Vent-Axia supports BEAMA’s new Ventilation White Paper

Vent-Axia is delighted to support BEAMA’s updated Ventilation White Paper. Launched on 16 February 2022, BEAMA’s ‘Better Ventilation, Better Homes, Better Health’ White Paper sets out a 4-step policy pathway for the future to deliver effective ventilation and improved indoor air quality (IAQ) inside UK homes in order to help protect health and wellbeing. Vent-Axia fully supports this White Paper as it aligns with the company’s commitment to improving IAQ through ventilation to protect public health. Vent-Axia welcomes the White Paper’s proposals as the next stage in improving IAQ. Its publication follows on from the new Building Regulations, launched in December 2021, which start to redress the balance between ventilation and the drive for energy efficiency. Amendments to Part F (Means of Ventilation) include: higher ventilation rates; considering ventilation when adding energy efficiency measures; ventilation compliance and improving ventilation to protect health. BEAMA's suggested policy steps in the report address all these points too but then take them one stage further, calling for additional measures to improve IAQ. BEAMA’s policy solutions includes four steps for sustainable, safe and efficient ventilation for a healthier nation. The first step is a move to continuous supply and extract ventilation with heat recovery in new build homes. This is of particular importance for delivering high standards of IAQ and ensuring energy efficient operation. It also recommends mandatory air quality monitoring to measure ventilation performance and to alert occupants when levels drop below the minimum standard as well as additional ventilation requirements for the management of airborne virus transmission. Step 2 aims to ensure energy efficiency retrofits are matched by ventilation measures to protect health and wellbeing, enshrining the principle of ‘Ventilate when you Insulate’. Vent-Axia welcomes this addition since previously many homes have suffered from condensation, mould and poor indoor air quality following energy efficiency measures, which have increased the airtightness of the building envelope to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, BEAMA recommends all existing homes should have a Part F compliant ventilation system and an assessment of current ventilation levels should be included as part of an EPC package. The third policy solution looks at driving ventilation compliance standards and providing clarity that systems must be installed and/or commissioned by a registered Competent Person or signed off by Building Control. Finally, step 4 recommends treating poor IAQ and ventilation as a public health emergency and, in addition to public education campaigns on the risks and solutions, making sure it is enshrined in all relevant policy areas. ‘Vent-Axia is committed to protecting public health by improving indoor air quality through ventilation. We therefore fully support the BEAMA 2022 Ventilation White Paper. As energy efficiency measures have been implemented to lower carbon emissions, we have all witnessed the consequences of sealing up homes and insulating them without considering ventilation. It has resulted in indoor air pollution,” says Richard Paine, Product and Marketing Director at Vent-Axia. “With the publication of this White Paper and the new Building Regulations we now hope to start to redress the balance of ventilation with energy efficiency, since the pandemic has clearly shown the importance of good indoor air quality to health and wellbeing.” Vent-Axia has a range of continuous ventilation solutions, suitable for both new build and retrofit projects. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) range is ideal for airtight thermally efficient new builds, and is a whole-house, multi-room ducted solution that combines supply and extract ventilation in one unit. Warm, moist air is extracted from ‘wet’ rooms through ducting and passed through the heat exchanger before being exhausted to the outside. Low carbon, energy saving and clean, fresh incoming air is filtered and then preheated via the integral heat exchanger which recovers 93% of the heat energy [in line with Product Characteristics Database (PCDB) data] that would otherwise be wasted. With comfort key for occupants the systems also feature a ‘summer bypass’, for passive cooling when conditions allow and an integral humidity sensor for intelligent air quality control. The Sentinel Kinetic Advance is the best performing MVHR unit in its class due to its high SAP rating and a SFP of 0.39 and provides residents with many benefits including quiet operation, App control, constant volume control, lower energy bills and improved IAQ. For continuous ventilation in retrofit projects, the Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Heat Save decentralised heat recovery ventilation unit is designed for living rooms and bedrooms in single and multi-family buildings. The unit provides extract and supply ventilation to improve IAQ and supply fresh air to rooms. Heat Save is very energy efficient, using only up to 3.1W, and also achieves up to 84% heat recovery, using the warmth from outgoing air to temper incoming air to avoid cold drafts and to reduce energy bills. Two or more reversible fans are installed in habitable rooms and they alternate between supply and extract fan modes every 70 seconds to extract dirty air from the room and replace it with filtered outside air. Heat Save provides a single room or whole house balanced ventilation system with heat recovery and is easy to expand as needed, adding more units for a whole house solution.

