Electrical manufacturing industry makes climate commitment

BEAMA has announced the publication of its industry climate commitment which has been signed by 37 leading UK manufacturers. This is a commitment for the delivery of sustainable products and operations for the long-term, aiming to mobilise action across its supply chain. This represents a major step in progressing industrial decarbonisation in the UK. There are three key parts to this commitment: ‘As domestic and international businesses we commit to reducing our emissions, as well as meeting the needs of the supply chain for the transition to net zero by 2050’ ‘We support the application of the most rigorous science-based approach to setting targets in line with a 1.5C future’ ‘We commit to the delivery of sustainable ‘cradle-to-cradle’ products in our marketplace by 2050’ As a sector manufacturing low carbon technologies for the future, BEAMA’s climate commitment and sustainability practices are at the heart of what the organisation does. BEAMA says it cannot do this alone and as a community of manufacturers it commits to support the wider industry in delivering effective climate action. BEAMA CEO, Dr Howard Porter, says, “This an important moment for our industry and I am proud to see so many of our members supporting this target and leading this work to develop collaboration across industry and ensure industrial decarbonisation can be achieved in the UK and globally. Our members are part of complex global supply chains, and this commitment today represents the actions that will be taken to deliver progress on the international stage. Never has this work been more vital, and now is the time for action and delivery.” Paul Kilburn, Managing Director of Volution Ventilation UK, says, “Volution are committed to a net zero carbon future. As a provider of energy efficient solutions, we are pleased to support the BEAMA Climate Commitment and help to deliver a UK energy system which is genuinely zero carbon from the ground up.” Neil Stewart, Chief Executive of Glen Dimplex, says: “We are pleased to support this commitment being led by BEAMA, the voice of the UK’s electrical industry. Climate change is the single biggest challenge facing human kind this century and we must all play our part to ensure a sustainable future for our planet and our children.” Richard Dick, Chairman of Lucy Group, says: “We are determined to work towards our net zero goals by practical actions, including additional investment, within our own businesses and by supporting our customers and suppliers with their own sustainability objectives.” You can download a copy of the BEAMA Climate Commitment Delivering the component parts of a net zero energy system here.

The new 'Rogue Trainers' campaign launched by TESP

The risks associated with unscrupulous training providers are being highlighted in a new and creative campaign from The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP). Using the strapline ‘Don’t get taken for a ride by Rogue Trainers’, an animated video shows a man getting drawn into a house of horrors by false claims, which turn out to be not all they seem. Aimed at people outside of the industry looking to become a qualified electrician, TESP hopes to help people avoid training providers who don’t deliver on their promises, presenting a range of courses which look impressive to the untrained eye, but on proper inspection don’t lead to qualified status. With thousands of searches each year on terms such as ‘electrical courses’ and ‘how to become an electrician’, many people are at risk of taking the wrong training path if they’re not aware of the correct routes to follow. In addition to the animated video, TESP has produced online advice at roguetrainers with top tips for choosing a training provider, along with red flags to look out for when researching a provider’s claims. Visitors are directed to TESP’s industry approved Training Routes to read more on the right paths to becoming qualified. “There are still too many reports of people spending thousands of pounds with companies who wilfully misrepresent where their training leads,” says Ruth Devine, TESP Chair and Managing Director of SJD Electrical. “Some providers use high-pressure sales techniques to trap learners with a large financial commitment, but devious contract terms mean there’s no realistic prospect of achieving the qualification.” “When so many training providers jump through hoops to do things properly and engage responsibly with industry and employers, it’s important that potential learners are aware of the pitfalls. “The idea of ‘rogue trainers’ has been talked about in the past and, indeed, the issue of unscrupulous training providers is not new. Now TESP is taking a clear stance on these practices to shine a light on what to avoid. “We hope that the whole electrotechnical industry gets behind us – including the reputable training providers who are doing the right thing – to help raise awareness of this campaign to the general public who may fall foul of rogue trainers when looking to become an electrician.”

