Lantei Crowned ‘Best Customer Focused Business of the Year’

Preston based Lantei Compliance Services has secured the ‘Best Customer Focused Business of the Year’ award at the outstanding Game of Thrones themed Lancashire Business Awards 2017 ceremony. The annual event, which is organised and hosted by Downtown in Business, was held on Thursday 8th June 2017 at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel. The ceremony had 23 awards up for grabs; 20 which were voted for by the public and three which were chosen by the sponsors of the awards. Using a professional approach, the company worked closely with its clients to understand their specifications so that they can not only meet their requirements but exceed their expectations. Anthony Smith, cofounder and CEO, comments: “We are privileged to have walked away with the ‘Best Customer Focussed Business of the Year’ award. It has made our hard work over the past seven years worthwhile. Thank you to everyone who voted and a big congratulations to all the other nominees.”

The Spotlight Is On Carbon8Lighting At ED&I

Carbon8Lighting was the first lighting manufacturer to sign up for , The Electrical Design and Install Expo (ED&I), at the NEC, Birmingham, taking place on 6th-7th September 2017. ED&I has been created to offer a major national event to serve the electrical contracting industry, covering electrical engineering and electrotechnical design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and monitoring. Sign up to attend for free here With ED&I bringing together industry professionals such as installers and contractors, with manufacturers and distributors, Carbon8Lighting sees this as a fantastic opportunity to showcase its unique range of LED light fittings. The Carbon8Lighting brand has built its reputation on reliability and quality. Focusing on the design and manufacture of LED light fittings specifically for commercial/industrial applications, Carbon8 says it offers its customers unparalleled performance coupled with the company’s Premier Care Warranty, giving customers the confidence and peace of mind that cannot be found anywhere else. At ED&I, Carbon8 will display a range of its fittings, including its successful Discus and Javelin LED high bay fittings that have recently been selected by customers including Unipart, Pets at Home, AWE and FedEx. Carbon8 fittings can be found indoors and outdoors, lighting airports, factories, warehouses, sports halls, swimming pools, railways and many more high profile sites. As a Carbon Trust Accredited supplier, Carbon8Lighting can assist contractors and installers to close business opportunities with the additional benefits of government incentives managed by the Carbon Trust. Currently SME customers can receive 30% of the project cost from the government through The Green Business Fund. At its UK facility, Carbon8Lighting also offers ‘tailoring’ of fittings to meet the specific requirements for a particular project. This can be anything from pre-installing fittings with a plug, to designing bespoke heat shields to protect fittings from an overhead heating system. Carbon8 assists its partners with a free lighting design service, providing light simulations, return on investment calculations and even carrying out full lighting audits on behalf of its partners. Sign up for the show and check it all out on Stands 1-2.    

Gold Sponsor Hotcost Looks Forward To ED&I

Hotcost is gearing up for its appearance at the first ever ED&I show, acting as one of the Gold Level Sponsors. Registration is open for this free to attend national trade show targeting all stakeholders in the electrical contractors market, commercial and domestic. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 6th-7th September, the show will provide hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of brands, learning opportunities and networking events. Sign up is available here. Hotcost specialises in the provision of quality, comprehensive and cost effective estimates for electrical and mechanical construction engineering companies, in both the UK, Europe and worldwide. The company says its in-depth expertise, experience and construction knowledge, enables it to provide a fully dependable electrical and mechanical contract estimating service to the construction industry. If companies demand a high degree of accuracy, fast turnaround and exceptionally professional standards from an estimating service, then Hotcost says it is ready to partner with you and win the project. Providing an efficient, reliable and accurate estimating service to the electrical and mechanical construction industry, is what Hotcost was set up to do. So why exhibit and sponsor the show? Hotcost says it sees the show as an exciting networking opportunity for anyone involved in the electrical industry, allowing the company to interact with its current and potential new clients. Hotcost is also looking forward to interacting with learning about the latest products and innovations in the industry and giving the estimate provision specialist an opportunity to discover new technologies and services that will help improve its own services. Stand 128 is where to find Hotcost and find out more about the company’s time saving estimate services.

