign sets out to show the world that these people, their work and stories, often left untold, can be iconic. The Made in Dickies campaign will kick off by debuting digital, social and short-form video content on multiple platforms throughout North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Content will feature four real world individuals that encapsulate the Dickies brand: Michelle Cross, long-haul truck driver; LuLu Salas, farmer; Colleen Winfough, restaurant server; Jo Limmori, electrician and Maurice Dedeaux, cleaner. The campaign’s creative elements are geared toward celebrating 100 years of Dickies through the individuals that not only built the brand, but the world in which we live. “Reaching this major milestone has led us to evaluate and examine what has made Dickies a household name for 100 years,” says Denny Bruce, Global Brand President, Dickies. “Dickies represents more than just clothing. The brand embodies hardworking people around the world and has transcended into a unique position of cultural relevance. This anniversary represents not only the evolution of Dickies thus far, but the people who’ve made the brand what it is today.” To amplify the Made in Dickies campaign, Dickies will launch several global consumer activations throughout 2022, marking the brand’s heritage in workwear and its adoption into the lifestyle market through a 100th celebratory collection, a documentary, a limited-edition collectible, and a premium digital shopping experience. Community-focused documentary: In partnership with Vice TV, Dickies will unveil a community-focused documentary profiling subcultures and communities across the U.S. that do not quite make into history books but actively honour their heritage while holding on to their legacy. Special edition book: Artist and illustrator, Lucas Beaufort, has hand painted custom illustrations over top of archival imagery featuring iconic apparel, workers and vintage advertising for a limited-edition book celebrating Dickies from 1922 through today. Digital Maker Marketplace: Dickies will launch the brand’s first ever digital maker marketplace, allowing consumers access to a curated selection of Dickies’ most iconic products, reworked and reimagined by newly established creatives.

ECS welcomes Trevor Jenks on to Steering Committee

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is delighted to welcome Trevor Jenks on to its Steering Committee. Trevor is the National Training Manager for the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and he has been a main player in security and fire training since 1986. As well as being a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development (MCIPD), Trevor represents SSAIB on the national Trailblazer body and various sub-committees – in addition to working as a systems auditor. Trevor has been involved with the work of ECS for a number of years and was part of the group which updated the standards for Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) operatives and technicians, including recognition of the apprenticeship routes in England and Northern Ireland and the development of Experienced Worker Assessments. The ECS Steering Committee ensures the strategic outlook for the scheme and each representative volunteers their time and expertise to ensure not only that standards are being improved where applicable, but also that ECS is positioned well for the future, adopting the right technology and working collaboratively with industry for a safer built environment. Representatives on the committee come from a range of organisations spanning the entire electrotechnical industry, including contractors and electricians together with representatives from Unite, ECA, SELECT, IET, Electrical Safety First, SSAIB and the HSE. Trevor says: “It is a great honour for me to be appointed on to the ECS Steering Committee and I look forward to helping it continue with its vital work in making the electrotechnical sector a safer and fairer environment for anybody who operates within it.” Phil Wilbraham, Chair of the ECS Steering Committee, comments: “With his illustrious track record and industry experience Trevor is a fantastic addition to the ECS Steering Committee and I am delighted to welcome him on board. His wealth of knowledge and commitment to the cause will add to the committee’s increasing combined strength and help us on our journey to achieving our objectives.”

NAPIT makes contribution to Ukraine refugee crisis

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been deeply concerning to us all. As thousands of people are forced to leave their homes and life as they know it to flee the war in Ukraine, NAPIT says its thoughts continue to be with those affected by this crisis. To help contribute to the global relief efforts underway, NAPIT recently donated generous funds to the British Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. As well as a company donation, staff at NAPIT’s Head Quarters in Mansfield have organised a collection of emergency items for the refugees. The collection was delivered to Premier Movers in Tuxford which is arranging transportation of the donations to Poland. As part of the donations gathered, Credenhill Compression Hosiery donated 3750 face masks. NAPIT Group Chief Executive, Mike Andrews, comments, “The situation in Ukraine is devastating and as a company who promote values of integrity and teamwork, we wanted to contribute to support those affected by this crisis. The separate collection efforts from our staff have been tremendous and I’m proud the whole team at NAPIT share the same principles. We can only hope for a quick end to this conflict”.

