ESP Adds New Sounders And Strobes To Fire Protection Range

ESP has added a new range of fire sounders and combined sounder strobes to its portfolio of MAGfire Conventional Fire Systems products. Designed as a range of entry level products that are suitable for conventional systems, it offers installers more options - with compact designs and the ability for surface mounting, or flush mounting for a more discreet fitting. The range comprises two sounders – a sounder and a bedroom sounder – with both available in a choice of red or white and providing the option for three distinctive tones. The combined sounder and strobe, again offered in a choice of red or white, offers additional visual indication where VIDs (Visual Indication Device) are required. The maximum sound output is 96db and the flash rate of the strobe is 40 per minute. Compact in design, the products are constructed from fire rated ABS and offer UL approval to EN 54-3. ESP’s fire protection portfolio currently comprises the MAGfire Conventional Fire Alarm products, MAGfire Addressable range and the MAGDUO range of two-wire fire alarm systems. For further infnormation, visit www.espuk.com, call 01527 515150 or email sales@espuk.com.

BeadMaster Extends Range With New Sizes

Manufacturer of game-changing housebuilder products, BeadMaster, has extended its offering with two new products - Circle 62 and Circle 86. BeadMaster’s cover plates deliver a perfect finish around sockets, switches, downlights and sprinklers as it is stapled to the plasterboard, enabling plasterers to skim over holes quickly and easily. The centre is then removed with a hooked blade, revealing smooth, reinforced edges. Part of the innovative new range, the Circle 62 offers a practical solution for bespoke projects that require smaller downlight and sprinkler holes, as it can be used on holes from 49-62mm. The second new size, the Circle 86, provides a secure cover plate for much larger holes, between 72-86mm. The complete range, which includes the original Circle 72, allows all holes between 49-86mm to be covered with BeadMaster’s cover plates. Anthony Chadley, Managing Director at BeadMaster, said, “We are thrilled to extend our range with two new product sizes as it will enable both new and existing customers to use more of our products on-site, saving additional time and money. “We are confident that the industry will welcome the new size offerings, especially as we’ve already received interest from customers using our Circle 72 cover plates. We hope our new products are just as popular as our original offering and look forward to receiving feedback.” Circle 62 and Circle 86 are available now at distributors across the UK and Ireland. For more information on BeadMaster’s new products, visit www.beadmaster.co.uk/products-circle.

Toolstation On Track To Open 60 New Branches in 2020

One of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies to the trade and UK homeowners, Toolstation has confirmed it remains on track to open a further 60 UK branches this year. Despite being forced to temporarily halt new branch openings during the coronavirus lockdown, the company has no doubt it can catch up with its expansion plan by December, employing at least 420 new staff. Toolstation’s ambitious growth plans have been bolstered by a significant increase in customer numbers during lockdown, with over 700,000 new customers opting for its Click & Collect and delivery services. At the end of July, the company recently reported increased first-half sales of 37.1%, attributable to a 12.9% increase in like-for-like sales and a 23.6% increase in trading space over the previous 12 months. “We’re making up for lost time,” says Managing Director, James Mackenzie. “Toolstation opened six new branches in 2020 before lockdown commenced and we’ve launched a further 24 since the end of May.” “Click & Collect has been a massive success story for us,” Mackenzie continues. “We adapted our business model really quickly during lockdown and customers have really embraced the new way of buying. This underlines the importance for our business of creating more retail branches in accessible locations and expanding our coverage to make it easier for trades and DIY customers to easily obtain the products they need with minimum delay between ordering and collection. “Research among our customers over the past few weeks has revealed that those under 35 are particularly keen on the Click & Collect model,” elaborates Mackenzie. “The new generation of tradespeople are digital natives and they are looking for a seamless online ordering and collection experience. We’ll be shaping our expansion plans and our retail estate to maximise the combination of e-commerce and the physical branch network.” The latest Toolstation branches include Louth, Rugby, March, Sheldon, Witham, Consett, Caerphilly and Fakenham.

