ECA joins new engineering services alliance, Actuate UK

Electrical and Engineering Services body ECA has joined a new alliance to represent the multi-billion-pound UK engineering services sector. The alliance was launched today [Wednesday February 10] via a virtual industry event. Actuate UK brings together eight leading trade, technology, research, and professional bodies in engineering services that will deliver a single, consolidated voice for the sector. As an agent for positive change, Actuate UK will support the delivery of a safer, more productive, and sustainable UK built environment and, together with others in the industry, the UK Government and the Devolved Nations, will play a key role in essential national initiatives. These initiatives include the Construction Leadership Council’s Recovery Roadmap, the Construction Playbook and strategic economic plans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Building Safety reform and the drive for Zero Net Carbon. Steve Bratt, CEO of ECA says: “If we are to build back better, faster and greener, maximising the potential of engineering services is critical. I am therefore delighted that the engineering services sector is coming together, right across the supply chain, to speak with one voice and ensure we play our part.” Actuate UK will also lead the sector’s response to the Building Safety agenda and post-COVID Green Recovery, providing direction and championing the wider industry culture changes needed for their successful delivery. Construction Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan says: “Cutting emissions, turbocharging productivity and maintaining staunch safety standards should be right at the heart of the UK build environment sector’s work. This new alliance will support those crucial ambitions, helping the industry build back better and greener. “I look forward to working with the alliance through the Construction Leadership Council, as we examine the issues and opportunities facing the sector and wider economy.” Actuate UK is an alliance of the following bodies: • The Building Engineering and Services Association (BESA) • The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) • The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) • ECA – Electrical and Engineering Services • The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) • The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) • SELECT – the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland • SNIPEF – The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation The eight organisations bring a broad range of technical, practical, and commercial expertise and it has chosen to focus on four strategically important themes – skills, building safety, carbon reduction and commercial issues in 2021.

Scottish bodies SELECT and SNIPEF championing change

Two leading Scottish trade bodies are among the members of a new alliance for the multi-billion-pound UK engineering services sector that was launched via a virtual industry event. Actuate UK is a collective of eight leading trade, technology, research, and professional bodies in engineering services that will deliver a single, consolidated voice for the sector. Joining its ranks are the campaigning trade association SELECT, the voice of Scotland’s electrotechnical industry, and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation, which represents more than 750 businesses and 5,000 plumbing and heating operatives. As an agent for positive change, Actuate UK supports the delivery of a safer, more productive, and sustainable UK built environment and, together with others in the industry, the UK Government and the Devolved Nations, will play a key role in essential national initiatives. These initiatives include the Construction Leadership Council’s Recovery Roadmap, the Construction Playbook and strategic economic plans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Building Safety reform and the drive for Zero Net Carbon. Actuate UK will also lead the sector’s response to the Building Safety agenda and post-COVID Green Recovery, providing direction and championing the wider industry culture changes needed for their successful delivery. The Scottish Government’s Skills Minister, Jamie Hepburn, says: “Engineering is a key sector for Scotland’s economy, supporting a variety of skilled occupations within the industry. It’s great to see Actuate UK delivering a host of important activities including skills and training, whilst supporting the delivery of a safer, more productive, and sustainable built environment, and I look forward to working with them as their work progresses. “We are using all the powers we have to rebuild a stronger, more resilient and sustainable economy for Scotland – with a laser focus on creating new, good, green jobs. “Apprenticeships are a key part of our skills system and we have already invested £25 million in response to COVID-19 to maximise apprenticeship uptake, supporting people of all ages into sustainable and rewarding careers, whilst also delivering the skills businesses need. “To support our green recovery from the pandemic, we have just announced a further £125 million as part of the 2021/22 budget towards our Young Person’s Guarantee, the National Transition Training Fund and other initiatives to ensure our future workforce has the skills needed to build a strong future for Scotland.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, comments: “SELECT was a very keen and active participant in the work of the SEC Group, Actuate UK’s predecessor, both at UK but especially at Scottish level. We look forward to working with colleagues in the new Actuate UK body as it broadens its footprint across a whole host of activities linked to our members work.” Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, says: “SNIPEF campaigns on a wide variety of issues on behalf of member companies, with a focus on critical changes needed to create a resilient and sustainable construction sector. “Actuate UK will give a welcome boost to our work in many areas and we look forward to working together, closely, and productively, in the future, not least in relation to the substantial amount of work undertaken by Scotland’s Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” Actuate UK consists of: The Building Engineering and Services Association (BESA) The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) ECA – Electrical and Engineering Services The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) SELECT – the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland SNIPEF – The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation The eight organisations bring a broad range of technical, practical, and commercial expertise to focus on four strategically important themes – skills, building safety, carbon reduction and commercial issues in 2021.

