Leading the way for young building controls engineers

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is extolling the engineers of tomorrow after another impressive showing in the Young Engineer of the Year category at this year’s BCIA Awards. The Young Engineer of the Year Award is presented to the individual aged 35 years or under who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in the BCIA Technical Training Programme and other building controls educational programmes. This year, Lewis Williams of Detail Design Engineering (DDE) came out on top among a very strong group of finalists. Lewis first visited Detail Design Engineering on a work experience placement while still at school. He enjoyed the work and the environment and his enthusiasm and aptitude was a natural ‘fit’ for DDE’s young engineer recruitment policy. Still only 22, Lewis has gone from work experience visitor to an extremely qualified and competent engineer in six years and is now seen as a role model for DDE’s junior engineers. Lewis says: “Throughout my time as a controls engineer I have been fortunate enough to attend a number of BCIA specialist training courses which greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge, not only on key principles and theories of climate control, but how effective application and use of building controls is paramount to environment control, whether for comfort or precise process environment control. I was both surprised and delighted to win the award which has increased my confidence and further ignited my passion to grow my career within the industry.” BCIA President Terry Sharp comments: “Every year this category is a particularly tough one to judge and it is extremely encouraging to see the knowledge, passion and dedication to the industry from the young people entering the building controls sector. I would like to congratulate Lewis and all of his fellow finalists for continuing to build upon the high standards set by their predecessors. This is a very rewarding sector for those who put the effort in and I believe everybody shortlisted for Young Engineer of the Year has the potential to have a long and successful career.”

Locals drive forward CityFibre’s £40m digital transformation in Medway

CityFibre is making significant progress on its £40m investment to transform Medway into one of the world’s best digitally connected regions, with construction ramping up in areas including Rainham Central, Rainham South and Watling, and moving into the Hempstead and Wigmore area before the end of the year. Construction is being delivered by the infrastructure service provider Lanes-i on behalf of CityFibre. The team is using a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Medway Council and local communities to deliver a fast rollout and minimise potential disruption. The build project is also supporting jobs in Medway, with local residents making up 65% of the 80-strong Lanes-i team. This includes Sadie Kingswood, Street Works Coordinator at Lanes-i, who joined the firm in January this year. Sadie is responsible for securing all necessary permissions before construction work can take place. On a day-to-day basis, she manages everything from raising permits to facilitating site meetings and ensuring effective communication with local authorities. Having lived in the Medway area for the past 12 years, Sadie says that her local knowledge is incredibly helpful in her job and makes working with local stakeholders that much easier. Speaking of her work, Sadie says: “We’re a close-knit team at Lanes-i. I think everyone is really excited to be part of the effort to future-proof Medway’s digital infrastructure for generations to come, through CityFibre’s investment. As a proud Medway local with strong ties to the community, the work is all the more rewarding.” Aideen Sadler, CityFibre’s City Manager for Medway, says: “We are immensely proud to support local jobs in Medway, via our trusted build partner Lanes-i, as we work to upgrade the area’s legacy networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity. “Our £40m investment in Medway will continue to support jobs as local businesses and residents gain access to state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, helping boost productivity and innovation.” Medway is one of a growing number of locations in the UK to benefit from CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City investment programme which will bring new and better broadband infrastructure within reach of up to eight million homes and businesses nationwide. CityFibre launched its build project in Medway in January this year, as part of the company’s plans to replace the nation’s outdated copper-based networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity. Unlike copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, full fibre networks use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at lightning speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users consistently faster speeds for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth so everyone at home can work, study, stream or game simultaneously, while providing connectivity users can depend on. As work is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘light up the network’ with some of the fastest and most competitive broadband packages available in terms of both data and price. In Medway, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers including Vfast, the Kent based internet service provider. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans, while TalkTalk and other providers are expected to join the network soon.

