Jeff Lee appointed new Managing Director of Hanwha Techwin Europe

Hanwha Techwin Europe has announced the appointment of Jeff (Chae Won) Lee as its new Managing Director. Having worked for the Hanwha Group for over 21 years, most recently as Hanwha Techwin Europe’s Sales Director, and with a Master of Business Administration, he has an exceptional track record of delivering on strategic objectives and a wealth of knowledge and experience of growing businesses. Jeff takes over the role of Managing Director from Bob Hwang Ph.D., who is returning to Korea to take up another senior management position. “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the highly professional, knowledgeable and talented Hanwha Techwin Europe team,” says Jeff Lee. “They all share a passion for backing up our formidable line-up of video surveillance solutions, with the highest possible levels of pre- and post-sales support. “Building partnerships and earning the trust of system integrators and distributors has always been fundamental to how Hanwha Techwin Europe operates. To this end, I firmly believe our company’s ongoing success can be secured by ensuring we always operate with integrity and that in addition to offering ground-breaking quality products and solutions, we excel in everything we do. “I am confident that with the valued support of our business and technology partners throughout Europe, we will achieve great success during 2021. Our existing comprehensive range of Wisenet products and solutions provide so many opportunities to meet and even exceed end-user expectations. However, we will also be harnessing the very latest advances in technology, such as Deep Learning AI, to develop exciting new video surveillance solutions, which will enable our business partners to further grow their share of the video surveillance market.”  

Toolstation on track to reach expansion target

Toolstation is set to open 13 more stores in the next month and is on track to meet its robust expansion plan of 60 new stores in 2020. The new stores which will be opening in Launceston, Llandrindod Wells, Walthamstow, York, Dumbarton, Peterlee, Fraserburgh, Colne, Speke, Wednesbury, Malvern, Shepton Mallet and Bideford, will create over 100 new permanent job roles across stores and supporting supply chain. This year, Toolstation, one of the fastest growing and largest suppliers of tools and more for trade, home improvers and self-builders, has opened 47 stores across the UK, creating over 500 jobs to date. As an essential retailer, Toolstation has been there every step of the way to support the hardworking tradespeople and keen DIYers of Britain. Its stores have remained open throughout the pandemic, providing essential tools and building supplies to its customers. The retailer offers a multi-channel service so customers can conveniently purchase the essentials they need from stores, online through a five minute click-and-collect service or next day delivery to both the workplace and home. To inform and reassure customers that Toolstation stores remain open to provide them with the products they need for any task, the company has launched its new out-of-home advertising campaign, with placement on billboards in over 500 sites across the UK. James Mackenzie, Managing Director, comments: "This year has been a year like no other and I am proud of both colleagues and customers that have played their part in continuing to build Britain. As part of the critical supply chain for construction, we have continued in our commitment to provide tools and more for our customers and create job opportunities in the local communities we operate. We adapted our business model exceptionally quickly during the first lockdown to meet customer needs and they have really embraced the new way of buying through our five minute Click & Collect service. We remain on track to open 60 new stores by the end of 2020 and will continue our ambition to open a further 60 stores in 2021.”

UK Power Networks named world leader in Smart Grids

An independent global benchmark has named UK Power Networks as the world’s leading utility in Smart Grids. Singapore-based SP Group, which produces the annual Smart Grid Index, placed UK Power Networks top of its study of 85 utilities across 37 countries. The Smart Grid Index has been running for three years and measures the progress that utilities are making against seven key dimensions: customer satisfaction and environment, green energy, security, monitoring and control, data analytics, supply reliability and Distributed Energy Resources integration. UK Power Networks has been ranked first in the UK and Europe since the study began in 2018, but this is the first time the distribution network has topped the global table. In 2020 the network’s Smart Grid Development Team continued to lead the way in pioneering new markets for renewable energy through its flexibility tenders. In autumn it made more than £50 million available for providers to bid for 250MW of flexible energy services across 130 sites in its largest ever open tender. It is also putting in place technology to manage the distribution network, which was labelled “amongst the world’s most advanced” by respected independent American consultancy Wood Mackenzie in a report published in summer 2020. Barry Hatton, director of asset management at UK Power Networks says: “When we published our Future Smart Strategy in 2018 we made a commitment to work closely with the industry and co-create new products and services to aid our transition to the electricity network of the future, and that commitment remains key to our success. “We aim to be a leader in creation and collaboration to ensure we secure the low-carbon economy that’s best for society. By working collaboratively, sharing good practice and by keeping our customers at the heart of our approach, we aim to deliver a smart grid for all. We’re delighted that our work has been recognised on a global stage in the Smart Grid Index, but we know there’s still a lot to do to transition from a distribution network operator to a distribution system operator.”