Electrical Apprentice Of The Year Winner Announced

George Maynard from Leicester has been crowned winner of the 2017 NICEIC and ELECSA Apprentice of the Year competition, sponsored by Scolmore Group. The 25 year old was one of eight competitors to reach the Grand Final, which Scolmore was very proud to host at its headquarters on Tuesday 6th June. George comments: “I was shocked when they called my name out. I thought all the lads in the final produced some great work and they were all top guys. I think getting to the final was a great achievement to be honest. It’s a lovely way to round off all the hard work I have put in over the last three years.” The finalists were put through a gruelling day of challenges comprising nine separate tasks designed to assess their abilities across a range of disciplines including testing, fault finding, conduit bending, tray manufacturing and safe isolation. This year’s final challenge also included a virtual reality test followed by an interview with Certsure’s technical standards director, Alan Wells. As well as hosting the grand finale of the competition at the company’s head office premises, Scolmore also organised the barbecue and awards ceremony at the nearby Belfry Hotel and provided a range of prizes for those apprentices who made it through to the final. The winner, George, was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000, runner-up Michael Costello, 25 ,from Edinburgh received a holiday voucher worth £750, while third placed Billy Stapleton, 20, from Essex received a £250 holiday voucher. All eight finalists were given an engraved glass trophy, an iPad and a kit bag containing an array of Scolmore’s electrical accessories. Every college that entered 20 students or more for the competition received a Scolmore College Pack containing a variety of Scolmore products, while the college of the overall winner, Leicester College, will receive £1,000 worth of Scolmore products. Handing over the prizes was Alan Wells, technical and standards director at Certsure, Scolmore managing director Gary Mordue and star of TV’s DIY SOS Billy Byrne. Alan Wells says: “The standard of candidates has been very high this year and George is a very fitting winner. His level of skill and overall enthusiasm shone through and we wish him and all of the other finalists the very best in their future careers.” More than 400 young men and women entered this year’s competition which recognises the talents of the brightest electrical students in the UK. This year’s contest witnessed more entries from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and demonstrates the growing appeal of the competition. Marie Parry, Scolmore Group’s marketing director, adds: “Scolmore is committed to helping develop the talent of the future and we were once again hugely impressed with the calibre and standard of all eight finalists. As a business, we believe wholeheartedly in the importance of giving something back to the industry. "It’s an exciting sector, with an abundance of opportunities for the future. Two of the directors here at Scolmore started out as apprentice electricians and have carved out successful careers on the back of the vital experience and training that the apprentice programme provided. We wish all the finalists every success as they continue on their journey.” The journey to the Electrical Apprentice of the Year finals day involved a number of stages. The first stage of the contest was an online exam comprising a variety of questions relating to electrical installations. The top 20% performing students from this stage then progressed to stage two - a practical one and a half exam paper, which was held at six locations across the UK. The eight students with the highest marks then battled it out in the Grand Final. Darren Staniforth, technical development manager with NICEIC and ELECSA, was involved in the judging process. He comments: “We really wanted to test their ability to carry out a range of tasks that we feel all good, skilled apprentices should be able to do – along with some tests that they might not have been so comfortable with. “It was tough choosing a winner but I am confident all of them will go on to have a successful career in the industry.” George is currently studying at Leicester College. In the short term he plans on taking his pals away to Barcelona with the voucher from his victory. But longer term he has bigger plans. He concludes: “I am keen to learn as much as I can and just see where it takes me. There are lots of opportunities out there and I want to experience as many aspects of the trade as possible.”

Stuart Pearce Draws Crowds To Live South At Epsom Downs

More than 500 electrical contractors descended on Epsom Downs on 18th May for the annual Live South event from NICEIC and ELECSA. This year’s star attraction was former England footballer Stuart Pearce. The tough tackling full back worked as an electrician before finding fame as a footballer. He told a captivated audience about his time on the tools whilst working as an electrician for Brent Council alongside his experiences of working for some of the most famous names in football. Pearce famously still worked as an electrician after signing his first professional deal with Coventry City. The work, he said, supplemented the wages he received as a footballer, which was less than an employed electrician back then in 1983. He eventually gave up the life of a spark when he secured a big money move to Nottingham Forest a few years later, adding that it was unlikely footballers of today would need to work part-time as an electrician. Following his talk, Pearce, who was capped 78 times by England, took time out to visit the exhibition hall, speaking to exhibitors and stopping off for hundreds of selfies with the crowd. The crowd also heard talks from NICEIC and ELECSA’s Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth. It was the final Live South event for Tony who has clocked up more than 60 years in the industry and is retiring in June. Tony said: “I have had an amazing career in this industry and met lots of wonderful people. I hope I have managed to pass on a few things that I have learnt along the way.” [caption id="attachment_12273" align="alignnone" width="1345"] Tony Cable retires in June.[/caption] Attendees were also able to quiz NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical experts during a debate which threw up many questions and queries surrounding the current regulations. There were also talks from Neil Baldwin from Scolmore on emergency lighting, David Lewis from Schneider on asset management and Phillip Schuster from Loxone about the growing opportunities for contractors in smart home technology. This year’s event was sponsored by Bosch Power Tools, Denmans, Elite Security Products, Schneider Electric and The Scolmore Group. In addition to the talks, contractors were able to look around a thriving exhibition hall featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. They were able to try out the latest kit and take advantage of special offers, including £250 worth of discounts. The expo hall also featured a virtual reality experience in which contractors had to move around a virtual room spotting the electrical faults. “Each year we try and bring something different to Live which will appeal to contractors and help them with their business,” commented Mark Smith, director of marketing and communications at Certsure, which operates NICEIC and ELECSA. “This year we combined technical debates with business improvement seminars and I think the talk from Stuart Pearce about teamwork and leadership really appealed to everyone. The exhibition area was also buzzing and it was great to see so many contractors getting involved and finding out about all the latest developments.”

