Trade & Calibration Day At BEW Bedford: Wednesday 25th January

Industry leading manufacturers Hager, Armeg, Timeguard and Robus will be in-branch at BEW Bedford on 25th January 2017, bringing their latest products and exclusive offers to the trade counter. BEW Bedford’s Trade & Calibration day will also give customers the opportunity to save time and money on their annual test meter calibration, with on site calibration available at a great discount courtesy of The Calibration Centre. Branch manager Mike Nixon will be inviting customers to drop in for a free breakfast or lunch from 7.30am until 2.30pm, for a chance to meet the team and get up to speed with the latest product developments from some of the industry’s most popular suppliers. The branch is situated at Unit 14, St Martins Way, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 0LF. The fully refurbished unit boasts all of the high specification features that have made BEW a leading name in electrical wholesale in the UK.

Legrand Introduces New Connected Home Solution At CES 2017

For the third consecutive year, Legrand is participating in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at Las Vegas from 5th-8th January 2017. To illustrate the accelerated deployment of its Eliot programme, Legrand is introducing a new connected home control solution, Céliane with Netatmo, a new connected door entry system, Classe 300, and the Digital Lighting Management system, a connected professional lighting management solution. “Our attendance at CES 2017 reflects our global ambitions on the intelligent building market," states Gilles Schnepp, chairman and CEO of Legrand. “Our strategy involves developing innovative connected solutions, setting up suitable infrastructure, and promoting interoperability through partnerships so as to adapt to all requirements.” Connected products and solutions for a steadily enhanced user experience As connected devices are one of three cornerstones of the Eliot programme, Legrand has decided to showcase products for the connected home. The Céliane with Netatmo range of connected switches and sockets embodies Legrand’s drive to innovate and promote the smart home. This new range makes it easy to install connected lights, roller shutters or thermostats, and to control them either locally or remotely, using a switch or a smartphone, or simply by voice command. On its stand, Legrand is also presenting the new connected door entry system, Classe 300, which enables users to take action (see, speak, give access) at any time, from a tablet or smartphone, via the free-to-download Door Entry application - without any subscription. Innovation supported by an electrical and digital infrastructure that is ever more scalable, robust and secure For connected devices to communicate, they require not only high performance networks but an infrastructure inside buildings which allows them to connect to these networks. This is the second cornerstone of the Eliot programme. Legrand is enhancing its infrastructure with a cloud touch by bringing all of its product range under a single Legrand Cloud, and launching its own API. [caption id="attachment_10756" align="aligncenter" width="4200"] With the new connected door entry system, Classe 300, users can take action (see, speak, give access) at any time, from a tablet or smartphone.[/caption] Partnerships and interoperability The third cornerstone of the Eliot programme, interoperability, is at the core of Legrand’s approach. Because this is an essential pre-condition for the development of connected devices, Legrand is acting in multiple ways to help set standards in this respect. At stake is the ability to promote the use of open languages, capable of integrating with third party systems and exchanging data. This is why Legrand is positioning itself as a generator of third party services, by providing the reliable and durable electrical installations without which many services could not be made available to users. Legrand is party to several partnerships with associates like The French IOT, Zigbee Alliance, Thread Group or la Poste for example.

