CABLEtalk August/September 2019

August/September 2019 £4.50

Stepping up to the challenge New SELECT office bearers elected at AGM Pages 25-27

Awards Update on advice 28 Essential nominees revealed fire alarm standards about VAT changes 12 SELECT 21 Technical

CONTENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 OPINION

05

Managing Director Alan Wilson on the importance of the industry

NEWS

12

06 08

Find out who’s made the shortlist for this year’s SELECT Awards

Three new starters at SELECT will bring even more help to Members Round-up of the latest industry news, updates and SELECT events

FEATURES

MEMBER PROFILE

16

Aird Walker & Ralston looks back on 100 years in business

FEATURES

20

Raising cash –and smiles – at SELECT’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic

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Teen Hannah Gunn gets taste of life working at The Walled Garden

21

Technical Update on important changes to fire system standards

FOCUS

28 30

What you need to know about the new VAT rules coming into force

32 34

Rudi Klein explains why we need a regulator to look at procurement

Are you prepared for retirement?

Read our pension planning guide

Len Bunton gives advice on the perils of the adjudication process

TRAINING

36

COVER STORY

25

All the news from SELECT’s Annual General Meeting

APPRENTICES

38 August/September 2019 £4.50

Stepping up to the challenge

Learn about the future of electric heating and safety course deals

MANAGING EDITOR Iain Mason iain.mason@select.org.uk

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk

EDITOR Sarah Wolstencroft sarah.w@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022

ADVERTISING David Hughes davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0022

All the winners at the Apprentice of The Year and eMAC contests

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

40

The latest must-have gadgets, gear and gizmos to hit the shelves

DIARY

New SELECT office bearers elected at AGM Pages 25-27

12

SELECT Awards nominees revealed

21

Technical Update on fire alarm standards

28

Essential advice about VAT changes

CABLEtalk is produced by Connect Publications on behalf of SELECT connectcommunications.co.uk

42

Meet Neil Sim, take on our prize wordsearch and find local events

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

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COMMENT

Today’s electricians can change the world

T

he lights went out in New York City again during the weekend of 14 July. Homes were plunged into darkness, the subway ground to a halt and communications failed over large swathes of the metropolis.

It was not as bad as the Great Blackout of 1977, and power was restored after about five hours, but it was another stark reminder of how dependent our society is on an uninterrupted supply of electricity and how vulnerable it is without it.

And it is apposite that the same month also saw the opening of a Hollywood blockbuster telling the story of the men who literally lit up the modern world with electricity and, in so doing, changed civilisation forever.

The Current War, released on 26 July, stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult and Tom Holland in the story of Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, the greatest inventors of the modern industrial age.

It follows them as they engage in a battle of technology and ideas to determine whose electrical system will power the new century.

Edison dazzles the world by lighting Manhattan.

However, Westinghouse,

aided by Nikola Tesla, sees fatal flaws in Edison’s direct current design and bets everything on risky and dangerous alternating current.

Before the arrival of these men – and their driven genius – flickering candles and oil lamps lit homes when night fell, horses were the primary means of transport and polluting coal and wood fires were the only means of heating and cooking.

But if electricity was an important innovation at the time of The Current War, consider how utterly indispensable it is now. It underpins everything in our everyday lives, from the internet and international communications to our cars, hospitals, homes and businesses.

As a source of power, it is about to revolutionise personal transport.

Electric cars are without question the future, and they will solve at a stroke all the climate implications of the internal combustion engine.

And what is quite remarkable is that, while electricity up until now has had to be generated by the burning of fossil fuels – or, even more controversially, by nuclear power – governments all across the globe are moving inexorably to renewable sources.

This is the ultimate virtuous circle. The forces of nature – the sun, the wind and the sea – are gradually

being harnessed to provide the electricity that will power our lives into the foreseeable future.

The Scottish Government’s target in its Annual Energy Statement for this year was for 50 per cent of all energy to come from renewables by 2030, up from just 20 per cent in 2017.

It is also targeting major increases in energy productivity.

The fact is that there has never been a more exciting time to be part of the electrotechnical industry.

It is a time of dynamic change as dramatic as that experienced by Edison, Westinghouse and Tesla.

And while these titans built major industrial conglomerates from the innovative science that fascinated and engrossed them, young people today can build challenging, worthwhile and rewarding careers in the electrical industry. The skills that are needed in the fast-paced and continually developing electrotechnical sector are as complex and demanding as those required for most levels of a traditional university degree.

That is why SELECT has been running a sustained campaign to have the status of electricians raised to that of a profession and to have Protection of Title, meaning people would have to be fully trained and highly qualified to be able to operate in the field.

In the early days of electricity, safety was something of a trial and error scenario, with the error part tending to be fatal. These days safety is the vital core of the industry, the first and last consideration in all work undertaken.

This is another reason that only professionally qualified and accredited people should be able to undertake work in a field which is of such primary importance to us all.

It is difficult to know at this distance in time whether the early pioneers of electricity knew how radically they were going to change the world.

But it is encouraging to know that the current generation of electricians can continue to change it for the better.

Alan Wilson Managing Director, SELECT CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

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NEWS SELECT The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB Tel: 0131 445 5577 Fax: 0131 445 5548 admin@select.org.uk

Iain Mason and Teresa McDermott

Follow SELECT online at:  TWITTER @Updates_SELECT @Training_SELECT @Regulate_SELECT  FACEBOOK SELECT.TheECAofS

 

Visit our websites at:

select.org.uk select.org.uk/training cabletalkmagazine.com

Please phone our membership team on 0131 445 5577 to apply to become a Member of SELECT or if you would like more information about joining.

Alternatively you can email us on memberservices@select.org.uk or submit an online enquiry.

CABLEtalk is the official magazine of SELECT and is distributed free to qualifying readers.

ISSN 1365-3288 SELECT is the trading style of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland. The SELECT logo is a registered Collective Mark.

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Top trio join

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SELECT at such an important time in its long ELECT welcomed three new and distinguished history. members of staff to The Walled “I’m looking forward to spreading Garden recently as we the word about the vital work the continue to expand our association is doing to raise the bar service to Members. of electricians’ status across Scotland.”

Experienced journalist Another new recruit is Emma Iain Mason joined the Paterson, who joined SELECT as the team on 16 July as our new Head of Membership Representative for the Membership and Communications. north of Scotland on 10 June.

Iain has edited CABLEtalk for the Emma, who will be based in past two-and-half years and has also helped develop other print Aberdeen, said: “I’m really and digital collateral for enjoying it so far. I’ve been to SELECT, including our visit a few Members and look ‘journey of an electrician’ forward to really getting to animation. He said: “I am know everyone.”

Emma Paterson delighted to be joining Teresa McDermott is the

Read the Annual Review of our year’s work

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

SELECT BACKS SEC GROUP REPORT Getting To Know You: Neil Sim Page 42

SELECT third new recruit to the Membership team. She joined SELECT as a Membership and Communications Administrator on 13 May, based in The Walled Garden.

She said: “I’ve settled in really well and have enjoyed speaking to Members old and new across the country.”

Alan Wilson, SELECT Managing Director, said: “This is a crucial time for SELECT and our Members, and I know that these key appointments will really help us take our membership and communications to the next level.”

The trio’s arrival follows the appointment of Neil Sim, who – as we revealed in the last issue of CABLEtalk – is the new Technical Adviser for north Scotland.

Sarah Wolstencroft will now take over as Editor of CABLEtalk, which is produced by our publishing partner, Connect Communications.

A digital version of the SELECT Annual Review for 2018/19 is now available to read online.

The 32-page document provides an engaging overview of the work undertaken over the last year by our various departments, including

SELECT has described the latest research into the ongoing scourge of late payment as a wake-up call for the Scottish economy.

The study by the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group Scotland says SMEs in the construction supply chain are still suffering from poor payment performance and Scottish Government initiatives have not yet had a major impact.

It found more than 60 per cent of public bodies amended payment provisions in the standard forms of construction contract.

The figure for the private sector was 69 per cent. Only 28 per cent of firms reported being paid by public bodies within 30 days, with the private sector figure at 24 per cent. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “These findings are genuinely shocking.”

Tee-rific return for winning golf team The East of Scotland were again the big winners at this year’s SELECT President’s Cup golf competition.

Captained by Mike Morrison from MGM Fire & Electrical Services Ltd in Perth, the triumphant team retained the trophy at Dunblane New Golf Club on Monday 20 May. After soup and rolls, some 29 golfers teed off at 1pm, with the winners receiving their prizes in the clubhouse following a high tea.