Toolstation and VIY help refurbish Middleton Select Amateur Boxing Club

Toolstation has announced its fourth tie-up with the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), helping to fund refurbishment of the Middleton Select Amateur Boxing Club. The project will bring brand new, improved changing facilities to the boxing club, aiming to attract new community members and help boost their revenue. The project saw 18 volunteers, aged between 14-24 years old, the majority of whom are disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training, help to improve the club facilities. The renovation included adding new toilets and showers, upgrading the changing rooms, and building an accessible bathroom, which was not available before the refurbishment began. The female changing facilities were a key focus as part of the refurbishment project, to help female athletes have more accessibility when engaging in local sports clubs. 16 of the volunteers earned an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds Accreditation in painting and decorating and health and safety. These volunteers were sourced from local community groups in the area, including: Bowlee Community Association Bridgeability Disabled Football Newman RC College Oldham Middleton ABC volunteers Cardinal Langley RC School Spring Lane School Bury Bury & Rochdale Youth Service In total the group spent 25 days on the project, learning new hands-on skills and gaining meaningful work experience. The City & Guilds accreditations, skills training, and mentoring of the volunteers were funded by Toolstation. The initiative is helping more young people learn DIY and trade skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry. Greg Richardson, Head of Marketing at Toolstation says: “We’re delighted to continue our support of the VIY team by helping refurbish a fantastic sporting community space in Middleton. This project will encourage young people to develop confidence and learn practical trade and building skills and earn a qualification.” Tim Reading, CEO and Founder of VIY says: "This project has been a great example of how VIY enables young people to gain trade skills and employment outcomes whilst helping to transform a sporting community space they use and benefit from" Martyn Lynch, Head Boxing Coach, Middleton Select Amateur Boxing Club says: "Thanks to VIY, Toolstation and the volunteers for improving our club. They’ve refurbished our shower and toilet facilities and upgraded our changing rooms, which we desperately needed. Watching the Trade Mentors inspire the young people and give them the confidence to roll their sleeves up to help out, was really humbling."

Lighting industry association underwrites Knightsbridge with accreditation

Knightsbridge has become a Lighting Industry Association Quality Assurance (LIAQA) assured company for domestic luminaires, commercial luminaries and emergency luminaires. Similar to the ISO 9001 standard for quality management, the LIAQA scheme is a lighting-focussed QA mark which  assesses a member's quality systems and its compliance to regulatory requirements. The LIA’s stated mission is to “develop the quality, safety and performance of the UK lighting industry”, and the LIAQA assured company mark means that Knightsbridge has successfully demonstrated that its systems guarantee quality and product compliance with all relevant legislative requirements.

ECA launches Amendment 2 Roadshow

ECA is launching its member-exclusive series of CPD presentations and events: the #Project18 Amendment 2 Roadshow. The Roadshow, headline sponsored by Scolmore, features live, interactive stage presentations and Q&A sessions that unpack and explain the major changes to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. The first ECA Roadshow takes place today at Mercedes Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey with further events scheduled as follows: • Bristol: Wednesday 30 March at Ashton Gate Stadium • Swansea: Friday 1 April at Liberty Stadium • Leeds: Monday 25 April at Royal Armouries Museum • Manchester: Wednesday 27 April at Old Trafford • London: Tuesday 10 May at America Square • Leicester: Thursday 12 May at the National Space Centre ECA Director of Membership Helen Atkinson says: “ECA member businesses attending these events will benefit from learning about the updates to BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2 from ECA’s technical experts, as well as meeting with other staff and Members. “There is also a mini-exhibition where our industry sponsors will provide valuable information and networking opportunities.” ECA Technical Director Mike Smith comments: “Amendment 2 represents the biggest set of updates to the 18th Edition since its publication. Our Technical team is delighted to share their knowledge and expertise once again through CPD-accredited stage presentations and interactive Q&A sessions. “We encourage Members who haven’t booked already to visit our website and find out when the Roadshow will be coming to a venue near them. We look forward to seeing you there!” Significant changes in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 include: • A new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in some AC final circuits for installations in some types of higher risk residential buildings. • The requirement for the fire safety design of buildings to be documented where specific conditions of external influence exist, such as protected escape routes and locations with risk of fire. • A new method for determining the requirement to provide overvoltage protection. • Changes to identification, labels and notices, such as for consumer units, affecting how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation. • A new chapter on Prosumer Low Voltage Electrical Installations, in a new part, Part 8.

