Fuel Poverty: Is Energy Efficient Heating The Solution?

Whilst many look forward to the winter months and cosy dark nights, the harsh truth for a lot of people is that it’s a time of the year that causes anxiety as fuel poverty continues to affect a huge amount of households across the UK, says Tansun. In a recent government survey, it was revealed that more than 2.5 million households in England in 2017 were in the bracket of fuel poverty. That is more than one in 10 households in England and around 3.5 million in the UK as a whole. Another government report stated that in 2016 those 2.5 million homes were unable to pay the costs associated with heating their properties without falling below the poverty line – an increase of 69,000 on the previous year. There are lots of factors that play a part in causing fuel poverty. Insulation, glazing and building fabric all contribute to how much it costs to heat a property, but incorrect, inefficient or inadequate heating systems remain the biggest cause of financial concern in fuel poor households. This is particularly evident in homes using traditional electric heating, something experts Tansun wants to change. Around 2.2 million households in the UK are electrically heated, which accounts for 8.5% of all homes. This includes storage heating (1.7million), direct acting heating systems (0.5million) and heat pumps (less than 0.1million).  For those living with outdated electric heating, such as storage heaters, then upgrading to a more efficient solution like radiant heating is the best way to start saving money. Upgrading to panel heaters like Tansun’s new infrared radiant panels will help transform the way people heat their homes and commercial buildings. Tansun infrared radiant panels are the ideal indoor heating solution for both commercial and domestic applications.  The radiant panels are developed to provide even heat distribution to gently warm people and objects before targeting the surrounding air. Each panel uses advanced heating technology designed to be environmentally friendly and  energy efficient, resulting in energy conversion rates of around 98%.  In 2017, 16% of electrically heated homes in England and 748,000 Scottish households were living in fuel poverty, with 203,000 Scottish homes categorised as living in ‘extreme fuel poverty’. This means more than 20% of the occupants’ income is required to heat the property. By improving the efficiency of electrically heated homes with new technology, it is possible to reduce a combined £160 million fuel poverty gap for more than 450,000 households in England and Wales. Due to their reliability, 1.7m properties in the UK are using storage heaters, mainly in the privately-rented and social housing sectors. The average storage heater is more than 20 years old and operates at less than 38% efficiency, compared to infrared heating which is 100% efficient. Around 70% of these are manually-controlled and old models, dating back decades. For those with traditional storage heaters that are in need of replacement, infrared heating should be considered not only because it is smaller and more aesthetically pleasing than a storage heater but more importantly it is the cheaper and more efficient option to use going forward. It is important that homes should be future-proofed for low-carbon heating going forward, and by installing a reliable and virtually maintenance-free system like radiant heating panels residents are making the first step in making substantial savings. All of Tansun’s products are made in the UK and are designed using premium components. The company has been established for 35 years and pioneered the concept of radiant electric heaters alongside Philips technology. Tansun has the largest range of commercial, industrial and domestic radiant heaters in the world, providing maintenance-free, safe and healthy radiant heaters for many heating applications.    Tansun heaters are available with a full range of energy-saving controllers which further enhance the efficiency of the products.  

