New app aims to end payment disputes for trades

A UK-based tech start-up has launched a new mobile and desktop app designed to help tradespeople run their businesses more effectively and put an end to payment disputes. The brainchild of CEO Tim Mullock, the Kiistone app is designed to financially protect both tradespeople and customers, who agree job specifications and budgets via the app. Payment is then protected and held independently, by the largest Escrow provider in Europe, until both parties are satisfied that the job has been completed as agreed. CEO of Kiistone, Tim Mullock, says: “My experience of being a British tradesperson over the last 20 years has shown me both the good and the not so good that the industry has to offer, and the biggest issue that we’ve still got today is a lack of trust between the customer and the trade. “Customers who have watched programmes such as Rogue Traders have begun to treat tradespeople with a certain level of distrust. While it’s undeniable that there are some cowboys out there, professional tradespeople often find themselves tarred with the same brush, which doesn’t make for good customer relationships. “On the flipside, tradespeople can experience lack of understanding from customers or unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disputes over final invoices. “The Kiistone app has been designed to provide a professional solution for both parties, providing absolute clarity to customers at all stages of the project and ensuring fair payment for the job delivered.” As well as the Escrow solution, the app provides further functions to help tradespeople manage their projects, diary, cashflow, admin and communication. It also links to the Kiistone Community website, providing industry news, guidance and support for trade businesses and homeowners. Mullock continues: “The aim of the app in the long term is to build a community of tradespeople who take pride in their profession and who understand the value for everyone in modernising the industry. Kiistone’s ultimate goal is to be a gamechanger for the industry, to reinstate pride and quality in British trades, and to represent a new benchmark in professional standards.”

Arthur McLaughlin joins BSU as chief operating officer

Blue Square Utilities (BSU) has strengthened its C-suite with the appointment of new chief operating officer, Arthur McLaughlin, in a bid to support sustained growth following several significant contract wins and a UK-wide recruitment drive. Tyne and Wear-headquartered BSU expects to install 100,000 smart meters in 2021 – three times the figures from the previous year – and is aiming to recruit more than 100 engineers to deliver on its ambitious targets. Excited by BSU’s rapid growth, Arthur can draw on his experience as former COO and head of IT and transformation services for JP Morgan, as well as a position as the global account director and COO for the AstraZeneca account at IBM. Commenting on his new role, Arthur – who has 30 years of technology industry experience – explains: “I love being at the sharp end of a business which is growing and transforming. Blue Square’s ambition within the smart tech space is fantastic, as is the culture, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. “My priority is to move the needle of business performance and explore how we maximise our strategic direction, while targeting efficient operating models which can be converted into executable programmes that deliver value realisation.” Explaining the rationale behind the new position, BSU CEO, Steve Lees adds: “After a particularly challenging year in 2020, this appointment has been made to further our ambition to be a leading player in the smart installation space. Arthur brings a wealth of experience and drive and will help push BSU forward.” During his 13 years at IBM, Arthur – an applied scientist (PhD physicist) – was a key member of the team which created the first variant of what today is IBM Cloud and later went on to manage IBM’s relationship with AstraZeneca’s research and development division. He moved to JP Morgan in 2010 to drive transformation of the firm’s IT services. Arthur is also an active member of the Diversity & Inclusion in Tech digital community, Global CTO Forum (GCF) and Global Cyber Security Ecosystem.

Service providers wanted for new online platform Symple

Symple is a new online platform that allows landlords to easily manage their property certifications and inspections for single or multiple properties nationwide. It also enables registered service providers, who specialise in property certifications, to be notified and manage these jobs on the same platform. The easy-to-use system offers landlords a convenient and practical solution that guarantees their inspections will be done on time, every time – without any fuss or drama. Simon Dresdner, Founder of Symple, says: “We knew there had to be an easier way for landlords to book their gas safety, electrical installation and energy performance inspections that are required by law – and an easier way to never forget when they’re due. “And we thought that – while we’re at it – why don’t we make it easier for service providers to find opportunities to carry out their services, smoothly and efficiently?” Ahead of its official launch next month, the company is now looking for service providers to add to its growing database. Registration is free. All service providers need to do is upload certification from the relevant accreditation scheme for the service they are qualified to provide, as well as a valid government ID such as a driver’s licence. One of the key benefits to service provides is that they will be notified, via email or text (whichever they prefer), of available jobs within their locality, which they can then pick and choose from. Another handy feature is that service providers can set the distance they are prepared to travel to work, which could be as little as 1 mile away. Symple’s clever system also handles all of the associated admin, meaning that there is no need to raise invoices or have to chase for payment, as service providers are paid automatically – saving much-needed time and alleviating a lot of the day-to-day stress. In terms of workload, the Symple system offers great flexibility too. With no minimum requirement when it comes to taking on assignments, service providers can decide how much or how little they wish to work.