Legrand: Celebrating 35 Years Of UK Manufacturing

Marking a significant year for the business, Legrand is celebrating its 35th year of manufacturing in the UK. With a £100m turnover, over 700 employees and eight sites – including four manufacturing plants – throughout the UK & Ireland, Legrand has grown to become one of the leading figures in the UK electrical manufacturing sector, with over 85% of the products sold in this country, also being made here. The UK operation now comprises six business units; cable management, power distribution, wiring devices, assisted living and healthcare, data communications and energy controls – all providing vital electrical and digital building infrastructure to all corners of the UK’s domestic and commercial landscape. From simple wiring accessories, to assisted living and home automation technology, right through commercial and industrial power distribution and lighting control systems for factories, offices, hospitals and schools, the product range and Legrand’s remit is extensive. [caption id="attachment_10617" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Tony Greig of Legrand[/caption] The business also supports a healthy Research and Development arm throughout the UK, supported by the fact that circa 50% of UK sales are from products less than five years old. Tony Greig, CEO Legrand UK & Ireland, commented, “Over 35 years ago, when Legrand first began manufacturing in the UK, it was hard to imagine the landscape we currently find ourselves in. In the beginning we manufactured and supplied mechanical products, this evolved to electrical systems and now, over 50% of our products have an electronic/digital element. “Technology has developed at an unprecedented pace and we have seen our offering in the UK & Ireland change dramatically. In the early days, we manufactured products - ‘things’ - this advanced to the development of systems and now today, we are embarking on a new journey providing both solutions and services. It is literally the start of a new digital era in construction.” Assisted living specialist Tynetec and healthcare specialist Aid Call were acquired in 2013, while assisted living monitoring and response service Jontek, as well as lighting controls manufacturer CP Electronics, were acquired earlier in 2016. Power distribution experts Electrak became part of Legrand in 2008. Such acquisitions have further elevated Legrand’s service offering throughout the UK and Ireland, providing customers with wide-ranging manufacturing expertise for niche and mainstream market sectors alike. Tony continued, “We have a great advantage being able to harness the knowledge and expertise housed within our business units; both in the UK and in the wider Group. We can spot and track trends and developments here in the UK and abroad and adapt solutions to meet the needs of each and every market. We’re also in a great position in relation to our export business, with circa 15% of turnover being attributed to this. “Through a determination to evolve and adapt our offering in this fast paced industry, we have remained at the forefront of the latest technological advancements. Looking to the future and the increasing role of connectivity in our homes and businesses, we believe Legrand UK & Ireland is well placed to help people harness the mutual benefits that modern technology now presents us. “The last 35 years of developing and manufacturing new products in the UK has laid the foundations for what is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting stage in the history of Legrand, and we are very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds.” For more information on Legrand UK & Ireland visit: www.legrand.co.uk

Second Time Around For CEF At St Basil’s Big SleepOut

For the second year running, CEF has taken part in the St Basil’s Big SleepOut and raised over £10,000 to help homeless young people across the West Midlands. St Basil’s Big SleepOut 2016 took place on Friday 25th November in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral. It saw a record breaking 626 people joining together with nothing more than cardboard and a sleeping bag to protect them from the cold night. A group of managers and staff from CEF joined those braving the low overnight temperatures to raise vital funds to help break the cycle of homelessness for young people across the West Midlands. Charlie Beddows, managing director of CEF, said, ‘This was our second time at the St Basil’s Big SleepOut and we are thrilled to receive such great support from our industry partners, customers, suppliers, colleagues, family and friends.’ The CEF team kept their spirits high through the night by making cardboard beds in preparation for the cold night ahead and by building a cardboard sledge with boxes donated from supporting suppliers, including A Division, Cefco, Tamlite, Klein Tools, ESP, Vent Axia, LED Robus, Scolmore and Armeg. Charlie continued, ‘We would like to say a huge thank you to our brave volunteers and to all those who supported us and helped to raise such an enormous amount. The money will go towards helping homeless young people find shelter this winter and to reduce the problem of homelessness across the Midlands.’ If you would like to make a donation, you can still do so at the CEF Just Giving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/CEF-Big-Sleepout-2