ESP introduces new GuardCam 2K Wi-Fi security camera

ESP has added a 2K (4MP) Wi-Fi Security Camera with adjustable Twin Spots to its GuardCam range, offering installers a high specification, superior resolution product that will make it stand out in the market. With the typical resolution for security cameras in the market currently at 1080p (2 megapixel), ESP’s 2K (4 megapixel) offer, will set the new security light apart in a competitive market place, providing a key selling point for installers and end users. Making an ideal contemporary upgrade from an old and worn floodlight, the GuardCam 2K (4MP) Wi-Fi Security Camera with Twin Spots has been designed with ease of set up as a key feature.  It includes the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using the specially developed, subscription-free, ‘ESP Smart 2K’ APP, which also supports the newly launched Aperta 2K (4MP) Wi-Fi Doorbell. The in-built 2K (4MP) camera offers notifications and video storage in the event of motion and human detection triggers, and the adjustable 5000K dual LED lamps - with a combined 2600 lumen output - provide flexible options for light coverage. The GuardCam 2K Wi-Fi Security Camera is available in a white or black finish and features a robust, IP65 rated housing. In summary, the key features are: Full 2K (4MP) live view and recording No Subscription or additional fees required 116° wide angle camera view 5000K dual LED lamps (25w) 2600 lumen output Motion or human activated video record Clear two–way audio Remotely activate or dim LED lamp IP65 rated ingress protection Operates on 2.4GHz, 5 GHz Wi-Fi & ethernet network connection The new Wi-Fi Security Camera with Twin Spots will sit alongside ESP’s existing GuardCam range which includes the GuardCam Deco Combined Security Camera LED System.

Trade businesses bounce back from COVID-19, but soaring costs mean fears of failure

Demand for UK trades has boomed since the end of the initial lockdown in July 2020. Plumbers, electricians, building maintenance firms and other trades making up the UK’s 1.3 million business field-service sector have seen their workloads increase by 70% year on year, according to a new report published by field service management software provider BigChange. BigChange’s State of the Field Service Sector report reveals that three-quarters of trades businesses saw demand increase in the year to July 2021. Almost one in five (18%) took on over double the work they did in the 12-month period before. BigChange’s research indicates that demand for Plumbing and Heating, Plant Hire and Drainage increased fastest. Despite soaring turnovers (up 79%) and average price increases of 47%, fewer than half of trades businesses (48%) said they were profitable in the year to July 2021. Debts have increased by 117% among the worst performers in the sector, and one in eight firms fear they will fail within a year as COVID-19 complications, compliance issues and surging costs continue to hit hard. Most businesses surveyed (81%) said that the pandemic had continued to impact their finances negatively in the last 12 months. 67% said their margins had been squeezed by the cost of complying with new regulations, and rising prices for materials, fuel and labour are cited as ongoing problems by more than 70% of respondents. Richard Warley, BigChange CEO, comments: “While demand for the trades has boomed since the first lockdown, this backbone of the economy is not as strong as it might look. Only half of firms are profiting from this extra work. There’s a big difference between growing and growing stronger. “Many trades businesses have seen profit margins hit by a perfect storm of COVID-19, compliance and rising costs. One in eight fear they won’t last another year, partly because they’ve taken on more debt and racked up colossal overtime bills meeting customer demand. “The strong, profitable businesses are succeeding by working smarter to stay in control of their operations, keeping a lid on costs, and making their teams more productive. They are using technology to improve management oversight, plan better and automate processes, and improving communication and response times as part of efforts to make the customer experience their new source of competitive advantage.”

KNIPEX launches Pliers Wrench XS

The tried and tested KNIPEX Pliers Wrench is now available as an XS version with a length of just 100mm. With a width across flats of up to 21mm, the small all-rounder has a continuous gripping capacity for all common widths, both metric and imperial. The Pliers Wrench XS (86 04 100) is the smallest pliers wrench in the product portfolio of the Wuppertal-based pliers’ manufacturer. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the Pliers Wrench XS is also extremely versatile. With a length of only 100mm, the versatile tool with a width across flats of up to 21mm can tighten and loosen screws gently and much, much more. It has a continuous gripping capacity for all common widths, both metric and imperial. The high lever transmission joint means that workpieces can be securely gripped, held, pressed or bent. Thanks to its compact design and very slim head, the Pliers Wrench XS is also perfect for working in the most confined spaces. The sturdy slip joint offers great stability and long-term resilience, while a pinch stop prevents crush injuries. Small enough to fit in a pocket as an ‘everyday carry’ tool, the classically embossed and chrome-plated Pliers Wrench XS is extremely versatile: It can be used in precision building, engineering, plumbing applications. The smallest pliers wrench is also highly suitable for delicate materials. Smooth jaws ensure absolutely gentle assembly of delicate fittings with surface finishes. This means that you can work on the entire surface of a fitting without worrying about damaging the chrome.

