The impact of social media on our body image and mental health

We have all heard of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram we may not have an account with each of these platforms, but the likelihood is we have an account within the social media sphere. Users spend on average 3 hours per day on social media and within the UK 45 million of us are active social media users. The effect too much social media consumption has on our mental wellbeing and body image is profound. The ‘National IPED Drug Survey ‘, authored by The Public Health Institute found that just over 56% of participants were said to be using steroids for “aesthetic reasons”. The Mental Health Foundation found 1 in 5 UK adults had felt shame because of their body image within the last year. Research indicates that scrolling through hundreds of social media images increases body dissatisfaction and watching hours of image-focused reality TV may do the same. James, who works for an electrical wholesaler within their warehouse began to become obsessive about fitness and his body image during the first lockdown period in March 2020. James has worked within the electrical sector for nine years and although has a great support network was spending a lot of time alone during the first lockdown period. James wanted to do something productive and proactive in his time and focused on becoming fitter. While exercise is a great way to keep healthy, reduce stress and promote happiness James had begun to develop an unhealthy obsession with exercise and diet. He spent hours scrolling Instagram and watching YouTube videos on fitness. James coveted the physiques of those on social media and to try and attain this physique James began to exercise twice daily, and he became obsessive over calorie counting. Once returning to full time work his obsession continued and James’ colleagues noticed his restrictive diet, obsessive nature and he had begun to withdraw from his colleagues as well as friends and family. If James didn’t exercise or exceeded his set calorie limits, he became anxious and would often sacrifice sleep or connecting with friends or family to exercise. James’ colleague who had recently attended the Electrical Industries Charity Mental Health First Aider Training course approached James and James confided in them about his anxiety and obsessive behaviours. His colleague referred James to the Electrical Industries Charity who spoke with James about his body image issues. After garnering details of what James was experiencing his Charity caseworker referred him for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a talking therapy which focuses on reframing negative thoughts and feelings that impact behaviour. CBT also provides practical strategies to improve wellbeing. The Electrical Industries Charity also referred James to a nutritionist who helped him to build a fitness and exercise plan which would meet his goals sustainably and without disruption this his daily life. James has now developed a far healthier relationship with food and exercise and is now exercising with overall health in mind rather than just physique. James has reduced his social media consumption and regularly fact checks himself when consuming social media. James is equipped with techniques to cope and reduce his negative feelings and is working on reframing negative thoughts before they effect his wellbeing.

Bosch Professional UK launches new Instagram channel @boschprouk

Bosch Professional launched its UK Instagram channel on 1st February 2021. The new channel builds on the success of its award-winning UK Facebook channel, that now has over 45,000 followers. The new Instagram channel will offer tradespeople the opportunity to get all the latest news and information on the latest power tools, measuring tools and accessories from its popular range of tools. Alongside news, it will feature regular tool reviews and opinions from a wide range of well-known tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers and heating engineers, carpenters, tilers, general construction etc. They will show the tools in use and give their genuine, honest thoughts on the tools, for all UK tradespeople to see. The channel will also showcase videos and information on its latest innovative technologies such as BITURBO Technology. Highlighting its revolutionary performance thanks to the high-performance brushless motor which exploits the full potential of ProCORE18V batteries, so that tradespeople can conquer even the most challenging tasks. The social channel launched in February with a big competition offering tradespeople the chance to win a number of tools from the BITURBO range including: GWX 18V-15 SC X-LOCK Angle Grinder GKS 18V-68 GC Circular Saw GBH 18V-45 C Rotary Hammer GCM 18V-216 Cordless Mitre Saw The channel will also offer UK tradespeople the chance to apply to become a tool tester. You may have heard of #builtwithBosch, where tradespeople apply to become product testers. Every few months Bosch runs a new round where tools are sent out free of charge for testers to put through their paces on site, and then share their thoughts on social media. The best part - they get to keep the tools for free afterwards. Now, with the launch of its UK Instagram page (@boschprouk), Bosch is taking this to a whole new level. Rather than limiting tester numbers to just a few per round, Bosch wants to expand and give hundreds more people the chance to get involved. The full details of which tools and accessories that lucky applicants will be getting their hands on in 2021 hasn’t been revealed yet, but they will be from the new BITURBO Brushless range, its most powerful cordless 18V tools yet. Follow the new Instagram channel today at https://www.instagram.com/boschprouk/

