INDUSTRY NEWS TOOLSTATION OFFERS TRADESPEOPLE ONE-YEAR ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION Toolstation has launched an offer designed to help electricians, plumbers, carpenters, builders and other tradespeople save money and help them run their businesses more conveniently. Existing and new Trade Credit Account customers can secure a free year subscription to Quickbooks accounting software. The launch comes as research by Toolstation reveals that 40% of tradespeople manage their own accounts, but 60% of those don’t use any software to help. In fact, 26% of tradespeople find keeping on top of paperwork the most challenging aspect of their job. The initiative has been launched as HMRC is set to introduce its Making Tax Digital rules from April 2023. Under these new rules, any business or sole trader with an income of over £10,000 will have to file returns to HMRC quarterly instead of annually as they currently do. In practical terms it means they will need to use compatible software to keep their records and send an income and expenses summary to HMRC every three months. Toolstation’s Trade Credit Business Development Manager, Renato Vieira, says: “It’s clear from our research that almost half of tradespeople manage their own accounts and that’s one of the reasons we have launched this new initiative, to give them a helping hand. While the Making Tax Digital rules are intended to make filing tax returns easier, many don’t currently use any software to help them, so we would encourage anyone with a Trade Credit Account to take advantage of this free offer to help them with their paperwork and quickly prepare for these new rules.” Toolstation, toolstation.com
APPRENTICES OF THE YEAR CROWNED BY SJIB AND EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL Two young electricians have been recognised for their exceptional talent in the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year awards, sponsored by Edmundson Electrical. Cameron Wood and Patrick Henderson were presented with their awards and certificates in special ceremonies with their respective employers. Cameron proudly lifted the 2021 trophy, while Patrick received the 2020 award which had to be delayed due to lockdown. Both also received £500 from the SJIB and £500 from Edmundson Electrical. Cameron is now a qualified electrician who works for JS Hardie Electrical in Lauder, Berwickshire, after completing his studies at Borders College in Galashiels. The 21-year-old says: “I was really surprised when I found out I’d won this award; I definitely didn’t expect it and it’s made all the hard work and sleepless nights worthwhile!” After successfully completing his training, 2020 winner Patrick now works for Atalian Servest AMK in Loanhead, Midlothian, after studying at Forth Valley College in Falkirk. The 23-year-old says: “When I started my apprenticeship, it didn’t even cross my mind that I’d win an award like this. I just saw it as a job but it turns out I was good at it!” Scottish Joint Industry Board, sjib.org.uk
LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY SELECTS SALISBURY GROUP FOR HARD FM SERVICES Facilities management company, Salisbury Group, has won a contract with Liverpool John Moores University for building, electrical and mechanical maintenance services. The deal covers planned and reactive works across 37 different buildings in the city of Liverpool. The contract will run for a maximum of five years and is expected to be worth over £1.5 million per year. The agreement is the fifth university contract that the company has won and mobilised in less than two years. Salisbury’s Group Managing Director, Andrew Lunt, commented: “We are delighted to win this contract with an excellent new client. This is our fifth and newest partnership in the university sector, and it reflects how a values-led and people-focused business can succeed with like-minded clients. We have a great team on site who are now working hard to help the facilities run as effectively as possible for students and staff alike.” Liverpool John Moores has grown to be one of the best-established universities in the UK. Its five faculties produce leading research that influences policy makers, improves people’s lives, and finds solutions to the problems of today. The university is constantly looking to improve its offering to students, with ambitious plans for the further development of the campus. Salisbury Group, salisburygroup.com
6 | January 2022
Industry News.indd 6
electricalcontractingnews.com
@ElecConNews
/electricalcontractingnews
@ecn_magazine
20/12/2021 14:05
