J S Wright sponsors junior netball club for third season

Mechanical and electrical services specialist J S Wright has renewed its sponsorship of the West Midlands’ premier junior netball club for the third consecutive season. The company, which is based in Birmingham and has an office in London, will remain the principal sponsor of Parkside in Sutton Coldfield whose girls currently play at Under 12 to Under 15 levels in the Birmingham Intermediate Netball League (BINL) and at Under 14 and Under 16 levels in the National League. The continued backing has accompanied the sport’s huge rise in popularity among girls inspired by the success of the Vitality Roses England women’s netball team as it prepares to participate in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as defending champions. J S Wright’s renewed sponsorship will enable Parkside to continue to invest in quality training equipment and subsidise the entry fees for tournaments as its members return to indoor netball following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown curbs. The club, which trains at North Birmingham Academy and plays its BINL matches at the University of Birmingham, plans to resume matches on a friendly basis from May and to take part in tournaments again from June 21. Run entirely by volunteers, Parkside has an enviable record of producing county and England players, with former England captain Ama Agbeze MBE and current internationals Beth Cobden and Layla Gusgoth among those that started as juniors at the club. Having won numerous county and national titles since it was founded in 1995, Parkside juniors currently make up more than half the Birmingham Academy (county) squad, while the club’s Under 12s won the inaugural Sutton Netball League at the start of last year winning all 16 of their matches. David Griffiths, Parkside Netball Club Chairman, comments: “Given that most of last season was cancelled, the club is extremely grateful that J S Wright has continued to support us in these difficult times.” He adds: “J S Wright’s support has proved invaluable in giving the increasing numbers of girls across Birmingham that are keen to take up netball the opportunity to train and play in a safe environment, gain confidence and achieve their potential, and make lasting friendships.” Andrew Smith, J S Wright National Design and Estimating Director, whose daughter Lily plays for the club, states: “As a company that is committed to providing a safe and inclusive career path for our young people, we are delighted to continue to support a club that both nurtures the sporting ambitions of young girls in the community and aids their fitness, confidence and mental health.” Established in Birmingham in 1890, J S Wright designs, manufactures and installs mechanical and electrical services for the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors. Its residential maintenance company, Wright Maintenance, provides planned preventative maintenance cover for commercial landlords, property agents and homeowners. J S Wright was voted one of the UK's Top Ten Specialist Contractors to Work For in the 2016 Construction Enquirer Awards, was a finalist in three categories in the 2018 H&V News Awards and was named Construction Services Employer of the Year in the 2020 BAME Apprenticeship Awards.