18th Edition Training Returns to Select HQ

Scotland’s largest trade association, Select, has introduced a range of comprehensive COVID-19 safety measures as it prepares to restart partial training sessions at its headquarters outside Edinburgh. Staggered start times, reduced class sizes, clear signage and a range of hygiene measures are all now in place as The Walled Garden prepares to receive delegates once again. The new measure will enable the association to safely deliver the practical part of its SQA Customised Award in Initial Verification to BS 7671 Course (18th Edition). Jenny Cryans, Select Training Manager, comments, “We are delighted to be able to welcome delegates back to The Walled Garden, and have taken every precaution to ensure they feel safe during training. “The training rooms are isolated from the rest of the Select offices, with clear signposting, hand washing facilities and other precautions against the spread of COVID-19. Delegates will also be thoroughly briefed on hygiene issues before and during their training.” The new course – also known as the 209 course – comes in three parts: Part One – Introduction, completed online (takes around 2.5 hours) Day One – Theory, delivered as a virtual classroom session from 9am to 3pm Day Two – Practical, delivered at Select headquarters in Midlothian This third part of the course will take around two hours to complete, with candidates given either a 9.30am or 1.30pm allocated time when booking. This final part will also see a reduced class size, with only a maximum of four people in the training room, including the Select tutor. Jenny adds, “We are delighted to now be able to offer the 209 course to our members as we continue to move forward and have more training available for delivery. “We have reviewed the course content in detail and are delivering as much as we can virtually, with only two hours delivered in the classroom for the practical element. “We have put safety measures in place to ensure that both our delegates and tutors are working in a safe environment whilst carrying out this part of the programme.” Last year, Select Training ran 260 courses and trained 2,407 delegates. During lockdown (March 23 to July 31), the department delivered 42 online courses for 253 delegates via its dedicated e-learning platform. Select has also recently launched new Energy Storage Systems (415) and Site Supervisory (215) courses. For the full course content and available dates, please click here. You can book via the Select website, by calling Select Training on 0131 445 5577 or e-mailing training@select.org.uk.

CICV Forum To Host Topical Training Webinars

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum is launching a series of free advice webinars to help industry professionals improve their contractual and commercial awareness on construction projects. Hosted by leading industry experts, and running fortnightly across six sessions from September to November, the online discussions are aimed at public and private sector employers, contract and commercial managers, architects, quantity surveyors and project managers. The new webinars follow four successful Forum online events in May and June, during which experts gave advice on health and safety, cashflow, contract issues and a range of employment matters. Fiona Hodgson, CEO of SNIPEF and Chair of the Forum’s Commercial sub-group, says, “Since March, the CICV Forum has helped countless professionals across Scotland and beyond with a wealth of information. “This new development is yet another way in which the industry is coming together to help each other and assist in the rebuilding of the industry.” Fiona adds, “One of the most commonly asked questions we’re currently hearing is, ‘How can we improve cashflow and get paid on time?’ It’s clear there’s a demand for more commercial information, so like everything the Forum does, we’re listening to what people need and responding with clear and relevant advice that will help Scotland’s businesses.” The Forum’s first webinar will be held on September 15, during which Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group, will discuss the features and benefits of project bank accounts (PBAs), with a particular focus on the supply chain. He will also outline how the PBA process operates, discuss the latest Scottish Government Construction Policy Note CPN 7/2020 and answer any questions submitted by delegates. This session will be followed by a second module on September 29 that will discuss changing the culture in the industry, problem contractual clauses, things to avoid, high-risk contract amendments, negotiating better terms and the ‘battle of the forms’. Held on October 13, online session number three will cover payment terms, getting paid on time, how to present payment applications, variations etc. The fourth webinar will be held on October 27 and will cover giving notices, extensions of time, loss and expense, while the fifth seminar on November 10 will cover suspension and contract termination of contractors and sub-contractors. The topics covered in the final session, to be held on November 24, will include conflict avoidance procedures, pitfalls and benefits of adjudication, the low-cost value adjudication process and expert determination. Each webinar will start at 11am and will run for between 60-75 minutes, with sessions recorded and hosted on the Forum’s YouTube channel. Other presenters will include: Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director, Scottish Building Federation Deborah Harrison, Legal Manager, The British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd Angus Pearson, industry consultant and Director of Fortis Contracts Ltd Len Bunton, experienced dispute resolution consultant and consultant to the CICV Forum. Len Bunton comments, “During the past five months, it has become obvious that the industry needs to cooperate and collaborate more than ever before if it is to survive the after-effects of this devastating pandemic. “These free webinars will offer a wealth of invaluable commercial advice, delivered by vastly experienced professionals with a deep understanding of today’s construction industry. “This is a unique opportunity to harness this knowledge and understanding and gain a greater insight of how to navigate the post-pandemic business landscape successfully.” Made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, the CICV Forum recently welcomed its 100th individual member as it continues to advise and inform the industry and public alike. Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers. In the last month alone, it has issued seven health and safety advice documents, updated its operating guidance and reminded construction workers to observe physical distancing in their social lives too. - To register for the first webinar, please click here or e-mail info@cicvforum.co.uk.

