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Welcome
Electrical Contracting News (ECN) is the leading publication of news and information for electrical contractors who wish to improve their service offering and levels of business.
ECN’s readership includes organisations of all sizes, from the small independent outfit, through to national M&E firms.Each and every month electrical contractors read ECN in order to keep up to date with all that is happening in their industry. Within its unique A3 format they are able to read about the latestindustry developments, legislation, health and safety issues, transport, business advice, training information, distribution news and promotions. ECN also features in-depth articles on specific areas of the industry and articles of interest that affect its readers. With its Product Link supplement and special features, ECN represents the premier editorial package for products and services within the electrical contracting industry.
Breaking News…
Schneider issues cable clip quality warning
Following a surge of reports from contractors who have tried to use substandard cable clips that have resulted in poor quality installations, Schneider Electric is highlighting the importance of buying quality products from the start of a project. The company is urging customers to recognise that although the price may seem attractive, the end result could cost significantly more if corrections have to be made.
Albeit small and perhaps often underrated, cable clips are a vital part of electrical installations. Used in a wide range of applications – residential, commercial and industrial – cable clips have to endure difficult conditions, including hot and dry, cold and wet, or in environments with salt spray or high levels of acidity. So what may seem like a simple product actually has to perform to an incredibly high standard to withstand these challenging settings.
Unless quality cable clips are invested in, contractors will find the products they initially thought were value for money, prove to be unreliable. With the need to stand up against a range of tough environments, substandard products are likely to need replacing soon after the initial installation.
Schneider Electric is offering advice to customers looking to buy cable clips to ensure they are not purchasing a lesser quality product. Firstly, a cable clip that has been manufactured cheaply can be detected by examining the strength of the pin. If the pin is too soft, it will bend rather than penetrating the surface. Equally, if the pin is too hard, then it may break or even shatter.
Marc Gaunt, product marketing manager from Schneider Electric, said, ‘Contractors have told us they have experienced problems associated with using lesser quality clips in installations, resulting in call backs to projects to replace clips that have broken or cracked and even going to the extent of replacing broken and split cabling.
‘As there is currently no specific British Standard for the design and manufacture of cable clips, the product’s quality is very much down to the knowledge, experience and reputation of the manufacturer. The key for contractors looking to ensure they use a quality component is to try before they buy. Ask the wholesaler for a sample and if its bends beyond 45° when between two pliers, then it’s a good indication it will be able to withstand the tough demands placed on it in use.’
NICEIC voices concern over counterfeit contractors
NICEIC is warning homeowners to be aware of counterfeit contractors. The organisation has found that over the past year the number of electricians fraudulently claiming to be NICEIC Part P registered has increased by over 60 per cent.
Emma McCarthy, chief operating officer of NICEIC Group, said, ‘Electricians advertising their services as being NICEIC registered, when they are in fact not registered, are not only committing a criminal offence but may put lives at risk by carrying out electrical work that they are not certified for. It is important that homeowners are aware that these scam electricians are out there and of the dangers that they pose.’
NICEIC and Trading Standards are taking a strong stance towards cracking down on this abuse of consumer trust and blatant flouting of safety laws. The introduction of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Act, which came into effect in May 2008, has also led to an increase in investigations resulting in prosecution.
Homeowners have been alerted to the rise in fraudulent claims via coverage in the national and regional press. The aim of the campaign is to not only support genuine NICEIC registered contractors, but keep the homeowner safe too.
‘Every fraudulent claim to be NICEIC registered is taken extremely seriously and our complaints team works closely with Trading Standards all over the country,’ McCarthy added. ‘We have helped to secure prosecutions and our expertise means that we’re the first port of call for many consumer protection bodies when they want advice on where to find a good electrician.’
If homeowners are in any doubt as to their electrician’s NICEIC registration status they should contact NICEIC for verification on 0870 013 0382 or go to www.findanelectrician.info to find a registered electrician in their area.