'WE MOVE with trust', Wisenet integrate with JVSG System Design Tool

The time needed to plan, design and accurately evaluate the efficiency of a video surveillance system has been significantly reduced with the news that JVSG’s highly acclaimed IP Video System Design Tool now supports all Wisenet IP Network cameras. System designers and system integrators simply need to import 2D or 3D models of the end user’s building or site and then enter in some parameters specific to the project, such as the proposed installation height of each camera and the required field of view. With this information, the JVSG System Design Tool produces an accurate visualisation of the planned video surveillance system which, for example, will help identify any blind spots. The JVSG System Design Tool, which is able to calculate precise camera lens focal lengths, viewing angles and pixel density requirements within seconds, helps choose the best model for each camera location. This is because key features of Wisenet cameras, such as camera resolution and IR Illumination distance have been integrated into the programme. Meeting operational requirements Depending on whether there is a requirement to simply detect and monitor activity in an area or if there is a need to capture evidence grade images, the JVSG System Design Tool will indicate if the specified cameras will be able to match an end-user’s operational requirements. It can also be used to calculate the bandwidth usage of the cameras and corresponding video storage requirements. “We are delighted to have successfully completed our integration with JVSG’s powerful design tool, which efficiently replaces the need to produce CAD drawings and minimises the time needed to make complex calculations,” says Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “Consultants, system designers, product specifiers and systems integrators will all benefit from the reduction in the time it takes to manually search for camera specifications and build these into system designer proposals. “At Hanwha Techwin, we fully understand that having best in class products is not enough. We also need to add value to the Wisenet brand by continually looking at ways to make it as easy as possible for our cameras to be specified, installed, commissioned and maintained. Alongside our own proprietary tools, such as Device Manager, Wisenet ToolBox Plus and the Wisenet QR Scanner App, the JVSG’s IP Video System Design Tool will, without doubt, greatly contribute to our ability to achieve this objective.” Max Shumeyko, founder of JVSG, when commenting on the success of the integration comments: “We are delighted to have formed a technology partnership with Hanwha Techwin, a manufacturer which has a formidable reputation for leading the market with feature rich cameras which capitalise on the very latest advances in technology. The integration of the comprehensive Wisenet camera range with our Design Tool, will save users considerable time and remove the ‘headache’ normally associated with designing an IP network video surveillance camera.”

Smart city? Nothing new under the sun, says IDTechEx

Check out those images of the city of the future and most of them simply combine New York with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The electric vehicles are a rerun of what happened in 1880. Certainly, trillions of dollars are committed to smart cities but Jericho did not come cheap 12,000 years ago. Several smart cities promise “robot maids” a rerun of the amusing automatons of 300 years ago. Forest City Malaysia will be on reclaimed land but that will scarcely surprise the Dutch, Venice or even the Ancient Romans. The new robot shuttles never do a U-turn because they are symmetrical but those old trams got there first. Living in harmony with nature and zero-emission travel are far from new ideas. As the comedian comments, “It is déjà vu all over again.” However, although the basic smart city ideas are mainly updates, the materials and devices enabling them are certainly new, and they do add remarkable new functions. The new IDTechEx reports, “Robot Shuttles and Autonomous Buses 2020-2040” and “Micro-LED Displays 2020-2030: Technology, Commercialization, Opportunity, Market and Players” promise extreme multi-purposing for example. The robot shuttle will double as everything from parcel delivery to mobile library, taxi, hire car, fast food and school bus, its all-round Micro-LED windows showing the current purpose and selling advertising to cover costs. It is the basis of Toyota’s promised “Woven City”. Being so bright, long-lived and low power, Micro-LEDs will join the world of smart windows, huge animated billboards and artwork. Light-emitting solar plazas that self-deice and charge vehicles anyone? The new IDTechEx overview report with 35 forecasts, “Smart Cities Market 2021-2041: Energy, Food, Water, Materials, Transportation Forecasts” explains how we shall eliminate everything from sewerage systems to grid lines, pollution, traffic accidents and electric vehicle charging stations. Cities can become independent in food, water and energy, just like thousands of years ago. Conventional farms are replaced by city cultivated meat without animals, vertical farms in city buildings and the like. We shall more than cope with rising sea levels and threats to drinking water. IDTechEx drill-down reports such as “Plant-based and Cultured Meat 2020-2030” and “Vertical Farming 2020-2030” give the gaps in the market, technology timelines and more.

