Could An Electrician Be Britain's Top Tradesperson 2018?

Britain’s Top Tradesperson 2018 competition has now launched, inviting electricians from across Britain to be recognised for the great work that they do in keeping homes and local businesses in the best condition. The annual competition, organised by Screwfix and supported by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, aims to highlight and recognise the great work tradespeople do. This year's winner will not only take home the title of Britain's Top Tradesperson 2018, but will also drive away in a brand new Mitsubishi L200 Warrior pick-up truck, worth £33,000 (OTR). Screwfix will select the best tradespeople to face-off in regional heats and from there, 10 finalists from across the UK will head to Wembley Stadium for the national final in July, where they will compete in front of an judging panel consisting of industry experts. Caroline Welsh, director of brand and marketing at Screwfix, said, “The award is only given to top tradespeople who can demonstrate that they go above and beyond in their trade. It’s for those who can show how they are adapting to change in the industry, have a positive impact on their community, invest in the future of the trade or show true professionalism in every job they complete. This is our biggest competition of the year, designed to showcase the fantastic tradespeople in the industry. “It’s the ninth year we have run this competition and we want to continue to celebrate and reward successful tradespeople from all across the UK that deliver quality work, often without gaining recognition they deserve.” Business is booming for last year’s winner, Lluis Dalmau, owner of LCD Heating and Gas Services: “My business is my pride and joy, so to win the title of Britain’s Top Tradesperson meant so much to me. My customer base has grown more than I could ever imagine and I now have extra confidence to take my business to the next level. I think it’s fantastic that Screwfix run a competition like this – if you think you’ve got what it takes, make sure to enter now – you’ll never look back,”  he said. NICEIC commented, “The Britain’s Top Tradesperson competition is a superb platform as it gives electricians the chance to receive the recognition they deserve on a national scale. If you’ve recently taken a course to upgrade your skill-set, completed a complex job, or prove that you run your business with customers in mind then this competition is for you and we are urging you to represent the best of the electrical trade.” Entries are open until June 3 2018, with regional finalists selected and competing later that month. In July, the finalists will compete at the national finale, with the overall winner being named Britain’s Top Tradesperson 2018. To find out more, visit your local Electricfix trade counter or go to screwfix.com/btt to enter directly.

JIB Launches Mental Health Resources For Members

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May), the JIB has launched an online resource to help its members promote a positive mental health environment in the workplace. Working in partnership with Acas, EC Insurance Services, the Electrical Industries Charity and Mates in Mind, the guidance is broken into three key areas: prevention; intervention; treatment and support, to signpost useful tools and resources that are available to help JIB members at each stage. In addition to the information for employers, a separate section specifically for individuals highlights what help is available if you’re seeking mental health support for yourself, or are trying to help a colleague. Via the JIB Benefits Scheme, participating JIB members and their employees can access services such as telephone counselling and Bupa specialist mental health teams to help address problems at an early stage. Outside of the benefits scheme, all workers in the electrical industry can seek counselling support from the Electrical Industries Charity. “Through this campaign, we are hoping to provide a simple reference point for JIB members and operatives looking for mental health support,” said Steve Brawley, JIB chief executive. “It’s not just a case of seeking treatment as a last resort – prevention and intervention measures can make a huge difference in supporting employees and minimising the impact that mental health issues can create for businesses and the individuals that are affected.”

