Contest Celebrates Britain’s Brainiest Van Drivers

LeaseVan.co.uk has launched a new contest to find the UK’s brainiest van driver. The company has created the competition in an effort to dispel the stereotypical image of the ‘White Van Man’, an outdated and negative image of drivers. The stereotype may be deterring some people from starting their own businesses, says the company. Through the competition, LeaseVan.co.uk aims to celebrate the many thousands of British van drivers who follow intellectual pursuits. Van drivers have until the end of November to enter, by sending in a photo of themselves enjoying their favourite ‘intellectual’ pastime. The winner of the contest will be announced at the beginning of December and will receive a prize of £100 in Amazon vouchers in time for Christmas. “At Leasevan.co.uk we firmly believe Britain’s van drivers are a fantastic bunch of honest, hard-working and, yes, bright, boys and girls,’ says a LeaseVan.co.uk spokesperson. “We feel the image of the White Van Man leaves them short changed and doesn’t do them justice. It started out as a bit of fun but it’s become a negative for many. “In fact, we think it may even put some potential drivers off from taking the plunge into self-employment as they don’t want to be perceived as a white van driver. “We want to let those people know that driving a van is a noble profession and many of the van drivers on our roads are smart and highly successful." Harsha Rathnayake adds, “People are often surprised to hear that you have several degrees yet still drive a van for a living. “It’s this sort of thinking that plays into the stereotype of a white van man, so I hope that this contest can help finally put an end to this image the public has of us.” Entrants should send their photos to BrainyDriver@LeaseVan.co.uk

CP Electronics Wins Little Britain Challenge Cup 2017

Lighting controls manufacturer CP Electronics has been crowned the winner of the Little Britain Challenge Cup (LBCC) 2017. Marking the 30th anniversary of the annual charity event, the largest of its kind in Europe, this year’s regatta brought together several hundred participants from across the construction industry. Participants included a selection of contractors, property developers, architects and engineers. The event has raised more than £1.25 million for charity since its inception. The team from CP Electronics won its class and the event overall. “We’re hugely proud to have won this event, which was made possible by all the effort and hard work put in by Team CP. Our thanks go out to all those people who contributed both on and off the yacht,“ explains Marcus Martin, managing director at CP Electronics. The aim of the two-day event, which takes place around the Solent on the South coast, is to raise money for a number of charities, including the 1851 Trust, The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, the Cirdan Sailing Trust, and many more. In total LBCC ’17 raised £25,000 for worthy causes. Marcus adds, “LBCC is a great way for us to get together and build relationships with colleagues and partners from around the industry and has become an important fixture in our social calendar. We’re extremely honoured to have been involved, particularly as the proceeds are helping to improve the lives of real people.”

Certsure Makes Extra Commitment To Customers

Certsure has become a member of the Institute of Customer Services (ICS), joining companies such as BMW, Virgin and Sainsbury’s. The move is part of Certsure’s effort to deliver the best service it can provide. ICS is a membership organisation that works with brands to improve the overall customer experience. It provides an individual assessment of an organisation’s culture and approach to customer service. Kate Birtles, director of customer experience at Certsure, which operates the NICEIC and ELECSA brands, says of the membership. “This is our commitment to deliver an ongoing, improved service. “Over the next two years we want to achieve ICS’ ServiceMark accreditation – a national standard recognising an organisation's achievement in customer service, and its commitment to upholding those standards.” ServiceMark is based on customer satisfaction feedback and an assessment of employee engagement within an organisation. The process helps organisations understand how effective their customer service strategy is, and identifies areas for improvement. “In 2014 we launched our customer charter which was a promise to measure and report back on our customer service levels,” adds Kate. “We now want to take the next step. This is our commitment to listen to customers’ concerns and identify any areas which might require improving.” Certsure LLP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Electrical Safety First and Electrical Contractors’ Association, trading under the names NICEIC and ELECSA. NICEIC and ELECSA maintain and publish registers of electrical contractors that they have assessed against particular scheme requirements, including the technical standard of electrical work.

University of Derby STEM Centre Gets Royal Reception

The University of Derby’s new £12m Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) centre was officially opened by HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, on Wednesday September 27. The 4,200m² centre, part funded by a £5 million grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), provides an extension of computer studios and specialist facilities for engineering, technology and computing students. It has been specially designed to enhance applied practical teaching in mechanical, motorsport, manufacturing and civil engineering to support the University’s new programmes, while upgrading and extending facilities for electrical and electronics engineering and computer networking. The centre, based at the University’s Markeaton Street site, opened its doors to students this month, allowing them to benefit from solutions-focused and industry-linked projects. It is also aimed to enable students to develop the technical and professional skills required for their careers after graduation. The building, designed by architects CPMG and built by contractor Willmott Dixon, was constructed to meet Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) ‘Very Good’ standard, and the architectural design is aimed at complementing the landscape between the two buildings. Prince Edward was given a tour of the building, and met with staff, students and representatives from the industry before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the opening. “We are delighted that HRH The Earl of Wessex was able to open our new STEM Centre, which was built in response to the needs of industry in the region and is designed to provide our students with the best possible environment in which to study STEM subjects,” comments Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby. “Closing the skills gap is a key part of the Midlands Engine strategy and this is something we are committed to playing a major part in. This new Centre will equip our graduates with the knowledge and skills required to make a significant long-term contribution to industry.”