CEF launches 31 Live TechTalks to help customers understand wiring regulations

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. The TechTalks will be presented by one of the UK’s leading electrical experts, and CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth, who will be helping electricians and contractors get to grips with the 2nd Amendment to the 18th Edition wiring regulations. Electrical expert presenter Well-known as a technical presenter, Darren has almost 30 years’ experience in the electrical industry and adds a wealth of technical knowledge to enhance CEF’s reputation as electrical experts. Commenting on his role as presenter of the nationwide TechTalks, Darren says: “I want to demystify the jargon, clear up any confusion and help everyone who comes along to the CEF TechTalks understand the new regulations. “At CEF, we want to make things easy for our customers. I’ll be presenting all the information they need to know in a way that’s easy to understand. I’m looking forward to answering their questions so that they can feel confident they know what they need to get the job done.” Darren will be joined on stage by Dave Austin, Technical Presenter of the Learning Lounge and guest speaker Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations from the IET. What to expect at a CEF TechTalk As well as a full breakdown of the changes within the 2nd Amendment, CEF TechTalks will also cover: Energy monitoring Battery storage EV charging and the opportunities it offers Changes to CO legislation Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) coding Technical Q&A The free TechTalk events will take place in 31 locations, including the Channel Islands. Where’s my nearest wiring TechTalk? Location   Date Aberdeen – Aberdeen FC Wednesday 29th June Belfast – Culloden Estate & Spa Wednesday 6th July Bristol – Ashton Gate Friday 22nd April Cardiff – Cardiff FC Tuesday 10th May Chelmsford - Racecourse Tuesday 24th May Cheltenham - Racecourse Tuesday 21st June Dundee – Apex City Quay Hotel Monday 27th June Edgeware – Saracens Rugby Wednesday 13th April Edinburgh - Murrayfield Thursday 30th June Epsom - Racecourse Tuesday 12th April Exeter – Westpoint Wednesday 11th May Glasgow – Hampden Park Friday 1st July Guernsey – Beau Sejour Leisure Centre Wednesday 20th July Hull – MKM Stadium Thursday 9th June Inverness – Drumossie Hotel Tuesday 28th June Jersey – Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel Tuesday 19th July Kettering – Kettering Conference Centre Thursday 26th May Leeds – Leeds United FC Wednesday 1st June Liverpool – Aintree Racecourse Wednesday 15th June Maidstone – Kent Event Centre Wednesday 18th May Manchester – A J Bell Stadium Wednesday 6th April Newcastle – Falcons (Rugby) Wednesday 8th June Newmarket – Racecourse Wednesday 25th May Nottingham – Nottingham Belfry Hotel Tuesday 31st May Oswestry – Lion Quays Hotel & Spa Thursday 7th April Portsmouth – Village Hotel Thursday 19th May Preston – Preston North End FC Tuesday 7th June Reading – Reading FC Wednesday 22nd June Rotherham – Aeeseal New York Stadium Thursday 16th June Wadebridge – Royal Cornwall Events Centre Tuesday 21st April Wolverhampton – Racecourse Tuesday 5th April CEF TechTalks are supported by leading electrical brands Aico, Electrium, Rolec, Scolmore and Wago and are in partnership with the IET. Almost 20 additional leading brands will be attending to showcase their products and services and answer attendees’ questions. Every TechTalk is free to attend, but with huge interest already, anyone wishing to be there is encouraged to book their spot now to ensure that they can attend the event of their choice. The venues offer free parking and there will be free breakfast and refreshments available for attendees, alongside the chance to win amazing prizes including VIP British Superbikes hospitality.

