NAPIT supports call for government to adopt National Retrofit Strategy

NAPIT supports the open letter written to the Secretary of State, signed by 38 organisations, calling for the Government to implement the recommendations of the Construction Leadership Council’s National Retrofit Strategy into the content and implementation of the Government’s forthcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy. With the UK’s 28 million existing homes accounting for 35% of all energy use and responsible for emitting 20% of the total carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, an effective, long-term, and attractive strategy for retrofitting homes will be essential to enable the Government to realise their net-zero targets. Commenting on the open letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, David Cowburn, Chief Operating Officer at NAPIT says: “If the Government is serious about reducing carbon emissions by 78% before 2035, compared to 1990 levels, reducing energy use in homes must be a key part of the strategy. Adopting a National Retrofit Strategy will send a clear signal to the industry that the Government is committed to investing and enabling the changes needed in this sector to deliver growth. Long-term policy provides security and stability and will encourage installers to invest in the training and certification they require to work safely and competently to retrofit homes. It has been estimated that the industry needs around 500,000 new professionals and trades to tackle this challenge. We call on the Government to respond to this challenge and incentivise the upskilling, training and certification required to create the competent, committed and engaged workforce we need. Aligned scheme requirements for installers to allow a single point of entry, with one set of agreed standards and certification to remove the administrative burden of complying with multiple requirements would greatly expediate the process for installers and must be considered as a priority to encourage the growth required to deliver the change needed."

Isaro supports cities with their long term lighting strategies

Isaro, the latest road lantern from Thorn Lighting, has been designed to maximise lighting performances and optimise economy strategies, whilst limiting its carbon footprint. The extra small size Isaro XS has been added to the Isaro family to cater for residential schemes the small isaro S, another new addition, delivers just over 12,000 lumens so it can light B Roads and a lower level of A Roads, circumstances depending. Through its numerous light distribution and control options, the Isaro family supports cities with their long term efficiency, sustainability and smart lighting strategies, in addition to creating safer road networks. Designed for the contractor, cable fitted, light weight for easy installation, durability through life for sustainable street lighting and maintenance costs. The small and extra small versions of Isaro employ the latest generation of LED modules to extend and compliment the wider Thorn Isaro Family Members. With these efficient LED modules, Isaro is discrete, flexible and powerful, reaching 170lm/W. Together with the Thorn R-PEC optical system, Isaro can offer more than 20 light distributions, including pedestrian crossings. The die-cast aluminium (EN AC 44300) Isaro body provides Category C5, Very High Corrosivity protection, for atmospheric environments with very high pollution, making it suitable for coastal use, where the conditions are at their harshest. Maintaining lighting performances is very important in road lighting, so the glass cover gives the best optical performance and maintenance factor through true use life of the lantern, when compared to polycarbonate technology. The carefully selected electronic components support this long-lasting luminaire operation and interoperability. They are equipped with the latest generation of outdoor drivers making Isaro, efficient, reliable and open to connectivity. Designed to provide dedicated services for refurbishment, Isaro adapts itself to existing poles, brackets and cabling configurations. Multiple options mean you can create your own luminaire. Standard lighting control options include NEMA and Zhaga interface (Zhaga-D4i certified), Bi-Power control and CLO (Constant Lumen Output) just to name a few.