RE100 reaches a new 300-member milestone

This month sees the landmark of 300 companies having joined RE100 – the energy initiative for business where the ‘100’ means a commitment to buying 100% renewable electricity. The latest cohort of RE100 members highlights the diversity of this extraordinary business movement. From the global healthcare company Novartis to the Dutch brewer Heineken, and from the South Korean-based eco-friendly battery manufacturing company LG Energy Solution to the Japanese electronics business Epson. These are large organisations driving emissions down – and fast - across multiple sectors and regions of the world. The emergence of RE100 is a beacon of the remarkable transition that has happened in the energy landscape over the last decade. And at the heart of this change has been a rapid shift in the cost of renewable energy. A survey of RE100 members in September last year found that almost 70% of respondents cited cost savings as a driver for switching to 100% renewable electricity. As companies’ awareness of the impacts of climate change has grown, and with the opportunity to save money from wind and solar increasingly evident, buying renewables has moved from the fringe of corporate social responsibility practice to become a core element for business in securing their energy needs whilst driving down emissions and building positive relationships with employees, customers, investors and governments. When surveyed, 99% of our members who responded, highlighted CSR and driving down greenhouse gas emissions as the main reasons as to why they are committed to switching to renewable electricity followed by better customer satisfaction (92%) and improved air quality (77%). What’s increasingly clear is that this is real, tangible action that is strategic, commercially grounded, and focused on results. Despite the challenge of COVID-19, these companies are making progress on buying renewables, with more than 77 RE100 members already sourcing over 90% renewable power, and more than 40% of total electricity usage across the membership coming from renewables. That’s double the proportion of renewables in the mix compared to 2015. These companies are also pushing the boundaries of energy procurement, with over a quarter of renewable power being sourced by members coming from Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that bring additional renewable energy to the grid. Self-generation is also common, with almost 60% of members producing some renewable electricity for their own consumption. None of these advances were certain to happen and when the RE100 campaign was launched by the Climate Group alongside our partner CDP just seven years ago, it required the determination and vision of a few leading organisations to create the space for change. Our founder members, Swiss Re and Ikea, set the tone with their ambitious and ground-breaking 100% commitments, providing the inspiration and confidence to pull in more and more high-profile organisations from across the rest of Europe and North America. From this group of pioneers, the membership growth in RE100 is spreading globally, across South America, the Middle East, southern Africa and, most rapidly , in the Asia-Pacific region. RE100 can now count some of the biggest and well-known brand names in the world amongst its membership, from Apple and AstraZeneca to UBS and Unilever. This diverse and impactful group of businesses is sending us a clear message: there is a vast appetite for clean energy, and this needs to be available across all parts of the world, including for companies in their supply chain. Yet whilst there is much to celebrate, companies’ access to renewable electricity varies by region and so, crucially, they are limited in actually delivering on their commitments. From a campaign that began by celebrating the ambition and innovation of corporate leaders – and which has built a demand for renewable electricity amongst its members bigger than that of a G7 country – the work of RE100 is now focused on creating access for renewables in the most challenging markets worldwide. This is our focus for the Climate Decade – a time in which our mission is more urgent than ever and where we need to accelerate the transition to zero carbon electricity grids. By committing to 100% renewable power, RE100 members are leading the way globally. But that’s not enough - every major company now needs to step up. Businesses and policymakers must work together and governments worldwide need to provide affordable and reliable market access, so companies can source 100% renewable electricity. 100% is on its way, but the pace of change is not inevitable. Joining RE100 provides a way to accelerate the change so urgently needed in the world.  

EV drivers seek key reforms to improve confidence in public EV charging

Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England has revealed the results of its survey which invited electric vehicle (EV) drivers to share their views about their experience with public chargepoints, in response to the UK Government’s consultation on the ‘Consumer Experience at Public Electric Vehicle Chargepoints’. Over 1,000 drivers participated in the survey in England, who highlighted widespread support for the rollout of contactless credit and debit card payments, being able to use one charge card (also known as an RFID card) or app across multiple charging network operators, and higher levels of reliability. The survey also highlighted the importance of the public charging network even to those with off-street parking, with 92% of electric vehicle drivers relying on the public charging network at least once a month. Gill Nowell, media spokesperson and a Director at EVA England comments: “There are many benefits of making the electric switch, from the pleasure of driving to improving local air quality. With automotive manufacturers, fleets and businesses all now choosing to go electric, we need to improve the consumer experience at public chargepoints to take EV adoption mainstream. “Based on the outputs of this survey, paving the road for the mass adoption of EVs looks like contactless card payments, roaming, consistent chargepoint reliability, simplified billing, and easy access to information about what chargers are where. “We recognise that the pace of chargepoint deployment is increasing and that the infrastructure going in the ground today is greatly improved from that which was being installed even five years ago. However, we encourage Government to intervene now in order to ensure that all charging infrastructure is reliable, safe and user-friendly, across all driver groups.” Based on the results of the survey, EVA England has made the following recommendations to Government: Chargepoints should offer a choice between three standardised payment methods: 1) A contactless credit or debit card 2) A ‘universal’ charge (RFID) card 3) A smartphone app The Government should mandate that Charge Point Operators enable roaming and allow for drivers to use one app or RFID card on all networks. Government should mandate a minimum amount of data that must be made open in a standardised format to EV drivers to better equip drivers to plan their charges along the public charging network. All prices for electricity sold at EV charging sites should be stated in pence/kWh. Government should work with the EV chargepoint industry to establish a roadmap to mandate 99% reliability and 24/7 helpline availability within agreed timescales. Standardised signage should be increased in terms of both number and visibility both at the site of the chargepoint as well as on a range of approach roads. EVA England is using the survey responses to make informed recommendations to Government and to industry.