Clacton Pavilion set to install Clacton's 150th anniversary wheel

Clacton Pavilion is set to install Clacton’s 150th Anniversary Wheel by the beginning of March after being granted planning permission. Measuring over 30 metres high and 20 metres wide, the wheel will be situated within the grounds of Pavilion with glorious views across the seafront. The new tourist attraction marks the town’s historic landmark and will create 10 new jobs in the town. The landmark attraction will be in place within the month and ready to accept its first guests once the COVID-19 restrictions begin to be lifted. It will consist of 24 gondolas, able to hold a total of 144 guests at a time, with many adapted for wheelchair access. Local businesses can sponsor gondolas to put their own stamp on a project that celebrates a special occasion for Clacton, with half of the monies raised going to local charities. Once open to the public, guests will be able to book a time to enjoy a ride online. Billy Peak, Owner of Clacton Pavilion, says: “We’re delighted Tendring District Council were as excited as we were about Clacton’s 150th Anniversary Wheel when we put the idea to them last year. It will be a huge tourist attraction for many years to come and marks a fantastic historical landmark for the town. The idea came to us after seeing a similar project in San Francisco to celebrate 150 years of the Golden Gate Bridge and if it is good enough for them then it is good enough for us. I can’t wait to see it in situ within the next few weeks and to welcome our very first guests as and when the lockdown restrictions are lifted around the UK.” Clacton Pavilion will be sending out free first ride offers to their Facebook and Instagram followers in the next few weeks. For more information see @ClactonPavilion on these platforms. Cllr Neil Stock OBE, Leader of Tendring District Council, comments: “As part of our Back to Business agenda we want to support all of our local firms to be the best they can be, so, wherever we can, we will support innovative and exciting projects which aim to boost our economy. “The leisure and tourism sector is no exception to this, and I am delighted to see Clacton Pavilion investing in this wheel as a way of attracting people to our Essex Sunshine Coast.

The CICV Forum helps workers stay safe with updated guidance

The Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum (CICV) has issued a suite of new essential guidance to help the sector’s operatives continue to work safely on essential projects during lockdown. The campaigning collective has made three revised advice documents available to companies, associations and workers across the country, covering the latest health and safety information in a comprehensive range of potential scenarios. They include: Construction Operating Guidance Guidance on work in domestic premises Guidance on work in commercial premises In addition, the Forum has produced a unique homeworking guidance document and homeworking checklist to provide yet more essential advice for employers and staff. All the documents have been reviewed by the CICV Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group and underscore the message that if an activity cannot be undertaken safely, it should not be undertaken at all. Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association and Chair of the Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group, says: “Since the inception of the Forum in March last year, it has been a primary concern to develop and maintain a strong information flow. “It is most encouraging to note that so many people are playing their part and working with the message that we are #InThisTogether. This latest guidance is intended to cover as many situations as possible as essential activity in the sector is allowed to continue.” The initiative is the latest from the Forum in a series of practical measures that contractors and workers can follow to protect themselves and their colleagues, customers, friends and family. The Forum has already reinforced guidance about the correct use of face coverings, travelling properly and staying COVID-aware outside work, as well as a reminder to the public to let operatives carry out work safely. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Forum’s Communications sub-group, adds: “There has been a very positive response to the Forum’s guidance campaigns, which are all in line with current Scottish Government regulations. “The updates we have just issued are intended to deliver vital messaging to as wide an audience as possible. As people adapt to the new environment, it is extremely important that safe working becomes second nature. “The CICV Forum will continue to monitor the changing circumstances as the pandemic runs its course and will stay at the forefront of the information measures, with the long-term aim of keeping everyone as safe as they can be.” Made up of leading trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, the Forum was formed in March 2020, since when it has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector.