Competitors includes Members, guests and SELECT personnel including President Kevin Griffin, Head of Resources John McGhee and former

Training, Technical, Membership and Communications, Resources and Employment Affairs.

Distributed to Members at the 107th SELECT AGM in June, it also details our close involvement with BSE Skills and the SJIB, the

Managing Director Newell McGuiness.

Following this year’s successful event, the next President’s Cup will be held on Monday 18 May 2020.

Mike Morrison (left) receives the President’s Cup from Jim Cooper, Ayrshire Branch Chair

ongoing campaign for regulation of the industry, and an overview of the accounts up to the end of 2018.

AGM round-up: Pages 25 - 27

CABLEtalk

Read the report now at bit.ly/select_ annualreport1819

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Have your say on new Toolbox Talks

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ur Toolbox Talks have now finished for 2019 after delivering even more invaluable technical updates the length and breadth of Scotland.

Nearly 300 Members attended the ever-popular free events at 12 locations around the country, ranging from Shetland in the north to Dumfries in the south. This year’s Talks also included our first trip to Islay. Topics up

for discussion at the sessions included RCD selection, fire detection and alarm systems, and Building Standards, with our Technical team on hand to offer advice.

Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services, said: “Our Toolbox Talks continue to go from strength to strength, and we’re delighted to see so many Members turning out.

“We are already planning next year’s event, and would welcome Members’ thoughts on any technical topics they would like to see covered.”

Guests at this year’s Talk at Hampden Park

SELECT hikers step up to help charity with President’s Walk FUNDRAISING PLAN IS A PIECE OF CAKE SELECT raised plenty of dough for good causes in a recent charity bake-off.

Staff cooked up a host of tasty sweet and savoury goodies, which were then raffled off at

The Walled Garden on Wednesday 19 June.

The event raised a total of £58, with the funds shared equally between the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

Members invited to free industry update from Rudi Klein SELECT Members are invited to a free seminar by Professor Rudi Klein, who will deliver the latest news on industry payment and practices.

In his talk, called An Update On Where We Are And Where We Might Be Going, Professor Klein will give an update about payment in the construction sector including the 8

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

future of retentions and the use of Project Bank Accounts.

As Chief Executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group, Professor Klein is a revered figure in the construction sector and particularly well known for trying to improve payment practices. The seminar will start at 5.30pm on

Wednesday 9 October at MacRoberts LLP, Capella, 60 York Street, Glasgow.

This is likely to be a popular event and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your place, email Neil Kelly, Convener, Adjudication Society (Scottish Region) at neil.kelly@ macroberts.com

New food and drink stops are two tasty

S

taff, Members and family put their best foot forward to raise money for a good cause at the 2019 SELECT President’s Walk.

Around 50 ramblers – including assorted dogs, children and prams – tackled the five-mile Green Bridge Trail at Chatelherault Park in Hamilton on Saturday 1 June. The

walk managed to raise more than £1,300 for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) and was dedicated to Jim McArthur, SELECT Past President and the former chairman of the Lanarkshire branch, who passed away last year.

SELECT President Kevin Griffin said: “We had a fantastic day, and it was great to see so many people giving up their time to support the charity and its marvellous work.”

ABOVE: Walkers took on five-mile trail to raise cash

Delight as BSE Skills is awarded second contract SELECT welcomes follow-up assignment from Skills Development Scotland

S

ELECT has welcomed the news that BSE Skills Ltd has been awarded another contract by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

As a key player in the joint venture, the association says it is “delighted” at the announcement of the Building Services Engineering Modern Apprenticeships and Scottish Qualifications contract.

The new contract will allow BSE Skills to review the current qualifications and modern apprenticeships and help modernise and future-proof the electrotechnical aspect throughout.

Fiona Harper, Head of Employment Affairs at SELECT and Secretary of the SJIB, said: “This is tremendous news for BSE Skills Ltd and supports the

excellent feedback we have received on the work we have carried out for SDS and the wider sector so far.

“As an important member of this venture, SELECT is glad to be able to continue this relationship and work with other organisations to help shape the future of our industry.

“We know our sector and our Members’ needs and this is another important step in helping them benefit from consistent standards and qualifications across the UK.” BSE Skills Ltd is a joint venture between SELECT, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Scottish and Northern Ireland

SELECT now caters for hungry visitors after the installation of two new vending machines at The Walled Garden.

Located in the popular Training Centre, the first has a range of snacks, while the second serves free hot drinks, including tea and a range of coffees.

Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF). Created to replace SummitSkills, it manages and develops apprenticeships, qualifications and NOS for the building services engineering sector across the UK. BSE Skills received its first contract from SDS in 2018, when it was appointed as a delivery partner to oversee and manage the review and updating of occupational standards, on which sector qualifications are based.

Alan Wilson, SELECT Managing Director, added: “I would like to pass on my congratulations to Fiona and the SELECT team, as well as our partners at BESA and SNIPEF, for all their hard work in making this happen.

“We are delighted at this announcement.

“This is another excellent demonstration of how we all want to develop qualifications, standards and apprenticeships that deliver the type of skilled people that employers are looking for and that the future of the industry will need.”

Fiona Harper CABLEtalk

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NEWS INDUSTRY New seminars offer advice over payment problems The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group Scotland is holding two seminars to give SELECT Members advice on how to overcome payment problems.

The invaluable one-day sessions will cover topics including what to look out for in contract conditions, how to protect your business from non or late payers, and potential problem contract clauses.

The events are being run by three experts in the construction industry – Professor Rudi Klein, Chief Executive of the SEC Group, Len Bunton, Bunton Consulting and SEC Group Scotland Board member, and Angus Pearson, Fortis

Contracts, Contractual Adviser. The two seminars are being held on the following dates at these venues: ●●Tuesday 24 September – The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Aberdeen ●●Wednesday 25 September – Dakota Hotel, Motherwell Both of the seminar sessions will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

To book your place for either of the events, contact Yvonne Wilson on 0131 445 5577 or email yvonne.wilson@select.org.uk

Read Len Bunton’s column on pages 34&35

Warning after collapse of UK’s oldest building firm The collapse of Britain’s oldest building company is more proof of the financial crisis hitting the industry, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has warned.

Durtnell & Sons went into insolvency after being owned by the same family for almost 430 years.

The firm’s accounts for March this year reveal they were owed £630,000 in retentions, but the bulk of these would have been deducted from their supply chain payments.

The low level of retentions for their recent project in Brighton – only £10,000 for a £21 million project – suggests Durtnell owes substantially more to its supply chain.

It’s feared that at the top of the industry, the extremely weak balance sheets of the largest contractors in the UK are creating a ‘ticking timebomb’.

Trade credit insurers are now withdrawing cover from many of these companies, leaving supply chains wholly exposed.

Rudi Klein, CEO of the SEC Group, which SELECT is a member of, said: “While itis extremely sad to lose such a long-established firm, there is now concern for Durtnell’s sub-contractors.

“The retention monies belong to the businesses in Durtnell’s supply chain and for the most part would have represented their profit margins. The Government must adopt Peter Aldous’ Bill, already in Parliament, which protects these monies from upstream insolvencies.”

Read Rudi Klein’s column on pages 32&33

Rudi Klein

NEW MEMBERS

Fourteen firms have become SELECT Members since June 2019

Arelkie Electrical Limited – Dundee Briar Electrics Ltd – Tayport Bruichladdich Distillery Company Limited – Isle of Islay Cadder Housing Association – Glasgow CEO Electrical – Portlethen

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

GME – Oban David Howie Electrical Services – Kilmarnock Javelin Contracts Scotland Ltd – Coatbridge KGA Electrical Services Ltd – Denny LDW Services – Argyll

C J W Electrics – Inverness

Colin Moffat Electrical Limited – Glasgow

CM Electrical Contractor – Troon

Riddell Electrical Services – East Calder

SELECT MEMBERS: £150, incl.

VAT

Still time to sign up for site safety course

P

laces are still available on SELECT’s new Electrotechnical Site Safety Assessment (TESSA) course.

It has been accredited to SCQF Level 6 by the Scottish Qualification Authority – equivalent to level three on the QCF scale – and is suitable for those who access construction sites both sporadically and regularly.

The course, presented by SELECT Technical and Health and Safety staff, is made up of two parts – the one-day TESSA course and study at home. Candidates are sent a pack of notes two week before the

course begins which they are advised to study for at least six hours.

At the end of the day-long course, they will take an assessment based on the information in the notes. There will also be workbook exercises to complete as well as questions throughout the day.