McNally EV boosts vehicle charger workforce

McNally EV is using mobile workforce management technology from BigChange to power paperless working and reduce unnecessary mileage. From lead management through to job completion reporting and invoicing, the cloud-based, 5-in-1 solution, provides a single source for all information needed to run the mobile workforce. Accessible from any internet-enabled device, BigChange is improving efficiency, boosting customer service and reducing the environmental impact of the business. “We are committed to making the world greener by providing the infrastructure to encourage and make accessible the use of electric vehicles, and BigChange is helping us on our journey,” comments Nicky McNally, Managing Director of McNally EV. “Using BigChange, we don’t need to produce unnecessary paper copies of work schedules and job completion reports and our installers and engineers are able to access relevant client records and technical documents, including photographs, through the mobile app. This makes them more efficient and is contributing to a reduction in mileage.” McNally EV is a Yorkshire-based, family run business which has been specialising in the installation of both commercial and home electric vehicle chargers for more than 10 years. Working independently and with national partners including the Shell group, McNally EV has installed over 9,000 electric vehicle charging points across the UK and is committed to improving EV infrastructure for all drivers. “We trialled a number of systems but BigChange is the solution that consistently works well for us,” McNally adds. “The BigChange CRM functionality allows us to keep track of customers past, present and future, meaning our customer interactions are always informed and up to date. Our engineers can also check and allocate stock remotely, which leads to further gains in efficiency and is improving communication within the business.” McNally EV uses the single platform CRM, Job Scheduling, Mobile App, Tracking and Customer Portal from BigChange to support all aspects of its business. Engineers working in the field can access work schedules, client records and stock levels whilst back-office staff and management have complete visibility of the mobile operation 24/7 from any location, allowing them to react to changing circumstances and keep customers informed. “Being cloud-based is also an important factor for us,” concludes McNally. “As an essential business, we needed to operate as normal throughout the recent lockdowns, and BigChange allowed us to maintain business as usual. BigChange is also extremely adaptable to the needs of our business, allowing flexibility in the way things are organised.”

Vent-Axia wins Industry Initiative Award for its ‘COVID-19 Support Campaign’

Vent-Axia has been named as the winner of the ‘Industry Initiative Award’ at the prestigious Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2021. The company’s ‘COVID-19 Support Campaign’ took the crown in an award that that was, in-part, decided by an industry vote, as well as being critiqued by an expert judging panel. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event was a virtual one. Winners were announced in a live presentation that showcased the very best that the sector has to offer. “We are absolutely delighted that our COVID-19 Support Campaign has been recognised at these prestigious awards by being named winner of the Industry Initiative award,” says Lena Hebestreit, Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia. “We have committed to making great efforts to help support the industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while raising awareness of the essential role of ventilation in mitigating virus transmission. We are thrilled to have this work recognised.” Vent-Axia is committed to improving public health by improving indoor air quality (IAQ) through ventilation. With its COVID-19 Support Campaign the company therefore set out to go the extra mile, focusing on how it could help in the national response against COVID-19, laying out a three-tier plan to help support its customers and the general public by focussing on Critical Supply, Critical Communication and Critical Technical Advice. The campaign helped in the fight against COVID-19 by supplying critical projects; sharing vital ventilation guidance and information; plus offering essential expert advice to customers and businesses. The company led the way in these activities, dominating the share of voice on communications and providing expert advice. Vent-Axia’s campaign included the critical supply of ventilation to COVID-19 hospital wards and field hospitals including the NHS Nightingale and Rainbow hospitals; critical communications with its #StayHealthy campaign and critical expert advice including its useful guide 'The Effect of Ventilation on COVID-19’. 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 evolved 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. The company has led the way in these activities, dominating the share of voice on communications and leading the way in expert advice.

Ansell Lighting joins Made in Britain

Ansell Lighting has become a member of the Made in Britain organisation, the official collective marque for British manufacturers. A recognised market leader in the lighting sector, Ansell designs and assembles high-quality luminaires for the commercial, domestic, industrial and architectural markets, from its Warrington headquarters and exports those products to more than 19 countries worldwide. The Made in Britain organisation is a growing community of manufacturers applying the protected collective mark to products, packaging, websites and social media to communicate to buyers, specifiers and consumers that their products are made in Britain to the very highest standards. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “We are proud to have been granted acceptance to Made in Britain, although like many businesses we source our components from across the world, we have our own design and innovation centre in the UK which utilises the latest in 3D design engineering technology and photometric analysis software.  That in-house design and manufacturing ability allowed us to launch our own range of connected lighting products. Alongside this our premier connected lighting service, OCTO, supports smart lighting installations from project scope to lighting design, install, commissioning and aftercare. “We believe our ability to design and assemble finished luminaires in the UK has made us a reliable name in the lighting marketplace, because we are able to create bespoke solutions and meet demand effectively and efficiently.  Made in Britain is understood by many as a marque of excellence and a symbol of high-quality design and manufacturing both domestically and overseas, so we are proud that we will be able to display that logo on the products we make here.”