Electrotechnical industry gears up for All-IP switch ​ 

Electrotechnical services trade body, ECA, is stepping up advice to its Members and the wider industry, as they prepare for the switch to All-IP networks. The UK switch started earlier this summer and completion is set for 2025. The switchover presents an abundance of commercial opportunities. Between now and 2025, telecommunications providers will gradually switch 14 million traditional copper phone lines to new ‘All-IP’ (Internet Protocol) networks, which utilises fibre optic cabling. ECA Technical Manager, Shahid Khan, says: “To retire the entire UK analogue network by the 2025 deadline, an average of 50,000 analogue lines will need to be upgraded to digital every week. “This presents a huge opportunity for structured data cabling professionals to get involved in this space.” Mark Taylor, ECHO General Manager, comments: “The migration to digital All IP is a global step change. At ECHO we would underline the importance for all monitored alarm systems including police response alarms being adapted as needs be to ensure future-proof alarm signalling in the All-IP world. “Adapting to All-IP is essential for the benefits of alarm monitoring and in the case of police response alarms being ECHO-connected.” Demand for faster broadband and other digital communications services has skyrocketed in recent years, and especially during the coronavirus lockdowns. Some of the customer benefits anticipated to result from the switch-over include: Larger businesses will be able to consolidate multiple sites onto a single platform - reducing operational costs and requiring less equipment and maintenance (simpler network structure) Improved telephony via laptop/PC, and general improvements in functionality e.g., voicemail to email/call recording/instant messaging/call management/diary integration. Openreach has launched a national campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the roll-out process, and it recommends that organisations join its ‘Call Waiting List’ to stay informed.

£2 million smart ‘Matrix’ to help electric cars

A £2 million machine-learning tool is creating a Matrix-like simulation of the South East’s electricity network, that could unlock energy capacity equivalent to 1,371 new rapid electric car chargers by 2028. UK Power Networks’ Envision project is simulating how power is flowing through its networks across London, the South and South East of England. From this data-led approach providing better ‘visibility’ of everything that is happening across hundreds of thousands of miles of network, the company will be able to run the network more efficiently and safely allow more low carbon technologies like heat pumps and EV chargers to connect. Experts forecast Envision could release almost 70MW of electricity capacity by 2028, creating more space for EV chargers or low carbon heat pumps. This means engineers won’t need to physically upgrade the network to release capacity, leading to significant cost and time savings: up to £4 million in total over the next five years. Connecting more electric car chargers and electric heat pumps is critical to tackling the climate crisis and reaching the UK’s ‘net zero’ carbon emissions target by 2050. There are currently more than 150,000 electric cars and 20,000 heat pumps in the areas served by UK Power Networks, but its analysis forecasts over 2.6 million electric vehicles and 712,000 heat pumps by 2030. These need ‘space’ on the electricity network, so quickly and efficiently unlocking more capacity is a vital part of the network operator’s strategy. Envision is building new predictive models which combine UK Power Networks’ data with external and real-time data from monitoring devices connected to substations. The machine learning algorithm will create a simulation of the electrical ‘load’ in specific areas and expand it across the entire network. Engineers will compare the simulation to real life physical monitors; feeding the software more and better data over time so the algorithm gets more accurate Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation at UK Power Networks, says: “Our customers rightly expect us to do everything we can to make the switch to electric cars and low carbon heating as affordable as possible. Through Envision, we’re thinking outside the box and re-imagining traditional ways of working, to make it happen.” Simone Torino, head of product and business development at CKDelta, which is collaborating on the project, says: “The aim of the Envision model is to generate a ‘virtual sensing network’ that uses advanced data capabilities and machine learning to simulate the behaviour of the network at scale, accurately estimating changing network load profiles. In a world where the uptake of new distributed energy resources and the increasing electrification of transport are impacting electrical demand and distribution network constraints like never before, having this type of modelling and predictive analytics capabilities is a game changer for the utilities sector and has potential to reshape how we approach demand and supply in other sectors such as transport.”

Research shows half of UK tradespeople have mental health problems  

Nearly half (49%) of UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work related issues, a study has found. Coinciding with World Mental Health Day (10th October), the research, by IronmongeryDirect found that nearly three in five (58%) experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, at least once a week. Money worries cause the most stress, with 38% of tradespeople blaming financial situations for giving them anxiety. Other issues, such as tensions with customers (31%) and suppliers (29%), are also major causes of concern for tradespeople. The 10 issues which cause the most stress for tradespeople: Finances (38%) Tensions with customers (31%) Tensions with suppliers (29%) High workload (26%) Tensions with business partners (26%) Job security (21%) Doing the best job for customers (12%) Making mistakes (11%) Abuse from customers (6%) Lack of work (5%) Female tradespeople (57%) are significantly more likely to experience work related mental health problems than their male counterparts (41%). Additionally, the main causes of stress and anxiety differ between the genders, with women more likely to feel stressed due to finances (39%) and tensions with business partners (29%), whilst men are more affected by high workloads (39%) and tensions with suppliers (37%). When it comes to age, middle aged tradespeople experience the most work-related related mental health issues. Nearly three in five (57%) tradies aged between 45-54 report stress and anxiety due to work. Bricklayers are the most likely tradespeople to experience mental health problems, with a shocking 73% admitting to dealing with issues such as stress and anxiety. In contrast, surveyors (18%) are the trade least likely to have poor mental health. Mind’s top tips for dealing with mental health problems Understand more about stress. Figure out what you find helpful to deal with your mental health, as well as what can trigger it. Learn about different coping techniques and if they work for you. Exercise regularly. Practise mindfulness and meditation. Open up and talk to your family, friends and colleagues. When dealing with mental health problems, nearly half (48%) of tradespeople said they choose to talk to friends and families about their issues. Less than a third (32%) choose to seek counselling, while more than a quarter (28%) take medication. The research also found that a similar number (29%) do not feel comfortable talking to people close to them about their mental health. Furthermore, more than a third (34%) do not know how to access support services.