A record year for the JIB Skills Development Fund

The JIB Skills Development Fund, the charity providing course grants and financial assistance for upskilling in the electrotechnical industry, has seen another record year. The Fund extended its annual cap on funding in 2019 and this has now been reached with £30,000 distributed by the charity in this funding year. This year has also seen more people supported than ever before from those undertaking skills development as part of their career progression, those advancing onto other qualifications alongside their apprenticeship and to those who have been most affected by the pandemic and in need of financial assistance to re-enter the workforce. The funding year runs until the end of May, at which time the Fund will reopen for new applications and further support. Some of the recipients from previous years have explained how the Fund has assisted them finding new work where they were unemployed or with their career progression within JIB member companies. “The JIB grant is a massive help it allows you to progress your career to the next step and takes away a lot of the financial burden that comes with it.” “I would just like to thank the JIB Skills Development fund for their funding. Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to do my course, better myself and gain better knowledge within the engineering sector.” Andy Reakes, Head of Growth at the JIB and ECS, says: “This year has seen more applications in areas such as design and verification, or solar photovoltaics, as well as the core of funding for HNCs and HNDs. Design and Verification had seen particular interest since it was included on the list of eligible courses. We are delighted that the Skills Development Fund continues to provide valuable financial help to people in the industry.”

Aico form a partnership with Housing Quality Network

Aico have announced their recent partnership with Housing Quality Network (HQN), a best practice membership organisation, delivering high-quality advice, tailored support and training to housing associations and councils in the UK. Aico work closely with social housing providers across the country through the provision of Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarm systems and educational events. The partnership formed due to the companies’ mutual interests in supporting the social housing sector. Aico will utilise their collaboration with HQN, to gain a true understanding of the key issues impacting the sector and aim to deliver continuous and unrivalled support to organisations operating within social housing. As a result of the partnership, HQN members, organisations and charities can access webinars and events hosted by Aico, that will provide advice and guidance surrounding safety and compliance within social housing in order to facilitate long-term change. Tina Mistry, Relatonships Manager for Aico, says: “Aico understand the pressure within the sector right now. With various priorities surrounding the safety agenda. Net zero, building and fire safety, resident enagement, and building new homes, while balancing the challenges and major responsibility of meeting regulatory compliance within social housing, such as electrical, fire and gas safety across the array of workstreams. We want to support and give back to the social housing sector. HQN memberss, by faciliating discussions and sharing best practice with a collaborative approach within and out of the ector to drive long-term improvement.” Working together, Aico and HQN will create a platform for discusion, clarity, and the oppourtuity to share best practice around all aspects of safety and compliance.

The ERF Birmingham branch is set to reopen its doors today

The Birmingham ERF branch, which is situated on Matrix Point, Mainstream Way, will be open for business again from 19th April 2021. The newest branch - of 12 in total across the UK - is ready to serve its customers in and around the Birmingham area after being closed for several weeks due to lockdown restrictions. The branch will be open for walk-ins, as well as call and collect orders. Area Manager, Simon Jones comments: ‘We are thrilled to be re-opening the doors to our newest ERF branch. Despite being closed due to the lockdown, we have still been able to serve our customers in the West Midlands, by getting orders delivered to them from our other branches, from our £3.2m stock holding. But we are very happy to be able to serve them directly from our Birmingham based branch from today. If you live in the area and have not been in to see us yet, then pop in and say hello. We’ve got plenty of parking, stock on the shelves and a friendly team on hand.’

New Travis Perkins branch opens in Martlesham Heath, creating new jobs

Travis Perkins opens its newest branch on Monday, 19 April 2021 at Hilton Road, Martlesham Heath, creating 16 new jobs in the local area. The brand new site, which occupies almost two acres, has over 25,000 products in stock, and can offer a fast and convenient one hour click and collect service and next day delivery. Branch manager Matthew Orrell says “We’ve got a fantastic new team and brand new branch here at Martlesham Heath and we can’t wait to get started helping local trade professionals with their construction and building projects. The fact that we have been able to recruit for 16 new job positions within the local area adds to the buzz and helps us to better serve our local community with expert knowledge and advice.” To welcome customers, the first 25 new account customers to spend a minimum of £500 will receive a free Makita DAB/DAB+ Jobsite Bluetooth Radio. The branch will offer its full range of Bricks, Lintels, Drainage, Carcassing and Tool Hire and customers can choose to shop online, in branch or by using the new Travis Perkins app. The industry-first app has been designed in conjunction with customers to help them save time and work smarter by enabling them to check and order stock on the go at their personal trade prices in real time from their local branch including Martlesham Heath. To create a safe environment for colleagues, customers and the local community, the branch will operate with social distancing measures, compulsory face mask wearing unless exemptions apply, and clear and visible messaging on how to maintain COVID safety on site. Travis Perkins Martlesham Heath is located at Hilton Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RL and will be open six days a week from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 12pm Saturday.

