Lee has been announced a winner of Maserati 100
Lee Wilcox, 34-year-old CEO of On The Tools, was recognised as one of Maserati’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs in a list published by The Sunday Times on Sunday 17th March. Maserati was founded over 100 years ago by the Maserati brothers who were entrepreneurs and innovators of their era. Alfieri Maserati and his brothers were passionate about nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and began the journey of Maserati 100 in 2014 by highlighting and empowering like-minded business professionals. Now in its fifth year, Maserati is pleased to continue celebrating entrepreneurship today with partner The Sunday Times. The theme of Maserati 100 2019 is ‘innovators’, and the judge panel were set out to recognise entrepreneurs who have had a big idea and converted it into a successful business. In light of the above, it is safe to say there is no better introduction. Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools has been recognised, nominated, and awarded for his contributed original thinking to the construction industry and has been named a Maserati 100 2019 entrepreneur. On The Tools is the largest online construction based community in the UK, showcasing construction content and engaging with a self-made community, every day, across social media; reaching over 3 million loyal followers. Lee Wilcox shares the vision and passion of the Maserati brothers about nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and wants to provide a solution to the unrepresented construction industry and to provide other professionals with equal opportunities, financial privileges, and perks. Wilcox said: ‘I’m over the moon to be able to announce that On The Tools have been listed in the Sunday Times Maserati 100 Entrepreneur list! Four and a half years ago, I got drunk with Adam Barrie – our Creative Director – and we came up with the idea for On The Tools. Since then we’ve had the privilege of bringing together the best group of people I’ve ever met. A group of people that will stop at nothing to help each other succeed, feel safe and be happy.’ All of the 100 2019 entrepreneurs were announced in The Sunday Times on Sunday 17th March. Online you will find a profile of each individual which was published to offer the opportunity to meet the winning Maserati 100 innovators. This is the latest accolade for Wilcox, who now boasts a number of award wins under his belt, having gone from strength to strength since On The Tools’ conception in 2014. As part of the recognition, Lee will attend an exclusive event in London hosted by Maserati, where he and his fellow 99 entrepreneurs will network and celebrate their success. You can find out more about Lee Wilcox and On The Tools via social media: LinkedIn/ Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter
The big smoke: A boiler breakdown
The figures, which have been compiled by Boiler Guide as part of its ‘Boilers on the Blink’ campaign to encourage homeowners to review their boilers following winter and make repairs while engineers are in lower demand, found that 6.1%* of properties in London had experienced a boiler breakdown since 2009. The West Midlands (6%) and the North East (5.6%) followed the closest behind, suggesting that residents in these areas need to pay closer attention to their boilers to ensure they can make any repairs or replacements before it’s too late. At the other end of the scale, boilers were least likely to break down in Yorkshire (4.3%), ahead of Scotland (4.4%) and the North West (4.8%). Full results: Commenting on the results, Founder of Boiler Guide David Holmes, said: “London is synonymous with having an abundance of ‘older’ residential and commercial properties, with many containing older heating systems that are in dire need of repair. Couple these with the higher occupancy rates and the dense population of the region, the strain put on boilers and other home heating systems is hard to ignore. It’s likely that the temperature in each region will also have an impact on the final figures. While London is, on average, one of the warmest areas of the UK, this also means that boilers are switched off and left dormant for longer periods throughout the spring and summer, which is when more repair issues can occur.” The report also found there was a clear link between the percentage of home ownership and the amount of boiler repair enquiries made, with areas dominated by rental properties such as in London, the North East and the West Midlands more likely to experience a breakdown. This is likely due to tenants not paying a close eye on the condition of their boiler, or not living in a property for a long enough time to notice any changes. David, adds: “While the cost for the repairs or replacement of a boiler is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord, tenants should keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms of a faulty boiler. A boiler that is performing to its full potential will not only create a warmer, cosier home to live in, but it can also reduce energy costs by hundreds of pounds a year for residents.” Why is Summer the Best Time to Get Your Boiler Repaired or Replaced? Although demand for boiler services, repairs and replacement is lower between March to October, this is actually the best time to get these jobs carried out. Here are a few reasons to go against the trend and get your boiler repaired in the summer. Heating engineers and companies are often less busy during the summer and may offer more competitive prices. You should find it easier to get an appointment time that suits you. Having work carried out on your boiler means it will need to be turned off; if you have to go without heating and hot water, it makes much more sense to do it in the summer. If a boiler breaks in winter you will be without heating and hot water until it can be fixed. Getting things sorted ahead of the winter will give you real peace of mind that your boiler is in good condition before it’s tested by the freezing temperatures ahead. You should get to know how your boiler works and to recognise when there might be a problem. Listen for odd noises and if the boiler seems to be struggling to reach a high enough temperature, don’t ignore it as it’s unlikely things will get better without some maintenance or a repair. For more information and the full results on the Boiler Guide research, click here *These figures are based on the total amount of boiler repair of enquiries received by Boiler Guide between 2009-2019 and divided by the total number of properties in each region (based on ONS statistics).
