CTEK lights the Fuuse for integrated EV charging, payment and billing

CTEK has extended the software integration options available with their electric vehicle (EV) chargers to include the flexible charge point management, payment and billing platform Fuuse. This latest integration will allow customers looking to generate revenue from their EV chargers by integrating the CTEK Chargestorm Connected 2 (CC2) EV charger with sophisticated payment management software Fuuse Billing. This is a simple way to provide charging, payment and billing facilities in a single installation - and it’s fully scalable too, from a single charger to much larger networks. Both CTEK and Fuuse products and solutions are fully OCPP (open charge point protocol) compliant, meaning they will integrate seamlessly with other manufacturer’s hardware and software, as well as with each other. Cecilia Routledge, Global Director - Energy & Facilities, for CTEK says: “We are delighted to be making the Fuuse platform available to CTEK customers. Fuuse and CTEK are both committed to providing customers with maximum flexibility through OCPP, and this new option to provide CTEK chargers with Fuuse Billing incorporated adds an important new dimension to our customer offering. “This is especially so because, with the gradual shift towards destination and public charging, we expect more local authorities, hoteliers, retailers, employers, fleet managers and other charge point operators to be looking for an EV charging solution that not only meets driver demand, but also provides opportunities for revenue generation. The CTEK/Fuuse solution allows them to do just that.” Michael Gibson, Managing Director of Fuuse, comments: “It’s great to be working with CTEK in enabling their customers to generate revenue from their chargers. The EV rollout is certainly accelerating, and we want to make it as easy as possible for charge point owners and operators to reap the benefits and opportunities that the EV revolution presents.” Fuuse Billing is a fully secure, PCI (payment card industry) compliant system that’s available on a per charger licence or a percentage of revenue, whatever suits customers best. The system offers a complete range of services for payment and tariff management. Payment management features include collecting payments from drivers, automated invoicing, secure storage of drivers’ card and payment details and full financial reporting. Operators can also see financial data about specific chargers on their network in real time. Tariff management allows operators to charge drivers by the kWh, by the minute, or a mixture of both, and allows different tariffs to be applied for different times and days. Operators can also customise the pre-authorisation amount required from different groups of drivers. Fuuse also offers a full charge point management system through which CTEK customers will be able to manage their EV network remotely through a desktop or mobile app. As well as managing payments and tariffs, users can gauge the efficiency of their charger network, monitor and resolve hardware faults, manage and reduce electricity supply costs, set operating hours and restrict access, and tackle emerging challenges like ICEing and bay-hogging.

IET and BSI publish Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI have signed off the content for Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations), which introduces a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), updated requirements for the fire safety design for buildings, and a new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations. Amendment 2 comes into effect immediately when published on 28 March 2022, and the previous version, BS 7671:2018+A1:2020, will be withdrawn six months later. This essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations will form the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions, and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK, are to comply. The IET and BSI are now urging all electrical professionals to ensure they become familiar with the changes. Significant changes 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 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 chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations, in a new part, Part 8. Members of the committee responsible for the technical content of BS 7671, JPEL/64, are not permitted to release any further information before the publication date. Dan Palmer, Associate Director of Committees at BSI says: “BS 7671 is one of the UK’s most important standards, providing authoritative requirements to promote electrical safety. The changes introduced in this new amendment will help electrical professionals keep up to date with new and innovative technologies, as well as ensuring they have current knowledge about designing safe installations.” Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, comments: “The IET is the authority for electrical installations in the UK and ensures that the National Wiring Regulations Committee carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry. “The Amendment continues the thread of embracing new technologies and Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations is an exciting step into the future of renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives. “Focussing on high risk environments with requirements for Arc Fault Detection Devices and the fire safety design of buildings is a major step in order to increase safety. “Amendment 2 is an essential update to provide for the safety of electrical installations in the UK and it is now imperative that the industry is ready to work to this amendment before BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 is withdrawn.” Further changes are included throughout all parts of BS 7671, including the incorporation of Amendment 1:2020 to BS 7671:2018 as part of the main document. Post Brexit, this Amendment sees the further adoption of CENELEC Harmonised Documents as the UK continues the inclusion of standards for new and developing technologies.

