Aico selected as supplier to UK Fire and Rescue Service

Aico are delighted to have been selected as a supplier on all categories of the West Midlands Fire Service Framework, which will shortly be available to all UK Fire & Rescue Services (subject to contract). The West Midlands Fire Service Framework will facilitate the procurement of Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms for all UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), in a move towards the standardisation of requirements as outlined in regulations. As part of the supplier status, market-leading Aico will provide Smoke, Heat and CO alarms, including their technologically advanced, award-winning alarms for total protection. Paul Cartwright, Aico National Accounts Manager says “As the UK market-leading supplier of domestic smoke and CO alarms it is fantastic that we can now offer the same level of support and the same quality product to our FRS for their safety work with the general public. We aim to be the number one supplier to the FRS moving forward and intend to bring a level of support to the contract that has never been seen before. When safe to do so, we will be making our team of 23 supportive Regional Specification Managers and our four mobile training units available for use by the FRS, offering free FIA CPD training to any service employees.  The mobile units can also be used for awareness and engagement events where needed. Every product Aico will supply to the contract will be individually tested at least four times before leaving our factory in Ireland, ensuring every alarm works as designed, to sit on the ceiling silently protecting occupants for a full 10 years. Our innovative SmartLINK system has been adopted by over a hundred social landlords across the UK and we are very pleased that West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service have extended the Framework to provide for future technology. SmartLINK is now available through the Framework for the FRS to deliver additional protection for the most vulnerable in society, providing a simple GSM Gateway connected system for occupants and their families and carers.” This opportunity comes in the wake of a new campaign by Aico to increase support to the Fire and Rescue Service across the UK. The campaign launched in September 2020 with the focus of offering increased support to each of the 52 Fire and Rescue Brigades in the UK, through the provision of Aico’s FIA approved CPD training based on BS 5839-6:2019, use of Aico’s mobile training and demonstration units and access to office space at their Centre of Excellence, as well as homeowner and tenant safety packs. Neal Hooper, Managing Director of Aico comments “For us, it is not just about alarms. One of our core values is creating safer communities and we have decided to increase our support for the Fire and Rescue Service. We already have strong partnerships with several Fire and Rescue Services around the UK but feel we could be doing more.” Aico has rapidly grown over 31 years to become the recognised UK market leader in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection that they are today, with education, quality, service and innovation at the core of everything they do. With life safety products, quality is paramount. Aico are always looking towards the future and will continue to pioneer in the latest technological advancements in sensor technology and advance the connected home, maintaining their position as the leader in home life safety, promoting best practice and engaging with their communities to deliver safer homes.

Construction Talent Retention scheme remains free to use

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has confirmed its continued commitment to supporting the Construction Talent Retention Scheme (CTRS) for the industry and is working with CITB and others to support its ongoing development, including a new ‘Talentview’ early careers offering to support the attraction of new talent into the construction industry. The scheme will remain completely free to use for all construction businesses and candidates until at least April 2022. So far, CTRS has promoted 8,675 vacancies directly from construction companies across a wide range of roles, both site and office-based, professional and trade, and including many jobs suitable for people with transferrable skills who could be attracted into construction from other sectors such as aviation, retail, hospitality and leisure. It has also supported many larger organisations with internal redeployment programmes. CTRS is estimated to have saved businesses more than £485,000 to date, based on typical recruitment costs, together with further savings achieved through internal redeployment placements facilitated through the system. Currently there are more than 1,700 live vacancies being promoted on the CTRS site and more than 1,600 individual candidates registered. Almost three quarters of the employers registered on the scheme are SMEs, but the CTRS has also received strong backing from bigger firms such as MACE, Sir Robert McAlpine, Kier Group, Barratt Developments, AECOM and Costain. As part of an ongoing investment to help tackle skills shortages and attract new talent into the industry, the CTRS will also broaden its support for early careers provision from next month, including help for employers and candidates interested in developing apprenticeships, graduate recruitment and work experience opportunities. Linked to CTRS and other related platforms, Talentview Construction will make it easy for those searching for a career in construction to join, helping to address the predicted demand for additional roles to support the industry’s predicted growth and its drive towards net zero. Mark Reynolds, the CLC lead on skills, says: “The CTRS was set up last year as a rapid response measure to mitigate any loss of people and skills from the industry caused by COVID-19, having learned what happened in previous recessions. We thank the Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy, CITB, major employers and others for their support. “While there have obviously been redundancies in our sector, we have also seen a high level of skills retention and redeployment work too, including the fantastic employer response to retaining apprentices. “The level of support and collaboration from the breadth of the sector has given us the confidence to develop further an industry-wide portal for talent management. Talentview Construction, an addition to CTRS, will soon provide a shop window for all those wishing to enter the industry as new entrants and career changers – a real opportunity to attract the new skills we need and to improve the diversity of the industry.”