Stirling Firm Selected For Parliamentary Review

Electrical firm Moray Robertson Electrical Services (MRES) has been selected for the Parliamentary Review, an independent guide which showcases the UK’s top businesses. The company is one of 11 businesses chosen to feature in the Energy edition of the 2017 review. The publication is sent to more than 500,000 leading policymakers and business executives in an effort to raise industry standards by sharing best practice. MRES was established five years ago by husband and wife team Moray and Cherene Robertson. “It’s a real honour for us to appear in the Parliamentary Review, which is read by thousands of industry experts,” says Moray. “Our aim was to build an honest, reliable company with a solid and dedicated team and we are pleased to have achieved that and be singled out as an example of best practice.” The firm features in the first Parliamentary Review of the Energy sector which demonstrates the progress being made by UK businesses to battle climate change and energy waste. It includes a foreword from Prime Minister Theresa May and three pages focusing on MRES’ services, which include commercial and industrial electrical installation. The journal details the firm’s work in the renewables energy sector and its investment in new offices and training academy to grow the business. “It has never been more important for government to hear the views of business and the public sector in a constructive forum," comments Sir Eric Pickles, chairman of the review. “It is a vital time to share best practice and progress.” Daniel Yossman, the review’s director, adds, “Moray Robertson Electrical Services and other hardworking organisations have come together to make this year’s review possible. “Sharing knowledge and insight with peers and government is essential work and I am delighted this year’s review will reach every corner of the British economy.”

REO UK Urges Renewable Energy Reform

Power quality specialist REO UK is urging businesses to take another look at their relationship with renewable energy. The company has released a white paper which explores the state of the renewable energy sector. It states that the time is ripe for organisations to think about how they can overcome problems such as the changes to feed-in tariffs, power quality problems, planning permission and the threat from cheap imports of renewable technology. The paper explores the growth of the renewable sector, including recent figures indicating that 2016 was a record year for the installation of renewable power. A total of 161GW was added to the world’s capacity, with solar power leading the way. The company states that while the response from businesses has been positive – many have already committed to sourcing 100% of their energy from renewable sources by 2020 – Government incentives, such as the feed-in tariff scheme, have repeatedly come under fire. The paper looks at some of the alternative schemes and models of renewable-energy sourcing available to businesses. It also explores the ongoing challenge of planning permission, power quality and the threat of cheap imports of heavily subsidised renewable solar panels from China. “Along with a change of approach to renewable energy models, business leaders must also consider the quality of the renewable equipment they buy,” explains Steve Hughes, managing director of REO UK. “Now that renewable technologies are becoming a reality for many businesses, it's important to understand issues such as electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility. “We've written this whitepaper to inform business leaders thinking about adopting renewable technologies as part of the wider initiative to go green. Although larger businesses have had the resources to try their hand at renewable technologies for many years now, renewables have only recently offered a financially viable and strategically sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.” The whitepaper can be downloaded from the REO UK website.

Light Efficient Design Releases Retrofit Lighting Solution

Lighting specialist Light Efficient Design UK has announced a low-power, high-performance retrofit LED solution for low bay and floodlight installations – the LED-8087. Allowing the replacement of up to 100W HID lamps with 30W LED, the LED-8087 is designed to offer a compact one-sided design that allows a very high light output ratio. According to the company, this provides clean, bright light (>80 CRI) while saving up to 70% in energy costs and emissions. Suitable for enclosed fittings, the fully CE and ROHS certified solution is available in 4,000K (with 5,700K option special order) in either E27 or E40 base sizes. Using the existing light fittings, installation simply requires bypassing the ballast or control gear and directly connecting the lamp holder to the 240V supply. The new retrofit LED lamp is then easily and quickly installed. The LED-8087 is aimed at providing a low maintenance option, with a 50,000 hour rated lamp life as well as integrated active cooling fans rated for 70,000 hours. The product is backed by a five-year warranty. Founded in 2007, Light Efficient Design UK Limited is the subsidiary of US based Light Efficient Design LLC, which designs and manufactures retrofit LED HID lighting solutions. All Light Efficient Design products are manufactured at an ISO 9001 accredited facility.

