myenergi set to exhibit next-gen tech at the 2022 Ideal Home Show

myenergi is set to exhibit its next-generation product range at this year’s Ideal Home Show. Taking place at the London Olympia between 11-27 March, the event brings together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors to explore the latest innovative products and on-trend solutions for your home. On stand G120, myenergi will showcase its latest range of eco-smart home energy technologies, including its zappi electric vehicle charger, eddi automatic power controller and harvi energy harvesting sensor. Designed and manufactured in the UK, each product gives users the power to control their home’s flow of energy. Alongside introducing its next-generation product portfolio, the ‘green team’ will be available to discuss the government’s recent EV charging legislation announcement and what this means for property developers and homeowners alike. Set to come into force later this year, the bill will require all new build homes and commercial offices to feature ‘smart’ EV charging technology. Coming as part of the government’s roadmap to electrifying transport, and its 2030 ban on the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars, the legislation aims to further boost the UK’s vehicle charging infrastructure. With 25,700 public charge points already operational nationwide and countless more home chargers installed, this latest move will see the network expand exponentially – an essential step in supporting the drivers of tomorrow. Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, comments: “As one of the world’s longest-running exhibitions, exhibiting at the Ideal Home Show will provide an excellent opportunity to meet with thousands of visitors and talk to them about how myenergi tech can give them complete energy independence. “While we’re best known for our zappi EV charging device, we manufacture a comprehensive range of products for savvy homeowners. As the smart home of tomorrow becomes a reality, innovative tech like ours will prove ever-more commonplace in properties around the world.

Marshall-Tufflex products now available on NBS Source

Marshall-Tufflex has added its range of products to NBS Source. Architects and specifiers can now download Marshall-Tufflex’s cable management solutions as BIM objects directly from the NBS Source library, as well as access detailed product information and technical data. Detailed information about Marshall-Tufflex’s products can now be easily accessed and applied to project plans, directly from the NBS source library, saving planners time and energy, particularly at the early specification stages of a project. The move comes as part of Marshall-Tufflex’s commitment to provide customer support at every stage of a project, from tender through to completion. It follows the Hastings-based manufacturer’s recent appointments to bolster its specification team with a national presence to provide tailored design, technical and specification advice and solutions that meet project requirements and customer briefs. Barry Roberts, National Specification Manager at Marshall-Tufflex says: “As a customer-focused business, we are always looking for ways to enhance our service provision. We understand that specifiers, designers and project managers often need quick access to accurate information to make informed decisions and now, with our products available on NBS Source, we aim to help streamline the process at crucial stages of the construction journey. “Our specialist, specification team are also on hand to work with planners across the commercial and industrial sectors, to provide the most suitable specification and assistance that they need, at every stage.”