Buyer beware – making procurement safe for the 18th edition
The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations builds on the changes, made by Schneider Electric, that were introduced with Amendment 3 of the 17th Edition. The Wiring Regulations establish standards providing rules and guidelines for electricians and contractors for the design, erection and verification of electrical systems with the aim of making installations safer. The byline from Schneider Electric will look into the new requirements of the 18th edition, including the requirement for a surge protection risk assessment on installations in many cases, unless it is decided to install SPDs irrespective or there is an outright requirement to install them in the regulations. Deepak will offer insight into why when choosing products, it’s critical to ensure you select safe and compliant systems that are tested and validated to the relevant standards and hold the correct certifications and markings. Opting for trusted brands from reputable manufacturers, who provide the relevant technical documentation to support appropriate product standards, can help to safeguard the contractor and end client – bringing peace of mind to the installation. He will summarise the need to find trusted purchasing channels for peace of mind for both customers and the business. For more information about Schneider Electric, please click here
Artline’s EKPR markers to leave indelible impression
Thanks to some expert industry knowledge, Artline believes it has created a product range to make an appropriately bold mark with thousands of professionals across a variety of trades. Artline’s new EKPR series has been designed with all manner of tradespeople in mind, including builders, plumbers, gardeners, electricians and even odd-job men and women. Individual markers in the collection are crafted to work on tough surfaces including fencing, piping, metalwork, stone and concrete. Each of the seven markers in the EKPR series also boast a clever, colour-coded barrel to make selection from the tool box simple. Markers in the range include: General Purpose Marker – No job is too big or too small for the General Purpose Marker. Working on most surfaces and featuring instantly drying ink, this marker works whenever and wherever it’s needed. Exterior Marker – Ideal for marking up fencing, plastic piping or metalwork, the Exterior Marker is long-lasting in the most testing of conditions. BuildersMarker – Whatever structure is being created, the BuildersMarker features a chunky nib to write on styrene, wood, stone and rough surfaces. It features an aluminium barrel and a toughened nib to make its mark on the toughest surfaces. Concrete Marker – Make the Concrete Marker the foundation of any tool bag, which allows professionals to make marks on brickwork, grouting and any rough surfaces. Plumbers Marker – Water is no worry for the Artline Plumbers Marker, which writes on most wet surfaces including copper, plastic and most types of metal with its unique ink formulation. Electricians Marker – There’s no crossing of wires when it comes to the best marker for electricians. A twin ended marker is ideal for writing on electrical tags or marking wiring. Plus, as it’s non-conductive, it’s completely safe to use! Gardeners Marker – From Alyssum to Zebra plants, green fingered gardeners can get out and mark their pots, plant labels and leaves. Chris Collins, Business Development Manager for Shachihata Europe said: “With the EKPR range, we’ve created a selection of products that have been highly engineered and developed for specific trades. With every marker in the range, we’ve created a trustworthy product that tradespeople can rely on – whatever their requirements.” Alongside the new EKPR collection, Artline has also created unique POS materials for retailers to display. These clearer, eye-catching product displays makes choosing the ideal product easier for customers. Artline will be exhibiting the full range at Scotland Build 2019. Find out more now about the EKPR range at www.shachihata.eu
Hamilton adds Surge Protection Devices to its circuit protection range
