INDUSTRY NEWS MATERIALS SHORTAGE – COMPANIES WARNED TO PLAN AHEAD Increasingly long lead times for many products has prompted ECA and Select to alert their members to the extended delays and urge them to plan ahead and order early. The warning comes hot on the heels of a recent warning by BEAMA that demand was likely to outstrip supply for many months to come. The manufacturer’s trade association said a dramatic reduction in global steel production in the early days of the pandemic had led to severe shortages. It added that, since mid-2020, the call for the types of steel used in cable management products, along with other applications, has increased as businesses attempt to meet a growth in demand and complete unfinished projects. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of Select, says: “Shortage of materials is an issue that will affect all contractors, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead and take proactive measures now.” Select, select.org.uk
GOALKEEPER BUYS IN TO NEW BUILDER APP AFTER HOME RENOVATION
CEF LAUNCHES LATEST TRADE CATALOGUE WITH OVER £58,000 WORTH OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS CEF has launched the latest edition of its trade catalogue with a brand new ‘Buy to Win’ competition, offering customers the chance to win over £58,000 worth of prizes. The new catalogue is packed with almost 30,000 essential electrical products, all at everyday value prices and features 900 new products together with new ranges from top brands. Within the 1,700 product packed pages, this edition also features a brand new ‘Get Set for Summer’ supplement, showcasing electrical essentials for the summer season. Customers can also win an amazing trip to Dallas for two plus £10,000 worth of tools in the all new ‘Buy to Win’ competition. Two lucky runners up will also each win £10,000 worth of Super Rod and Klein tools – with hundreds of other daily, weekly and monthly prizes up for grabs. The new ‘Buy to Win’ competition runs through to 31 August. Full details including how to enter and the prizes available can be found in the new catalogue or at cef.co.uk/buytowin. CEF, cef.co.uk
ECA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS The ECA Industry Awards 2021 are now open to entries. These prestigious awards recognise the key achievements of the highest talent in electrotechnical and engineering services, providing a great opportunity for contractors and wider industry associates to showcase their exceptional work. This year’s awards will also combine Member projects and activities from 2019 and 2020 and the full list of award categories is as follows: • Large Contractor of the Year – over £30m Turnover, sponsored by Schneider Electric • Contractor of the Year – £15m to £30m Turnover, sponsored by Eaton • Contractor of the Year – £5m to £15m Turnover, sponsored by ABB • Contractor of the Year – £1m to £5m Turnover, sponsored by the JIB • Contractor of the Year – under £1m Turnover, sponsored by Edmundson Electrical • Excellence in Training & Development – over £15m Turnover, sponsored by JTL • Excellence in Training & Development – up to £15m Turnover, sponsored by Ideal Industries • Best Health & Safety Initiative, sponsored by Electrical Safety First • Best Fire & Security Project, sponsored by NSI • Best Client/Partnership, sponsored by Markel • Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sponsored by CHAS
West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, has become a shareholder in a new app aimed at putting an end to payment disputes between tradespeople and their customers. Sam was one of the first users of the app, having been asked to beta-test it during the full refurbishment and extension of his family home in Altrincham. He was so impressed by the experience he has now become a shareholder in the company, which is aiming to transform relationships between trades and customers. Launched in April 2021 by a Lancashire-based tech start-up, the Kiistone app allows tradespeople and customers to agree job specifications and budgets ahead of work commencing. Payment is then taken and held independently, by the largest Escrow provider in Europe. Monies are then diverted to the tradesperson in stages, based on the successful completion of the works specified in agreement with the customer, thus providing greater control and accountability to both parties. As well as the Escrow solution, the app provides further functions to help tradespeople manage their projects, diary, cashflow, admin and communication. It also links to the Kiistone Community website, providing industry news, guidance and support for trade businesses and homeowners. Kiistone, kiistone.co.uk
In addition, the FSA will be presenting its two annual awards for contribution to the fire and security industries during this event. Entries for this year’s ECA Annual Awards close on Friday 23 July 2021 and are open to all ECA Registered Members. ECA, eca.co.uk
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