Nicola Jengaenga, Employment Affairs Advisor at SELECT, said: “It is vital that every person who is given access to a construction site knows how to keep themselves and other safe.”

The course costs £150 for SELECT members and for further information or to book, please contact SELECT Training on 0131 445 5577.

CABLEtalk

Heating help Flexel is holding a free seminar in association with SELECT on electric underfloor heating and infrared heating.

The session will cover information, installation and controls for a range of Flexel’s products.

There will also be a live hands-on installation demo during the event on 21 August in Glenrothes.

For more details, contact Flexel Area Manager Craig Heriott on ch@flexel.co.uk or call 07377 357 708.

To book a space , please contact SELECT Training on training@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

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FEATURES SELECT AWARDS 2019

. .AND THE NOMINEES ARE

Discover who’s in the running for the SELECT Awards 2019 as this year’s shortlist is announced

T

he shortlist for this year’s SELECT Awards has been revealed after a record number of entrants put their names forward for the annual event. The final winners for 2019 will be announced at a ceremony held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on Friday 11 October.

The judging panel faced a tough task to narrow down so many excellent entries when they met at The Walled Garden on Thursday 25 July.

Copies of the submissions were sent to judges beforehand and they were asked to nominate their top entries in each of the seven categories. After

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plenty of discussion, the final shortlist of nominees was drawn up.

A round of face-to-face judging with another independent judge will now follow before the awards are presented at a gala dinner, where more than 400 guests will enjoy a dinner dance and top-class entertainment.

As well as the established categories – including best Small, Medium and Large Contractor – there are awards for Apprentice of the Year, Best New Product and Lifetime Achievement.

Chair of the judging panel, Stan Johnston, said: “Judging was extremely tough due to the high standard of all entries. Each nominee has shown extremely high levels of dedication,

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

commitment and skill. We look forward to speaking to them all and revealing the winners on 11 October.”

THE 2019 JUDGING PANEL ● Stan Johnston, Chairman ● Alan Wilson, Managing Director, SELECT, ● Iain Mason, Head of Membership and Communications, SELECT ● Sarah Wolstencroft, Editor, CABLEtalk ● Ken Lewandowski, Former Clydesdale Bank Chairman ● Wayne Mackay, Electrical Safety First ● Anne Vessey, Head of Marketing & Communications, EDA

Look out for the award in the n s special of CAB ext edition L all the Etalk, when winner s and action fro night w m the ill reveale be d

2019 nominees Best Delivery of Customer Service

Best Health & Safety Initiative Award

Best Use of Training

Sponsored by MacRoberts LLP

Sponsored by Electrical Safety First

Electrical Solutions Network Ltd Gordon Eason Electrical Matt Burton Electrical Safe Building Scheme Ltd

EDI-Aberdeen Ltd Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd J S M Electrical Services

J F M Electrical Ltd John Noble Electrical Contractors Ltd Kenneth Ferguson Westside Electrical Services Ltd

Best Small Contractor (Up to £250k turnover)

Best Medium-Sized Contractor (From £250k to £1m turnover)

Best Large Contractor (Over £1m turnover)

Sponsored by EC Insurance Company Ltd

Sponsored by Rexel

Sponsored by Megger

Aberdeenshire Electrical Services Ltd Gordon Eason Electrical R H Electrical (Aberdeen) Ltd

Electrical Solutions Network Ltd Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd Interlink Lighting & Electrical I-Protech Technology Ltd

Booth Welsh E Fraser Electrical (Orkney) Ltd

Sponsor to be announced

Best Visual Promotion Sponsored by Connect

Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd I-Protech Technology Ltd Matt Burton Electrical

As well as our seven main awards, four other awards will be made on the night: Best New Product Sponsored by City Electrical Factors Limited

Apprentice of the Year

Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year

Lifetime Achievement

Sponsored by SJIB and Edmundson Electrical

Sponsored by EDA and EDA+

Sponsored by Schneider Electric

CABLEtalk

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FEATURES CAREER READY SELECT Updates @Updates_SELECT

Top Gunn

School student Hannah Gunn has set her sights on a career in the RAF – so we equipped her with some of the skills she’ll need to be a high-flyer

By Nicola Jengaenga Employment Affairs Adviser, SELECT

A

nother high school pupil spent time at SELECT this summer as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering strong ties in the local community.

Organised through leading charity Career Ready, we welcomed student Hannah Gunn, 16, to complete a fourweek paid internship as an office assistant at The Walled Garden.

The teenager, who attends Beeslack High School in nearby Penicuik, Midlothian, spent time in various different departments to help her gain valuable work skills and understand the work of SELECT more fully.

Hannah was trained up to complete tasks in departments including reception, Membership and Communications, Training, Benefits

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and Employment Affairs. She was also responsible for planning and executing two special projects – ‘taking over’ the main SELECT Twitter feed for a week, and designing and carrying out a staff survey to analyse career paths.

In addition, she went through a mock-up of the SELECT recruitment process at the beginning and end of her time in the office, which was designed to help her be more confident in future interview situations when she enters the world of work.

And at the end of her internship, Hannah, who was being mentored by Membership Representative Diane Hales, prepared and delivered a presentation to SELECT staff, outlining what she had learned and what she’d enjoyed the most during her time with

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

Hannah shared surprising facts about stars including Elvis Presley on Twitter

us. Fiona Harper, head of Employment Affairs at SELECT, said: “After our first Career Ready cohort last year, this has been another extremely positive experience for both SELECT and the young people we are supporting.

“Hannah applied herself with gusto and was an excellent addition to the SELECT team during her time here.

“She was very proactive and came up with some great ideas about the tasks she was given.

“Once again, I would recommend that companies get involved in Career Ready and would also urge more schools to encourage their pupils to participate in the scheme.”

Career Ready runs a two-year mentoring programme focused on introducing high school students to the world of work, expanding their career horizons, building skills and increasing self-confidence. Each student is paired with a mentor in a local business who supports them

HANNAH’S VERDICT ON HER TIME AT SELECT

“Hannah applied herself with gusto and was an excellent addition to the SELECT team during her time here”

I was quite nervous about coming to SELECT as I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but I quickly settled in as everyone was very welcoming. I was always kept busy, with tasks ranging from looking through course evaluation sheets for Training to marking assessments for Employment Affairs.

I really enjoyed working with the Finance team and doing jobs such as reconciling the petty cash and inputting the information into the petty cash journal.

My SELECT experience has not only given me confidence in the workplace but has also improved my confidence in general – whether it’s talking to new people or believing in myself. It has also helped me with skills like organisation and initiative.

Before coming to SELECT I wanted to join the RAF and although my time here hasn’t completely changed my mind, it has made me realise that I have other options and I don’t just have to stick with going down one career path.

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy my time here as I didn’t have my mind set on working in an office, however it’s safe to say that I really enjoyed it, I loved meeting new people and I certainly learned a lot.

Hannah delivers her presentation about working at SELECT

Fiona Harper through the programme. The students attend masterclasses, run by Career Ready during school hours, on topics such as personal branding, interview skills, and communication and networking. In the summer following the first year of the programme, the students attend a work placement at their mentor’s workplace, which allows them to put into practice what they’ve learned during the previous year.

Due to the excellent experience SELECT has had since 2017 with Career Ready, we have committed to continued participation in the programme, and are

now looking to recruit two new mentors from within the SELECT staff.

Career Ready is keen to expand the work it does across Scotland, and will look to take on more mentors from new companies in the 2020-2022 cycle next year. Participation in the programme is rewarding, cements a business’s ties to the local community, and is a fantastic way to bring fresh ideas and new skills to your business.

If you would like to find out more, please visit www.careerready.org.uk

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FEATURES MEMBER PROFILE

Still giving

As Aird Walker & Ralston prepares to celebrate its centenary, managing director Gordon Christie reveals the secrets of its success and the changes he’s seen in the industry

O

By Stewart McRobert ne hundred years ago, three Johns (Messrs Aird, Walker and Ralston) joined forces in Ayrshire to create a company that would become one of Scotland’s most respected electrical firms.

Although they all had the same first name, each founder had his own area of expertise – motor rewinds, domestic and commercial works. They reckoned combining their talents would allow them to take on bigger, more ambitious jobs.

That proved to be the case, and from premises in Mill Lane, Kilmarnock, they built a thriving business that’s still going strong.

Though these days it’s based in the town’s Lawson Street.