Portable generator powers small safety devices

A new stick-like, water-based device can convert energy from movement into electricity. The technology, which was reported in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, could be used to power portable devices, such as safety lights.   With the growing interest in the internet of things and small electronics, there is high demand for portable energy sources. One way to produce power is to harvest energy from the environment, such as thermal, solar or mechanical energy. To capture mechanical energy – the power an object gets from its position and motion – scientists have developed triboelectric nanogenerators, which can produce electricity through friction.   “Triboelectric nanogenerators are one of the most effective tools for harvesting mechanical energy because of their high electrical output, low cost and easy accessibility,” says professor Sangmin Lee of Chung-ang University in the Republic of Korea.   Triboelectric generators are electrically charged when two dissimilar materials touch and then separate. For example, when a balloon is rubbed on clothing, the balloon becomes charged and can stick to things. However, friction between two materials inevitably causes damage, reducing device lifespan.   Using liquids can reduce friction, but liquid-based generators have a considerably lower electrical output than solid ones. There is also a trade-off between making the device large enough for the liquid to move and generate electricity, while also ensuring it is compact enough to be portable.   To overcome these problems, researchers at Chung-ang University, together with colleagues in South Korea and the US, developed a lightweight, compact, water-based generator that can produce electrical power when shaken.   The device has a simple stick-like design and consists of 10ml of water, a polymer cylinder and electrodes. The container’s polymer material is negatively charged. The water moves up and down when the device is shaken, acquiring a positive charge that is transferred to the electrodes to generate a high electrical output.   “Because of its simple mechanism and design, this small and lightweight device could be used in everyday life. Electrical power can be produced simply by pouring water into the generator then giving it a shake,” explains Lee.   The researchers tested different designs, changing the size and ratio of the electrodes, the physical space between the electrodes and the amount of water in order to determine the optimal combination. They found that the portable stick generator could generate a high electrical output reaching 710 volts when it had adequate space for water movement and a high electrode area.   The researchers showed that the generator can power 100 LED lights, meaning it could be used as a traffic safety light baton that illuminates when shaken. This study demonstrates the potential for triboelectric nanogenerators to be used for a wide range of everyday applications.

New downlight from Ansell has a glare-free ad-vantage

Specifically designed to offer superior glare control, the new Vantage UGR19 Downlight from Ansell Lighting is ideal for settings where visual comfort is key. Despite producing a high level of light, the performance downlight has a low glare rating thanks to its deep angular design which reduces reflection, making it the perfect solution for commercial and educational settings or for those where computer screens are in high use. Available in four different sizes 82mm, 118mm, 172mm and 230mm, the new Vantage UGR19 downlight is easy to install and can be fitted into existing hole cut-outs from 68mm to 200mm. It also has two selectable colour temperatures, 3000K and 4000K, giving the user the ability to improve ambience by setting cool white or warm white hues. It is also fitted with a Tridonic driver as standard, promises an ED lifespan of L70 50,000 and comes with a 5 year warranty for added confidence. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “The new Vantage UGR19 downlight is a great addition to our popular Vantage range. Visual comfort is a hugely important factor when considering lighting in spaces where people work or spend the majority of their day and plays a huge part in productivity and overall wellbeing. “The new downlight offers superior glare control and also benefits from selectable CCT technology.. Increasing its appeal in public spaces, the Vantage UGR19 is also available with emergency, DALI emergency, self-test emergency, OCTO smart control and digital dimming options for enhanced functionality.”

