Recolight announce Circular Economy Webinars for 2022

Recolight have confirmed dates for five new webinars in 2022, aimed at helping the lighting industry adopt circular economy principles. The webinars this year seek to move the focus from what needs to be done, to what’s being done now. Together with Ray Molony, who will chair the sessions Recolight have invited leading specialists from across the lighting industry to present. Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey comments: “I am delighted that so many sustainability leaders from across our sector have agreed to present on the webinars. We hope that they will provide insights in how to become more circular, the impetus for lighting manufacturers to make the change, and the inspiration for end users to properly prioritise circularity in their specifications.” The webinars, designed for lighting industry, will look at what is being achieved to move to a more sustainable business model: How to be a sustainable lighting manufacturer- 24 March Innovations in sustainability: 6 lights for a circular future- 28 April Remanufacturing: How to rebuild a light fitting- 9 June Your guide to lighting regs 2022- 20 September Sustainable lighting projects: Making it happen in the real world- 20 October Ray Molony adds: “Over the last two years, our Circular Economy webinar series has been attended by over 1000 individuals from the lighting industry and beyond. To create the programme for 2022 we held workshops with panellists from previous events and reviewed key threads arising from each webinar. The result is another series that will spotlight good practice in luminaire and project design, and great sustainability in lighting manufacture.” All webinars are free to join, with the opportunity to put questions to the panels. CPD registration is being sought for all five events.

Kidde Safety Europe launches redesigned carbon monoxide alarms

Kidde Safety Europe has launched a redesigned range of battery powered carbon monoxide (CO) alarms certified to the latest EN product standards. Kidde’s entire range of battery powered CO alarms is Kitemark approved by the British Standards Institution and complies with EN 50291-1:2018, which replaces the 2010 revision. “The launch of an updated range of CO alarms that are compliant with the latest EN standards ensures the highest level of safety while making it easier for customers to find a high-quality CO alarm,” says Marco van Hooren, General Manager, Carrier Residential Fire Europe and Kidde Safety Europe. “Protection from CO has never been more of a focus. The update to our range of CO alarms comes at an important time when there are also legislative changes being made to increase the safety of homes through mandatory alarms, a change that is important for protecting the public.” The new Kidde battery powered CO alarm range includes updated versions of its popular products and all include Kidde’s proprietary electrochemical CO sensor, which provides continuous monitoring of CO levels. The proven Kidde sensor is also designed and tested for a 10-year lifespan, longer than many other alarms on the market, ensuring confidence and long-term peace of mind. In line with the new requirements of EN 50291-1:2018, which apply in the UK, all the products feature an ‘End-of-Life’ indicator that provides the occupant with a warning when the CO alarm sensor is reaching the end of its service life and must be replaced, typically 10 years. As stipulated in the updated standard, this warning consists of both a warning chirp and flashing LED lights to provide both audible and visual alerts. In addition, the Kidde K5DCO, K7DCO and K10LLDCO alarms all feature digital displays to show the current CO level, with the option to view the peak recorded CO level from 11 to 999 parts per million (ppm). For added simplicity and reassurance, the K10LLDCO and K10LLCO models are powered by sealed-in lithium batteries, so users will not need to replace the batteries for the life of the alarm. The K7CO and K7DCO also meet the requirements of EN 50291-2:2019 and are suitable for the additional environmental conditions that might be encountered in boats, caravans or campervans.