Today, the firm’s managing director is Gordon Christie. He set out its current state of play: “Right now, we are growing and fortunate to have more than 40 local talented people in our team. They’re all committed to achieving the high 16

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Photos from th e firm’s archives show the many changes over the years

it 100% standards we are recognised for by our changes to local authority and clients in Scotland and further afield.” government procurement strategies have had an impact on opportunities, Aird Walker & Ralston provides providing a challenge for local products and services to numerous businesses. Fortunately, Aird Walker industries and has developed & Ralston Limited has managed to relationships with supply chain rise to that challenge. As partners in the water industry Gordon emphasised, the across the country. Its clients QUICK FACTS company has been careful to include the likes of Scottish support traditional markets Water, the NHS, William while adapting its core skills Grant & Sons, Northern and resources so it can Lighthouse Board, ESD, diversify, serve new clients Amey and ABV. and capitalise on new Aird Walker opportunities.

Changing times & Ralston Ltd Gordon said: “We are When the firm was first particularly proud of our established, Kilmarnock was BASED: association with Scottish a highly industrial town with a Kilmarnock Water and its supply chain wide variety of manufacturers.

PHONE: 01563 522236 partners, having recently The founders’ aim was to serve WEBSITE: secured several electrical this diverse marketplace. airdwalker.co.uk contracting projects.

The company proved so “This relationship adept that it steadily has been built up over expanded, becoming even many years. We continue to take larger than it is today. As well as on board their business serving local industry, it carried philosophies and demands, out work for local authorities, leisure so I’m hopeful it holds us centres, hospitals and schools too. in good stead when we Much of Kilmarnock’s come to apply for its manufacturing base has since control panel disappeared. At the same time,

business. There may be an opportunity later this year to be included in its motor control centre (MCC) framework. If we succeed it will help us develop the manufacturing side of the business, sustaining and creating further skilled jobs in Ayrshire.”

Gordon himself has a long personal history with Aird Walker & Ralston.

He served his time with the firm, becoming an approved electrician in 1992. After working on the tools and shop floor he progressed into the office where he gained further qualifications and experience, qualifying as an electrical design engineer.

He was appointed the company’s HSEQ representative en route to becoming managing director in 2012.

“On completing my apprenticeship and then qualifying as an electrical design engineer, I went through the graduate programme with SELECT at Napier University,” he said. “This not only gave me management qualifications but the confidence, practical experience and ambition to further increase my knowledge of the business. I continued to develop and implement the company’s policies and management systems retaining BSI accreditation.

“There are very few jobs that I’ve not tackled here – including even being the sales engineer for a while.”

Continued on page 18 >>>

Gordon Christie

READY FOUR ANYTHING Aird Walker & Ralston has four dedicated departments, each with its own unique resources, supply chain, skills and expertise.

The Electrical Contracting department covers a wide range of services, from the design of building services and electrical systems to the installation and certification of Profibus networks, cabling

systems and electrical equipment as well as on-site electrical repair and maintenance.

As its name suggests, the Motor Overhaul and Rewinds department deals with electrical motor rewinding and refurbishment as well as the sale, overhaul and maintenance of industrial motors, gear boxes, fans and pumps.

Control Panel Manufacturing encompasses everything from low voltage power distribution and protection switchboards to conventional and intelligent motor control centres, instrumentation control and automation control panels and on-site commissioning, training, repair and maintenance.

Aird Walker & Ralston’s Software department provides CABLEtalk

a wide range of services including system design and integration, distributed communication systems and intelligent controllers.

The firm’s software engineers have expertise in all kinds of industrial control and monitoring equipment, from the smallest micro PLCs to complex multi-processor installations.

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FEATURES MEMBER PROFILE Continued from page 17

Governance

Gordon’s extensive experience means he’s seen some big changes in the industry down the years. One that concerns him is the significant increase in the amount of paperwork firms and individuals must now complete. He said: “It’s affected everyone and it’s been accompanied by the passing of risk and responsibility down the supply chain.” Despite the hurdles faced over the years, he believes Aird Walker & Ralston’s continued success is based on the firm’s ethos of training, behavioural culture and strong governance.

“Throughout its history, directors have focused relentlessly on the need to explore various industries for potential work, putting an emphasis on training and developing craft apprentices,” he said.

“Our track record speaks for itself. Looking across Ayrshire you’ll find that many electricians served their time with us and former employees are running their own businesses or are successful with other organisations. Similarly, our switchboards, control panels and motor control centres have withstood the test of time and operate well beyond their designed life expectancy.”

As the marketplace changes, so it is important to exploit new opportunities.

Gordon explained: “While focusing on current markets among other things we’ve explored the renewable energy sector, providing switchgear and controls panels for solar systems and wind turbines.

“We’ve provided control and software systems for a hydrogen vehicle refuelling station. And we’ve developed a relationship with a local company who produce ‘brining units’ for the roads. These are a liquid alternative to hard grit/salt that’s monitored via telemetry. “We’re also 18

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AS SEEN ON TV Few electrical firms can boast that they have starred on the iconic BBC programme Tomorrow’s World, but Aird Walker & Ralston Limited can.

Back in the 1970s one of the company’s people – Harry Burns – invented a device to help those who were hard of hearing. Called the ‘Burns Aid’ it was installed at home.

When a visitor rang the doorbell, the device would make sure the lights in the house flashed to let the resident know

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

someone was there. It was such a novel idea that Tomorrow’s World decided it was right for their show, which focused on technological breakthroughs and was one of the most popular programmes on TV. Gordon explained: “In its day, the Burns Aid was a real success.

“In fact, there are still some on the go and we occasionally go out to replace, fix and or maintain them.”

Refurbishment

FEEL THE BENEFITS The company has long recognised the value of SELECT and has been a Member for many years.

In fact, the previous MD, Archie Jay, was very heavily involved in the organisation. He was both Vice President and President and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in 2015.

“There are many benefits of being a member of SELECT,” said Gordon. “The SELECT/SECTT apprenticeship is one – it’s what you’d call a ‘proper, traditional’ apprenticeship. At the same time the HR, HSEQ and technical experts are also very good. If you have any issues, you can rely on them to provide the correct guidance and advice, as we have done on several occasions.

“As I mentioned, I went through the SELECT apprenticeship scheme and the SELECT graduate programme at Napier University, inspiring me to achieve further academic achievements and develop my career into a senior management role.

“There’s no doubt SELECT and SECTT have helped our business throughout the years, and will continue to support us for years to come by providing further 18th Edition training to our employees in our new training facility, as well as ongoing guidance and advice.”

continuing to develop a relationship with a local business which supplies electrical systems and replacement parts to the locomotive industry, which is proving to be very interesting.

“Recently, we’ve also moved into the overseas market and have been working with Glasgow-based clients who are building desalination plants in the Middle East.

“Their plants needed high quality MCCs and the clients knew that’s what we produce.

“We subsequently priced the job and then we won the bid.”

These successes mean the company is very confident about the future.

So much so that it has undertaken a complete refurbishment of its existing premises – a move that’s meant major investment.

The upgrade has involved stripping the building back to basics. It has been planned and executed in an environmentally sensitive manner, in keeping with the local area and with an eye on future proofing the building.

Notably, it’s being carried out in a way that doesn’t disturb operations significantly. Gordon explained: “It was about time the premises were upgraded to reflect the quality of the products and services our people produce and make the building more pleasant to operate from. In one big change, we have transformed our boardroom into a new self-contained training facility to accommodate 24 people. We now have an in-house facility to provide the ongoing development and training for our people. And it’s one that can also be used by our clients and supply chain partners.

“We’re in the final stages of modernisation and will soon have premises that are equipped with everything we need to move forward and expand.”

As yet, there are no major events planned to mark the company’s centenary year.

In keeping with its ethos Gordon is, first and foremost, thinking of ways to directly reward employees for the role they continue to play in prolonging and maintaining the firm’s success.

Over and above that, once the building refurbishment is fully complete there may then be an opportunity to arrange a get-together for the people who have worked or been associated with the company over the years – most people who have been associated with the firm still keep in touch.

That willingness to stay in contact is a sign of the fondness that people in Ayrshire have for the company. And it could well be one of the reasons it’s been able to chalk up 100 years... and counting.

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19

FEATURES FAMILY FUN

READY TEDDY GO!

Fun and games as SELECT’s first bears’ picnic raises £500 for charity

F

un and fundraising was the order of the day at the inaugural SELECT Teddy Bears’ Picnic, with all the proceeds going to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC).

Staff, Members and their families gathered at The Walled Garden on Saturday 29 June for a day of face painting, entertainment and games for the little ones. There was plenty

Alan Wilson and Kevin Griffin 20

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of fun for the grown-ups too, with a tug-of-war contest and prizes including a Sainsbury’s hamper, Nespresso coffee machine and M&D’s theme park tickets up for grabs in the raffle.

