12 minute read
Industry News
Toby Peacock, a Cambridge electrician, has proved he is the brightest spark and has been officially announced as the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022.
Toby, 26, walks away with the prestigious title and ultimate trade bundle consisting of £10,000 worth of tools, £5,000 worth of technology and £5,000 towards future training.
Toby was a standout winner, speaking to the judges openly about his own personal struggles with mental health and how that has driven him to want to become an advocate for mental health in the trade industry. Toby is even starting his own podcast, ‘Tearoom Talks’, to help raise awareness and, in the future, he is determined to work closely with charities that have helped him.
What’s more, Toby is incredibly passionate about sustainability. After starting his own business, Down to Earth Electrical, he was keen to keep his carbon footprint low by reducing waste, reusing, recycling, and helping customers to appreciate the benefits of EV charging and solar power.
Toby says: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I couldn’t quite believe it when I was announced as Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, especially after getting to know the other finalists who are all inspirational, incredibly hard-working tradespeople. It’s been such an amazing journey and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Screwfix, screwfix.com
BGEN OUTLINES COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT MORE FEMALE EMPLOYEES
BGEN has outlined its plans to support the recruitment and retention of female employees across its business. The company says that central to its commitment is the creation of a women’s forum to drive meaningful change. At the same time, the company has launched enhanced adoption, maternity, and shared parental leave packages, and signed up to the industry-backed ‘Inspiring Women’ pledge to help create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
“Women are under-represented in our industry, and while we may not be able to fix this problem overnight, we’re determined to play our part,” says Robin Whitehead, Chief Executive at BGEN. “We have talented female employees across our business, and with their help, we’re keen to make our business a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.”
The BGEN women’s forum has been established to identify and fully understand attitudes around women in engineering, as well as looking at issues regarding representation of women in the wider industry. The forum is open to all female employees.
BGEN, b-gen.co.uk
NEW RESEARCH REVEALS THE MOST ECONOMICAL VANS FOR TRADESPEOPLE
Toolstation has analysed the fuel efficiency of some of the most popular petrol and diesel vans on the market. Electric alternatives have also been analysed for their distance on one full charge.
Taking the diesel van top spot is the Vauxhall Corsavan, travelling as far as 847 miles on a full tank – that’s equivalent to driving from London to Manchester and back twice. The diesel model also boasts the cheapest cost to purchase from new at £13,875.
A larger alternative is the Peugeot Partner which ranks second overall on the list. This van will cost £15,825 to purchase from new and £290 per year in road tax. The distance on a full tank for the Partner is also one of the longest, at 884 miles.
In fact, the only van to beat this distance is the Citroen Dispatch (ranking third overall) which will return a total of 968 miles on a full tank.
The Vauxhall Corsavan comes in as the most fuel-efficient van in the petrol ranking too. The van costs just £12,038 to purchase from new, and just £190 per year in road tax. At 52.3MPG, the petrol van will take you 517 miles on a full tank.
The only downfall is the limited space in the back of the van, meaning that for some trades it might not be suitable – particularly if a lot of tools are needed for the job.
The Citroen Berlingo ranks fifth overall in the list, but will take you the furthest of all petrol vans at 574 miles per full tank.
The Fiat E-Doblo takes the top spot in the electric van list as the most economical electric van, thanks to its more affordable cost of £27,855. The model also boasts a large battery capacity and will reach 173 miles on one charge (the fifth furthest distance).
The vehicle you’ll have to charge the least is the Renault Zoe Van, which will take you 245 miles per charge – that’s 112 miles over the average.
Toolstation, toolstation.com
ELECTRICAL SECTOR HAILS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR APPRENTICESHIPS
The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) have hailed another record year for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland, as learners rush to take their places as the talent of tomorrow.
The number of new learners enrolling on the SJIB Electrical Apprentice and Adult Training Programme for 2022 has risen from just over 800 last year to just under 1,000, with colleges and training centres reporting full classrooms across the country.
