Relationship repair through the Electrical Industries Charity

The electrical and energy sector has one of the highest industry divorce rates. 69.8% of marriages within our industry end in divorce with the leading causes being long hours, excessive travel, and infidelity. Relationship breakdown can be a huge source of stress and can understandably cause emotional turmoil for those involved. The Electrical Industries Charity want to do everything they can to support sector members through life’s rough patches. A joyful but trying time for many couples is the arrival of a new baby. Richard, an electrical distributor employee, has worked within the sector for 12 years and initially approached the charity because his wife, Karen, was struggling after the birth of their son Harry. Harry had been born 7 months ago and Karen has struggled since his birth with ongoing post-natal depression. Richard spoke to the charity welfare team seeking therapeutic support for Karen but in his discussion with the charity case worker he disclosed the impact Karen’s depression was having on their relationship. Karen and Richard’s communication was completely absent. Karen was increasingly tearful, lacked in energy and constantly felt low – all symptoms of post-natal depression. Richard tried his best to understand and accommodate Karen but whenever they did try to discuss counselling support Karen would shut down and retreat to their bedroom. Richard felt it impossible to communicate with Karen and was in fear of upsetting her and worsening her depression. Richard felt he was forced to bottle his feelings and their relationship had suffered dramatically. Richard would readily snap at Karen and he was constantly irritated. Richard described their marriage as two people who just exist alongside each other. It was clear to the Electrical Industries Charity Karen and Richard needed marriage counselling to focus on their communication issues. The charity felt it important Karen undertake individual sessions as well as a couple’s session with Richard fortnightly. Karen could then focus on coping with her post-natal depression and her marriage in a judgement free safe space. Karen undertook six individual sessions of interpersonal therapy and partook in a guided self-help course which the charity found online. The charity also put Karen in touch with the Association for Post Natal Illness so she could find support from other new parents. Richard and Karen also attended six relationship counselling sessions which worked on their communication strategies and armed them with tools to improve and repair their relationship. This included safe time out spaces where they could have time away to decompress. Karen and Richard’s relationship is not perfect. They continue to work on their marriage and still go for monthly self-funded sessions with a relationship counsellor. Since a combination of self-help, support group and therapy Karen’s post-natal depression is improving. Karen and Harry have built a better bond which is helping her and Richard’s relationship. Although there is still work to be done with their marriage both Karen and Richard understand how to communicate effectively with one and other and are looking forward to a brighter future.

LABC welcomes publication of Building Safety Bill

LABC – the membership organisation for public service building control – has welcomed the publication of the Building Safety Bill. The bill (based on last year’s draft bill) sets out the government’s proposals to make buildings safer and includes clauses introducing the professional registration of building control surveyors. Certain building control activities will now only be able to be undertaken by an appropriately qualified and registered building inspector. Other provisions concern the setting up and operation of the Building Safety Regulator, extensions to the definition of higher risk buildings to now include, during design and construction only, hospitals and care homes above the 18m / 7 storey height threshold, as well as other reforms such as a system of duty holders and measures to boost the competence of the industry. The Bill received a ‘first reading’ on Monday 5 July where it was formally introduced to the House of Commons. LABC has worked closely with others in the industry and with government and the HSE through the Joint Regulators’ Group which has piloted some of the measures in the Bill including the multi-disciplinary approach between the HSE, fire and rescue services and local authorities to deal with higher risk buildings. Commenting, LABC Chief Executive Lorna Stimpson says, “LABC welcomes the announcement of the Building Safety Bill – it is an absolutely vital part of the regulatory reform needed to make our buildings safer. We particularly welcome the proposals for a national register of building control surveyors which is a key part of the quality, standards and competence programme we have been investing in for more than four years. “Over this time we have transformed the way our network operates and seen our 3,500 individual members step up by getting themselves and their teams ISO accredited and signing up for our huge variety of training, learning, competency validations and other professional development. “However, we need to go further still, so LABC will be supporting the government, HSE and industry efforts to continue the transformation of our industry so people can be confident the buildings in which they live and work are safe.”

