Provisioning the digital transformation of Newcastle City Council services

Newcastle City Council turns to Schneider Electric and its partner Advanced Power Technology for Data Centre Resilience and System Visibility. Newcastle City Council has recently transformed its data centre operations, consolidating its main IT systems into a single data hall, with upgraded power and cooling infrastructure and new management software by Schneider Electric. In the process, it has improved resilience and uptime, simplified the management of all its infrastructure equipment, and made part of its data centre available to other organisations, which helps to offset the costs of its operations. Newcastle City Council employs over 5,000 people providing local-government services to citizens throughout the city. Its data centre hosts numerous applications, including those supporting council tax collection, social services, library services, education and road traffic management. It also has links with the IT systems of other essential public-service bodies such as the NHS and Police. Given the vital nature of these services, the Council’s IT systems must run reliably around the clock and any downtime will have a significant effect on the local populace. The Council’s IT systems had grown steadily over the years to support the evolution of its e-Government approach with the automation and digitisation of many of its activities. But the situation had evolved to the point where the data centre layout had become haphazard and disorganised, many infrastructure elements were nearing their end of life and in need of regular maintenance, and management of the infrastructure was labour intensive and time consuming. As part of a refurbishment of its Civic Centre, Newcastle City Council consolidated its data centre into a single room with a raised modular floor. Following a competitive tender, the Council chose EcoStruxure for Data Centers, Schneider Electric’s IOT-enabled, open and interoperable system architecture for the new facility. The data centre was designed and built by Schneider Elite Partner, Advanced Power Technology (APT). As a public body Newcastle City Council is always looking for cost and energy efficiencies. Schneider Electric and APT were able to design and deliver an overall data centre solution that meets their needs and their expectations. Learn how the new data centre facility enabled them to meet their service commitments to all stakeholders while minimising the carbon impact of delivering IT services. Read the  case study HERE!  

Construction helpline, focusing on health and safety courses

Construction Helpline Ltd (CHL), prides itself on excellence and places a focus on CITB Health and Safety courses to encourage new workers onto construction sites, essentially driving the people who make the construction industry prosper. Although this year has been challenging, by the end of 2020 CHL will have provided a staggering 200,000 courses, and there is no doubt that this has helped boost the industry and keep the wheels of construction turning. In an industry where it is critical to have a certified, on-site workforce in all areas of construction, the efficiency and quick turnaround of certifications is paramount. It has been identified as a priority for the business in 2021. In order to increase productivity and manpower, technology takes centre stage at CHL. In the coming year, the company believes that there will be increased demand in the workplace that will inevitably lead to empowering the digital movement and force the industry be more reliant on technology. This includes the use of contactless CSCS cards as the future entry point, adopting AI to ensure that the entire workforce is qualified and certified, and an increased use of block chain storage to combat certification fraud. “At the heart of the CHL group sits our technology division with innovative thinking being part of our core values and an organisation-wide culture,” says Umer Mansoor, CEO, at CHL. “I believe wholeheartedly that addressing this issue will help to overcome existing and new challenges in the ever-evolving construction landscape. Digitisation can and will improve the construction industry for project managers, site workers, architects and many others”. Whilst the industry faces many other challenges, including lack of migrant workers post-Brexit and the lasting impact of Covid-19, the priority has to be in the certification and verification of health & safety regulations. This multi-faceted offering is at the forefront of CHL’s strategy, as is the speed and efficiency of getting more workers on-site to fill the gaps. CHL stands tall in the industry for its determination to embrace technology and offer solid support to a diverse workforce that includes an increasing number of women. Umer Masoor continues, “We are passionate about driving diversity and inclusion for the BAME community across the construction industry. I founded CHL out of a need for a reliable resource to arrange CITB tests, construction NVQ training and CSCS card acquisition. We are actively looking for more ways to help increase diversity and have several initiatives in the pipeline, including sponsored placements on some of our courses.” CHL’s mission in 2021 is to double the number of people they put through their courses, therefore making construction sites a safe and secure environment for all.