Utility providers form partnership in step toward resilient infrastructure

The National Digital Twin programme (NDTp) is pleased to announce a first of its kind collaboration agreement with three major UK utility providers; Anglian Water, BT and UK Power Networks to work together on a Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo). This exciting collaboration between owners of infrastructure assets, researchers and innovators will apply the UK’s state of the art capabilities in systems engineering, digital asset management and modelling to the climate crisis to plan a more resilient built environment, keeping us all safer in the face of flooding and extreme weather. Delivered through the government funded NDTp, CReDo will develop, for the first time in the UK, a digital twin across energy, water and telecoms networks to provide a practical example of how connected data can improve climate adaptation and resilience. The CReDo project looks specifically at the impact of flooding caused by climate change on energy, water and telecoms networks. It demonstrates how those who own and operate them can use secure information sharing, across sector boundaries, to mitigate the effect of flooding on network performance and ensure reliable service delivery to customers. Collaborating on CReDo are Anglian Water, BT and UK Power Networks, who will use their asset and operations data combined with environmental data by the Met Office to inform an increased level of infrastructure resilience. The project will be delivered through a collaboration of research centres and industry partners; The Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Exeter, Newcastle and Warwick will work alongside the Hartree Centre, DAFNI, Science and Technology Facilities Council, CMCL Innovations, the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence and Mott MacDonald. It is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Connected Places Catapult and the University of Cambridge. Using an Information Management Framework (IMF) approach, which is being developed through the NDTp, CReDO will enable the partners to share data across a secure platform. CReDo will demonstrate the capability of the IMF approach to connect digital twins in a principled, scalable way to inform decision making in capital and operational planning, reducing the cost and disruptive impact of extreme weather events and increasing resilience. This collaborative project will demonstrate the potential of a National Digital Twin to deliver beneficial outcomes for people and the planet. CReDo project lead and author of the landmark report “Data for the Public Good”, Sarah Hayes, says: “We are really excited for what we can deliver through CReDo: demonstration that connected digital twins can enable increased climate resilience and that collaboration across a team that spans industry, academia and government forms the pieces of the puzzle that unlock solutions to reaching net zero.” Matt Webb, head of enterprise data at UK Power Networks, says: “The CReDo project has presented an exciting opportunity to collaborate with fellow utilities to explore and demonstrate the benefits of data sharing and the application of advanced digital capabilities to address the threat of increasingly impactful severe weather events as a consequence of climate change. “The ability to apply advanced data engineering techniques to effectively model the way a co-dependant national infrastructure operates could be a significant help in informing and enhancing our long, medium and short term planning in order to improve climate resilience across our networks and benefit customers.” Head of Carbon Neutrality for Anglian Water, David Riley comments: “We’re incredibly exited to be part of this ground-breaking project. We have already begun seeing the real-life benefits that Digital Twin technology can bring to how we plan, construct and maintain our assets as a water company, while ensuring we remain on track to reach our net-zero target by 2030. “Using the same innovation to look into the future and securely share data to plan climate change resilience across utility networks is incredibly powerful, vital, in fact, if we are to maintain service to our customers despite the extreme challenges we all face.” Paul O’brien, Research Director, AI and Operations for BT adds: “The CReDo project helps us explore how to better protect the UKs critical infrastructure and services from the effects of climate change by collaborating with other infrastructure providers and top scientists from around the UK & by using digital twin technology at scale.”