Snickers’ New 4-Way Stretch Trousers Give Maximum Mobility

These new slim-fit stretch trousers deliver extreme working comfort all day, every day. Hi-tech fabrics and body-mapping designs in the new multi-purpose ALLROUNDWork 4-Way Stretch Trousers from Snickers Workwear ensure maximum working mobility wherever you are on site. The 4-way stretch fabrics integrated into these work trousers deliver maximum freedom of movement for all kinds of work all year round, as well as improved ventilation and overall comfort. With great fit and superb value for money, they have a slimmer tailored fit for better all-round looks and protection against snagging. Plus reinforced stretch Cordura in the certified KneeGuard System for greater flexibility, comfort and durability. They’re specially designed to take the new D30 ERGO Craftsman Kneepad. Check out all the Stretch Garments from Snickers Workwear – the optimal choice for craftsmen and women who need to get every job done comfortably and efficiently on site. For further information, visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk.

Scottish recovery plan released in consultation with industry

A draft recovery plan for the construction sector in Scotland has been launched today by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF). The plan, which has been created collaboratively with industry, sets out the pathway for joint action between industry and the public sector in response to the impact caused by the global pandemic on the on the construction sector. The construction industry in Scotland has, like many others, been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector in Scotland which provided £7.8 billion GVA to the Scottish economy and employs 143,000 people in over 50,000 enterprises, is estimated to have contracted by 28.6% in June as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same month a year ago (June 2019). The recovery plan has been created through extensive consultation and collaboration with more than 50 organisations across business, Scottish Government, trade unions and other bodies, including the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, and represents a shared view from across the sector of a plan to get industry back on its feet. The plan outlines the immediate and short-term response to Covid-19 and sets out a pathway between this and the longer-term transformation required to build a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for Scotland. Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the editorial group of the Construction Leadership Forum, said: “The construction industry in Scotland has received a major blow from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the level of collaboration which has gone in to preparing this Recovery Plan is unprecedented and sets a strong foundation for transformative recovery for the industry. I urge all stakeholders with an interest in the construction and related industries in Scotland to feed in your thoughts to make it even stronger.”  The plan identifies five areas for concerted and collaborative efforts over the coming months and has established sub-groups to develop and progress joint action plans: Pipeline & Commercials Skills & Workforce Transformation Supply Chain Resilience & Capability Industry Data & Insight The plan calls for key actions to respond to immediate needs which include: A clear pipeline of work brought to market quickly and efficiently on fair commercial terms which reflect the reality of the Covid-19 environment. Support of employment, fairness of work and those who may become unemployed through what will be a difficult period. Transformation of working practices to maintain and enhance worker safety whilst enabling productivity in the Covid-19 working environment. Housing Minister, Kevin Stewart, said: “The construction sector supports many other areas of our economy so it is important that we maintain the health and vitality of the industry. In order to develop this plan, we have reached new heights of collaboration but we are now keen to hear from the wider industry to ensure that we arrive at a plan that will preserve jobs and help to revive our economy.” The recovery plan is available to view on https://www.constructionforum.scot/. Industry is invited to send feedback, comments and questions via the website on enquiries@constructionforum.scot by 15 September. CLF will take all feedback on board to help develop the plan further, with regular updates published on the CLF site.

Screwfix to create around 400 jobs by opening 40 new stores this year

Screwfix, the multichannel retailer, is to open 40 stores this year, creating around 400 new jobs in local communities. The new openings demonstrate continued growth of the business and a growing demand for convenience, despite the challenges of Covid-19. 30 new stores in the UK will create up to 300 jobs in areas such as retail management, service assistants and supervisor roles, by the end of January 2021. More than 10 stores are planned in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), which will create up to 160 jobs over the same period. As an essential retailer, Screwfix adapted its proposition in order to remain open during the lockdown to allow its customers to safely access the products they need. The rapid growth of Screwfix has seen the trade retailer open at least 50 stores a year for the past decade, making it one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK. It now has more than 680 stores, with a long-term target of 800 in the UK. Screwfix currently has five stores in the ROI, which opened in early 2020. The business hopes to open up to 40 stores in the ROI over the coming years, creating around 400 jobs in total. John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “Throughout the coronavirus crisis customer and colleague safety has been our number one priority. I am incredibly proud of all Screwfix colleagues for their support in continuing to provide our customers with the products they need to keep homes warm, safe and with power. The growing demand for convenience means we’re opening more stores to help our busy customers get their jobs done. We know that time is money for our customers and these new stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland will not only enable us to provide our customers with added convenience and certainty, but also allow us to provide even more job opportunities for local communities when they need it most.”