Changes to lighting eco-design and energy labelling regulations by the EU

National authorities have voted on changes to various requirements in the eco-design and energy labelling regulations for light sources. LightingEurope has actively contributed to this revision process and is now evaluating the results with its members’ expert group. The official publication of the updated regulations is expected in late spring 2021. LightingEurope has received preliminary information on the changes. They mainly relate to technical criteria for light sources, the phase-out or exemptions of some products and the definition of ‘containing products’. In more detail, they affect the stroboscopic effect requirements (SVM) for LED mains lamps, stage lighting lamps, infrared heating lamps and rules applicable to luminaires. Further details, also related to labelling, should become known to LightingEurope and its members over the next days. The eco-design and energy labelling regulations were published in December 2019 and new requirements have become applicable at different points in time. The discontinuation of the energy label for luminaires already applies since December 2019. Most of the eco-design and the energy labelling rules start to apply on 1 September 2021. LightingEurope has published guidelines to help companies understand and apply the new complex rules to their products and to help market surveillance authorities enforce them. A first version was made available on the same day the laws were published in December 2019, and a revised updated version was made available in October 2020. What are the next steps? After the official amendment document is published on a European Commission website, a scrutiny period starts for the EU Parliament and EU Council. If no objections are raised by either of these institutions, the publication of the updated regulations in the EU Official Journal is currently expected for late spring 2021. Most requirements become applicable as of 1 September 2021.

JTL urges employers to take advantage of government funding

JTL is launching a new campaign to urge employers to take advantage of the government grants and take on an apprentice to keep skills alive. Its new campaign ‘Keep the skills alive and the lights shining’ encourages employers to utilise the cash incentive being offered by the government and take on an apprentice before 31 January 2021. In recognition of the value apprentices can bring to our economy, an incentive payment of £2,000 is being offering to employers who hire an apprentice between the age of 16-24 years old, while £1,500 will be paid when an apprentice aged 25 and over is taken on. There is no limit on the number of incentive payments that an employer can claim for apprentices eligible to receive funding, providing each apprentice meets the eligibility criteria. The apprentice must be a new employee to the business, have a contract of employment start date between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 (inclusive), and must not have been employed by the employer within the six months prior to the contract start date. Plus, this incentive can be used in addition to the existing £1,000 government grant available if you take on an apprentice aged 16-18. Cathie Foster, Head of Marketing and Communications at JTL, comments: “The messaging of our ‘Keep the skills alive and the lights shining’ campaign comes at a crucial time, whereby we want to encourage employers to build a brighter future for their business by taking advantage of this funding. With January just around the corner, now is the last opportunity for employers to access the government funding and take on apprentices to further support their individual business, as well as helping the wider COVID-19 economic recovery plan. “As part of JTL’s support offering and to ensure the pipeline of skilled tradespeople continues, we are on-hand to speak to employers who are keen to invest in the training and development of an apprentice, and to help employers make the most of the government financial assistance available to them”.