CityFibre partners with The Way Youth Zone to boost digital inclusion

CityFibre has donated ten laptops to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to help tackle the digital divide in Wolverhampton. The UK’s largest independent full fibre platform is investing £50 million to transform Wolverhampton into one of the world’s best digitally connected cities, and, to ensure local young people can harness its benefits, it has teamed up with The Way Youth Zone, a youth-led, state of the art space for young people living in the city. The Way Youth Zone has been providing young people aged eight to 19, and those with disabilities up to the age of 25, with access to sporting and cultural activities each evening since it opened in 2016. Alongside the other services and activities it offers, these laptops will enable the Way Youth Zone to give members access to hardware for homework, job applications and more. Speaking of the donation, Bashir Ahmed MBE, CityFibre’s City Manager for Wolverhampton, says: “The Way Youth Zone provides a fantastic range of activities to young people across the city and, through its work, it has recognised that some of its members struggled to access the online world – which is so important for things like school, study, job hunting and more. Our ambition at CityFibre is to ensure everyone can access quality connectivity, so supporting groups like The Way Youth Zone with device donations directly helps to address digital exclusion in the city by addressing a significant barrier.” Carla Priddon, CEO at The Way Youth Zone, comments: "On behalf of our members, we’d like to thank CityFibre for providing 10 refurbished laptops to the young people at The Way. Our members are excited about using these laptops to explore their creative side by creating digital art and using them with youth workers to develop employability skills such as CV writing. In addition, a small number will be allocated to those most in need of access to equipment to take home for homework, learning and connecting with friends."

Celebrity sparky chooses ESP for CCTV protection

When Billy Byrne, resident sparky on DIY SOS, moved house recently, installing a CCTV system to protect his new premises was top of his to do list. Having partnered with Scolmore Group on a number of collaborations over the years, Billy has a great insight into the products and services that are available across the group and researched his options from ESP’s comprehensive CCTV range. Following consultation with the ESP technical team to establish the right system for his needs, the RekorHD 2MP 4 camera kit was recommended. The installation was carried out by electrical contractor Matt Francis of M-Tech Electrical, a family-run electrical contracting firm covering the south west region. Matt and Billy have worked together a number of times over the years on some of Billy’s TV projects and Matt was only too happy to lend a helping hand with the install. The RekorHD 2MP CCTV range used for Billy’s installation has been the subject of a revamp this year. The kits (4 and 8 channel options available) provide all the components required to get a system up and running in one box - the only additional item required is a monitor to access the menu and system display. The systems have been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed ESP View App. The range includes new and improved cameras, which feature contemporary styling and robust metal housings. The infrared capture has been increased from 20 to 30m and the range now includes intelligent function, with perimeter intrusion detection and line crossing detection offering improved functionality compared with the traditional motion detection feature. The kits include a stylish 4-or 8-channel DVR, pre-installed premium surveillance hard drive, cameras, camera cables, system power supply, mouse and HDMI cable. The menu is designed to be very user-friendly and is navigated via mouse control. There are a number of kit options available, including two or four camera kits, with the cameras offered in either a bullet or dome style and available in a white or grey finish. Four cameras were used to provide cover for Billy’s property, with two positioned at the front and two at the rear, and he opted for the dark grey housing. Commenting on the install project, Matt Francis says: “What I love about the RekorHD CCTV system is how easy it is to install and set up, and the quality of images from the cameras is excellent. Billy did much of the ground work, running all the cabling and providing much needed refreshments along the way. Having remote access to the system was a key consideration for Billy, who wanted to be able to access and view the system while away from home, and he is very impressed with the overall result. “It was pleasure to be able to give Billy a hand on this project. He does so much good work for so many communities and it was great to be able to give a little back to him.”

Dan Lloyd is Screwfix's Top Tradesperson 2021!

