Power up your tools with Makita’s latest XGT Power Source Kit redemption
Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has launched a new redemption promotion for its XGT Power Source Kit range. Running from the 1st October until the 31st December 2023, end users can claim a free 40VMax XGT 2.5Ah battery when they purchase a selected XGT Power Source Kit. Makita Power Source Kits are an ideal way for end users to start or expand a cordless system of XGT 40VMax tools. There are six qualifying Power Source Kits available in total as part of Makita’s latest promotion: Four kits with two batteries (2.5Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, and 8.0Ah options) and fast charger, and two kits with four batteries (5.0Ah and 8.0Ah options) and a twin-port fast charger. All are supplied in a robust Makpac carry case. Purchasing a Makita Power Source Kit enables you to select your preferred battery options, and then select your XGT tools from a wide range of body only models as a cost-effective option. The Power Source Kit and body only products enables customers to build their own kit of XGT products specific to their job requirements. With a high number of XGT models also available in Makpac cases, you can simply connect the Makpac tool cases to your Power Source Kits for improved storage and safe transport. Makita’s latest promotion allows end users to claim a free BL4025 2.5Ah XGT Battery (retail value of over £100) with qualifying XGT Power Source Kits. This Li-ion battery is a powerful general use battery with an LED charge level indicator for use with Makita’s range of 40VMax and 80VMax XGT tools. The heavy-duty battery can be charged in just 28 minutes with a rapid charger, for optimum performance and productivity on site. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, said: “Our XGT range is designed to help our customers work faster, more efficiently and safely with cordless technology that offers optimum power, high performance and exceptional run time. Batteries can be easily changed between tools, depending on the task and with our latest promotion, we’re helping end users enhance their cordless experience with a free battery.” Makita’s latest redemption will run until the 31st December 2023. Customers who purchase any qualifying XGT Power Source Kit from an authorised dealer between 01.10.23 and 31.12.23 must register their purchase online via the redemption promotion website within 28 days of purchase to claim their free product (see website for full Terms & Conditions and qualifying criteria). Customers will receive their free 2.5Ah (BL4025) 40VMax XGT Battery on successful application. For more information about Makita’s redemption promotion, visit: www.makitauk.com/redemptions
BGEN launches industry-leading carbon and energy reduction offer
BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering companies driving the energy transition, has launched an industry-leading carbon and energy reduction offer to support its clients on their decarbonisation journeys. The comprehensive offer will build on the company’s digital, electrical and mechanical engineering expertise, and will add further value to customers through an alliance with the trusted sustainability consultancy, Tunley Environmental. “Following the completion of several decarbonisation projects for our clients we’ve decided to formalise the offer,” says Robin Whitehead, chief executive officer at BGEN. “Our carbon and energy reduction proposition will offer real value to organisations in sectors such as heavy-industry, pharma and utilities that are actively looking to decarbonise their operations.” The carbon reduction offer includes feasibility & planning, implementation & project management, and ongoing monitoring & improvement recommendations, and is targeted at medium to large organisations. Core mechanical and electrical services will be offered alongside innovative digital solutions such as resource (e.g., energy/water/material) monitoring and live carbon (CO2e) calculations – which will be key as the company looks to offer continuous improvement support to its clients. BGEN’s alliance with Tunley Environmental will enable the company to offer a step change in sustainability advice to its clients. The Tunley Environmental team includes dedicated environmental scientists that help organisations around the world to assess and reduce their operational and product life cycle carbon footprints. “The alliance with Tunley Environmental will strengthen our consultancy offer and enable us to offer circular net zero solutions to our customers,” said Oliver Groarke, head of future markets at BGEN. “Practically, we can now help companies to calculate their carbon footprint, assist them in developing roadmaps, and most importantly, turn these roadmaps into reality.” BGEN recently completed the transformation of its headquarters into a net zero building. The project provided an opportunity to implement new technologies which will be on available to clients as part of this offer. For further information about this new offer, visit Carbon & Energy Reduction – BGEN (b-gen.co.uk).