Getting 'Zero Carbon Done' by Luke Osbourne, ECA Solutions Advisor

Although Covid-19 has dominated global and national headlines in 2020, the ongoing prospect of climate change is also being taken seriously by policy makers. The Government has just issued a 10-point plan for a 'green industrial revolution', which will aim to help tackle climate change by getting the UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2030 ban on internal combustion engine vehicle sales in the plan is clearly a positive step, but collaboration between industry, government and DNOs will be vital to make it work. The extension of the Green Homes Grant was a useful response, but there is much work to be done to enable a skilled and trained workforce that can deliver results. Meanwhile, we look forward to more detail on how the 10 point plan will be achieved, in addition to the release of the energy white paper and the next iteration of the Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard, both of which will be key to future carbon reductions. [embed]http://youtu.be/DP4PVR2KxBQ[/embed] Industry vs climate change Evidence shows we have little time to usefully mitigate the increasing effects of global warming. ECA is heavily focused on supporting the electrotechnical and wider engineering services industry in delivering the technologies and skills needed to help meet the UK Net Zero Carbon 2050 targets - and to deliver them as soon as possible. To this end, ECA and partners have been looking for significant improvements in policy and fiscal support for clean energy and energy efficiency measures, enabling us to ‘build back’ better and deliver lower carbon economic recovery. ECA has launched a new series of video shorts, under the banner of Get Zero Carbon Done, which highlight several key areas where our sector can contribute significantly to further UK decarbonisation, and which will also need major upskilling. [embed]http://youtu.be/5UWfCbJQIoM[/embed] Tools for success ECA, working with Government and industry stakeholders, will be looking for the adoption at scale of low to no carbon energy systems and energy efficiency measures. This need to include the delivery and installation of: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) Heat pumps (air-sourced, ground-sourced, water sourced and air to air) Direct electrification of heating (Infra-red, under-floor heating, storage-heating) Wind turbines Hydropower Energy efficiency measures Smart building controls Electrification of transport. For a list of eight low-to-no-carbon technologies that all installers and designers can consider, read my previous article on ECA’s news website here. [embed]http://youtu.be/4eA0fOwQODE[/embed] Skills for the future We must ensure that low carbon installation is carried out by a suitably trained and competent workforce. This means practically useful and properly scoped training for new entrants, notably in the form of apprenticeships, but also for the very much larger cohort of existing installers who also need to upskill for the low-carbon economy. In order for Net Zero Carbon 2050 to be achievable, full support and commitment for the necessary skills is needed by both Government and industry. Long term market confidence and policy direction is also vital to give companies surety and enable them to invest in their workforce. There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the UK electrotechnical industry, nor a time that requires such urgency for the skills, products and systems that our sector can deliver.  

Retrofit lighting; key to government's 10-point plan on net zero targets

A leading independent lighting manufacturer says by using retrofit out-dated lighting systems will be key to improving energy use across the public sector, following the release of the Prime Minister’s ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution. Tamlite Lighting has welcomed Boris Johnson’s announcement which will see £1 billion funding allotted to make new and existing homes and public buildings more efficient, cutting bills for hospitals and schools, as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Whilst innovative technologies will form part of the blueprint to allow the UK work towards its 2050 net-zero target, Tamlite’s Managing Director John Allden says that many have forgotten the impact lighting can have on saving energy and reducing carbon emissions, and by replacing out-dated lighting systems, coupled with intelligent lighting control, it will go a long way to making public buildings more efficient. He comments: “The UK government has set in law its net-zero targets, so the Prime Minister’s latest announcement on how this can be achieved must be welcomed. Yet, whilst innovation and new technologies form part of the overall decarbonisation plan, we cannot forget the simple steps those in charge of running public buildings can take to make sure they reach carbon reduction targets. “Lighting can be a huge source of energy consumption in the public sector, and small changes can make a big difference. Replacing out-dated lighting with modern LED systems can effectively reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Such retrofit upgrades are easy to do and should be seen key component of the Government’s green strategy allowing public sector organisations to make a long-term commitment to net zero carbon emissions.”

Unitrunk looks to set new records in cable management installation speeds

Unitrunk is known for engineering and product design, the new QuickFix range is certainly testament to that culture. QuickFix completes offering of cable management solutions which focus on saving time and cost during installation, whilst maintaining quality and strength. The QuickFix range can be installed 6 times faster than its traditional alternative. Manufactured from hot dipped galvanised sheet steel, the QuickFix range offers maximum strength and has been designed in accordance with BS EN 50085. The QuickFix range is IP4X compliant as standard, negating the need to order any additional components. The high-torque UniBolt fixing features a domed safety end which prevents any snagging of cables, along with a universal head and thread for fast installation. It’s simple, yet effective design enables installation times to be reduced by as much as 80%. The new range includes a trunking to channel bracket, which enables trunking to be fitted to a channel without drilling into the base, reducing installation times further. The QuickFix range includes Multi-Compartment and Lighting Trunking systems to offer the complete suite of fast fitting cable management products. David Morrow, Managing Director at Unitrunk comments: “Unitrunk has built a reputation by placing a emphasis on providing customer service and innovation, throughout 50 years in the cable management industry. We listen to our customers to provide a better service. QuickFix is the most recent result of our commitment to improvement and marks a new era in cable our management, but with more new products in the pipeline for 2021, our Design team is still going strong. Our new range of trunking enables install speeds up to 6 times faster and provides a cable management solution which is IP4X compliant as standard. Both these benefits will result in less time onsite and a subsequent reduction in project labour costs, something our customers always appreciate, but perhaps even more relevant in today’s more challenging climate.” QuickFix is the most recent product launch by Unitrunk. Earlier this year the company released an extension to the popular Speedway Cable Ladder range, including a pre-galvanised steel finish option. Pre-galvanised steel offers electrical contractors and engineers a cost-effective solution and greater flexibility when choosing the most suitable material based on the specific requirements of their project. The QuickFix system includes a complete range of complementary fittings, couplers and accessories and is available to order now via your nearest Unitrunk representative.