Welsh Cable Manufacturer Joins Calls For Higher Fire Safety Standards

Wrexham Mineral Cables, producer of fire survival cables used for critical electrical circuits, has called for higher fire safety standards. The company, which contributed to the Grenfell Inquiry, is a long-standing advocate of more stringent British Standards Institution (BSI) tests when it comes to fire protection. Tests conducted by the Fire Protection Authority, on behalf of the Association of British Insurers, concluded that BSI tests on building materials such as cladding did not reflect real-world conditions. Both organisations are now calling for an urgent review and fundamental reform of the BSI standards. In addition, an investigation by the Metropolitan police found that the doors to apartments in the Grenfell tower block were supposed to be fire resistant for 30 minutes, but only withstood fire for half that time. According to Wrexham Mineral Cables, currently polymeric fire-resistant cable will pass the BSI fire tests, but may only provide limited protection when exposed to true fire conditions, says the company. Conversely, mineral cable is fire-resistant for up to three hours. While polymeric cable has limited impact resistance, mineral cable can withstand direct impacts such as from falling masonry, and direct water jets simultaneously – and still remain functional. Colin Hughes, group manager of Wrexham Mineral Cables, said, “Recent investigations by both the Metropolitan police and the Fire Protection Authority have shown that the BSI tests for building materials simply do not reflect real-world conditions during a fire. “For years we have been saying exactly the same thing about the BSI test for the cables that power safety-critical systems in the event of a fire. It is time that we came together as an industry to revise standards. More stringent testing will deliver safer systems and ultimately save lives.” “We are hoping to start some new conversations around cable fire safety standards at FIREX,” added Colin. “We will also be inviting all interested parties to visit the test facility at our headquarters, and see for themselves the disparity between the current BSI test and what actually happens in a fire.” Wrexham Mineral Cables will be exhibiting at the FIREX International trade show, which takes place at Excel London, 19-21 June.

Over 70% Of Small Construction Firms Affected By Late Payment, Survey Says

New research commissioned by The Prompt Payment Directory (PPD) has revealed the extent to which smaller construction firms are on the brink of bankruptcy or liquidation, with rising numbers of construction business owners suffering depression, anxiety, stress and ‘extreme anger'. PDD revealed that the number of small construction firms struggling financially has risen dramatically since last year, as too has the number of company owners suffering from mental health issues as a result of poor cashflow. The findings come amidst fears over the knock-on effect to the supply chain following the Carillion collapse earlier this year. According to the findings, 74% of the construction companies polled – 30% more than last year – have been on the brink of bankruptcy or liquidation, or could be soon due to late payments. Additionally, 48% – nearly a quarter more than last year – blamed poor cashflow for their panic attacks, anxiety and depression, with some even having suicidal feelings and almost a quarter (22%) experiencing emotions of ‘severe anger’. Sixty-two per cent of owners said late payment issues had also meant that they had not paid themselves for some time, 35% had stopped or delayed bonuses, 15% had had to pay staff late and 17% had reduced their own salary. If customers continue to pay late, 30% of construction company owners said it will soon affect the progress and growth of their business, while 30% said it had already impacted staff morale, recruitment and retention. Another 38% struggled to pay business rates and a quarter had struggled to pay mortgage or rental payments on their office. PPD’s findings come after the government’s Prompt Payment Code (PPC) and last April’s enforcement of the government’s new ‘Duty to Report’ scheme that requires large companies to report on payment practices twice a year. It also follows official figures confirming that the number of British businesses going bankrupt reached a four-year high for 2017, with one in every 213 companies falling into liquidation – the highest since 2013. The survey polled 400 owners, MDs and CEOs of small construction businesses who suffer from poor cashflow due to late or outstanding invoice payments. The research examined the personal, financial and business impact of late payments on owners and found the issue had worsened since PPD’s first study was launched last spring.

Only 3 In 10 Electrotechnical Businesses Have Stringent Cyber Security Policy Ahead Of GDPR, Says Survey

New survey findings show that less than a third of electrotechnical and engineering services businesses (29%) have a stringent cyber security policy in place, according to research conducted by ECA. Despite the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) being widely publicised, it appears that many organisations in the sector are not yet prepared to meet its requirements. The survey shows that 53% of companies still need help understanding the GDPR. In addition, 38% of businesses either do not comply, or don’t know if they comply, with the existing Data Protection Act (DPA). Compliance with GDPR is likely to be more difficult for these companies. Twenty-one per cent of respondents said they are not currently preparing for the GDPR, which comes into effect on 25 May 2018. ECA director of business Paul Reeve commented, “Many companies may be shying away from engaging with GDPR because they believe it will be hard to comply. Our advice to is to review your current personal data systems and procedures as soon as possible, and take a practical view of what needs to be improved, and the priorities for action. In many cases, compliance with GDPR need not be difficult or expensive, but it does require serious attention.” GDPR, a new European personal data protection law, will require all businesses to review their position in relation to the storage of personal data, and to improve their current Data Protection procedures.  ECA has produced practical online information to help its members with GDPR, including a ten-step guide to meeting GDPR requirements, which can be accessed via www.eca.co.uk/GDPR. Comprehensive and definitive guidelines and recommendations are also available from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), here.  

