Leading electrotechnical businesses pick up ECA Awards

The 2019 ECA Industry Awards, which took place in London on June 7, saw 19 top-performing businesses from across the industry scoop honours. In addition, former ECA President, Bill Wright of W Wright Electrical, picked up the ‘major contribution to the industry’ award. Wright was recognised for his decades of working tirelessly in the industry to create a fair environment for both employers and employees, and for his dedication to pushing for delivery of good quality apprenticeships. Here is the full list of 2019 ECA Industry Awards winners: Large Contractor of the Year - turnover over £20 million (sponsored by Schneider Electric) • Winner – Clarkson Evans • Highly commended – NG Bailey Contractor of the Year - up to £20 million turnover (sponsored by Eaton) • Winner – Orton Group • Highly commended – Ceetech Contractor of the Year - up to £5 million turnover (sponsored by JIB) • Winner – West & West • Highly commended – SJD Electrical Contractor of the Year – up to £1 million turnover (sponsored by Edmundson Electrical) • Winner – Abtec Building Technologies • Highly commended – o Building Wiring Solutions o D&B Electrical Contractors Best Energy Solutions Project (sponsored by ABB) • Winner - SSE Best Fire & Security Project (sponsored by FSA) • Winner – Triple Star Fire & Security Best Health & Safety Initiative (sponsored by Electrical Safety First) • Winner – NG Bailey • Highly commended o Faradays o SSE Excellence in Training & Development (sponsored by JTL) • Winner – Ceetech • Highly commended – Property Plus Best Supply Chain Initiative (sponsored by Trimble Luckins) • Winner – AICO Best Client/Partnership (sponsored by ECIC) • Winner – Geoffrey Robinson • Highly commended – Orton Group Major Contribution to the Industry • Winner – Bill Wright of W Wright Electrical Guests on the night were treated to a range of entertainment, including live music and table magic. Thousands of pounds were also raised for the Electrical Industries Charity during a prize draw. TV personalities Huw Edwards and Alan Dedicoat hosted the proceedings and presented awards to the winning ECA organisations and individuals. Entries for the 2020 awards will open later this year, and details will be available at www.ecaawards.co.uk

TheisCraft announces acquisition of Multiload Controls

TheisCraft has announced the acquisition of Multiload Controls. Multiload's award-winning product portfolio complements the existing TheisCraft product range, and the acquisition will allow TheisCraft to further develop its relationship with the standalone markets and the architectural sector. Brian Cuthbertson, MD of Multiload Controls, a UK manufacturer of sophisticated scene-setting systems and lighting controls, comments, “This is an extremely exciting time for both companies. The markets, customers and resources that TheisCraft have will give us the opportunity to penetrate sectors of the industry we have never worked in before.” Multiload’s project history includes Lord’s Cricket Ground, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Association, Thermae Bath Spa, and a host of other well-known and prestigious installations. TheisCraft has worked alongside Multiload on many occasions over the last few years for non-DALI dimming solutions, particularly on architectural projects. Jon Theis, Director of TheisCraft, adds, “We have wanted to develop a closer relationship with Multiload for quite some time, so this is a perfect fit for TheisCraft. Following the acquisition, it will be very much business as usual, but we will now look to maximise every opportunity both commercially and technically as we move forward.”

Select prepares for 2019 industry awards

The best professionals in the industry, who underpin and enable modern life, will once again have the chance to showcase their expertise, as plans for the Select Industry Awards for 2019 are unveiled. The deadline for this year's entries is June 28, and the winners will be revealed at an awards evening which takes place at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on October 11. Reflecting the duty of care which the safety-critical industry has to both clients and employees, a new award category - best health and safety initiative, sponsored by industry charity, Electrical Safety First - has also been introduced this year. The future of the sector will be recognised with the SJIB apprentice and the wholesaler apprentice of the year awards. Furthermore, a special lifetime achievement award will be made on the night. The accolades awarded by Select the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland, will have a special relevance in 2019, a year in which sector’s campaign for recognition of qualified electricians moved to Parliamentary consideration. The awards will also be a first for Select's new Managing Director, Alan Wilson. He says, “Select has been campaigning vigorously for the recognition of electricians as a profession and that professionalism will once again be on show, from young people to industry veterans, at the annual awards ceremony. The importance of the electrotechnical industry in everyday life increases every year in proportion to the complexity of our interconnected world, and it is appropriate that their skill and dedication should be rewarded.” Sponsors include the Scottish Joint Industry Board, Electrical Safety First, Scolmore Group, ECIC, Markel, CEF, EDA Apprenticeships+, Rexel, Schneider Electric, Megger, Edmundson Electrical, Connect and MacRoberts LLP. A shortlist for each category will be published later in the year, and each shortlisted member company will be visited by the judging team to assess their entry in more detail.