Echo announces success of new Automated Alarm Signalling Service

Echo has completed the first testing of its new automated alarm signalling transmissions between an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and the Essex Police Control Room. Over recent months Echo, with support from network providers BT Redcare and CSL, have set up resilient connectivity to handle alarm signals, enabling onward transmission to police control rooms via secure networks, as they become Echo-connected. Working with the Banham Security ARC, its software provider Monitor, and Essex Police, alarm signalling traffic is handled between the ARC and Essex Police control room despatch desk via Echo. Banham now transmits confirmed alarm signals directly to Essex Police to check system resilience. The NPCC estimates that police forces will save one to four minutes in responding to intruder alarm activations. In their experience ‘every second counts’ in protecting people, and time saved is crucial in arriving at premises. Their aim is to provide faster responses to alarms. Echo is to provide this service on a commercial basis in any Echo-connected police area with a full service offer from early 2021. The Echo service delivers on the NPCC’s 'Police Operational Advice and Security Industry Requirements for Response to Security Systems' 2020 which states, “Electronic Transfer of IAS and HUA activations will be mandatory with effect from 1st April 2020 where forces are able to accept such activations. Forces that are able to accept activations after this date will provide a six month period of notice to ARCs to enable connectivity between both parties”. Chief Superintendent Ewen Wilson, Head of the Contact Management Command, Essex Police explains; “Essex Police is delighted to be involved with the Echo project. We have seen there is potential to reduce call-handling demands and police response times to an alarm activation. We’re encouraged by the recent testing.” Martin Herbert, Managing Director, Banham Security says; “The technology offered by Echo will transform the way we respond to alarm activations. We have seen the benefits that Echo can bring in giving additional peace of mind to our customers.” Martin Harvey, Director, Echo declares; “This has taken Echo longer than we had first envisaged when the project started a number of years ago. A number of people have given their expertise to Echo, enabling this successful beta test. I'd like to thank everyone and look forward to rolling the system out nationwide.” Paul Miller, Director of AVR Group Ltd, the Echo hub provider comments, “AVR is delighted to have played a role in the development of Echo’s call handling service. The test is truly ground-breaking to bring efficiency over traditional call handling between Alarm Receiving Centres and Police despatch. As other Police Forces around the country become Echo-connected, the benefits of a more rapid emergency response will be realised.”

