Travis Perkins jobs boost for Farnborough

Up to 21 new jobs will be created in Farnborough when Travis Perkins, the UK’s largest supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry, opens its new site later in September. The roles include a branch apprentice, a Benchmarx kitchen designer, a yard manager, a tool hire driver and fitter, a HGV Driver and four yard sales positions. Branch manager John Gillings says: “The growing demand for building supplies means we’re recruiting for 21 new roles at our new Farnborough branch. We’re keen to hear from candidates with previous experience as well as those with transferable skills. We’ll be investing in training so that when we open we’ll be ready to start serving the local community and beyond, with expert advice and learned knowledge.” Travis Perkins will open the 1.9 acre branch, the equivalent size of a football pitch, located on the Invincible Road Industrial Estate in September. Close to the M3, it is conveniently located to serve Farnborough, Aldershot and Blackwater. With more than 25,000 building materials and supplies in stock, the new branch will include an extensive timbers, bricks and blocks range, a next-day delivery service and a tools, plant and equipment hire service. Customers can choose to shop online, in branch or by using the new Travis Perkins app. The branch will also be the new home for Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, relocating from its current address on Invincible Road, Benchmarx has an extensive choice of quality trade rigid kitchens and appliances available to order and a wide range of doors, flooring and everyday essentials available from stock. The industry-first app has been designed in conjunction with customers to help them save time and work smarter by managing their account on the go. Customers can shop online and easily manage their trade account, wherever they are. Travis Perkins Farnborough will be located at 21 Invincible Road Industrial Estate, Farnborough GU14 7QU.

ECS launches new CPD digital system

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has launched a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) digital system, which allows all ECS card holders to record their CPD directly into their online records. Already part of the ECS Registered Electrician Code of Professional Practice, CPD demonstrates the commitment of professionals to enhancing their personal and professional skills throughout their careers. CPD also plays a crucial part in ensuring that individuals in all sectors maintain the knowledge and skills required to carry out their role. It was highlighted in the publication of the ‘Setting the Bar’ report which addressed the issue of building a safer future and proposed an overarching system of competence which included CPD refresher training. The report stated that CSCS, and Partner Schemes such as ECS, would play an important part in the framework in ensuring individuals had been trained and assessed to the relevant industry standard and that the card holders kept up to date with the relevant requirements for their role. Jay Parmar, CEO of the Joint Industry Board (JIB), says: “This is a huge step forwards for an industry which has been working to raise standards across the built environment since the tragedy of Grenfell Tower in June 2017. The benefits of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are numerous for both the employee and the employer as it allows individuals to continually develop their skills, regardless of age or occupation. This new digital recording system will therefore be a benefit to the whole industry as it will play a significant part in helping employers and clients to identify an individual’s achievements and certifications through one system which is recognised throughout the UK and will be crucial for those projects in the scope of the Building Safety Bill.” The ECS CPD digital system offers all card holders a free online portfolio through the MyECS section of the ECS website which allows evidence of skills and knowledge which they have achieved to be easily saved. Card holders can also promote their commitment to keeping up to date with the latest changes or processes, reduce duplication for in house training or inductions, and show off their hard-earned credentials and development across a wide range of learning types and methods. ECS card holders can now log in to their MyECS Portal to view their CPD record and start to log their activities, upload or have verified any new technical certificates and update their card as necessary.

Souriau 8STA high performance, harsh environment, circular connectors from Lane Electronics