Aico secures triple award win

Aico are delighted to have won three awards at this year’s Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Aico were shortlisted for a record-breaking five awards this year and at the virtual awards ceremony on Friday 20th November, Aico were triple winners of the Workplace Health and Wellbeing award, Corporate and Environmental Responsibility award and the coveted Company of the Year award. The Workplace Health and Wellbeing award is given to the company that recognises the importance of both the physical and mental wellbeing of their staff through management-backed initiatives and staff training. Aico demonstrate the importance they place on wellbeing through the input from colleagues on the design of the workplace, incorporating a relaxation room, games room and gym for staff to unwind. Aico also have a dedicated team of trained Mental Health First Aiders that provide a weekly stand-down afternoon to promote the importance of speaking openly about mental health and reducing the stigma associated. Aico also won the Corporate and Environmental Responsibility award for their commitment to sustainability and continual improvement of their environmental efforts. Through evaluating and developing products, services, waste and energy usage, Aico strive to reduce their overall environmental impact. Finally, Aico were awarded the coveted Company of the Year award for flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Aico are the market leader in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection, with turnover increasing each year and even doubling every five years. Aico’s core ethos is education, quality, service and innovation, a culture that translates to every part of the business. Managing Director Neal Hooper comments “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for no less than five awards, to then go on to win three awards, including Company of the Year is astounding. We are a strong company of good people doing their best, to achieve this recognition is great. Thank you to all at the Shropshire Chamber for a superb evening and congratulations to all of our fellow winners.” The Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards recognise successful businesses in the county. This year, the awards were held virtually to celebrate the adaptability, resilience and innovation of Shropshire businesses.

Grey inserts introduced by Scolmore

Scolmore has expanded three of its wiring accessories ranges - Deco, Deco+ and Definity - to add a grey option to the choice of inserts available with certain finishes.  This follows feedback from contractors and is a trend with end users and consumers, to add touches to their interior décor. The new grey inserts are now offered in addition to black and white, with Deco and Deco+ products in the stainless steel and satin chrome finishes and with Definity products in the brushed steel and stainless steel finishes. Deco is a range of decorative metal wiring accessories that are high specification, high quality and offer unprecedented value for money. Deco switches feature the same modular switch design as Scolmore’s moulded ranges. Deco+ is a comprehensive range of premium decorative wiring accessories that is synonymous with high specification, exceptional quality, and unprecedented value. The smooth contemporary curves of the Deco Plus range are available in seven finishes and again, the switches feature the same modular switch design as the moulded ranges. The Definity screwless wiring accessories range incorporates screwless, push-fit face plates in six assorted finishes. Each Definity product comprises an insert and a decorative cover plate.

Top Product Award win for Safe Isolation Infographic

The Electrical Safety Roundtable’s (ESR) 12 Steps to Safe Isolation Infographic has received a Professional Electrician & Installer 2020 ‘Top Product’ award. The infographic was created in response to the need to raise awareness of safe isolation within the workplace with the assistance of Louise Taggart, an influential health and safety campaigner. Louise sadly lost her brother Michael in 2005 as a result of an electrical incident at work, which should and could have been prevented if safe isolation measures were used. Michaels story has had a massive impact throughout the sector and our goal was to promote this infographic extensively and make safe isolation common practice to avoid devastating accidents happening in the future. Worrying statistics show that 1 in 5 installers do not carry a lock out kit in their van or tool bag, and 25% of electricians rarely or never use a lock out kit to isolate the electrical supply they are working on. Paul Meenan, chair of the ESR in the Workplace group comments: “It was an honour to work with the group to create the 12 steps to Safe Isolation infographic. It was very gratifying to see the infographic making an impact within the industry, but winning this award exceeded our expectations! Many electrical accidents are due to the lack of awareness around safe isolation procedures, or the process not being carried out correctly, so it is imperative that we change this outlook going forward. The award is a recognition for those who have made a difference to the electrical professional’s ability to get a job done efficiently, safely, and professionally, or has helped electrical installers overcome common problems in their everyday working lives, and we couldn’t be more proud of the impact our infographic has had, and hopefully will continue to have on the industry.” The Electrical Safety Roundtable in the Workplace’s goal was to promote the infographic extensively and increase awareness of Safe Isolation to reduce devastating accidents happening in the future. Accepting this award has confirmed that the focus of this group in this area was a worthwhile decision.