Benefits Adviser Michelle Courtney helped organise the event, which raised £500 for the EIC. She said: “We had an absolutely amazing time. I can’t thank everyone enough for making the day such a success.”

FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE

What you need to know about the recent changes to the legislation and standards covering fire detection and alarm systems

A

By Bob Cairney I Eng MIET Technical Standards Adviser, SELECT

nyone who designs, installs or commissions fire detection and alarm systems in buildings needs to be aware of all the relevant legislation, standards and applicable guidance.

This knowledge is necessary in order to confidently certify compliance of fire detection and fire alarm systems upon completion of work. This is taking on a special importance following Dame Judith Hackitt’s report into the Grenfell Tower disaster, which provided recommendations for a new regulatory framework in the UK. It is obvious that when change occurs to legislation, standards or guidance, those undertaking fire safety work should ensure their knowledge is

adequate to maintain a suitable level of competence. This article outlines changes introduced in Scotland this year which will directly affect fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

What has changed?

British Standard BS 5839-6 (covering recommendations for systems in domestic premises) has undergone a full revision. BS 5839-6:2019 was published on 30 April 2019. This replaces the 2013 version of the standard and contains a number of significant changes.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria Order) 2019 was published in February this year following a Scottish

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Continued on page 22 >>> AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

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FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE Continued from page 21

Government consultation on fire safety.

It introduces requirements for all homes in Scotland to have satisfactory provision for detecting and warning of fire to ensure they are safe for occupants. This comes into effect from 1 February 2021.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Modification of the Repairing Standard) Regulations 2019 were amended due to the above extension to the tolerable standard. The modification of the repairing standard removes an existing requirement for “satisfactory provision for detecting and warning of fire” from this standard which only applied to private rented housing. After 1 February 2021, the requirement for satisfactory provision for detecting and warning of fire will be in the tolerable standard which applies to all housing.

What you need to know

BS 5839-6:2019 now provides recommendations for fire detection and alarm systems in new and existing supported housing, self-catering premises and premises with short-term paying guests, such as holiday flats and B&Bs. This is in addition to existing recommendations and guidance for systems in new and existing domestic premises and sheltered housing.

Updating references to other standards has also been a part of the revision, and BS 5839-1:2017 is now included. This is a particularly relevant standard if designing a fire detection and fire alarm system for larger domestic premises (with a floor area greater than 200m²).

The recommendations within that standard apply where a Grade A system has been specified – this is the grade recommended in BS 5839-6:2019 which is deemed to be suitable for that size of premises.

Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, there is new guidance included for communal fire detection systems.

It explains that fire detection and fire alarm systems are commonly provided in blocks of flats for the purpose of operating smoke control systems and, if designing such systems, BS 7273-6 is the appropriate standard.

The guidance advises that as a consequence of cladding on blocks of flats being found to be non-compliant with the requirements of the building regulations, fire detection and fire alarm systems are being installed in communal areas of some high-rise residential buildings. However, it is stressed that such systems are only intended as a temporary measure pending removal of the cladding and these systems are outside the scope of BS 5839-6:2019.

Compartmentation between occupancies is normally sufficient to ensure that a fire is contained in the dwelling of origin and will allow other occupants to remain safely in their own flats. BS 5839-6 therefore does not provide any recommendations for fire detection systems in the communal areas of blocks of flats as the ‘Stay put’ policy is deemed to provide sufficient protection.

The guidance, however, goes on to state that where such communal fire detection systems can be justified or are requested, the recommendations

WHAT THE REVISED GRADES MEAN ●●Grade A: Separate detectors, sounders and central control and indicating equipment with back-up power supply that conforms to British Standards BS EN 54-4 ●●Grade C: A system of fire detectors and alarm sounders that are mains powered with back-up power supply and central control equipment ●●Grade D1: A system of one or more mains-powered detectors, each with an integral standby supply consisting of a tamper-proof battery or batteries 22

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●●Grade D2: A system of one or more mains-powered detectors, each with an integral standby supply consisting of a user-replaceable battery or batteries ●●Grade F1: A system of one or more battery-powered detectors powered by a tamper-proof primary battery or batteries ●●Grade F2: A system of one or more battery-powered detectors powered by a user-replaceable primary battery or batteries

ABOVE: All alarms should be ceiling mounted

in BS 9991 and BS 5839-1:2017 can be followed (BS 9991 provides guidance on evacuation strategies and associated detection and warning systems for purpose-built blocks of flats).

Revised grades of system

Probably the most significant change in BS 5839-6:2019 is associated with the revision of the defined grades of systems, which are given for the purposes of specifying fire detection and fire alarm systems and their associated engineering parameters. Grade B and E systems are no longer defined systems, mainly because they were not in common use, while Grade D and Grade F are each now split into two sub-grades. This means that a Grade D system can now be either a Grade D1 or a Grade D2. Likewise, Grade F systems can now either be a Grade F1 or a Grade F2.

When deciding upon a suitable grade and category of system, the designer should always ensure that the level of protection provided is related to the nature of the premises, the level of fire risk and the characteristics of the likely occupants of the premises – a higher fire risk will require a high reliability of system. The recommendations provided in the amended Table 1 in BS 5839-6 help simplify selection of an appropriate grade and category of system for typical

classes of premises. An extract from the table is shown below.

Building regulations

“Those undertaking fire safety work should ensure that their knowledge is adequate”

FIND OUT MORE

The changes in grades specified in BS 5839-6:2019 must also be considered when installing new systems where a building warrant applies. In Scotland, compliance with Building (Scotland) Regulations is required for installations in new buildings and conversions.

Scottish Building Standards Division guidance to achieve compliance is given in the domestic and non-domestic technical handbooks.

In a dwelling, the domestic technical handbook requires a Grade D system comprising at least one smoke alarm installed in the principal habitable room, at least one smoke alarm in every circulation space (such as hallways and landings) on each storey, at least one smoke alarm in every access room serving an inner room and at least one heat alarm installed in every kitchen.

The locations described requiring protection by a smoke/heat alarm are similar to a Category LD2 system as specified in BS 5839-6:2019. However, when providing a Grade D system, the designer will now have to consider the new sub-grades and the likely use of the premises – if it’s a rented property then a mains-powered alarm with tamper-proof

Fire safety standards can be obtained via the British Standards Institute (BSI) website at www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/ For building warrant work in Scotland, the relevant BSD technical handbooks are at www.gov.scot/publications/ building-standards-2017-domestic/ and www.gov.scot/publications/buildingstandards-2017-non-domestic/ Those involved specifically with housing in Scotland can access Scottish Government guidance on the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Order 2019 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Modification of the Repairing Standard) Regulations 2019 at www.gov.scot/ publications/fire-and-smoke-alarmstolerable-standard-guidance/ and www.gov.scot/publications/fire-safetyguidance-private-rented-properties/

battery back-up will be required.

Where a building warrant is applicable, the installation of solely battery-powered alarms does not satisfy the guidance for compliance with Building (Scotland) Regulations. This type of supply is Continued on page 24 >>>

Table 1– Minimum grade and category of fire detection and dire alarm system for protection of life in typical premises Minimum grade and category of system for installation in: Class of premises

New or materially altered premises Grade

Existing premises

Category

Grade

Category

Single-family dwellings and shared houses with no floor greater than 200m in area 2

Owner-occupied bungalow,flat or other single-storey unit

D2

LD2

F2

LD3

Rented bungalow, flat or other single-storey unit

D1

LD2

D1

LD2

Owner-occupied maisonette with no floor above 4.5m from ground level or owner-occupied two-storey house

D2

LD2

F2

LD3

Rented maisonette with no floor above 4.5m from ground level or rented two-storey house

D1

LD2

D1

LD2

Rented maisonette with any floor above 4.5m from ground level and with alternative means of escape

D1

LD2

D1

LD2

Any maisonette with any floor above 4.5m from ground level and no alternative means of escape

D1

LD1

D1

LD1

Owner-occupied three-storey house

D2

LD2

F2

LD2

Rented three-storey house

D1

LD2

D1

LD2

Owner-occupied four (or more) storey house

A

LD2

D2

LD2

Rented four (or more) storey house

A

LD1

D1

LD1

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FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE Continued from page 23

however now being allowed in existing dwellings in Scotland under Scottish Government guidance produced for implementing the extension of the tolerable standard and for the modification to the repairing standard to the Housing (Scotland) Act.

smoke and heat alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.

