A unique full flow ball valve has been launched by leading manufacturer Pegler as part of its Integrated Piping Systems which is revolutionising installations across the globe. The VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve forms part of the expanding XPress portfolio and offers unrivalled specification due to being manufactured from material
Hartnell Taylor Cook launches new Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy service line appointing Stuart Funiciello as director and team lead. HTC’s new M&E Consultancy team, based in London but operating across the UK, will compliment both the Property Management and Building Consultancy service lines by offering a more streamlined and integrated management
A new energy-from-waste centre in Avonmouth, Bristol has offered its £8.2 million contract for the delivery of all mechanical and electrical (M&E) works to SES Engineering Services (SES) and Clugston Construction. The firms will support the development of Viridor’s new £252 million facility by completing a series of works, including
SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector especially in
The Scottish Building Contract Committee (SBCC) has elected Alan Wilson, acting managing director of SELECT, the trade body for the electro-technical trade in Scotland, to be its Vice Chair. The election took place at SBCC’s AGM on the 7th of November. “It’s a great honour to our organisation, as well
The long-running campaign by SELECT, the electrotechnical trade association, which is also backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (The SJIB) and Unite the Union, for recognition of Electricians as a Profession achieved a major milestone last week (Oct 25) when the issue was debated in the Scottish Parliament. In
A number of promotions have been made across the engineering solutions provider, Boulting Ltd, to further strengthen its business offering. Glyn Shawcross has been appointed as engineering and design director, while Louis Steyn took up the role of IT director and Paul Mannion will move to the position of electrical
The UK’s first test standard for Heat Interface Units (HIUs), which is managed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), has been revised and updated in response to growing demand from the district heating industry. Two UK-based test houses have now been approved to carry out testing to the standard
In a world which is increasingly dependent on electrotechnology, the unsung heroes who keep us switched on had their moment in the spotlight last week (October 12) at a ceremony hosted by SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association. Electrical professionals from companies large and small, and from every part of the
Whether you are self-employed or a tradesman from a building company, it is necessary to find the right tradesman insurance that will keep you and your customers out of harm’s way. Don’t start a project if you are not fully covered for any accidents or problems, as these can seriously
A unique full flow ball valve has been launched by leading manufacturer Pegler as part of its Integrated Piping Systems which is revolutionising installations across the globe. The VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve forms part of the expanding XPress portfolio and offers unrivalled specification due to being manufactured from material that is identical to the pipe. With the materials matching and technological advancements within the design and manufacture of this valve the reliability of a system is greatly enhanced as the risk of damaging galvanic corrosion and condensation is eliminated. “Due to the resounding success of our VSH XPress range the VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve further complements our product portfolio and offers HVAC contractors with a reliable Integrated Piping System,” commented Sindar Singh Director Product Line Valve Technology at Pegler. “A complete system that offers reliability is a huge benefit to contactors whose reputation relies on the quality of the products they use. We are delighted to be now launching a new product that incorporates the valve and fitting into one streamlined body and is made from Carbon so when used with carbon pipe system it delivers a positive zero voltage reaction and therefore preventing the start of any galvanic corrosion,“ Sindar added. Made from Carbon which comes with all the inherent benefits such as lighter weight and low theft risk, the team at Pegler has developed the VSH FullFlow XPress Ball Valve to ensure a number of advantages no matter what the application. For the exposed valves the streamlined body offers increased aesthetics whilst also providing a safety function. Its design allows for easy pipe insulation fitting whilst the handle can be repositioned for ease of installation or fully removed for security. In addition, the valve is designed to reduce the number of seals which decreases the possibility of leaks due to incorrect fitting but also benefits from double O-Rings giving increased reliability. Available in ½ to 2” diameter, the valve is compatible with the XPress thread, swivel and press options as required. A stainless steel version, suitable for potable water applications will be released later this year. “This is another element of our Integrated Piping Systems which are proving to deliver greater efficiencies and reliability across all applications,” said Sindar. “The incorporation of a full-bore valve inside a streamlined fitting is a simple yet effective solution and will assist in saving time, increasing reliability and continue the re-education of the way we approach pipe and plumbing systems.” All VSH XPress valve bodies are laser marked with information on size, material and pressure and a colour coding indicates the type of material; red for carbon steel and green for stainless ensuring compatibility.