Tradeston Bridge lighting upgrade signals a brighter future

Signify has enhanced Glasgow’s Tradeston Bridge with dynamic, sustainable, connected lighting. The newly illuminated pedestrian and cycle bridge spans the river Clyde, connecting the Tradeston and Broomielaw districts, and was seen as part of the backdrop to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last year. The lighting project was delivered by Glasgow City Council as part of the ‘Clyde Waterfront and West End Innovation Quarter’ programme, which will deliver £113.9M capital investment and regenerate the river corridor as a desirable urban quarter that attracts jobs, investment and contributes to regional economic growth. The newly illuminated bridge will aid the regeneration of Tradeston, connecting the new Barclays Glasgow Campus to the city’s financial district on the West side of the city centre, encouraging increased footfall on the bridge, attractiveness of the area for businesses, citizens and visitors and in turn boosting the local economy. A fresh new lighting design complements the bridge’s eye-catching, wave-like structure and form. The handrail has been fitted with custom stanchion lighting using Color Kinetics' LED lighting products from Signify. The system is connected to Signify’s Interact Landmark software application, which controls the lights from a central dashboard and offers the ability to monitor and manage performance and outages from a single, secure dashboard. The entire project has been delivered in partnership with Lightways who are specialists in providing all types of exterior lighting throughout Scotland. The project includes a five-year lifecycle package, managed through Interact Landmark Lighting Asset Management that enables remote and on-site maintenance, along with energy savings through regular system optimisation. Interact Landmark Scene Management provides the ability to programme and manage dynamic light shows remotely, enabling the scene to be changed to suit the season, festival, or event. “Light is one of the most powerful means of breathing new life into cities and towns, heralding a new era of urban design and beautification. The new installation at Tradeston Bridge combines cutting-edge design and sustainable LED technology, that ensures energy efficiency, connectivity and innovation,” comments Stephen Rouatt, CEO, Signify UK & Ireland.

Duceri 4-in-1 slimline emergency exit box from ESP

The Duceri emergency lighting range from ESP offers installers and designers a comprehensive range of independently tested products which combine high performance with ease of installation. The Duceri 4-in-1 maintained slimline exit box is manufactured from polycarbonate to offer a compact and lightweight alternative to the traditional steel exit boxes and it is supplied with all directional PVC legends (up, down, left and right). It features a 3W LED lamp, with 45 lumen maintained light output and 34 lumen emergency output and offers a viewing distance of 29m. In addition, the fitting has a separate LED lamp on the base of the unit to illuminate the area immediately below for extra light distribution. Also available in the range are 4-in1 exit signs, 4-in-1 maintained exit signs and 4-in-1 hanging exit signs, which are both supplied with interchangeable, double-sided directional legends to assist with installation and stock considerations. The fittings each feature a 3W LED lamp, with 60 lumen maintained light output and offer a view distance of 24m. The hanging sign can be adjusted up to 650mm from the base. These 4-in1 products all offer three hours emergency duration, with charge and discharge protection, and a vibrant green LED battery charge indicator. The fittings have been tested to meet BS EN 60598-2-22 Standards (requirements for emergency luminaires).