'Around The World In 80 Days' With The Electrical Industries Charity

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) is inviting you to get active this summer by taking on a walking challenge of 80 days around the world while raising vital funds for the Dickinson family. The charity’s journey around the world is part of its new Challenge for a Cause campaign, which aims to raise £250,000 to transform the Dickinson families' lives by giving them a long lasting family home, and help Caz Dickinson, a wife and mother of three, with her development. Read the full story on the Electrical Industries Charity’s official website. One step at a time virtual travel around the world is open to anyone looking to find fun in fitness and get in shape this summer. The ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ campaign is also a perfect way to get your family and friends active this summer and reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. It is easy and a great way to get kids active too. You can choose your personal goal for the distance that you would like to achieve, which can be travelled in any way you like, including jogging, walking, skipping, swimming, hopping, rowing or cycling; just remember to have fun. All you need to do is log your journey on the charity’s world walking App which will then be added to the charity’s 80 day challenge. The charity is aiming to raise at least £1 for each mile achieved on its around the world in 80 days journey. You can fundraise for your own around the world miles any way you like, through sponsorship, bucket collections, workplace donations, it is up to you. The EIC’s 80 day challenge will start on Monday 26th June with the aim of reaching the goal of 34,113 miles by Wednesday 13th September 2017. The EIC’s managing director, Tessa Ogle, says: “We are delighted to announce our Around the World in 80 Days campaign, which will bring family, friends and colleagues together to enjoy fitness in a fun way while at the same time transforming the lives of the Dickinson family.” To sign up and join the challenge, download the full instructions from the charity’s official website, it only takes few minutes to join. Or if you would like to go around the world alone, please contact: fundraising@electricalcharity.org

Commitment To Quality Assurance Secures Important Inaugural LIA Award For Tamlite Lighting

Tamlite Lighting has been recognised for its commitment to best practice, excellence and quality assurance by the Lighting Industry Association’s Quality Assurance (LIAQA) Award. Tamlite is the first company to be bestowed this prestigious annual award. Tamlite’s win was announced at the LIA’s annual luncheon in London – an event which brings together respected industry figures to celebrate the growth and successes of the lighting sector. The award acknowledges Tamlite’s exceptional support of the LIAQA scheme, a highly robust quality management system that is regarded as a mark of confidence across the industry. The LIAQA scheme aims to ensure that suppliers of lighting and lighting related products have structures in place that fully address product compliance. Tamlite was a founding participant of the all-new and improved scheme, and impressed the LIA’s judging panel with its dedication to high standards. For customers, the LIAQA scheme helps to ensure best practice and provides reassurance that quality is a key component of the complete design and production process. Companies like Tamlite which have achieved accreditation will have demonstrated that a series of vigorous processes and procedures are in place to ensure the highest possible standards. Supporting the scheme is an important priority for Tamlite’s senior management team, and the company has invested well over £100,000 in state-of-the-art, specialist test facilities as part of the process. In an unprecedented move, the company’s seven main Midlands factories underwent LIAQA assessment and accreditation in just two years – a significant achievement for which Tamlite was commended strongly by the LIA. Steve Davies, CEO of the LIA, comments: “Tamlite Lighting is truly deserving of this award – the company’s commitment to the LIAQA scheme is unparalleled. We were very impressed that Tamlite achieved accreditation at seven factories in just two years, and it reflects the significant amount of time and investment that has been dedicated to the process. For customers, it clearly demonstrates that Tamlite is serious about ensuring consistent product quality and compliance.” John Allden, general manager at Tamlite Lighting, adds: “Winning the LIA’s first award for quality assurance is a tremendous achievement for Tamlite Lighting, and gives our customers confidence of our commitment to high standards across our entire product range. We are delighted to be recognised by the LIA - the largest and most important lighting trade association in Europe - and are committed to working with them as they continue to push for excellence and best practice in the industry.”