New online portal seeks to increase communication

TrustMark, the Government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople, has announced the launch of a new business and consumer portal, providing a secure, free and convenient platform for businesses and their customers to communicate and be transparent with each other. The portals, which are available on the TrustMark website, are part of TrustMark’s commitment to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find reputable tradespeople. They will also be strengthened with advice and guidance that supports the scheme’s code of conduct and customer charter. TrustMark registered businesses and consumers will now be able to exchange messages, photographs, plans and any other relevant documents through the portal, keeping all communications in one convenient place. This method will ensure total clarity on both sides regarding the nature of the work agreed, costings, delivery dates and expected outcomes. Consumers can now request a quote for work directly through their portal account. By doing so, each selected registered business will receive an email inviting them to log in to the TrustMark business portal, where they can view any new enquiries. When quotations have been submitted in response to enquiries, the consumer will be notified through the portal and can accept or reject the quote, or request further information. Businesses will be able to see what enquiries are new or open at any time and will be immediately notified by email if the status of an enquiry changes, for example, if a quote is accepted or a question is asked. Once a quote has been accepted and a project is ongoing, either side can track progress and request info or record updates as and when required. Registered businesses now have the option to personalise their profile on the TrustMark website, allowing them to add company logos, photographs of previous work and highlight areas of specialism and the locations they cover. Businesses using this service will also have access to a range of free template documents such as contracts and invoices Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, says, “The development of this new functionality of our website is part of our commitment to not only ease consumer access to reputable tradespeople, but to actively champion the businesses we know are doing the right thing.  We believe this portal will make choosing to use a TrustMark registered business simpler than ever for consumers, and by making the quote request process as simple and barrier-free as possible, this will vastly increase the possibility of enquiries transforming into paying customers. We will retain our status as a not-for-profit social enterprise and have no intention to turn into a paid-for lead generation service - we simply want to provide a service that tangibly benefits each of our businesses and helps consumers.” The portals are part of a series of initiatives designed to help TrustMark registered businesses and consumers improve their communications. Future releases will also include the ability to accept card payments and provide access to finance options.

JIB welcomes direct employment call

Influential business leaders from across the construction sector have called for direct employment to be implemented across the supply chain, in order to avoid the significant skills shortages facing the industry. The Future Skills Report, published by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), sets out actions to ensure that the sector has the skills needed to deliver future construction and infrastructure requirements. Its number one recommendation asks clients to “agree to a code of employment where those who contribute to a project are directly employed, thereby ensuring that it is in the employer’s best interest to train their staff and benefit from their improved productivity.” To drive the implementation of this, the CLC now plans to influence procurement strategy and policy to encourage reduced numbers of workers not in direct employment. In the report, clients and Government are asked to change both public and private procurement requirements to demand direct employment and measure the number of contracts and tender actions which contain scoring criteria to incentivise direct employment, at head contract and throughout the supply chain. The JIB, which has the promotion of direct-employment as the cornerstone of its work, has long-campaigned for such measures and welcomed the CLC’s report and recommendations. “We applaud the recommendations supporting a directly employed workforce, which is at core of the JIB’s membership model values,” says Roger Horne, JIB Head of Membership. “This is great news for JIB members and should pave the way for more new business opportunities. We look forward to supporting the CLC in its work to implement this strategy.” Andrew Eldred, Director and Employment and Skills at ECA, states, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. For the past 40 years, successive Governments and the UK construction industry have neglected this lesson and forgotten why the direct employment contract emerged in the first place: to facilitate long-term collaboration, productivity and innovation in the workplace. This declaration of intent by the CLC is a welcome start, but implementation arrangements must be carefully planned, credible and wholehearted. ECA, Unite and the JIB are ideally placed to contribute to the development of these arrangements.” Ian Woodland, National Officer for Unite the Union, adds, "The call for direct employment is long overdue. Direct employment improves productivity, reduces accidents and helps to ensure apprenticeship training. A classic win-win situation. This report needs to be the beginning of tackling the hire and fire culture that currently taints and distorts our industry." The report thanked the JIB and ECA as contributors to the report and also recognised the work of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) and its research activities. In further support of direct employment, over the last 12 months the JIB has been driving for the effective implementation of Construction Charters across a number of local authorities. Over 55 authorities across the UK have now signed up to these charters, which pledge better conditions for construction workers. The JIB is developing a template procurement process which can be used by the councils and local authorities in question, to deliver the objectives of the charters. To download the CLC Future Skills Report, click here.

