Author: Lorraine

Meet Hawke International’s Award-Winning Easy Access Enclosure Range

Hawke International’s longstanding reputation for quality, safety and reliability meets innovative design with the Exe Easy Access Stainless Steel Enclosure range. The Easy Access range of Enclosures were designed specifically with the needs of the customer in mind.  They reduce installation and inspection time using an innovative sloped face design, allowing for increased hand access when using tools and giving maximum visibility though cutaway side panels.  The Stainless Steel construction features a removable hinged lid containing additional retention pins which allow the lid to remain affixed to the body whilst the Enclosure undergoes installation, maintenance or inspection. This feature removes the risk of any damage being caused to the lid, or a trip hazard occurring if a removed lid was stored on a floor or walkway whilst work was undertaken. The angle of the sloped design allows water, dirt and any corrosive contaminants which may be present to simply run off, extending the overall lifespan of the Enclosure.  The EA Enclosure is an ideal choice for retrofit projects. Available in 9 sizes which adhere to industry specification, any current enclosure can be easily and quickly changed or retrofitted to the EA Range, saving time and costs at installation and ultimately reducing any operational down time.  If any additional information is required, a QR code is conveniently affixed to the range, providing users with access to a range of installation resources.  Designed specifically for harsh and hazardous environments where safety and reliability are paramount, the full range of EA Enclosures are globally certified for use in Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 by ATEX, IECEx, EAC and INMETRO and are certified to IEC/IEN 60079-0, IEC/EN 60079-7, IEC/EN 60079-31 and IP66.  Because of the Increased Safety Standards held by the EA Enclosure range, Hawke International’s Easy Access Enclosure range was selected by the British Pipeline Agency (BPA) when they undertook the extensive project to rebuild the Buncefield Aviation Fuel Storage Depot. A colossal fire had severely damaged the site in 2005 when unleaded motor fuel ignited due to an incorrectly installed cut off switch.  A total of 211 EA Enclosures were installed on the newly re-built Buncefield site. The work undertaken by Hawke International as part of the Buncefield Aviation Fuel Storage Depot re-build project was recognised industry wide when, in February 2019, the Easy Access Enclosure won a prestigious HazardEx Award in the category of “Best User Application”. Our expert, Product Manager Steve Parkin, accepted the Hazardex Award: “We’re delighted that the Hawke Easy Access Enclosure range has been recognised in this way. Being awarded Best User Application is testimony to just how important a role the many features of the EA Enclosure can play as part of pivotal undertakings like the Buncefield rebuild project.”  Find out more    

Electrician switches three decades of corporate life for entrepreneurship

With over three decades of experience in the electrical industry, Grant Bolger has started on a new journey by making the switch from corporate life to a world of entrepreneurship, with the launch of a Mr Electric franchise business covering Wakefield and its surrounding areas.     A qualified electrical engineer, Grant began his career working for an electrical power utility company following by a stint at running his own electrical business.  He then took a career change in a similar industry, but worked in power and utilities companies, including the National Grid.  Prior to acquiring his new electrical franchise, Grant wanted a new challenge and business opportunity in a sector where he could apply his extensive knowledge and experience. The new office, which is based in Wakefield, is ready to start trading from 1ST April 2019 and will provide electrical solutions for homes and businesses in all aspects of electrical repair, installation and energy saving, including electric vehicle car-charging points.  Not wanting to start a new business from scratch, Grant chose to go down the franchising route and make an investment in a sector and with a brand which was well known, recession proof and was growing fast. Mr Electric fitted the bill, particularly as it was part of Neighborly, the world’s largest franchisor of home service brands, with a franchise network of over 3,700 franchisees worldwide. Grant Bolger, said:  “I have been aspiring to start up my own business again for a number of years and knew I had the experience, commitment and enthusiasm to make it work. Mr Electric gave me the opportunity to go into business delivering a service that I am passionate about the community.  Having run my own business previously, I am not daunted by the challenges that lie ahead and am looking forward to getting stuck in and being a key player in our community.   I am very excited to be the new franchise owner of Mr. Electric Wakefield, and knowing I have the wider support, expertise and resource available from Neighborly, and other Mr Electric franchisees, gives me both confidence and peace of mind.”  Pierre Jeannes, Vice President of Operations for Mr Electric, added: “We’re proud and delighted to welcome Grant to our close network and are looking forward to supporting him throughout his exciting new journey with us.  With Grant’s proven success of running his own business, coupled with his 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, he exemplifies the kind of franchise owner that we look for across our industry and shows others the fantastic possibilities that exist in our growing network.”  Mr Electric is the UK’s leading electrical franchise brand with expertise in electrical installation, maintenance and repair, providing a national service with local coverage. It is an authorised OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) installer of electric vehicle charging points with a network franchised electrical businesses who install and manage electrical vehicle car charging points for homes, workplaces and public areas throughout the UK. For further information about Mr Electric and the services it offers, click here or call 01924 883 514.