The Challenge For A Cause Team Breaks The Ice

The Electrical Industries Charity has announced that their team of 18 trekkers are back from their biggest challenge of the year, the Challenge for a Cause – Arctic Adventure 2018. In March, a team of 18 industry trekkers joined Tessa Ogle, managing director of the Electrical Industries Charity, and embarked on the three-day journey through the Arctic Circle of Kuusamo, Finland. They included Caz Dickinson’s daughters Jodie Dickinson, Rachel Wright and Rebecca Dickinson, together with Andrew Reakes, Geoff Kerly, Darren Wetherill, Dave Gilbert, Paul Reeve, Cathy Plummer, Alan Plummer, Michael Burnard, Charlie Harwood, Paul Rhodes, and Keith Sampson. Team Stearn Electric, which included Mark Booth, Kate Menzies, Scott Champion and Sean Miller, also joined the challenge. Caz’s husband Mick said, “If I was to thank each and every one of you every day between now and my last breath, it still wouldn’t come close to appreciating what you have all sacrificed for the Dickinson family. You have all given one week of your life, to improve ours for the rest of our lives. This incredible selfless act will change Caz’s life forever. I personally will never forget what you have done for us.” Throughout the three days in the Arctic, the Challenge for a Cause team faced sub-zero temperatures and experienced various challenges including building their own igloos to sleep in, six hours snowshoeing, cross-country-skiing, husky sledding and the ice dip challenge in -9˚C temperatures. Darren Wetherill, managing director of DW Electrical said, “The whole trip was well organised from start to finish, challenging and at times very emotional as we were really in touch with the reason we were doing the challenge and the reason we were raising money. I didn’t know what to expect when signing up for the trip all those months ago, but I couldn’t have wished for a better experience.” The team undertook the Challenge for a Cause to the Arctic to raise money for the Dickinson family which will help Caz with her development and care and will create a better future for the whole family. So far, the team has raised £125,716 and is halfway towards the initial target of £250,000. It is not too late to show your support for this incredible cause and help the Dickinson family to look forward to the future. To make your donation, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/CFAC2018

ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award 2018 Open For Entries

Entries are now open for this year’s ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, which aims to showcase the very best talent across ECA’s member businesses. For over 40 years, the award has been widely recognised as the premier training award in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. Finalists will not only have good technical skills, but also be role models for others in the industry. The winner will be recognised as an industry ambassador and be involved with ECA campaigns and events throughout the year. They will also receive an array of prizes including a £1,500 cash prize, a state of the art toolkit and a unique study trip overseas hosted by a major electrical industry manufacturing company. There are also prizes for two runners-up, including a £750 cash prize, a state of the art toolkit and a certificate of commendation. Andrew Eldred, Director of Employment and Skills at ECA, commented: Past winners of the ECA Edmundson Award have gone on to a range of careers, including running their own companies in the UK and taking high profile jobs internationally. The award has also boosted the profile of ECA member companies that enter their apprentices, by highlighting their support for future industry talent. Last year’s winner, Jordan Bancroft of Imtech Engineering Services, went on a study tour to France with manufacturer Legrand. “Since receiving the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, I’ve been on two projects: a Grade I listed building in Buxton and Tottenham Hotspur’s new football stadium, both great experiences," said Jordan. "I also went to a jobs fair with Imtech, and spoke to a number of budding apprentices to give them an insight into what is out there for them.” Eligible applicants will have completed their AM2 between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018. The entry deadline is Friday 22 June 2018.