Interlinking of alarms can be by wiring or by wireless technology to form an integrated system of protection in the home. It is also highlighted that when

Government guidance

Looking at Table 1 in BS 5839-6 in relation to existing premises, the minimum recommended grade and category of system for an owneroccupied two-storey house is a Grade F2, Category LD3 system. For a rented two-storey house it is a Grade D1, Category LD2 system.

However, the notes to Table 1 in BS 5839-6:2019 highlight that, “In Scotland, under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Order 2019 [11] Grade F1, Category LD2 systems are required as a minimum in all existing dwellings by 2 February 2021”. This applies to all tenures of housing including private housing, private rented housing and social rented housing.

Scottish Government guidance states that “satisfactory equipment” to comply with the tolerable standard comprises one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes, one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, one heat alarm in every kitchen and all

ABOVE: The remains of Grenfell Tower following the devastating fire in 2017 © Sasa Wick,Shutterstock.com

adding to an existing hardwired system, care should be taken to ensure that all alarms are interlinked, with all alarms sounding when any one device is activated. Mains-operated alarms (with battery back-up) are permitted, and tamper-proof long-life lithium battery alarms are also allowed. Alarms should also be regularly maintained and tested in accordance with manufacturer’s

instructions. The standard required to meet the tolerable standard also now satisfies the repairing standard.

Making the grade

However, the Scottish Government guidance for satisfactory equipment in existing premises is not satisfied by simply complying with the recommendations in Table 1 of BS 5839-6:2019.

For example, a Grade F2, Category LD3 system is recommended for an owner-occupied two-storey house, but this would not be suitable as the Scottish Government guidance requires a greater level of protection. To comply, at least a Grade F2, Category LD2 system would be required. A similar issue exists with the recommendations that are given for a rented two-storey house. Table 1 recommends a Grade D1, Category LD2 system but this actually provides a higher reliability than the requirement for compliance with the Scottish Government’s guidance.

Both private and social landlords will therefore have to take a considered view on the minimum requirements when they specify or agree on what is a suitable grade of system in their properties for compliance with the tolerable standard.

This would not preclude a higher specification than the minimum required but they may want to specify a higher reliability system, such as a Grade D system (mains powered with battery back-up alarms).

TO CONCLUDE At the beginning of this article, it was stressed that adequate knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and guidance is an important part of being competent to undertake fire detection and fire alarm system work. This is a necessary part of confirming conformity of a system which will be required by enforcing authorities, such as local authority building control and local licensing boards. This may also be a way of being able to 24

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prove compliance with legislation and standards in the event of any future liability claim that might result from a fire incident or a contractual dispute.

The recommendations given for installation, commissioning and certification of the systems in British Standards such as BS 5839-1:2017 and BS 58396:2019 should therefore be closely followed.

It has also been highlighted in this article that a continuous approach to competence is now

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being recommended as part of developing fire safety for those who live and work in buildings.

Companies and installers should try to ensure that at all times they have knowledge of the legislation, standards and guidance and that they adopt a proactive approach to ongoing education and training.

Certainly, as a minimum starting point, copies of the standards relevant to the type of work being undertaken – including BS 5839-1:2017 and

BS 5839-6:2019 – would be essential and should be readily accessible for those who are undertaking such work.

To conclude, a commitment to training and to continued professional development may be of significant benefit to all parties involved to ensure fire safety within buildings. This is something the fire industry will no doubt be looking at closely as part of an industry response to the proposed new regulatory framework.

FEATURES SELECT AGM Dave Forrester delivers his presentation

Addressing the

burning issues ● Fire systems are the key talking point at this year’s AGM ● MD Alan also discusses the ‘iceberg effect’ of SELECT’s work ● Kevin continues as president as office bearers are elected

By Iain Mason Head of Membership and Communications

F

ire detection and alarm systems were the hot topics up for discussion at this year’s SELECT Annual General Meeting.

SELECT Members gathered at the Grange Manor Hotel in Grangemouth on 5 June for the 107th get-together, which featured a range of in-depth presentations. Managing Director

Alan Wilson provided everyone with a detailed update on all aspects of SELECT’s current work, including membership, promotion and skills development.

He highlighted the input of the new dedicated Training department, which has delivered 316 courses to nearly 3,000 delegates over the past year.

And Alan also discussed the “iceberg effect” as he outlined how SELECT is working hard behind the scenes on Members’ behalf – in particular by

Kevin Griffin speaking at the AGM

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FEATURES SELECT AGM Continued from page 25

lobbying hard for industry regulation and better protection on issues around payment and retention.

Former SELECT President David Smith also spoke

Safety update

Dave Forrester, SELECT’s Head of Technical Services, delivered a technical presentation to the meeting.

He updated delegates on the changes to BS 5839-6, as well as Scottish legislation relating to the design and installation of fire detection and alarm systems.

Dave outlined the various types of interlinked heat and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that are now required in every home.

He also discussed the impact the changes would have on areas including sheltered housing and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Members leaf through the Annual Report

President’s election

Other business of the day saw Kevin Griffin unanimously re-elected as SELECT President for a further year, with Donald W Orr voted in as the Vice President.

Afterwards, Alan said: “The AGM provides a valuable opportunity for staff and Members to come together and discuss the essential work that we continue to carry out on behalf of our Members.

“The last 12 months have thrown up a number of challenges, but we have risen to them all and we can look back with some satisfaction on a number of great achievements.”

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Alan Wilson, Managing Director

Donald W Orr, Vice President Alistair Grant, Depute Vice President

Delegates discuss the BDO report of the 2018 accounts

“The past year has thrown up challenges, but we have risen to them all and can look back on a number of great achievements”

Eric Rae, Immediate Past President

Alan Wilson

Darren Crockett, Depute Vice President John McGhee, Secretary

Kevin Griffin, President

The new SELECT office bearers line up at the AGM CABLEtalk

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FOCUS VAT CHANGES

Time to take charge HMRC’s new domestic reverse charge for construction services comes into force on 1 October 2019. But what does it mean for you?

SELECT’s financial advisers offer some advice…

By Pauline Davidson VAT Associate Director – Scotland, BDO LLP

H

MRC has recently finalised its legislation and published more guidance on this new regime, which means the recipient rather than the supplier has to account for the VAT due on certain construction services. The domestic reverse charge will be introduced without a transitional period and will have a significant impact on the accounting practices and cash flow of businesses in the construction sector.

account for the VAT due on that supply through their VAT return, instead of paying the VAT amount to the supplier.

The recipient may recover that VAT amount as input tax, subject to the normal rules.

Unlike other types of reverse charge, the value of such reverse charge services will not count towards the VAT registration threshold, which is good news for smaller businesses.

Which services will it apply to?

The new domestic reverse charge will apply to supplies of ‘specified services’ between VAT-registered businesses where the recipient then makes an onward supply of those services.

Specified services are generally services that are defined as construction Background operations for purposes of the The aim of this measure is to Construction Industry combat missing trader fraud Scheme (CIS). in the construction sector.

Among those included are e n th o r A VAT-registered business construction, alteration, a in web t that supplies certain repair, extension, painting ch a egime a r t a W r a ebin new construction services to and decorating, plus the w _ T /VA another VAT-registered demolition of buildings, bit.ly business for onward sale will civil engineering and the now be required to issue a VAT installation of heating, lighting invoice stating that the service is and air-conditioning. The legislation subject to the domestic reverse charge. is designed so that if there is a reverse However, it is the recipient that must charge element in a supply then the 28

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whole supply will be subject to the domestic reverse charge.

Where specified services have been provided, then subsequent services on the same site by the same supplier may also be covered by the domestic reverse charge, if both parties agree.

This has been introduced to speed up the decision-making process on whether the domestic reverse charge should apply.

However, where the original services did not come within scope of the domestic reverse charge but subsequent services do, then the VAT treatment changes. Businesses will need to review and monitor the VAT position throughout a project.

The domestic reverse charge will apply to specified services unless: ●●The services are supplied to an end user, such as the property owner, or directly to a main contractor that sells or lets a newly completed building ●●The recipient makes onward supplies of those construction services to a connected company ●●The recipient is not VAT registered, or required to be VAT registered ●●The recipient is not registered for the CIS ●●The supplier and recipient are landlord and tenant or vice versa, or ●●The supplies are zero-rated.

An end user is a person who receives the specified services for any purpose other than making an onward supply of those services. Where the customer has not provided confirmation that they are an end user either in writing, an email, or in the contract, HMRC’s

BEFORE

Claim from HMRC £200

£200

A

B

£1,200

£1,200

WHAT ACTION CAN YOU TAKE? £200

Claim from HMRC £200

Business A invoices Business B £1,000, plus VAT of £200, for work undertaken. Business B pays business A £1,200.