Rolec EV Dispatches 50,000th EV Charging Point

Rolec EV dispatched its 50,000th EV charging point from Rolec’s factory in Boston, Lincolnshire, at 3.45pm on Monday 12th December. Managing director of Rolec, Kieron Alsop, commented, ‘Reaching the 50,000 mark clearly establishes Rolec EV as the UK’s leading manufacturer of EV charge points and, in association with our distribution and installation partners, we’re now focusing on reaching the 100,000 mark. ‘Congratulations if you were one of the companies involved in installing some of these 50,000 charging points, which generated over £40,000,000.00 of business!’ Alsop continued, ‘2017 is set to be the biggest year yet in EV charging history and Rolec EV is perfectly positioned, as manufacturer of the UK’s largest and most diverse range of EV charging points, to continue its success around the country.’ Fort further information visit: www.rolecserv.com/ev-charging  

Gooee Extends Indian Relations With Bajaj Electricals Partnership

Gooee has partnered with Bajaj Electricals, part of the US$20 billion publicly listed Bajaj Group. The partnership will see Bajaj Electricals integrate and develop Gooee’s IoT-enabling technology with its lighting products to provide consumers with better value for money and increased functionality, realised through enhanced lighting control, energy management, LED analytics and, for proximity marketing in retail applications, beacon management. Bajaj Electricals is the second Indian firm to announce its proposed integration with the Gooee ecosystem, quickly following Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals. R. Sundararajan, executive president at Bajaj Electricals says: “LaaS (Lighting as a Service) is gaining momentum and we see a huge technology convergence with rapid technological evolution in every field.” Jan Kemeling, chief commercial officer of Gooee Limited adds: “India has always proved to be a forward thinking country and one that is keen to adopt new technology. With its focus on adopting new technology, Bajaj can realise the full potential and endless possibilities of the IoT in improving and optimising business processes.”

Gain Recognition At BCIA Awards

The BCIA is calling for the entire controls industry to submit their entries for the 2017 BCIA Awards, to gain the recognition they deserve and celebrate the achievements of their industry. The 2016 awards saw a record number of entries showing the controls industry is achieving great things and has a lot to be proud of. For example, InTandem Systems, winner of Independent Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year, demonstrated outstanding customer service, developing close working relationships with all stakeholders during and after installation and exceeding customer expectations, to ensure the BMS solution met everyone’s needs. In 2017 there is an award category for everyone to enter, including: Independent Building Controls and BEMS Installer; Best Service and Maintenance Provider; Technical Innovation of the Year - Projects; Technical Innovation of the Year - Products; Energy Management Award; Contribution to Training; Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year. Casey Wells, of sponsor Trend Control Systems, commented, ‘I was really impressed by the calibre of nominees in 2016, it is an indicator of the professional excellence that exists in our industry which truly deserves recognition. With so much happening in the building controls sector at the moment, it would be great to see even more entries for the 2017 BCIA awards. ‘The independent judges will be looking for individuals to showcase their projects and achievements from the past year, as well as the new technology and innovation the controls industry has to offer.’ The deadline for entries is 31st January 2017. To enter simply visit the BCIA website, www.bcia.co.uk, and submit your entries via the online form. Entry to the awards is free and open to BCIA members and non-members. The coveted awards will be presented at an exclusive awards ceremony which will take place on Thursday 11 May 2017 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Firm Holds Celebratory Party For 25th Anniversary Pledge