myenergi launches national campaign to drive sustainable change

myenergi has launched a national campaign to drive sustainable change. #TheGreenReset, which takes place between 22 April-22 May, challenges UK householders to change their wasteful behaviours for environmentally-friendly alternatives throughout the duration of the campaign. From going plastic free or cutting down on e-commerce purchases, to planting vegetables in your back garden, the initiative demonstrates just how simple it can be to make a positive difference. Alongside attracting the support of digital influencers Coral Golding, Dean Bartle and Grace Beverley, #TheGreenReset sees myenergi partner with specialist talent agency Zebedee, which has coordinated a beautiful fashion shoot harnessing sustainable items to celebrate positive progress made towards improving the circularity of the textiles supply chain. Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, comments: “Our message is simple – while it may not be possible to tackle climate change single-handedly, if everyone made a few small changes, it would result in a huge global difference. Working together and sharing best practice really is key to achieving a kinder, more sustainable future for generations to come. “#TheGreenReset, which launches on World Earth Day, encourages householders to think twice about their daily routines and consider where they could be more sustainable. We want to act as the catalyst for change and inspire more people to become greener in numerous aspects of their lives.” Running in parallel to the campaign, myenergi will host a competition to win a selection of eco-friendly smart home tech gadgets. To enter, simply share your eco changes on social media, tag myenergi and encourage your followers to join the movement. A winner will be chosen at random and notified on the final day of the campaign. Jordan concludes: “The theme of World Earth Day 2021 is ‘Restore our earth’ – a message we can all relate to. We wanted to join the one billion followers, throw our support behind the message and be part of the change.” myenergi is renowned for designing the world’s first solar compatible EV charger – zappi. Alongside operating as standard for electric car charging, it has optional charging modes to utilise 100% green energy generated from your solar PV panels. With a whole host of carefully-designed features to give you complete control of your charging experience, it can be paired with the myenergi app to utilise economy tariffs, deploy the boost function and provide insightful monitoring data.

National Ventilation's Monsoon shower extract fan kits shortlisted for award

National Ventilation is delighted to announce that it has been nominated in the ‘Best New Product’ category at the prestigious Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2021. The company’s Monsoon Shower Extract Fan Kits are a finalist in this important category with the winner chosen, in part, via an industry vote. With voting closing on Friday, 30th April, the Monsoon Shower Extract Kits now need votes from the industry for a chance to be named as winners. The winners will be announced at a live presentation on Thursday, 20th May. The Electrical Wholesaler Awards recognises excellence and achievement across the electrical wholesaling sector. Winners are decided via a two-step process with finalists firstly facing the industry vote before being critiqued by a specially selected judging panel, comprised of individuals with extensive industry knowledge and experience. This process is designed to ensure that only the very best pick up a coveted stamp of industry approval. “We are thrilled that our Monsoon Shower Extract Fan Kits have been nominated at these important industry awards”, says Robin Francis, Managing Director at National Ventilation. “Offering super-fast and easy installation, as well as high performance and low power consumption, the kits have everything electricians need for the job included in the box so they can just grab the kit and go. This also means less time on site, saving time which saves money and, in a pandemic, also offers a safer fit with less time in a customer’s home.” National Ventilation’s popular Monsoon Shower Extract Fans were launched in kit form to provide a one-box solution for a super-fast installation. Designed to make both electricians and electrical wholesalers’ lives easier, there are now two new boxed-options available: the Monsoon Shower Extract Kit with a shower grille and the Monsoon Showerlite LED Extract Kit with an energy-saving LED shower light to provide illumination, as well as extraction. Allowing electricians to easily grab a kit and go, the Monsoon Shower Fan Kits incorporate everything required for a super-fast install, both kits contain a 100mm UMD100T mixed flow in-line fan, 6m of PVC flexible ducting, an external fixed grille and cable ties. The Monsoon Shower Extract Kit also contains two internal diffusers, while the Monsoon Showerlite LED Extract Kit features an LED light and two air diffusers. Both types of diffuser come with a choice of white and chrome covers meaning the fan can be matched to a household’s décor. Plus, as UK-manufactured premium-build fans both kits also come with a 5-year warranty. As a one-box solution the new kit form also simplifies things for electrical wholesalers. Previously the parts needed to install the Monsoon Shower Extract fans were ordered and sold separately, but with the new kit option everything is in one box. For counter staff this means they no longer need to go back and forth from the warehouse to find all the different parts required for an install while their customer waits – a time saving for both the wholesaler and the electrician. Made in the UK, the Monsoon Shower Fan kits combine high extract performance of up to 198m3/h with power consumption as low as 17-19W and low noise levels of just 28dB(A) on low speed. The fans are IPX4-rated so can be safely installed in the splash zone. Both kits feature a two-speed motor with the option of overrun timer from 2 to 30 minutes, with the Monsoon Shower Fans’ motor is equipped with Standard Thermal Overload Protection for extra safety. Meanwhile, the Monsoon Showerlite LED Extract Kit also features LED technology offering low-energy illumination which uses 3W of energy compared to standard dichroic lamps which use 20W. Offering a choice of extract or extract with illumination, the Monsoon Shower Fans will enhance any bathroom providing improved indoor air quality and effectively tackling condensation and mould. Offering install flexibility, the 100mm fans are easy to retrofit in existing bathroom as well as for new builds. The 6m of flexible PVC ducting enables electricians to adapt the installation to any size room.