Hartnell Taylor Cook launches new Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy service line appointing Stuart Funiciello as director and team lead. HTC’s new M&E Consultancy team, based in London but operating across the UK, will compliment both the Property Management and Building Consultancy service lines by offering a more streamlined and integrated management service to clients. Services will form a complete life cycle approach from pre-acquisition advice, due diligence and day to day technical support through to project works, dilapidations and asset disposal for commercial, retail and residential building owners. Stuart joins HTC from FHP Engineering Services Solutions where he was employed as an Associate Director. His diverse workload included acting for a variety of landlords with property holdings across the United Kingdom and Europe. Stuart has acted for many of HTC’s clients for a number of years and in that time established a proven track record for delivering high quality solution focused consultancy services. David North, Partner at HTC said: “We have for many years recognised the importance of offering M&E Consultancy services to our clients via an outsourced arrangement. The creation of this new service line reinforces our commitment to excellence and being able to offer our clients a comprehensive, cost effective service. Stuart’s expertise and enthusiasm is substantial and we are delighted to have him on board to lead this new service line.” Stuart added: “I am very much looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues at HTC, at such an exciting time of growth for the business across its various service lines. I look forward to drawing on my experience and contributing to the success of the Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy team.”
A new energy-from-waste centre in Avonmouth, Bristol has offered its £8.2 million contract for the delivery of all mechanical and electrical (M&E) works to SES Engineering Services (SES) and Clugston Construction. The firms will support the development of Viridor’s new £252 million facility by completing a series of works, including containment, lighting, small power, access control, ICT, CCTV, domestic water services, sanitary ware, above ground drainage, cooling, and mechanical ventilation. “We have a long history of delivering complex projects like this, and increasing our profile in the energy and waste sectors is an important growth driver for our business. Our experience gained on similar projects like Margam and Drax Power Station was a key decision maker for our appointment, and we look forward to applying this expertise to the Avonmouth project to ensure it is delivered safely and within its tight timescale,” said Steve Tovey, SES Business Director, Midlands and South West. The Avonmouth Resource Recovery Centre will process waste destined for landfill, to create energy for the national grid. Once completed, the site is expected to generate 32MWe of energy – enough to power 44,000 homes – and save 320,000 tonnes of waste from entering landfill. The bottom ash residue will also be reused for construction aggregate.SES is expected to start on site in January 2019 with hot commissioning scheduled to commence in October 2019, and full completion due in February 2020. Acquired by the Wates Group in 2015, SES Engineering Services (SES) is the UK’s pre-eminent design-led Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) provider. SES specialises in the design and installation of building services and infrastructure solutions covering all aspects of M&E. Clugston has over 80 years experience and it is proud to have built up a wealth of knowledge from a wide range of building and civil engineering projects, many of them high profile award winning schemes for national and international customers.
SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector especially in the vital areas of contractual issues. In value terms, members of the SECG represent the largest sector of UK construction, comprising the industry’s premier trade associations. In exclusively working on behalf of specialist contractors, it has not only improved the trading environment but it has also become a driver for real l change and a strong proponent of a more collaborative and project-oriented culture. Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “Electrical contractors were among the first to agree, that specialist engineering required its own representational body and SELECT has been proud to be a part of SEC Group over the years. “SEC Group aims to influence at the highest levels of government and it continues to do that by offering well-researched, sensible, pragmatic solutions which are of significant benefit to both businesses and their clients.” SEC Group now includes; the British Constructional Steelwork Association; the Building Engineering Services Association; ECA, the electrotechnical and engineering services trade body; the Lift and Escalator Industry Association; the Scaffolding Association; SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland; and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation. Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, the President of SEC Group, said: “Specialist engineering contractors across the UK deliver design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair and replacement of complex structures and systems. “Over 25 years, the group has worked tirelessly to inculcate a greater awareness amongst policy makers of the specialist engineering contribution to the life cycle of buildings and structures. In terms of the technologies involved that contribution is huge and will continue to grow.” Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills in the Scottish Parliament, said: “Over the years, SEC Group has grown significantly and the businesses it represents now account for 35% of the construction output across the UK. “In particular, I welcome the commitment SEC Group members have made to promoting and providing career and training opportunities for our young people through the protection and expansion of the apprenticeship programme.” SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
The Scottish Building Contract Committee (SBCC) has elected Alan Wilson, acting managing director of SELECT, the trade body for the electro-technical trade in Scotland, to be its Vice Chair. The election took place at SBCC’s AGM on the 7th of November. “It’s a great honour to our organisation, as well as to our sister body, the Scottish Engineering Contractors Group, (SECG), to have been elected as Vice Chair of SBCC,” said Alan Wilson. Until now its office bearers have been drawn from the membership of the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). “We have worked closely for some years with SELECT and SECG and have a high regard for their professionalism and abilities. In our view, the election of Alan to be our new Vice Chair is a timely and appropriate development reflecting our due acknowledgement of his organisation,” commented Chair of the SBCC, Lisa Cattanach, a chartered surveyor who is also a director of Glasgow-based Contract Dispute Resolution. Lisa’s first official role as chair of the SBCC was to host a very successful annual conference which was held in the Merchants House in Glasgow on Wednesday the 14th of November. “We had an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Professor John Cole of Queen’s University, Belfast, who delivered a very thought provoking State of the Nation address, in which he focussed on the findings of two independent enquiries of industry-wide significance established to address major issues of building quality,” said Lisa about the conference. The SBCC, whose role is to provide definitive guidance on building contracts and construction law in Scotland, was founded in the 1960s. SELECT’s 1250-member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people.
The long-running campaign by SELECT, the electrotechnical trade association, which is also backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (The SJIB) and Unite the Union, for recognition of Electricians as a Profession achieved a major milestone last week (Oct 25) when the issue was debated in the Scottish Parliament. In a wide-ranging discussion, MSPs from all parties debated the call for the privilege of calling a person an electrician to be limited only to those who are qualified in this highly-skilled profession. The Holyrood debate was opened by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for the Highlands and Islands, who has backed the campaign in the interests of public safety from its early stages. During the debate, Mr Halcro Johnston told parliament that he had been staggered to learn that the people who entered our homes and businesses to install and maintain our wiring, fuse boxes and appliances need have no qualifications at all and yet they can still call themselves electricians. Responding to the debate, Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, thanked MSPs for their contributions and said that discussions would continue with the aim of bringing a ministerial view to parliament in due course. Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, thanked the MSPs who initially signed the Motion and who took part in the debate. He said: “Protection of Title has been at the forefront of our work for a number of years and in fact our recent campaign was triggered following a speech by a Government Minister at a European Electrical contractors conference held in Edinburgh in 2015. We are very grateful to have received support from Unite the union, the SJIB other trade bodies and politicians from all parties. “It is a major issue. The overall cost of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work in Scotland is around £120 million a year. “Recognition of the vital role that qualified electricians play in all parts of Scottish society is long overdue. These are highly-trained, uniquely qualified professional people whose contribution to modern life is immense.” Mr Halcro Johnston pointed out that, while more than 100 regulated professions exist in the UK – including gas engineers and even door supervisors at clubs – there is no protection afforded to electricians. His motion asked Parliament to recognise that improperly-installed electrical work creates a significant risk of fire as well as other harm to householders and that the installation of electrical work by unqualified or part qualified individuals carries a major safety risk. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
A number of promotions have been made across the engineering solutions provider, Boulting Ltd, to further strengthen its business offering. Glyn Shawcross has been appointed as engineering and design director, while Louis Steyn took up the role of IT director and Paul Mannion will move to the position of electrical and instrumentation (E&I) operations manager. Glyn Shawcross has been promoted to the role of engineering and design director and will be responsible for engineering design of all mechanical, electrical and instrumentation installations across the non-nuclear business units. He is also responsible for the technical, financial and strategic responsibility of the engineering and design department, which consists of over 60 multi-disciplined designers and engineers. Shawcross joined Boulting as a senior electrical engineer in 2011 and is now a chartered engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a certified functional safety engineer with over 38-year experience in the sector. In addition to his role in the engineering and design team, Shawcross voluntarily undertakes the roles of professional registration advisor and continuing professional development advisor on behalf of the IET, as well as being the company’s IET representative. Alongside Shawcross’s promotion, Paul Mannion, who joined Boulting in 1990 as an apprentice, will take up the role of E&I operations manager and will continue his involvement in construction and project management in the pharmaceutical industry. His experience across the business in both engineering and managerial roles means he will continue to support the team to deliver varied client requirements. Having worked at Boulting Ltd since 2007, Louis Steyn and has been appointed as IT director for the business. Steyn has numerous years’ experience in IT management roles across a variety of sectors across the UK and in South Africa. Steyn will assist the board in developing the company’s IT strategy and improving the IT department’s service offering across Boulting’s multiple sites. He plans to improve processes and systems and create a focus on how IT can benefit the business. In addition, he will be developing an IT strategy to help assure the ongoing security of the digital services Boulting offer.