Vent-Axia donates MVHR unit to Eco couple educating neighbours

Vent-Axia has donated a Sentinel Kinetic Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit to Tom and Jane Howson who are living in the award-winning Hanham Hall eco development near Bristol. The MVHR unit was presented to the couple at their home by Richard Paine, Product and Marketing Director at Vent-Axia. The MVHR unit will allow Tom and Jane to re-start the innovative ventilation workshops that they have previously been running in their local eco community. The workshops are designed to teach their neighbours how to maintain the ventilation units in their homes to help ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ), avoid condensation and mould, while explaining the benefits of features like the summer bypass. The pioneering couple moved into their first-floor one-bedroom flat at Hanham Hall in 2013. Built by Barratt Homes, Tom and Jane chose the property due to its eco credentials and were delighted their new home featured an energy efficient Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic MVHR unit to provide ventilation to the property. As they had bought a thermally efficient airtight property, the couple knew that it was vital to keep the MVHR system on at all times and were very interested to understand the appliance in their home while appreciating the importance of maintaining the unit. The Howsons therefore read the manual supplied by Barratt and sought further advice from Vent-Axia about maintaining their MVHR unit, to keep it working effectively and subsequently learnt how to change its filters and clean the heat recovery cell. However, the couple discovered that many of their community were unaware the MVHR units in their homes needed to be cleaned and maintained, while some neighbours were even turning the units off, leading to condensation and mould issues and poor IAQ. This was the driver for the couple to speak to Barratt and use Hanham Hall’s show home on site to run ventilation workshops to help educate their neighbours on how to maintain their units, how to use them effectively and, importantly, not to turn them off. So far, the couple have helped over 150 people. But unfortunately, when the show home was sold, Tom and Jane lost their workshop location. Vent-Axia therefore stepped in, donating an MVHR unit for the couple to use. Previously used in Vent-Axia’s R&D lab the MVHR has been wired as a demonstration unit and will allow Tom and Jane to run sessions again. “We wanted to look after this place because it’s very precious. We love it. We're also fascinated by the MVHR technology so it was a big driver for us to help educate people who didn't know that they had to change the filters and always keep it on”, explains Tom Howson. “We've shown many people over the years in the show home how to look after their MVHR. And now thanks to Vent-Axia’s generosity, we can continue sharing information on how to maintain and operate MVHR to improve indoor air quality. We’re really passionate about it. Having MVHR in our home has been a game-changer for us. We’ve never had condensation and mould issues, not even in the bathroom. The grout is still as new. And my asthma is much better here than in previous homes, even though we have a cat. And should we ever move, we’d be looking for a property with a Vent-Axia unit. I don’t think we would want to live anywhere without one.” “Tom and Jane are an inspirational couple, dedicating their time to educating their neighbours on the benefits of good IAQ and how to look after their MVHR which is an essential part of their eco home. As we try to meet Net Zero targets in 2050, MHVR is now becoming mainstream in new build homes as it ticks all the right boxes when it comes to balancing energy efficiency with good indoor air quality. We now need to educate people that just like a boiler needs an annual gas safety check, MVHR units need to be cleaned and filters changed to maintain good indoor air quality in the home.”, comments Richard Paine. Hanham Hall is located in South Gloucestershire, five miles from the centre of Bristol. The estate is one of the flagship Carbon Challenge schemes promoted by the Homes and Communities Agency and was England’s first large-scale housing scheme to achieve the 2016 zero-carbon standard. The development has 186 homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses, and all homes are super insulated timber frame buildings. The scheme was judged Best Sustainable Development in Britain in the 2014 What House? Awards.