DTL celebrates 94% pass rate on new wiring standard

Specialist provider Develop Training Ltd (DTL) is celebrating after electricians on its courses achieved a 94 per cent pass rate against the latest national wiring standard. Candidates from across the UK from some of the country’s biggest names in utilities and construction have been training with DTL to meet the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2018). From this year, anyone working as an electrician must achieve the latest version of the national qualification. Matthew Gray, Operations Manager at DTL, said: “We’ve rolled out training in the new standard across all our centres across the UK, which puts our training within easy reach for our customers nationwide. We’re also providing courses for customers on their own premises. We’re thrilled that our candidates are achieving such a high pass rate and can quickly get back to their day jobs with the knowledge that they’ve been trained to the highest standards.” DTL provides training in the regulations at its seven centres in two forms, the standard three-day course for most candidates and a one-day refresher course for those with the most up-to-date previous qualification. The successful candidates were trained by DTL’s expert lecturers, all of whom have a long record of electrical experience. The training company expanded its electrical lecturing team last year to meet growing demand for training in the new regulations as well as for the installation of smart meters. As specialists in training for utilities and construction, DTL typically includes a large amount of practical training alongside classroom learning. With their real-world experience, lecturers relate the theory of the guidelines to the actual skills used by electricians when carrying out work in domestic or commercial settings. Small class sizes ensure individual attention. The 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations book was published last summer and the regulations came into force on 1 January 2019. The wiring regulations apply to the design, erection and verification of electrical installations, as well as additions and alterations to existing installations. The 18th Edition has introduced comprehensive changes to the previous edition in areas including protection against over-voltages and fire as well as electrical embedded-heating. A new section covering energy efficiency has also been introduced. Overall, the regulations set requirements and operating criteria for the UK and are recognised by the British Standards Institute as a British Standard (BS 7671). Click here to find out more about DTL’s electrical courses or contact the Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708.