Wireless Logic enables Plug-N-Go to deliver EV charging to customers

Wireless Logic has announced the key supporting role it’s playing for Plug-N-Go, a UK-based company offering a full turnkey funded solution for AC and DC charging for electric vehicles. Using Wireless Logic’s Connectivity Platform, SIMPro, Plug-N-Go was able to monitor and manage its SIMs through one window, across multiple networks.   Founded in 2017 and with offices in London and Guernsey, Plug-N-Go’s core mission is to provide the best-in-class electric vehicle charging infrastructure to aid the electrification of transport in the UK, with the highest level of service and innovation. The company provides risk free funded solutions to businesses and local authorities, with a view to make EV infrastructure more accessible across England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.   Keith Hounsell, CEO at Plug-N-Go, says: “By leveraging our wealth of industry experience, we tailor each of our solutions to individual needs, offering a multitude of charging equipment models, speeds and volumes to our clients. However, with a growing number of EV charge points being installed across the UK, especially in more rural locations or where fixed line isn’t always available, we required a cellular connectivity solution that could connect to the strongest signal and bandwidth available through one SIM.”   He continues: “Using cellular connectivity comes with a number of advantages. First of all, it saves considerable time, as it eliminates the need to work out which network SIM to install in different locations. Secondly, it provides  reassurance that a local EV charging point can be fully operational without the need to have to send out an engineer for maintenance on a regular basis.”   To realise its vision, Plug-N-Go approached Wireless Logic, which was able to deliver a 4G connectivity solution with an un-steered roaming SIM that provided the company with resilient and ‘always on’ connectivity across multiple networks, throughout all the regions it supplied with EV charging units. By having full visibility and access to multiple networks via the SIMPro platform, Plug-N-Go is able to save operational costs by not having to send maintenance engineers out to rural locations, receiving real-time alerts on any data coverage or maintenance issues.    The connectivity solution needed to also fulfil a crucial security function. For Plug-N-Go to be compliant with Open Charge Point Control (OCPP), the solution had to include a Fixed Private IP for secure two-way communication, which Wireless Logic was able to offer with its VPN overlay solutions    Keith adds: “As more people are swapping their diesel engine cars for EV, EV users - especially those who live outside of main towns or cities - need the reassurance that their local EV Charge Point is in full operation. Thanks to Wireless Logic, we’re able to provide both a robust solution and a reliable service to our customers.”   Justin Godfrey-Cass, Head of Transport Solutions at Wireless Logic, concludes: “When it comes to our clients, it is important to us that we not only provide them with stable data connectivity that allows them to operate efficiently, but also add consultative value by advising them on what type of data connection is more beneficial to their business needs. We are proud to be able to support Plug-N-Go in achieving its vision of a more environmentally friendly transport network for the UK.” 

Landlords fined £30,000 if they fail to ensure electrical safety in homes

Landlords don't have long to comply with new safety laws that will better protect millions of renters, a charity is warning. From 1 April 2021 laws come into force for all existing tenancies in England, forcing private landlords to provide documentation that their property is electrically safe. The new laws, championed by Electrical Safety First, will require landlords of privately rented properties to have an inspection of the electrical installations undertaken every five years to determine that they are safe. The inspection, known as an EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report will highlight any urgent work needed to ensure the property is safe. Landlords that fail to comply or have necessary repairs undertaken could face fines of up to £30,000. The law comes many years after the death of Thirza Whittall in 2008, a mother who was electrocuted whilst stepping into her bathtub due to an unidentified electrical fault. An inquest heard the property had not been checked since 1981. A prevention of future deaths report was issued by a coroner in 2019 following the death of Professor John Alliston. Prof Alliston was found face down in the garden of a privately rented property he was sharing with his wife. He had  been electrocuted by a cable that had become live due to a fault. The coroner later called for mandatory electrical safety checks in rented homes. The charity believes the new laws will prevent future tragedies occurring and help to improve the condition of England’s housing stock. Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, Lesley Rudd comments: “Renters will be better protected from the dangers posed by electricity under these new laws. Whilst many good landlords already carry out checks, some do not. These checks  will help prevent  tragedies like those involving John Alliston and Thirza Whittall from happening to others.” Electrical Safety First has produced an expert Q&A following increased enquiries from landlords as the deadline for complying with the new laws approaches, which can be found here.