JTL Launches Apprenticeships Partnership With Central Bedfordshire College

JTL, a national training provider for electrical and plumbing and heating apprenticeships, has announced its new partnership with Central Bedfordshire College. The partnership, which will focus on the delivery of electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, will be taught in the Incuba part of the college and consist of both classroom and workshop-based learning. Each apprentice will be allocated a dedicated JTL Training Officer who will assist them through their learning process, as well as providing invaluable support to employers who have a JTL apprentice attending the college. JTL is working with Central Bedfordshire College on the development of brand new workshops, which are set to open this Spring. The partnership will provide local young people with the opportunity to develop career-ready skills, which in turn will benefit local employers by giving them access to a homegrown talent pool.  JTL’s Chief Executive, Jon Graham, says: ‘‘We are delighted to be forming this new strategic relationship with Central Bedfordshire College. By bringing the strengths of both organisations together, I am confident that the partnership will have a positive impact on the learning environment for staff, employers and apprentices alike, as well as continue to improve local skills for the building services sector.” Ali Hadawi, Central Bedfordshire College Principal, adds: “The partnership between Central Bedfordshire College and JTL is a unique opportunity for this area, enabling a strong building services sector-based presence to be created which supports students, apprentices and employers. By working collaboratively in sharing resources and great practice, the College and JTL can collectively offer skills and training solutions and opportunities that meet the skills gaps in this area; offering employers and prospective employees real support in more ways than ever before”. A launch event will take place at the college in the Spring, which will give both employers and their trade representatives the opportunity to look around. Attendees will be introduced to JTL, Central Bedfordshire College staff and its apprentices. They will be able to see how both partners work pro-actively together to help meet the skill needs of employers and encourage greater local economic prosperity  

Over £80 Million Worth Of Tools Stolen From Trades In Three Years

More than £83 million worth of tools have been stolen across England and Wales in the last three years, reveals new research from Direct Line for Business. This equates to £83,500 of equipment going missing every day. Despite reporting these incidents to police forces, just three per cent of the tools are ever reunited with owners, meaning tradespeople across the country have lost more than £80 million worth of tools. Since 2017, an estimated 217,000 tools have been stolen, with a third (33 per cent) of these reported in London. Yorkshire and Humberside (21 per cent) and the North West (12 per cent) also account for a substantial proportion of stolen tools. It is also expected that these figures could be higher as no police forces from the South East, which accounts for a sixth of the population, responded to the FOI request. Based on overall UK figures, this means that the actual figure could exceed 260,000 tools going missing. When it comes to where the tools are taken from, more than a quarter (28 per cent) are stolen from vehicles, while 20 per cent are taken from private residences and just 10 per cent go missing from work sites or places of business. The average value of a reported stolen tool is £385, meaning the overall figure to the industry could be substantial. In response to this issue, Direct Line for Business has launched ‘Overnight Tools cover,’ which carries an additional premium, which insures customers tools in a locked vehicle overnight and will be invaluable for tradespeople who are often working at a customer’s site and don’t have access to a locked building for storing tools overnight.   Nandita Borkakoti, Product Manager for Tradesperson at Direct Line for Business, says: “Our analysis shows that tool theft is proving to be a real issue for tradespeople across the UK. It is not only the inconvenience of having to get new tools, but tradespeople could also be missing out on work if they do not have the correct equipment to complete a job. “We have recently enhanced our tradespeople policy to offer overnight tool theft cover from a vehicle as an added extra. We hope this will allow peace of mind and prevent too much disruption to the working day for our customers should the worst happen.”  Direct Line for Business has migrated its tradesperson insurance to an enhanced online sales platform.  The system is designed to give power back to the consumer and allow them to build the right policy meeting their specific insurance needs, with all the benefits of purchasing direct rather than through a broker. For tips on how to keep your van and tools safe, click here.