Lane Electronics are an added value “assembling distributor” for Eaton’s high performance Souriau 8STA circular connectors . Lane Electronics can supply standard or 8STA connectors modified to customer’s exact requirements on very short lead times in their in-house machine shop on very short lead times and with no MOQ’s on stocked items. The Souriau 8STA circular connectors share the same materials and design features with larger Mil-Spec connectors such as the popular D38999. They will perform equally reliably under extreme conditions and are designed especially for applications where high performance, small size and light weight are key. Typical applications include Motorsport and UAV, engine control units, portable communications equipment and data acquisition systems. The 8STA Size 01 is the smallest circular connector available with three #26 removable contacts and is the perfect solution for size and weight reduction in extreme vibration environments. Key features of the Souriau 8STA circular connector range includes 13 shell sizes with up to 128 contacts from 3 amps to 200 amps, and 6 or 7 colour coded keyway orientations. Both free and panel-mount shell styles incorporate a compact integrated back shell for a heat shrink boot and the fixed halves are available with dual or space saving single hole panel-mount fixing. The secure 1/3 turn positive locking mechanism is further enhanced with clearly visible colour indicators that show when the connector is fully locked, while quick-release and blind-mate versions provide added versatility where access is restricted. The Souriau 8STA series is rated for an operational temperature range of -55°C to +175°C, 500 mating cycles, 300g shock for 3ms (EIA-364-27) and vibration of 147m/s2 at 10 to 2000Hz. There is a choice of rugged plated aluminium bodies or an un-plated composite body to provide long service in the harshest environments. Mated connectors are sealed to IP67, while hermetic versions, including feedthroughs, provide reliable barrier sealing when un-mated. Variants with special fuel-resistant inserts provide additional resistance to immersion in fuel without loss of performance. Lane Electronics can also supply a clinch-nut shell option and complementary light weight protective caps, gaskets and nut plates are available from their sister company Weald Electronics. The gold-plated removable contacts are designed for high levels of vibration and can be specified in crimp or pcb solder styles. These contacts are the same as supplied with high-reliability Military connectors and share the same readily available assembly tooling requirements. High-density layouts provide additional pin counts without increase in connector shell size, while high-power single-pole contact arrangements will accommodate up to 200A, making them particularly suitable for compact EV power distribution applications. Lane’s online shop features up to date availability and pricing information and as an assembling distributor for the Souriau 8STA connectors, the company has to hand a wide range of piece parts in stock, to allow specific connector assembly to order with very short lead times. Lane Electronics is an ideal source for all key connector types including circular, filtered, RF, coaxial, sub – miniature, backshells and adaptors, D connectors, aerospace, test & measurement, IDC, PCB connectors, edge connectors and connectors for rack and panel applications.  

Eco UK Group steps up combined services offering

Eco UK Group is excited to champion its combined service offering in line with its recent rebrand that took place this spring. After 50 years in business, its consolidation to Eco UK Group highlights the services offered across its portfolio through its Ecolighting, Ecolectrical, Ecomech and Eco M&E divisions. For many years, Eco UK Group has been incorporating in-house lighting, electrical and mechanical works into hundreds of projects across the country and is expanding its services in line with customer demands and the UK’s net zero target. The breadth of the group’s offerings allows it to stand apart from competitors and ensures that it is able to meet the expectations of its clients in numerous industries. This includes the installation of EV charging sites that are now in high demand as the number of electrical vehicles rises across the UK. EVs accounted for 164,000 pure-electric cars and over 373,600 plug-in cars in 2020 compared to just 3,500 in 2003. One of the group's recent examples that best showcases its combined services offering is Team AB’s new E-commerce fulfillment centre at PortOne, Blakenham, where Eco UK Group provided comprehensive mechanical, electrical (M&E) and energy efficient lighting solutions to its new 143,000ft2 built-to-suit solution for the E-commerce and online sector. Holding up to 31,000 pallets of goods across its 31 aisles, the centre was constructed to meet the demands that have come from continued growth in online sales, something that has only accelerated in the current climate. During the project, 578 luminaires and an emergency lighting system were fitted across the facility in both the fulfillment centre and office accommodation. In-house teams also worked externally at the site and installed 25 street lights and flood lights. Alongside the lighting division, the EcoMech and Ecolec teams were specified to fulfill the site’s HVAC requirements, which included fitting air conditioning units, toilet extract systems, electric panel heaters and above ground drainage. Ecolectrical engineers were also required to install a new mains panel board and 10 distribution boards to operate the door access control, intruder alarm and communications cabinets. Outside, five EV charging systems were added to the site’s car park. The new industry-leading E-commerce fulfilment centre is the first of a number of sites planned for Team AB as they continue to expand, and Eco UK Group is delighted to have provided modern and effective lighting and equipment that will ensure it achieves substantial savings in the years to come. Steve Gardner, Managing Director at Eco UK Group, says of the works, “The combined services offering that Eco UK Group provides is a key strength to our brand and makes us stand out from our competitors. By having teams that cover any number of tasks, we are able to cater to a multitude of customers and provide a streamlined and all encompassing service. We are pleased to offer these services to our customers and meet the needs of our ever expanding client base.”