John Lewis ‘Home Solutions’ Service Launched

High street department store John Lewis has announced a partnership with NICEIC to roll out a new ‘Home Solutions' service to its customers. The scheme will be offered in a number of locations across the UK. The service will provide customers with the ability to get in contact with professional tradespeople who have been thoroughly vetted, interviewed and assessed. Earlier this year, the service was trialled in Milton Keynes, and will now begin operating in six other locations – including Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Bath, Taunton and Gloucester. John Lewis approached NICEIC last year to find electricians for the launch of the scheme. Several NICEIC registered contractors signed up to take part and a rigorous recruitment process was put in place, which included interviewing the tradespeople, background checks, and assessments of work they had done previously. John Lewis customers will be able to hire plumbers, electricians, decorators and other trades through the app, website and call centre-based service. The service aims to create more opportunities for registered contractors. The scheme is completely free for contractors to sign up to, and offers them the opportunity to grow their business as well as be associated with the well-known high street brand. “We are delighted to be working with John Lewis on the electrical side of this initiative,” says NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy. “Home Solutions brings together two trusted brands and will provide further opportunities for our contractors to win more work. “John Lewis is also keen to get female tradespeople on board so NICEIC’s Jobs for the Girls campaign was of great interest to them.” "As a trusted retailer of home products, our customers often ask us if we can help them with tasks in their homes,” adds Tom Athron, group development director at the John Lewis Partnership. "We have taken a lot of care to find professionals who will deliver service to the standard that people expect from John Lewis."  

Power Players Winners Announced

The winners of the ECA’s 2017 Power Players awards have been announced as 26-year-old Joseph Wu, project manager at T Clarke, and 24-year-old Charlie Harwood, branch manager at CEF. The two were named by ECA president Mike Smith during a ceremony at the ED&I Expo, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham on 6-7 September. Harry Bartle of Chris Bowker Ltd and George Antino of T Clarke were also recognised as finalists in the top four. Power Players is an initiative run by the ECA in collaboration with a range of industry partners. Its purpose is to recognise and reward some of the leading young people in the engineering and electrotechnical services industry. Joseph has been recognised for his role as one of the project leads on a major T Clarke development in Stratford. Charlie, meanwhile, became a CEF branch manager after producing impressive sales figures. The two have won several prizes, including a networking trip to the NECA conference in Philadelphia and participation in a fundraising trip to Arctic Finland with the Electrical Industries Charity. [caption id="attachment_13161" align="aligncenter" width="500"] ECA President Mike Smith announcing the winners of Power Players[/caption] Voting was opened to the public between 9 August and 5 September, and a total of 1754 votes were cast, with Joseph winning 566, and Charlie 532. The two were named the winners out of four finalists, who had been selected by an independent judging panel earlier this year. The panel was led by the ECA’s Steve Martin, and also included Tessa Ogle of the Electrical Industries Charity, Russell Beattie of FETA and Margaret Fitzsimons of the EDA. “It's refreshing to see the ECA providing a platform for young professionals within the construction industry and demonstrates that anything can be achieved with hard work and determination,” says winner Josph Wu. “This has been a great experience for me to be involved with and I strongly recommend this initiative to future participants.” “A massive thank you to everybody involved in helping towards this great achievement, particularly group manager Paul Church and general manager Tony Betteridge for their support and guidance throughout. Also a huge thank you to the ECA for hosting such an amazing initiative – it was fantastic to be a part of it,” added Charlie Harwood.  

Aico Mobile Units Head To Scotland

Aico has brought its Mobile Training & Demonstration Units to Scotland for the first time since launching the vehicles earlier this year. Mobile Units were sent out to spend a day at both electrical wholesaler Scott Coppola in Edinburgh as well as Port of Leith Housing Association. The units are designed to enable Aico to deliver smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm product and technology information at a location convenient to customers.  The units also offer the company’s CPD-accredited Expert Installer training. Expert Installer is a modular training scheme created by Aico to ensure everyone involved in domestic alarm specification and installation has all the information they need, from standards and regulations, alarm system design and installation to specific technologies. The scheme recently received its CPD accreditation, allowing Aico to provide customers with CPD training free of charge. Expert Installer training can be held at customers’ premises, at Aico’s Centre of Excellence or in one of Aico’s new Mobile Training & Demonstration Units. “The CPD training for contractors was the big draw. It’s difficult to get people to give up their time, but the training is something the industry needs,’ says Darren Coppola, manager at Scott Coppola, of the training being offered to the wholesaler’s staff. “Being able to deliver it near to where they work is ideal and there was a high demand on the day. The participants enjoyed it and received a certificate to show they had completed the training”. A range of staff at the Port of Leith Housing Association also benefitted from the training units. Attendees included both internal staff, who were given an introductory course on Aico products, as well as contractors and support staff such as facilities managers, assisted living managers and general maintenance personnel. Heads of department, gas teams and other interested parties were also invited to attend.