Circular Lighting Live 2023: Reuse of luminaires goes mainstream
The reuse of luminaires is being normalised. That was one of the key messages to come from the Circular Lighting Live 2023 conference in London last week. “The reuse of reconditioned light fittings is starting to become mainstream,” said chairman Ray Molony. “Major commercial real estate developers, their architects and design teams are beginning to either reuse luminaires from a retrofit project itself and, in an increasing number of cases, use luminaires from a completely different building.” “This imaginative new thinking is leading to new business models and the growth of a vibrant remanufacturing sector in the lighting industry. Remanufacturers take used lights, upgrade them to the latest efficient LEDs and wireless controls and then – crucially – warranty them.” Circular Lighting Live 2023 included an exhibition by major lighting remanufacturers and sustainable lighting suppliers as well as presentations by clients who had reused luminaires, including Rolls Royce, Cambridge University, The Holburne Museum, Dublin Port Tunnel and Building Craft College. The event, held in the main auditorium of the Royal College of Physicians in London, brought together 290 registered delegates for the most comprehensive review of circular economy progress in the lighting industry. 35 speakers and panellists provided a fully comprehensive review of the legislation, and actions that companies in the UK and elsewhere are taking to drive forward the circular economy. Presentation after presentation made it very clear that remanufactured lighting products are no longer the preserve of just a few companies: instead, many are now getting involved. The conference was chaired and curated by Ray Molony, Editor of the Circular Lighting Report, and hosted by Recolight, the UK’s leading lighting WEEE compliance and circular economy scheme. Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said “It was truly inspirational to see so many examples of organisations that are putting the circular economy into practice. The vital significance of the conference was thrown into sharp focus by the deeply disappointing announcement that the Government is watering down key climate action policies. It is clear given this lack of ambition; it is the corporate sector that must now rise to the challenge.” Circular Lighting Live Delegate feedback It was clear that the event was a hit, here’s a snippet of the feedback received: Maurice Maes, Head of Standards and Regulation at Signify, the platinum sponsor of the conference, said “It has been a fantastic experience to witness the green ambitions of the UK lighting industry and to see the many innovative circular designs and successful remanufacturing projects. I am sure the Recolight Circular Lighting Live event will further fuel and accelerate this amazing trend.” Justine Walmsley, Signify Marketing Manager added “Our European & Global colleagues consider the UK as a best-practice region for circularity & remanufacturing thanks to this event highlighting the industry’s demand for this.” Tom Ruddell of EGG Lighting sees that “There is huge progress in the industry on remanufacturing, increased acceptance of the model and more of a focus on delivering it rather than debating whether it ‘can work’. CLL has been a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences as we all transition to circular models.” “Circular Lighting Live delivers an absolute treasure trove of sustainability knowledge, expertise, and wisdom from all areas of the lighting industry.” Jago Wickers, LUMINO Distribution Ltd “Circular Lighting Live brought together a great mix of people committed to doing better for the planet. It is great to see so much enthusiasm. This event gave people the knowledge and inspiration to go out there and take better actions and make better choices.” Jess Gallacher, ASD Lighting. Visit the Recolight website www.recolight.co.uk or follow Recolight on Twitter @Recolight
Exit Sign Compliance