The UK’s first test standard for Heat Interface Units (HIUs), which is managed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), has been revised and updated in response to growing demand from the district heating industry. Two UK-based test houses have now been approved to carry out testing to the standard – BSRIA and Enertek International – in addition to the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), which was previously the only organisation able to test to the new UK standard. HIUs extract heat from district heating networks to feed individual buildings and dwellings. How they perform is central to the overall efficiency of a district scheme. The Standard was developed, therefore, to help developers of UK heat networks procure HIUs based on comparative performance data. The availability of a UK standard has prompted considerable response from manufacturers with a significant number of HIUs already tested at RISE with several more already going through the process at BSRIA and Enertek. Testing to the standard is a two-stage process: The HIU has to achieve a UKAS or equivalent national accreditation through one of the three test houses and this result must then be verified by the Standard’s Steering Group before being published on the BESA website. Comprehensive The BESA Standard originally emerged from a heat network efficiency research project supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Testing to the Standard is helping to create a comprehensive product database and improve performance of UK heat networks. It is modelled on a well-established Swedish methodology, which was adapted to suit typical UK operating conditions, and makes it possible to compare products and equipment types so that network designers can evaluate the performance of individual HIUs against their design parameters. The test calculates the annual volume weighted return temperature (VWART) from the HIU and provides evidence of compliance with other performance and reliability metrics, such as domestic hot water response time. As part of the revision process, the steering group overseeing the Standard has been expanded and a technical sub-committee – comprising industry experts and the three test houses – has been set up. It will make recommendations to the steering group on developing the standard, including a planned expansion of the regime. An HIU Manufacturers’ forum has already had its first meeting at BESA’s headquarters in London and provided valuable feedback to the steering group. “One of the Standard’s great strengths is that it has been developed by users, for users,” said UK HIU Steering Group chair, Gareth Jones. “It provides users with a clear basis on which to evaluate HIU performance and is rapidly becoming the default point of reference for those making procurement decisions within the industry. “As a result, HIU manufacturers must now ensure that their HIUs perform well and we are seeing a significant increase in R&D. Ultimately this raising of standards will help improve the health of the heat network industry as a whole.” More information is available here.
