Nine in 10 tradespeople forced to delay projects due to ongoing supplies shortage
Ongoing supplies shortage costing UK tradespeople over £3.5bn in lost earnings with the vast majority forced to delay projects or turn down work Nine in 10 (87%) tradespeople are being forced to delay projects due to the ongoing supplies shortage, a new report reveals. The study by small business insurance provider Simply Business unveils the devastating impact of the supplies shortage, with over a quarter (27%) of tradespeople saying they’ve had no choice but to delay projects by a minimum of four-eight weeks. Nearly one in five (16%) had had to delay projects by eight-12 weeks, and a further one in six (13%) have had to delay projects by three months or more. The supplies shortage, caused by a damaging combination of unprecedented demand, tighter restrictions on imports after Brexit, and rising costs of materials, has left tradespeople across the country facing a staggering £3.5bn loss. Costs are being passed down to the tradespeople and then ultimately the consumer. Michael Radford, who runs Liever Landscapes based in Scotland and works across Edinburgh and in Midlothian commented: “The main challenge is the rising cost of materials. We quoted for a patio job based on a material cost of around £400 per pack of sandstone paving. On commencing the job a couple of months later costs had surged to a staggering £640 per pack. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to factor in such large increases in material costs.” Terry Eade, a handyman from Bournemouth, Dorset commented: “The general public needs to be able to grasp the challenges involved in getting hold of materials, and the price increases that have occurred as a result. It’s inevitable it’s ultimately going to affect the clients.” Losing work and earnings The report showed that tradespeople have lost an average of £5,598 each as a result of rising material costs and a drop in earnings from needing to turn down work. One in five have lost over £10,000 each. Overall, 79% of the UK’s 801,000 self-employed tradespeople are affected by the shortages, amounting to a staggering £3.5 billion loss of earnings. Gavin McClafferty, a joiner from Stroud Gloucestershire commented: “The supply shortage has forced me to effectively shelve my business and I’m looking at turning to freelancing as a result. I don’t expect the economy to recover anytime soon from this shortage so it’s time for a career change.” What’s causing material shortages? As the UK recovers from Covid-19, 34% of tradespeople believe a post-pandemic surge in demand has been the top factor in driving the current material shortage. A further third say the impact of Brexit on imports – with delayed border checks, tightened restrictions and trade barriers – is adding to the challenge. More than one in 10 (12%) feel Covid-19 travel restrictions are also playing a part. Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, commented: “The ongoing supplies shortage is having a significant impact on tradespeople in the UK at a crucial time in their recovery from the effects of the pandemic. With 79% forced to turn down work in the last three months alone due to shortages, the total loss to self-employed tradespeople is expected to exceed over £3.5 billion. “This is a huge blow to the livelihoods and dreams of so many tradespeople across the country, but the ongoing situation should concern us all – small businesses are crucial to the UK, contributing trillions of pounds each year in turnover. A £3.5 billion hole in the books of self-employed tradespeople damages the wider economy, and it’s vital that they’re given the support they need to navigate this period of uncertainty. “Thankfully, we’ve seen remarkable resilience among the trades community throughout the pandemic, and it’s encouraging to see almost half of tradespeople remain optimistic about the future despite current challenges. Tradespeople will play a key role in the rebuilding of our economy and communities, and their resilience in the face of such challenges should give us all confidence that we’re on the right tracks to recovery.” Read more about the impact of the supplies shortage on tradespeople
Engineers of Tomorrow returns to IFSEC & FIREX in May – registration now open!
