Rotherham residents experience benefits as CityFibre project progresses

The Full Fibre network rollout in Rotherham has reached another milestone, with the first residents now connected. CityFibre is investing £29m to bring the fastest and most reliable digital connectivity to the town. Construction work began in July 2020 and, once complete, the network will be within reach of almost every home and property in Rotherham. The network is now completed in parts of Kimberworth, Bradgate and Deepdale, with the first customers now live and able to access gigabit-capable internet services. The first ISP to offer services on Rotherham’s CityFibre network is purebroadband. Adam Roebuck, the first resident to sign-up for purebroadband’s gigabit-speed broadband says: “I’ve probably got the fastest broadband in Rotherham and I love it. When I first heard CityFibre were building a new broadband network across the city, I couldn’t wait. I registered my interest on the CityFibre website and even sent a few emails just to ask about when it might be coming. “I’m over the moon with the speed and reliability of the service as my previous 4Mbps connection struggled to manage multiple devices, especially at peak times. I went with the 200Mbps upload and download service and even with all nine of my devices connected I have never dropped under 190Mbps!” Natalie Ward, City Manager at CityFibre says: “I was so pleased for Adam when I heard he was going to be our first customer in Rotherham. He immediately recognised how transformational a Full Fibre connection can be and so it’s fantastic that he is now reaping the benefits. “People just can’t believe how much faster it is, both for downloading and uploading, and what they are set to gain from the increased reliability.” As progress continues, CityFibre is committed to keeping local businesses and residents fully up to date on plans for each community, as well as highlighting the benefits that access to full fibre will bring to all.

How Britain’s home improvements can aid the nation’s task in achieving net zero

Over the course of the pandemic, 48% of Brits used lockdown as an opportunity to undertake renovations, focusing mainly on creating home offices, built-in gyms and general aesthetic works. New national research by Powered Now – a field service management software for the trades – has analysed the extent of home improvements in the UK over the last 18 months, finding that the total spent by British consumers on home improvements has amounted to £110.3bn, signalling an increase in expenditure by 29.7%. But, just how energy efficient are our homes? Improving energy efficiency is essential to achieving net zero and one way in doing so is by focusing on sustainable home improvements of properties. In 2008, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were implemented to measure the country's progress in achieving its carbon goals, and according to new estimates made by EPC inspectors, making every home in England and Wales as energy efficient as possible would cost between a whopping £176 billion and £305 billion. The EPC investigators report further reveals the most green and eco-friendly improvements that Brits can make to ensure their homes are as energy efficient as possible. This entails property owners installing 10.6 million solar panels, replacing 4.4 million energy-consuming boilers, while 9.1 million homes are actively encouraged to throw out the profligate halogen bulbs and to be replaced with an LED alternative, aiming to significantly reduce 1.26 million tonnes of carbon emissions entering the atmosphere. A new Times investigation has also revealed that renovating older houses with defects, such as replacing inefficient lighting, installing solar panels and insulating leaky boilers in 30% of the poorest UK neighbourhoods could be as effective as making the same improvements in the richest areas, cutting over seven million tonnes of carbon emissions per year. Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, comments; "Because 15% of the UK’s total carbon emissions and two fifths of our total energy output come from the way we use and heat our homes, the importance of implementing sustainable renovations is more crucial now than ever. The news that consumer spending is through the roof directly correlates from what we have seen on the ground, and is an indication that Brits are on the march to improving their home efficiency. Regardless of the type of restoration or improvements, it is pivotal that best practice is used, and new, innovative materials are used to help with Britain’s task of achieving net zero carbon”.