ECHO’s 200,000 URN Milestone

ECHO is delighted to announce it is now supporting almost 200,000 Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm systems on police response with URNs (Unique Reference Numbers). Launched last year, following extensive development, ECHO provides virtually instant alarm signalling to police control rooms from approved Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) who remotely monitor premises protected by Intruder and Hold-Up alarm systems. Transforming the speed with which police can respond to confirmed alarm signals by replacing the legacy of manual call handling, ECHO is automating police alarm response to homeowners, businesses and government properties across the Metropolitan and Essex police areas, soon to be followed by Avon & Somerset Police and other forces getting ECHO-connected. The vast majority of the signals from all Intruder and Hold-Up alarm systems registered with the Metropolitan Police are now being transmitted via ECHO’s automated signalling service. The police estimate ECHO increases the speed of ‘blue light’ response to emergencies by up to 4 minutes - helping them apprehend offenders and providing greater assurance to home and property owners - potentially saving more lives in critical emergencies where every second counts. This follows the issuing of notice last year by the Metropolitan and Essex Police requiring ARCs registered with their Police Forces to transmit Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm Systems’ activation calls via ECHO. David Mair, Manager - Security Systems Unit, Metropolitan Police Service comments: “The ECHO signalling service is without doubt the most significant technological advancement in the handling of Intruder and Hold-Up alarm signals between ARCs and police responder desks. Having become ECHO-connected ourselves last year, we are already experiencing the benefits of utilising this technology; not least, it enables us to effect a quicker and more efficient police response to premises in an emergency situation. As we work with the remainder of ARCs to conclude the connection process, we envisage all ARCs registered with us will be ECHO-connected in the near future.” Stuart Bowman, Security Systems Manager, Essex Police says: “Having been at the fore throughout the development of this ground-breaking service we welcome the step change this milestone represents in improving police response times and the additional reassurance provided to the wider public who rely upon this technology. Congratulations are due to the industry and all of those ARCs who have become ECHO-connected to enable a secure and more efficient method supporting the deployment of police responders to incidents. Our work to facilitate ARCs registered with Essex Police to become ECHO-connected will continue to be a key focus until all are on-board.” ARCs registered with the Metropolitan Police Service, Essex Police and/or Avon & Somerset Police (the latter planning to be ECHO-connected from April) yet to transmit alarm signals via ECHO should contact their alarm monitoring software provider and ECHO for assistance in getting connected.

New research reveals top locations for starting new trade businesses

Using data acquired from Companies House, the research helps to show that despite another challenging year, the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation is alive and well, with more businesses founded per month in 2021 than in 2020, or even during pre-pandemic 2019. In fact, an average of 13% more new businesses were founded each month in 2021 vs. 2019, with retail leading the way.    Of those new ventures founded within the trades sector, some 6598 were companies working in electrical installation (21% of trades businesses started), while a further 6281 that registered with Companies House (20%) were based around plumbing, heating and air-conditioning.  Yell’s research also revealed where budding entrepreneurs could find the biggest opportunities within the trades. This was achieved by analysing Google search demand for the likes of ‘London builder’ versus the actual number of businesses offering these services in each area.   The demand for plumbers in Belfast far outweighs the supply, with over 31 searches per listed firm, providing an opportunity for any plumber looking to go it alone. Similarly, Milton Keynes and Salisbury also showed significantly higher demand than supply for various trades services, making them equally strong bets for anyone looking to set up a new business.  Business type   Top three locations based on searches per listing  Plumber  1.      Belfast (31.60)  2.      Milton Keynes (27.07)  3.      Newcastle upon Tyne (25.57)  Carpenter  1.      Milton Keynes (27.20)  2.      Peterborough (24.64)  3.      Belfast (23.56)  Handyman  1.      Belfast (60.25)  2.      Nottingham (39.41)  3.      Wakefield (35.56)  Plasterer  1.      Salisbury (50.32)  2.      Belfast (48.56)  3.      Oxford (42.89)  Welder  1.      Belfast (70.42)  2.      Milton Keynes (60.00)  3.      Newcastle upon Tyne (48.29)    Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Yell, comments: “With the challenges of the last two years, we might expect to find that fewer people were deciding to take the leap into the world of starting and running their own business. However, the data clearly shows that it has potentially inspired more people to take ownership of what they do for a living and finally make the dream of running their own business come true.   With the background of the pandemic and numerous economic and supply chain challenges, it’s really encouraging to see that the entrepreneurial spirit of the UK is continuing to grow year on year. We look forward to working with some of these new business owners in the Trades sector in 2022, to help make their venture a success”.   Finally, the findings highlighted which areas of the UK had seen the highest number of businesses launched per capita, and somewhat surprisingly the Welsh coastal town of Llandudno ranked as the most entrepreneurial location, showing that big business doesn’t just start in the city.  