Electrical Accessories market returns with estimated 8% growth in 2021

The UK electrical accessories market has returned to growth more quickly than expected after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, with an estimated 8% growth in 2021. Due to the effects of the pandemic across the industry, the UK electrical accessories market saw a sharp decline of around 13% in 2020, despite a recovery in H2 following the initial period of lockdown. The outlook for the market moving forward is positive, with an expected growth of 14% forecast between 2021 and 2025, however the disruptive influence of COVID-19 on the wider economy, working patterns and supply chains will continue to affect the market, particularly in the short-term. As a mature sector, the electrical accessories market usually experiences moderate levels of growth and decline in line with the overall economy and construction industry trends. The market is also influenced by price pressures from low-cost imports and global trends in commodity price, notably copper. Due to the market’s dependence upon imports, both of finished products and raw materials, the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU on trading patterns will also have a significant influence on market prospects.   Low voltage cable systems account for the largest portion of the electrical accessories market, with a share of 60% of the total electrical accessories market. Within the low voltage cable systems sector, it is cables that dominate, representing nearly two thirds of this product segment. Busbars, cable management products and accessories make up the remainder. The main distribution outlet for electrical accessories manufacturers remains to be Electrical Wholesalers, accounting for two-thirds of total market value, though, as with many other industries, internet sales are rapidly expanding.   Abdul Tantouch, Research Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Electrical Accessories Report comments, “As with construction activity, the market has rapidly returned to growth in 2021 following the substantial downturn caused by lockdowns in 2020, though growth has been constrained by continued supply chain disruption and material shortages. Aside from continued growth in construction output, the electrical accessories market will be boosted in the coming years by a number of factors including growth of demand for electric vehicle charging units and home automation systems, stricter regulation of circuit protection to reduce fire risk, and the retrofitting of HVAC and building management systems in many domestic and commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions”. 

Schneider Electric introduces Infrastructure of the Future

Schneider Electric is introducing Infrastructure of the Future, an integrated solutions suite tailored to creating smart, green infrastructure. Infrastructure of the Future is a powerful holistic approach to power tomorrow’s businesses and economies while tackling the challenges of ongoing global urbanization and the causes and impacts of climate change. Its integrated solutions encompass software for data-driven insights, services for enhanced operations and business continuity, solutions for electric mobility and green technologies and programs to accelerate the energy transition. The need for green infrastructure  “Resilient infrastructure is a key enabler of productivity and economic development. However, climate change and rapid growth in urbanization have made it even more crucial for governments, municipalities, public infrastructure owners, energy networks, and transport providers to make well-planned investments in smarter, greener solutions to support economic growth,” says Frédéric Godemel, Executive Vice President for Power Systems and Services at Schneider Electric. “In a time of climate change, intensifying natural disasters and rapid urbanization, infrastructure systems are under immense pressure to deliver resilient and reliable services. With urban environments also relying heavily on infrastructure’s ability to handle electrification of public transport, we need a green revolution in infrastructure to keep energy flowing, transport moving and protect business and society against climate change,” he adds. The rising number of extreme weather events around the world is a leading cause of disruption to power, water and transport infrastructure. This disruption takes a $300 billion toll on businesses every year. Moreover, with more than six billion people projected to be living in urban areas by 2050, demand for resilient, low carbon infrastructure is rising. Cities will need to handle mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), electrified public transport and smart buildings supplied with reliable and renewable sources of energy and new microgrid technologies. The expansion of population and growth in demand for energy will also lead to fluctuating demands and the development of energy ‘prosumers’ with self-generated power sources. This will put further stress on aging energy infrastructure, which will need to be more efficient and resilient to stay ahead of the energy transition. Data-driven Infrastructure of the Future  Uniquely tailored for urban infrastructure, Infrastructure of the Future comprises a set of open and interoperable software solutions that help infrastructure owners bridge progress and sustainability for all, including: EcoStruxure for E-mobility: an end-to-end connected solution that goes beyond EV chargers that is easy to install, maintains buildings’ power reliability and provides a convenient experience for EV drivers. ETAP Train Power Simulation - eTraX: validated, user-friendly and flexible software tools for designing, analyzing and managing AC and DC railway infrastructure by ETAP (part of Schneider agnostic software portfolio). AVEVA Unified Operations Centre: a central hub solution for infrastructure operators that transforms the control room into a collaborative workspace. EcoStruxure Energy and Sustainability Services: energy and sustainability expertise to help companies turn energy into a controllable spend, increase efficiency and meet sustainability goals. EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor: a cloud-based, demand-side energy management software platform that allows users to collect, forecast, and automatically optimize the operation of distributed energy resources using predictive algorithms. What’s more, Schneider’s award-winning  SF6-free pure air MV technology provides a way to make infrastructure projects more sustainable. With an innovative combination of shunt vacuum interruption(SVI)TM and pure air insulation, MV switchgear such as SM AirSeT  or RM AirSeT MV are green and digital alternatives to traditional technology and replace SF6 greenhouse gas with pure air. SM AirSeT MV switchgear has been integral to projects such as a renewed medium-voltage electrical distribution system for electric bus depots in Milan, Italy. These capabilities are all part of Schneider Electric’s end-to-end integrated portfolio of software and services that help governments, cities and companies involved in public and private infrastructure projects to make them smarter, greener and more efficient to support future demand and help address and combat the challenges posed by climate change.