Luxury retailer Nest relaunches dedicated contracts website

Nest Contracts has responded to feedback from commercial and residential interior designers and electrical contractors with the relaunch of its self-serve contracts website which includes updated features that makes it easier to source, plan and design installations online. Nest Contracts, created by Yorkshire-based retailer Nest, provides exclusive access to the leading international furniture and lighting brands, as well as instant transparent trade pricing, and the option to a create project list to help streamline the process. The luxury design destination, which employs 36 people from its Sheffield-base, has a dedicated contracts team to deliver a bespoke experience for larger projects, giving clients wishing to work with a dedicated account manager a single point of contact for the duration of the project. The new site, which is available exclusively to business customers working on installations within hospitality, commercial and residential settings, has already attracted over 150 new subscribers, as well as a 10% increase in average order value since it went live in October 2020. The majority of the new subscribers, who join an existing list of 4000 trade customers, are professional interior designers and electrical contractors. [caption id="attachment_23155" align="alignleft" width="202"] Nest relaunches dedicated contracts website[/caption] Ashlee Sanderson, Sales Manager at Nest says: “Plans to redesign the Nest Contracts site and introduce a series of new features has long featured on the roadmap, but there is no doubt that the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated plans to bring it to market, while also helping to shape its offering. “With the closure of non-essential retail outlets interior designers and electrical contractors needed an online alternative that allowed them to source designs with speed, without having to pick up the phone to purchase, effectively plan and progress with projects. “However, it was important to us that we maintained our client service offering with our dedicated contracts team to help source products, advise and provide a single point of contact to clients throughout a project – right from the initial planning stage, through to installation. “The website has been very well received to date and we’re delighted to have onboarded so many clients and to be working with so many creative designers on such exciting and innovative projects from across the country.” Working with clients to complete projects where possible in line with the COVID-19 restrictions, in recent months the team have worked with Urban Splash to furnish the sales suites for their House Pavilion projects, Park Hill Sheffield and Cambridge; as well as the luxury office installation for Keyon Weston in Manchester. The contracts team also worked to provide furniture and lighting for the second phase and recently completed Monarch House project, which consists of bespoke, luxury serviced apartments which are situated on London’s Kensington High Street.

A 2020 Women in Security Award for Elaine Moran

Elaine Moran, a Technical Support & Field Engineer for Hanwha Techwin Europe, has won the Technical category of the 2020 Women in Security Awards. The Awards, now in their 9th year, recognise the accomplishments, value and contribution of women within the wider world of security. The winners of this year’s Awards, organised by Professional Security Magazine and hosted by the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, were announced during a virtual awards ceremony which took place on 10 February 2021. Elaine, who has a B.Eng in Computer and Communications Engineering and an Msc. in Advanced Security and Digital Forensics, was chosen for the award by a distinguished panel of judges representing many of the security industry’s leading bodies. [caption id="attachment_23151" align="alignleft" width="225"] Elaine Moran, women in Security Award winner[/caption] “As someone who has always supported the objectives behind the Women in Security Awards, I am delighted to have won this prestigious award”, says Elaine. “Although there are a large number of women performing key roles within Hanwha Techwin, the security industry is still predominantly staffed by men. These Awards are therefore playing an important part in raising awareness of the contribution women make to our great industry”. With the pandemic preventing the normal black-tie awards event from going ahead, Professional Security Magazine arranged for party hampers to be sent to the homes of the finalists of the five award categories so that they could enjoy the online ceremony with family members within their respective ‘bubbles’. The Zoom based online event enabled all the finalists, judges and sponsors to see and interact with each other during the two hour ‘party’. “Hanwha Techwin Europe is extremely proud that a dedication to customer care and the technical ability of a highly valued member of our support team has been recognised in this way”, comments Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “Elaine always makes best use of her expertise and never leaves a stone unturned in her endeavours to guide our customers through any technical issues. She rightly deserves this award”.