Aico completes the EIC Race Across Europe challenge

Over the past three weeks, Aico colleagues have participated in a virtual Race Across Europe, completing 1,606 miles in support of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The EIC is a charity supporting those within the electrical industry, with a focus on wellbeing and mental health, as well as offering support on matters such as family issues, financial worries or health and disability. Aico has a long-standing commitment to its support of the EIC. In 2018, the EIC was Aico’s Charity of the Year, and colleagues have frequent fundraising days in aid of the fantastic work the EIC do for their industry. As part of Aico’s continued support, it has recently completed the EIC’s Race Across Europe challenge. In the Race Across Europe, Aico competed against other businesses in the industry in a race to reach seven check points across the continent. Teams were able to cycle, swim, walk or run in a bid to be on the winners’ podium on Friday 18t June. Competing for Aico was Managing Director, Neal Hooper; Commercial and Finance Director, Matthew Small; Product Development Manager, Michael Wright; Operations Manager, Lee Duffy; and close friend, Alan Lewis of Adrenaline Sporting Events. The team successfully reached the London, Prague, Zurich and Holland checkpoints, completing a total of 1,606 miles. The team came a triumphant second place, completing the challenge in three weeks out of the allotted seven, whilst coming together with other electrical businesses to raise over £14,000 for the EIC and people within their sector. Michael Wright comments, "The EIC Race Across Europe has been a fantastic challenge. The team have walked, ran and cycled through all weathers to complete the 1,606 miles distance in three weeks. It’s been fantastic to be able to support our industry charity, the EIC, and we thank all our supporters who have been so generous with their donations."

Power company surges to its highest-ever Best Companies listing

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor has been named number six in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For List - making the standings for a seventh successive year and achieving its best ever position. UK Power Networks, which delivers power supplies to 8.3 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England has also achieved the highest standard of 3-Star accreditation for demonstrating world-class levels of workplace engagement. Staff feedback praised the company’s exceptional and dynamic response to the coronavirus pandemic, which also saw them listed second in the Top 10 utilities to work for and on three regional lists, including among the Top Five Best Big Companies to work for in London. Andrew Pace, director of HR says: “This is amazing news in a challenging year. From the very start of the pandemic, we knew it was crucial to communicate and be clear to all staff that their jobs were secure and nobody has been furloughed. “Our open and collaborative work with our Trades Unions partners throughout this period has been extremely positive. Together we put the safety of our staff and customers first, and changed processes and procedures so that our service to keep the power flowing for the homes and businesses that rely on us, continued as usual. “We are hugely proud of many of our employees adapting to working from home, without any loss of focus on performance levels. We also made more than 100 offices COVID-Secure for staff who needed, or wanted to be in. “Making this list for a seventh consecutive year also reflects the continued work we are doing around diversity and inclusion. We always strive to be agile in our thinking, and listen to what would help our staff.” Best Companies founder and CEO Jonathan Austin says: “Congratulations UK Power Networks. Earning a place on a list as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For is an accolade like no other. “It recognises your commitment to your employees and demonstrates that you see workplace engagement as a vital part of your organisation’s success.”

Skills for Security appoints new Director of Technical Training

Skills for Security has appointed Darrell Gilmour as the new Director of Technical Training. Darrell has worked in the fire and security industry for almost a decade starting his career as an alarm apprentice and installation engineer, later moving towards sales and design with well-known Kings Secure Technologies. In 2018 he took up a brief post with Marlowe Fire and Security gaining experience with varying markets and larger projects, before entering the educational sector with New College Lanarkshire as a Lecturer. Darrell holds a certified ISMI Security Management Professional Diploma in Security and Risk Management completed in 2018. Speaking about the appointment David Scott, Managing Director, Skills for Security says: “I’m so pleased to welcome Darrell to the team as the new Director of Technical training. He is in the best position to influence the fire and security industry, whilst passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of aspiring young engineers. This role will give him the opportunity to engage with employers and industry bodies, and I’m thrilled that he shares Skills for Security’s ethos of providing the highest quality of training across the UK, upskilling existing engineers and inspiring new ones.” Darrell begins his role in May 2021.