Jacobs announced as latest company to join Joint Industry Board

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is delighted to announce that Jacobs has recently joined the organisation. Jacobs, a global technology-forward solutions company, has a 150-year heritage in the UK. It provides clients with capability such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment services, with hundreds of conducted and defended studies and reports in the area of energy, industry, transport, logistics, mining, waste management and many others. Benefits of becoming a JIB member include employment advice and dispute resolution, discounted rates for ECS cards and financial support for training through the JIB Skills Development Fund. Member companies can also list their name on the JIB website and create a company profile advertising the work they undertake. Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, says: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jacobs as a new member of the JIB. They are a superbly run organisation and their JIB membership will help to continue to sustain their successful track record on major projects.”

CMD provides power solution for showpiece Birmingham office

CMD has supplied almost 3km of Betatrak underfloor powertrack for the 240,000ft² 3 Arena Central development in Birmingham, along with under desk power modules, workstation power modules, floor boxes and grommets. The grade A office building is a showpiece commercial development for the city, opening directly on to Birmingham’s new Bank Court – the centrepiece of the new public realm. CMD’s 63A standard earth Betatrak underfloor powertrack system has been installed to deliver a plug and play power distribution network, providing both speed of installation for the electrical fit out and flexibility for the end user. CMD provided 2.4m, 1.8m and 1.2 metre lengths of Betatrak, calculating the optimum mix of sizes to enable the electrical contractor to tailor the underfloor power distribution networks to the dimensions of each floorplate. The system enables tap-offs at 300mm intervals, allowing the office areas to be configured and reconfigured to meet the needs of the end user. CMD has also supplied a varied range of floor boxes, slab boxes and grommets for the project, including the company’s fast fit 20 Series four-compartment floor boxes. The power distribution solution from CMD has also included the supply of 2,411 Conti under desk power modules which were configured to meet the end-user’s requirements and custom manufactured for the project by CMD at the company’s Rotherham factory. The Aluminium extruded body Conti modules include RCBO protection for each workstation and have been fixed to the underside of the desk to bring the power distribution network to each user with a plug and play feature connecting to the on desk modules. Supplying the contract furniture provider for the project, CMD has also manufactured more than 2,400 of the company’s  Contour workstation power modules for 3 Arena Central. The compact on desk modules will provide two sockets and dual port Type A and C adaptive fast charging for each workstation, completing the connection from switchboard to workstation with a complete CMD Ltd solution. CMD’s key account manager Tim Shirt comments: “3 Arena Central is a very prestigious office building and we are delighted to have been specified for both the electrical and workstation elements of the Cat B fit out. As a UK manufacturer, we can provide flexibility, attractive lead times and high standards of quality assurance across all our products, offering a robust and varied solution for projects of this scale and scope.”