Dickies brings together workwear and lifestyle product ranges

Global workwear and lifestyle brand Dickies has announced the consolidation of its previously segmented Work and Life brands in Europe. Dickies will move forward as one cohesive apparel brand with both workwear and lifestyle product ranges available under a united name of Dickies Europe. Founded in 1922 in Texas, Dickies has stood alongside generations of proud workers, equipping them with tough, durable workwear. What began as a humble workwear company has grown into a worldwide force and as a result saw Dickies Life evolve as the lifestyle arm of the brand, focused on quality, fit for purpose streetwear. Bringing together both work and life product ranges is a natural next step and representative of a global community of people who have taken inspiration from the traditional world of work and made it their own. Back in March, the brand launched the second instalment of United By Dickies, a digital-first campaign championing the dignity of work through traditional artisans and culture-drivers. Exploring the human aspect of what it means to be a maker today, the campaign cast a light on the diverse global maker community at the core of the Dickies brand. From metal workers to painters, ceramicists and beyond, the campaign captured the personal yet universal stories of each, exploring the human being behind the creative output. Dickies new e-comm site will maintain a segmented Workwear and Work-inspired offering, presenting workwear apparel designed for physical and demanding work alongside work-inspired apparel, hardworking and durable but worn for leisure and style. This new approach expands the possibilities for wear and reinforces that Dickies has become so much more than clothes just to work in.

Study uncovers security threat in the UK for electrician's fleets

A study by fleet management company Vimcar found that 1 in 3 employers in the electrical services sector has had a vehicle stolen, at one time. Shocking though this might be, it seems to be in line with other research done on business vehicle theft in general: according to Logistics UK more than a third of all UK companies are affected by car theft every year. Another issue brought up in Vimcar’s study was the issue of vehicle misuse. Whilst 75% of all business owners in the electrical service industry restrict fleet usage (32% of employers only allow their fleet vehicles to be used for business purposes, for example) 62% would like to be alerted when a vehicle is being used outside those restrictions. This suggests that vehicle misuse is commonplace within the industry. The answer? 67% would buy, or have already bought, a telematics tracking system to protect their fleet against vehicle theft and misuse. Take a look at the findings below:

Educational CPD sessions for the lighting community announced

The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) today revealed plans for the coming weeks to provide hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for lighting engineers, designers, students and consultants. All the events will be held online and cover a range of lighting topics. Light pollution, contracts, electric vehicles, and road lighting standards are all on the agenda. Booking is already open for several of the sessions, which will be hosted by ILP volunteers and delivered by a variety of lighting experts. The CPD webinar series line up consists of Road Lighting Standards for Europe and beyond, hosted by ILP Ireland on 29 April What should Scotland consider when planning electric vehicle charging?, hosted by ILP Scotland on 6 May NEC4 Conditions of Contract, hosted by ILP Ireland on 20 May Northern England Dark Skies – sharing good practice, hosted by ILP Durham on 25 May Planning and lighting – NPPF and the APPG for Dark Skies, hosted by Young Lighting Professionals on 9 June Attendees can pre-register for a VIP experience: to attend the events live and ask questions, ILP members can book a free place, and non-members are welcome upon payment of the low price of £10 per session. Attendees will also be sent a link to watch the recording afterwards via the ILP website. ILP Membership Manager, Karen Suggett, says ‘CPD is really important for ILP members, especially when it comes to upgrading membership and I’m delighted the ILP is helping the lighting community so much. The topics covered are so wide ranging, I think there is something for everyone.’ The CPD events are in addition to the Institution’s ongoing ‘Hi Lights’ monthly drop in chat, continuing ‘Light, Seen’ exhibition showcases from ILP Premier members, and ‘How To Be Brilliant’ sessions designed for students and newcomers to the profession. Everyone interested in lighting is welcome at all of these activities.