Business B receives the VAT back (£200) from HMRC. Business A pays HMRC £200 for the VAT on the invoice.

AFTER

A

£1,000

£1,000

B

Accounts for £200 on VAT returns

Construction businesses should: ● Review supplies made to and received from other VAT-registered contractors to establish where these will be subject to a reverse charge from October 2019 ● Obtain notification from customers that they are an end user and confirmation of their VAT registration and CIS status ● Consider any adaptations required so accounting systems can deal with this change, and ● Consider the impact on cash flow from October 2019 and if there are any other ways to mitigate this.

Recovers £200 on VAT return

Impact on construction businesses Business A invoices Business B £1,000 for work undertaken. Business B pays Business A £1,000. Business B accounts for VAT on the work undertaken on its VAT return and recovers same amount as input VAT.

guidance is that the supply will come within the scope of the domestic reverse charge and no VAT is charged.

However, on occasions it will be clear to the contractor that its customer is an end user and should be charged VAT but the customer has not given confirmation. In these cases, HMRC’s guidance says that it will be acceptable to charge VAT in the normal way.

In addition to confirming if your customer is an end user, you also need them to confirm their VAT and CIS status and provide their VAT number.

We recommend that this is confirmed in the contract before any invoices need to be raised.

In cases where goods and building materials are provided together with construction services and in the course of the construction work, then the reverse charge will also apply to these goods.

There are likely to be cases where it is difficult to determine if there is a separate supply of goods that is excluded from the reverse charge, or whether they are to be included as part of a single supply of construction

services. In these cases, a business will need to consider the position further to ensure the correct VAT treatment.

Invoices

Invoices for services subject to the domestic reverse charge must include all the information required on a normal VAT invoice. However, they must make it clear that the domestic reverse charge applies and that the customer has to account for the VAT. There is no specific wording but HMRC gives examples including: ●●Reverse charge: VAT Act 1994 Section 55A applies ●●Reverse charge: S55 VATA 94 applies ●●Reverse charge: Customer to pay VAT to HMRC. Where customers issue self-billing invoices or authenticated tax receipts, HMRC’s recommended wording is: ●●Reverse charge: We will account for and pay the output tax due to HMRC ●●Reverse charge: As the customer we will pay the VAT due to HMRC.

Construction businesses will need to ensure that their accounting systems are capable of processing reverse charge supplies and make ongoing checks to ensure that supplies and purchases are correctly treated.

As the VAT amount must still be shown on invoices subject to the domestic reverse charge, the risk that suppliers will account for the VAT to HMRC in error and customers will recover it from HMRC is clear.

Subcontractors who rely on VAT collected from their customers as working capital until they have to remit it to HMRC are likely to suffer from the loss of cash flow under the updated regulations.

These businesses and even their customers will need to consider if payment terms should be revisited to avoid problems in the supply chain.

Subcontractors will also need to confirm that they are working for a VAT-registered business and whether they are working for an end user, or for someone connected to an end user, including landlords and tenants.

i CABLEtalk

For more information, please email pauline. davidson@bdo.co.uk or call 0141 249 5277.

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29

FOCUS FUTURE PLANNING

Getting ready for retirement Make sure you’re on track to enjoy the life you want after giving up work

By Ian Cuthbertson, Chartered Financial Planner

T

he world of pensions has undergone a radical transformation in recent years; the age at which you can draw your pension, the options available at retirement and, ultimately, who you can leave your pension to when you die have all changed. But before making these decisions you need to take stock of your current situation.

When can you retire?

Pension freedoms mean you can now access your pensions at the age of 55, with no requirement to purchase an annuity and far greater flexibility.

When considering your preferred retirement date, you also need to think about the level of income you will require. Although your outgoings may go down if, for example, a mortgage has been repaid or you are no longer commuting, they could go up if, say, you hope to do a lot of travelling.

State Pension

The State Pension age for men and women has been equalised this year, meaning both will now collect their 30

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State Pension at the age of 65. By October 2020, the State Pension age will be 66. This will rise again to 67 in 2028.

If you qualify, the full State Pension is worth £8,767 per annum for an individual. You should obtain a State Pension forecast to clarify exactly what you are on course to receive.

This information will also allow you to top up your contributions if necessary.

What if there is a shortfall?

It is never too soon, nor too late, to start saving for your retirement.

Implementing strategies now to maximise your pension contributions and the tax relief available, and regularly reviewing these savings both prior to and throughout retirement, will give you a much better chance of achieving your retirement goals.

If you are a UK taxpayer, you will usually get tax relief on pension contributions up to your earnings or the £40,000 annual allowance (AA), whichever is lower.

For the 2019/20 tax year, basic rate tax relief of 20 per cent is usually reclaimed at source by the pension provider. In Scotland, those paying tax at the intermediate rate (21 per cent),

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

higher rate (41 per cent) and additional rate (46 per cent) should claim further tax relief via their self-assessment tax return. You can also usually carry forward unused AA from the previous three years, which could provide a major boost to your pensions.

Contributions

If you own your own company, you can make employer contributions to a pension of your choice and should receive corporation tax

PENSION SCAMS With pension freedoms, pension scams are unfortunately on the increase. Fraudsters use sophisticated ways to try to part individuals and companies from their retirement savings. Watch out if an individual or company: ●●contacts you unexpectedly about your pension ●●says you can access your pension before 55 ●●encourages you to take out part, or your whole pension, and let them invest it for you ●●asks you to transfer your money quickly ●●offers you an investment described as ‘unique’, ‘overseas’ and ‘environmentally friendly’.

If it sounds too good to be true…

part time, or maybe utilising other assets, such as investments, cash and property to provide ongoing income and/or lump sums.

The need for advice

Assessing your position and taking the appropriate action can be confusing and you may benefit from seeking professional advice.

A financial adviser will undertake a detailed review of your circumstances and financial position. They will look at the full range of options available and provide recommendations to help you achieve your goals.

A financial review will help you to clarify your current position and answer the following questions: ●●What is the value of your pension, what income will it provide, and at what age? ●●How much of a tax-free lump sum could your pension provide? ●●Are your funds invested at the right level of investment risk? ●●Should you consolidate your funds to simplify your arrangements? ●●Are plan charges competitive? ●●Do your plans allow you to have a flexible level of income that can be altered as your circumstances change? ●●Are you making the most of available tax relief? ●●Will funds go to your chosen beneficiaries on death?

The Government has a free service called Pension Wise where individuals over 50 can receive guidance on their options. Further details can be found at www.pensionwise.gov.uk Is it time to seek advice?

relief on the payments. For those who are employed by someone else, employers are required to automatically enrol their workers into a workplace pension scheme and, if eligible, make contributions on your behalf.

The self-employed won’t have an employer providing a scheme or adding money to their pension in this manner.

However, pension planning to prepare for retirement is equally important.

In all cases, you should have easy access to a pension and the tax relief

“It is never too soon, nor too late, to start saving for your retirement” available. Additional strategies may include working a little longer, working

Ian Cuthberston is a chartered financial planner with Pannells Financial Planning Ltd in Glasgow.

For more information, call 0141 249 8437, email ian.cuthbertson@pannellsfp.com or visit www.pannellsfp.co.uk

i

The information provided is based on our understanding of current legislation and tax law and may be subject to change in the future. Pannells Financial Planning Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Registration Number 137362.

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

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FOCUS PAYMENTS

Time’s up for risky business As the problems of procurement increase, we need a regulator to battle bad behaviour plaguing the industry

By Professor Rudi Klein SEC Group CEO and Barrister

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raditional construction procurement is expensive and wasteful. According to UK Government research, there are between 50 and 70 sub-contractors on the average project. Each requires a margin, each wants full overhead recovery and each will, no doubt, put in a contingency for risk.

In addition, each interface has to be managed. The scope and opportunities for disputes are endless. Risk is not managed – it is transferred along the supply chain facilitated by onerous supply chain contracts.

It is no wonder that countless inquiries and reports on construction (including reports on the Edinburgh 32

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schools defects and the Grenfell fire tragedy) have concluded that the extent of the fragmentation in the delivery process, combined with lowest price and wholesale risk transfer, are driving poor quality. The Carillion collapse also highlighted the risk of placing large volumes of work with the UK’s big outsourcing companies.

“The scope and opportunities for disputes are endless” Is anything changing?

The answer to the above question is a resounding no. A year ago, a House of Commons Select Committee observed: “UK Government has often transferred risks to contractors that they cannot possibly manage.”