BCIA President Terry Sharp reflects on an eventful two years in the role

As Terry Sharp prepares to step down as BCIA President he has taken time to reflect on his two years at the helm of the organisation that represents the UK’s Building energy Management Systems (BEMS) sector. Terry replaced Jon Belfield as President in March 2020 and just a few weeks later the UK went into lockdown with the outbreak of COVID-19. This set the tone for an unprecedented difficult period which Terry would help the BCIA and its members adapt to. He says: “It is only when we are presented with an unexpected challenge that we really discover what we are capable of, and as the world in general got used to the idea of lockdowns, working from home, online meetings, social distancing, self-isolation, track-and-trace and everything else that COVID brought with it, we at the BCIA also learned what we could do in testing circumstances.” As the BCIA adopted a ‘business as usual’ approach some changes were of course unavoidable and its full programme of training was quickly moved online, as were meetings, seminars and even tradeshows. The much-celebrated BCIA Awards event was also held virtually for the first time ever and Terry believes it was a great example of the ability of BCIA members to respond and adapt in adverse circumstances: “Not being able to hold a live event was disappointing not just for me but for any individual or company nominated for an award. That said, the enthusiasm and determination to still make it a night to remember from everybody who attended the event virtually showed the building controls industry in a really positive light.” Terry also believes the lockdown periods have shined a spotlight on buildings that aren’t running as efficiently as they could be, and hopes that some important lessons have been learned for the future. He explains: “With so many commercial buildings being left largely unoccupied, it really gave an insight into how unprepared many businesses were in terms of managing their premises efficiently during these periods and in general. This has underlined the importance of good communication between facilities managers and controls specialists to ensure a building is performing to its maximum efficiency as well as serving the needs of its occupants.” With training and skills development playing a big part in the BCIA’s key objectives, Terry says his proudest moment as President was the long-awaited arrival of the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship, saying: “Its official launch in April 2021 was the result of more than four years of hard work by the Trailblazer Employer Group, which included a number of BCIA members. I believe this apprenticeship programme will go a long way in responding to the sector’s skills shortage and heralds a bright future for the industry.” Terry concludes: “I would like to thank everybody for their hard work and assistance during what has been an unpredictable two years for reasons outside of our control. Your continued efforts have played a big part in enabling the BEMS sector to continue to thrive.”

'Light place. Right time' delivery from ElectricalDirect

ElectricalDirect has expanded its Click & Collect service to offer tradespeople a choice of 6,500 pick up points nationwide. The move forms part of the retailer’s commitment to offering flexible and convenient delivery options for customers on its range of over 12,000 stocked products, including a huge range of lighting solutions. The growing network of Click & Collect pick-up points offers even more options for tradespeople looking to reduce delays on site and schedule orders around project lead times, with quick access to the products they want, when they want them. With pick up points in shops including Sainsburys, Halfords, Matalan and Co-op, as well as Doddle at key railway stations and Select local convenience stores, ElectricalDirect customers can simply select their Click & Collect option at the checkout for next day delivery within five miles of their home or worksite. The Click & Collect service is just one of the delivery options offered by the specialist retailer, with next day delivery available for orders placed online by 9pm, as well as same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says: “We are committed to offering tradespeople a wide choice of delivery options, so that they can choose their most convenient delivery address, whether it be home, their workplace, or a collection point near to their job site. As a specialist supplier, we are focused on going beyond the standard delivery service to include flexible and useful alternatives such as our 9pm order cut off time, Sunday deliveries, and now even more Click & collect pick up points – all designed to help professionals reduce delays on site and deliver projects as efficiently as possible.”

MPs salute Alarm Ambassadors campaign as Westminster group backs initiative

An influential group of MPs has backed the new initiative by SELECT in which free heat, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are being installed for some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. The Alarm Ambassadors campaign, sponsored by Aico, has crossed political and geographical boundaries to earn praise from the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG). After tweeting its support, APPCOG said it was impressed by the practical nature of the campaign, which was launched last month (February) and has already seen qualified electrical professionals fit free alarm systems in selected homes. John McNally, MP for Falkirk, the SNP’s Shadow Environment spokesman at Westminster and a member of the all-party group, says: “Our group seeks to push the vital issue of carbon monoxide safety up the political agenda and this campaign by SELECT and its partners is a great contribution to that cause. “Proper carbon monoxide protection is a keystone of safety in the home and anything which keeps the issue at the forefront of people’s minds is to be recognised, welcomed and encouraged.” Mr McNally is currently preparing to carry out a goodwill initiative of his own, distributing 50 carbon monoxide alarms donated by gas company SGN to people in his constituency. He adds: “Carbon monoxide is the silent killer and our group includes people who have tragically been affected by this issue, some of whom have lost loved ones “Raising public awareness of the threat posed by carbon monoxide is a major public safety matter and the Alarm Ambassadors campaign helps to do just that.” APPCOG Chair Barry Sheerman, Labour (Co-op) MP for Huddersfield, comments: “We stand four-square behind the SELECT and Aico campaign and we applaud this initiative wholeheartedly. “We also understand the need, emphasised in the Alarm Ambassadors initiative, for good quality products to be used in home installations, and the importance of ensuring that they are fitted by qualified and certified electrical professionals. “One death from carbon monoxide poisoning is one death too many. It’s imperative that people protect themselves in line with the new Scottish Government legislation which came into effect on February 1.” The Alarm Ambassadors campaign has already seen free domestic alarm systems provided to vulnerable, elderly and disabled people identified by Care and Repair Scotland, the charity which helps householders improve or adapt their home. APPCOG will host a meeting on March 10 at which Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, Tony Boyle, Relationships Manager at Aico and Robert Thomson, National Director of Care and Repair Scotland, will deliver a presentation about the initiative. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says: “APPCOG has carried out enormously valuable work in the field of carbon monoxide education and protection and it is gratifying that it recognises our own efforts in Scotland. “This will give another great fillip to our teams who are working so hard to get the home safety message across to the widest number of people as the new Scottish Government regulations come into force.”

