Mr. Electric helps DPD roll out electric vehicle fleet into Cornwall

Mr. Electric, an electrical franchise brand, recently assisted UK parcel delivery company, DPD, with the roll out of its fleet of electric vehicle (EV) delivery vans in Cornwall by providing a one-stop EV charging solution for two of its delivery drivers. From Newquay down to St Austell, the two DPD drivers, Nick Lott and Simon Penter, recently made the switch from diesel to a 100% electric van so they could reduce their fuel and running costs, whilst making their business more sustainable and efficient. Equipped with their new Nissan e-NV200 small vans, the drivers needed an affordable and user-friendly EV charging point installed at their homes in Cornwall to enable them to fulfil their daily deliveries from a single charge. Another key functionality was having a fast home charger which would charge their EV vans whilst they slept. Tasked with finding an accredited EV installer, Nick Lott got in touch with three local electrical businesses who could advise and install home charge points. Mr. Electric was one of the firms who was approached and consequently won the work due to its exceptional professionalism and customer service from start to finish. Following Nick’s recommendation, DPD colleague, Simon Penter, also employed Mr. Electric and was equally pleased with the service he received. “I was so impressed with Mr. Electric from the outset and have already referred the business to both colleagues and friends, which is testament to the work they carried out for me”, comments DPD driver, Nick Lott. “The team provided a quality service, from the initial site survey to understanding my requirements and then the installation at home, and they continue to show their high levels of knowledge and expertise in the EV market. “I have become more environmentally and economically minded with my new EV van, and have even taken advantage of a new off-peak electricity tariff to help reduce the costs even further. Being able to charge my van easily and quickly at home is also essential for my business, and I am hugely grateful to Mr. Electric for making this possible.” Steve Barlow, Director of Mr. Electric Cornwall, strongly believes we have a corporate social responsibility towards the environment to be zero-emissions by 2050 and fully supports the growing demand for sustainable green transport technology. He says: “We have seen an increase in demand for EV charging points in Cornwall over the past six months, with our sales having doubled and enquiries quadrupled. It is great to see that many more consumers and businesses are embracing these emerging technologies and are looking for new ways to reduce rising fuel bills and reduce their carbon footprint. As expert electrical installers, our network of electricians are ready to support those wanting to realise the opportunities in EV charging.” Mr. Electric is now working with both drivers to apply for a grant under the Office for Low Emissions (OLEV) Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, where they can receive up to £500 off the cost of purchasing and installing their home charging point. Mr. Electric is an authorised OLEV accredited installer of electric vehicle charging points with a network franchised electrical businesses who install and manage electrical vehicle car charging points for homes, workplaces and public areas throughout the UK. It is an approved installer and trusted partner for EO Charging and Rolec, both of which have a comprehensive product range designed and built to be flexible and compatible with all leading motor manufacturers’ EVs.