Vimcar connects its 100,000th vehicle and 2.7 billion miles

Vimcar has reached a milestone in its company growth - connecting its 100,000th company vehicle. Since its founding in 2013, Vimcar has recorded more than 222 million journeys, over 2.7 billion miles, saving SMEs more than 141 years in time by empowering them to optimise the efficiency of their fleets. Vimcar entered the UK market last summer with its Fleet Geo product. Andreas Schneider, co-founder and Managing Director of Vimcar comments: “It’s incredible to think of what we’ve achieved and hitting 100,000 connected cars is a huge moment for Vimcar. This milestone is a real testament to the hard work of our team and the support of our SME customers. Our customers choose us because we develop the product specifically to meet their needs – to be easy to use, to increase efficiencies, to save them time and money, and working in partnership for mutual success.” Vimcar has big plans for the future as it looks towards its next target of 500,000 connected cars, with a clear focus on using telematics data to inform the move towards e-fleets. Andreas continues: “The future of the company vehicle lies in its resource-efficient use. We have the data and use it to help our customers inform decisions around e-mobility and resource efficiency. For example, our software can be used to analyse the CO2 emissions of a fleet, while a utilisation analysis identifies unused or less efficient company cars and helps to optimise the size of the fleet based on data. Software-supported route optimisation can save valuable miles travelled and time.” Vimcar’s SaaS telematics solutions cover all aspects of fleet management, including cost, miles and document management, outlier analysis, CO2 reporting, real-time vehicle tracking, theft warning and route planning. With an emphasis on easy-use, affordability, and strong customer support, its products are perfect for fleets of 1-200 vehicles, particularly for smaller businesses with no dedicated full-time fleet manager. Vimcar aims to redefine fleet management for European SMEs by digitalising the company car of the future.

Scolmore group exhibiting at Voltimum Live- 8th to 12th February

If you haven’t already registered for this week's Voltimum Live event, it’s not too late, and you can head over to the Scolmore Group stand where you can access content from Click, Ovia, ESP and Unicrimp. Taking place between from Monday, 8th to Friday, 12th February, the event is designed to provide contractors with the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, to enhance their technical understanding, and to keep up to date with the latest regulations and legislation. There will be live training sessions each day, the chance to find out about the latest products, solutions and services, plus great prizes to be won via competitions and giveaways. Once registered for the event, contractors will have access to the experts behind Ovia lighting, Click wiring accessories, ESP fire and security and Unicrimp cable accessories to find out all about the latest developments, with access to catalogues, brochures, videos and the Scolmore Group’s YouTube channel and podcast. Visitors can access free on demand webinars from the group. There are three in total: Click – how traditional wiring methods are changing to suit new electrical installations Ovia lighting design – questions answered on domestic, commercial and industrial lighting installations ESP – technical advantages of a 2-wire fire detection and alarm system Scolmore’s technical engagement team, Darren Staniforth and Jake Green – will be hosting a live webinar on Wednesday 10th February from 1-2pm. This will cover the newly launched Click Smart+ range and cover the advantages of using smart systems, how they work and communicate and how they are installed. Scolmore are offering free Greggs vouchers – 5 each day - visitors just need to click on the Greggs icon on the Scolmore Group stand for all the details.