In a world which is increasingly dependent on electrotechnology, the unsung heroes who keep us switched on had their moment in the spotlight last week (October 12) at a ceremony hosted by SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association. Electrical professionals from companies large and small, and from every part of the country, gathered in Glasgow to submit themselves to the critical judgement of their peers – and emerge as winners. The accolades awarded by SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland, had a special relevance in 2018, a year in which sector’s campaign for recognition of qualified electricians gained real traction. And they reflected not only the vital role of electricians in today’s interconnected world but also the verve and flair which SELECT member companies bring to activities such as marketing, safety, training and a host of other aspects of the sector. This year also saw new award categories, including Best Medium and Best Large Contractor. Darrell Matthews, SELECT’s MD said: “This has been an extraordinary period of activity for the sector, in which the Scottish government has been investigating the benefits of protection of title for electrical professionals. “SELECT has also established a dedicated Training Department which will take its training and skills offering to a new level. “The entries for the awards this year were in tune with the new levels of excitement in the electrical industry, which we feel is entering a transformational period backed by forward-thinking, innovative companies and individuals.” As an example of the growth the sector has experienced, the new Best Large Contractor award went to Edinburgh-based M-PACT Building Services Ltd – a company which, only a few years ago, had won an award as Best Small Contractor. Darrell Matthews said: “M-PACT is an outstanding example of the larger firms in the SELECT member portfolio who not only create jobs and opportunities but which also display a vision and ambition which means that, for them, the sky’s the limit.” Other awards were: Apprentice of the Year, won by Blair Hendry, who works with Fife Council. Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year, a category introduced just last year, won by Stephanie Thomson, who works with Stearn in Glasgow. Best Small Contractor, won by Newton Stewart electrical company ATD Electrical Services. Best Medium Contractor, won by Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractor from Connel, a small village on Scotland’s West Coast. Best New Product, won by Worcestershire-based ESP, for its smart security system. Best Delivery of Customer Service, won by Invincible Fire and Security of Ardrossan. Best Visual Promotion, won by Servest Arthur McKay, from Loanhead, near Edinburgh. Best Electrical Safety Product, won by Annan firm Select Electrical and Mechanical Services. A Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Schneider Electric, was made to David Smith, Past President of SELECT, a current Central Board Member and one of the outstanding figures in the Scottish electrical industry. Mr Matthews said: “David has taken a keen interest in the sector but is perhaps most associated with training and the development of skills, having played a major role in a number of Scottish and UK organisations over the years. “He carries out his work in a professional and diligent manner, never forgetting the part that employers play in developing the skills and talents of the workforce.” The evening was hosted by Shereen Nanjiani, one of Scotland’s most popular radio and television personalities. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion. The organisation helps to shape the market environment by representing the industry to all levels of government and helps influence legislation to create industry conditions which enable member firms to provide a quality service and maintain profitability. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Head of Membership and Communications at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select
Whether you are self-employed or a tradesman from a building company, it is necessary to find the right tradesman insurance that will keep you and your customers out of harm’s way. Don’t start a project if you are not fully covered for any accidents or problems, as these can seriously harm your bank balance and reputation as a tradesman. Instead, here are some ideas for what you can ask an insurer when you are looking to settle on the right form of insurance for your business. How much is tradesman insurance? It is natural that we all want to find the best deals that we can when looking into the different forms of insurance for work. As either a small business owner or an independent worker, you want a good form of insurance that can incorporate multiple benefits, rather than focusing on either you or the customer as solely protected. With public liability insurance, you want to be paying between £100 and £150 for protection against any legal claims that could arise due to an accident in the workplace. Avoid paying more than what you need for your insurance by looking into no obligation insurance quote comparison for tradesmen. Only pay for the things that you genuinely need. Do I only need public liability insurance? Though public liability insurance does cover general accident cover for both you and your customers, it does not cause all damage that could happen while you are out working. For instance, if you were fitting a boiler and it was stolen, this would not be covered by the insurance. Instead, you would need contract works cover. This is why you need to look into different insurances to see what would best suit your workload. What other types of insurance should I look into? It does not matter if you are an experienced workman, accidents and problems can happen – and you cannot let the financial burden of these destroy your business. Here are some additional insurances that you should look into should you want to keep fully covered: • Product liability and indemnity insurance • Employers liability insurance • Financial loss Insurance • Professional indemnity insurance. • Income and life insurance Can I combine my insurance? This is a very smart way of thinking for a smaller business that is looking to reduce its insurance costs by investing in one policy. Look into an appropriate insurance broker to enable yourself to locate subcontracts that can create one policy for product and public liability to keep the cost affordable for both you and for any tradesmen employed under you. Can I get cover for my tools? A tradesman without his tools is like a human without air. You cannot be a worker without being insured for any potential tools that could be stolen, become problematic or break while you are on a job. Some insurances offer 24-hour cover – for instance, if your tools are locked in a van overnight by mistake. However, be warned that your insurers will want to see evidence that you tried to prevent the theft.
