Vent-Axia’s ‘COVID-19 Support Campaign’ shortlisted in prestigious HVR Awards

British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is delighted to announce that it has been named as a finalist in the prestigious HVR Awards 2021. The company’s COVID-19 Support Campaign has been shortlisted for the ‘COVID-19 Innovation Award’. As the nation locked down, Vent-Axia moved swiftly to inform and support both new and existing customers to improve public health and help in the national response against COVID-19. Then as the pandemic evolved with the recognition of airborne transmission of the virus, effective ventilation became even more vital with Vent-Axia providing expert advice to its customers to help make their buildings healthier and safer. The COVID-19 Innovation Award looks for companies who have taken the fight against COVID-19 to new heights through the introduction of a product, service or initiative aimed at creating safe, virus free spaces for workers, students or public servants. This year’s HVR Awards' annual celebration of industry excellence will take place on Thursday 7 October 2021. Championing excellence in the heating and ventilating industry, the award winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony. “We are delighted to be recognised at these prestigious awards for our hard work throughout the pandemic supporting the industry and communicating the essential role of ventilation in mitigating virus transmission”, said Lena Hebestreit, Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia. “We’re committed to improving public health by improving indoor air quality (IAQ) through ventilation. With the pandemic, we focused our efforts on how we could help in the national response against COVID-19 and so we set out a three-tier plan of critical supply, critical communication and critical expert advice. We were delighted to be able to promptly supply key projects, such as COVID field hospitals, with ventilation equipment. We’re also really proud to have been able to help educate and inform people, both at home and in the workplace, on the importance of ventilation in the fight against COVID-19.” Vent-Axia is committed to improving public health by improving IAQ through ventilation. The company demonstrated innovation in its field by pivoting its business and adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 and the pandemic. As market-leader it was essential for the company to use its expertise to help with the pandemic. The recently published “Infection Resilient Environments” report, commissioned by the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, describes an urgent need to monitor and improve the ventilation in public buildings as a key element in the fight against COVID-19. Critical supply As part of helping with the national response against COVID-19 Vent-Axia supplied fans to COVID-19 hospital wards and field hospitals to provide good levels of ventilation, essential in such environments due to airborne transmission of the virus. Sites included the flagship NHS Nightingale hospital in London, Kent and Canterbury NHS Trust’s COVID-19 wards, and the Rainbow field hospitals at Bangor University and Deeside Leisure Centre, among others. Critical communication Vent-Axia’s #StayHealthy social media campaign has been providing guidance on improving IAQ and creating a healthy environment while working from home. In addition, Vent-Axia produced a useful guide 'The Effect of Ventilation on COVID-19’ and companion webpage which bring together guidance and information on using ventilation to reduce virus transmission and is relevant to a wide range of sectors. Alongside these activities, Vent-Axia also provided critical communications by issuing press releases commenting and sharing the latest Government and industry guidance on the virus, while also adding its own ventilation expertise. The company led the way in these activities, dominating the share of voice on communications and providing expert advice. Critical expert advice Following the Government’s COVID-19 Return to Work Recovery Strategy, Vent-Axia’s expert ventilation advice helped businesses prepare for a return to work. Whilst the Government Strategy gave overarching advice there was little detail for building owners to follow on ventilation, so Vent-Axia provided this. Vent-Axia ran an information campaign specifically targeting the pubs and bars sector. The campaign reached an audience of nearly one million, helping ensure Vent-Axia could advise as many pubs as possible about how to ventilate during the pandemic, helping them reopen their businesses whilst keeping staff and customers safe by helping reduce virus transmission. The dental sector was also particularly affected by COVID as many procedures create aerosols, which carry a high risk of virus transmission. Vent-Axia therefore ran an information campaign for the sector explaining how ventilation is essential to help keep staff and patients safe and reduce fallow time allowing more patients to be seen. In October 2020, Vent-Axia’s COVID-19 Support Campaign was recognised as the British Chamber of Commerce named the company a ‘UK Business Hero’ as part of the Chamber’s campaign to recognise the incredible work UK businesses were undertaking, in the most challenging of years. The company was awarded this prestigious accolade for its valuable work during the pandemic. As the pandemic has developed with the recognition of airborne transmission of the virus, effective ventilation has become vital. Vent-Axia’s ‘COVID-19 Support Campaign’ has helped in the fight against COVID-19 by supplying critical projects; sharing vital ventilation guidance and information; plus offering essential expert advice to businesses.