An organisation marking its 25th anniversary by pledging to raise £25,000 for charity held a celebratory party last month to thank its team, and family and friends, for their ongoing support. Wombourne based Orton Group held its big birthday bash at the Mount Hotel in Tettenhall, which saw its team recognised for collaborative efforts in helping the firm raise £17,000 its £25,000 target so far, and marked the start of the final push of the fundraising campaign. Once raised in full, the money will be split five ways between the Peter Pan Nursery, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Cancer Research UK, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and MND Association. ‘This party was a fantastic way to celebrate our silver anniversary,’ explained Orton Group’s managing director, Andrew Lowe. ‘Our team has gone above and beyond over the last few months to help us get near our target of £25,000 for our five inspiring charities, from Tough Mudder, a climb of Mount Snowdon and challenging bike rides, and even I took part in my first ever Ultra White Collar Boxing match! ‘After I completed my electrical apprenticeship at 21, I was made redundant. Shortly after, I decided to set up Orton Electrical & Mechanical Services and operated as a sole trader, quickly gaining a reputation locally and winning subsequent contracts,’ he added. ‘Now, with our skilled team of over 100 full-time employees and tens of subcontractors, we are competing against similar large national companies as the one who made me redundant.’ [caption id="attachment_10589" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Dave Webb and Andrew Lowe[/caption] The event saw Dave Webb personally thanked and recognised by Andrew for his long service spanning 22 years at the company, and acknowledged the firm’s achievements this year including the opening of a brand new office in Redditch, expansion of its team as part of its acquisition of a large national organisation, as well as investment in new branding and a new website to better represent its future. The evening also saw a performance by ‘, Sensation Band - the ‘UK’s best party band’, British Champion of close-up magic Chris Priest, a sweet cart and photobooth, as well as a glitzy casino for the guests to enjoy. In addition, an ice sculpture was commissioned in the shape of ‘25’ complete with the Orton Group logo embedded in it. Nicola Lowe, Andrew’s wife, delivered a surprise ‘This is Your Life’ presentation to Andrew, including old photos of him as a 21 year old when he first launched the business, and the years following of the office being built and additional team members joining. Andrew Rowe concluded, ‘We felt strongly about doing something special to mark our 25th year, and help support those less fortunate than ourselves. Without the commitment of our brilliant team, as well as support from our friends, families and the local community, we wouldn’t have made it this far, so huge thanks to them. We’ve now entered the final stage of fundraising, and every penny counts, so I’d urge anyone interested in helping us to visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Orton25.’

Newcastle United Football Club Upgraded With Tamlite LED Lighting

The upgrading of Newcastle United Football Club’s home ground with high-efficiency Tamlite LED lighting products has yielded a remarkable two-thirds reduction in energy consumption. Like senior personnel at many other major sports venues across the UK, the technical team at St James’ Park have become increasingly cognisant of the energy-efficient, cost-saving benefits of the latest LED lighting technology. Accordingly, the stadium is currently in the midst of a multi-phase LED upgrade project based around products from Tamlite Lighting. In time, the redevelopment will cover every area of the venue and encompass several thousand fittings in total. In the latest phase of work, installation contractor Direct Technology UK Ltd has brought Tamlite LED products to the Bamburgh Suite – which is reportedly the largest function suite in the North West – as well as the underground car park, executive boxes and various staff areas. Once again, the installation has delivered a very immediate improvement in lighting quality, while the expected energy savings exceed 60 per cent in some areas of the site.

Oh what a night at powerBall 2016

The Electrical Industries Trading Company in support of the Electrical Industries Charity is thrilled to announce that powerBall 2016 was a tremendous success, raising over £450,000. Over 800 guests across the sector enjoyed the spectacular entertainment from the headline act of the night, the Jersey Boys. The New Jersey band took guests on a journey through the history of pop music featuring their top 10 worldwide hits including Beggin, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Big Girls Don’t Cry. [caption id="attachment_10504" align="alignleft" width="300"] Powerball 2016 | Photos by owenbillcliffe.co.uk[/caption] Hundreds of guests danced the night away to the world class music of Earth Lights Boogie Band and enjoyed the entertainment from the UK comic, Bob Mills. Managing Director, Tessa Ogle says: 'Each year powerBall brings together hundreds of industry professionals under one roof for the biggest party in the electrical sector. This year’s powerBall was a great success and I would like to say a huge thank you to our headline sponsor, City Electrical Factors (CEF) and to all our sponsors for their continued support which will go a long way in helping those in need.' Tessa continues: 'We would also like to thank everyone who has attended this electrifying social event and who took part in fundraising activities throughout the night. Without your support, we would not be able to help to build brighter future’s for people in our industry. We are looking forward to seeing you all again for another memorable night at powerBall 2017.' Next year powerBall will take place on Friday 10 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.