Lighthouse Club selected as mental health training provider for colleges

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is once again leading the way in improving mental health in the construction industry and has been selected to deliver specialist mental health and wellbeing training to construction students and tutors at five London colleges. The pilot scheme starts in the spring and is expected to be completed by October. The scheme will see 1000 students at Windsor Forest, West Thames, West London, Brooklands, and Harrow and Uxbridge Colleges complete a half day MHFA England Mental Health Awareness Course. The awareness courses offer an insight into what mental health is and how to challenge stigma, basic knowledge of common mental health issues, an introduction to looking after your own mental health and giving people the confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue. In addition to this, 100 tutors will also be offered the construction focussed two day MHFA England Mental Health First Aider Course. These courses offer an in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing and practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues. It also teaches enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening and gives people the confidence to step in and support a person in distress and signposting for specialist support where necessary. The ground breaking project will also ensure that students and tutors can access the charity’s extensive range of wellbeing masterclasses and the specialist information, advice and guidance available through the charity’s confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and Helpline App. The scheme is being funded by a college collaboration fund and it is hoped that there will be an opportunity to roll the training initiative out to other colleges in the future. Barry Mortimer, the West London Hub Coordinator for the Mayor’s Construction Academy, says, “The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity deal first hand with the effects of poor mental health and are experts in their field, and that is why we selected them to deliver this important training. The suicide rates in construction are shocking so we want to be pro-active about the support we provide to our construction students and tutors so that situations do not escalate to crisis point. We want to directly address the stigma of talking openly about mental wellbeing and we can do this by making sure people are comfortable about starting a conversation to encourage better mental wellbeing.” Sarah Bolton. Head of Charitable Services at the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity adds, “We are incredibly excited and pleased to have been chosen to deliver our mental health training programme to these colleges. This is a fantastic opportunity to reach out to those who are about to embark on a career in construction and to give people the confidence to talk about issues affecting them or their peers. The key message is that it’s OK to talk and to seek help or advice if things feel as if they are getting too much to cope with.”

Demand for training and apprenticeships climbs as EDA helps businesses upskill

Demand from electrotechnical businesses for training courses and apprenticeships has increased substantially in Q1 of 2021 says the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA), coinciding with the launch of an enhanced package of training support for its members following the appointment of training expert, Tracy Hewett, at the end of 2020. Tracy, Education and Training Consultant at the EDA, brings with her a wealth of experience having spent the last 30 years in a variety of roles within the post-16 education sector she has a vast knowledge of qualifications, apprenticeships, funding, course creation and assessment supporting skill development. “As we enter economic recovery EDA businesses are looking to recruit new talent and increase their existing staff skills sets,” explains Tracy. ”Hot topics for training include digitalisation, virtual selling, cyber security, team leading and sustainability. “Helping EDA businesses maximise their training budgets by taking full advantage of government subsidies and fully-funded courses is key. The training and apprenticeship landscape is busy and can be confusing and at this point in the recovery business leaders need support. I do the groundwork and handpick training courses that I know EDA businesses may be interested in and we make these available through our newly launched online Training Course Directory.” Tracy is also representing the electrotechnical sector on the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) Industry Skills Plan for the UK Construction Sector 2021-25.