Survey finds not all tradespeople expect turnover to fall
Despite the economic doom and gloom, over a quarter of tradespeople (27 per cent) are confident their business will grow in 2009 and almost half (44 per cent) do not expect their turnover to fall.
According to the Business Owners’ Survey (BOsS Index) from Direct Line for Business, many tradespeople are still looking to invest money into their enterprises over the next 12 months. A significant number of them are planning to make their prices more competitive (18 per cent), diversify their business offering with new products or services (12 per cent) and 11 per cent are upping their marketing spend.
Some tradespeople are also adopting more ruthless strategies to fight off the recession. One in nine (11 per cent) are planning to directly target their competitors’ customers and one in nine (11 per cent) plan to move in on business from competitors who have already gone bust.
Kate Syred, head of Direct Line for Business, commented, ‘While recession has a negative impact on the economy as a whole, periods of instability can also throw up new opportunities for smaller businesses. Smaller trades firms are able to adapt quickly to the economic conditions and although financial pressures are increasing, now is the time, more than ever, to seize opportunities and to be innovative.’
However, not everyone believes in this being a time of opportunities. Over a third (34 per cent) of small businesses in the trades sector are not planning to grow their business through 2009 as firms adapt to the economic conditions. As a first step to stave off the crunch the majority of small businesses are trimming operating costs and looking for ways to become more competitive.
Indeed, a further 45 per cent think they are likely to see a decrease in their business this year. Concerns include ‘ensuring customers meet payments’ (39 per cent), and worries about ‘cash flow’ (39 per cent), closely followed by ‘lack of customers’ (37 per cent).
Philips acquires Dynalite to further interest in lighting controls
Royal Philips Electronics has announced that it has acquired Dynalite. Dynalite has become part of the lighting electronics business within the Philips Lighting sector.
‘Sophisticated lighting control systems can provide our customers with significant cost and energy savings. A variety of lighting control methods present a solution to suit any setting, ensuring that energy is not consumed unnecessarily, while providing the user with complete flexibility and control over their environment. As such, the acquisition of Dynalite enables us to further strengthen our offering of integral energy management solutions to major corporations, property developers and hotel groups,’ said Rudy Provoost, chief executive of Philips’ Lighting sector.
He added. ‘Having a prominent lighting controls business will help us to further capitalise on the growing demand for energy saving solutions. This is fuelled by trends towards net zero CO2 buildings and the accelerating global switch to green energy saving solutions, partly enforced by increasing government legislations.’
ELECSA now offers microgeneration certification
ELECSA has launched a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for contractors installing renewable technologies in domestic properties. ELECSA already runs a successful Part P registration scheme for electrical contractors, and is now extending its straightforward approach to certification for renewables.
The primary aim of the MCS is to provide consumers with confidence and protection, by guaranteeing that microgeneration products and installers who carry the mark meet robust quality standards. The scheme is backed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and is designed to ensure quality and reliability in the fast growing microgeneration industry. The government also hopes that encouraging the use of renewables will cut down the UK’s dependency on fossil fuels, and reduce carbon emissions.
Certification director for ELECSA, Chris Beedel, said, ‘MCS accreditation will make it easy to identify good quality microgeneration products and services in a rapidly growing market. It will also provide consumers with confidence and assurance when purchasing these technologies.’
Through the government’s Low Carbon Buildings Scheme, the MCS also gives consumers access to grants up to £2,500 towards the cost of installing a certified product by a certified installer. To date, MCS standards include solar heating collectors, solar photovoltaics, micro wind, heat pumps and biomass. Work is underway to finalise standards for hydro turbines, combined heat and power and fuel cell products.
The MCS has replaced the Clear Skies List, which was the original list of registered microgeneration products and installers that could be used when applying for microgeneration grant funding.
BEAMA warms against short-term zero carbon policy traps
BEAMA has welcomed the government’s consultation to finally tie down the definition of zero carbon. However, it has warned against falling into short-term policy traps, which will risk longer-term energy security and vital carbon emission reductions.