Draka connectivity range launched in environmentally friendly packaging

Draka is pleased to launch a new, improved connectivity range of products for use with its copper Draka Universal Cabling System. The new connectivity products are supplied in plastic-free, environmentally friendly packaging. The new Draka Cat5e and Cat6 unshielded copper connectivity range has been revised and updated for increased quality and performance, 'whilst also maintaining its competitive edge in the market'. The connectivity products come with several new features for 'quick and simple' installation. All panels, keystones and modules feature both LSA+ and 110 punch down, whilst Euro and LJ6C modules now come with top and bottom cable fixing points. Vertical and horizontal panels benefit from increased robustness, with the vertical panel now including a metal rear cable management bar. The Euro and LJ6C modules IDC terminal have a coloured T568A/B wire map.  Lastly, each connectivity product in the new range comes with all the accessories required to complete its installation. The appearance of the connectivity products has transformed and now all come with a modern, uniform look with updated Draka branding. The packaging for the new Draka UC copper connectivity range has also benefitted from a completely new look, but more fundamental changes have been made in this area.  The new packaging has been designed to be the most environmentally conscious yet: plastic free.  Products are now housed in boxes manufactured with recycled materials and water-based inks are used for the printing. The boxes themselves are 100% reusable and can be readily recycled. Along with the installer focused design of the connectivity, Draka has made improvements to copper cabling; making the boxes more robust and adding sequential meter markings to the cable sheath. The extra robustness of the boxes eliminates the chance for cable to snag when pulling. The meter markings enable customers to clearly see how much cable remains within the box, reducing waste and allowing better inventory management. The new copper connectivity range is one of the latest additions to the Draka Universal Cabling System, with further innovative products due to be announced shortly.

EA technology helps the drive towards smart charging.

EA Technology is collaborating with the Turing Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Fellowship at the University of Southampton, with the aim of generating smart charging mechanisms for transport electrification. Smart charging is the matching of electric vehicle charging cycles to the needs of vehicle users and the conditions of the power system. This enables more vehicles to benefit from lower cost, greener electricity, still mobility needs. The research being carried out by the Fellowship is looking at the generation of incentive-aware smart charging mechanisms, that use artificial intelligence to also identify the advantageous time to charge. With new, electrified forms of transport becoming compelling, and numbers of electric vehicles set to grow, the development of incentive-aware charging arrangements is imperative to make best use of the electricity grid. This will help keep costs low for network operators, also ensuring energy consumers are rewarded for engaging in helping the grid. The research into incentive-aware smart charging forms is just one part of a five-year, £1.4 m programme, led by Electronics and Computer Science’s Dr Sebastian Stein, which will create AI systems that are aware of citizens' preferences and act to maximise the benefit to society. Importantly, rather than share this data with a centralised system, the AI agents keep it safe on private smart devices and only use it in their owners’ interests. Dr Stein, of the Agents, Interaction and Complexity (AIC) research group, says: “AI systems are used to support and automate decision-making on an unprecedented scale. They can draw on a range of data sources to make fast, efficient decisions to address important challenges and benefit millions.” The vision for AI systems will be achieved by developing techniques that learn the preferences and needs of individuals to provide personalised services. The Southampton team will draw upon a combination of research in multi-agent systems, mechanism design, human-agent interaction and responsible AI. Dr Stein will work with a range of stakeholders over the fellowship. This will include citizen end-users, to ensure the research aligns with their needs, as well as industrial partners, to put research into practice. Dave Roberts, Technical Director at EA Technology, one of the stakeholders involved in the project, comments: “It is important for EA Technology to be involved in research projects. By understanding the benefits that AI can bring to the integration of electrified transport will be an important step towards public acceptance.” EA Technology helps its clients understand the evolving energy landscape by defining business strategy, establishing the benefits of novel approaches. It shapes trials on the distribution network, and takes outcomes from projects, to develop practices for adoption in the everyday world.