Solar farm boom in East of England

Renewable energy is booming in the East of England after an ‘extraordinary’ five months when connection approvals for new solar farms more than doubled in energy capacity compared to same period last year. Latest figures, published this month, show 34 new solar generation sites firmed up connection contracts with UK Power Networks across Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire between January and May 2021; compared to just 17 in the same period last year and four in 2019. Once fully operational the solar farms will generate almost 840MW of energy – two and a half times the amount of new solar generation capacity accepted by UK Power Networks during the same period of 2020.This 840MW is equivalent to more than 2 million rooftop solar panels; enough to power more than 400,000 homes with clean energy. The majority of the new solar sites are made possible by UK Power Networks’ new ‘flexible connections’ solution which the company began rolling out in early 2020. The product enables owners of distributed generation to connect cheaper and faster by removing the upfront costs for upgrading the electricity network. Generators agree to temporarily reduce the amount of energy they export at certain times to keep the network within its operational limits. Most of the new sites will be mid-size solar farms on former agricultural land as landowners swap crops for clean energy. They are mainly located within a 30-mile radius north of the M25 across Essex, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. The East of England is popular with renewable investors because of its flat, available land, weather conditions and its proximity to existing network infrastructure – making it easier and cheaper to connect. Sotiris Georgiopoulos, head of smart grid development at UK Power Networks, says: “This extraordinary new wave of solar is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from teams across our business. We’ve invested, engaged and implemented world-leading innovation to facilitate sustainable renewable energy. Now, we need to go even further and faster to make Net Zero emissions by 2050 a reality.” An ‘accepted connection’ means sites have planning permission and contracts between generation owners and UK Power Networks have been signed. With their connection to the electricity network approved, generators will make a down payment on connections costs. Renewable sites are then built and can begin generating electricity from as early as a few months. New large-scale batteries acceptances also soared this year, including a 90+ MW site in East Essex. Nine new battery connections were accepted between January-May 2021 with a total capacity of 385MW, up from just three January-May 2020. The increase is in part driven by new commercial energy markets which allow investors to store energy and sell it during peak times. The increase in new large scale battery and solar acceptances marks continued progress in the UK Power Networks’ drive to facilitate renewable energy through solutions like flexible connections. Despite the COVID pandemic, 2020 itself saw the highest number of new clean generators acceptances in the East of England in the last nine years. 65 were accepted to connect with a total capacity of 1,866MW – one and a half times larger than the Hinkley Point B nuclear power station and enough to power a city the size of Birmingham. Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), comments: “The rapid expansion of solar capacity in the East of England underlines the region’s importance to the UK’s energy transition. Not only will these schemes power more than 400,000 homes with clean, sustainable energy, it will also help stimulate much needed new investment in the region. “It is now crucial that this momentum is maintained so we can continue to decarbonise our energy supply chain and meet our net zero ambitions.”

Everything Hand Dryers unveils latest innovation with Pebble Mini

Leading manufacturer of hand dryers, Everything Hand Dryers, has unveiled its latest innovation with the launch of its new Pebble Mini. With extensive experience in the hand dryer industry, Everything Hand Dryers has successfully revolutionised the market over the past 18 months, with the development of its unique ‘Plug & Play’ technology – which enables users to easily replace, service or upgrade their hand dryer via a unique Docking Station called Terra4. A medium usage dryer with outstanding performance, the Pebble Mini is the sister model of Everything Hand Dryer’s original ‘Plug & Play’ innovation, the Pebble, and boasts the same sleek and modern design with a high-gloss, scratch-resistant UV coated finish and antimicrobial protection, together with an IK10 impact rating. With annual energy usage of just £20, the Pebble Mini is forecast to experience the same level of success as its high usage alternative – the Pebble – which is now installed in over 1000 washrooms UK wide, including those of Lakeside, KFC, Starbuck’s, just to name a few. Matt Anderson, Founder and Director of Everything Hand Dryers confirms: “The team developed the idea for the innovative Plug & Play technology to change the hand drying world for the better. Hand dryers haven’t changed much in the last 80 years, our technology allows the user to take back control whether that is replacement, repair, or servicing of the hand dryer. Once the Terra4 is installed, anyone can carry out these tasks and I mean literally anyone, it’s that simple. We now supply around 150 electrical wholesalers across the UK and receive nothing but positive feedback about the innovation behind the Terra4 Docking Station and the Pebble hand dryer itself. I am, therefore, extremely excited about the launch of the Pebble Mini and look forward to seeing it in washrooms across the country over the coming months.” The trade brand of Velair, Everything Hand Dryers launched in October last year and have since consistently invested in revolutionising the conventional hand dryer model, having increased market share by 12% since inception. Available to purchase from electrical wholesale from July 2021, Everything Hand Dryer’s innovative Plug & Play system has transformed both the installation and maintenance of Hand Dryers. Headquartered in Hampshire, Everything Hand Dryer’s has ambitious plans to introduce its Plug & Play technology to an international market over the coming months.