Survey: One In Two Buyers Require CSR In Procurement Process

Almost half of buyer documents (48%) seen by electrotechnical businesses with turnover above £1m now ask about engagement with corporate social responsibility (CSR), according to new survey findings from the Electrical Contractors’ Association and the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Just one in four (24%) said that no buyer document they had encountered had mentioned CSR. In addition, over half of businesses (53%) with turnover above £5m actively ask their own supply chain about their CSR policy and activity. In addition, three quarters of businesses (76%) with turnover above £1m responded that they are actively engaged with CSR, and although 24% said that they don’t currently manage CSR, the majority of these businesses said they would consider doing so. Over half of all respondents (53%) said they expect the importance of CSR to their organisation to grow in the next five -10 years. Just 10% said they did not expect its importance to increase, with the remainder (37%) unsure. ECA director of business Paul Reeve comments: “These ECA survey findings highlight the growing importance of CSR in procurement, and the significance which many businesses now place on ethical and responsible business practices. “In addition to better company engagement with buyers and others, continual development in this area can help companies, and the industry within which they operate, to be more attractive to prospective employees.” Considerate Constructors Scheme chief executive Edward Hardy adds: “The ECA’s survey findings highlight the growing importance of CSR for all ECA members. “The Considerate Constructors Scheme is in the prime position to support ECA members to embed CSR principles in relation to their important work they do across the construction industry, and we look forward to supporting more organisations to achieve this goal.” The top five CSR issues identified by survey respondents were as follows: the environment (63%), occupational health and safety (55%), employee welfare (50%), ethical behaviour (43%), and supporting local initiatives (37%). The ECA’s CSR survey was completed by around 150 ECA member businesses during April and May this year. Further survey findings will be released later this quarter. CSR is a voluntary, ethical and strategic approach to action and stakeholder engagement, in support of improved environmental and societal impacts. The aim is to produce value for both the organisation and the wider society in which it operates.

Energenie Backs Electrical Design And Install Expo (ED&I)

Energenie is the latest major player to sign up to exhibit at the Electrical Design and Install Expo (ED&I), the UK’s only national electrical contracting trade show. Sign up to attend the show here. Held at Birmingham’s NEC on 6th-7th September, the event will showcase the very best the electrical contracting sector can offer covering the commercial and domestic markets. The show will offer a packed show floor as well as important learning opportunities in the seminar theatre. The show is also being backed by the UK’s major associations, including the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) as lead sponsor, as well as SELECT, The LIA, The Electrical Distributors Association, BEAMA, JLT and the JIB. Others sponsors include the Scolmore Group, Schneider Electric and Hotcost. Energenie’s aim is to provide solutions for all electrical needs with a wide range of products covering eco and electrical solutions, aiming to help contractors to enable deliver saving around the house. Many of the company's products are also compatible with the Raspberry Pi, the affordable tiny computer. Energenie has also recently launched the Mi|Home range, which aims to turn ordinary homes seamlessly into smart homes. The range includes a set of home automation products that are built around the Mi|Home Gateway, which is the central hub for the range. The Mi|Home range also includes integrations from major companies such as Amazon and Google to provide customers with the complete smart home solution at a very affordable price. Other companies exhibiting at ED&I include; Aerials & Cable Equipment (ACE), Aico, B.E.G. Carbon8 Lighting, CEF, Cembre, Chint, Danlers, Ecopac Power, Electrium, Epson, Europa Components, Flex Connectors, Greenbrook Electrical, Hager, Hotcost, Hylec-APL, IM Division, Ivory Egg, KDS Solutions, Klauke Textron, Legrand, Marco Cable Management, Marshall Tufflex, Martindale Electric, Metrel, Pemsa Cable Management, Penn Elcom, Quickwire, Remora Electrical, Schneider Electric, Scolmore, Silver Fox, Sparksafe LtP, Specialised Wiring Accessories, Switchtec, Thermarestor, Webro, Western Automation. To sign up for free to visit the show's dedicated website or call +44 (0)1634 673163 for more information.

Helping Hand: Scolmore Collab To Support UK Families

Scolmore Group has continued to provide its much valued support and products for a number of very worthwhile projects that are helping to transform the lives of deserving families throughout the UK. In a recent collaboration with Gra-Bern Electrical Contractors in Telford, products from across Scolmore’s lighting and wiring accessories ranges were installed in a property that was being extended and adapted to allow a young family member to return home from a prolonged hospital stay. Mike McGowan from Gra-Bern, part of the team of contractors working on the project, comments: “A key requirement for these types of projects is the need to keep costs to a minimum and to get the job done as quickly as possible. That’s where Scolmore products score so highly. "We switched to using their products nearly two years ago on the basis of the excellent breadth of their product ranges and the sheer quality and cost effectiveness they offer versus some other competitor products. Their MiniGrid range deserves a particular mention. With its interchangeable plates and modules across a range of finishes, it was perfect for this size of job, giving us flexibility to customise the wiring solution to the family’s very individual requirements.”