Tackling fuel poverty through intelligent electric appliances

Around 2.5 million households in the UK – ten percent of our housing stock – meet the criteria for fuel poverty, Shaun Hurworth from Glen Dimplex & Ventilation looks at how modern electric heating appliances can do their bit to help tackle the issue.  It is an alarming figure but ten percent of homes in the UK are calculated as having above-median energy costs which, if the occupants were to pay them, would leave the household income below the official poverty line. This either means people are cold, in debt to their energy supplier, or have very little money left for other bills, food and necessities. What’s worse, reports and data suggest that our efforts to address this are stalling, and more people are entering fuel poverty than leaving it.  There are many factors which can contribute to addressing fuel poverty, but one thing is clear; manufacturers, installers, energy companies and housing providers all have a part to play in reducing the impact that this has on millions of families in the UK.  There is no single solution to fuel poverty of course, but one significant change that can be made in a fuel poor household is reducing the cost of hot water and space heating. Insulation of the home to reduce heat loss is a vital first-step in this process, but once the energy requirement of the home has been reduced through improvements such as double glazing and cavity wall and loft insulation, the next big step is usually improving the heating and hot water system. This issue can be approached in two ways – and it is vital that installers understand the benefits of each for their customers.   Increase system efficiency  The first is increase system efficiency which reduces overall energy use. By replacing a water cylinder or traditional storage heater, for example, with one that includes modern insulation can save up to 27% on running costs. Dimplex’s Quantum off-peak electric heating system is a fantastic example, offering a future-proof, energy efficient and proven upgrade for conventional storage heaters. Quantum was the first appliance to be categorised within SAP as a high heat retention storage heater, combining intelligent features with modern methods of insulation to offer controllable heat when it is needed, 24 hours a day.   Enhanced controls The second way of approaching the issue of fuel poverty through heating and hot water systems is with increased control and automation. We have seen many instances where giving accurate control over a system has led to reduced running costs.  With the right controls a resident can choose to only heat water or a room when it is needed, maintaining health and comfort whilst minimising the amount of money needed to achieve it.  Advocating efficient, controllable systems is great in principal, but the conditions of fuel poverty often dictate that access to the capital needed to fund these improvements is not available.   Whilst they often pay for themselves many times over in savings during their lifetime once installed, it can be difficult to pay for them up-front; a fact recognised by the Government. There are a number of routes designed to help people access funding which can provide them with a new system they might not otherwise have been able to consider. Whether they own the property, or rent it in a private or social function, there are grants that can provide the much-needed support to fully or partially fund the changes needed to take control of one of the largest outgoings a household has. Dimplex products were Green Deal compliant when it was a Government-run scheme and continue to qualify for this now privately-backed loan scheme. We also have extensive knowledge of working with installers qualified in the delivery of Energy Company Obligation (ECO) measures, where a significant proportion or all of an energy-saving home improvement can be funded. In total, 6.5 million households are eligible to access the funding and in the current phase of the scheme £640 million will be invested into making energy-saving improvements to 900,000 homes, including up to 35,000 heating system replacements each year.  Many providers can combine insulation and heating measures to increase funding and savings, which can have a huge and immediate impact on the cost of running a household in fuel poverty.  Fuel poverty affects a huge number of people in the UK, but it is not a lost cause. With the right investment from within the industry and government, viable solutions are available for users in all situations. It’s time we made the most of them.  For more information about Glen Dimplex & Ventilation please visit www.gdhv.com.  

Kick-off for Wiha ElectricVario family – a team of 83 professionals

Wiha is presenting a new line-up which will deliver the right move no matter what type of fastening is involved: the ElectricVario Family, a system comprising of 83 tools which can be fully combined with one another. Launched under the heading ‘Professional football’, the extensive campaign bears its own campaign logo, which will make it easy for users to recognise all the different ‘team mates’ in the future. Users will be guaranteed to get through any ‘penalty box’ efficiently, flexibly and perfectly safely, with their health intact, sinking every screw with a dead aim. The team mission The Wiha ElectricVario Family brings together all fastening tools which users need for all types of challenges and fastenings. The fully protection-insulated system and its accompanying campaign appearance should help users to identify its advantages and derive ideal benefit from the different possible combinations.  Users can compile their own suitable ‘line-up’ from the entire professional team on an individual basis. The squad Wiha divides all 83 items into playing positions. The six different handle variants ‘in defence’ have different possible combinations for their next ‘pass’: either via the extension or torque adapter in mid-field or directly to the attackers. The latter comprise a large selection of slimBits and nut drivers. The mobile Torque-QuickCheck rapid torque testing device defends against incorrect torque fastenings in ‘goal’. The ‘trainers’ bring together the many ‘individual talents’ into application-oriented ‘teams’. New tool sets in multifunctional or folding bags or slimBit boxes. Defence The ‘new signings’ in defence represent two new handle variants. The new PicoFinish® electric excels with its slim handle with precision and utmost care. With optimal balance between force and control, the new slimVario® electric handle allows users to work ergonomically. Regulars include well-known players such as the small, versatile Stubby electric, the fast-paced, electrically powered speedE®, the LiftUp® electric with slimBits in the handle, or the flexibly adjustable torque handle TorqueVario®-S electric. Mid-field If the screw fastening task requires a ‘pass to mid-fielders’, the five easyTorque torque adapters or new slimBit extensions, blades and adapters for handles and nut drivers await. Attack Forwards complete the pass and ‘strike home’, represented by a large portfolio of new and existing slimBits and ¼” hexagon socket spanners.  With the right ‘pass’, i.e. the right tool combination, any task can be completed safely, efficiently and ergonomically, with no risk of electric shock. www.wiha.com/evfor www.wiha.com/vr  