Some 800 apprentices and 157 adult trainees are now taking their first steps on the electrical ladder, boosting the total number of those in training in Scotland to 3,000.
Fiona Harper, the Secretary of the SJIB, says: “This has been another exceptional year and it is encouraging to see a healthy pipeline of apprentices and adult trainees wanting to learn the skills required to power the electrical future that awaits us all.
“Employers should also be saluted for continuing to nurture and encourage young electrical talent and help them along the path to a highly rewarding career.
“There remain many challenges for the construction industry, but it is encouraging that the demand for electrical apprenticeships, and the willingness of employers to make them available, continues to grow.”
The new 2022 intake is the highest figure for 13 years and comes after a total of 817 new entrants to the industry were recruited in 2021 – up 35% on the 2020 intake during the height of the pandemic.
Scottish Joint Industry Board, sjib.org.uk
BAFE AND NAPIT CELEBRATE LANDMARK CERTIFICATION
BAFE and NAPIT have announced the first ever third-party certification and BAFE Registration to the DS301 competency scheme, which has been achieved by CS Electrics, based in County Durham.
This competency scheme covers design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance works performed on Grade D domestic fire detection and fire alarm systems.
The importance of domestic fire safety was highlighted in 2017 with the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, but this does not only apply to high-rise residential blocks. Both BAFE and NAPIT say that they strongly believe that all domestic properties should have, as a minimum, a Grade D fire detection and fire alarm system which has been installed by a competent organisation.
Both BAFE and NAPIT have congratulated CS Electrics on its achievement and on leading the way to raising the bar for domestic fire safety system provision.
Christopher McTearnen, Owner of CS Electrics, says, “I am extremely proud to be the first organisation that has received this third-party certification to the BAFE DS301 scheme. This will go a long way in demonstrating we are competent to deliver these works, and hope this becomes an industry standard to remove any people who claim to be competent without appropriate evidence of this. It’s so important that fire safety work is performed by the right providers to keep people safe.”
NAPIT, napit.org.uk
VALUE TO HELP TRADE REMAIN COMPETITIVE
Screwfix has launched its Unbeatable Value commitment to help tradespeople remain competitive and meet the needs of their customers.
The new campaign runs across many ranges including 1,000 prices cuts and more than 8,000 bulk-save options. In addition, Screwfix is locking hundreds of prices on essentials until the end of the year, providing the certainty tradespeople need for quoting on jobs.
Customers can rely on the great value and high quality of a wide range of must-have products, including DeWalt Safety Boots, which have remained at the same low price for six years, and the Makita 18V Brushless Cordless Combi Drill, at a breakthrough price.
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, comments: “We know tradespeople are seeking great value to ensure they can be as competitive as possible when quoting for work. That’s why we’ve launched Unbeatable Value. We’re committed to ensuring we deliver Unbeatable Value, day in, day out, so tradespeople can get what they need, when they need it, to get their jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time.”
Screwfix, screwfix.com
BCIA AWARDS 2023 NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES
The BCIA has announced the launch of the 2023 BCIA Awards which will take place on Thursday 4 May 2023 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
The BCIA Awards recognise innovation, product development, project delivery and great training in the building controls sector. Awards entries can now be entered using the online entry system which allows you to start, edit, view and download your entry before submitting it. The closing date for entries is Thursday 19 January 2023.
There are nine different categories available to enter, including a brand new Apprentice of the Year Award category:
• Building Controls and BEMS
Installer of the Year • Engineer of the Year • Young Engineer of the Year • Apprentice of the Year • Energy Management Award • Best Service and
Maintenance Provider • Technical Innovation of the
Year – Products • Technical Innovation of the
Year – Projects • Contribution to Training Award
Graeme Rees, President of the BCIA, says: “I am sure everybody in the industry is looking forward to celebrating the best innovation and talent in the business and I am confident we will see some very strong entries once again.”