Tavcom Training celebrates 25 years

Tavcom Training - part of the Linx International Group - is celebrating its 25-year anniversary. Since 1995, the company has trained and certified in excess of 50,000 learners (in over 100 countries), across its extensive portfolio of more than 100 classroom and online courses. With the growth in manufacturers of security technology in the mid to late 90’s, including CCTV, access control, alarms, and IP networking, there was a growing demand for expert vendor agnostic training, regarding the design, installation, management and use of these increasingly complex systems. Tavcom Training was founded by Mike Tennent to meet this need and he rapidly established the company’s international reputation, as being the benchmark for training excellence. Today, the pace of technical innovation is faster than ever and Mike’s commitment to delivering relevant high-quality training is a large factor in Tavcom’s continued success 25-years on. Kevin Matthew, Operations Director at Tavcom Training recalls: “In 1995 there were training courses which were accredited by a variety of industry bodies, but there were no standardised vocational qualifications, that were universally recognised by employers in the UK and overseas.” A key milestone came in 2001 when Tavcom’s BTEC courses were accredited by the Edexcel Foundation. “This proved to be a game changer for the security industry, with quantifiable and accredited qualifications available for the first time.” The commitment to professionalising the industry and improving standards through recognised and accredited training has continued for 25 years, with Tavcom Training forging strong ties with the BSIA, SSAIB, CCTV User Group / NASCAM, NSI, Skills for Security and the Career Transition Partnership, as well as other certification bodies including City and Guilds and its Certificates and National Vocational Qualifications. The company has also taken the lead in other industry-defining initiatives, notably the Certified Technical Security Professional (CTSP) Register. Launched in 2017 and managed by Tavcom, this professional public Register recognises the competency of individuals fulfilling technical roles in the electronic security and fire sectors. Tavcom continues to make significant long-term investments in its training provision, seeking out world-renowned subject matter experts and trainers, developing new courses in response to the changing requirements of security professionals and the rapidly evolving technology accessible to them. It has also made significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art and future-proofed training centre in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, as well as opening a new facility in Shipley, West Yorkshire, and delivering courses at a purpose-built training centre in Singapore. He continues: “One of the biggest transformations in how we deliver training has taken place in the past few years, with demand for online courses growing exponentially. Our portfolio of accredited online security training courses, bitesize training and interactive courses enable security professionals to access the training and qualifications they need, from anywhere in the world.” Tavcom’s established online training program has proven invaluable for many security professionals this year, with restrictions on travel and national lockdowns, providing an opportunity for many to improve upon their knowledge and skills. Concluding, Matthew states: “We are immensely proud of our rich 25-year heritage and as the security market and technology continues to evolve and grow, Tavcom is committed to being a trusted and respected training partner for learners at every stage of their career, whatever their training needs, circumstances, and requirements.”

Beama recommends next steps on governments green new Ten Point Plan

Beama applauds the objectives for the green economy, and the very significant new targets for green transport and heating. As leaders in the electrical industry, we look forward to continuing to work with Government on these policies, moving towards achieving our net-zero targets, and at the same time growing our industries in the UK. Beama CEO Dr Howard Porter says: “I welcome this Ten Point Plan as the most ambitious plan yet to transform the UK energy industry. Beama and its 200 members are already helping Government develop the necessary solutions behind these targets.’’ “The Plan is a great opportunity to align policy, short term funding cycles and development of standards to ensure compliant and safe products in the market. We welcome the extension of the Green Homes Grant for another year – let’s use this time to demonstrate how to decarbonise all buildings. The plans for electric vehicles, and by extension EV chargers, are equally important, and the energy systems needed to deliver on these ambitious targets should receive similar focus.’’ “Government and other stakeholders can now work with the CCC and other expert groups on the level of funding and pace of change needed. Beama members have already signed up to a net-zero pledge and will continue to support both policy development and rollout of key technologies in the field.’’ “The employment opportunities offered by these plans are potentially significant for both raw numbers of new people working on green initiatives and the upskilling needed to work in these new digital technologies. This is an opportunity for the Government to establish support for the high-level skills needed in our industry and focus its industrial strategy on the electrical green future.” Beama President Patrick Caiger-Smith and Chairman of GEO adds: “I applaud the government for setting out these initiatives which can make a big contribution to the net zero target if implemented well. Electrifying transport and domestic heating are essential, but Government must make sure when designing grant and support schemes that they do not become lotteries or have cliff edge deadlines. Standards of installation must also be maintained – too many national programmes around the world for improving energy use have been blighted by poor quality control or lack of trained resource. It’s also essential that we look at heating and chargers in the home holistically, particularly that controls are integrated. We must not encourage technologies that will make the task of balancing the grid more difficult or have unintended consequences.” President elect, Mike Hughes, President of Schneider Electric UK, concludes: “The electrical industry is vital for supplying safe and green energy from the point of generation and distribution through to factories, offices and homes all in a smart and connected manner. I look forward to working with the whole of the electrical supply industry to deliver our zero-carbon electric future and delivering significant job creation.”