New appointments to Recolight Board of Directors

Recolight is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Sprott of Signify to the Recolight Board and Andreas Adam of LEDVANCE as Chair of the Board. Recolight was established in 2005 by Tungsram lighting, Feilo Sylvania, LEDVANCE and Signify, The Recolight board has four non-Executive Directors representing our founding members. Andreas, Head of Waste Electric Electronic Equipment at LEDVANCE, has worked in the lighting industry for over 20 years.  He has substantial experience in WEEE across a number of European countries and sits on the board of six European WEEE compliance schemes. Taking over the role of the chair Andreas comments: “During my five years on the Recolight Board I’ve seen the team grow and the services offered expand. I look forward to helping the company support its Members in building a circular economy in the lighting sector.” Robert Sprott,  Service Manager at Signify, replaces Maurice Spee of Signify, who after over 20 years is retiring from Signify and the Recolight board. On joining the Recolight Board Robert says: “I join Recolight in exciting times.  Scheme membership is increasing, and there is a great team of dedicated staff.” Other directors of Recolight are Andrew Clark, Financial Controller at Feilo Sylvania UK who joined in 2019 and has been with Feilo for over 15 years. David Nauth, Commercial Director at the Tungsram Group who also joined in 2019. In announcing the news Recolight Chief Executive, Nigel Harvey comments: “We are delighted that Robert has joined the board, and to have Andreas heading up the board as Chair. The breadth of experience and knowledge of our board is invaluable to us as we expand the range of services we offer to meet the changing needs of our Producer Members and collection partners”

ProGrAnalog heads to Cornwall as UK tech sees rapid growth

ProGrAnalog, has recently made the move to Cornwall, using the Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn as it’s hub for European expansion.   This comes as Tech Nation reports that in 2021, the UK is more attractive to international investors than ever; with 63% of investment into UK tech coming from overseas in 2020 - a 13% increase over 2016.   Tapping into the growing technology cluster in the region, the move to Cornwall offers ProGrAnalog an exciting opportunity to expand in a way that the big UK cities cannot provide, and in turn strengthens Cornwall's position as a leader in innovation – a position also highlighted in Tech Nation’s annual report, which cites that not only has investment in UK regions remained strong throughout the pandemic, but the South West has posted record years.  ProGrAnalog already serves a diverse global client base from its headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Supplying its in-demand transient load testing product LoadSlammer to big-name technology providers like AMD and Xilinx.  LoadSlammer is a unique offering in the technology sector  – helping companies to test the power requirements of semiconductors in development of their products. For many technology brands, equipment like LoadSlammer is critical for ensuring safe and reliable product performance.    Rob Misselbrook, Head of UK Operations at ProGrAnalog says: “Cornwall offers us an alternative way to access the European technology market without relocating to the city. We’re paying almost a quarter of what we would for office space in places like London and Oxford, and the high quality of living in the region is helping us attract some great talent.” ProGrAnalog is currently building its UK team, offering flexible, remote working opportunities for all employees. Hitting the ground running, they have already filled a full-time sales role and part-time marketing role and the company is planning to source junior graduates from within and outside the region. Rob adds: “The Tremough Innovation Centre has given us a great starting point in Cornwall. We can rent our office space on a month-by-month basis, and it has the strong connectivity we need to serve our global clients.” If you would like to find out how your business could relocate to Cornwall, get in touch with the Cornwall Trade and Investment team today.