The highly regarded IFSEC Engineers of Tomorrow competition continued to go from strength to strength in 2021, and the stakeholders behind the event are delighted to announce its return for 2022. Engineers of Tomorrow helps to raise the profile of engineering apprenticeships and the opportunities they represent within the sector. Taking place at IFSEC and FIREX International each year, winners of regional heats compete in a live installation challenge at the show. The process involves two separate competitions – one for electronic security systems, and the other for fire systems. The winners of Engineers of Tomorrow will then proceed to the esteemed WorldSkills UK (WSUK) LIVE competition – the nation’s premier skills, apprenticeships and careers event. For the first time this year, both the electronic security and fire competitions will be represented at WSUK – underlining the value of both competitions to the wider UK skills industry. The application process is now open for any apprentices in the security and fire sector looking to take part. Register your interest for the 2022 security & fire Engineers of Tomorrow and WorldSkill UK competition here The competition aims to help tackle the growing engineering skills gap and attract and retain the next generation of security and fire systems installers. While the 2020 competition was unfortunately unable to go ahead, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, 2021’s competition saw a record number of entries take part, despite the challenges and restrictions of the global pandemic. EoT-FireCompetition-22Once again, the Engineers of Tomorrow finals will return to the IFSEC and FIREX show floor on 17-19 May at London’s ExCeL this year. Apprentice finalists will get the chance to show off their skills in front of thousands of peers and professionals from the security and fire sectors. David Scott, Managing Director at Skills for Security, explains: “We’re thrilled to get back to the live event this year, where Engineers of Tomorrow finalists can compete in front of their own industry, and showcase the talent that we know, as training providers, they demonstrate on a weekly basis.” “In addition, to have both security and fire competitions represented at WSUK this year is another fantastic result for the event and industry. WSUK gives opportunity to shine a positive light on the security and fire engineering sector as a career of choice, attracting new young talent into the industry. It puts the industry on a pedestal alongside the Navy, BAE, NHS and other major sectors and showcases the industry as a fun, technology-driven industry where learning never stops.” The Engineers of Tomorrow & WorldSkills UK process: February-April: Registration open 4-29 April: Knowledge-based online assessments take place 29 April-24 June: Qualifiers 17-19 May: Engineers of Tomorrow finals at IFSEC and FIREX (ExCeL, London) – Winners of both competitions go on to compete at WSUK 6-7 July: Announce national finalists W/C 10 October: Bootcamp November: WorldSkills UK National Finals November – Winners announced at the Security & Fire Excellence Awards (Hilton Park Lane, London) The 2021 event witnessed a few changes to previous years, not least because of COVID restrictions, however, regional heats still took place across all four UK nations, and the finals took place at Skills for Security’s HQ in Warrington. The regional heats took the form of a knowledge-based assessment which was completed online and invigilated by an employer or tutor. The winners of the Engineers of Tomorrow competitions were announced at the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards in November, while the WorldSkills UK winners were revealed live by Steph McGovern a week later. The industry was well represented on the live show, with Tom Sixsmith, Apprentice Fire & Security Engineer from EFT Group, on the panel talking about his passion for the industry. Jordan Duggan, Director at EFT Systems, added: “EFT Systems were delighted to have one of our apprentices Tom on the panel for the WSUK Ceremony. We have competed in this competition from the start for our sector and all apprentices at EFT recognise the importance of taking part not only in the competitions but also in promoting our sector which has a huge skills shortage. Tom did an excellent job of talking about our industry and apprenticeships and we look forward to him taking part in the competition next year!!” Find out the winners of 2021’s competition, here >> Stakeholders involved in supporting and contributing to the IFSEC & FIREX Engineers of Tomorrow competition are Skills for Security, CSL, NSI, SSAIB, and Texecom Academy, while additional support comes from the BSIA and BAFE. In addition, several manufacturers have demonstrated their own commitment to the event. As part of a three-year commitment, Hikvision, Texecom and CSL all donate equipment to be used in the heats, whilst Advanced and Apollo Fire Detectors – both part of the Halma Group – donate products for the fire competition. Secure your place at IFSEC International 2022. Get your free ticket here >>
BCIA announces new additions to Management Committee
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced three new additions to its Management Committee; Stacey Lucas, Matt Brown and Simon Patman. The BCIA is run by its members for its members and appointment to the Management Committee is by election. Members are however encouraged to participate in the Marketing, Technical and Skills Working Groups which enable the BCIA to tackle particular issues and projects in a focused way. Stacey Lucas is Commercial and Marketing Director at Sontay, a role she has worked her way up to since joining the company as a Customer Service Advisor in 2001. Stacey’s experience and insight learned in these years has given her a fantastic knowledge of Sontay’s product range and how it fits within the industry with a high level of technical understanding. Matt Brown is currently Managing Director of E.ON Control Solutions and is a qualified Management Accountant with over 25 years’ experience. As a relative newcomer to the industry, Matt brings a fresh perspective and diverse thinking and is very keen to work for the benefit of the building controls industry. Simon Patman is Director of BMeStimate, a service provider of BMS design and estimating services, providing contractors and manufacturers with resource to manage the peaks and troughs of the construction industry. He has almost 20 years of direct industry experience in various roles including design, engineering, project management and sales. Simon is excited to be involved in the betterment of the building controls industry, particularly during this age of rapid technological advancement. BCIA President Terry Sharp said: “I am delighted to welcome Stacey, Matt and Simon on to the BCIA Management Committee. Their diverse backgrounds and career paths will be extremely valuable as we look to increase our knowledge and influence in the building controls sector and continue working for the benefit of our members and the wider industry.”