Making EVs a reality for drivers with disabilities

Motability and UK Power Networks are forming a partnership to help disabled drivers make the switch to electric vehicles. As the UK transitions to Net Zero and more people shift to zero emission electric vehicles, it is estimated that around 1.35 million drivers with disabilities across the UK will be reliant on public charging infrastructure. Research from national charity Motability, which aims to ensure no disabled person should be disadvantaged because of access to transport, shows the needs of drivers with disabilities will differ from other EV drivers and accessibility concerns must be addressed. UK Power Networks is working with Motability to identify the specific needs of disabled EV drivers who park on-street, who need to park close to their home or destination. This will ensure they have the infrastructure they need to charge their cars, giving them the independence to get out and about. The project, called Enable, will map out where charging infrastructure is needed to support drivers with disabilities. The maps will be developed with local authorities to inform their Local Area Energy Plans and ensure nobody is left behind. Enable is working closely with a number of forward thinking local authorities to identify and address the key barriers preventing drivers with disabilities making the switch to EVs. Key factors include access to and accessibility of charge points near their home and the associated lack of information for prospective drivers looking to switch. Uncovering the needs of disabled EV drivers and identifying the locations of disabled parking bays will allow for better cooperation with local authorities and targeted investment in public infrastructure in the right places. Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, comments: “It is essential that UK Power Networks fully understand the needs of all our customers if we are to ensure nobody is left behind in the UK’s transition to Net Zero. This pioneering research, informed by people with disabilities, is a necessary and important step to accelerate the uptake in EVs.” Catherine Marris, Head of Innovation at Motability, says: “As a national disability charity, we welcome UK Power Networks’ ground-breaking research that will ensure the involved local authorities can meet the mobility needs of disabled drivers in time for the upcoming energy transition. There is a robust commercial and social case for ensuring that future electric vehicle charging infrastructure is accessible for all and we are pleased to be a part of this inclusive and forward-thinking project, which will help inform our own UK-wide initiatives on accessible charging.”

Employers who 'stepped up' during crisis praised by SECTT and SJIB

Leading training bodies the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) have saluted Scotland’s employers after a record number of apprentices were welcomed into the electrical sector. A total of 738 new entrants to the industry were recruited in 2021, confounding fears that recruitment could be a casualty of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. SECTT says the new cohort exceeded all expectations, being nearly 50% up on 2020 and in excess of the 700 which would be closer to a normal year’s intake. And both bodies praised employers for their positive attitude in such unprecedented circumstances and said that the figures suggested the attractiveness of the industry as a career opportunity. Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, says: “This really has been a remarkable year. We took on 500 apprentices in 2020 and we are taking on a further 738 starting in the Autumn of 2021. In a normal year, I would expect to take approximately 700 new starts, so this year has exceeded expectations and we are still only in July. “In addition, nearly all colleges are full to capacity and SECTT is now exploring further opportunities for next year. “We would like to thank all employers who have stepped up and taken on an apprentice this year. As the Scottish Government targets for transition to zero carbon move closer, it shows a real commitment and a recognition that we need to train the electricians of the future now." Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, adds: “It is clear that the future is electric and becoming an electrician is evolving into an aspiration for many young people, which is the way it should be. “The industry as a whole is committed to the next generation of talent coming through, and employers are clearly supportive of creating a pool of highly-trained, highly-qualified personnel to take their business and the sector forward.” The news comes after the new top team at SECTT recently highlighted the importance of electrical apprenticeships.