NG15 is first to join new EDA member scheme

NG15 Ltd, product information management specialist and provider of the ETIM-enabled PIM system e-Pim, has recently become the first business to join the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) in their new Solution Provider Affiliated Membership category. The new affiliation scheme is specifically designed for businesses that provide ETIM-enabled software solutions (including PIM systems, web shop and ERP systems) to electrical wholesalers and manufacturers. The scheme is also open to companies that are actively working to implement the ETIM Standard in their systems and solutions. This new Solutions Provider scheme is an important way to complement the EDA’s recent work to facilitate digitalisation of the UK’s electro-technical sector, helping both manufacturers and wholesalers turn their product data into a major strategic asset. As the National ETIM Organisation for the UK, the EDA has been working across the supply chain to introduce ETIM - the global data model for the standardisation and classification of technical product data - to the channel. More recently it has created an industry-owned data pool called EDATA that will be the central source of complete and high-quality product data for the sector with the ETIM data model at its heart. Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, explains more, “A key part of the EDA’s strategy to digitalise the channel is to have the support and involvement of those companies that supply product data related services to members and affiliates. A close working relationship with industry solution providers is critical to our success. Having systems and solutions that are ETIM enabled will provide a big boost to companies in their efforts to digitalise their data and make it easy to share with their chosen industry partners. Look out for the ETIM Inside logo that can be used by companies that have signed up to the scheme. “We believe that all companies now require a system for managing their product data and from which information can be shared with ease with industry partners. The best-case scenario is that manufacturers will have their own PIM systems from which they will feed their product data into EDATA where it will be controlled and managed by them. Wholesalers in turn will require their own PIM systems to receive data from EDATA for use in their ERP systems and e-commerce sites. “We recognise the hard work and direct experience that NG15 has brought to the development of their e-Pim system for wholesalers and manufacturers based on many years working in the sector. We look forward to working with them.” Shaun Cranstone, managing director at NG15 said; “We are very excited to become the EDA’s first recognised solutions provider. e-Pim has been specifically developed with the electrical industry in mind and our team shares the EDA’s vision for a sector that truly recognises the value of its product data in the sales and marketing process. “NG15 Ltd already works closely with some of the major UK electrical manufacturers and distributors and has gained in-depth knowledge of the electrical sector. This expertise has facilitated the process of incorporating the ETIM module into e-Pim and will help to provide manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers with an easier and more powerful way to manage their products and digital commerce”.

Schneider Electric reopens Telford electrical safety training centre 

Schneider Electric has reopened its dedicated electrical safety training centre in Telford. Due to the growing complexity of power systems in operation today, electrical outages are a greater risk than ever. If mismanaged or not effectively maintained, they can lead to a loss in revenue, or in a worst-case scenario, serious injury. Therefore, training staff to work safely should be a top priority. Schneider Electric’s Telford training centre offers a flexible range of practical and theoretical training courses to develop the necessary judgement and skills of delegates. The ultimate aim of which is to create safe workplaces for those in the electrical industry. Some of the training courses include: High voltage authorised person: The training will cover safe operating procedures relating to the operation and maintenance of a variety of manufacturers HV equipment Authorised Person NHS estates in accordance with HTM 0603: The training is a UK National Health Service course for the appointment of persons working to the HTM 0603 Electrical Safety Code for Low Voltage/High Voltage systems  Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness: The overall aim of the course is to provide delegates with an overview of health, safety and the environment within the working environment  Substation access: The training aims to enable personnel to enter substations and switch rooms for specific duties and to recognise the dangers associated with high voltage equipment The centre also offers customised safety training. This provides the option to train your electrical staff using information concerning individual companies Safe System of Work and other factors relating to organisation’s safety practices and procedures. “Safety must be the priority for every company or institution - nothing is more important than ensuring everyone works in a safe environment. The correct training and qualifications is the first step to developing a safer workplace and industry.” said David Pownall, VP of Services at Schneider Electric. “We’re delighting to see the Telford centre reopening its doors and look forward to welcoming new trainees.” To find out more or sign up, please follow this link.