Huawei And Honeywell Collaborate To Tap Into Smart Buildings Solutions Market

Huawei and Honeywell have recently joined forces to design smart building solutions through the Internet of Things (IoT). The partnership would enable the two companies to jointly develop large scale smart city projects globally. This would help authorities to build intelligent urban infrastructures that would eventually bring down costs while enhancing the quality of life substantially. Huawei and Honeywell have already worked together on the Longgang Smart City project in Shenzhen district in China. In the project, Honeywell supplied traditional building automation systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), security and fire infrastructure, connected building solutions to integrate all subsystem, alarm management, etc. Huawei, on the other hand, provided information communication and technology infrastructures such as data centres, security and data monitoring, IoT gateways and cloud services. The main draw in the collaboration is a new IoT Gateway Huawei is building to gather and analyse data from buildings that would allow users to detect, deduce, determine and decide. Overall it would greatly augment building intelligence by providing access control, intrusion monitoring, and disaster detection.

Trebled Turnover Prompts Office Move For Smith Brothers

A high voltage electrical engineering specialist has relocated to new offices having almost trebled its turnover in the last 12 months. Smith Brothers saw revenue increase substantially to £27m last year, but as orders showed no signs of slowing, the expanding team soon outgrew its previous space in Huddersfield. A new 10,000ft2 property in the same town has therefore been bought outright for £700,000, to pave the way for the next chapter of business development. Having moved into the two-storey premises, the 64-strong team is now concentrating on a busy project schedule. Meanwhile, managing director John Smith has his eyes set on the next phase of recruitment. “When we signed for the new office, we invested a further £50,000 in décor and furniture which means we’re now kitted out for the next five years, easily,” John explains. “We’ve room for more people too, so I’m already on the lookout for project managers, skilled labourers, jointers and qualified high voltage electrical engineers, to join our multi-disciplined team. There’s no reason why we cannot double our workforce over the next four years.” With a nationwide client base in sectors ranging from commercial and industrial, to offshore and renewables, Smith Brothers specialises in high power projects up to 132,000V. In fact it is this ability to comprehensively handle particularly complex electrical engineering assignments, that has seen the team work throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as in overseas countries ranging from Barbados to Azerbaijan. “We’ve now connected close to one Gigawatt of power in the UK alone,” continues John. “I’m proud of the reputation we’ve built up for handling difficult high voltage projects – that’s why we’re securing repeat business with some of the country’s most renowned brands, at the same time as attracting a healthy flow of new enquiries. “Our focus now for 2017, is to consolidate our growth and recruit more talented experts within our niche field. That way we have the skill sets and infrastructure in place to push for £60m turnover by 2022.” Established in 1990, Smith Brothers continues to be run by joint directors and brothers John and Richard Smith. As an accredited contractor on the Lloyds Register NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme), the high voltage electrical engineers design, build, install, test and commission safe, energy efficient and robust network systems up to 132kV.

Industry Charity Set For Funding Boost At ECA Event

Thousands of pounds are set to be raised for good causes in the electrotechnical industry at the upcoming ECA Gala Dinner and Annual Awards, which is being held in London this June. During both the 2015 and 2016 events, almost £4,000 was raised for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) due to the generosity of many Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) members and associates, and other leading figures within the industry. EIC will again be the main beneficiaries of this year’s prize draw. ECA CEO Steve Bratt comments: The ECA is extremely proud to have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Electrical Industries Charity during recent years, which goes to support those in our sector who need it the most. “As ever, attendees of the ECA Gala Dinner will be able to support our industry charity, whilst also enjoying the great food and entertainment, and making the most of the extensive socialising and networking opportunities.” During the Gala Dinner, the EIC’s managing director, Tessa Ogle, will announce the winner of the charity prize draw, with a £300 experience gift card donated by the ECA on offer as the top prize. Tessa comments: “The Electrical Industries Charity is delighted to once again be the main beneficiary at this year’s ECA Gala Dinner. The money which has been raised over the last two years has helped us to provide continuous support to people in our industry through our four core programmes – providing a hand up when our industry colleagues need it most. “On behalf of the people we have been able to help, I would like to say thank you for the continued generosity of the ECA and its members and for the continued support which the charity receives.” Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment hosted by Alan Dedicoat – the voice of The National Lottery and Strictly Come Dancing. Top comedian Hugh Dennis, best known for his star turn on BBC sitcom Outnumbered and comedy show Mock the Week, will be performing on the night. The winners of the ECA Annual Awards 2017 will also be announced on the evening. The awards remain open to entries from members of the ECA until Tuesday 18th April 2017. The ECA Gala Dinner and Annual Awards, supported by headline sponsors LEDvance and Electrium, is being held on Friday 9th June at the Hilton Bankside in London. There are limited spaces remaining - to book your place, please visit www.ecaawards.co.uk or email galadinner@eca.co.uk.