Dickies to launch new Women’s Performance Workwear collection

Global workwear brand, Dickies, has announced details of the forthcoming Women’s Performance Workwear collection, aimed at the DIYers, tradespeople and professionals that demand high standards. The range needs little explanation, with every element of each product having been designed and chosen to ensure exceptional performance. Dickies has long been proud to support women in work and as it moves into its centenary year, this new dedicated women’s range is the perfect way to mark its continued passion. Whether battling the elements on the farm, or the heat and dust on site and in the workshop, you are covered and protected. From UV protection, wind resistant and reflective materials, to DWR (Durable Water Repellent) and AWT (Advanced Waterproof Technology). Dickies Temp-iQ ensures heat and moisture regulation and materials such as Cordura toughen garments in just the right places This exciting new range continues Dickies commitment to providing exceptional outfitting and product to workers from all walks of life and disciplines, something that the brand celebrates 100 years of in 2022.

BEDS Series lockable IP66 galvanised steel door enclosures – a cost-effective solution 

New from BCL Enclosures, the BEDS Series of lockable, solid door steel enclosures are designed to provide high-quality, secure, cost-effective protection for exterior electronic and electrical installations, providing IP66-rated protection against water and dust ingress as well as meeting IK10 specifications against impact. BEDS enclosures provide a tough solution for a myriad of applications, including HVAC installations, lighting and exterior consumer units where protection against the elements and tampering are important considerations. BEDS door enclosures are supplied as an “everything included” kit for quick and easy installation. For superior robustness and longevity, BEDS enclosure housings are fabricated from galvanised steel, powder-coated in grey RAL7035 and are guaranteed against corrosion for three years.  BEDS Series’ enclosure back plates are manufactured from 2mm galvanised steel, with perforated steel back plates available as an option. Spacers for the back plate are also included in the kit. All studs are rust-proof stainless steel. A further benefit of the BEDS Series enclosures is a pre-wired and fitted earth strap between the door and the housing, which saves valuable installation time. BEDS Series steel enclosures are supplied complete with lock and key and galvanized steel wall mounting brackets. As the BEDS Series is primarily designed with exterior installation in mind, the gland-plate modules for cable entry (which can be top or base mounted) are supplied with IP66-rated sealing gaskets for total protection against dust and water jets or waves. This comprehensive range is available in twenty-one different sizes, ranging from 250mm H x 200mm W x 130mm D to 1250mm H x 600mm W x 300mm D. They comply with IEC 60529 and are CE certified.