Magdalene has been selected as a supplier for SSEN

Magdalene have recently been awarded a framework contract to provide design and project delivery services linked with the ongoing upgrade of SSEN’s Transmission and Distribution telecommunications network infrastructure which extends across North of Scotland, Scottish Islands, as well as central southern England. Magdalene will undertake a range of activities linked with the delivery of SSEN’s Operational Telecommunication capital build programme which will encompass design, multi-vendor equipment supply, fibre and cabling infrastructure renewal works and communications network implementation. The framework contract will support SSEN Transmission’s RIIO-T2 planned communication upgrade programme. In addition, the contract will be supporting the remaining RIIO-ED1 investment period as well as the forthcoming RIIO-ED2 investment period for SSEN’s two distribution businesses in the north of Scotland and central southern England. SSEN’s Gavin McBain, SSEN OT Fixed Link & Data Network Manager says: “Operational telecommunications is fundamental to the effective and efficient operation of our electricity network and increasingly, will be key to enabling net zero and a green recovery.” Magdalene Managing Director Mark Turner adds: “We are delighted to be a framework partner to SSEN. This contract award underpins our future growth and demonstrates further advancement of our strategy in the utilities sector. Furthermore, it reinforces the continued trust that customers have in Magdalene and our recognised ability in delivering key Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) based telecom services in the UK utility space. “This is also a significant contract win for the wider M Group Services’ Telecom Division strategy, while the delivery will be led by Magdalene, it will also draw upon the operational capability of the wider Division and be further supported by the Group’s experience and expertise within the UK utility sector.”

Seaward wins apprenticeship Employer of the Year award

An electrical test and measurement company has been named one of North East England’s best providers of adult apprenticeship training. Seaward has been crowned ‘Employer of the Year’ by MTC Training, which is a commercial unit of Sunderland University with responsibility for delivering a range of apprenticeship training courses to local companies. The achievement follows Seaward’s decision to invest in adult apprentices in recent years to help upskill its workforce, improve its commercial operations and retain staff. The firm, which has seen its investment in training the next generation of workers rewarded, currently has two adult apprentices who work as a supervisor in the dispatch department and a team leader. A third member of staff is expected to join the firm’s apprenticeship programme this April as part of their ongoing training and personal development. The annual MTC Training awards recognise the best apprenticeship employers across the North East who are helping their employees to develop industry focused skills. Sir David Bell, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Sunderland University, says MTC Training works with some outstanding employees and adds: “Seaward, which is relatively new to apprenticeships, has fully embraced them as a way of recruiting and training talent. So, congratulations and good luck in the future.” Wendy Chaplin, HR Officer at Seaward, says it’s important to invest in employees by providing them with training, qualifications, and everything else needed to develop and fill existing skills gaps. “It’s brilliant to win this award, which recognises our commitment to apprenticeships and investment in upskilling our workforce. Our apprenticeships are gaining important new skills and developing their careers in a move that will ultimately help Seaward to become a better company and continuously improve its service to customers.”