The Electrical Industries Charity Extends Its Support Network

The Electrical Industries Charity is working in partnership with the National Autistic Society to bring change in people’s lives across the electrical sector. Currently, in the UK there are over 700,000 people that are on the autism spectrum- which is more than 1 in 100. Autism is a hidden disability that is not always noticeable to the naked eye. Only 16% of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time paid employment, and only 32% are in some kind of paid work. According to the National Autistic Society, 70% of autistic adults in the UK say that they are not getting the help they need from social services and that with more support they would feel less isolated. Without understanding, autistic people and families are at risk of being isolated and developing mental problems. While autism is incurable, the right level of support at the right time can make a huge difference in someone’s life. The Electrical Industries Charity is set to expand its support network by working in partnership with other charities across the industry such as the National Autistic Charity. This new partnership recognises the need of support and assistance to a large number of autistic people within the electrical industry, and therefore, is set to ensure that they receive all the support they need to live a fulfilling life. Through the Electrical Industries Charity, the National Autistic Society is offering autistic people in the industry support services including telephone advice for someone who has not yet had the diagnosis but is in the process of seeking one, parent to parent emotional support network, ongoing autism advice and information, grants and financial advice, specialist behaviour advisor services and workplace support. Managing director, Tessa Ogle says: “Currently, there is a significant number of people in our industry who require assistance and help to enjoy a more fulfilling life, whether this is dealing with a medical illness or a development disability like autism. “We have therefore, teamed up with the National Autistic Society to provide an extended support network to help people to cope with difficult situations and have more control of their lives.” The Confidential Helpline number is: 0800 652 1618. For further information visit: www.electricalcharity.org

New EDA President To Continue Driving The Association's Transformation

The Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA) has announced its new president, Simon Barkes (above right), managing director of BEMCO, and the third member of his family to lead the Association’s board. Simon, who serves as president until March 2019, takes over the leadership of the 12-strong board from Tom Jones (above left), divisional director at Lockwell Electrical. Tom’s tenure as president (2015-2017) coincided with a significant growth for the EDA (120 new members joined from AWEBB and IBA, as well as 13 manufacturer affiliate members), and a major strategic review timed to coincide with the EDA’s 2014 centenary. The EDA also confirmed the appointment of new board member Dave Huggin, managing director at EDS Electrical, representing the IBA buying group, who joined the EDA on 1st January 2017. Simon, whose company BEMCO is the oldest independent EDA member and due to mark its membership centenary in 2019, says: “The EDA has made significant strides under Tom’s leadership. The Association works because of the energy and commitment of board members. They give their time in order to assist in the development of our collective interests. “The EDA has a first class team to implement the board's programme and I am sure that their hard work will make a significant contribution to ensuring the long term success of our route to market; serving the interests of both suppliers and professional installers. “I believe that our members must work together as an industry to face the technological changes that the future will bring to our supply chain. Improved processes and the transfer of digital data will be key to the efficiency and success of the sector. “The EDA is channelling its resources into helping make its members fit for the digital future and it has recently appointed a new project manager to promote use of the ETIM global product classification standard in the UK.” Outgoing president Tom Jones commented on the areas that defined his presidency, saying: “When the EDA celebrated its centenary in 2014, the board undertook a strategy review and followed this up with a comprehensive piece of research - 'What keeps you awake at night?' - into the needs of its members. Armed with this intelligence it has embarked upon a series of changes to ensure the EDA has a pivotal position in the electrical installation supply chain for the foreseeable future.” Tom, who was instrumental in evolving the EDA’s Education and Training offer, including championing the new Trailblazer apprenticeship standard for the sector, adds: “I am passionate about upskilling the industry. Over the last two years we’ve seen a 183% uplift in the number of apprentices start work in EDA member branches compared to the previous two years, and a 15% increase in take up of the City & Guilds accredited Specialist Product Knowledge Programme modules. He concludes: “I hope too that my legacy will be improved communication, as it is vital for organisations up and down the supply chain to listen to one another’s concerns and to take the opportunity of working together to win projects and increase sales and margins.”

NAPIT Joins BEW Maidenhead For Its Annual Trade And Calibration Day 

BEW Maidenhead will be joined by representatives from NAPIT at the branch’s annual Trade & Calibration day this March. One of the nation’s most prominent advocates for electrical safety, NAPIT will be in branch as part of BEW’s commitment to improving point-of-sale safety guidance. Customers are invited to drop in to speak to NAPIT representatives and get up to speed with the latest industry changes. The BEW team, headed by branch manager David Osborne, will also be hosting representatives from some of the industry’s favourite brands, including PowerLED, GreenBrook, Kewtech, CK Tools and Hamilton. Contractors attending can also benefit from on site test meter calibration at a great discount, courtesy of the Calibration Centre. The branch is situated at Unit 3, Priors Way Industrial Estate, Priors Way, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2HP. Free food and drink will be on offer throughout the event.