Business Community helps get people back into work

As the number of people unemployed in the UK is likely to reach 2.6 million in the middle of 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the business community tool BBX UK has teamed up with Hampshire Training and Assessments (HTAA) to offer 20 candidates training courses to get them fully qualified and back into work across a variety of trade sectors. John Attridge, CEO of BBX UK says: “We understand it’s a difficult time at the moment for those out of work, whether you’re on furlough, unemployed or looking for a career change. We want to help get people back to work and by teaming up with HTAA we’ve found a solution for those who can’t afford courses or qualifications.” HTAA offer a range of online and in centre training courses for different entry levels across sectors such oil, gas, plumbing, electrical and renewables. As part of the campaign, BBX UK will be sponsoring 20 individuals looking to qualify and set up their own businesses by offering an interest free line of credit to cover the course costs. This isn’t the first time HTAA has supported getting people back into work, having helped a homeless man in 2017 who used to be a gas engineer retrain and gain his qualifications free of charge. John Razzell, Centre Manager of Hampshire Training and Assessments explains: “He was living in the graveyard nearby, so I sat down with him to see how we could help. I found out he used to be high up in the gas industry and wanted to get back on his feet but didn’t have the budget for any training. I offered him free training and as a result of his work he ended up saving up enough money for a deposit on a flat and is now back in London working in the role he had before. We gave him his career back and we are so passionate about helping others do the same.” HTAA not only train people to becoming fully certified in their chosen sector, but also give a helping hand to those wanting to set up their own businesses, providing ongoing support and introducing them to suppliers. As part of this campaign, BBX UK will also be there to help cover some of the business set up costs such as branding and website design, marketing, and accounting. Kevin Byrne, Founder of Checkatrade says: “Being your own boss is very rewarding in many ways and once you work for yourself few go back to employment. For sure, ever since I founded Checkatrade in 1998 there has been a lack of qualified, reliable and honest tradespeople. So, if you’re reliable and honest all you need to do is to get qualified, this opportunity for 20 people is awesome, the 20 that are lucky enough to get sponsored will not look back.” The courses are held both online and at the Hampshire Training and Assessments centre. Anyone in the UK can apply for the qualification sponsored by BBX UK.

Energy worker helps power the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out

An electricity worker has revealed the emotional connection which comes with giving people the COVID-19 vaccine as a volunteer. Jon Bray, 49, from Saxmundham, volunteers twice a week at the Sole Bay vaccination roll-out in Southwold, run by the Beccles medical centre. He has been given time to do so by his employer UK Power Networks, where he usually trains engineering staff at their Bury St Edmunds training centre. Now his duties every Tuesday and Thursday, and in his own time at weekends, are as part of team of volunteers and medical staff vaccinating the local community in and around Southwold. Jon has already administered vaccines to vulnerable people and health workers as part of the first stage of the government’s vaccination programme, as well as becoming a patient advocate and data inputter at the centre. [caption id="attachment_23135" align="alignleft" width="164"] Jon Bray, 49[/caption] Jon says: “You do get a fantastic reaction from people after you administer the jab and the overriding emotion I would say is elation. We had one lady receive the jab and then come back the next day to thank us all again. “It’s a great feeling to be part of a team delivering for the local community. I’m just one of a number of volunteers who will be doing this for the foreseeable future as we bid to control the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m a First Aider and have taken on additional training for this role and I’m really grateful to UK Power Networks for releasing me to help the community in working hours as one of two dozen volunteers each day. “I can take on a range of roles from giving the vaccine to patients to staying with them for at least 15 minutes after they had the jab to check they are okay. I’ve even done a stint at managing the car parking, I’m just happy to help whichever way I can! It’s totally a team effort with around 100 volunteers in total so I’m a small cog in a very big wheel.” Jo Calderon, business manager of the Beccles Medical Centre and Sole Bay vaccination centre, comments: “We are massively grateful to our new worker, Jon and his company for lending him to us and funding his work for us. He is a really adaptable volunteer who is helping us in so many ways. Everyone contributing is helping to save lives.”

Balfour Beatty's £32m National Treatment Centre contract

Balfour Beatty has announced that it has been awarded a £32m contract to build a new, world-class Ophthalmology and Orthopaedic health facility in Inverness on behalf of NHS Highland. This latest contract award will see Balfour Beatty construct the 8,305 square-metre National Treatment Centre, including 24 inpatient rooms, five operating theatres, clinics and outpatient departments. In addition, the company will build minor operation and procedure rooms, consulting rooms, a café, children’s play area and office support rooms. The new facility will provide elective orthopaedic surgery and full ophthalmology services to surrounding communities, helping to reduce the waiting times for patients across the Highlands. Supporting Balfour Beatty’s sustainability target to positively impact one million people by 2040 and improve the prosperity and wellbeing of communities, the team will collaborate with NHS Highland to provide work experience placements and employment opportunities for local college and university students. Hector Macaulay, Regional Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business in Scotland and Ireland, says: “We are proud to be collaborating with NHS Highland to deliver a world-class National Treatment Centre that will improve the experience of patients through improved services and facilities. “This contract award is testament to our expertise and experience in delivering high-quality, complex hospital facilities, having most recently lead the delivery of the landmark NHS Louisa Jordan hospital as part of our efforts to tackle COVID-19, and are currently delivering two new community hospitals in Aviemore and Broadford.” Deborah Jones, Director of Strategic Commissioning, Planning and Performance for NHS Highland, says: “NHS Highland are delighted to be working with Balfour Beatty again in developing this critical new facility which will deliver critical elective treatment for people in the Highlands and surrounding areas.” Early works commenced in Summer 2020 with completion scheduled for 2022. At peak construction, the project will employ a workforce of 300, as well as several work experience placements.