Hamilton Litestat has expanded its circuit protection range in accordance with ‘The 18thEdition’ to include two new Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), providing safeguarding against transients that could prove harmful to connected equipment. Transients originate from lightning or the switching of transformers and motors, and can cause serious injury and potentially loss of life, as well as destroy electronic components or cause premature ageing of equipment. SPDs are therefore recommended to prevent such damage. A provider of circuit protection products – including its sleek and stylish Contour and Convex consumer units – Hamilton now offers two versions of its ‘Type 2’ SPD: a 1-pole device and 2-pole device. The solutions fit snuggly inside the Hamilton consumer units and are recommended to protect against the spread of over-voltages to vulnerable and expensive equipment, such as laptops, PCs, washing machines, alarms and televisions. “Hamilton’s circuit protection offering is proving very popular, particularly its attractively designed consumer units, and we’re pleased to expand and increase our offering to include surge protection devices,” said Gavin Williams, Hamilton’s Head of Marketing. “The 18thEdition of the IET Wiring Regulations that was introduced in July 2018 requires protection against transient over-voltages except in single dwelling units to help protect against serious injury as well as mitigate damage to connected equipment and devices. Hamilton’s new SPDs are thoroughly tested and compliant to protect life and equipment.” Hamilton’s team can offer support and advice on the most appropriate solution for your project. For more information and to contact Hamilton, click here.
Self-employed electricians earn less in January
Self-employed electricians are feeling the pinch with their weekly earnings falling by £124 a week during January compared to December. “It sounds grim,” says Hudson Contract Managing Director Ian Anfield. “But it’s exactly what we expect at this time of year. After a hectic Christmas, many sites and their subbies take the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned break, and it takes until the end of January for everyone to get back into full swing.” Even with pay rates down by 12.2% for the month, the average electrical sub-contractor continued to earn £1,016 a week, with earnings highest in the East of England at £1,117 and lowest in the South-West at £761. It’s worth noting that despite the drop in January earnings, year-on-year earnings are up £42 a week, a rise of 4.3% – almost double the rate of inflation. Hudson Contract, founded in 1996, is the UK’s largest Construction Industry Scheme payroll provider, delivering the most accurate indication of sub-contractor pay trends across the construction industry, using payroll data for more than 2,200 UK construction companies. For further information about Hudson Contract, please contact Stuart Sanderson Fiona Gamwell
BSI appointed as Notified Body for G-Mark regulations
BSI, the business standards company today announced it has been appointed as a Notified Body by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) to certify products under the Gulf Mark (G-Mark) regulations. The G-Mark is the minimum requirement for manufacturers wishing to place Low Voltage Equipment (LVE) on the market in The Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Yemen. In order to achieve the G-Mark, BSI will carry out a comprehensive assessment of the manufacturer’s LVE product, as well as the quality system used by the organization. This approach is similar to BSI’s Kitemark™ certification scheme requirements, meaning existing BSI Kitemark holders will be able to comply. In order to achieve accreditation from GCC and GSO, BSI’s processes and expertize were rigorously audited in line with ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services. Graham McKay, Global Head of Gas & Electrical Products at BSI commented: “We’re delighted to become a Notified Body for G-Mark and are committed to supporting manufacturers to ensure that their products are ready to market in The Gulf states. Our teams are fully prepared to help organizations demonstrate that their products comply with the relevant National, Regional and / or International standards. The BSI Kitemark™ is one of the world’s most recognized and marks of quality and trust and this appointment from GCC and GSO which proves its value when gaining access to other markets.” For more information on the G-Mark approval system and the BSI Kitemark please visit www.bsigroup.com
Graeme Rees elected on to BCIA Management Committee