Plentific provides landlords assurance with bolstered compliance offering

Plentific has announced an enhanced compliance product suite with the release of Electrical Safety and Fire Safety tools. The new solutions are part of Plentific’s Compliance Manager suite and join its existing Gas Safety product to provide real-time transparency across critical areas of compliance with powerful risk management and data insights. At a time when building safety is top of the agenda for housing providers, the enhanced compliance product suite will allow landlords to gain critical assurance that they remain compliant. The need to enhance resident safety has risen up the agenda for government and housing providers in recent years and legislation to strengthen safety measures is now in progress. The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Bill both increase the responsibility of building owners and landlords to ensure properties are safe and boost the checks required to provide a greater level of assurance. At the same time, The charter for social housing residents: social housing white paper, released at the end of 2020, sets out the need for greater resident engagement in building safety to ensure occupiers feel safe in their homes. “The vast majority of landlords are committed to ensuring their residents have a safe and well-maintained home to live in, but often missing is a clear and consistent oversight of the steps taken and areas of risk,” says Cem Savas, CEO and co-founder of Plentific. “Legacy systems are often being used, which don’t integrate with each other and require huge amounts of manual intervention and paperwork. As legislation is tightened and transparency becomes more critical, landlords and housing providers need to be able to quickly understand any gaps and remediate issues. With multiple, disconnected systems and pieces of paper, that simply isn’t possible.” Plentific’s Compliance Manager provides a single source of truth, offering real-time transparency, accountability, and insight into all key areas of compliance from a single dashboard. With the additions of Electrical Safety and Fire Safety, landlords will gain a deeper understanding of the compliance needs of their portfolio. Fire Safety provides the ability to assess the fire risk for any asset and promptly resolve any issues in order to remain compliant. All information regarding Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) is uploaded to the platform, including any actions surfaced during the assessment. From there, landlords and property managers can raise follow up tasks or work orders against one or multiple actions to be carried out by their internal team or chosen contractors. Housing providers can also take a predictive approach to expiring FRAs with automated renewal procedures and the performance dashboard provides an easily accessible overview of portfolio compliance levels, with the ability to report on and audit all actions taken. Electrical Safety provides a geotagged, time and date stamped audit trail of all electrical works including key asset condition information and evidence of access attempts for checks. It acts as a central repository for Electrical Installation Condition Reports, Minor Work Certificates and EICs and its dashboard offers an overview of all work completed, outstanding and in progress. In addition, Plentific’s operative app has been designed to capture real-time, standardised electrical safety data, increasing productivity and reducing paperwork. Combined with Gas Safety, Plentific’s Compliance Manager provides landlords with a powerful and in-depth understanding of the compliance position of both individual properties, as well as their entire portfolio. With real-time assurance and an audit trail that exceeds regulatory expectations, housing providers can be confident that their properties and residents are safe. Steve Ujma, Group Electrical Manager, Housing Plus Group, comments “We’ve been impressed by Plentific’s Gas Safety tool and are delighted that it is now expanding its compliance solutions. Plentific’s Compliance Manager offers innovation in compliance reporting, streamlining the process and reducing the need for spreadsheets. That, combined with the fact we can receive instant compliance checks from all parties in real-time, will transform our processes. What has been truly impressive is Plentific’s commitment to working with its clients in developing solutions. HPG has been involved from the initial concept for Electrical Safety, as have trained electrical operatives. As a result, the product will be user-friendly and offer a solution to the challenges faced by both housing providers and operatives.”

Ansell Lighting achieves LIA certification for luminaire testing laboratory

Ansell Lighting has achieved LIA Laboratory Certification 003 for its Warrington-based luminaire testing facilities. The laboratory is one of just six in the UK to have achieved the accreditation, enabling Ansell to validate the quality and performance of its new and existing products in-house. The LIA stamp of approval follows a £x investment in a state-of-the-art goniophotometer, the Gonio Tunnel, for the laboratory. This enables Ansell to test components, new product design prototypes and existing products, to ensure complete accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Lumen tests carried out using the Gonio Tunnel can also be cross-checked and verified by the LIA as an added assurance of quality. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says: “The LIA Laboratory Certification acknowledges our testing capabilities as being on a par with those at the LIA’s own testing facilities at Telford. “We underwent a stringent evaluation process, covering everything from test equipment and procedures to our quality management system and independence and impartiality, and are delighted to have earned our place among an elite group within the luminaire community.” He adds: “Being approved to carry out lumens testing in-house, rather than having to outsource testing, enables us to streamline and enhance product development and speed up route to market. “Crucially, the ‘LIA Lab Certification’ logo delivers instant assurance to Ansell customers that our products adhere to the highest industry standards.” The LIA Laboratory Certification applies to all LED lamps for display, amenity, commercial, industrial, floodlighting, emergency and smart lighting.