Electrical Apprentice of the Year announced

Richard Bradley (pictured) has been named the 2019 NICEIC and Elecsa Electrical Apprentice of the Year. The 31-year old from Southport, Merseyside was one of eight competitors to reach the grand final, which was held on June 4 at the head office of Scolmore Group, the competition's partner. The final was the third stage of the contest, which saw more than 1,000 apprentices from across the UK take part. Bradley studied electronics as part of his apprenticeship with the Ministry of Defence, and is currently working towards his NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Electrical Installation at a local training centre. He comments, “I was so surprised when they said my name. I thought they called the wrong person. I don’t think I’ve ever been so shocked. I entered the competition after recently being medically discharged from the marines. I needed to find a career that was similar to the work I was doing, but could also help me develop as a person and support my family. Bradley continues, “Being part of the competition has been such a rewarding experience, and I’ve got to work alongside some amazing finalists. It has given me more confidence in my ability and I’m extremely proud of what I have achieved. Now, I intend to push forward and keep challenging myself. “It has been a fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to push themselves further to consider taking part. You’ve got nothing to lose and you never know what will come from it.” As the overall winner, Bradley was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000. Runner-up Cameron Molloy received a holiday voucher worth £750, while third place went to James Martin-Lucraft, who received a £250 holiday voucher. All eight finalists were given an engraved glass trophy, an iPad and kit bag containing an array of Scolmore electrical accessories. The eight finalists were put through a series of challenges across a range of disciplines, including insulation resistance testing, earth loop impedance testing, safe isolation as well as conduit challenge. Each candidate also had to undergo a technical interview with Certsure’s former Technical Standards Director, Alan Wells. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the nearby Belfry Hotel. Handing over the prizes were Kevan Parker, Managing Director at Certsure, Martyn Walley, Group Technical Director at Scolmore Group, and Billy Byrne, star of TV’s DIY SOS. Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Development Manager at NICEIC and Elecsa, comments, “This is the fourth year that we have run the competition, and the standards are getting higher each year. That is encouraging for the industry as a whole. “Through this competition, we want to recognise the talent of electrical apprentices and acknowledge all the good work they do. We want to show them what a rewarding and diverse career they can have within the electrical sector.” Marie Parry, Group Marketing Director at Scolmore, adds, “Our aim at the start of this venture was to create and develop a national competition that would not only attract the highest calibre of candidates, but would also generate interest within the industry; and this is certainly proving to be the case. “We will continue to play our part to help develop and reward and apprentices and will be looking to work more closely with colleges and training facilities to provide learning support and materials and hopefully, inspire more apprentices to get involved in future competitions.”

Solar solution takes LED lighting to new levels

In response to growing demand from end user customers for energy efficient products, Light Efficient Design UK is taking LED lighting to new levels of energy and emissions performance. The company’s new an all-in-one solar-powered solution features a solar panel and battery integrated directly into the LED fixture. There is no need for trenching or wiring, as the fixture does not connect to any power feed. Designed for use in such applications as outdoor car parks, transit shelters and bus stops, the fixture turns on at night automatically and can be set to either stay at 100% light output, or dim down if there is no motion in order to extend battery life. The long-life advanced new LiFePO4 battery lasts at least 2,000 charge cycles, and provides sufficient power for three nights with a one-day charge. There are two 5000K models available, with the 8W version replacing up to 70W MH, and the 30W up to 250W MH. Both allow light adjustment, and the solar panel can be positioned to maximise sunlight and enable snow to slide off. A programmable, remotely controlled motion sensor is also included. Low maintenance is assured with a 50,000 hour rated lamp life, and products are backed by a five-year enclosed fitting warranty. Light Efficient Design UK’s Newbury-based warehouse offers prompt delivery to UK/Ireland electrical wholesalers on all Light Efficient Design retrofit LED products. For further information, visit www.led-llc.com