TV car restorer kits out new studio with ESP products

He recently acquired new studio premises for a new car restoration TV show and when it came to fitting it out with lighting and security products, Tim Shaw, a long-time fan of ESP products, opted for solutions from the company. Fire detection, CCTV and emergency lighting and products from ESP, have all been installed in the two floor studio which has been specifically designed by the TV presenter and will be where certain episodes of his show are filmed. In the new show Tim will be doing what he is most well-known for – restoring classic cars. However, this time it will be with the help of their owners. The studio has been kitted out with the very best equipment in the automotive industry and according to Tim, the ESP products were on a parr - with their exceptional quality, high performance and reliability noted. With a studio full of expensive cars and top of the range equipment, a key consideration has been the protection from fire and theft and this is where ESP’s security products came into play. Providing fire protection is the MagDuo two-wire fire alarm system – a highly flexible and adaptable system that is designed to save time and money on the installation process. Tim’s electrician was very impressed with the MagDuo range and managed to fit the whole system in about an hour. Two-Wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology. Unlike standard conventional four wired systems where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits, MagDuo utilises intelligent Two-Wire technology, which allows all devices to be wired on the same set of two-core zone cables back to the control panel - enabling it to use a single circuit per zone both for detection and to power the sounders. This advanced technology can reduce both installation and material cost. An essential component product for the MagDuo Two Wire Fire System, and one which Tim was particularly keen on, is the FlexiPoint detector device which brings a high degree of flexibility, versatility and convenience due to the inbuilt programmable options it offers. As well as offering 7 different modes of fire detection including combined heat and smoke, the FlexiPoint detector is also available with an inbuilt sounder or inbuilt sounder strobe, which will assist with a compact install solution (as the detector and sounder is all-in-one as opposed to separate units). CCTV cover is provided with ESP’s Rekor IP system. Having looked into options quite late in the fitting out process, Tim was relieved to find that he wouldn’t need to send power to each camera, with the cabling requirements that it would involve. The Rekor IP 2 Megapixel range features POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) which enables the camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100m without the need for additional power, which makes installation much more convenient. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the HD digital feed, with just one cable per camera and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected to. The NVRs are packed with features, such as remote monitoring via the ESP View App, H265 compression, motion record activation and they’re supplied with quality surveillance hard drives for peace of mind. Twin Spots from ESP’s Duceri emergency lighting collection have been used to provide vital back up in the case of a power outage. They offer three hours emergency duration, with charge and discharge protection, and feature a vibrant green LED battery charge indicator and push to fit wiring terminals for ease of installation. The fittings have been tested to meet BS EN 60598-2-22 Standards (requirements for emergency luminaires), with lumen data independently verified and photometric files available for each lamp head to produce affective lighting design for open areas. A raft of products from across the Scolmore Group of companies have also been installed, including Click metal clad wiring accessories and Ovia Inceptor Slate Backlit Panels and U-Lite light fittings, plus the Flow lighting management system. With the ground floor of the studio complete and already being used for filming, work has now commenced on duplicating the facilities on the second floor.

Apprentices are a “driving force” in building back stronger, says leading training provider

In the wake of National Apprenticeship Week, leading training provider Group Horizon believes the popularity in apprenticeships will continue to surge as more UK employers realise the many benefits of taking on an apprentice. With energy prices on the rise, the leading training provider also said the demand for highly skilled, adaptable engineers familiar with the latest building technologies will increase. Group Horizon’s Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship is run in partnership with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) and has been designed to address the well-documented industry shortage of BEMS controls engineers and bring through a new generation of highly skilled operatives. Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, says: “With new efficient building technologies emerging on a regular basis, energy management systems and solutions are no longer viewed as expensive extravagances but are essential long-term investments which help drive down costs and improve the wellbeing of building occupants. A new generation of skilled engineers is needed more than ever before and there is now fresh impetus to deliver the necessary training and ensure we have the talented individuals needed to deliver the buildings of tomorrow.” The third BEMS Apprenticeship programme is now underway and, with plenty of positive feedback from the first two cohorts, demand for places on the apprenticeship is expected to remain high. Jake Jarram, an apprentice with Building Control Specialists, comments: “I have been very impressed with how well structured the modules are in the BCIA course I am completing. The lecturer is very experienced and skilled in the industry, showing a very positive outlook on HVAC and is very keen to pass on their knowledge. “When working day to day for BCS I have developed a great variety of skills which are invaluable to someone of my age. Working in various places and contributing towards the completion of the project/maintenance. I am looking forward to my future in the building controls industry.” The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship offers a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions. Peter Behan concludes: “After a tough couple of years, many businesses now have detailed plans in place as part of a nationwide effort to expediate a return to something approaching normality. Apprentices are a driving force in the campaign to build back stronger, with new starter levels rising steadily and a noticeable uptick in interest from businesses and individuals.”