Bermondsey boosted by £10m electricity upgrade

More than 70,000 homes and businesses are to benefit from an electricity infrastructure upgrade thanks to work from UK Power Networks. The firm that keeps power flowing across London, the South-East and East of England has begun work installing new electricity equipment that will help to ensure reliable power supplies for homes and businesses in the area for years to come. The work involves the construction of a new electricity supply point at the firm’s Verney Road site to allow an increase in capacity that helps meets new demand. It is part of regeneration work for Bermondsey and its surrounding areas which will mean engineers can decommission older electricity cabling in the area and move into a new era with state-of-the-art equipment for the future. Damian Conroy, project manager at UK Power Networks, says: “This area is home to regeneration and new investment so ensuring the lights are kept on for all is vital. That’s why we are making a significant investment into this project. “We are working in partnership with our alliance of contractors to support the substantial increase that will be required in capacity to distribute power across this busy area.” UK Power Networks is constantly working to improve the performance of its network and to meet future needs for power. This network improvement project is part of the company’s £600 million investment in its electricity networks this year, to help local communities achieve their decarbonisation ambitions; so as more customers turn to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, they have a supply and infrastructure that’s fit for purpose. The UK’s largest electricity distributor delivers electricity to 8.3 million homes and businesses and employs 6,000 staff and contractors to maintain the London electricity network for 2.4 million customers. In London alone, UK Power Networks’ cables stretch across more than 37,000 kilometres.

ESP's CCTV system right on cue for professional snooker player

Mark Joyce made his debut appearance at the Crucible at the start of this year’s World Snooker Championship, facing defending champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Although he didn’t make it through, Mark said he was thrilled to have the had the experience of playing at the Crucible and is determined to qualify and come back next year. He will continue to make the most of his own personal, purpose-designed training facility to help improve his performance. It is here that he constantly records and plays back his training sessions using the high specification CCTV system that was specified and supplied by ESP. Working from photographs, required dimensions and specific requirements that Mark had supplied, ESP’s system designer, Matt Tighe, created a number of 3-D drawings of how the system would look and how it would operate to capture the details that Mark required. Products from ESP’s Rekor IP CCTV range were chosen to provide Mark with the optimum solution. A total of four cameras were installed, with one acting as a security measure to cover the facility as a whole, and the other three positioned at various locations within the room so that all angles of the snooker table are covered. The IP CCTV kit utilised consists of a 1TB hard drive, with capacity to provide a continuous recording time of 7 days; 4 x 20m pre-made leads for wiring the cameras; 2 x 2MP 3.6mm IP rated Dome Cameras; 2 x 5MP 2.8mm Wide Angle View Mini Dome Cameras. Set up required the connection of the NVR to Mark’s flat screen TV using a HDMI cable, to allow for HD 1080p viewing of the cameras. Mark also has the opportunity for remote viewing via an internet connection between the NVR and modem.

CEF’s Chris Ashworth to serve an extended term as EDA President

Chris Ashworth’s role as President of the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) has been extended until March 2023. Chris, CEF Director of Operations, who took over as President in December 2019, will lead the Association’s Board of Management for longer than the usual two year term of office. Stearn Electrical Co Ltd’s, Charlie Lacey, will also continue in his role as Vice President until March 2023 and, along with former President, Simon Barkes, MD of BEMCO, form the EDA’s Presidential Team. “It has been a strange time to be President of an industry organisation. The event calendar has been decimated and there hasn’t been the opportunity to meet in person over the past year,” explains Chris. ”We have, however, adapted our ways of engaging with our members and had excellent exchanges of information and dialogue using platforms such as Zoom and Teams. There have been many new and challenging issues through the pandemic and of course Brexit, it has been a privilege to work with the EDA team as we help members to navigate through troubled waters. In many respects, the virtual engagement with members imparting relevant and topical information for these challenging times has been greater than ever. “I am delighted to continue in the role as the sector moves through recovery and, all being well, to reintroduce the face-to-face events and forums that were such a mainstay of the Association’s work. Like everyone, I am keen to get back out there and to catch up with our members in person.”