ECA Publishes Letter Calling For Rail Electrification Programme

The Government needs to kick-start a ‘rolling programme’ of rail electrification, say business, passenger, freight, and community groups. A number of industry bodies, including ECA, have today published a joint letter urging the Government to kick start a rolling programme of rail electrification in order to decarbonise the rail network by 2040. The letter, coordinated by the Rail Industry Association, was supported by other bodies representing thousands of businesses and organisations from across transport, business and construction. The signatories urged the Government to end the ‘stop-start’ nature of past electrification schemes and to introduce a ring-fenced “rolling programme” fund that allows the rail industry to extend electrified track over several years. Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) Energy Advisor Luke Osborne says: “The UK’s railway system, particularly in the North, is in desperate need of investment and decarbonisation to bring it into the 21st Century. Electrification of the railways is fundamental to getting zero carbon done.” Darren Shirley, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, adds: “The scale and pace of rail electrification must increase if legally binding carbon emission targets are to be met and air quality improved in towns and cities. Rail is currently the greenest major form of transport, but will cede that leading position undoing wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions unless the Government commits to a rolling programme of electrification. The Government should introduce a ring-fenced fund in the upcoming Budget with a longer-term settlement in the Spending Review so that communities can reap the benefits of cleaner train services." Noel Dolphin, Campaign to Electrify Britain’s Railway (CEBR), also commented: “In order to deliver a decarbonised rail network, a significant amount of electrification is required. Electrification also provides benefits of increased capacity, decreased journey times and quieter, cleaner trains. A rolling programme of electrification is the most efficient and cost-effective way to deliver electrification.” Alasdair Reisner, Chief executive, CECA, has this to say on the matter: “It is essential that the UK moves swiftly to meet its carbon reduction commitments. Our transport network provides one of the biggest areas of opportunity in this regard, and rail electrification is an essential part of this. We support the development of a credible programme to cut the carbon cost of rail journeys nationwide” Justin Moss and Mike Hulme, Co-Chairs of Northern Rail Industry Leaders (NRIL) says: “Decarbonising our rail network is important for the whole UK and in the North there are a number of lines that would benefit from electrification, including the Trans Pennine Route. We’d urge the Government to restart the electrification programme, and get on with decarbonising rail lines across the country.” Maggie Simpson, Director General of the Rail Freight Group, was also vocal on the matter: “Rail freight is already the environmental choice for freight movement, but we cannot be complacent.  Electrification is the only proven technology to decarbonise rail freight, and Government must start a rolling programme to electrify key routes, supporting private sector investment in new locomotives, and ensuring a low carbon future solution for freight customers and wider society.” Elaine Clark, CEO of Rail Forum Midlands put forth her opinion: “Government commitment to a long term rolling programme of electrification is essential if we are to meet the challenges set for decarbonising the railway and contribute to wider UK emissions and air quality targets. It’s also the only way we can retain and develop these essential skills in the industry thereby driving the reduction in delivery costs that have been identified as possible.“ Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), concludes: “Kick-starting a programme of electrification on intensively-used rail is essential if the Government is serious about delivering on its goal to decarbonise UK rail by 2040. Not only are electrified trains key to decarbonisation, electrified tracks are more reliable, reduce costs in the long term and shorten journey times too. Research conducted by RIA has shown that the costs of electrification schemes can be lowered by up to 50% compared to some past projects, particularly if supported by a “rolling programme” of work to avoid the expensive and inefficient ‘feast and famine’ approach to investment in the past. So we urge the Transport Secretary to make this a top priority as the new Government develops its Infrastructure Strategy in the months ahead.” The full joint statement to the Government can be read here.

A Third Of Construction Professionals Believe Fire Safety Training Remains Inadequate Post-Grenfell