Yorkshire Building Services acquired in MBO deal

One of the North of England’s leading mechanical and electrical solutions providers has been acquired in a management buyout deal. Birstall based Yorkshire Building Services, which was founded in 1992, has a solid reputation in the mechanical and electrical industry, predominantly working in the commercial and industrial sectors. The company’s 65-strong team works for clients throughout the UK providing a full range of mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, electrical installations, building management and maintenance services. The buyout was led by David Broadhurst and Mark Peat, who are now both majority shareholders in the business, along with Tim Anderson and Darren Hill, who have also increased their share. David joined the firm when it was established in 1992 and Mark, Tim and Darren have all worked there for more than 10 years and offer over 90 years of combined industry experience. Former directors, Andrew Sutcliffe and Paul Harrison, who themselves completed a management buyout of the firm in 2007, will continue to work in the business for the foreseeable future. The buyers were advised by Cathy Cook, from the Leeds office of Yorkshire based solicitors LCF Law, and Dale Coleman from accountants Ford Campbell Freedman provided accountancy, financial and strategic advice. Adrian Ballam from Ward Hadaway advised the sellers. David Broadhurst says: “Over the last 30 years Yorkshire Building Services has established a superb reputation for the breadth of projects we work on and the practical approach to the design and innovative engineering solutions that we offer. Our extensive client base now includes the likes of M&S, Waitrose & Partners, Morrisons, Royal Mail and a recent introduction into public sector work. “Both Andrew and Paul have been key to this and have always strived to lead a well-run business that offers an industry leading standard of service. The buyout comes at a time when the business is thriving, and we are working on a vast range of exciting and innovative projects throughout the UK including DWP Job Centres, HSBC data centres, MOJ COVID reduction works and local authority leisure centres.” Cathy Cook, who is a partner within LCF Law’s corporate department, comments: “After completing a management buyout themselves, Andrew and Paul knew the importance of succession planning, and in recent years had already taken steps to pave the way for the new shareholders. “This thorough preparation made it a seamless transaction to work on because everyone involved was unified and already had a clear understanding of the eventual outcome. This resulted in a very smooth transition for Yorkshire Building Services’ clients and team, and the MBO is a fantastic example of how other business owners and management teams can plan effectively and successfully for the future.” Dale Coleman, partner at Ford Campbell Freedman, adds: “We have a longstanding relationship with Yorkshire Building Services providing them with strategic and planning guidance at appropriate times together with accountancy, audit and corporate tax advice for more than 20 years. “After working with Andrew and Paul on their buyout in 2007 and supporting the company through a period of growth since then, it’s been a pleasure to advise the team on passing the business to the next generation of shareholders and completing their entry to exit plan. We’re now looking forward to continuing our work with David, Mark, Tim and Darren as they take the business forward.”

NAPIT EXPO launches BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 CPD Masterclass

NAPIT has revamped the setup of its popular EXPO this year to host a BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 CPD Masterclass at seven locations, where attendees will also receive a copy of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 The IET Wiring Regulations, included with their ticket. BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, The IET Wiring Regulations will be published on 28th March 2022. Electrical contractors must be conversant with the new Regulations by September 2022 to ensure compliant electrical installations. NAPIT EXPO events provide a one-stop-shop for informing contractors of updates to the Regulations which allows our members and the wider industry to be aware of these types of developments. The EXPO events will begin with CPD awareness seminars covering the major changes to all parts of BS 7671, including the new Part 8 for prosumers electrical installations. The sessions will be followed by Q&A with JPEL committee technical experts Frank Bertie, Paul Chaffers, and Richard Townsend. The events will also host an exhibition with some of the industry’s best tool and services manufacturers, including the so far confirmed, Megger, Hager, SPD, Chint, Garo, Aico, Schneider Electric, Luceco, Denmans and Cudis. On the day, participants will have the opportunity to review and purchase the new publications and certificates as well as access additional training with NAPIT to ensure their business is future-proof for the new Regulations. Our partners from NAPIT Insurance and NAPIT Drive will also be there. Locations 5th April – Southampton 7th April – Bedford 25th May – Newcastle 28th June – Manchester 20th September – Wadebridge 13th October – Doncaster 15th November – Bristol Event Timetable 08:00 Registration & Breakfast Rolls 09:00 Introduction to BS 7671 Amendment 2, Parts 1-3 10:00 Refreshments Break 10:30 BS 7671 Amendment 2, Parts 4-7 11:30 Refreshment Break 12:00 BS 7671 Amendment 2, Part 8 and Appendices 12:45 Prize Draw 13:00 Event concludes Why attend? • Collect your free BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 The IET Wiring Regulations • Show guide with A2:2022 Factsheet • Three hours of CPD with electronic certificate of awareness • Latest innovations and industry updates from JPEL technical experts • Take home bag of free goodies • Prize draw in association with our partners • Additional show discounts on NAPIT products and services available on the day Member Price: £80 Non-member Price: £85