Kelly Butler, marketing director at BEAMA, commented, ‘The definition, and final delivery tools, must recognise that we have a steadily de-carbonising grid over the next two decades. With new build policy driven by short-term carbon reduction targets using current grid carbon figures, all sight is lost of the fact we should be encouraging moves into electricity based services for heating and hot water.
‘The zero carbon consultation asked for comments on whether there should be a 44 per cent, 70 per cent or 100 per cent carbon compliance figure, but completely ignored the need to limit primary energy consumption and deliver sustainable services for a building’s lifetime.
‘If you reduce primary energy demand and calculate lifetime carbon savings over the dwelling’s lifetime, say 60 years, then a 55 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to gas central heating can be realised. This is yet another example of a consultation where the government fails to properly tackle the sustainability question.
‘BEAMA has strongly urged Communities and Local Government to come into line with the Climate Change Committee report (December 08). The report points towards an electric heating future, but if we are to see sector growth for electric heating and heat pumps then rhetoric needs to be turned into hard action.’
BEAMA gave a warm welcome to offsetting beyond carbon compliance with measures for existing homes, but says Whitehall does not appear to realise the link between this option and the central co-ordinating trust recommended in the Heat and Energy Saving Consultation.
An intelligent future for the IBT Group
A group of companies, intent on doubling in size by capitalising on its specialist expertise in integrated building technology, has reformed under the banner of the IBT Group.
In structuring the companies into a group, founder and group managing director, Alan Vickery, intends the IBT Group to become one of the UK’s leading providers of ‘intelligent’ building environments. Vickery said, ‘We have created the new group in response to an increased understanding of the benefits of a cohesive, sustainable technology package for all stakeholders. This knowledge is driving through a culture change from the standard delivery of stand alone technologies into the built environment.’
‘With the commercial property sector accounting for in excess of 40 per cent of energy usage in the UK, there are enormous reductions in usage to be enjoyed. This combined with continued pressure on the businesses to address climate change as part of their increasingly important CSR policies, means that adopting and embracing this way of thinking is paramount for all our futures.’
Vickery believes that they are at the forefront of a huge shift in how owners and managers of commercial buildings approach their new developments. He said, ‘The shift in attitude is that people are starting to look at the whole lifecycle cost of a building, not simply the actual build cost – and this is where intelligent building control comes in. The reality is that 70 per cent of the cost of a building comes after the build element is complete.’
Integral launches technical services division
A new division providing a single point of delivery for the specialist services of fire prevention and protection, security systems, building management systems (BMS) and data cabling – plus their full installation – has been launched by Integral UK.
The Integral Technical Services (ITS) division will offer its clients a fully integrated single supplier service which delivers both cost savings and the untimely hassle of dealing with potentially three separate companies.
Brian Wilson, head of ITS, said, ‘I’ve seen for myself on many building sites the waste and duplication which takes place when lots of subcontractors are working away in isolation on their separate projects, seemingly lacking any coordination or common purpose.
Wilson added that many of Integral’s national clients were frustrated by being forced to spend time and money dealing with a variety of specialist external suppliers for their fire prevention and protection, security systems, BMS and data cabling needs, plus the added burden of finding someone to coordinate the installation of all those varied systems.
NAPIT members welcome new payment scheme
The successful launch of NAPIT’s direct debit scheme for renewal memberships at the end of 2008 has enabled members to spread their wings as well as their payments.
In view of the current financial climate members have applauded NAPIT for listening to their worries and implementing a system which means they can easily pay their renewal membership and remain certificated.
Martin Bruno, NAPIT’s financial director, said, ‘The direct debit scheme has been really well received by our members. We pride ourselves on taking the necessary steps to ensure trade professionals can continue to notify their work through NAPIT by listening to the needs of members and reacting accordingly. The current financial climate is hitting both companies and one man bands hard, but hopefully we have eased some of that pressure.’
EIS scoops regional business award
Electrical Installation Solutions has scooped a prestigious regional business award.