NICEIC/ELECSA Apprentice of the Year Contest Enters Final Stage

Eight finalists have been chosen to go through to the final stage of the NICEIC and ELECSA 2018 Apprentice of the Year competition. The final group will battle it out over a series of practical tests at the headquarters of competition sponsor Scolmore on June 5. The winner will be announced that evening during a ceremony at The Belfry Golf Course and Hotel. More than 600 students – representing an increase of 50% on 2017 – applied to take part in this year’s competition, which recognises the talents of the brightest electrical apprentices in the UK. The final eight are: • Zach Swift from Helensburgh, Scotland. Zach is employed by North Star Electrical Ltd and attends West College Scotland. • Ben Vanstone from Somerset. Ben is employed by 1K1 Limited and attends Weston College. • Jonah Edwards from Kent. Jonah is employed by HV Wooding and attends IPS International in Rochester. • Morne Louw from Barnsley. Morne is employed by FSH Maintenance and attends Barnsley College. • Dan Dring from Banstead. Dan is employed by Randburg Electrical and attends Carshalton College. • Patrick Henderson from Falkirk, Scotland. Patrick is employed by Arthur McKay and attends Forth Valley College. • Matt Jones from Bristol. Matt is employed by Mobius Works and attends DCET Bristol. • James Taylor from Lancashire. James is employed by Bainbridge Electrical Limited and is a JTL apprentice. The finalists have had to battle through two stages of the contest, which began back in October last year. The first stage of the contest was an online exam comprising of a variety of questions relating to electrical installations. The top 20% performing students then progressed to stage 2 – a written 1 ½ hour exam held at eight locations across the UK. Each finalist will now receive an iPad with a host of other prizes up for grabs including a £2,000 holiday voucher for the winner, which can be spent on a trip of their choice. There is a £750 holiday voucher for the runner up and £250 for third place.

Hamilton Launches New Brochure

Hamilton Litestat has launched its new-for-2018 kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms brochure, featuring its latest solutions, technologies and product finishes. The six-page KBB brochure showcases Hamilton’s latest electrical solutions and smart technologies for the home, including smart lighting control and multi-room audio. It illustrates how the solutions can be used effectively within the home. According to Hamilton, when considered early in the interior design process – from both a functional and design point of view – electrical accessories can provide the perfect finishing touch to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

Industry Leaders Present Retentions Petition To PM

In the aftermath of the Carillion collapse, a petition on fair payment and retentions – representing over 355,000 businesses – was delivered today to Prime Minister Theresa May. The petition was presented by Peter Aldous MP and a delegation of industry leaders, including FSB national chair Mike Cherry, FMB chief executive Brian Berry, director general of the Institute of Directors Stephen Martin, ECA CEO Steve Bratt and BESA CEO David Frise. Supporters of the Aldous Bill and the petition on fair payments also gathered outside the gates of Number 10, including business owners directly affected by the collapse of Carillion in January. Coordinated by leading industry trade bodies BESA, ECA and SEC Group, the petition urges the Government to back reform of payment practices and retentions. It comes just days before the second reading of the ‘Aldous Bill’ on Friday 27 April, which proposes cash retentions be held in trust accounts, to protect the supply chain. The Bill is supported by over 120 MPs and 76 industry trade bodies, representing over 355,000 companies and many self-employed professionals. Cross-party support for reform includes Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, SNP, DUP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party. Support has also been given from across the construction supply chain, including house building, roofing, scaffolding, electrical, heating, plumbing, interiors and demolition. Peter Aldous MP commented, “This is an unprecedented opportunity to improve the industry for the better, level the playing field for SMEs and protect thousands and thousands of jobs. Construction is an essential underpinning of our lives and work, and we need to support the industry and especially SMEs to ensure future growth and prosperity. The industry loses around £1m for each working day, mostly from SMEs. There have been proposals to stop the abuse of retentions before, but this time there is the largest coalition on fair payments ever.”