Join Drayton on their Digistat Roadshow

This March, Drayton is set to undertake its Digistat Roadshow, a five-day event taking place at City Plumbing branches across the North-West of the UK, giving installers the chance to learn more about its leading range of heating controls. Drayton is set to make 2022 a year all about educating, with the manufacturer keen to work with installers to help advise them on heating systems and best practice to help homeowners save money on their ever-increasing energy bills. Drayton’s Training Manager, James Clark, and other members of the Drayton team will be in branches to offer training to installers and branch staff on the new Digistat, alongside some useful information about Drayton’s 9° Network and Facebook Community group. The new Digistat is the only universal thermostat with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling homeowners to manage their heating through the Wiser Home app on their smartphone. Currently available in four variants, the new Digistat has optimised settings for gas, heat pumps, electric and oil heating systems, and offers OpenTherm modulation on the mains relay and RF single channel models. The roadshow will be starting at the St Helens branch on Monday 14th March, followed consecutively by Chester, Blackpool, and Chorley, culminating at the Liverpool branch on Friday 18th March. As well as being able to get exclusive promotions in the branches on the Roadshow, installers will also be able to enter the week-long competition to win a Bluetooth speaker and grab some breakfast whilst they chat with the Drayton team. Clare Stevens, Trade Marketing Manager at Drayton says: “We are delighted to be getting back out there and seeing installers face-to-face again. With the legislation changes that are due out this year, it’s important for us to build on our installer relationships, ensuring they have all the best-practice knowledge and information they need to help their customers start saving energy today. “We’re looking forward to seeing some new and old faces and answering as many questions as we can.” The Drayton team will be in branch each morning to offer help, advice and training at the following locations: Monday 14th March - St. Helens Tuesday 15th March - Chester Wednesday 16th March - Blackpool Thursday 17th March - Chorley Friday 18th March - Liverpool

Herts police put safety first

Hertfordshire Constabulary has signed up to a new agreement designed to keep emergency crews and the public safe near high voltage electrical equipment. UK Power Networks created a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which sets out procedures and responsibilities for incidents involving electricity, to ensure safe working areas. UK Power Networks recently reached a similar agreement with fire services and is now collaborating with police forces about adopting the same practices. Kai Patel, head of health and safety at UK Power Networks, says: “The safety of members of the public and those responding to emergency situations involving our electrical assets is a priority for us. “The Emergency Services have recognised the potentially lifesaving value of the MoU which shares dedicated contact numbers and establishes safe working protocols for interaction with our cables, overhead lines and equipment. “The MoU helps ensure electrical assets can be made safe and the emergency services’ work can be carried out without delay. It shows the importance of effective communication and co-ordination built on an understanding of everyone’s respective roles around an incident.” Superintendent Ken Townsend, Head of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Force Communications Room, comments: “We are delighted to engage with UK Power Networks and sign up. “We take every opportunity to protect our colleagues and the public from harm and the MoU does just that by keeping emergency crews and the public safe near high voltage electrical equipment.”

Resideo introduces new air quality products with 10-Year warranty

The UK Government has recently responded to a consultation on proposals to extend the current Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. As part of the changes, it is proposed that carbon monoxide alarms will be mandatory upon installation of any heating appliance (excluding gas cookers) in all tenures through building regulations. This makes the new additions to Resideo's UK product portfolio very timely. Resideo has introduced two new air quality products to its home security portfolio: the Honeywell Home R100C-1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm and the Resideo R200C2-A Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitor. With a 10-year warranty as standard, the new products give added peace of mind to both the installer and homeowner. The Honeywell Home R100C-1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm helps protect against the threat of the invisible CO gas, often referred to as the 'silent killer', and is currently available in the UK market. The Resideo R200C2-A Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitor can be used in residential or commercial applications, such as schools, care homes and offices. In the COVID pandemic the device can be a useful tool to indicate when ventilation needs to be improved. Martin Wilson, Sales Director at Resideo, explains the significance of the new products: "Ahead of the proposed changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, our latest product developments are already helping homeowners keep the air in their homes cleaner. And with both products coming with a 10-year warranty as standard, both homeowners and installers can take advantage of added peace of mind for years to come."