Electrical Wholesalers Need To Raise Their Corporate Profile

LEDvance has published an international advisor study for the lighting branch with recommendations for action for electrical wholesalers. LEDification, smart home, digitalisation – these megatrends are about to drastically change the international lighting market. The associated challenges influence the demands of professional users and therefore also affect electrical wholesalers. In an international survey, LEDvance has analysed its situation using the example of the lighting sector. The key finding: in order to be successful in the continuing price war in the long term, wholesalers need a clear company profile that offers tangible value propositions to their customers, especially the electrical contractors. The changes in the lighting market entail both difficult challenges as well as significant opportunities for electrical wholesalers. Oliver Vogler, vice president strategy & marketing at LEDvance and one of the authors of the study, explains: "Concerning branding, wholesalers have depended too long merely on the prominent manufacturers’ brands in their assortment. However, that's no longer sufficient due to the mass of new providers, increasing price pressure and the growing density of information in the digital era. The study shows that wholesalers should strengthen their visibility as a company to differentiate themselves from their competitors." For this reason, according to Vogler, they should selectively carve out the preferences of their specific customer groups, yield a clear added benefit particularly in the LED and smart home sectors and thereby escape the price war with LED products. Further results from the international advisor study from LEDvance indicate that this way forward is highly promising. Asked about their top priorities when selecting an electrical wholesaler, 55% of electrical contractors said that trust in the company is the most important factor. Electrical contractors vs. wholesalers – differentiated priorities Simultaneously, the price itself is not the greatest concern for electrical wholesalers fighting to attract electrical contractors, their most important customers. On the contrary, 70% of those responsible specified their largest challenge until 2020 is offering the correct and most innovative product portfolio. Suitable pricing follows (61%) and then the increasing competition from online traders (53%). [caption id="attachment_11573" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Price is not the largest concern for electrical wholesalers, but offering their customers the correct and most innovative product portfolio. (Image: Ledvance)[/caption] This expectation only partly meets the preferences of the electrical contractors. It is clear that when selecting a wholesaler, the price alone is decisive for only a minority (25%) of the queried electrical contractors. Sixty-eight per cent on the other hand place a focus on good, trustworthy relations or a broad portfolio of innovative and consistently available products. [caption id="attachment_11575" align="aligncenter" width="860"] When selecting their wholesaler the price is decisive for only a quarter of electrical contractors queried. The majority of these place value on trustworthy relations and a wide assortment of innovative and available products. (Image: LEDvance)[/caption] Differing expectations with digital channels The study also unveils varying expectations concerning the possibilities of digital platforms. Wholesalers assume that when electrical contractors purchase online the simplicity of the order process (59%) and the wide portfolio (47%) rank first, but in reality they prefer the possibility of comparing products (55%). In general, the authors advise wholesalers to gain a detailed impression of their variety of own customers and to directly communicate with these via active company positioning and a succinct value proposition and delivery. Find the detailed survey from LEDvance with all results here. For further information visit: www.ledvance.com

TESP Takes Up The Reins On Electrotechnical Skills

In light of the impending closure of industry standards body SummitSkills at the end of March, electrotechnical employer representatives have reassured the sector that there will not be any vacuum as a result. Back in 2014, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) was formed by industry partners, including the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), SELECT – the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, the Joint Industry Board (JIB), the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union. Since its formation, TESP has been involved with a number of industry initiatives, including: • Collaborating with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the employers group on developing the electrotechnical apprenticeship trailblazer; • Launching an ongoing training initiative to upskill workers within the industry; and • Creating an online careers hub for young people to develop their interest in the sector. ECA director of employment and skills Alex Meikle comments: “We already have a strong foundation in place within the electrotechnical sector, having set up TESP some three years ago. This leaves us in an ideal position to take up the reins from SummitSkills, and indeed TESP has already been leading on many issues in recent years.” TESP partners undertake a range of representation activity collectively. Recently, TESP chair Steve Burley, who is director of ECA member firm Derry Building Services, wrote to the government to express concern over apprenticeship funding in England. In the letter, Mr Burley raised concern over potential training funding levels available to non-payers of the new ‘apprenticeship levy’ – who are all SMEs. In addition, TESP is working closely with the JIB and the SJIB to ensure the ECS fits the needs of the entire sector, including a suite of new fire and security cards, which link to the trailblazer apprenticeship. On behalf of TESP, the JIB runs a free training helpline for employers, apprentices and stakeholders. TESP and National Electrotechnical Training (NET) are also collaborating to maintain the rigorous and respected nature of the AM2 and FICA end point assessments. TESP and its partners will continue to work in collaboration with other bodies within the wider engineering services industry, including the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), and the newly formed ‘Plumbing and Heating Skills Partnership’.