Lighting upgrade for key sports training base

When Surrey Sports Park, one of Europe's premier sites for sport, health, wellbeing and leisure, needed an upgrade to its existing lighting, Thorn Lighting came up with a perfect solution. Utilising a variety of Thorn’s luminaires, a scheme was designed that is compatible with today’s technology and that can be easily upgraded. Surrey Sports Park is the permanent training base of Harlequins Rugby Club, Sure League netball team Surrey Storm, British basketball league club Surrey Heat, and UK top-five swimming club Guildford City. The facilities include a 50 metre, eight lane swimming pool, a 120 station gym/strength and conditioning area, six squash courts, two large exercise studios/conference rooms, a spinning studio, a 1,000 seat arena, three artificial pitches (including 3G turf), and changing/multi-purpose rooms. There is also on-site accommodation with en-suite rooms, extensive catering facilities and event delivery services. The overriding factor in the brief for the lighting solution was to upgrade to energy efficient, low maintenance LED lighting whilst improving the overall illumination of the facility using funding recouped from the energy savings obtained. The use of Thorn’s Glacier II, modern and efficient decorative LED pendant luminaires in the reception has created a bright and vibrant space. Glacier II is a high performance luminaire (91-124lm/W) with a long, maintenance-free lifetime of 50,000 hours that offers an efficient alternative to HID pendants. Thorn’s Areaflood Pro, with a special coating for harsh atmospheres, was chosen for the illumination of the swimming pool. A low-energy, low-cost LED alternative to HID floodlights, the IP66 rated Areaflood Pro is highly efficient (>110 lm/W) and has a substantial 100,000-hour lifetime for both the LED (L90B10) and drivers (Ta25°C). Areaflood Pro offers high class-leading optical performance and control with minimal spill light in a compact, lightweight design. Duoproof, a range of sealed, IP65 rated, recessed fluorescent luminaires and Chalice LED downlights have been installed in the swimming changing areas to creating the ideal ambience. Duoproof and Chalice have also illuminate the general changing areas along with Omega LED, a versatile fitting with a slim 12mm profile and a UV-stabilised opal acrylic diffuser, so it will retain its clean look. The IP44 rated Omega LED provides excellent glare control (UGR<19/22) and is easily retrofitted, whilst maintenance is significantly reduced by the 50,000 hours’ life. The studios have been lit using IQ Wave, Thorn’s next generation smart recessed LED luminaire which focuses on intelligent controls, optics, design and installation. Distinctly different to flat panels, IQ Wave benefits from a modern wave design, providing great lighting quality, high user comfort and a communicative environment for the activities taking place in the studios. Omega LED has been used in conjunction with Novaline, a slim circular luminaire for wall or ceiling mounting that blends with most architectural styles for circulation areas. A combination of Glacier II and Chalice have been used to great effect in the bar areas to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for users. Thorn’s Aquaforce is already established as the ideal luminaire for damp and dusty conditions, making it perfect for use in the plant rooms. The robust, IP66-rated Aquaforce is built to resist ambient temperatures ranging from -20°C to 35°C, and its clever drip-edge design avoids dust depositing on the light output surface, so that any accumulation of dirt has minimal impact on performance. External roadways and car parks have been lit using R2L2, a road lantern at the forefront of LED technology with Plurio, a decorative post-top lantern with a simple and attractive design. The two lanterns work in harmony on the exterior of the facility to provide an environment with enhanced safety that also delivers the demanding energy reduction required.

A 'sip' closer to solving workplace wellbeing issues

With the issue of workplace wellbeing continuing to hit the headlines, Heatrae Sadia is urging contractors and facilities managers to consider the benefits of a well-hydrated workforce, particularly within SMEs. Although there has been a general increase in awareness surrounding the issues of health and wellbeing in the workplace, some recent research has highlighted the ongoing scale of the problem. One report found that ‘sick building syndrome’ – a phenomenon of the 1990s – is making a return, casting doubt over the extent to which progress has been made. In a separate report on wellbeing in the workplace, it was found that 82% of SME business leaders confessed that they do not have a wellbeing strategy in place, despite 67% of employees experiencing job-related stress or anxiety. Given that an estimated 130 million days are lost to sickness absence each year, the importance of schemes which improve the welfare of employees is clear, and nearly half of SME business leaders polled said they would like to introduce one. Finding time and budget is a perennial problem for small businesses, but it is crucial that employers begin to implement a strategy as soon as possible. A relatively straightforward way of doing this is to consider the benefits of easily accessible drinking water. Hydration is widely regarded as one of the key factors in determining cortisol levels, which is effectively the body’s stress hormone. A lack of drinking water can cause an increase in cortisol within the body, leading to fatigue, concentration issues, and greater difficulties dealing with everyday problems. Roy Marsden, Product Manager at Heatrae Sadia, comments, “While only part of the wellbeing picture, providing employees with easily accessible and quality drinking water should be higher on the agenda than it currently is. The numerous benefits of keeping hydrated throughout the working day make it vital that employers look at drinking water as a high priority for their workforce’s wellbeing.” Aside from the direct benefits of staying hydrated, providing a convenient drinking water supply can also be linked with biophilic design. This is part of the trend towards emphasising our connection with nature, by looking at how our surroundings can have a positive impact on health, wellbeing and productivity. Marsden continues, “Alongside natural light and air quality, easy access to water is one of three key determinants to establishing a healthy workplace. This doesn’t have to be an overwhelming challenge, and something as simple as introducing a chilled water dispenser, such as Heatrae Sadia’s Aquatap or SuperChill, can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of a workforce.” As the issues surrounding employee health and welfare continue to dominate the news agenda, and given the simplicity in introducing easily accessible drinking water, facilities managers and contractors should view this as an opportunity to help SMEs improve their employees’ wellbeing. For more information, visit https://www.heatraesadia.com/products/drinking-water