Mates’ rates cost UK electricians over £650 a year

UK electricians are losing hundreds of pounds every year to mates’ rates, but many feel unable to say no when friends or family ask for discounts, according to new research. The study, conducted by ElectricalDirect asked electricians for their opinions on mates’ rates, as well as how often they get asked and the typical discounts they offer. On average, each worker gets asked to reduce their quotes five times a year, with only 1% of respondents saying they never get requests. Electricians tend to offer a generous 40% saving, but many knock off even more. Three in five (30%) do jobs for friends and family at less than half their usual rate. Based on the average day rate, an electrician loses over £125 a day by offering the typical level of discount, which works out at £657 a year. Despite the significant financial hit, almost a quarter (23%) feel they are unable to say no when they get asked for mates’ rates. A similar number (26%) say they think their friends and family just assume they will get a discount, or even get the job done for free (23%). More than one in seven (15%) electricians think that it is disrespectful when people ask them for lower quotes. Interestingly, female electricians are asked for discounts far more often than male ones. One in nine (11%) women are asked at least 10 times a year, compared to just 3% of men. However, men tend to lose more money as they offer larger discounts on average (43% vs 33%). Region is also a factor, with workers in some areas of the UK having to face more frequent requests than others. Electricians in the South East of England are asked for mates’ rates most frequently, followed by Wales and Scotland. In contrast, customers in Yorkshire and the Humber are the least likely to try to haggle the price down. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says: “Mates’ rates have always been part of the industry, and while it’s usually harmless to do little jobs on the cheap for friends and family, the amount of money lost can start to add up over time. “Our research found that many electricians understandably find it hard to say no when their loved ones ask for discounts, but it’s important to ensure you don’t leave yourself short or lose paid work as a result.”

Midlands sales role for new recruit at Niglon

An expert salesman with more than a decade’s experience in the electrical industry has joined Niglon. Ben Adams has taken on the role of East and West Midlands Sales Manager for the company, which has a range of more than 4,500 products including wiring accessories, circuit protection devices and installation essentials. Ben worked as a mechanic before realising he wanted a more customer-focused role and moving into sales for a national wholesaler in 2011. He explains: “I was fortunate enough after just three years in the industry to be given the opportunity to lead a team as the sales director of a fantastic independent company. I had a superb time and worked with some great people, achieving many goals and opening new branches. I also learned lots of new skills which I’ve utilised in my roles since.” Ben was named Employee of the Year during his time with a second national wholesaler, and opened his own wholesale business which achieved great success. The father-of-two then applied for the role at Niglon, seeking a new opportunity and a better work/life balance. Niglon’s Commercial Director Paul Dawson adds: “Ben’s background in sales and his knowledge of the electrical wholesaler sector is a great advantage when it comes to the role that he’s taken on within Niglon. We’re looking forward to seeing him establish great relationships with existing and new customers within the East and West Midlands.”