New Recolight initiatives to avoid unnecessary recycling in lighting

Recolight have announced two new initiatives to support and encourage reuse in the lighting sector.  The objective of the services is to provide practical help for Recolight producer members to more fully embrace the circular economy. Announcing the a service to make used luminaires available for re-use at a webinar on 7th October, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says “Every year, we recycle hundreds of thousands of light fittings. Some of those could be re-manufactured and re-used. We want to collect as much data as possible regarding fittings scheduled for disposal – and to make that information, and the fittings, available to companies that may be able to upgrade or remanufacture the products.” “When products are recycled, much of the embedded value is destroyed. That value is preserved if products are re-used. Like all WEEE schemes, Recolight is therefore under a legal obligation to prioritise re-use over recycling. These new initiatives will help us meet that legal duty – and create new remanufacturing opportunities for the UK lighting industry.” “Re-use is a vital way in which we can collectively respond to the climate crisis. The new approach is undoubtedly a culture shift, and all of us in the lighting sector will need to play our part. The need for contractors to ensure that re-usable product is removed carefully and set aside is particularly important.” The second service is focused on surplus new lighting equipment, that is no longer offered for sale. Introducing the service, Recolight Collections and Membership Development Coordinator Francesca Cameron comments “At Recolight we get requests to arrange the recycling of redundant or remaindered stock, often at short notice, to free up warehouse space. Rather than recycle it, we want to make that product available to other organisations such as charities. Recolight members will be given access to an app that allows them to upload details of products. Recolight will then collect them for free, and store them for free, if a recipient cannot immediately be found.”

LEW Peterborough opens its doors for customers

LEW are delighted to announce that they have opened up their latest branch in Peterborough, the 15th in the LEW branch network. This is their first branch in Cambridgeshire, showing an intent to grow further and become the UK’s leading Independent Electrical Wholesaler. LEW Electrical Distributors recently won 3 awards at the Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2021, for Best Wholesaler (2-25 Branches), Best Individual Branch (Barnsley), and Best Customer Service. This shows the level of service customers in Peterborough can expect, showing their commitment to delivering an industry leading customer experience. Headed up by Branch Manager Chris Mizen, LEW Peterborough is located at Unit 6, on Titan Drive in Fengate. This new branch has already created new jobs, in the warehouse and on the sales counter so this is a really exciting time for the area. “We have already established some great relationships with both customers and suppliers and this is aligned with our core values. The sales counter is the largest in the LEW branch network, so we very much envisage this branch becoming one of the key branches in the LEW portfolio for providing unrivalled levels of service “ says Chris Mizen, Branch Manager, LEW Peterborough. LEW will be running a variety of opening offers in order to welcome customers to LEW’s Award Winning Service including an additional 20% off your first order. There'll also be weekly and monthly raffle prizes for any orders over £100 and £250 respectively, where you’ll have the opportunity to win prizes such as a 50” TV and VR Oculus Headset. LEW are currently planning a Trade Show next year, where you will be entered into a draw to win holiday vouchers worth £3000 as well as meeting the LEW Peterborough team. Keep an eye on their social pages and website for when this date is announced in 2022, along with the Suppliers that will be attending.