Its Jail or Bail for Aico in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Aico's Commercial and Finance Director, Matthew Small, took part in the overnight Jail or Bail event at HM prison Shrewsbury, raising £2,535 in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC). MAAC operates and funds three air ambulances, covering six counties in the midlands to deliver advanced care to 4,500 patients every year. As one of the busiest Air Ambulance Services in the UK, the charity relies on support and donations from across six counties to continue their critical, lifesaving work. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity partnered with HM Prison Shrewsbury and invited employees from local communities to sign up their CEOs, Directors and Senior Management Teams to endure a night in the prison. Each of the 22 participants had 24 hours to raise at least £600 bail, which will fund two lifesaving missions via the charity's critical care cars. Aico have pledged their support to MAAC through their Corporate Partnership and their recent appointment of Managing Director Neal Hooper as a trustee, who will play a key role within the charity's fundraising committee. On behalf of Aico, Commercial and Finance Director Matthew Small, volunteered for the Jail or Bail event and endured a 12-hour custodial sentence. During his stay, Matthew was subject to some horrific and imaginative challenges set by his colleagues and MAAC, from a chest wax to a ghost tour of the prison. Matthew says of the challenge "Taking part in the Jail or Bail fundraising event in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance is an experience I will never forget. My colleagues thought of some very creative challenges to ensure my stay was as unpleasant as possible, but it was all for a great cause and we managed to exceed our fundraising target. We look forward to taking part in more fundraising events for this fantastic charity in the future". The Jail or Bail event was a huge success and the participating businesses have so far raised over £22,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

J S Wright honours leading suppliers

Three key suppliers were honoured for their outstanding levels of quality, commitment and service delivery at J S Wright’s 2020 Annual Awards. Board directors of the 131-year-old Birmingham-based mechanical and electrical building services specialist presented awards in three categories to representatives of the winning companies at Cucina Rustica Restaurant in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. Wolverhampton-based specialist pump distributor Trebles was presented with the Supplier of the Year award, while Woking-based SAV Systems, a provider of energy-efficient heating and ventilation solutions, received the Manufacturer of the Year award. The Sub-Contractor of the Year award was awarded to Birmingham-based Direct Control Systems, a provider of building services control and management systems. The awards were based on nominations made by J S Wright’s design and contracts engineers and the company’s foremen. The broad range of criteria in all categories included quality, proactivity, service level involvement, technical content and after sales support. Nigel Marriott, Owner Director at Trebles, comments: “I am extremely proud of our team’s continued dedication and commitment to offering exceptional service to the industry, especially in helping to navigate it through the global pandemic, and of our being recognised in this way.” Jan Hansen, Sales Director at SAV Systems, says: “We are very proud to have been presented with this award. Anyone can sell good products but maintaining good customer relationships and satisfaction is something we pride ourselves on.” Stuart Davis, Director at Direct Control Systems, comments: “It has been an honour to receive this award on behalf of all the hardworking staff at Direct Control Systems. It feels even more special given how difficult things have been during the pandemic – and reassuring that J S Wright’s staff have recognised this.” Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, says: “The consistently outstanding levels of service we have received from our loyal and trusted suppliers – especially during a pandemic - have been a key contributor to maintaining our success as a £50 million business.” Established in Birmingham in 1890 and with offices in Birmingham and London, J S Wright designs, manufactures and installs mechanical and electrical services for the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors. Its facilities management company, Wright Maintenance, provides planned preventative maintenance cover for commercial landlords, property agents and homeowners. J S Wright was voted one of the UK's Top Ten Specialist Contractors to Work For in the 2016 Construction Enquirer Awards, was a finalist in three categories in the 2018 H&V News Awards and was named Construction Services Employer of the Year in the 2020 BAME Apprenticeship Awards.