Nexans strengthens its worldwide production capacity for the wind energy industry

Nexans strengthens its global wind network and increases its production capacities to meet the growing demand for clean energy and electricity in the world. Nine months after the company opened a similar facility in Poland, Nexans extends its presence in China and unveils a new cable harness production facility in the city of Tianjin. The opening has been marked by an official ceremony on June 30. The facility will increase Nexans’ production capacity in the country and help bolster China’s clean energy supply chain during a time of unprecedented market growth. The facility has 3,000 square meters of production and storage space and will manufacture a wide range of wind cable products and solutions. Each product will go through six stages of control from raw material to finished goods, ensuring all products are made to the highest standard. Solutions produced at the facility will include M12 sensor cables, valve connectors, and customized solutions specific to OEM needs. Julien Hueber, Executive Vice President Industry Solutions & Projects, says “It’s an exciting time for wind power in China. The country’s wind sector is currently the same size as the rest of the world combined - and it continues to grow as the country commits to reducing its CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the falling cost of wind power, efficiency increases, and attractive policies are expected to boost growth even further. One of Nexans’ top priorities is to electrify the future by connecting the world’s renewable energy sources to ensure electricity supplies are secure, reliable, and efficient. Our new facility means Nexans is perfectly positioned to help local original equipment manufacturers drive China’s wind power revolution as more wind turbines are built in the country.” The three facilities in China, Denmark and Poland are part of Nexans’ extensive offering in the Industry and Solutions business, supporting a wide range of clients with customized cabling and connectivity solutions. Nexans now has a total production capacity of one million harnesses every year. It also has over 15,000 square meters of global production and storage facilities and a wind power team of over 150.

Aurelius Investment Group completes agreement to buy SSE Contracting

Aurelius has completed the purchase from SSE plc of its Contracting business. Aurelius has a track record of investing in public and private companies to enhance their growth potential. SSE’s sale of its Contracting business to Aurelius was first announced on April 1st and is part of SSE’s strategy to focus on its core networks and renewables businesses, supported by businesses clearly complementary to that core. It is also designed to give the business a strong platform for future success outwith SSE. Stuart Chaston, Managing Director of SSE Contracting and Rail, says the news was another key milestone for the Contracting business. He comments: “I’m pleased to confirm that we have now completed the sale process with Aurelius. Since we first announced the sale was taking place on April 1st, we’ve made huge strides working with Aurelius to move the Contracting business forward. “Today’s news confirms that our journey as a standalone business begins in earnest from today. Aurelius has a proven record of supporting the companies they work with, so this partnership confirms an exciting era of growth for our business.” SSE Contracting is one of the biggest contracting businesses in the UK providing mechanical, electrical and street lighting services. It is the largest street light contractor in the UK and its HV [high voltage] engineers install energy infrastructure for clients including schools, hospitals and substations. Its rail division delivers mechanical, electrical and civils activity for the likes of Transport for London and Network Rail. The completion of the sale process confirms that around 1,900 Contracting employees will now work under the new Aurelius ownership. SSE has a clear strategy to refocus investment on its core networks and renewables businesses, with plans to invest £7.5bn mainly in low-carbon energy infrastructure over the five years to 2025, and to treble its renewable electricity output by 2030. In September 2020 SSE announced in its half year results that the SSE Contracting and Rail business would be part of the group’s overall disposals programme. Since then the Contracting management team have focused on ensuring the business can thrive as a standalone company and capitalise on growth opportunities under its new ownership.

Customers and communities at the heart of UK Power Networks' £4.5bn plan

Placing customers and communities at the heart of Net Zero is the driving force behind UK Power Networks’ £4.5bn draft Business Plan for 2023-2028, which is now available to view online. UK Power Networks has now published its draft Business Plan with a raft of commitments to maintain its position as the best performing network company in Great Britain. The Business Plan will deliver a 10% reduction (in real terms) in its part of the energy bill whilst increasing investment in the electricity networks by 7%. UK Power Networks is forecasting up to 2.7 million EVs connected to its networks by 2028, up from just 150,000 in its regions today, as well as an additional 700,000 heat pumps over the same period. At the core of UK Power Networks’ strategy, is to have the flexibility to adapt so that the electricity network is an enabler of low carbon technologies like heat pumps and electric cars, regardless of the speed and scale that they are adopted by the public. Its Business Plan argues that this flexibility will avoid needless price increases for consumers to pay for assets that don’t get used. Under the Business Plan, UK Power Networks has included £4.5bn of investments that it is highly confident will be needed. It has forecast an additional £1.1bn of potential investment if the highest case scenario of people switching to electric vehicles and heat pumps, as defined by the Committee of Climate Change in its Sixth Carbon Budget, materialises. As part of its ambition, UK Power Networks will encourage energy efficiency, network flexibility and using competitive markets powered by technology and data to encourage the use of electricity when it is cheaper and greener to do so. Experts at the utility company have undertaken extensive consumer research and stakeholder engagement involving over 26,000 people across London, the East and South East, to create a Business Plan that delivers on their future needs and priorities. Key highlights include: Establishing a dedicated team to work with local authorities to develop local area energy plans that help communities to transition to Net Zero Proposing innovative approaches to help unlock public on-street charging to tackle one of the key consumer barriers to buying an electric vehicle and ensuring fairness across all communities. This will increase the current levels of on-street public chargers by 25% Setting an ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero in its own operations by 2028. It is the first network operator to get its plan verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative A total of £67m worth of benefits to support customers experiencing fuel poverty and making clear commitments to play its part in delivering the UK’s Levelling up Goals as part of its Social Contract. Chief executive officer Basil Scarsella, says: “The 2020s will be a decade of transformative change in the energy system and in our society, as we decarbonise every aspect of our economy, and a time when Net Zero becomes real for millions of our customers. It will bring major change to the lifestyles of people and communities; from the way we refuel our vehicles to heating our homes and using energy wisely. “That is why we have undertaken our most extensive ever consultation and engagement exercise, responding to what more than 26,000 people have told us and creating a Business Plan with customers and communities at its heart. I would like to invite anyone who would like to feed into our Business Plan, to view it online or attend one of our planned events to let us know what they think.”