A third of construction professionals believe the industry still has ‘inadequate’ knowledge and training around fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, new research has found. A study carried out by Iman Farah Mohamed, a Quantity Surveying student at Birmingham City University, looked at industry views on fire safety following the tragic incident in June 2017, which saw 72 people lose their lives and more than 70 others injured.  It found that most professionals think ‘knowledge surrounding fire safety in the construction industry’ is inadequate, while the majority also believe higher education institutions need to do more to educate construction students on fire safety before they enter the sector. The research, which surveyed dozens of people working in construction professions and interviewed one expert directly involved with the Grenfell enquiry, also raised concerns around fire evacuation procedures in UK hospitals. One respondent said: “Current building regulations are compliant but I’m not sure if they’re good enough. Interestingly there are no specific building regulations for mass evacuations and having spoken to fire services, they are frightened about hospital fires as the patients are not always mobile, making evacuation difficult.” The paper, which has been published in the International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, suggests that specific roles should be created dedicated to fire safety, or that existing staff members are given the issue as a key responsibility. It also recommends that higher education institutions encompass fire safety training in their courses, to ensure the next generation of construction professionals have the skills needed to prevent future disasters from happening.  The report also found that:  There has been an increased awareness of fire safety concerns in the profession since the Grenfell fire. There are concerns that the UK hospitals may struggle to evacuate immobile patients in the event of a fire.  Many believe the current fire safety regulations are ‘not fit for purpose’.  37 per cent of those surveyed believe industry knowledge on fire safety is ‘inadequate’. Only 28 per cent of respondents believe university curricula provide sufficient education on fire-proofing buildings.     50 per cent thought communication between residents and constructors around fire safety should be formalised. New roles should be created to prioritise fire safety or this responsibility should be a requirement of existing jobs such as facilities managers. Respondents were conflicted on whether race and class played a role in allowing the neglect which led to the tragedy at Grenfell. Responders to the research highlighted concerns with the sector’s approach to fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire with one saying:  “It is not expected that fire could spread externally as there is a mind-set that fire risk is unlikely outside the façade of the building.”  One respondent also challenged higher education institutions to do more and said a focus on driving profits was currently taking precedence over developing the skills needed to keep residents safe: "Educational institutions have drifted from equipping students with detailed knowledge and they now just focus on making money. Standards of education are now severely compromised as there many students entering the industry without knowledge. This explains the poor selection and compromise on building materials. Gone are the years of durability and safety. It’s all money.” Iman Farah Mohamed, who wrote the paper said: “The research showed that there remains some concern in the construction industry around the knowledge and training provided in relation to fire safety. “Grenfell was a major incident which brought the issue to the front of people’s minds, but while the awareness in the industry has increased, most professionals want to see more from the sector and higher education providers to prioritise fire safety. “The recommendations suggest how we can make sure professionals of the future are equipped with the knowledge they need to prevent a tragedy like this in the future, and that regulations and guidelines are updated to add a much needed extra layer of protection.” The study recommends that: Specialist training be made available to workers across the sector. Visiting lecturers and specialist practitioners, such as fire safety engineers, should form part of higher education construction courses. New regulations should be introduced to protect against future disasters based on building materials or practices. Funding should be made available to ensure professionals are equipped with the knowledge they need. 

ESP Paint It, Black

ESP is expanding one of its best-selling products – the Aperta EZTAG door entry system – with a black version of the EZTAG3 keypad and proximity reader. Already available in silver, the black version will broaden its appeal for a range of installations.  Offering straightforward installation and commissioning and with simple self-contained programming, EZTAG3 is an IP65 rated weatherproof combined access control keypad with proximity tag or pin code activation, accommodating up to 1,010 key tag holders or pin numbers.   Users approach the keypad and enter a four digit code or hold a personal proximity tag within a few inches to activate one of the EZTAG3’s two on board relays, which in turn activates an appropriate door release in separate controlled areas. The EZTAG3 supports two separate lock outputs, as well as fail safe and fail secure locks.   It comes complete with 10 tags and features a robust housing with a narrow (45mm x 152mm) footprint, allowing installation where space is at a premium. The units are further enhanced with the use of LED operational indicators and an attractive blue backlighting of the keypad. There is also a doorbell option.  A new black keypad is also being introduced for the EZTAG3PRO Kit, which offers a complete door entry system in one handy and convenient box, and comprises: EZTAG3 proximity door entry keypad 10 proximity tags Electromagnetic lock Boxed power supply - with optional backup battery  Push to exit button or mushroom button Emergency break glass ESP’s technical support team is available during working hours from Monday to Friday to offer any advice or support that may be required.

Is Red Tape Preventing Tradespeople Hiring Apprentices?