Safety First – C.K’s Solution for the Best in Cable Routing

Every tradesman is familiar with cable routing and the risks of splinters with some cable rods. That became a painful reality for Jason Price of Jason Price Electrical Services, whose hand was badly injured last year when a cable rod by another supplier splintered during use. Thanks to C.K, Jason became the proud owner of a C.K MightyRods PRO Cable Rod Set, which offers total protection against splinters due to a unique SplinterShield ™ coating. Will Sheridan from C.K originally heard Jason’s story during a visit to wholesaler, Seryn Electrical and, by chance, recently met him again during another visit. Jason is still suffering intense pain in his injured hand and an operation to remove the splinter has proved unsuccessful, leaving the splinter embedded and resulting in ongoing pain. On a lighter note, Will took the opportunity to present a delighted Jason with C.K’s SPIRAFlex rod, to help make his work that much easier. “As you can imagine, I lost complete faith in cable rods and had stopped using them” said Jason, “as did other electricians when word got around. But now the C.K MightyRods PRO with their splinter-proof coating have given me the confidence and reassurance that I can work safely and won’t find myself in a similar situation again.” Three Steps to Safe Cable Routing  Working with professional tradesmen helps C.K find solutions to end user needs and enables C.K Tools to develop the most advanced cable routing products. The C.K MightyRods PRO are specifically designed to combat the issues of painful splintering and snapping, thanks to an innovative SplinterShield™ coating – Europe’s first splinter-proof material – that protects the rods and allows both safe efficient working conditions. C.K realised that flexibility is also key to successful cable routing and introduced its super-flexible SPIRA-FLEX rod, perfect for accessing tight corners, bends and other obstacles. The SpiraFLEX draw tapes offer fantastic benefits when it comes to hassle-free cable routing. The super flexible and immensely tough 4mm Ø SpiraFLEX draw tape, offers a major improvement on standard nylon and steel draw tapes, which are often prone to twisting and kinking. The latest introduction – the C.K Gloworm Cable Router– adds another dimension to the range and is perfectly designed for running cables around tight corners, through insulation filled walls, underneath flooring and across ceilings. Gloworm’s clever glow in the dark phosphorescent polymer construction, aids routing in low light conditions and easier navigation towards exit points. When charged under natural light, Gloworm provides an effective glow for up to 30 minutes. For further information on the SpiraFLEX draw tape please visit www.carlkammerling.comor call 01758 704704.

Easy Access with C.K tools MightyRods Toolbox Set

Following on from the success of its pioneering range of next generation MightyRods PRO Cable Rods, C.K has launched the new C.K MightyRods PRO Toolbox Set 3.3m (T5419).  A compact handy toolbag size, offering efficient cable installation in confined spaces, the new MightyRods PRO Toolbox Set also has the added benefit of 100% splinterproof rods, thanks to their unique SplinterShieldTMcoating. Supplied in a storage tube sized to fit most tool boxes and bags, the set is easily transported and includes: 10 x 3cm rods, which, when combined, creates a total length of 3.3m, offering a convenient and robust alternative to carrying full length rods.  The 6mm rods feature SplinterSHIELD, a significant advancement in cable rod technology and a European first, the durable, 100 per cent splinterproof coating fully encases the inner fibreglass rod to prevent harmful and painful splintering.  ‘Mighty-Fix’ zinc plated steel connectors feature a slimline design and are glu ed, indented and crimped, making them able  to withstand up to 275kgof tensile pull strength.  For extra functionality the set also includes a 5mm thread adapter and cable hook, a 190mm coiled steel flexi lead and a mini eye ring, providing all the solutions needed for even the most difficult of cable routing tasks faced by electricians. Graham Godfrey, Brand Manager at C.K tools, commented: “We are always looking to make an electrician’s job easier and safer. With this in mind, the new MightyRods PRO Tool Box Cable Rod set encompasses all of the fantastic features of our full length MightyRods PRO kits in a scaled down size. With an easy-to-transport design and the ability to store this set in your existing tool box, they’ll always be close at hand when out on a job.”  For further information about The new C.K tools MightyRods please visit www.cktools.com or call 01758 704704