Leading industry stars win 2019 Power Players

Two outstanding individuals in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry have won this year’s ‘Power Players’ initiative, recognised at a ceremony held on October 2, 2019 at Aerospace, Bristol. The initiative was supported by leading industry business, Schneider Electric. Policy analyst, Nadia Smith of the Renewable Energy Association, and business mentor, Dan Jackson, were selected by an independent panel of industry experts, who judged entries based on five criteria: social impact, industry impact, collaboration, innovation and leadership. Outside of work, Nadia is a part of the South East London Community Energy Cooperative, which helps install solar panels on schools and community buildings and uses the funds to tackle fuel poverty. Nadia has also just returned from Ghana, where she taught students practical business skills through the ‘Dream Renewables’ programme, which she co-founded. Dan Jackson, also known to many as ‘Dans The Engineer’, impressed the judges with his sustained advocacy and support for small business owners. Having previously run an electrical business, he is now a business coach for tradespeople and business owners. He has also become a successful YouTuber, raising awareness of fundamentally important issues such as mental health, fair payment, and work-life balance. ECA’s Energy Advisor, Luke Osborne, who was on the judging panel, comments, “Many congratulations to Dan and Nadia, and indeed to everyone who entered this year’s Power Players initiative. Both winners this year were able to show huge commitment to making significant contributions not just to their employers or within the industry, but to wider society. “Once again, Power Players has recognised excellence from young people who have already made their mark in our industry.” Nadia and Dan have won several prizes, including participation in a forthcoming fundraising initiative with the Electrical Industries Charity, a business trip to Schneider’s facility in the French Alps, and lunch with business guru, Sir John Parker. Power Players winner, Nadia Smith, says, “I’m really proud to be part of the Power Players this year, and very thankful to the ECA team for their hard work in pulling this together. It’s great to have initiatives that celebrate the work of young people in the sector, not only to support their growth, but to also attract further talent into the engineering services sector. “ECA does a sterling job of showcasing excellence in engineering services, and I’m excited to see where else the generous prizes from Schneider Electric and the ECA’s industry partners take me on my career path.” Power Players winner, Dan Jackson, notes, “I feel so blessed to have won ECA Power Players 2019 amongst many amazing people who entered. It is fantastic to be recognised by the judges, who are industry leaders, for my efforts towards the electrical industry which I am very passionate about." The judging panel, led by FETA’s Russell Beattie, also included: ECA’s Luke Osborne, EDA’s Anne Vessey, Select’s Alan Wilson, and Tessa Ogle of the Electrical Industries Charity.

Snickers Workwear launches new range of advanced work trousers

Snickers Workwear has added six new Work Trouser styles to its autumn range - including a great-looking Stretch Denim product. The company has introduced the next generation of Work Trouser choices from the premier brand of working clothes for professional tradespeople. There’s the Flexiwork 2.0 trousers, designed for craftsmen who want nothing but the best. These high-spec trousers are made of a durable, four-way stretch fabric that is designed to offer a new level of comfort and freedom of movement. There also ‘loose-fit’ AllroundWork stretch trousers that offer a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel, plus the new FlexiWork denim work trousers, where workwear meets streetwear in these slim-fitting work trousers made of washed stretch denim. Snickers Workwear has also added new, regular fit RuffWork Canvas+ heavy duty trousers. The ladies will definitely have a close eye on the ALLroundWork womens stretch trousers, which have been specially designed and shaped to fit the female anatomy with a narrower waist for optimal comfort and freedom of movement. Snickers Workwear believes that these are probably the best possible additions to the Snickers Work Trouser range, with something to suit everyone - whoever you are, wherever you’re working and whatever you’re doing on site.

Hultafors launches new 'Snap-Off' knives

Hultafors Tools has launched a new range of ‘Snap-Off’ knives for professional craftspeople. With 13 different knives and four long-lasting precision blades, these all-round, ergonomic knives are designed and built to suit a wide range of jobs on site. From industrial and warehouse applications, to specialist work on site, they are ideal for cutting boxes open and shaping plasterboard, and trimming flooring and paring cables. Symmetrically designed so that the blades can turned over, they’re adaptable for both left and right hand use so that left-handed users can adapt the knife, rather than their own usage. What’s more, the blades are available in three widths of 9, 18 and 25mm, with different blends of sharpness and long life built in to suit regular hard work on site. For more information on the Hultafors Tools product range, call the helpline on 01484 854788 or visit www.hultafors.co.uk to download a digital catalogue.