The Conrad Sourcing Platform supplies more than 375,000 electrical products

The Conrad Sourcing Platform currently provides over 6 million products supplied by leading manufacturers, well-known brands and accredited business partners. The third quarter of 2021 will see Conrad focusing on MRO, offering a selection of about 375,000 products and a range of comprehensive services specifically aimed at the sector. “Our exhaustive range of products and services makes sure our B2B customers get the complete package,” explains Helmut Müller who looks after Building Service products at Conrad Electronic. “Our sourcing platform allows you to manage all orders easily and in one place. This includes product search, fast delivery services and everything in between. Goes without saying that we continually update our product range, to meet our customers’ needs. When it comes to building service supplies, we presently focus on electrical wiring and digital networks.” However, this doesn’t exclude current hot topics such as electromobility. New funding opportunities and technological progress mean the number of electric vehicles is on the rise, with regard to both individual transport and across the commercial haulage, logistics and trade sector. Proper vehicle charging infrastructure has become one of the key elements of building services. The Conrad Sourcing Platform covers the entire spectrum, including wall charging pods, mobile charging stations, cables and adapters, charger controllers, and a wide range of accessories, thereby catering for electrical contractors and in-house service engineers alike. One of the most recent innovations across the building services sector is using drones to detect, record and assess damage to buildings and plant. No more hiring expensive man lifts, putting up complex scaffolding, or calling in engineers qualified for working at heights. UAVs are an easy way to inspect premises and hard-to-reach places from above. Camera sensors, video recording and thermal imaging enable a fast and effortless damage assessment from a safe distance, taking building and plant inspections to an entirely new level. However, this does not mean that the Conrad Sourcing Platform does no longer cater for more traditional building service needs. Electrical Wiring: Linchpin of Building Services Efficiency Companies need to operate in a fast, flexible and sustainable fashion without compromising on efficiency and reliability. This also applies to building infrastructure. High-quality electrical wiring saves energy and labour, and allows implementing flexible building utilisation strategies. Based on this, Conrad supply a comprehensive range of space-saving state-of-the-art switchboard technology. Digital Networks and IT Infrastructure When it comes to building services, these days, fast internet connections are right up there with water and electricity supplies. IT infrastructure is now playing a vital part in setting up and interlinking workspace. However, the huge range of different technologies and products now being available tends to confuse customers. This is where Conrad come in, offering competent support, for instance, in the form of mesh systems that provide fast and stable Wi-Fi across large areas. Essential: Alarm & Security Systems Conrad’s range of building security supplies comprises CCTV, code locks, access control systems and video intercoms. This means the Conrad Sourcing Platform provides solutions for businesses of all sizes, including supermarkets and large factory premises. Lighting: Vital for Workplace Efficiency Ensuring proper lighting conditions means much more than just putting more lamps in: lighting plays a big part when it comes to providing a healthy, creative and efficient working environment. Proper lighting has been shown to lift your mood, help you stay healthy and increase productivity. In this context, Conrad offers a variety of solutions, involving wall and ceiling lights as well as a range of smart indoor and outdoor lighting solutions. Tailored Services for B2B Customers Besides getting personalised quotes, B2B customers benefit from scheduled and call-off orders which enables forward-planning, and ensures only sourcing supplies at the time when they are needed. Moreover, Conrad sell cables and hoses by the metre, and offer industrial-grade cable manufacturing covering both coaxial cables and braid. Last but not least, Conrad’s very own IoT platform supports B2B customers in all things digital transformation. Conrad Connect, one of Europe’s leading IoT platforms, is curating a fast-growing ecosystem that comprises over 130 well-known brands. Companies use the platform-as-a-service (PaaS) to provide their customers with straightforward solutions, and to develop new digital business models across sectors such as energy management, e-mobility, manufacturing, retail and facility management.

Aico recognised in The Parliamentary Review

Aico has been recognised as a best practice representative for the upcoming 2021 edition of The Parliamentary Review; an independent publication which looks at how key British organisations are responding to different political and economic challenges. The publication is apolitical and reviews the latest events in parliament from a non-partisan perspective. Success for organisations of any size does not always come easily, and The Parliamentary Review is indispensable for anyone who seeks to make a difference in their sector. It highlights significant developments and concerns for leaders up and down the country. Market leader Aico contributed a thought-leadership article to the publication, examining how the approach to fire protection is changing; with legislative reform paving the way to a more holistic landscape that challenges the status quo, and places resident safety firmly at the fore. Aico’s National Sales Director Steve Trafford, formerly National Sales Manager at the time of publication, comments “We are delighted to contribute to The Parliamentary Review, particularly on such critical and relevant topics to our sector. As the European market leader in home life safety, we are positioned to facilitate conversation and collaboration to connect the UK housing sector, providing an article championing best practice and pulling issues to the forefront in a publication that resonates both in Westminster and nationally.” The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng says “this year’s Parliamentary Review reflects on a tumultuous and extraordinary year, globally and nationally.”