Regulations pose opportunity to level up energy management strategies

Alongside the transition to renewable and clean energy alternatives, energy efficiency is crucial in addressing climate change. The vast amount of energy lost in transporting energy in electric grids contributes significantly to society's overall energy waste. It has a substantial detrimental impact which contributes to global CO2 emissions. The plan to boost overall energy efficiencies and drive towards net-zero has led the European Union (EU) to put in place requirements to reduce the losses in small, medium, and large power transformers. The introduction of Tier 1 (2015) and Tier 2 (2021) of the EcoDesign Directive for transformer losses is central to efforts to reduce the environmental impact of energy-related products. With Tier 2 transformer loss levels coming into force on July 1st 2021, the industry has been busy planning the procurement of Tier 2 compliant transformers. Businesses have a golden opportunity to think smarter and greener with this regulation. Still, there's never a better time than the present to take steps to improve the efficiency and sustainability of power infrastructures. Here are three ways companies can improve their energy management strategies. A long-term investment Transformer losses represent 2.5% of the total EU energy consumption, so choosing high efficiency transformers can have a considerable impact. Transformers typically have a lifespan of 30 years or more, so the product you buy today needs to meet your power needs for the long haul. The new EcoDesign Regulation will generate several economic and environmental benefits, aligned with the EU's ongoing "20-20-20" programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and renewable energy in total production by 20%. Although the initial outlay of Tier 2 compliant transformers may be more significant than their predecessors, they will be significantly more cost-effective thanks to reduced energy losses and improved efficiency over their lifespan. A smarter way to manage energy By assessing the energy needs of different solutions and technologies in line with the new regulations, specialists can help you determine which offerings will produce a connected and more efficient operation for smarter energy management. For example, transformers are often included in packaged substations. These can now be more connected with advanced features, including substation thermal monitoring, power quality and communication with external SCADA and software systems. Substations are prime candidates for innovative smart capabilities that are becoming a crucial element of a more digital national grid. Substations play a central role in electrical power distribution that utilities need to keep grid power flowing, balanced and routed appropriately. Connected infrastructure can reduce costs (enabling remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance) and make overall operations more efficient, intelligent and resilient. A green priority – higher efficiency transformers The energy sector is shifting to a decarbonised, decentralised and digitised model. The utilities industry needs to adapt alongside this change, or it will struggle to keep up with end-user expectations for green and clean renewable power. Global energy demands are expected to continue growing. Companies are now under more scrutiny from all stakeholders to report and reduce their carbon footprints. Minimising energy loss and integrating renewables are two significant ways this can be achieved. With connected infrastructure providing the data' backbone' to help businesses understand their energy usage and optimise it, becoming energy efficient will be easier. Getting ready for July 1st The utilities industry is under immense pressure to enhance efficiency, cut emissions, and save money wherever it can. The EcoDesign Directive has set mandatory requirements that improve efficiency for energy-using and energy-producing products sold within the EU. As of July 2021, more efficient Tier 2 transformers must be put into service to fulfil the EcoDesign requirements. The good news for utilities stakeholders is that new and more efficient technology is already available to meet these demands. Choosing to invest in a new, higher efficiency transformer can save money in the long run by reducing lifecycle costs and address environmental considerations. By Lee Fairburn, Category Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric.

SELECT stresses importance of electrical training routes with new guides

Campaigning trade association SELECT has launched a new series of recommended training routes to provide clear advice on the right path to becoming a qualified electrician in Scotland. Developed in partnership with The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), the guidance is designed for both school leavers and those looking for a career in the electrical industry at any age. Crucially, the three routes clearly stress that becoming a fully qualified electrician can only be achieved with valid on-site work experience, as opposed to courses that offer no real-world practical skills. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, says: “The message from these graphics is clear – becoming a qualified electrician is not possible without gaining the work-based Modern Apprenticeship and SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF 7. “Courses for ‘domestic installers’, which are often promoted to career changers, do not lead to qualified electrician status as they only provide a limited scope of skills. “An apprenticeship is the preferred route into the industry, as it provides the essential work-based experience needed to develop knowledge, skills and competence over a period of time. “We hope the three routes will help people make informed decisions about the correct way to train and achieve a valued electrical qualification that is recognised by employers.” The new infographics – which are hosted on the Electrical Careers website – show three ways into the industry: apprentice training, adult training and the Crediting Electrotechnical Competence scheme. Ms Harper, who is also The Secretary of The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), adds: “Choosing one of these three routes is the only way to developing a trained, certified and competent individual. “The value of the SJIB apprenticeship has continued to prove its worth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 500 apprentices taken on in Scotland since last summer. “This proves that both trainees and employers see the value in a proper grounding and training in all aspects of electrical work; a grounding that will see them carry out their roles safely and responsibly in the years ahead and help build an electric future for all of us.” TESP is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company formed by the SELECT, the ECA, JIB, NET and Unite the Union to support electrotechnical employers and deliver a wide range of projects to support the industry’s skills needs.