Any commercial building that has an occupancy limit requires certain regulations to be followed in order to promote proper safety. These are known as “life safety systems” and they include things like emergency lighting and exit signs. These signs must adhere to regulatory codes in order to ensure proper safety standards. Regular testing, maintenance, and inspection are required at certain levels in order to comply with regulatory bodies like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This leads to the question, “Are your exit signs compliant?” Why Compliance Matters Before you just go off to shop for exit signs from a quality vendor like RS, it helps to know why it is so important to be compliant in the first place. Any business that is open to the public or has a staff of employees has a legal responsibility for the safety of those occupying the building. Having proper markings throughout the building provides clear directions in the event of an emergency. These markings must be able to function even when conditions are not ideal and potentially chaotic. Emergencies can make people panic but being able to reference exit signs in short order can be a life saver. Think of these as essential tools for the workplace. Code Requirements According to the NFPA, exit signs must be staged in either red or green. The finer points of exit sign compliance would go to a local statute, but they typically are made from some form of durable thermoplastic. As the name implies, these can stand up to the immense heat caused by a fire. To remain compliant, units must be inspected every 30 days. They must also be able to operate as they are designed for at least 30 seconds during inspection. Most emergency lights have some kind of lighting function, so they must be able to stay lit for at least 30 seconds. Moreover, once per year, units are tested for a full 90-minute cycle of operation to ensure that they can hold up under the requirements. Power Outages During an emergency situation, it may be possible that power goes out. When there is a power outage in the building, it becomes critical that any emergency signage, including exits, and lighting remain operational for at least 90 minutes during an emergency. Most emergency exit signs will have some sort of battery backup or may draw from an auxiliary generator. Having a backup power source ensures that anyone attempting to exit the building will be able to see where the exits are. Obstructions caused during the emergency may potentially block these signs from view but proper lighting – especially in darker corridors – should make it possible to still follow the exit path to a corresponding exit. Emergency Lighting Emergency lighting is in place to illuminate exit and emergency signs in the event of a power outage. This lighting will keep emergency signage illuminated so that anyone needing to exit the building will be able to visually locate the signage. Emergency lighting will show both first responders and building occupants the path forward in the event of emergency fires, evacuations, and more. Commercial emergency lighting should be properly placed, be in the right color and size, and be tested for functioning in order to adhere to the minimum tolerances. Following proper compliance guidelines is a must. For the safety of employees, guests, and anyone else in the building during an emergency, something simple like an exit sign can wind up making a big difference. Test exits, signage, and emergency lights regularly to ensure that there is a safe path from the building.
Talk, test and tinker with everything electrical.
#CEFLIVE23 is the biggest electrical event for industry professionals. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on the 8th-9th of June, it’s the place to be if you’re an electrician interested in keeping up to date with the latest trends and products in the industry. #CEFLIVE23 caters to all electrical folk and with over 85 leading brands including CEF’s exclusive in-house brands showcasing their latest products and services, there is something for everyone at #CEFLIVE23. Chris Ashworth, CEF’s Managing Director said, “It’s always been a fantastic atmosphere with industry leading brands showcasing their latest products to an electrical community who just love getting involved”. And let’s not forget the educational aspect of #CEFLIVE23 – because let’s face it, the electrical world moves nearly as fast as electricity itself. Stay up to date with the latest trends and regulations with free CPD-accredited TechTalks and you could earn up to three and a half hours of CPD over the two-day event! But that’s not all – you’ll get the chance to test out new products before you buy with free product demonstrations and on-stand brand representatives. And you’ll receive a voucher for a FREE tool calibration on the day or later at a local branch, a £50 discount voucher to spend at cef.co.uk, and complimentary breakfast rolls, tea/coffee, and lunch on both days. Don’t miss out, #CEFLIVE23 Is a truly useful and enjoyable event for all electricians. Register for free at ceflive.co.uk. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the electrical event of the year.
Lyrical Communications is excited to announce the launch of Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms, to debut alongside our 2024 InstallerSHOW at the NEC.
Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will showcase the role technology and innovation play in shaping the kitchens and bathrooms of the future, to an audience of 20,000 installers, specifiers, designers, developers, manufacturers and retailers. Launched alongside the hugely successful annual InstallerSHOW and featuring its own dedicated, immersive content programme, Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will bring this important industry closer together, with education, knowledge sharing and networking. The themes covered by Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will include water and energy efficiency in both domestic and commercial buildings, design innovation, sustainable and smart technology, and changing legislation and regulation. Mike Costain, Managing Director, Lyrical Communications, said: “Having successfully established InstallerSHOW as the key meeting place in the UK for the bathroom sector, we are delighted to have partnered with BMA and BIKBBI in extending our proposition to the kitchen industry. Specifiers, installers and retailers from the kitchen and bathroom industry will no doubt flock to the event in 2024 to see the latest technologies and solutions on the exhibition floor as well as hear from key names in our content programme.” News of the launch has been warmly welcomed by key industry bodies, including BiKBBI and BMA. Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, said: “The launch of Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms is great news for the industry. The buzz around InstallerSHOW has really been gathering momentum for the last few years, with more and more BMA members exhibiting and the introduction of a bathroom zone. A hall dedicated to the exciting future of kitchens and bathrooms will boost that momentum even further. BMA is excited to be involved.” Damian Walters, Founder and Chief Executive, British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI), said: “BiKBBI welcomes the evolution of InstallerSHOW, which will soon include a kitchen and bathroom hall for the first time. We’re delighted to explore opportunities to support the development of the programme and we look forward to being part of the 2024 plans.” Lyrical Communications is a forward-thinking media company with three thriving brands – InstallerSHOW, InstallerONLINE and elemental. Lyrical, part of the Nineteen Group, specialises in events and digital publishing, creating market-leading content for those working on decarbonisation and the route to Net Zero, with a focus on heat, energy, air and water. Our flagship event, InstallerSHOW, welcomes thousands of people every year and is one of the fastest growing event brands in the UK. InstallerSHOW 2024 will take place 25-27June. Registration for InstallerSHOW 2023, running 27-29 June, is open here: https://www.installershow.com/
Call for Raffle Prizes for Tradeswomen’s Event
The only national event for tradeswomen – WIT is fast drawing near! It is on 4th July at The Great Hall, London Met University. The raffle at the end of the day is always a big part of the event, with truly fantastic prizes donated by supporters throughout the industry. We thought we’d give a wider range of companies the opportunity to support greater diversity and inclusion in construction and maintenance by supporting WIT this year by donating a raffle prize or/and attending as a paying guest. WIT started as an event celebrating women plumbers and heating engineers in 2017 but has grown into an event for all tradeswomen, especially women electricians, supported by sponsorship from industry businesses committed to encouraging greater diversity in the industry – including Stopcocks, Vaillant UK, Monument Tools, Williams Merchants, EFIXX TV, Aalberts/Pegler, Kohler/Mira, Stopcor Limited, Adey, LCL Awards, Mark Vitow, JTL Training, Swale Heating, Crowcon Ltd, Fergus, Checkatrade and Kensa Contracting. WIT remains truly unique in the sector, bringing tradeswomen together from Cornwall to Scotland to celebrate their skills and tenacity. We discuss ways to increase numbers of women in all skilled trades and have a really great day. We’d like to give supporters who are interested in coming on board but want to know more, the opportunity to join us on the day by buying paying ticket (just £60) and coming along or to donate a raffle prize. The very last part of the day, the raffle is always a highlight! Besides our now famous, free lunch, the day includes Hattie Hasan MBE and another fantastic speaker from outside the industry who has also overcome biases and obstacles, this year; Atlantic Rower – and so much more Sally Kettle, roundtable discussions and delegates talking from the floor. Information and tickets here https://stopcocks.uk/conference/ To find out where to send raffle prizes or with any other questions about the event, including how to get involved please email mica@stopcocks.uk
Greenarc electrifies service offering with latest acquisition of Lancashire Based company Elektec