Tradespeople are missing out on growth opportunities from hiring an apprentice because of perceived costs and red tape, new research from Screwfix has revealed. Despite two thirds (66%) of builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople turning down work because they are too busy, just 5% of those surveyed, currently hire an apprentice. Half of those said having an extra pair of hands has helped them take on additional work. Research has found that the top reasons for not employing an apprentice were due to cost (33%), too much red tape (24%) and concerns about finding the right person to work with the team (17%). John Mewett, CEO of Screwfix, comments: “These results show there is much more to do to help tradespeople overcome perceived challenges to hiring an apprentice.  “We know from our customers that having an apprentice on site can be a real opportunity and support business growth. It allows tradespeople to take on more work while investing in the future generation, who will hopefully go on to become long-term employees. What’s more, apprentices can earn while they learn and avoid costs associated with university, it’s a great way to start a fulfilling career. Without opportunities for apprentices we will face a potential skills gap in the UK. “As a company, we’re dedicated to supporting both the future generation and the seasoned professionals. It’s for this reason, we’ve just launched our sixth annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, where we are on the lookout to crown an apprentice who is going above and beyond the call of duty and will be lucky enough to walk away with a career boosting trade bundle, worth £10,000. “It’s important that we not only shine a light on the benefits of apprenticeships, but also the strength and depth of apprentice talent out there.” Screwfix Trade Apprentice is a national competition open to trade apprentices. The top entries from across the UK will be invited to an exclusive final at Global Radio HQ, where one outstanding individual will be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2020. Up for grabs at the final is a career boosting prize package worth £10,000. This includes everything a future tradesperson may need to kick-start their career - £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology.  The winner will also get £2,000 for the college where they study. In addition to all of this, the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2020 will be invited to meet a team of experts behind Capital XTRA’s Homegrown Live, at the event this spring. All finalists will also be invited to attend a Business start-up day at the Global Academy, a University Technical College specialising in the fast paced and exciting broadcast and digital media industry. They will learn how to market themselves, promote their business through social media from media industry professionals and will also meet Capital XTRA’s Robert Bruce. Entries are open between 3 February – 1 March 2020. To find out more, visit screwfix.com/sfta.   

Fluke Introduces Gold Packages for Three-Phase Power Loggers

Fluke is offering its 1736 and 1738 Three-Phase Power Loggers with Fluke Connect as Gold packages. Ideal for maintenance managers and industrial electricians, electrical contractors and energy consultants, the Gold packages are offered at lower recommended prices than the standard product and include free accessories, and - for the 1738 - a free, unique training programme. The Fluke 1736 Three-Phase Power Logger Gold Edition (FLUKE-1736/EUS-GOLD) and 1738 Three-Phase Power Logger Gold Edition (FLUKE-1738/EU-GOLD-E) enable the capture and logging of voltage, current, power, harmonics, and associated power quality values to deliver comprehensive data for load studies, energy assessments, harmonic measurements, and voltage events. The 1738 enables the troubleshooting of more advanced power quality issues: it can, for example, perform advanced analysis with an enhanced Power Quality Health Summary function that provides a fast insight into overall electrical system health. The 1736/EUS-Gold includes the Fluke 1736 Power Logger with the addition of four MP1-Magnet Probes, to improve connection stability and keep the user’s hands free to do the testing, plus four current clamps. The 1738/EUS-Gold includes the Fluke 1738 Power Logger with four MP1-Magnet Probes, four current clamps, plus the Fluke EPE Training programme (Electrical Power Explained). EPE consists of a webcast and supporting guidebook to help understand the major elements that affect power quality, particularly inductive loads, harmonic distortion, and three-phase power unbalance. This will help solve power problems now that electrical loads in industrial and commercial buildings are often too complex to be calculated by the classical model of power. The Fluke Connect capability allows users to access and share data remotely with their team, or access the logger through the local Wi-Fi infrastructure, so as to maintain safer working distances and make critical decisions in real-time, reducing the need for protective equipment, site visits and check-ins. The included Fluke Energy Analyze Plus software provides detailed analysis of energy consumption and power quality and generates reports automatically. The Fluke 1736 and 1738 feature an optimised user interface, flexible current probes, and an intelligent measurement verification function designed to reduce measurement errors by digitally verifying and correcting common connection errors. Set up can be further simplified by powering the logger directly from the measured circuit. All three phases and neutral can be measured using the four flexible current probes. More than twenty separate logging sessions can be stored on the instrument. All measured values are automatically logged so that measurement trends are not lost: they can be reviewed during logging sessions, and before downloading, for on-the-go analysis. The bright, colour touch-screen enables convenient in-the-field analysis and data checks with full graphical displays. The instruments provide event waveform snapshots, along with date and timestamp, to capture dips and swells and help pinpoint root causes of power quality issues. Both models have 600V CAT IV / 1000V CAT III safety ratings. To find out more on these unique packages, visit www.fluke.co.uk/gold.