JTL is inspiring learners and employers to build for the future this National Apprenticeship Week
This National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February), JTL, the leading training provider to the building services engineering sector, is encouraging more people to start their apprenticeship story and build for the future as part of its ‘Begin, Build, Inspire’ campaign. JTL’s latest campaign focuses on long-term partners JDL and the inspirational story of James, Dominic and Liam who started their JTL apprenticeships 16 years ago and later went on to establish their own successful electrical, plumbing and heating business in 2007. JDL now employs JTL apprentices of their own and has a workforce of over 50 people. The campaign aims to motivate those wanting to launch their career or change their profession to explore a JTL apprenticeship and get started in a skilled trade for life. Equally, JTL is also on hand to support employers looking to grow their business and build a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills. Cathie Foster, head of marketing and communications at JTL, said: “At JTL, we are proud believers in the value of training and retaining young talent, and apprenticeships are a proven way of rejuvenating the building services engineering sector. Although the hard work and commitment shown by our learners plays a large part in this success, the effectiveness of the apprenticeship scheme would simply not be possible without the support offered by JTL’s employers. “The success of JDL receiving an employer recognition award at the JTL National Awards 2021 is a real testament to their support and commitment to apprenticeships. We hope by watching JDL’s story, we’ll inspire more employers and learners to begin their own apprenticeship journey and build for a brighter future.” For more information about JTL and to watch the inspiring story of James, Dominic and Liam from JDL, visit www.jtltraining.com/begin-build-inspire.
JIB supports National Apprenticeship Week
With this week marking National Apprenticeship Week the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is highlighting the reasons why an apprenticeship is the preferred route into the electrical industry. In England, apprenticeship funding is available for all ages, and the JIB has long promoted the benefits of apprenticeships as being one of the core ways the industry can bring through the next generation of skilled tradespeople and equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours. This is why the JIB works with more than 60 apprenticeship and training providers to register apprentices under industry recognised frameworks for training and promotion of career progression and employment standards for those in training. Alongside traineeships, experienced worker assessment routes and qualification frameworks, apprenticeships represent one of the main ways people achieve skilled status in their occupation and the award of an ECS gold card. An ECS apprentice card is a reflection that a person is on that route to a gold card and is building their valuable skills and knowledge, and so employers and clients can readily identify those who will need additional supervision to begin with. JIB Chief Executive Jay Parmar said: “If you’re looking for a career in the electrical industry the JIB recommends an apprenticeship. You’ll earn while you learn and train to industry standards, building your skills and knowledge over time. The JIB regularly works with the Department for Education, Institute for Apprenticeships and Further Education, trade associations, unions, awarding organisations and employer groups to ensure the content of apprenticeships is right for industry need and that new training routes, like T Levels, map into the apprenticeship programmes so that people are put on the right career path at the start of their career in the industry.” Find out more about the JIB Apprentice Registration scheme by visiting https://www.jib.org.uk/provider www.jib.org.uk
myenergi tops Driver Power 2021 survey for home electric car chargers