Schneider prizes up for grabs at CEF Live

Schneider Electric is inviting CEF Live visitors to compete in a virtual racing bike game for the chance to win a variety of prizes on offer at the show. The prizes include an LED Goliath site light, and a £150 red letter day voucher for contestants who achieve the shortest track finish time every two hours on each day of the conference. There will also be a prize for the best track time achieved on each day of the show. Each morning, it will also be giving away a 'wow' tub of installation materials and accessories to the first 50 visitors to its stand. Located at Stand 14, Schneider Electric will be on hand to showcase its latest EcoStruxure capabilities and the benefits of its wiring accessories and solutions, including: - Details on how to safeguard your customers and your business, which is achievable by opting for products that comply with the latest regulations in the 18th Edition. For example, Easy9 consumer units are now available with surge protection devices and kits. See the latest 18th Edition cable management solutions at Schneider's stand. - An overview of the Electrician Partner programme, Schneider's free scheme supporting the smaller electrical contractor. It offers access to free benefits and services to help grow your business. - Information on how to reduce electrical installation time by 50%. The Acti9 Isobar P is the first LV distribution board to have a plug-in RCBO, delivering faster, more efficient installations. Nico Van der Merwe, VP of Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric, says, “The electrical industry is changing. With new rules, regulations and rapid advancements in technology, it can often be hard to keep pace. That’s why we are attending CEF Live. We want to work with leading distributor partners, such as CEF, to showcase to their customers how our products and solutions can make their lives easier, while also benefitting the end user.” “We’re in the business of people. A lot of people think of suppliers and electricians, and think of only circuit boards and plugs. But in reality, it's all about the end user, whether it's a homeowner looking for the most modern, efficient accessories; or an office building manager hunting for greater efficiencies. It’s about making life easier with accessories customers are proud to have in their home or building.” - CEF Live takes place at The NEC in Birmingham on June 6-7. To register, visit www.ceflive.co.uk

New Head of Membership for the JIB

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) has appointed Roger Horne as its new Head of Membership. In the role, Roger will be responsible for all aspects of JIB member recruitment and retention, including working with the JIB’s Regional Advisor team and developing membership marketing activities. Horne joins the JIB from his previous position as Head of Business Development and Membership Services at the Employment Related Services Association. Alongside his wide-ranging membership recruitment and retention experience, Roger has a significant business development track record in the employment and skills sector, including training, development, funding and contracts. He comments, “I am excited to join the team at the JIB to head up the membership function which is a new role, largely about retaining and attracting new members. I am looking forward to the opportunities (and I am sure challenges) I will face as I get to grips with a sector that is new to me.” Steve Brawley, JIB Chief Executive, adds, "Roger brings a wealth of experience with membership organisations to the JIB to help us update our membership proposition and grow our membership in the future. He has a significant challenge, but I am confident that he will rapidly help us to achieve our full potential as a membership organisation."

ECA appoints new Technical Director

Electrical engineer and business leader, Mike Smith, has joined leading engineering services body, ECA, as Director of Technical. Smith has held a variety of commercial roles at SES Engineering Services over the past 25 years, and was most recently the firm’s Estimating and Sector Director, working on projects totalling tens of millions of pounds. From 2017 to 2018, Smith was also ECA President, driving forward the interests of the sector by helping it face the challenges of Brexit, unfair payment practices, and skills shortages. Mike Smith, the new ECA Director of Technical, says, “I am delighted to be joining ECA in this exciting role, having supported the association in various capacities over the past 20 years. I am looking forward to using my industry knowledge to help ECA members grow their businesses and navigate the challenging commercial environment.” Steve Bratt, ECA CEO, adds, “Having Mike on the team further cements ECA’s strong leadership team. His extensive knowledge, experience and expertise will help ECA power ahead and lead the electrotechnical and engineering services industry to success.” Smith takes over the role of ECA Director of Technical from Steve Martin, who took on the role in 2017. ECA’s technical team also includes Gary Parker, Luke Osborne and Darren Smith, as well a range of specialist associates, who collectively have expertise covering the full range of electrotechnical disciplines.