Enhanced SELECTcerts App Launches

A new and improved version of SELECT’s SELECTcerts app has been launched, offering improved functionality and a wider range of certificates and reports. The innovative service helps the trade association’s Members create a full range of electronic certificates quickly and easily, and can also be used to create a client database and installation locations. Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services, said the new update will make it even quicker and easier to complete vital certification: “SELECTcerts Version 2.0 offers a far more user-friendly experience and comes with a few other tools built in, such as a scheduling calendar. It is designed to be easier to use on mobile devices with a simple step-by-step approach to completing certificates and reports. For users who are Building Standards Approved Certifiers, it also features the ability to complete and issue Certificates of Construction. “The new system underwent extensive user testing prior to launch, and we’re confident that Members will enjoy how easy it is to navigate and use. All existing users will now enjoy the first month of the new app free to allow them to get used to using the new system.  There will be a similar discounted offer for new users switching from other systems or using SELECTcerts for the first time.” Developed in partnership with the experts at Computer Scene Technical Ltd, SELECTcerts is designed to be accessed by all internet-enabled devices and is available from Google Play, Windows App Store and the Apple App Store.  Annual subscription is £240 + VAT or £20 + VAT per month. For further details, email memberservices@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 557.

Unitrunk Opens Depot In Yorkshire

Cable management manufacturer, Unitrunk, has added to its extensive distribution network with the opening of its newest depot in Yorkshire. Claiming to be the UK and Ireland’s largest distribution network, servicing the electrical contractor and wholesale industry with their range of standard and bespoke cable management solutions, the latest depot will bring the Unitrunk Group to a total of 10 locations throughout the UK and Ireland. This includes two manufacturing sites, located in Warrington, UK, and Lisburn, the company’s Headquarters in Northern Ireland. Unitrunk has spent over nine months locating and fitting out the 13,000 sq. premises which is predominantly warehousing space. The storage capacity means many products are immediately available to customers facing tight deadlines.  The Yorkshire facility also boasts newly renovated office space and dedicated conference facilities which will be used to train customers on how to get the most from the current Unitrunk product range, as well as to introduce the various new ranges which the company will be releasing later this year. Unitrunk currently supplies customers globally, working on a range of impressive projects from the London Underground, to prominent TV production facilities, to the Kumasi Airport in Ghana.  Unitrunk’s Managing Director, David Morrow, explains why they chose Yorkshire for their latest depot location: “For over 50 years we have prided ourselves on our innovative product range and outstanding customer service. During this time, we have always made strategic decisions in terms of our depot locations so that we could bring our products closer to our customers. With a thriving customer base, increased construction and a busy agricultural industry, it made sense that Unitrunk’s latest addition to the distribution network would be in Yorkshire, servicing Yorkshire, Leeds and the surrounding areas.  “Our new depot means that we are now within five mins to 1 ½ hours reach of all our customers. We have a fantastic team in place and we’re excited about bringing our unique product range, which focuses on ease of use and speedy installation, to new customers in the area, as well as being that bit closer to current customers who are already aware of the time saving benefits the Unitrunk product range can bring to their cable management project.” Unitrunk Yorkshire officially opened to trade customers on Tuesday 11th February 2020 with an open event for customers and business people from the local area.