The myenergi zappi, Britain’s best-selling eco-smart EV charging device, has been crowned ‘best wallbox home electric car charger’ in the Auto Express Driver Power survey. Based on real-world driver feedback, the initiative aims to celebrate the market’s best technologies and most exciting new models. Respondents were impressed with zappi’s ease of use and recharging speed, as well as its simple installation, stylish looks and high levels of customer support. The zappi also topped the charts when it came to charging reliability, far outstripping the competition with a score exceeding 90%. zappi is a smart charging device with a difference. Not only does it operate as a standard EV charger, but it also has optional charging modes to utilise 100% green energy generated from solar panels or wind turbines. Paired with the myenergi app, users can set timers to harness economy tariffs, use the boost function, monitor devices and more. Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO at myenergi, commented: “Topping the Driver Power charts shows that EV owners really appreciate the care and attention that we put into each and every zappi device. At myenergi, we’re committed to changing the way people think about energy, with a diverse range of technologies designed to improve sustainability and minimise mains consumption. Winning such a prestigious award is testament to the hard work and commitment of each and every team member. “Since launching our first generation zappi device, we’ve seen thousands of units installed all over the world. However, despite this continued growth, we’ve stayed true to our promises of excellent performance, outstanding customer service and unmatched reliability. “Recent stats from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) show that around one in ten new car sales are now electric. With this trend expected to grow further in 2022, we’re expecting to see even more zappi units installed worldwide – helping to make the transition to electrification easier than ever before.” To find out more about zappi, or myenergi’s extensive range of eco-smart home energy technologies, visit www.myenergi.com/zappiquote/.
Registration now open for FIREX International 2022!
Registration for FIREX International 2022, taking place on 17-19 May 2022 at ExCeL London, has officially opened. Secure your place today! After almost three years apart, FIREX International returns in-person to London in May for Europe’s largest gathering of fire safety professionals. Get your FREE ticket >> As always, the event will offer an immersive experience for the entire fire safety buying chain – and it’s FREE to attend! Don’t miss the opportunity to reconnect with the entire fire safety community, share expertise and get up to speed on the latest legislation. Why attend FIREX International? Reconnect with the fire safety community and meet leading suppliers throughout the three days, alongside key industry associations such as the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Fire Protection Association (FPA), and more! Enjoy a plethora of networking opportunities to reconnect with the industry, ranging from breakfasts and drink receptions to closed-door roundtable discussions. Stay on top of the legislation and guidance by joining the Expertise and Guidance Theatre and the FPA’s InfoZone seminars to keep on top of the latest government legislation, industry standards and best practice guidance. Source the latest fire safety solutions by accessing hundreds of fire safety suppliers, from the likes of Kentec, Aico, Baldwin Boxall, Securiton, Coopers Fire, ARGUS SPECTRUM, Apollo Fire Detectors, and more! Plus, get access to hundreds more exhibitors across security, smart buildings, facilities management and health and safety. And, for 2022, FIREX has taken the decision to fully commit to supporting and promoting third-party approvals, independent accreditation and competency for construction products and services. This will mean all exhibiting companies with relevant fire protection or prevention systems and materials will need to hold – or be in the process of acquiring – recognised third-party approval on their products. Learn more about the safe measures FIREX International is putting in place to reunite the security community safely. Register your place at FIREX International 2022, here! FIREX Making life safety a right, not a privilege
FIREX Making life safety a right, not a privilege
FIREX International is your chance to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and legislation within the fire and life safety industry. Come together with the fire safety community to source hundreds of solutions across passive fire protection, fire prevention and detection, sprinkler and suppression systems, emergency lighting and much more. Make the most out of your trip to the ExCel and benefit from cross learning, sharing and networking opportunities across 5 co-located shows – IFSEC International, Safety & Health Expo, FIREX International, Facilities Show & Intelligent Building Europe – all included in your FREE ticket. Get your free ticket Registration now open for FIREX International 2022!