As consultation nears its deadline, SELECT urges parties to respond

As the long-running campaign for professional recognition of electricians in Scotland nears its final stages of consultation, SELECT has warned that the clock is ticking for those who want to help influence the sector’s future. Scotland’s largest construction trade association is reminding professionals that the deadline to respond to a second consultation on the regulation of the electrical industry is Friday February 12 – and is urging interested parties to take part before it’s too late. The consultation was launched by Jamie Hepburn, MSP, the Minister for Business, Fair work and Skills, and SELECT says the fact that further parliamentary investigation into regulation is being made is an extremely encouraging sign. It also points to a first consultation by Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, which closed on November 10 last year and received more than 140 submissions, more than 90% of which were positive. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, comments: “We have been overwhelmed by the levels of support we have received, and the huge range of people who have publicly backed us through channels such as our Wall of Support. “This second consultation another great opportunity for the industry to take part in and shape the future. It is a further chance for Scotland to demonstrate that we are committed to a safer industry and we would urge that all interested parties make their submission to the latest consultation.” SELECT argues that only government legislation can bring about “comfort and security” for customers across the country and end unqualified people passing themselves off as electrical professionals. Among those who have responded to the latest consultation are the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland. Grahame Barn, its Chief Executive, says : “It seems a glaring anomaly that when virtually every other trade in the UK is regulated, that no such scheme operates for electricians.” The Supplier Development Programme has also taken part, with Manager Gillian Cameron saying: “Protection of title could reduce the amount of evidence required by public sector buying organisations into a single certification to determine if electricians are competent to carry out work in Scotland." SELECT has been campaigning for years with other leading industry bodies, such as the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), to ensure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. Its campaign is being backed by membership bodies, industry figures, professional services and individuals from across the country – and has received cross-party support from politicians. Monica Lennon, MSP, explains in her Wall of Support message: “Poor quality electrical work carries huge risks to people’s homes, their businesses and even their lives. It is vitally important that consumers are helped to make informed choices whenever they employ an electrician.” Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie comments: “I fully support the importance of using professionals in all aspects of construction work, be they multi-million-pound contracts or small domestic works. It is vital that we ensure only properly trained, qualified and competent people carry out these works.”

Hudson marks 10th anniversary of sponsorship scheme

Hudson Contract is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its scheme to create training opportunities for young people in seaside towns. The family-owned business, a leading supplier to the construction industry, started sponsoring apprentices in 2011 in response to the lack of options for local teenagers to develop skills and careers in the building trade. Hudson pays a wage contribution of £50 per person per week for the first year of training with local employers and has sponsored more than 170 apprentices to date. During National Apprenticeship Week (February 8-14), the company is encouraging young people in Bridlington and Scarborough to consider careers in the sector. Research carried out by Hudson suggests that nearly one in four people who completed its scheme are now working as self-employed tradespeople; one in three are still employed by the firms which took them on as apprentices and nearly 80 per cent have remained in the area where they completed their apprenticeship, providing a boost for local skills. Success stories include Thomas Benninger, a 26-year-old from Bridlington who is in the second year of his level 3 apprenticeship with Harrogate-based Martin & Gerard Electrical Contractors and Hull College. Thomas graduated from university with a sports coaching degree in 2015 but no clear career plan. He decided to pursue a higher skilled trade after stints at a golf club bar and kitchen extraction cleaning company. Thomas says: “Since the start of my apprenticeship and support from Hudson Contract I feel that I have learned and developed a range of technical skills that have allowed me to start working safely and effectively within the industry.” Thomas adds: “I would highly recommend an electrical apprenticeship course to anyone considering it. I feel that in my situation as a more mature apprentice that I made a positive career move in choosing to retrain. To someone in a similar situation that I was in, I would advise them to strongly consider a career change and retraining through an apprenticeship programme.” Hull College singled out Thomas for one of its Principal Awards last month in recognition of “effort and excellence”. Zailie Barratt, director of learner support services at the college, says: “We are very pleased Tom has been recognised for his outstanding efforts.” The college praised his professionalism, politeness, attitude and ability to learn. “He understands just how important an apprenticeship is,” adds a spokesperson. David Jackson, founder and chairman of Hudson Contract, says: “Well done to Thomas and every young person who is making the most of our sponsorship scheme. “Ten years ago, my wife Lesley and I came up with the idea of giving a young person a letter saying Hudson would cover half of their first year’s wages and encouraging them to find an apprenticeship. “It is a very simplistic approach. Every month, if there is proof of continuance and college attendance and the invoice comes in, we pay it. No more bureaucracy than that. “It is not easy creating new work opportunities in a seaside town. The trade skill you are giving them is for life. It is a good thing to commit to for your local community. “I was born and brought up in Bridlington. The success that Hudson affords us allows our business to put a bit back into the local community.” Martyn Price MBE, chairman of the Cross-industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force, a membership group of which Hudson Contract is a member, says: “We applaud any and all efforts to increase meaningful apprenticeships in the construction industry. “Now more than ever we must ensure young people have access to structured training.”