Dan Lloyd, a Brighton electrician, has proved he is the brightest spark and has been officially announced as the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021. Dan, 34, was presented with the award during the virtual Screwfix Live event on Friday 1 October. The electrician has spent 15 years of his life in the industry and walks away with the coveted title and ultimate trade bundle consisting of £10,000 worth of tools, £5,000 worth of technology and £5,000 towards future training. As part of a two-day virtual final against nine other high-calibre tradespeople from across the UK and Ireland, Dan faced a panel of esteemed industry experts, including representatives from Screwfix, the NICEIC, CIPHE, FMB and previous winner, Darren McGhee. Dan was a stand-out winner thanks to his fantastic approach to customer service, ambitions for his business and investment in the future of the trade. Dan believes future-proofing the trade is vital to fill the current skills shortage gap. He has a level one and level three apprentice which he is training up to his high standards. As part of mentoring his apprentices, Dan has built a fully-fledged apprentice bay, a workshop where he creates circuit faults for his apprentices to fix and fuse board rigs so they can get more hands-on experience that they missed out on during the pandemic. The end goal is to give them the confidence to work in people’s homes safely and with the practical skill set they need. Dan says: “Winning this award is life-changing, I never expected to make the final, let alone become Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know the other nine finalists - they were a tough lot to beat and I never expected to take the crown. This is testament to the hard work of everyone in my company and the award really is something that belongs to all eight of us in the team. “My work has always relied on word of mouth so leaving my customers completely satisfied is paramount to my business. Being able to share that I am Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson will reassure all my current and prospective customers that they are in the best of hands. I can’t wait to tell my customer’s the good news as they have all been wishing me luck throughout the competition. “My ethos is to never stop learning, so I plan to use some of the prize money to book onto a number of different electric vehicle and heat pump courses with my team. I believe further getting to grips with sustainable renewable energy sources is vital and it is important for us to stay at the top of our game.” Jack Wallace, Director of Marketing at Screwfix, says: “The lengths our tradespeople go to support their customers and local communities is exceptional and we are blown away by their achievements within the trade. Screwfix Top Tradesperson is our way of championing them and recognising their efforts. Year-on-year, we are blown away by the level of high calibre entrants we receive, and their stories show the effort they put in day in day out. All 10 of our finalists are a true credit to their trade. “We were really impressed with Dan’s commitment to his apprentices, ambition for the future and professionalism. Seeing the role Dan also plays in his local community mirrored our aspirations as a business and because of that, we are proud to announce Dan as our 2021 winner. I’m looking forward to seeing where this accolade will take his business.”

WILA confirmed as Carbon Neutral organisation

Innovative lighting specialist WILA Lighting is celebrating its green credentials with the confirmation of its status as a Carbon Neutral company. The standard is awarded by Carbon Footprint; an organisation working with blue-chip and mid-market companies to support them in reducing their carbon emissions and engaging in carbon offsetting. As part of its work, Carbon Footprint awards an industry-recognised standard to those companies that can demonstrate their carbon footprint status. To achieve this, organisations must complete a carbon footprint appraisal. For 2021, WILA has gone one step further and has been recognised at the highest level of Carbon Neutral+ standard. This makes them an exemplary organisation within the lighting industry, demonstrating their commitment to supporting a range of additional environmental projects. Since 2008 when WILA committed to a carbon offsetting programme, the organisation has reduced its carbon emissions by an impressive 84%. This demonstrates the company’s true dedication to not only offsetting to neutralise, but also actively reducing their initial output, which they have achieved significantly over the past 13 years. As part of their carbon neutral activity, WILA has chosen to support a UK tree planting project. In addition to VCS offset – a project that aims to reduce deforestation in Brazil – trees will be planted that will sequester carbon over their lifetime, as well as providing habitats for wildlife. Matt Vogel, Managing Director from WILA says: “We’re very proud of our work over the past decade to offset our carbon emissions, as well as significantly reducing our initial output. Our team has worked hard to achieve the Carbon Neutral+ Standard, and we continue to be committed to being more sustainable in our activities and processes.” WILA Lighting Ltd is part of Experience Brands and is based in Oxfordshire, UK. WILA specialises in the development of innovation and highly engineered, technical lighting solutions. The company prides itself on its ability to respond to project specific requirements through its personalised approach, delivering exceptional customer service and manufacturing flexibility.