Twenty-one apprentices launch careers in power

Twenty-one apprentices have started careers in the electricity industry with UK Power Networks. The new recruits will be trained in traditional skills that maintain, repair and build electricity networks which deliver power to 8.3 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England to ensure safe and reliable power supplies. They will also play a key role in the UK’s transition to net zero, as the company helps to enable low carbon technologies for local communities, including electric transport and heating. All the trainees will spend three years completing the foundation apprenticeship specialising in one of three traditional crafts as electrical linespeople, fitters or jointers learning how to safely repair, maintain and connect overhead lines, substations or underground cables. Two of the trainees will join the commercial arm of the business, UK Power Networks Services, working on infrastructure projects at Stansted Airport and the Ministry of Defence. Owen Ryan, 22, from Luton, says: “Both my uncles have previously worked for this company so I’ve always had an interest in the field. Apprenticeships are important because it gives you that practical experience while you earn at the same time. I’m looking forward to completing my training to become a fully qualified overhead linesperson.” Joseph Davey, 18, from Peterborough, comments: “I studied electrical installation at college for the last two years at level two and three so this feels like the next logical step. An apprenticeship is a nice blend of further education combined with practical work and that suits someone like me who is more hands-on.” Charlie Aston, engineering trainee manager at UK Power Networks, adds: “This is a time of great change in the electricity industry and the apprentices will learn to play a key role in maintaining reliable electricity supplies. The future is bright for these new recruits and if they perform well, they can look forward to a secure future and excellent working conditions. “Once they are fully trained, they will keep power flowing to our communities, provide new connections, upgrade electricity substations and carry out essential electrical maintenance. We refer to them ‘keeping the lights on’, but these trainees will do much more than that as our essential networks power heating, lighting, the internet and electric vehicles.” The first five months of their training is at Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset where they will complete a City and Guilds qualification in Electrical Power Engineering. This is the technical qualification required to achieve the Level 3 Power Networks Craftsperson Apprenticeship. The practical element of the apprenticeship will be completed at the company’s dedicated training centres in Suffolk and Kent, coupled with on-the-job training with experienced field staff, putting new skills into practice under personal supervision. Since 2016 all foundation apprentices who join UK Power Networks have completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as part of their training, fostering a spirit of teamwork and resilience. Following the latest Ofsted monitoring visit, the company’s training programme continues to be placed in the top 3% of employer training providers.

Ovia launches new College LED Batten range

Ovia continues to extend its comprehensive lighting offer and the focus of the latest product development is the education sector, with the launch of the Inceptor A-Lite College LED Linear Batten range. New Inceptor A-Lite is available in standard, microwave sensor and emergency versions and comes in two sizes 1200mm (4ft) and 1500mm (5ft). A choice of wattages is offered – 17W, 25W, 32W, 50W and 60W - and all models include a CTA (colour temperature adjustable) switch - a built-in, three position switch which allows for instant change of the colour temperature, from warm white (3000k), to cool white (4000k) to daylight (6500k). [embed]http://youtu.be/T7C3eeoDwU4[/embed] Inceptor A-Lite boasts a range of features and benefits to provide installers with a high performance fitting that is safe, quick and easy to install. It features a hinged diffuser with a quarter turn locking mechanism and push fit/piano key terminals, which all combine to allow for quick and easy access into the internals, which speeds up the installation time. A fixing centre guide is located on the packaging, to allow for easier installation without the need for the installer to manually mark up the drill holes when mounting to a ceiling or a wall. Inceptor A-Lite comes with a five year warranty and with an IP20 and a TP(b) rating.