Contract secured for Aylesbury Estate regeneration

Mechanical and electrical building services provider, J S Wright, has secured a contract valued at more than £6.5 million for the first stage in the regeneration of the Aylesbury Estate in south-east London. The Birmingham-based company, which has an office in central London, will design and build the mechanical services for the initial 229 high-quality apartments in the First Development Site (FDS) of more than 800 homes on Albany Road, Walworth for housebuilder Hill. The FDS forms part of a plan by housing association Notting Hill Genesis and Southwark Council for 3,500 new homes, half of which will be affordable accommodation, over the lifetime of the Aylesbury Estate project. J S Wright will install a low-pressure hot water heating system and associated pipework to feed radiators within each apartment, along with a cold-water plantroom and distribution network to deliver boosted cold water as part of the domestic hot and cold-water services. The company will also supply and install a heat interface unit in each apartment to act as a bridge to deliver instant hot water on demand and hot water to the radiators at low return temperatures. It will also fit mechanical ventilation heat recovery and extract systems, dry risers and domestic sprinklers, sanitary ware that will make use of internal rainwater, and above-ground drainage. The brief will include installing building management controls including a pre-payment system for billing each apartment’s energy use, as well as a temporary energy centre and external services for the following phases of the FDS. Work has already started on site on the 19-month project, which is scheduled for completion in March 2021. The contract follows a separate commission from Hill for an Approved Premises Facility (APF) on the Aylesbury Estate, which will 36 secure studio-bedroom apartments, along with staff and communal support facilities. Phil Leech, J S Wright Managing Director, says, "We are delighted that a leading housebuilder with whom we have built up an excellent relationship has again turned to our expertise in designing and installing energy efficient M&E systems to support the regeneration of one of London’s largest residential estates.”

ECS Registered Electrician reaches 20,000 milestone

Over 20,000 ECS cardholders have now signed up for ECS Registered Electrician status. Initially launched in October 2017, when BS7671:2008 (the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations) were in place, the number of cardholders achieving the recently introduced BS7671:2018 (the 18th Edition) has steadily grown. Now, over half of all ECS Registered Electricians hold the 18th Edition qualification, with more upgrading from 17th to 18th each month. The JIB established ECS Registered Electrician status to recognise those who are not only working at the industry-recognised Level 3 standard, but also have the current edition of the Wiring Regulations. Registered Electrician cardholders can gain a well-deserved endorsement for their professionalism and skills, stand out amongst their peers and get a valuable boost to their status and credibility. For electrical contractors, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that their electrical workforce is up-to- date on the latest industry technology developments and is committed to maintaining this level of professionalism. Steve Brawley, JIB Chief Executive, comments, “I am very pleased at the success of the ECS Registered Electrician status, which we launched under two years ago. Our cardholders have shown their appetite for demonstrating that they hold the latest edition of the regs, and we must congratulate them for raising the bar.” To be eligible for Registered Electrician status, cardholders must meet the existing gold card requirements for an Installation or Maintenance Electrician, hold the BS7671:2018 qualification and sign up to a Code of Professional Conduct, which includes a commitment to working professionally and responsibly. Find out more about ECS Registered Electrician at www.ecscard.org.uk/ecs-registered-electrician.