Surge protection: what you need to know

Dominick Sandford, Director of Merchandising & Marketing at ElectricalDirect looks at the requirements for surge protection, installer responsibilities and how to select the correct surge protection devices. Electrical and electronic equipment of all types, from computers to industrial machinery to medical devices, are now a central part of our lives and crucial to business operations and public services. However, they are vulnerable to power surges, also known as transient over-voltages. While these high voltage spikes can last just a fraction of a second, they can degrade, damage or even destroy equipment attached to the power supply. Around 35% of transient over-voltages come from external events such as lightning strikes, utility grid switching or electrical accidents. The other 65% come from sources within the building, most commonly electrical switching within appliances and equipment. This is where the energy stored in the magnetic field generated by electrical equipment is suddenly released when the current is interrupted and dissipates as a high voltage transient. Surge protection requirements Successive versions of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) have updated the guidance on surge protection devices (SPDs). The current 18th Edition, released in July 2018 and applicable from January last year, outlined new criteria for where SPDs should be installed and provided revised advice for contractors. The new regulations introduced a simplified assessment for when SPDs are required. It states that: “Protection against transient over-voltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by over-voltage effects: Results in serious injury to, or loss of, human life or; Results in interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage or; Results in interruption of commercial or industrial activity, or; Affects a large number of co-located individuals.” Furthermore, any commercial, industrial or public building that is supplied by overhead lines also requires surge protection. This means that the majority of buildings will require surge protection because one or more of the criteria apply. While single residential properties are not included if the value of equipment does not justify the protection, apartment buildings would fall under the category of affecting a large number of co-located individuals. Single dwelling properties are not required to have surge protection, therefore it is up to the homeowner to decide if they want to take preventative measures. Often the deciding factor will be the level of risk and the value of the equipment that the devices would be protecting. In these situations, installers have a role in advising the homeowner on the best course of action. For non-residential properties that do not fit into these categories, a risk assessment must be carried out. This process has been simplified in the 18th Edition and details of how to calculate the level of risk can be found in section 443.4 of the IET Wiring Regulations. Where this risk assessment is not conducted the regulations require that surge protection is implemented. It is important to note that Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPDs), such as circuit breakers and fuses are not intended to provide over-voltage protection. They are designed to protect homes, businesses and human life from the dangers of a short circuit or overload and serve a different function to SPDs in the electrical installation. Selecting and installing SPDs All SPDs work by diverting surge currents to earth to reduce the over-voltage to a level that will not damage the components of the system or equipment connected to it. There are three types of surge protection device. A Type 1 SPD is designed to provide protection against surges caused by direct lightning strikes. These often feature spark gap technology which can handle very high voltages by creating a short to ground when a level of current is reached. A Type 2 device offers protection against over-voltages from switching and indirect lightning strikes. This type more commonly uses a metal oxide varistor (MOV) to divert the current away. Type 3 SPDs provide local protection for sensitive equipment. As these have a relatively low discharge capacity, they should always be installed in addition to a Type 1 or 2 device. These are available as hard-wired components but are also commonly found in surge protected sockets, adapters and extension leads. A Type 1 or 2 must be installed at the origin of the installation, where the power supply enters the building. However, determining which type is required depends on whether there is a structural lightning protection system (LPS) installed. A Type 1 should always be installed where there is an LPS, as it forms part of the system, and a Type 2 can be fitted where there is not. To determine the location of other SPDs, the lightning protection zones (LPZ) have to be considered. External zones (LPZ 0a and 0b) are areas where there is a threat of full lightning voltage or electromagnetic field. The internal zone (LPZ 1) are sections protected from full lighting surge voltages by an SPD at the boundary. LPZ 2 is an area deeper inside the installation that is protected by additional layers of surge protection. A surge protection device should be installed whenever a cable crosses to an internal zone from the external LPZ. SPDs are also required where a cable crosses an internal zone boundary. Combining different stages of surge protection in a ‘cascade’ will maximise protection as it improves the system’s diversion capacity, whilst maintaining a low voltage. For example, a Type 1 or 2 will provide broad protection against the highest voltage spikes, while further Type 2 or Type 3s installed close to the equipment will provide an additional buffer. These secondary or tertiary levels also provide protection against electrical switching from within that zone. Protecting electrical installations from the threat of over-voltages is essential to ensure the safety of building occupants and the longevity of the equipment connected to the system. The requirements of the updated wiring regulations will undoubtedly mean that a large proportion of buildings will now need surge protection measures to be installed. ElectricalDirect stocks a range of surge protection devices. To find out more visit www.electricaldirect.co.uk.