Gira UK shortlisted for two BKU Awards 2019

Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management is in the running for two more awards this 2019, shortlisted for ‘BEST BATHROOM ACCESSORY BRAND’ and ‘BEST KITCHEN COMPONENT BRAND’ BKU Awards. The BKU awards launched in 2015 and in association with Bathroom & Kitchen Update Magazine, is designed to recognise the retailers, brands, people and services that make the Kbb industry great.  Making it as a finalist in both the Bathroom and Kitchen Award categories, Gira UK has been shortlisted for the following BKU Awards 2019: BEST BATHROOM ACCESSORY BRAND  BEST KITCHEN COMPONENT BRAND  The awards are judged by an online vote, OPEN NOW, and call upon all leading professionals and associates within the KBB industry to cast their vote: closes on 26thApril 2019.  The results are then calculated and the winner is revealed at the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 20 June 2019 for an afternoon of celebrations at the Pavilion, Tower of London. Gira needs you! Vote Gira to WIN here https://www.bkuawards.co.uk/vote Mark Booth, Managing Director, Gira UK says: “To be shortlisted for two awards in the Kbb sector is a real honour, and market indicator that our recent efforts on training, expansion and product/brand awareness have gained real momentum in the marketplace. Striving for over 100 years to make building technology smarter, more secure, energy efficient and most of all, user friendly, we are pleased to have the opportunity to enter the kitchen and bathroom market with our intuitive range of smart products and solutions, communicating directly with our peers by virtue of an industry peer recognition voting system.” “Do you like what we do? Vote Gira to WIN by voting online at www.bkuawards.co.uk/vote and help us to continue to change the face of intelligent build solutions and how the market perceives the future of modern kitchen and bathroom spaces.”

Gira UK introduce New Team Members

Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, is pleased to welcome three new team members to its prestigious UK brand and business. This new trio will join as Trade Sales Representatives across key areas of the UK and will each be responsible for:  Visiting and developing business relationships with the electrical wholesale: new and existing  Promoting the Gira product portfolio via its relevant business channels  Promoting key promotional offers by Gira Offering basic in-store Gira training for respective customers  David Appleton, Trade Sales Representative [Midlands], Gira UK David comes with a great background and working knowledge of Trade-Counter operation, having worked for the UK’s largest electrical wholesaler and supplier, CEF for over a decade. Since 2009, David’s role covered all aspects of the business including the warehouse and trade counter, to developing into the role of Business Development Manager at CEF. This position involved safeguarding current business relationships by regularly visiting customers and implementing new tactics for generating first-hand leads and sales.  Benjamin Middleton,Trade Sales Representative [London], Gira UK Ben also brings a formidable knowledge of B2B relations via the Trade-Counter, benefitting from 6 years’ experience at CEF, when he then moved to a smaller independent supplier which concluded in a role at the UK’s largest electrical distribution company, Edmundson. During this process, Ben gained valuable insights into the different approaches taken by each Trade-Counter: how it operated, the company structure and unique business strategies to secure new business, partners and achieve set goals.  Mr. Matthew Ireland, Trade Sales Representative [London], Gira UK  Matthew impressed Gira UK in the initial stage of interview, substantiating his expert sales approach, process and industry knowledge of the electrical retail sectors: bolstered by palpable sales. Matthew’s career history includes a variety of relatable positions to Gira, starting with his role as Sales Representative for leading UK distributor, DAB pumps. Matthew was involved in driving target based sales, elevating industry awareness for both brand and business, as well as being responsible for hosting breakfast mornings, events and attending exhibitions to generate leads and purchasing.  Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK says: “We’re happy to welcome three new additions to the UK team, offering a sound knowledge of electrical wiring components, extensive sales experience and strong collaborative mentally. Their keenness to progress is vital to the development and increased specification of Gira products and services, helping our businessfurther understand this segment of the market and encourage a new level of market endurance.” For more information about Gira Uk please click here