Electricians are the lynchpin of the EV charge point rollout, says ECA

The ECA has responded to this week’s EV infrastructure report by the SMMT, stressing the need for higher standards of training and competence in the electrotechnical workforce. While ECA broadly supports calls for an electric vehicle charge point (EVCP) watchdog and a 5 per cent VAT regime for public charging, the body has stressed the point that there can be no EV charge point network in the UK without an upskilled electrical workforce – a point that is missing from the SMMT’s report. ECA highlighted the ‘wild west’ training and qualifications landscape for professionals wanting to install EVCPs. Many available courses offer little in the way of competency and serve only to perpetuate low industry standards. ECA Energy Solutions Advisor Luke Osborne comments: “We agree wholeheartedly with the SMMT’s statement that electric vehicle charging really should be as easy and uneventful as refuelling. “But before consumers are put at the centre of charge point policy, regulation needs to catch up to ensure properly qualified electrical professionals are at the heart of the UK’s strategy to become a world leader in electric vehicle infrastructure. “A robust framework of competencies and qualifications is sorely needed to ensure that anyone carrying out EVCP installation has a solid foundation of electrical competence.” ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs Andrew Eldred says: “There are up to 342,000 people already employed in the UK electrical sector who could readily be upskilled to meet the sharp rise in demand for charge points. “But first, we need binding targets, not just for charge point provision but for skills provision and competency. “Until then, we risk perpetuating a ‘wild west’ skills culture that will bring standards down, risk public safety and hold us back in the race to Net Zero Carbon.” ECA has also urged government and local authorities to address the ‘postcode lottery’ of publicly available charge points and invest more equitably in the infrastructure rollout. According to the Skills 4 Climate industry survey report, produced by a coalition of UK engineering services trade bodies including ECA, BESA, the REA and Solar Energy UK, almost 9 in 10 (88%) of engineering services contractors say they support a green economic recovery form the pandemic. However, almost half (48%) said there is not sufficient industry training available to develop green skills. Nearly three quarters (71%) support reduced VAT on energy-related activity. Just under two thirds (57%) want the Government to invest more heavily in technical education to help close the skills gap. A Freedom of Information request made by ECA in late 2021 revealed that two thirds (66%) of local authorities do not have plans in place for EV charge points. Half (48%) of them did not currently operate any EV charge points. A further 60% said they have no funds earmarked for future EV charging infrastructure.