Marshall-Tufflex celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Marshall-Tufflex has seen success with two apprentices, who have become full time employees within the Engineering Department following a three-and-a-half-year apprenticeship designed to tackle the skills shortage. Recognising the engineering skills gap within the construction industry, Marshall-Tufflex decided to invest in a comprehensive apprenticeship programme with local training provider SIGTA. Dave Cull, Engineering Manager at Marshall-Tufflex, says, "Nationally there is a huge shortage of engineers. To help fill this gap, in what is a critical area, we’ve invested in an Apprenticeship Programme to attract young people into engineering so we can develop and grow the technical skills needed for our business.” Max Loring and Samuel Humphrey were recruited and began their apprenticeship courses in 2017. Since then, Max has completed the Advanced Level in Engineering Maintenance and Samuel has completed the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Toolmaking. Both are now employed in full time positions within the Engineering department following their three and half year apprenticeship in Hastings. Paul Mitchell, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex says, “Hastings has been good to Marshall-Tufflex and it has always been important for us to give something back. We want to develop local talent and keep skilled workers in the town and this initiative is a really positive step towards achieving this.”

Ellis Patents' manufactures another young career

Cable cleat manufacturer and industry innovator, Ellis Patents has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing young careers in North Yorkshire by taking on a new apprentice mechanical engineer. Adam Sweeting (18) joins from Scarborough University Technical College and is the latest in a long line of apprentices taken on by the Rillington-based manufacturer. At present virtually 20% of its 50 strong workforce started as apprentices – including all five members of its full-time tool room and metal work teams. Danny Macfarlane, managing director of Ellis Patents, says: “We have a rich tradition of bringing on apprentices and are extremely proud of just how many have stayed and built their careers with us.” Adam is doing his apprenticeship through Malton-based Derwent Training Association, which has close associations with Ellis Patents – with both Danny Macfarlane and chairman, Richard Shaw on its board. “As a business we are viewed in two very distinct ways,” adds Danny. “On the one hand we are a manufacturer of specialised electrical safety products that are in demand around the world; while on the other we are a significant employer in our rural corner of Yorkshire.” “These two sides make Ellis Patents what it is, and the role of young apprentices, both old and new, and the potential they have to grow and shape the business, will always be paramount to our success.”

Customers respond to electric vehicle smart charging

The UK’s largest trial of smart charging incentives found that the majority of electric vehicle drivers on the trial shifted charging to off-peak, reducing demand on the network at the busiest times. The Shift project led by UK Power Networks is partnering with Kaluza, Octopus Energy and ev.energy on the trial involving more than 1,000 domestic customers. The project demonstrated that smart charging needs to be accessible, simple and trusted if it is to generate widespread participation. It also reinforced that to be successful, smart charging products must be designed around real-world customer behaviour and preferences. There are 102,000 EVs connected to UK Power Networks’ electricity networks in London, the South East and East of England, a figure that is projected to rise to more than four million by the end of the decade. Under the trial, customers opted to enrol in different smart charging products that incentivised smart charging at off-peak times. A customer survey revealed that more than 80% of customers on Octopus Go Faster, the tariff designed for the Shift trial, used the reduced tariff rates to run other devices in their homes. Customers that had selected automated smart charging products had the option of ‘boosting’ their battery charge at all times. The year-long trial revealed this accounted for between six and 30% of energy used for EV charging. The level of boosting varied significantly between individual customers and between trials, suggesting that this is impacted by the type of customer and what smart charging product they were using. The study also found that as the volume of electric vehicles smart charging grows in a local area, price signals and incentives will need to change to reflect local demand. As a result, networks will need to monitor local network usage and create incentives that encourage the kind of smart charging behaviour that delivers the most value to the network and its whole customer base. Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, says: “Electric vehicles are coming and we have a responsibility to provide the capacity needed to ensure our customers can charge when and where they wish. Smart charging has an important role to play in making sure we get the most efficient use out of our existing infrastructure, and where we do invest it is in the right place at the right time.”