Hudson Contract: Earnings for electricians soar as demand bounces back

Earnings for electricians shot up by 12.7% in February as demand bounced back after the seasonal slow start to the year. Hudson Contract said average weekly pay for electrical contractors rose to £1,088, the highest level since November and reversing the 10.4% decline seen in January. Ian Anfield, managing director, says: “We are seeing growing demand for electrical contractors across England and Wales. Many of our clients are in the housebuilding sector and report full order books. “Interest rates are at a near-record low, latest Bank of England data show the mortgage market is strong and the government is committed to new infrastructure spending. The construction industry is hitting its stride again after slowing down for the festive break. “The pandemic has been tough for everybody but the construction industry has fought its way through, highlighting its importance to the wider UK economy.” Mr Anfield adds: “The skilled trades continue to offer great potential for people who want to start or switch careers. “We are playing our part in promoting the trades through our 10-year-old apprentice sponsorship scheme, which is creating meaningful training opportunities for young people in our home county of Yorkshire.” Hudson delivers the most accurate indication of subcontractor earnings trends across the construction industry, publishing the average pay for a spectrum of 17 different trades split across 10 regions in England and Wales. It supplies statistics to the Bank of England to keep policymakers updated with real-time insights on demand for skilled labour.

How tradespeople can set goals and create support networks in lockdown

With lockdown restrictions now having been in place for more than a year, many people will be finding it increasingly difficult to remain upbeat with their current circumstances. Those in the electrical trade are no exception and many will still be suffering from the economic and social impacts of reduced workloads. To help people stay motivated over the coming months and to inspire tradespeople to achieve their personal and professional ambitions this year, Chris Farmer, leadership and management expert at Corporate Coach Group has put together five top tips for creating and sustaining a positive mental attitude which will help you make 2021 a successful year. 1) Set yourself goals to achieve  Everything is time limited, and that includes this pandemic, which will not last forever. Life will return to normality, at which point you want to be in a position to achieve your long-term aspirations. If you’re currently not working or have seen business drop-off, then it’s easy to feel demoralised, which is a counterproductive emotion. Instead of spending time feeling demoralised, try to view this ‘pause’ as an opportunity to review your current systems and to build plans for new growth in the spring. You could consider developing your technical knowledge of digital marketing or upskill in areas such as renewable energy or automaton. This additional proactivity means that once business improves you will be able to take full advantage of new opportunities. Start today by setting short-term goals which feed into a bigger long-term goal. Goal setting provides you with something positive to focus on and to work towards. The first step to achieving a goal is to set it. If you would like some further advice on how to set goals you can read Corporate Coach Group's guide here. 2) Create a plan for achieving success  Many people lack motivation because they fail to think about goals and therefore fail to set plans to achieve them. Goals are the first step and plans are the second - without detailed plans a goal is nothing but a dream. Written plans set out how we intend to achieve the goals we have set. In order to write plans, we need to answer the following three questions: In order to achieve the goals, what additional information or skill do we need, and from where can we get it? What additional resources (money, technology and human resources) do we need, and from where can we get them? What is the time deadline by which we should aim to have achieved our goal and is that deadline reasonable? When we answer these three questions we have the information we need to create our plan for achieving success. 3) Use role models as motivation Whether it's in our professional or personal lives, we all have people we admire and aspire to be like. Role models are great sources of inspiration and help us to recognise the steps we need to take in order to improve. Pick out a few ‘heroic people’ who exemplify the characteristics you find motivating and see what you can learn by studying their methods. This could be somebody you look up to at work or even a sportsperson who is competing at the highest level. 4) Remind yourself that you have overcome difficulties in the past and you will overcome this one too Life and the economy have cycles which alternate between good and bad times. You have seen bad times before and you have overcome them. Use that fact to strengthen the belief that you will overcome this bad season too. Although good times may currently seem far off, use these past experiences as a reminder that when we return to normality, we have lots to look forward to. People are motivated by their inner strength and their visions of better futures, so gather your strength and use it as motivation to overcome today's problems. 5) Create a support network with like-minded people Since restrictions were introduced back in March last year, many tradespeople have either been working alone or coming into contact with fewer colleagues than pre-pandemic. Understandably many people are missing the usual social interactions they took for granted. In order to compensate for this reduced interaction, it is a good idea to create an alliance with two or three other tradespeople who (preferably), you do not work with, but who are in a similar position as you. You will all be able to inspire and support each other through any difficulties you may be facing.