Graeme Rees outlines his objectives as the new President of the BCIA

After taking over from Terry Sharp, Graeme Rees has outlined some of the key issues he would like to address during his tenure as President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA). With the roll-out of the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship a significant landmark of Mr Sharp’s two years at the helm, Mr Rees is keen to build on the foundation of that and use it to help solve the skills shortage, as well as improving the industry’s gender balance. He says: “The skills shortage is one problem that can’t be ignored as in an ever-changing world it’s imperative that we continue to facilitate a steady flow of skilled individuals into the BEMS industry. The nurturing of fresh talent is also something we must continue to push and I would encourage our members to explore the multiple benefits of taking on an apprentice where feasible. This also ties into the ongoing challenge of improving the gender balance and looking at what we can do to attract more female engineers and employees.” Graeme is also keen to embrace the increasing presence of Master Systems Integrators (MSIs) and the role they can play in the UK’s mission to meet its net zero target, commenting: “It is no real surprise to see the role of the Master Systems Integrators becoming more prominent. MSIs have become essential partners for many building owners and developers as there are clearly multiple benefits to be had through their engagement. Their increasing popularity will no doubt pose challenges to the more traditional building controls providers, but often with challenges also come opportunities that help drive the evolution of our industry.” Greater member engagement is another issue that Graeme hopes to drive forward, as he adds: “Ongoing, regular engagement with our members is the only way in which we can achieve real progress and accomplish our goals. Our Marketing, Technical and Skills Working Groups are where a lot of important discussions take place and what starts off as a small idea contributed at our meetings can grow into an industry-changing initiative - the Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme being a perfect example.” This year the BCIA is expanding upon its successful annual BCIA Awards evening by inviting all members and their guests to attend the first ever BCIA Annual Conference entitled; Building Controls - Addressing the needs of a changing industry. Graeme concludes: “The agenda includes prominent guest speakers and workshop sessions covering a wide range of developments and policies which impact the building controls sector, and I encourage all those with connections to our industry to attend.”

Makita puts the power in your hands

Makita has expanded its XGT 40VMax range of machines to offer professional users even more high-power products to aid their efficiency and productivity on site. LS003G XGT 40VMax 305mm brushless slide compound mitre saw The new LS003G has been designed for high precision and consistent smooth cutting. It has an LED lamp that casts a helpful shadow of the saw blade onto the workpiece, acting as an accurate cutting line. The LS003G delivers an impressive no-load speed of up to 3,600rpm and has a maximum mitre range of 60° to 60° (L-R) and bevel range of 48° to 48° (L-R). For maximum versatility, the LS003G’s rail forward design means that the rear of the machine can be placed close to the wall, and the subbase supports a wide workpiece. For improved safety, the LS003G also features Makita’s Auto Start Wireless System that automatically connects the LS003G to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth so that when the machine is in use, the dust extractor automatically runs. AS001G XGT 40VMax brushless dust blower The AS001G is an incredibly versatile machine and can be used across a range of tasks including tool maintenance and cleaning, inflating and deflating inner tubes, blowing dust away from equipment and cleaning air conditioner filters thanks to its blower and vacuum modes. For increased usability, it delivers a maximum air volume of 1.1m3/min, sealed suction of 10.3kPa and air pressure of 20.6kPa. With four air volume options to choose from and one touch nozzle replacement, it is easy to adjust the tool to suit the task in hand. The AS001G also includes a filter to prevent foreign matter from being sucked in and damaging the tool. VC001GL and VC003GL XGT 40VMax L-Class dust extractors With Makita’s powerful XGT 40VMax technology at their core, the VC001GL and VC003GL dust extractors deliver impressive output that is equivalent to corded alternatives. Both machines can house two XGT 40VMax batteries so that when the first battery runs out of charge, the second one automatically kicks in to keep the machine running for longer. To improve productivity further, the VC001GL and VC003GL have large tank capacities of 8 litres and 15 litres, preventing the need to regularly down tools to empty the dust bag. With numerous power options available, including ‘high power’ and ‘quiet’ modes, users can easily select the most appropriate setting for the application. The VC001GL and VC003GL can also be used for both wet and dry vacuum cleaning, providing professionals with a solution for every job. For wet vacuuming, the machines benefit from IPX-4 water resistance rating. The VC001GL and VC003GL’s quiet operation means they can be used in occupied premises with minimal disruption to the building’s occupants. CW001G XGT 40VMax Cooler/Warmer Box The CW001G is the perfect jobsite companion. This 20 litre cooler and warmer box has seven temperature settings ranging from -18oC up to 60oC, to either cool or warm food and drink items, for year-round usability. It also features a bottle opener and USB output port for charging mobile devices. For ease of transportation, the CW001G has large 100mm caster wheels and a carry handle with grips for added comfort. The CW001G can be powered by four sources, so it can be easily added to any tradesperson’s Makita collection. Users can choose from using their XGT or LXT batteries, or a car DC utility socket, or an AC adapter. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “At Makita, we are dedicated to offering tradespeople a wide range of cordless solutions to suit any job or on-site need. Our XGT range of products are ideal for those looking expand their existing Makita cordless toolkits with a selection of even more powerful models suited to higher demand applications.”