BCIA, bcia.co.uk
BUREAU VERITAS ADVISES BUSINESSES ON EV CHARGING
The government recently announced a new £20 million pilot scheme to give drivers access to more than 1,000 EV charge points across the country.
With this latest announcement set to ignite a renewed surge in businesses putting EV charging on their agenda, Bureau Veritas is urging them to act now in order to reap the benefits of front-end advice and early adoption to secure a sustainable and long-term investment that works.
Together with the EV charge point grant and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), this latest monetary injection from the government only encourages businesses and the public sector to embrace the country’s move towards net zero. However, Bureau Veritas is warning that there is much to understand and consider before engaging the installer.
George White, Senior Consultant for Electric Vehicles at Bureau Veritas, says: “This is hugely encouraging and welcomed at a time when cost of living is soaring, but when businesses are considering installing EV infrastructure to help the switch, it’s important the take the correct advice before making the significant investment, to make sure it’s the right one for their premises and employees.
“When it comes to EV charge points, one size does not fit all. Each will require a bespoke solution to suit individual needs. To ensure the right infrastructure at the best cost, partnering with an independent third-party EV specialist, such as Bureau Veritas, can help advise business needs right from the offset, including which grant to secure, through to the charge point installation and ongoing testing and inspection of the units to guarantee safety and reliability.”
Bureau Veritas, group.bureauveritas.com
Thorn Lighting has committed to climate neutrality by 2025, and you can track its progress on its newly launched sustainability hub.
Here you will find updates on its technology, solutions, and the steps it takes to reduce its CO2 and help to achieve sustainability goals.
The company says that we all need to adopt a culture of sustainable decision-making to ensure future generations flourish. To do so, we must find a better balance between the environment, economy, and human empowerment.
The manufacturer intends to go above and beyond to protect the future of our environment. Therefore, it is committing to achieving climate neutrality by 2025.
Saurabh Pandhi, Vice President, Thorn says, “Sustainability and climate change will be two of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. As a manufacturer, Thorn Lighting must take action to be part of the solution.”
Thorn Lighting, thornlighting.com
UK POWER NETWORKS OUTLINES AUTUMN DANGERS
UK Power Networks has compiled autumn safety tips for families outlining the potential dangers and the continued need to take care near overhead power lines. The company wants all household members to heed the advice campaign.
With the clock change at the end of October, working and driving in darkness creates a significant new risk. There are extra tasks to undertake at home and in the garden and also traditional celebrations like Bonfire and Fireworks Nights, which can bring their own dangers.
Ros Forbes, Safety Advisor says: “Autumn can be the neglected season when it comes to safety messaging with more focus on other times of the year, but we want people to think about electricity all the year round and be mindful of different seasons bringing different dangers.”
Six top tips to stay safe around electricity during autumn include:
• The clock change will mean darkness falling earlier so take care if working around overhead lines in the dark • Be mindful of darkness leading to possible tiredness as fatigue can lead to poor decision making when carrying out activities at work and at home • Families need to celebrate safely around Bonfire Night and Fireworks Night and make sure there are no overhead lines near any planned events • If hedge cutting or clearing guttering always look out and look up for power lines • Ensure children never use substation sites as a hiding place or den and never enter a substation site to retrieve anything • If camping or caravanning, never attach or tie anything to electricity poles, pylons or electrical equipment and never light a fire under an overhead line as heat could cause the wires to sag or break.
MOVERS & SHAKERS…
Megaman has announced the promotion of Micaela Abbott to Sales Director. The company says that the move is testament to her integral role within the company and her valuable experience. Micaela has had an extensive and positive impact in her 19 years with Megaman in a number of roles.
Peter Grierson has joined J S Wright as its new Managing Director. Previously National Sales Director for Wolseley Pipe and Climate, he will take control of the day-to-day running of J S Wright and its sister company Wright Maintenance, following Phil Leech’s move to Chairman.
Ovia has announced the appointment of Luke Smith to the position of Area Sales Manager for the mid-Wales region. Luke brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked with a lighting manufacturer for more than eight years.