Makita adds cordless screwdriver to its LXT range

Makita UK has introduced the DFR551 18V LXT Brushless Auto Feed Screwdriver to its leading LXT platform. Powered by Makita’s innovative 18V LXT battery platform, the DFR551 delivers on both output and ease of use, helping to maximise on site efficiency. With extreme speed and precision, the DFR551 is ideal for repetitive fixing tasks and rapid screw driving tasks. Trigger activated for easy use and complete control, it offers a no load speed of up to 6,000rpm and the screw feeding mechanism has been designed to reduce screw fall and ensure durability. With no power lead restricting movement, operators have maximum flexibility to use the DFR551 anywhere on site. The DFR551 also features Makita’s brushless motor which means that, as there are no brushes in the motor causing friction, no energy is lost through heat production. As a result, battery run time is extended - reducing the need to regularly stop to recharge or replace batteries and improving onsite productivity. In addition, the DFR551 features Push Drive Technology. This means that the motor only rotates at full speed when the screw is pressed against the workpiece, further reducing power consumption and extending battery run time. This feature also minimises noise, which is safer for the user. This lightweight machine has been ergonomically designed and features a rubberised soft grip handle for maximum comfort, even when used over extended periods of time. The DFR551 has also been designed to make reversing and replacing the bit effortless. Finally, the DFR551 comes with a belt clip so users can keep it close at hand wherever they are on site. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “With our LXT battery platform at its core, the DFR551 18V LXT Brushless Auto Feed Screwdriver offers the output needed to tackle any task with ease, as well as the safety and improved usability benefits of cordless. With over 270 products in Makita’s LXT range, professionals can easily switch LXT batteries between power tools, outdoor power equipment and accessories depending on the task at hand.”

IDEAL Industries appoints national sales manager

IDEAL Industries has promoted Mike Cullom to the role of UK Sales Manager. Mike has worked as a sales manager for IDEAL Industries for nearly three years, with responsibility for the Northern region. As national sales manager, his new remit will build on his knowledge of the company’s wide-ranging product portfolio and the electrical market to include responsibility for the company’s sales across the UK, supporting the business’ ambitious growth plans. Brett Smyth, IDEAL Industries’ general manager EMEA says: “This promotion recognises Mike’s achievements and commitment to building on IDEAL’s global success in the UK since he joined us. “It is also part of our market-focused growth strategy and Mike’s expertise will be invaluable in supporting our customers and helping us build their feedback into the business so that we can continuously innovate in terms of product, service, sales channels and marketing.” With more than a decade’s experience in sales and business development roles, Mike has been very successful in building IDEAL Industries’ relationships with electrical wholesalers since joining the company, helping to extend the company’s supply chain network. He has also been active in building contractor and specifier relationships and educating the marketplace on the innovative solutions available from IDEAL Industries, which are focused on making installations faster, easier, safer and more consistent across all electrical and data installation requirements. Commenting on his new position Mike says “Electrical contractors have seen challenging market conditions with price volatility and lead time issues over the past year, and they have also been playing catch up on projects that were delayed due to the pandemic. Part of my new role will be to help the electrical contracting delivery chain overcome those challenges and we are well-placed to do that with a broad portfolio, high levels of UK stockholding and products designed for ease and speed of installation. “IDEAL Industries is a global leader in electrical products with in-house manufacturing and R&D and, with the increased sales channels and new products we introduced in 2021, I’m looking forward to playing a significant role in our further UK growth as national sales manager in 2022.”