Research finds construction suicide rates on the increase

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity commissioned Glasgow Caledonian University to carry out research on suicide statistics from 2015 to 2019 and alarming results show that suicides have increased in construction. Analysis of suicide victims by occupation revealed the number per 100,000 for construction workers rose from 26 to 29 in the four years to 2019. The data shows no change in historical ratios, with those in the construction industry three times more likely to commit suicide than in other sectors. The findings also identified variations between certain occupational groups. Those working in non-manual occupations, such as managers and professionals, have lower rates, which have also seen an overall drop in rate from just under 7 in 2015, to just under 5 per 100,000 in 2019. However, unskilled workers, such as labourers, have seen their rate rise from 48 to just over 73 suicides per 100,000. The research, led by Professor Billy Hare has also helped develop a ‘dashboard’ which identifies measurable data on construction safety, health and wellbeing. It will be updated yearly, allowing industry organisations, policy makers and researchers to view trends, track the progress of industry initiatives, and inform future decision making. Bill Hil, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity says, “It is worrying that our support is not reaching the ‘boots on the ground’ workforce. This could be because about 53% of our workforce are self employed, agency or zero hour contractors and we are simply not getting our message down the supply chain. Even more worrying, is that these statistics are pre-pandemic so the full impact of this won’t be revealed until further data is released in October of this year." Professor Hare comments, “This occupational group (unskilled workers) is usually higher than average for committing suicide, but the sharp rise and widening gap over the period analysed, in contrast to their non-manual colleagues, is concerning and may indicate recent initiatives are not reaching these more vulnerable sectors of the industry." In 2017 the Thriving at Work report commissioned by the government and undertaken by Lord Stevenson and Mark Farmer highlighted poor mental health in construction. Since then, the industry has been engaged in many initiatives to improve the overall wellbeing of the sector. But sadly, this latest research highlights that mental wellbeing initiatives aimed at protecting our construction workers may not be reaching those who need it the most. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has been providing free emotional and wellbeing support through three main channels including their free 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, a supporting helpline app and free wellbeing training, but in immediate response to the research findings the charity is redoubling its efforts with even more pro-active initiatives to ensure that no construction worker or their family feels alone in a crisis. Help Inside the Hard Hat Awareness Campaign The charity’s current campaign to raise awareness of mental wellbeing in our industry, Help inside the Hard Hat encourages the construction community to think about what is going on inside the hard hat and signposts to all the support available from the charity. Posters and hoardings artwork are free to download. Lighthouse Beacons The charity is developing a nationwide network of ‘safe places’ for the construction community to talk in a confidential environment about their issues. These will be volunteer led and will deliver a network of self-help groups run by facilitators that have lived experience. Supporting Apprentices Piloting a mental wellbeing support programme with London Colleges to instil a positive appreciation of mental wellbeing at the start of a construction career. The charity will be providing mental health awareness training to 1000 apprentices and mental health first aid training to 100 tutors. The charity is also collaborating with the Rainy Day Trust to offer free tool kits and laptops to apprentices that are failing their apprenticeship due to affordability of tools or IT equipment. Mind Builder A new project with Building Mental Health and Samaritans, funded by the CITB. Mind Builder will deliver a central hub of high-quality wellbeing assets and learning. This project will also link up with the Supply Chain School for enhanced learning.