The Downham Market based company beat off some stiff competition to be named Young Business of the Year in the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council’s Mayor’s Awards for Business Achievement.
Now in their 18th year, the awards are designed to reflect the best in business in the west Norfolk region.
Electrical Installation Solutions accepted its award at a civic dinner hosted by the mayor, David Johnson, held at the King’s Lynn town hall. The award was presented to EIS managing director, Steve Neeves, by leader of the council, Nick Daubney.
Steve Neeves said, ‘I am delighted that we have won this award. It is recognition of the fact that we are doing things the right way and it is good to have this recognised outside the business. It is a sign that our commitment to continued growth through difficult economic conditions is paying off.’
Venture launches online energy calculator
Venture Lighting has introduced a new online energy calculator to provide an invaluable tool for calculating energy savings in specific installations. This simple to use tool will also calculate financial savings that can be achieved by choosing to switch to lamps within the Venture range.
Keith Huxley, marketing director of Venture, commented, ‘With the increasing demands for higher energy efficiency and lower cost of ownership, Venture is at the forefront of product development to reduce overall energy usage costs, without any compromise in lighting quality. This sophisticated program is just part of our continued plan to provide customers with a more in depth website. The calculator will help customers make a true comparison of the energy savings that can be achieved just by using different lamps.’
The online energy savings calculator can be found at www.venturelightingeurope.com.
Growing exports keep Gripple in winning ways
Gripple, winner of a number of awards for the buoyant overseas sales of its wire joiners, has received another from its valued regional development agency.
Yorkshire Forward, combined with UK Trade and Investment, chose Gripple from three companies in the region’s Best Exporter category of its Golden Global Awards, which were designed to recognise companies growing through international trade in five other categories.
Mark Edmonds, managing director of Gripple, said, ‘We are delighted to receive the best exporter award at the Going Global Awards. We have always viewed our market opportunity as a global opportunity and this award is recognition for all of our staff worldwide who develop, market, and manufacture innovative products which we supply to 2,000 customers in over 80 countries.’
In its 20 year history, Gripple has manufactured more than 300 million wire joiners into worldwide construction and agricultural markets. Overseas sales represent 80 per cent of turnover and have grown by 53 per cent between 2001 and 2008.
Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said, ‘In the current economic climate it is vital that companies have the opportunity and encouragement to expand into new markets that will allow them to survive and grow.’
FIA sees Fire Safety Order review as an action stimulus
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has welcomed the review on the Fire Safety Order but recognises that it has raised a number of issues that those within the fire safety arena need to address.
The review, Initial Evaluation of the Effectiveness of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, was published by the government’s Communities & Local Government department and was the first real insight into the effectiveness of the Order since it was introduced in October 2006.
Both the fire industry and the fire and rescue authorities (FRA) have raised concerns over the lack of awareness of the Order amongst businesses. The review estimated an awareness level of some 60 per cent, a point picked up on by Graham Ellicott, CEO of the FIA. He said, ‘We feel, as do many within the FRA, that this figure is probably an over estimate. And, who is to say that awareness equals compliance? Even if the 60 per cent figure is a true reflection of the current position, that means there are 40 per cent of businesses out there who aren’t aware of their responsibilities. That is an unacceptable situation. The fire and rescue services (FRS) have only limited means to address this and we feel it is imperative that the government commits funds to enable fire industry stakeholders to work together in improving awareness.’
Not surprisingly, the review concluded that greater clarity is needed on the appropriate level of competency to assist with delivering compliance under the FSO and advice on how to access it. The responsible persons interviewed as part of the review process commented on the variable quality and expertise of risk assessors and consultants. This is an issue which is being tackled head on by the FIA through the recently established Fire Risk Assessment Council.
In conclusion, Ellicott said, ‘The review has undoubtedly been a very useful exercise in helping to identify what needs to be done and in pinpointing those areas where a particular focus is required. At the FIA we have undertaken a strategic review of the market sectors we need to address and it is interesting to see that many of those are highlighted by the review.’
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