UK Construction Week London to focus on culture change in construction

Electricians, electrical service providers, HVAC businesses and specialists are being urged to join in the discussion on culture change in the construction industry, as more than 25,000 people are expected to come together at a major event in May to explore how the industry implements new behaviours, best practice, and a true cultural shift in how it builds for the future. UK Construction Week (UKCW), the country’s largest live show for the construction industry, is running in London at the ExCeL centre on 3-5 May. Some of the Electrical and HVAC companies exhibiting include Arcitell, Best Electric Radiators, Blauberg, Carbon8Lighting, Ecostrad, Holcros Ltd, IDE Systems, and LUXON LED. Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, says: “We’re really excited to bring UK Construction Week to London. 2022 is the year to focus on how we achieve the systemic changes we’ve been discussing for some time and to share the learning from the organisations who have already made a strong start. We need to ensure there’s not a corner of construction that doesn’t know how to live its core values, implement new policies and behaviours, and be transformed by culture change. “As always with this event, there’s also so much to see, with many displays, exhibitors, shows and products you won’t find anywhere else. It will be a chance to celebrate the sector’s achievements and some of the best thought leaders and innovators construction has to offer. This is must-attend event for anyone that wants to have their finger on the pulse of all things construction.” UKCW London will include a main stage programme featuring the pioneers of culture change and debating how best to foster this across the whole sector. Sponsored by COINS, the main stage is at the heart of the show and hosts all the biggest keynote speakers. Day one will include updates on the new rules around public procurement, the new regulatory regime on building safety, the forthcoming Building Safety Act, and the completely new ways in which the industry works on projects as wide ranging as prisons, hospitals, road and rail infrastructure, education buildings and housing. Day two will be a deep dive into digitalisation, Net Zero and energy futures, and day three will focus on people, including diversity, health and wellbeing, recruitment and retention issues. With even more packed into this year’s offering, UKCW London will consist of over 40,000 sq m of exhibition space, more than 300 exhibitors (600 including co-located shows), 10,000 products, 300 expert speakers, seven theatre stages, multiple specialist hubs, and 150 hours of CPD content and activities. Working with content partner Build In Digital, the Digital Construction Hub will deliver practical workshops on best practice in digital strategy, BIM, cloud computing, cybersecurity, use of Big Data and the whole range of ways in which new technology can improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. CEMEX is sponsoring the Infrastructure Hub which also brings in expert speakers from the Infrastructure Projects Authority and Barbour ABI to showcase the learning from major projects like HS2, Thames Tideway, Royal Docks London and the West Midlands Growth Engine, and to analyse government policies that will affect infrastructure over the next 10-15 years. The Sustainability Hub will include sessions looking at best practice in low carbon building and retrofit from Europe, regenerative design and biomimicry, hydrogen innovation, 3D printing, waste issues and building for disassembly. The Offsite Alliance Hub will share the learning from Alliance members who work alongside leading organisations, industry bodies, government, local authorities and housing associations to increase the uptake and delivery of offsite technologies across the residential sector. UKCW, supported by other sponsors including Aico, Northgate Vehicle Hire and Bosch, will bring a host of new products, innovations, and business and networking opportunities, and will run alongside co-located events Concrete Expo (3-4 May), the Offsite Show with Buildoffsite, (3-5 May), and Grand Designs Live (30 April-8 May). A series of industry conferences will also run next to UKCW, including the Timber Trade Federation conference on 3 May and the Future of Work in Construction conference on 4 May. UKCW’s Role Models awards campaign also returns for its fourth year after receiving a record number of nominees last year. An opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes and talented professionals across all areas of construction, it aims to attract others into similar roles by sharing inspiring stories and career journeys. Entries for the 2022 Role Models awards are now open and will be closing on 25 February. This year’s shortlist will then be announced at UKCW London, with the winner crowned at UKCW Birmingham on 4-6 October at the NEC. Another set of awards to be announced at UKCW London in May will be the Fix Radio Tradesperson of the Year awards for the country's leading and most innovative tradesmen and women. The winners will be chosen by a panel of industry experts and announced at a ceremony hosted by Clive Holland. Nominations close on 31 March.

Are government initiatives helping or hindering EV rollout?