ECA joins forces with the Welsh Government to promote PBAs

Leading engineering services trade body ECA is working with the Welsh Construction Forum and Welsh Government to raise the profile of project bank accounts (PBAs) in the fight against unfair payment and business practices in construction. PBAs are vital in maintaining cash flow, bringing tangible business benefits and creating a more robust supply chain. In a public and industry collaboration the industry body has devised practical measures to help increase the adoption of PBAs across public sector contracts. An easy ‘how to’ guide – which is now published via Business Wales – provides a clear step by step process on how public clients and Tier 1 contractors can set up a project bank account. One of the key requirements of the Welsh Government and Construction Forum established during the COVID-19 pandemic was to support the construction sector in particular with the certainty of future work pipeline and efficient procurement and payment processes. Welsh Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters says: “I’m delighted that these simple to use Project Bank Accounts Guidelines have come out of the Construction Forum. “These guidelines provide confidence to clients, contractors and small businesses regarding payments especially during these extraordinary times. The guide complements the detailed information and training available via Business Wales and Welsh Government. “I am delighted that already some Local Authorities and contractors have used the guidelines to great effect and look forward to working with the construction sector to ensure a stable sustainable thriving sector in Wales.” Steve Bratt, ECA CEO and lead on Business Environment policy welcomed the partnership with the Welsh Construction Forum and the Welsh Government on the PBAs guide and adds: “This is a great example of industry working together with the public sector to extend fair payment practices and responsible procurement across all public sector contracts. We hope to see many more follow this example and use PBAs to protect businesses from payment abuse and encourage better collaboration across the supply chain.” Michelle Morgan-Loughman, ECA Regional Manager thanked the Welsh Construction Forum and its chair, the Minister Lee Waters MS, as well as the Welsh Construction Federation Alliance for supporting the guide. She says: “It has been over three years since the Welsh Government mandated project bank accounts (PBAs) and its usage has already protected many Welsh SMEs in the construction supply chain from late payments and cashflow insecurities. This easy step by step guide will ensure wider adoption as this practice is embedded in public procurement and help the industry recover from the pandemic. “We will continue our work with the Welsh Government to lower the threshold for using project PBAs from £2 million to £1 million. The long-term aim of ECA is for PBAs to become statutory across the whole of Welsh construction.” David Kieft, Director of RDM Electrical and Mechanical Services, an ECA Member in Wales, welcomed the initiative. He adds: “Project bank accounts provide companies of all sizes in the construction supply chain the security of prompt payment avoiding costly delays and concentrating our resources in delivering high-quality projects for our clients. “PBAs in Welsh Public Sector construction have gained significant momentum with almost £1bn of construction and infrastructure projects now using them. We hope that this practical guide will increase their take up across the industry.”

Domus Ventilation launches new D-dMEV energy efficient units

Domus Ventilation has launched the new D-dMEV range of single flow, continuous running decentralised mechanical ventilation fans for small to medium size rooms, such as bathrooms and toilets.   The D-dMEV, which can be fitted in a wall/panel, ceiling or window, extracts indoor stale air directly to the outside providing a more comfortable indoor living space. Its unique winglet-type impeller provides enhanced air extraction for maximum effectiveness, yet remains very quiet in operation – down to 9 dba – and has a low power consumption.   The Domus D-dMEV comes in 5in and 6in options, each with multi speed selection for flexibility and humidistat and timer.   With a contemporary, minimalist design, the new D-dMEV range features a discreet front flat cover which is easily removed for cleaning without the need of tools.  Its high quality shock-proof case also makes for a long lasting unit.   The new Domus D-dMEV is listed on the BEAMA Green Homes Compliance Scheme, along with Domus Ventilation’s other energy efficient ventilation products, including the Sapphire range of intermittent axial, in-line and centrifugal bathroom and kitchen extract fans.  All come with low Specific Fan Powers (SFP) to comply with Building Regulations at an extremely attractive price point - making them perfect for new builds as well as replacements for home owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.   

Dickies ‘United By Good Work’ shines a light on the Grove DIY Skate Project

As part of Dickies ongoing commitment to championing the dignity of work, last month the leading global workwear brand launched its latest multimedia marketing campaign United By Good Work. Building upon 2020’s United by Inspiration campaign, which reflected the world’s state of isolation and a craving of unity through inspiration, this fall’s United by Good Work celebrates joy and hope as communities come together again by shining a light on the good work that has been accomplished and the good work to come. One such community project is The Grove DIY in South East London. Through exclusive video content, a candid tour of the former pub car park, which has laid vacant and overgrown for nine years, will spotlight its evolution into a true DIY skatepark. It is a collaborative community hub that has thrived since the COVID19 pandemic hit the city and lockdowns ensued. Those passionate about its existence have overcome adversity to ensure its future; if not for the long-term, it has avoided what seemed like an imminent demolition. An unused eyesore has transformed into somewhere that will provide a legacy within the community. “A lot of skateparks and councils ask for lots of money and we’ve done it [all] off our own backs. The donations came because people started realising we’re paying for all of this [ourselves] which is amazing because it shows that people care… We’ve already been given so much so it’s great that we can help give back by doing lots of events and give back to the community who’ve let us stay here and use their space.” comments The Grove DIY. United by Good Work launches through a multi-platform marketing campaign that includes global digital, social media and custom content that personifies communities doing good work.