ABB launches the world's fastest electric car charger

ABB is launching an innovative all-in-one Electric Vehicle (EV) charger, which is said to provide the fastest charging experience on the market. ABB’s new Terra 360 is a modular charger which can simultaneously charge up to four vehicles with dynamic power distribution. This means that drivers will not have to wait if somebody else is already charging ahead of them - they simply pull up to another plug. The new charger has a maximum output of 360kW and is capable of fully charging any electric car in 15 minutes or less, meeting the needs of a variety of EV users, whether they need a fast charge or to top their battery up while grocery shopping. “With governments around the world writing public policy that favours electric vehicles and charging networks to combat climate change, the demand for EV charging infrastructure, especially charging stations that are fast, convenient and easy to operate is higher than ever,” comments Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility Division. “The Terra 360, with charging options that fit a variety of needs, is the key to fulfilling that demand and accelerating e-mobility adoption globally.” “It’s an exciting day for ABB, who as the global leader in electric vehicle fast charging, is playing a key role in enabling a low carbon society,” says Theodor Swedjemark, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at ABB. “With road transport accounting for nearly a fifth of global CO2 emissions, e-mobility is critical to achieving the Paris climate goal. We will also lead by example by switching our entire fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles to non-emitting vehicles.” Available in Europe from the end of 2021, and in the USA, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions in 2022, Terra 360 is designed with the daily needs and expectations of EV drivers in mind. Leveraging the rich field experience gained by ABB E-mobility’s large installed base, the Terra 360 delivers speed and convenience along with comfort, ease-of-use and a sense of familiarity. Its innovative lighting system guides the user through the charging process and shows the State of Charge (SoC) of the EV battery and the residual time before the end of an optimal charge session. The  charger is also wheelchair accessible and features an ergonomic cable management system that helps drivers plug in quickly with minimal effort. As well as serving the needs of private EV drivers at fuelling stations, convenience stores and retail locations, Terra 360 chargers can also be installed on an organisation’s commercial premises to charge electric fleet cars, vans and trucks. This gives owners the flexibility to charge up to four vehicles overnight or to give a quick refill to their EVs in the day. Because Terra 360 chargers have a small footprint, they can be installed in small depots or parking lots where space is at a premium. Terra 360 chargers are fully customisable. To personalise the appearance, customers can ‘brand’ the chargers by using different foiling or changing the colour of the LED light strips. There is also the option to include an integrated 27in advertisement screen to play video and pictures.

Safety first for London firefighters

London Fire Brigade has signed up to a new agreement designed to keep emergency crews and the public safe near high voltage electrical equipment. Electricity company UK Power Networks created a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which sets out procedures and responsibilities in the event of an incident involving electricity, to ensure safe working areas. UK Power Networks, which distribute electricity across London, the South East and East of England, will work with the capital’s fire and rescue service to quickly make safe any electrical equipment which would pose a hazard, so that emergency services’ works can be carried out without delay. An MoU has now been agreed with every regional Fire and Rescue Service in the communities the power company serves. Peter Vujanic, head of health and safety at UK Power Networks, says: “Working safely and maintaining the safety of the general public and the people who help them such as the emergency services is our top priority. “This Memorandum of Understanding defines protocols which will ensure any incidents involving electricity and fire are dealt with in an effective manner providing a safe working area for firefighters.” A London Fire Brigade spokesperson comments: “We are pleased to work with UK Power Networks to enable a safer approach to incidents involving their infrastructure. “This will make staff attending such incidents from both organisations safer and will also assist in restoring essential power supplies.”

Eaton launches world's first GRP CCTV Cameras for hazardous areas

Eaton has announced the launch of a pioneering range of GRP Cameras for use in Hazardous Area Communications. Corrosion-free and much lighter in weight than their metal counterparts, the new GRP Cameras offer end-users significant improvements in lifetime performance, as well as reduced transportation, operating and maintenance costs. Eaton GRP Cameras are ideally suited to remote monitoring of process and security activities in harsh environmental conditions or explosive atmospheres. Their Ex rating, light weight and durability make Eaton GRP Cameras an excellent choice for offshore and onshore hazardous area installations, pipelines and processing plants: typically within the oil & gas, chemical and waste treatment industries. The cameras are also ideal in grain handling and marine environments such as sea ports, specialist ships and windfarms. Commenting on the launch Brian Taylor, Product Manager, explains: “No other camera manufacturer has launched an Ex camera product in composite material, so Eaton is once again leading the way. The use of GRP to replace 316 stainless steel or aluminium may seem like a radical move, but Eaton has developed its own, high-grade GRP specifically for use in hazardous area applications, which has been used as the housing material for over 25 years on our Ex range of MEDC sounders, beacons and speakers. Its proven performance in the field means we know that the new GRP Cameras will really deliver in terms of durability and reliability, offering Eaton customers compact camera stations with significant weight and performance benefits.” The new GRP camera station range will include three designs – fixed (XFG), dome (XDG) and next generation PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) cameras. The XFG is first to market, and is certified IP66, IP67, NEMA 4x & 6: making it suitable for outdoor, corrosive, and indoor applications in Zone 1, 2, 21, 22, Class I Div 2 (Gas Groups A-D) and Class II Div 2 (Dust Groups F & G). In addition to the GRP Cameras, Eaton offers a complete Ex product portfolio of Washer Tanks, Beacons, Sounders, Speakers and Junction Boxes: enabling specifiers and installers to source a full range of hazardous area communication products from a single supplier.