Electrician reveals five electrical tips that could add up to £35k to your home 

Upgrading the electrics in your home could add tens of thousands of pounds to its value, an electrician and property expert have revealed. With the new year traditionally a popular time to move house, ElectricalDirect has partnered with Jamie Heard, electrician at Jamie Heard Electrical, and Bruna Pani, property expert at We Buy Any House, to reveal how electrics can boost your property value before selling. # Electrical tip Cost to install (Approx.) Value added  (Up to) Pay off 1 Electrical car charging points £800 £35,000 £34,200 2 Solar panels £6,000 £30,000 £24,000 3 Smart home technology £5,000 £16,000 £11,000 4 Smart security £500 £11,000 £10,500 5 LED lights £150 £8,000 £7,850   1) Install electric car charging points – adds up to £35,000 Costs around £800 In 2021, Brits installed more than twice as many electric car charging points in their homes as they did the year before, and with sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles being banned from 2030, demand for green transport is only going to increase further. Therefore, adding a charging unit to your own home could attract buyers. Bruna says: “If you’re looking to sell your property, then investing in an electric car charging point on the driveway of your home could encourage interest, as it demonstrates to buyers that the site is eco-friendly and well-equipped for the future. “Having to continually charge electric cars can be seen as a downside to owning one, particularly as it can take a while, so having the luxury of your own charging point at home is really appealing.” 2) Add solar panels – adds up to £30,000 Costs up to £6,000 Almost three in five (59%) Brits say they would consider getting solar panels on their home and doing so could be a savvy investment – potentially adding up to £30,000 to your property value. Furthermore, with energy prices expected to remain high in the coming years, being able to produce your own power could prove really valuable. Bruna says: “Although solar panels are relatively expensive to install, in the long term they can help you save a lot of money, which can appeal to buyers. The electricity generated by the panels captures energy from the sun and converts it into electricity which can be used at home. “The energy is renewable, and as long as you meet the criteria for solar panels (in terms of location and space), then you can save on your energy bills and drastically reduce your carbon footprint.” 3) Invest in smart home technology – adds up to £16,000 Costs from £5,000 From thermostats to TVs, curtains to kettles, smart home technology is taking over the interiors market and over half (54%) of Brits now own at least one such device. With this in mind, installing home appliances that can be controlled remotely could be a shrewd move if you’re looking to sell. Bruna says: “Investing in a smart home is not only appealing due to its ‘cool factor’, but because it also provides an element of ease that caters for all types of people, from those who are interested in technology, to those who need support running a household.” “Additionally, smart homes are an appealing feature to have in your home as they create an energy-efficient environment, which in turn reduces your bills by controlling your energy consumption.” 4) Install smart security – adds up to £11,000 Costs around £500 Buyers often check crime rates and the safety of an area when choosing where to live, so installing smart devices to increase the security of your home can help attract interest. Bruna says: “Adding outdoor cameras that are linked to an indoor monitor or your smartphone, in addition to motion sensors and a camera-doorbell, can assure prospective buyers that it is a safe and protected environment. “Although they may cost slightly more than your standard lock and bolt, smart home security systems are durable and provide greater insight into the safety of your property and valuables.” 5) Upgrade your lighting with LEDs – adds up to £8,000 Costs around £150 Tactical lighting can help to highlight your property’s best features and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for viewings. By choosing certain fixtures and bulb types, like LEDs, lighting can also boost your home’s value. Bruna says: “Incorporating varying styles and types of lighting will help your home appear sophisticated, cared-for and contemporary. It's important to consider the type of light fixture, as well as the bulb, with most people preferring polished and decorative switches, such as chrome effects or remote-controlled lighting. “Installing LED lighting, both inside and outside your home, is a great way to not only reduce the amount you spend on bulbs (as LED bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs), but also to modernise, as they can be customised and have different settings available.” Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says: “Getting your electrics right is crucial before selling your home. Primarily, buyers want to know that the property is safe electrically, so make sure you have an Electrical Installation Certificate. “But it’s also interesting to see just how much certain electricals can increase your property value if you invest in the right places, like smart home and security.”