Electric And Water Heating Drives Growth At Stiebel Eltron UK

Stiebel Eltron UK has recorded strong figures for 2016 following growth in its electric space heating and water heating divisions. Turnover at the Merseyside based company is up 8% on 2015, with profit doubling in the past year. Managing director Mark McManus credited the growth to Stiebel Eltron’s expansion into the PRS and student accommodation sectors, with increasing demand for electric space heating and instantaneous hot water products. He says: “We have been very busy with large scale projects in the residential market, with our electric heating range proving particularly popular for multi-storey developments. PRS and student accommodation is thriving in cities across the UK, with a demand for high quality products which can meet modern demands for heating and hot water. This comes down to developers and specifiers needing heating systems which can save both space – specifically in multi-flat developments – and long term costs for their tenants. “We are fast becoming a recognised and trusted brand in the UK for electric heating solutions, especially as our products require limited installation time and future maintenance. Developers in the PRS and student accommodation sectors are spending millions on quality lettings – therefore they need reliable, energy efficient appliances, that can future proof their investment.” [caption id="attachment_11433" align="alignnone" width="640"] Managing director Mark McManus (right) and head of Technical John Felgate[/caption] The growth reflects a new partnership driven approach that Stiebel Eltron implemented at the beginning of 2016. This included major investment into an updated user friendly website and training weeks for partners and suppliers at Stiebel Eltron’s £16m Energy Campus in Holzminden, Germany. Stiebel Eltron also provides customers with a free design service, ongoing help and advice throughout a project – including site visits – and free commissioning for installations. Mark adds: “We are working with an ever growing network of installers, suppliers and merchants, and we recognised that we needed to streamline the specifying and purchasing process. One solution was to update our UK website and simplify the journey for customers – whether they are looking to buy for a single home or for a multi-storey development. “We have a wide range of bespoke brochures and images online which showcase our products, design capabilities and support services.” Stiebel Eltron UK is also continuing to expand its reach in the ground and air source heat pump market, providing systems for a wide range of domestic new build and retrofit projects, as well as renovation schemes for heritage organisations such as the National Trust.

2017 BCIA Awards Finalists Announced

The BCIA has received a record number of entries for the 2017 BCIA Awards, showing an increased standard of excellence across the entire industry. Such high calibre entries presented the team of independent judges with a difficult task, after much deliberation the finalists were decided on as follows: Independent Building Controls & BEMS Installer of the Year Sponsored by CentraLine by Honeywell Associated Technology Services AES Control Systems Chartwell Controls Comfort Controls Eton Associates Global Associates Best Service & Maintenance Provider Sponsored by Western Automation AIS BMS BG Energy Solutions Building Management Solutions Integrators (BMSI) Comfort Controls Kendra Energy Solutions SSE Enterprise Energy Solutions Technical Innovation of the Year - Projects Sponsored by Johnson Controls Sheffield Hallam University – Comfort Controls The City of Glasgow College – Enterprise Controls Cavendish Close Junior School – Integrated BMS The City of Edinburgh Council – SSE Enterprise Energy Solutions Technical Innovation of the Year - Products Sponsored by Modern Building Services New Butterfly Valves and PR actuators – Belimo Automation UK Aspect – Cylon Controls CentraLine by Honeywell ROOMUP App BI Metrics – Priva UK Desigo CC – Siemens Building Technologies ECLYPSE Connected Terminal Unit Controller – Distech Controls Energy Management Award Sponsored by Priva QinetiQ-Blended PPM, Support and Energy Engineering Contract – BMSI Financial Times building – Chartwell Energy Solutions The Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge - Chartwell Energy Solutions Vue Cinemas – BG Energy Solutions Contribution to Training Award Sponsored by Siemens Building Technologies Eton Associates One Sightsolutions The Sontay Academy Engineer of the Year Sponsored by Trend Control Systems Stephen Astwood – Johnson Controls Rafal Kapela – Chartwell Controls Bradley Mackfall – InTandem Systems Paul Mitchell – Kendra Energy Solutions Albert Ndongala – BMSI Darren Willis – Comfort Controls Young Engineer of the Year Sponsored by BCIA George Belfield – InTandem Systems Laurence Olney – BMSI Leo Pesci – Kendra Energy Solutions James Rees – System Five Malcolm Anson, president of the BCIA, says: “There were so many remarkable entries to judge this year, showing our industry continues to go from strength to strength. I would urge everyone to join us at this year’s awards ceremony to celebrate the best of the best in the building controls industry.” The most prestigious event in the building controls calendar will take place on Thursday 11th May 2017 at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham. Don’t miss out on your chance to see who this year’s winners will be. Book your place now at www.bcia.co.uk