British Cables Company introduces new cables to its range

Manchester based British Cables Company (BCC) is extending its range of cables to meet increasing market demands. The new products, many of which are manufactured at its Manchester factory, will help to consolidate BCC’s position as one of the leading UK cable manufacturers. BCC Sales Director, Nick Bowman, says, ”2021 was an exceptional year for the business with significant changes, largely driven by national and independent wholesaler organisations. As such, we have been steadily expanding our manufacturing and stocking capabilities. “For example, our range of building wires now includes 6241B, 6242B, 6243B, 2491B, 6491B, 6181Y, 6181B, 318_B, 3182/3B, 3184/5B and 649_X/B Booklet armoured; all in a variety of sizes. Our BS8436 Protected Building Wires, under the brand name GUARDIAN, together with our fire resistant cable options have also proven to be a popular stocking item for wholesalers and contractors alike. “It’s been particularly satisfying to see how the business has evolved. Only a short while back, BCC was primarily known as a supplier of Copper Telecoms cables when in reality, we have always been a full range manufacturer and supplier to a variety of industries. Our product ranges cover a wide variety of other markets including, low voltage rail (Network Rail approved), structured cabling, building management cables and also optical fibre. “As well as growing the product range, BCC has expanded our logistic and supply chain services. This enables BCC to be an integral part of the customers supply chain and provide key solutions such as warehousing and delivery management. Our business philosophy is to understand our customers’ needs and ensure that we deliver first class product quality and service. Having a dedicated team of technical product specialists is certainly a notable advantage", Nick concludes.

CityFibre’s rollout in Wolverhampton can cover Molineux Stadium 2,000 times

CityFibre has now laid nearly 200km of full fibre digital infrastructure beneath the streets of Wolverhampton as part of its £50m plan to future-proof the city’s digital connectivity. CityFibre’s landmark achievement means there is enough full fibre connecting the city’s homes to cover more than 2,100 football pitches at the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium. Home to the Wolverhampton Wanderers since 1889, Molineux Stadium is an iconic landmark in the heart of the city and was the site of the first ever league game in English history. As a result of CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme, thousands of residents and businesses in Wolverhampton will soon be able to enjoy access to the fastest, most reliable connectivity available. The rollout, which began in March 2020 and is projected to be largely completed by 2025, will boost business productivity and innovation and deliver millions of pounds in economic benefits for the city, while giving access to the UK’s fastest broadband services. Bashir Ahmed, CityFibre’s City Manager for Wolverhampton comments: “We are delighted we have now laid 193km of fibre in Wolverhampton, and it really hits home how much progress we have made. We started this project during the height of the pandemic, and the fact that we have managed to carry on and achieve so much during such a difficult time is truly fantastic. “As a team, we’re really proud of the speed of deployment and benefits that full fibre will bring to Wolverhampton, and with our network now live across many parts of the city, we are pleased to be enabling residents to connect to the fastest and most reliable broadband services available.” Jane Stevenson MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North East says: “I’m delighted that CityFibre’s project bringing full fibre to Wolverhampton is continuing at such pace, with the city well on its way to becoming one of the best-connected in the UK. This network is a welcome boost for households and businesses across Wolverhampton who will soon have access to world-class connectivity. “I recently saw for myself the work that CityFibre is doing in my constituency to get people connected. The digital transformation this infrastructure will bring is a vital part of the Levelling Up agenda, and private investment like this, alongside the Government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit, will help to reach our target of nationwide gigabit capable broadband by 2030.” Wolverhampton is one of the first of a growing number of locations in the UK to benefit from CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme which will bring new and improved broadband infrastructure within reach of up to eight million homes and businesses nationwide. CityFibre’s build partners Callan Connect and Comex 2000 are working in various locations across the city, with work currently ongoing in Bilston East and St Peters ward, and work expected be completed in Tettenhall soon. As work is completed in each neighbourhood, residents can access some of the fastest and most competitive broadband packages available. In Wolverhampton, services are currently available from TalkTalk with other ISPs set to join the network soon.