Hochiki Europe expands panel compatibility reach for ACD

Hochiki Europe has announced a new perfect fit partnership which will enable its most sophisticated addressable multi-sensor device, the ACD, to be compatible with the MxPro 5 range of addressable fire control panels from Advanced Electronics. This new partnership with Advanced Electronics allows Hochiki’s ACD addressable loop-powered multi-sensor, with smoke, heat and CO sensing elements to be installed in even more projects than was previously possible.  Schools, hospitals, accommodation, commercial premises, cultural properties and beyond will now benefit from greater choice when it comes to choosing the latest in life safety technology. Both the ACD multi-sensor and MxPro 5 panel systems include several features that make this new partnership the perfect product and panel fit for the smallest to the largest of sites. Advanced Electronics’ MxPro 5 range is their highest performance analogue addressable fire panel range to date, approved to EN54 Parts 2, 4 and 13 and certified by FM approvals to EN54 Parts 2 and 4. There are 24 modes of operation in the Hochiki ACD multi-sensor, detecting smoke, heat, CO and the threat of COHb poisoning, all fully supported by the MxPro 5 panels. There is also a Reduced False Alarm function (+RFA), where the sensor will automatically adjust the sensitivity of the optical sensing element over time, learning from its surrounding environment from the moment of installation. This allows the installer to ‘fine-tune’ the product to work perfectly with MxPro 5 panel and more importantly for the environment to which it is being fitted. Commenting on the partnership, Nathan Hudson, Hochiki Europe’s Sales and Marketing Director says “It is imperative that installers and end users get the greatest choice across the market when selecting fire detection products and systems. Not only to ensure the best products are used to protect people and property, but also to ensure budgets are met, especially important on complex projects. We’re really excited by this partnership with Advanced Electronics as it means even more customers around the globe now have access to the most sophisticated and innovative life safety technology on the market which can be perfectly tailored to their projects”

Relocated Travis Perkins branch in Bristol creates 15 new jobs

Travis Perkins is set to relocate to a new branch in Bristol St. Philips. The new branch is 1.7 acres bigger in size and will be located on Days Road. It opens its doors on the 7th February. The existing 11 strong team from the Albert Road branch will transfer to the new site, and Travis Perkins has recruited an extra 15 colleagues for positions, making a total of 26. Half of these roles have been filled by women, in what is traditionally a male dominated industry. The new branch is 2.7 acres in size, almost the size of two football pitches. The site is one of the first branches to pilot Travis Perkins' new ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by 90%. It will include electric forklift trucks and electric charging points. For the first time, the branch will include a hard landscaping display. The site also boasts a brand new Tool Hire from where customers can hire tools, plant and equipment and more. Its brand new Benchmarx kitchen display showroom offers a wide range of high quality kitchen ranges increases Travis Perkins offering to their customers. Branch manager Simon Brierley says: “The opening of our new branch at Bristol St. Philips is another step in Travis Perkins ambitions to become a net-zero carbon producer. Being able to pilot innovations like electric forklift trucks and electric charging points means we can show our customers the advantages of switching to sustainable initiatives. “Our fantastic team can’t wait to get started helping local trade professionals with their construction and building projects. The fact that we can now offer them a Tool Hire service and a kitchen range from our new Benchmarx kitchen showroom for the first time is very exciting.” The branch will offer  bricks for the first time and also its extended range in the yard will include timber, blocks, drainage and lintels. Customers can choose to shop online, in branch or by using the new Travis Perkins app. The industry-first app has been designed in conjunction with customers to help them save time and work smarter by enabling them to check and order stock on the go at their personal trade prices in real time from their local branch. To welcome new customers, anyone that opens a credit account and spends £250 will get £50 off in the first three months, while existing customers will benefit by getting £50 for referring a friend. Tool Hire customers will get 60% off for the first three months. Travis Perkins Bristol St. Philips will be located at Days Road, St. Philips, Bristol, BS2 0QP and opens on February 7th at 07:00am.