Forging career connections with armed services

Engineers from two power firms are helping people considering leaving the armed services to explore career paths in the electricity industry. UK Power Networks, Britain’s biggest electricity network, together with UK Power Networks Services, which provides infrastructure services for the Ministry of Defence and other clients, are helping people serving in the military into the electricity industry. The companies are providing new work experience placements (known as Civilian Work Attachments) to help military personnel move into civilian jobs. Anita Boye, recruitment specialist at UK Power Networks, matches future service leavers with employees who can give them an insight to the electricity industry. UK Power Networks and UK Power Networks Services, which currently employ 70 military veterans, have hosted four attachments, with two more in the pipeline. Anita says: “Service leavers are excited to work with people who understand their background and can give relevant advice to support their future career development. They want to follow in their footsteps and we try to pair them up with people in roles they aspire to. We try to find the common ground, between the individuals who reach out to us and the people in our company’s armed forces community. If they are seeking operational work, we pair them with a field staff supervisor to guide them and this includes which qualifications they should pursue.” Alastair Smith, currently serving as a military engineer electrician with the Royal Engineers, says: “Opening the lines of communication and establishing that early engagement on my resettlement journey with UK Power Networks Services has been vital. This has enabled me to shape a very specific resettlement plan. My aspirations will be to leave the Army with the HNC Electrical Engineering and to gain employment with UK Power Networks Services.” UK Power Networks Services manages the electricity networks for six Army garrisons across Bulford, Aldershot, Larkhill, Perham Down, Tidworth and Warminster. Alastair’s mentor is Ross Corbishley, a project engineer for UK Power Networks Services in Aldershot, who has a deep connection with the military, as his brother is ex-Army Royal Engineers. Ross comments: “We have managed to build Alastair a target plan. This shows him getting a few courses done before he leaves the Army that would mean he would come to us for interview with relevant courses already complete. Whilst there is no guarantee of employment, I wouldn’t hesitate in working with him until the time comes, to give him the best opportunity to make himself the most employable candidate when he does apply to UK Power Networks Services.” Alastair adds: “Ross is a perfectly matched mentor for me, a consummate professional and he delivered both civilian work attachments professionally and with a tremendous amount of passion for the job and company.” Matt Carter, from Battle, East Sussex who is in the Army Royal Signals, joined UK Power Networks Services for a day to learn about becoming a cable jointer. Matt says: “It was a valuable experience offering a unique insight into what UK Power Networks Services does. The work attachment has aided me in choosing a new career outside of the Royal Signals, and this has helped give me direction regarding my resettlement. I would like to thank Ross and the team for an enjoyable day.” Matthew Hodges, from Basildon, currently serving 3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, spent two days working in the Cambridge area with Alan Rigby, a field staff supervisor at UK Power Networks. Matthew says: “It was absolutely brilliant, I had a really good time and learnt a lot. The team I worked with were very helpful and patient and were really good at explaining things and showing me what they do.” His power industry mentor, Alan Rigby, comments: “Having Matthew join us at Waterbeach for two days has been a tremendous success. He now has a good knowledge of how UK Power Networks operates, our excellent safety culture and high expectations of all employees across all parts of the business.” Stuart Sadler, from Edmonton, North London, serving in the Corps of Royal Engineers, spent four days with a network operations field team in the Enfield area. He plans to return to gain an insight into electricity network design, which the company is trying to facilitate. He says: “I shadowed engineers, linespeople and jointers for the week. It was an educational experience and a great insight into what UK Power Networks does. The teams both in the office and on the ground were welcoming and answered every question I could think to ask. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the placement and would fully recommend it to others who are considering leaving the military.” His power industry mentor was Luke Harvey, a field engineer at UK Power Networks, based in Enfield. Luke says: “Stuart was involved in works from pulling cables to assisting the linespeople with pole holes. He saw a couple of shutdowns and cable jointing, asked questions and even stayed late to see jobs through.” UK Power Networks earned Investors In People ‘Platinum’ status, and signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2015, to show support for fair treatment of the armed forces, their families and veterans. Its commitment to the armed forces earned a silver award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. The company has benefitted from a long-standing relationship with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), which is the MoD’s official provider of resettlement, supporting all leavers of the Armed Forces.