Quality apprenticeships needed to deliver Green Recovery

As National Apprenticeship Week begins, the future should look bright as a new era of net zero carbon technologies offers a multitude of opportunities. Yet, industry bodies warn the quality of training currently available to install green solutions is inadequate and could prove a safety hazard. A survey by a group of leading electrotechnical and engineering services bodies revealed firms in the sector believe current training does not deliver workers competent to install new technologies. Over half (54%) think the UK would benefit by looking at how other, notably northern European, countries approach a similar challenge. “The engineering services industry offers fantastic careers to support net zero,” says Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Education and Skills. “However, the UK’s low-carbon market is not adequately regulated. This leaves the door open to low quality, short training courses and this can quickly become a safety issue.” The survey, part of the Skills4Climate report authored by leading industry bodies ECA, TESP, BESA, the Renewable Energy Association and Solar Energy UK (formerly the Solar Trade Association), confirmed that 88% of engineering services employers support a green recovery. “Young people enthused by calls to halt and reverse climate change need more encouragement to consider a career designing, installing and maintaining UK’s new low carbon infrastructure,” adds Andrew Eldred. “ECA’s Skills 4 Climate Survey confirms the potential for a green recovery and the chance, finally, for the UK to make a decisive break from the low-skill, low wage equilibrium that has blighted our economy and society for decades.” ECA, which represents the interests of around 3,000 businesses in the electrotechnical and engineering services sector, is concerned by the growth of low quality, short courses run for commercial gain. ECA advocates a joined-up approach, whereby existing industry-recognised qualification routes, including apprenticeships, are updated and extended to incorporate low carbon technologies, and businesses operating in this market are required to demonstrate that they are employing fully qualified, experienced and competent personnel to provide reliable and safe installations.

Duped tradespeople taken for up to £1.7 billion last year

The work of rogue traders and cowboy builders is infamous in the UK, with TV shows and newspaper stories regularly covering the shady dealings of tradespeople trying to take unsuspecting customers for a ride. According to new research however, 2020 was the year of the ‘Cowboy Customer’, as home improvements customers across Britain screwed tradespeople out of over a billion pounds of their hard-earned cash in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. As we reach the end of the stamp duty holiday, many will be settling in their new homes in spring. In light of this, it is predicted that there will be a surge in tradespeople falling victim to sly customers as they try to unfairly bag the cheapest work possible for their new homes. Mobile billing service Powered Now has commissioned nationally representative research to reveal some of the most common underhand tactics used by customers when dealing with tradespeople: Key Statistics: • Over 5 million (5,038,000) Brits have quoted a tradesperson for a project with no intention of going through with it • Over 1 million (1,282,000) Brits have unfairly criticised work done during a home improvement project or threatened bad reviews in order to receive a discount • Almost 1.5 million (1,743,000) Brits have withheld payment to a tradesperson after the completion of work to try and drive down the price • Over 2 million (2,496,000) Brits have forgotten about an appointment and been out when the tradesperson has arrived at the agreed time A recent survey of tradespeople by Rated People also found that the most common issue experienced by tradespeople was homeowners withholding payments in order to rush through the transaction of a property or to drive down the price after the work was completed. According to Checkatrade, the average daily rates for tradespeople in 2020 is as follows: • Plumber - £347.50 • Electrician - £225 • Handyman - £200 • Kitchen Fitter - £150 With so many people agreeing to use the time of tradespeople for services they know will not be ultimately required, Powered Now estimate that between £776m to £1.75bn of revenue for the UK's trades has been frittered away, purely through bogus quotes and ruthless measures to win discounts. To discuss the financial implications that this has on the tradespeople of the UK, Ben Dyer, co-founder of Powered Now, discusses the problems faced by honest tradespeople when dealing with customers across Britain: "We hear back from tradespeople on a daily basis that they are frustrated by the hoops they have to leap through in order to receive their fair payment. We of course recognise that there are horror stories about rogue traders, but we do believe that British tradespeople are amongst the most qualified in the world. They too have to adhere to some of the most stringent regulations going, making them some of the best builders on the global market. There are a number of underhand tactics and unjust actions carried out by customers across the country that are also commonplace, and we wanted to provide support to trusted tradespeople across the UK who do a great job, day in day out, particularly in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. In this new year and third national lockdown, tradespeople are still doing their best to cope during the pandemic in which they are providing much needed economic stability by working throughout the lockdowns. The focus should be shifted to shine a light on the great work that tradespeople do the majority of the time, and not the unfortunate, less than satisfactory work that is completed in the absolute minority of cases".