J S Wright secures Seasprite Close contract

Building services provider, J S Wright, has secured a contract worth more than £2 million for a major new housing scheme in north London. The mechanical and electrical services specialist will fit out Seasprite Close in Northolt with heating, hot and cold water, gas, drainage and ventilation services, having successfully completed an earlier contract for their design. The commission from housebuilder Hill, in partnership with Ealing Council, involves equipping all 84 apartments in three blocks of four to eight storeys including communal areas, along with eight houses. J S Wright will install an energy efficient heat network to deliver heat from a central plantroom to each of the apartments in one of the blocks, and combination boilers in the remaining blocks and houses. The low-pressure hot water distribution will feed an underfloor heating system within each apartment via a heat interface unit that will also provide instant domestic hot water on demand. The combination boilers will provide heating to radiators and meet the hot water requirements in the remaining premises. The company will also install a cold-water booster set and tank room with piping to deliver cold water to all floors, as well as internal and external rainwater systems, dry risers and domestic sprinklers. In addition, J S Wright will deliver a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR), above ground drainage, sanitary ware and building management controls including a pre-payment billing system. Work on site is scheduled to begin this month, with completion due in autumn 2021. J S Wright has also been awarded a £600,000 commission by Hill to design and build the mechanical services for a new Approved Premises Facility (APF) in south-east London. The contract for the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark will cover 36 secure studio-bedroom apartments, along with staff and communal support facilities. The modern purpose-built APF has been designed to improve the opportunities for its occupants in later life as part of an ongoing regeneration programme for the estate. J S Wright will install underfloor heating and hot and cold-water services fed from a low-pressure hot water energy centre supported by an air source heat pump system. It will also install a boosted cold-water system, sanitaryware connected to an above-ground drainage network, an internal rainwater system, domestic sprinklers and dry risers, and MVHR ventilation, together with a building management system to control and monitor all the plant. The contract is scheduled for completion in December 2019.

New construction minister to appear at UK Construction Week

The new Construction Minister, Nadhim Zahawi MP, is set to make his first industry appearance at UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s largest built environment event, at the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday 9 October. A survey of over 900 construction professionals conducted by UKCW[1] asked respondents what their one request to the Construction Minister and the Government would be. The results of the survey revealed an increasingly impatient industry still focused on Brexit, but split between those who want the Government to ‘Get Brexit completed’ (37%), with the vast majority of those favouring a 'no ifs or buts' approach), and those who want to ‘Cancel Brexit altogether’ (32%). Within the industry itself, the research reveals that it’s mostly architects who are Remainers, with 57% of those respondents choosing to make ‘Cancel Brexit’ their number one request, compared to 15% choosing ‘Get Brexit completed’. This swaps over when it comes to contractors, with 44% of those respondents choosing ‘Get Brexit completed’, compared to 20% choosing ‘Cancel Brexit’. Other political and policy issues came much further down the list. The alternative number one requests from respondents were for the Government to speed up initiatives in construction to tackle climate change (9%), the cancellation of HS2 (a surprising 4%, mostly from consultants), and reform to planning laws and policies to make it easier to build (3%). Nathan Garnett, UKCW Event Director, says, “The splits in the construction industry’s views simply reflect what’s happening in society generally. But it is a really difficult time for this sector at the moment, a sector that absolutely hates uncertainty. The Minister will hear this very clearly when he attends this year’s event – whether it’s deal or no deal, or cancelling it altogether, we just want to know how to prepare for the future.” Despite the uncertainties, and to help the 30,000 or more industry delegates expected at the show, UK Construction Week is hosting a wide range of CPDs and keynote speeches to explain what can be done to prepare for the post-Brexit future. For example, a major debate on the UKCW main stage will take place on Wednesday 9 October, on Brexit Boom or Bust? Industry Economic Forecast 2020. This features Professor Noble Francis, economics director at the CPA, Tom Hall, chief economist at Barbour ABI, and Lord Digby Jones, cross bench peer and businessman. The Office for Product Safety and Standards will be holding workshops on timber regulations and the impact of a no-deal exit on timber importers. The Department for Work and Pensions will be advising construction professionals in the UKCW Careers Centre and HMRC is in the Civils area of the show (stand C21). In addition, the Department for Education will be promoting apprenticeships and talking about educational options in the UK for EU nationals post-Brexit. Nadhim Zahawi MP was appointed in July as the third Construction Minister so far this year. He will be giving a keynote address on the UKCW Main Stage on day two of the event, at 2.15pm. Pre-booking is strongly advised. UKCW is one event with many sections, including build sponsored by Easy-Trim, building tech, civils, energy and HVAC, surface and materials, and timber. It also features Concrete Expo (8-9 October only) and Grand Designs Live (9-10 October only). Single registration gives free access to all areas of the show. Pre-booking is also strongly recommended for the extensive seminars and CPD programme. Find out more about UKCW at: https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/ [1] Research with 906 respondents within the construction industry and registered to attend UK Construction Week was conducted in September 2019.