Smart homes: catalysts to empower change
By Nico van der Merwe, VP of Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric UK&I Today, homes represent 20% of global CO2 emissions worldwide which is a sobering reminder that there is still a long road ahead to achieve our climate targets. To get to our Net-Zero goal, we must bring homebuilders, mortgage providers, homeowners and residents onside and empower them with the right technologies and solutions to help fight against climate change. As more and more smart home devices are powered by clean electricity – from heating to cooking to personal transportation – we have an opportunity to decarbonise our dwellings at pace without changing our digital and connected lifestyles. This is now possible through cutting-edge technology and innovation, with positive, sustained change truly starting at home. The focus on climate change and sustainability is now becoming omnipresent for homeowners, home builders and policy makers. This is reflected in the UK government’s move to mandate the installation of residential electrical vehicle charging points from 2022. With the technology available, it’s time for home builders and homeowners to invest in it and make Net-Zero a reality. Barriers homes must overcome The increase in electric vehicles could double residential energy usage, potentially becoming one of the biggest changes since electricity was first widely used. Add to that electric heating and cooking and the residential market will be severely disrupted. The time to act is now. By 2050, households are expected to be the single largest consumer of electricity and the biggest contributor of CO2 emissions, with 34% generated by homes. We know consumers want to make changes and we need to empower them to do so by putting them in the driver’s seat when it comes to sustainable living. Our Powering Change report discovered that 50% of Brits think it is important to make their home carbon neutral within their lifetime, and 66% consider sustainability to be important when making home improvements. The majority (84%) are also concerned about rapidly rising energy bills should global temperatures increase by more than 1.5 degrees. There are 30.1 million homes across the UK and Ireland today, and we’re going to have to retrofit 26.5 million of them to meet targets. Our current progress is too slow. Currently, around 12% of homes globally are smart – but smart doesn’t mean sustainable. While the number of smart devices in our homes has dramatically increased, the well-being of the planet has not. Brits are 50% more likely to own a voice assistant than a smart thermostat, with just 51% viewing smart controls in the home as important – and yet digital is essential to achieving a Net-Zero home. The power of smarter and more sustainable homes Governments are striving to ensure the reliability of energy supplies and a cleaner energy mix. Homebuilders are looking for ways to make smart and sustainable homes a key differentiator, while businesses strive to equip consumers with easy to use and intuitive solutions to spearhead climate change action from their living rooms. Investment in smart, sustainable homes yields benefits to both the builder and the owner or tenant. We typically see a 30% reduction in energy usage and a similar reduction in operational costs as a direct result of smart building technologies. Better performing buildings can attract an increased sale value of up to +14% in the residential sector. The corresponding increases in rental values are +1.4% to +5.2% for residential properties. Not only are smarter and more sustainable homes essential for reaching our Net-Zero targets, they also offer a financial benefit. When around 40% of people expect sustainability technology to be embedded in the housing infrastructure for new builds, now is the time to ensure that is the case. Bringing Net-Zero closer with at-home energy management We know we all must do more to understand and manage our energy use through technology – from plugs and sockets to electric ovens and EVs – but it can be difficult to know where to start. Smart heating systems offer the ideal foundation for a more sustainable future. They allow users to switch heating on or off from a smartphone app, heat only specific rooms, and utilise self-learning features to avoid wasting energy. Multizone smart heating helps to drive energy bills down, makes homes more comfortable for residents, and increases a home’s sustainability. It’s a quick and simple way to begin adapting for a more planet friendly lifestyle. To achieve our Net-Zero targets, there needs to be more emphasis on retrofitting existing building stock, with incentives – helping to save energy, alleviate fuel poverty, and make households more sustainable. We also need to create minimally acceptable standards for all buildings, old and new. Finally, we need to find new ways of delivering sustainability by leveraging existing technology, both digital and electric. Find out more about Smart Homes