A recent survey of EV installers in the UK, carried out by charge point management platform Fuuse, found OZEV grant applications to be the biggest hurdle installers are facing, and may be hindering EV rollout despite the aim to incentivise it. Over half of respondents claimed that the complexity of applying for and reclaiming the government grants were posing a challenge. 40% said the process for the Homecharge scheme – which is due to scale back next month - was difficult to navigate, with over 10% calling for the OZEV schemes to be scrapped altogether. Requesting too much information, manual paperwork and lengthy payment delays were cited as the main pain points with the current application process. James Harding, founder of the UK EV Installers community, shares his views in the Fuuse report: “Whilst EV installation is, on the face of it, a profitable and high growth business, operating successfully in this space requires superior administration skills to successfully navigate the OZEV grant process, robust financial controls, as well as deeper cash reserves than most small trades typically have.” Discussing the calls to scrap the OZEV grants, Mr Harding explains the advantages the scheme brings to the industry: “If there’s a consensus [in the EV installer community] it’s a concern that installation standards may fall. The OZEV grant process is a barrier to entry and their exacting standards, whilst burdensome, keep the cowboys away, because rejected grants can cost the installer £350 each time.” The Fuuse report also concludes a need for better and clearer education in the market, with 46% of installers citing client knowledge and understanding as posing another challenge. The report covers the correlation between those approaching EV transition with reluctance and those with a lower understanding of the charging needs and solutions available to them. Rising costs are also potentially holding back drivers and installers, as the report explores how increased equipment costs and salaries are leading to higher costs for installers and their customers – and the potential affect this is having on decisions to transition. Michael Gibson, CEO of Fuuse, says: “This first installer survey has been a huge success and highlighted some significant challenges that the industry faces. It will be fascinating to see how these numbers change next year and whether new challenges emerge. We’re actively championing installers to help address some of these barriers, supplying them with documents for their customers, features to help them grow their business and support to help them thrive.” The full report can be downloaded here.

CityFibre partners with Deepomatic for Visual Automation Technology

CityFibre has partnered with Deepomatic to deploy its Visual Automation Technology across CityFibre’s national network by the end of 2022. The industry-leading image recognition and AI technology supports CityFibre’s engineers by automating field-based quality-assurance capabilities at scale. This will help ensure CityFibre’s build, maintenance and installation work continues to meet the highest quality standards as it accelerates to serve 8 million homes by 2025. For CityFibre’s service provider partners, the completed deployment of this technology from Fibre Exchange to secondary node, will bring further assurance that when a broadband service is ordered, the end-to-end network is verified as fully operational. The result will be a fast and friction-free end-customer install experience while further improving CityFibre’s industry-leading ‘Right First Time’ service installation rates. CityFibre’s engineers use the app-based interface to upload images of network build, upgrade or maintenance-related work prior to closing a job. The images are then analysed in real time to either validate the work as complete or highlight issues that need addressing before leaving the site. The visual record and any associated notes are then stored to provide a searchable history of build information and maintenance activities that can be accessed on-demand by CityFibre’s network management and quality assurance teams. Deepomatic’s technology is the only Visual Automation solution specifically designed for the telecommunication industry. By implementing it throughout its end-to-end build operations, CityFibre will achieve the deepest integration of the technology across any UK network. Beyond this, CityFibre is evaluating the potential for its use during the final installation of services to customer premises. An initial pilot enabled CityFibre to implement the platform, test its live use and gather the feedback needed to deploy in the most efficient way. Nationwide rollout is now underway, with the technology already used across CityFibre’s Midland and Southern regions. David Tomalin, Group Chief Technology Officer at CityFibre, says: “Deepomatic’s Visual Automation Technology is a key part of the Better By Design approach to deliver a world class network and service experience for our partners and their customers. It is helping us ensure quality standards are consistently met, reducing human error while empowering our people, and minimising repeat engineer visits. As well as delivering operational efficiencies and customer benefits from day one, it will enrich our network asset and records management over time, support predictive analysis work and inform our future network upgrade decisions.” Augustin Marty, CEO at Deepomatic, comments: "CityFibre is currently at the forefront of providing the new generation of Full Fibre infrastructure for the UK. We are delighted to support their visionary team in scaling quality and reliability to new heights. Thanks to visual automation, CityFibre will roll out fibre technology in a much faster way, grasping all the insights it needs to deliver an operationally premium network.”