Greenarc Limited, a nationwide fuel and clean energy services business is delighted to announce its latest acquisition of Lancashire-based company Elektec. The purchase of electrical contractor Elektec represents Greenarc’s third venture in less than nine months with the investment in Oxfordshire-based Heat Engineer Software Ltd in April and the acquisition of the recently rebranded vehicle leasing and rental business Greenarc Vehicles completed in November. Chris Bingham, Chairman and CEO at Greenarc comments: “This recent acquisition is one of many investments from Greenarc in the past twelve months and we are thrilled to welcome Carl and Charlotte to the business to support our goal of transitioning our customers to a clean energy future. With Elektec’s focus on EV charging points, battery storage, LED lighting, electrical compliance and more recently solar we have further increased our low-carbon service offering. This acquisition represents another important pillar of our decarbonisation proposition to individuals, businesses, and the public sector across the UK.” Charlotte Knowles, Director at Elektec said: “This acquisition allows us to continue to offer our electrical services locally but also provides Elektec with the expertise and funding to grow our services to customers. Not only this, but we now have access to a range of other renewable energy solutions to support our customers to decarbonise their entire energy infrastructure. Greenarc’s honest and informative approach to clean energy fits in well with what we do at Elektec, we are thrilled to be joining the Greenarc team and I’m excited about the future work we will be achieving together.” Greenarc Limited ranked number fourteen on The Times 100 list of Britain’s fastest-growing companies. They provide commercial, residential, and public sector customers with a wide range of services in both the fuel and green energy sectors such as electric vehicle supply, heating technology, renewable diesel and most recently electrical services. The multi-award winning Elektec was established in 2017 and was recently named a National Success Story for The Prince’s Trust and were personally invited to meet with King Charles III in July 2022. This acquisition was facilitated by Clarion Solicitors. Tax advice was provided by BHP Chartered Accountants and funding by Barclays Bank.
Electrical Training Courses That Work Around YOU
XS Training provides ONLINE TRAINING COURSES for electricians at all stages in our industry. From beginners, to improvers, to experienced workers looking to attain their ECS/JIB Gold Card. Since 2011 XS Training Ltd have delivered NVQs, 18th Edition and AM2 preparation training throughout the UK and are now the UK’s number one online training provider for the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation. To be eligible to undertake these NVQ’s you must already have prior experience and qualifications and be currently working in the industry. Upon successful completion of your NVQ qualification, you become eligible to apply for the highly prized contractors’ ECS Gold Card and JIB grading. These NVQs are completed online with their efficient and easy to use e-Portfolio system, OneFile. This means that you can complete the NVQ at a time of your choosing and in the comfort of your own home. Most people comfortably complete their NVQ between three and eight months. You will be supported by a team of highly experienced trainers and assessors who will provide you with support, advice, and guidance on how to successfully complete your NVQ. The NVQ courses they currently offer include: NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrical Installation (Experienced Worker)NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrical Maintenance (Experienced Worker)NVQ 2357 Level 3 Electrical Installationand also the 18th Edition Course With all the NVQ courses they offer a BESPOKE ONLINE TRAINING SYSTEM, EASY APPLICATION PROCESS, MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS, IMMEDIATE START, REMOTE VIDEO ASSESSMENTS and DEDICATED EXPERIENCED ASSESSORS to help & mentor you through the process. XS Training Academy Courses As well as providing ePortfolio based assessor assisted courses in all NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualifications XS Training now also offer additional online electrical courses created through their XS Training Academy. Courses currently available include the popular AM2/AMS2/AM2E Preparation & Revision course which has had excellent results in boosting the number of candidates passing their AM2 Practical Examination (Unit 399) at the first time of taking to over 85%. All their online courses are based around a series of video training with a multiple-choice quiz at the end to test your knowledge and understanding. Other bespoke courses currently available include; C&G 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Beginners Foundation Course)C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical InstallationsC&G 2391-50 Initial VerificationC&G 2391-51 Periodic Inspection & TestingC&G 2391-52 Initial Verification & Periodic Inspection & TestingC&G 2921-31 Electric Vehicle Charging InstallationsPAT – Portable Appliance Testingand courses on how to comprehensively complete the E.I.C, E.I.C.R, & M.E.I.W.C reports. As a fully qualified installation or maintenance electrician you will be secure in a trade with a never-ending demand for your services. Take the first step in finding out more about becoming a qualified installation or maintenance electrician – contact XS Training today. Website: https://www.xstraining.comEmail: enquiries@xstraining.comTelephone: 01535 657059