Millions of new jobs in 2021

With vaccine rollouts underway, hopes of an end to national lockdowns, and investments made in technologies during the pandemic, 78% of SMEs expect their business to be profitable by 2022. As major economies reopen across the globe and consumer confidence rises, Sage has unveiled the true levels of resilience and optimism amongst SMEs across the UK, US and France. Sage’s recent sentiment survey shows that SMEs – the economic backbone of many countries – have reached a turning point and confidence has largely returned. Three quarters of SMEs surveyed are optimistic about the future of their business and growth trajectory in the next year. Optimism is mainly driven by the vaccine rollout programme (45%), being able to see customers in person again (35%), and projections of increased consumer spending (32%). Over eight in 10 SMEs do not expect another lockdown with most SMEs feeling optimistic that their business will return to pre-pandemic levels this summer – both in terms of profitability and staffing levels. In fact, 81% of SMEs across markets think their business will be totally back to normal profitability this summer. This confidence is led by the US (82%), followed closely by the UK (79%). An ability to adapt was critical during the pandemic. Many (60%) SMEs say that they have coped well with the barriers COVID-19 placed on them, making big changes to how their business operates. Most commonly, in the UK, 35% of SMEs said they cut overhead costs and, because of further financial barriers, 25% said they relied on their savings to make it through. This behaviour was also reflected in the US, with 38% cutting overhead costs and 27% relying on savings. In France the figure was 35% and 21% respectively. SMEs turned to technology to overcome difficulties and create efficiencies within the business. In fact, 76% of SMEs say they now rely on technology. In the UK, 52% used new technology to sell more and stay connected with customers or improve how their business operates. In France, 67% used technology in this way while 64% of SMEs in the US also invested in new technologies, nearly all of whom said this increased investment improved their business. Renewed optimism is driving hiring plans, and as SMEs grow their workforce, they will continue to look at how they can increase diversity and prioritise employee wellbeing. One-third of SMEs are expected to hire in 2021, which could create millions of jobs. When applied to ONS data on employment from SMEs, this could mean 1.2 million more jobs in the UK, in France 2.4 million jobs and 4.6 million in the US. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, SMEs have been thinking more about their wider role in society, ranging from employee wellbeing initiatives, to being more environmentally sustainable, and becoming a more diverse employer – with many SMEs expected to make further improvements in the upcoming year. In the UK, there will be a bigger focus on ways of working and employee wellness with 37% looking to increase physical wellness, and in the US, 47% of SMEs will look at improving flexible working. In France, we are seeing a drive for change in recruitment to prioritise diversity (34%). Steve Hare, CEO of Sage Group comments: “As the economic environment improves, optimism amongst our customers is increasing and as is their confidence to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. SMEs are accelerating investment in people and digital technology, prioritising flexibility, resilience, and productivity. This is a clear sign they will bring the bounce back into the economy, and why they need to be at the heart of any recovery plans. We must make sure this swell of optimism is given the opportunity to become a tidal wave of growth. At Sage, we have called on governments for support and investment to accelerate the recovery of SMEs during these difficult times and made our own investments in supporting an SME led recovery. We will make it our priority to continue listening, give unheard SMEs a voice with governments and use our time and expertise so that the economic recovery is an inclusive one.”

Free booking platform for tradeswomen launching soon

TaskHer, which is set to launch towards the end of 2021, puts tradeswomen at the forefront of its plan to shift the gender imbalance in skilled manual trades. Months of research into getting under the skin of what tradeswomen want and need has gone into the platform to help tradeswomen not only build their businesses and fill their diaries, but to start shaping the manual trades landscape into a more modern image. TaskHer will be free to use, with no sign-up fees, no commission and no paying for leads, with a user interface designed to accept jobs, agree costs and be paid all on one platform. Founders Anna Hernandez and Paul Moynihan have been working with a panel of established tradeswomen to set about building the model, with plans to further expand with an academy to support women and school leavers to train in their choice of trade. “When we looked at the stats - that under 5% of tradespeople are female - we were really shocked. It’s 2021 and it’s time to start not only championing women in skilled manual trades, but to start showing school leavers that the trades are a viable career for women and a significantly more lucrative one than the apprenticeships they tend to be pushed towards”, says Anna. Paul adds, “By sticking to the typically female dominated apprenticeships and not considering the trades, women stand to lose up to £1 million of potential lifetime earnings.” If you’d like to sign up for free to TaskHer, head to www.taskher.co.uk and leave your details.