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced that Graeme Rees has been elected on to its Management Committee. Graeme has been involved in the building controls industry for nearly 30 years and is currently Marketing Manager for Schneider Electric UK & Ireland Digital Energy division. He previously spent 19 years at Trend Control Systems, where he worked his way up from Regional Field Services Manager to Marketing Director. The BCIA isrun 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. Graeme commented: “I am delighted and honoured to have been voted on to the BCIA Management Committee. With building technology advancing at the rate that it is, this is a challenging but exciting time to be involved in the building controls sector. I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow committee members to maintain and strengthen the BCIA’s position as a positive influence on standards, professionalism and innovation for its members now and in the future.” Jon Belfield, BCIA President, said: “Graeme has led an exemplary career in the building controls industry and his extensive experience and knowledge make him a valuable addition to the BCIA Management Committee.” For more information about BCIA please click here
Buzz Electrical Ltd celebrates 20 Successful Years and announces their chosen charity to support in their 20th Year.
Like many start-up businesses, Buzz Electrical Ltd had humble beginnings in a garden office attached to the family home. Now the Worcestershire Company is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and is one of the leading Electrical Contractors in the area specialising in Residential, Industrial and Commercial Electrical Services and Installations. A celebration to mark the 20th Anniversary of Buzz Electrical Ltd took place at its offices on Friday 1st March when Nigel Huddlestone, MP for Mid Worcestershire launched the celebrations. After being welcomed by Managing Director Steve Owens, Director Sue Owens and Marketing Manager Lucy Biltcliffe, Nigel Huddlestone was introduced and met the office team before having a look around the offices and hearing about some of the important company milestones and achievements. To mark and celebrate 20 successful years in the Vale of Evesham, Nigel was invited to cut the 20th Anniversary cake and launch their Anniversary Charity, Diabetes UK. Business owners, Steve and Sue Owens began the company working from their home in Badsey in Worcestershire. Buzz Electrical was established in 1999, after Steve had worked for 20 years as a self-employed electrician following completion of his electrical apprenticeship. Employing just one person in the early days, it wasn’t long before the business rapidly grew and they moved to an industrial unit in Evesham. Continuing growth and expansion of the business 4 years ago saw its relocation to new centrally located offices in Evesham with a team of 27 as well as a specialist technical division Buzz Technical. More recently, Buzz won Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year and Apprenticeship Employer of the Year for 2018 at the 2018 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards as well as becoming finalists in the prestigious national Electrical Industry Awards 2018 as Electrical Contractor of the Year for the second year running where they were also awarded ‘Highly Commended’. Today Buzz Electrical are proud of their long standing client relationships and to still be working with local householders and businesses as well as their expanding portfolio of building contractors and architects, hotels, County Councils, property consultants, schools and churches. Reflecting on two decades in business, Steve Owens said: “Twenty years is an important milestone and I am personally proud of the success we have achieved. It’s very much about the team and retaining the personal values that underpin my business philosophy – Buzz Electrical is all about being a company that understands our clients’ needs and gives professional efficient service to all our customers, large or small” “It is testament to our fantastic team who all work so hard and are dedicated that has enabled us to invest in growing the business, creating new jobs and focussing on continuous improvement over the years which has enabled us to be successful” “We wanted to celebrate but also to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK, a charity close to our heart. We are planning some events throughout the year to support Diabetes UK including an Anniversary Charity Ball at The Wood Norton in November” For more information about Buzz Electrical, please contact: Lucy Biltcliffe Buzz | Electrical Ltd | lucy.biltcliffe@buzzelectrical.co.uk | 01386 423600 | www.buzzelectrical.co.uk