BEAMA Net Zero Carbon Homes Series, powered by elemental

BEAMA have announced the details of a webinar series on Zero Carbon Homes powered by elemental talks that will run in October. BEAMA is to present three weeks of digital events, all relating to BEAMA’s series of white papers relating to our Net Zero Campaign. Titled ‘BEAMA Zero Carbon Homes webinar series- powered by elemental’, there will be seven talks in total and the topics covered will include: Delivering 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 Thermal storage – A vital component for zero carbon homes The power at our fingertips - Heating controls for zero carbon homes Reducing the cost of Net Zero – System improvements for low carbon heating Net Zero Healthy Homes – The wider benefits of home improvements for health Home electrical infrastructure of the future - How Net Zero is changing the electrical foundations in our homes Skills for Net Zero – The electrical industry discuss the growing demand for skilled jobs to deliver Net Zero “BEAMA is thrilled to partner with elemental to deliver this valuable series of elemental talks in October,” comments Charlie May, Marketing Manager for BEAMA. “Our members’ products ensure low carbon energy and environmental services are delivered safely and sustainably, and we see these talks as an extension of that ethos, providing added value for our audience.” elemental’s Director Michael Costain says: “elemental is delighted to be working again with BEAMA. As the two organisations are keen to progress discussions around the subject of net zero, the partnership makes sense.”

CityFibre expands strategic alliance with Bechtel to support its rollout

CityFibre has significantly extended and expanded its partnership with Bechtel to support the continued acceleration of its rollout to approximately one third of the UK market, by 2025. Bechtel’s teams have been fully integrated into CityFibre’s organisational structure since September 2020, enabling CityFibre to accelerate the mobilisation of its 25 network construction partners and manage more than 60 parallel full town and city builds. Bechtel has also helped to strengthen project controls to enhance operational management, establish controls around risk and change, and increase productivity. The new agreement formalises a five-year extension to the partnership and will fully leverage Bechtel’s mega-project expertise in project controls, construction management, contracts management, and environment, safety and health. Bechtel will focus its leadership and construction management efforts in CityFibre’s north and southeast regions, areas with the greatest density of parallel builds. It will also continue to provide functional support across all regions as well as developing resource models to ensure thousands more operatives are trained and available to build partners to help construct the network. The alliance will help ensure CityFibre’s rollout continues to scale at pace, in line with its plans, while also ensuring unrivalled quality of network construction. By the end of 2022, CityFibre expects to have more than 150 parallel full city, town and village builds underway. By the end of 2025 the rollout will reach approximately 285 locations and address up to 8m homes. Bechtel’s scalable resourcing capabilities will also support CityFibre’s potential participation in Building Digital UK’s ‘Project Gigabit’ programme to bring Full Fibre to rural areas across the UK. Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre comments: “It's a pleasure to be extending our alliance with Bechtel after a hugely successful year as partners. Over the last twelve months, they have worked in lockstep with our teams to deliver an extraordinary acceleration of our rollout. This pace will only increase as we commence new projects and maximise the productivity of each build. We’re delighted that Bechtel, with their unparalleled experience of complex, scaled construction projects, will be working alongside us in the years ahead as we continue to build the UK’s finest Full Fibre infrastructure platform” John Williams, Bechtel’s UK & Ireland Infrastructure Managing Director, says: “We’re really proud of what we have achieved with CityFibre in only a year. This new alliance will deepen our partnership, help sustain CityFibre’s incredible growth trajectory and help future-proof the nation’s digital infrastructure for communities across the UK.”