CTEK launches new 4-socket EV charging solution

Established in Sweden, CTEK is a leading global brand in battery and vehicle charging, supplying the UK market with a wide range of market-leading electric vehicle (EV) charging products and innovative solutions that support the transition to greener mobility. Its most recent development is a 4-socket EV charging solution that makes the swift, cost-effective installation of robust, reliable charging networks easier than ever. This unique solution features two dual socket CTEK Chargestorm Connected 2 AC chargers, mounted back-to-back on steel brackets on a standard 60mm diameter pole, so four EVs can plug in and charge at the same time. As you only need one pole and one hole for every four charging points, installation is quicker, easier and more cost-effective, as well as saving on space and construction materials. The chargers can be used inside and out, and they’re built using robust, top quality components and materials for maximum reliability and reduced maintenance. This innovative, space saving charging solution is ideal for small parking areas, including businesses looking to provide charging facilities for their clients, customers and staff. For larger installations, like major public car parks, the sets of four chargers can be linked together in networks of up to 500 individual chargers on 125 poles. This is particularly useful in double row ‘bay’ parking situations, where vehicle are parked ‘front to front’. All CTEK chargers integrate seamlessly with other manufacturers’ chargers and systems through Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). And, as demand inevitably grows, more chargers can be added cost-effectively, without any need for system upgrade. CTEK’s market-leading EV charging solutions range from individual EV charge points to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations that integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment. When it comes to EV charging, whatever the requirement, CTEK has the solution.

UK construction companies increase R&D spend by £70 million

UK construction companies are increasing their investment in innovation, with research and development (R&D) expenditure rising by £70 million, according to new figures released by HMRC. Analysis by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, has revealed that in the first part of 2018/19, construction firms spent £1.36 billion on qualifying projects. Even though many claims have yet to be submitted for that financial year, this is already 5.4% more than the whole of 2017/18 (£1.29 billion). Using the government’s R&D Tax Credit Scheme, companies can claim back up to 33p for every pound spent on R&D activity. This includes any project that aims to advance the industry by researching or developing a new process, product or service, or improving an existing one. For such work completed during 2018/19, construction companies have already claimed £235 million of Corporation Tax relief. More companies in the sector are starting to take advantage of the scheme, as the latest data shows overall number of claims is also on the rise. So far, construction businesses have made 3,340 claims for R&D funding, which is a year-on-year increase of 1.8% (60). The industry now represents 5.7% of all R&D claims in the UK. The majority of the construction-related R&D projects are classed as ‘specialised construction activities’. These account for two-thirds (66%) of the sector’s claims, way ahead of ‘construction of buildings’ in second place (21%). However, the most valuable construction R&D claims are those labelled as ‘civil engineering’. Across the whole industry, the average R&D claim in 2018/19 was worth £70,359 - almost 5% higher (£3,286) than the year before (£67,073) - but the figure is far greater for civil engineering projects. The typical amount of tax relief awarded to such work is £129,412. The totals also vary significantly across the UK. The most innovative area is London, with more claims made in the capital than any other part of the nation (455). But it is Northern Ireland where construction represents the greatest percentage of a region's total R&D claims. More than one in ten (11%) of the country’s qualifying projects fall within the industry (180/1,605). Despite only making the fourth highest number of claims, construction firms in the North-West of England are investing the most money in innovation. Its businesses have already registered £145 million of R&D spend for 2018/19 – more than any other area. The regions which have made the most and least claims for construction R&D funding for 2018/19, so far, are: 1) London – 455 claims (£55m) 2) South East – 425 (£85m) 3) East of England – 400 (£5m) 4) North West – 375 (£145m) 5) West Midlands – 295 (£10m) 6) Yorkshire and the Humber – 255 (£85m) 7) South West – 250 (£10m) 8) East Midlands – 215 (£10m) 9) Northern Ireland – 180 (<£5m) 10) North East – 165 (£40m) 11) Scotland – 165 (£10m) 12) Wales – 155 (<£5m) Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at IronmongeryDirect, says: “It’s encouraging to see that so many UK construction companies are taking advantage of the R&D Tax Credit scheme. Our businesses are world-leaders for innovation and the HMRC initiative is designed to reward them for their pioneering work. “The tax relief can provide a welcome boost for construction firms and any money saved can even be reinvested to finance further research.”