79% of job seekers have used social media to help find a job in the last year

A data-focused study by construction tool specialists, Saxton Blades, has showed the most popular trades on TikTok according to its audience. Research suggests that 79% of job seekers have used social media to help them find their job in the last year. Combining the news of TikTok teasing the creation of a job site aimed to help it's 60% of Gen Z users find employment, with data stating that 73% of millennials found their last position directly through a social media platform - it seems that social media is a proven and effective way to seek and find employment. Comparing social media’s influence in employment, with recent data suggesting that only 10% of teenagers want to work in the construction industry, our study looks into what trade jobs TikTok’s younger audience are most interested in - aiming to prove that the construction industry is still a desired career path. After analysing over 17.9 billion views across multiple trade-related posts, the results show that Welding is the most popular career path in construction, taking the top spot with over 2.9 billion views to date on industry-related posts. Supporting this, Welding is also one of the top 3 most popular trades on TikTok for a female-focused audience - gathering a huge additional 13.2 million views to date from the hashtag #welderwoman. Bricklaying takes second place with over 2.9 billion views. Bricklaying is also the most followed trade according to top trade accounts, accumulating a combined total of 3.3 million followers and making up 5 out 20 (25%) of the most popular trade accounts on TikTok. And finally, Engineering rounds off the top 3 with a total of 2.5 billion views. Although only 14.5% of the UK construction workforce is female, and that drops to just 2% when it comes to skilled manual trades, TikTok is quickly changing the attitude towards women in construction. Rapidly becoming a thriving hub for young women within the industry and inspiring its younger audience. With a combined total of over 42 million views, the study also shows the top 10 most popular trades on TikTok for a female-focused audience. The top 3 trades include Carpentry (17.8 million views), Welding (13.2 million views), and Plumbing (11.2 million views). The growing shift of women within the industry is further supported by popular hashtags such as #womeninconstruction gaining over 7.3 million views and quickly growing in number. As graduates face the highest unemployment rate since 2008 and social media's influence on employment for young people becomes more dominant, I believe these results will be both insightful and interesting to your reader.

SELECT welcomes single certificate as way to simplify verification

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has welcomed the introduction of a new Single Certificate of Construction which is designed to help simplify the process of certification. The campaigning body says that the new certificate – a single, multi-page document that combines the certificates of construction and electrical installation certificate – will help further increase standards across the industry. The launch is the culmination of a positive and successful collaboration between SELECT – a long-standing and highly-regarded Building Standards Scheme provider – CertSure, the Local Authority Building Standards Scotland (LABSS) and the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division (BSD). Launched last week (1 July), the certificate will meet the requirements of a building warrant to confirm that any electrical works carried out are fully compliant with all aspects of Scottish Building Standards, thus increasing the safety of all buildings now and in the future. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says: “As the trade body for the electrotechnical sector in Scotland, SELECT has been a Scheme Provider since 2005, and is acutely conscious of the vital role certification has had in delivering new buildings and improved facilities. “We have been pleased to be so directly involved in discussions with local authorities and certification providers about the move to a single certificate, with a view to improving efficiency and productivity across the industry. “This latest example of collaboration demonstrates how working together has helped raise awareness of certification. It will not only help simplify the process for all parties, but it could in the longer term build a better picture of the health of Scotland’s electrical installations.” The single document will comprise a first page with a new format certificate of construction, and the remaining content will include the standard SELECT format electrical installation certificate. It can also be issued where no building warrant is required. Dave Forrester, SELECT’s Director of Technical Services, comments: “The new certificate will be simpler to use, quicker to complete and easier to understand. “Approved Certifiers will no longer have to issue separate certificates and local authority verifiers will have all the information they need about compliance, installer competence, workmanship standards and statutory declarations in one document.” SELECT is encouraging all its Approved Certifiers to migrate to its digital certification service, SELECTcerts, where one login to their accounts will give them access to all collateral, including the new Single Certificate of Construction.