This observation can equally be applied to most public sector procuring organisations. Moreover, as we all know, risks passed on to Tier 1 contractors are

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

invariably dumped on their supply chains.

The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 was introduced to bring about greater fairness and transparency in the procurement process. It places a duty of sustainable procurement on public bodies, which includes improving SME access to public procurement. Again, this has made little difference.

The need for a regulator

Changes in the way that public bodies procure will not happen of their own accord. This is the reason for the campaign run by SELECT and SEC Group Scotland to persuade the

OUR KEY MESSAGES ON PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT ●●No retentions or, at least retention monies to be protected ●●Public bodies should insist on using Project Bank Accounts to ensure everyone is paid within 30 days ●●Public bodies should collect data on the payment performance of all

CLIENT CONTRACTOR

50-70 SUBCONTRACTORS

SUB-SUBCONTRACTORS

WHAT IS PROCUREMENT? The client decides there is a business case for the proposed works and determines their ‘success factors’ for the project. Procurement is the process of deciding how to deploy and select the necessary resources to deliver the works in the most efficient and cost-effective way, i.e. how to obtain the value (not price) that best delivers the client’s ‘success factors’.

contractors and exclude poor payers from bidding for public sector works ●●Training for public sector procurers should focus on promoting greater engagement with specialist contractors and helping clients to specify their ‘success factors’ or value propositions ●●No Tier 1 bespoke subcontracts on public sector works ●●Use of competent and capable firms

must be required at all levels (trade association membership should suffice) especially where firms are able to certify compliance with regulations under the building warranty scheme ●●When submitting bids, main contractors should name the subcontractors they propose to use (and use them) ●●Pre-qualification to be standardised throughout the supply chain

Scottish Government to appoint a Procurement Regulator. A statutory office of Procurement Regulator would be endowed with the following powers: ●●To challenge poor practices whether emanating from public sector clients or firms in the supply chain ●●To develop a code of ethical conduct to govern the behaviour of public bodies and supply chain firms ●●To apply sanctions such as fines on clients and firms which ignore directives from the regulator to improve their behaviours.

Unless we bring pressure on the Scottish Government and the general public sector to improve their practices, nothing will change. Let’s get on with it.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

33

FOCUS DISPUTES

Counting the cost Our industry expert gives his warning about adjudication and reveals what you need to know before getting involved in the process decision. That costs money, such as legal fees, and will take time, maybe three or four months. So, the question is: “What is the point of going to adjudication?”

More and more adjudicators see jurisdiction points being raised by respondents from the outset of the process and these are sometimes put in place simply to give the respondent some basis upon which to challenge the adjudicator’s decision at a later date in an enforcement action.

Challenging issues

By Len Bunton

FRICS FCIArb, HON FRIAS

SEC Group Scotland

I

n my last article I mentioned my increasing concerns about the adjudication process, and I have been asked to elaborate on these.

In my view, it was a great idea to introduce adjudication into construction contracts more than 20 years ago. You were not being paid, there was a dispute, so you kicked off an adjudication and 28 days or so later you had a decision which meant that, hopefully, you were paid what you were due, or most of it anyway.

However, things have moved on and the adjudication process has altered radically, and not for the better. Let me tell you why.

I think the fundamental problem now is that even if a referring party is successful in the adjudication, there is absolutely no guarantee that they will be paid what they are due (or what the adjudicator decided) and they will need to revert to the courts to enforce the adjudicator’s

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In my view, many of these challenges are manufactured and half-hearted, a ‘punt’, but nonetheless these have to be considered by the adjudicator who issues a non-binding conclusion after considering them.

The challenges are wide, varied and imaginative – there is no crystallised dispute; the wrong Adjudicator

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Nominating Body (ANB) made the appointment; the Notice of Adjudication was not issued to the other party before an application was made to the ANB etc.

Now some of these can sound flimsy and you may ask: “So what? Let’s just get on with it.” When I am advising clients, my advice is to dispose of the jurisdiction point and just recommence the adjudication but, in my view, it is incredible how many times the referring party will respond to the jurisdiction point with the request that the adjudicator does not resign.

If there are no jurisdictional challenges, there is little ground for resisting enforcement.

The other issue I have seen emerging in the last three or four years is that even after the adjudicator’s decision is issued in favour of the referring party, the respondent does not pay the

of conflict “Too many contractors just rush into adjudication without having fully developed their arguments and their submissions – that can be fatal” decided sum and uses the adjudicator’s decision as some sort of negotiating vehicle to end up paying the other side less than the decided sum. I am not being critical, but this is just how it is.

Be prepared

So, jurisdiction is a big issue in adjudication, and I support Rudi Klein’s position that the sooner adjudicators are able to decide on their jurisdiction, the better.

There are provisions in the TeCSA Rules for this and it should be universally adopted as soon as possible.

I want to touch on preparing your

case for adjudication. This does not happen overnight and there are too many contractors who rush into adjudication without having fully developed their arguments and submissions – that can be fatal.

I had a client on the phone this week who had just received a Pay Less Notice which put a big hole in the payment he was expecting. He was screaming down the phone: “I want to start an adjudication tomorrow.” After calming him down, we agreed on a reasonable period to get the show on the road.

I can understand the frustrations of people running construction businesses in the UK, where they are owed significant sums of money that they can’t get in the bank to keep the business going, and they want to get the matter in front of an adjudicator ASAP. But they must be fully prepared before starting the process. So, given my lack of enthusiasm for adjudication, what are the options? As I have

hammered out in previous articles, do all you can to mitigate a dispute. Get the dates of your applications for payment agreed in advance, and stick to them; provide fully detailed and backed-up applications for payment to avoid money being stripped off; hound the other side for payment, if not made by the final date for payment; keep on top of cash flow. Suspension remains your most useful tool if you are not paid by the final date.

Positive moves

Regarding the increasing costs of adjudication, another issue that Rudi Klein has been very concerned about, I am attracted to the recent proposals from the RICS and TeCSA to have a low-cost scheme for adjudications relating to payment issues. I think this is a very positive move for the industry.

However, that is only one aspect, and the other aspect is the cost of legal advisers representing parties.

It is beyond my comprehension why parties engage lawyers to become involved in ‘Final Account’ disputes where the issues are purely measurement and valuation.

There is no reason why a senior commercial manger and/or a commercial director of a construction organisation cannot run the process.

Contractors should consider preparing the submissions then passing them to the advisers (not always lawyers) to ensure compliance with the procedure.

Protect yourself

Finally, another anecdote – speaking to another client last week, he was due about £120,000 in respect of an interim application which was not paid by the final date for payment.

He did a deal and accepted £105,000 on the basis of cash in the bank to pay the wages. If he had gone to adjudication, it would have cost him at least £20,000 of nonrecoverable costs and he would have been hung out to dry for four months. That, sadly, is the state of the UK industry just now.

I close by saying the best defence is don’t get into a mess in the first place. I’ll discuss how you can do this in the next issue of CABLEtalk.

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

35

TRAINING ELECTRIC HEATING

Ready for

the future Stay up to date with the latest changes in electric heating by signing up for a training day with SELECT and Glen Dimplex Heating and Ventilation

S

ELECT is holding a free training session on the future of electric heating, in association with Glen Dimplex Heating and Ventilation.

The seminar will include information about legislation and the direction of electric heating and smart grid management, as well as covering some of the many product options available.

It will be held on Thursday 29 August at SELECT’s Training Centre at The Walled Garden in Midlothian.

Starting at 9.30am, the seminar sessions will cover: ●●Lot 20 legislation and how it will affect domestic and commercial installations ●●The implications and opportunities of Scottish carbon reduction targets ●●The range of electric heating product options available 36

CABLEtalk

●●Smart Electric Thermal Storage solutions (SETS) ●●PV battery storage with an insight into increased demand for products by iPower ●●How improved energy efficiency in buildings will require increased ventilation to manage air quality and fabric protection ●●Glen Dimplex support and services to help in your design and technical support for all your projects, whether large and small.

SELECT Training Co-ordinator Jenny Cryans said: “This is a great opportunity for Members to improve

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

their skills and knowledge and make sure they’re well prepared for the future of electric heating.

“We’ve got plenty more training courses planned throughout the year and are always happy to help Members with any enquiries.”

The seminar runs until 1pm and includes lunch for attendees as well as a morning tea break.

i

To register and book your place, please contact SELECT Training on 0131 445 5577 or email training@select.org.uk

TRAINING ACCESS AND SAFETY

Member deal is a real Plus Get great rates on machinery hire and improve your health and safety knowledge with Access Plus and Training Plus offers Machinery hire and training are on offer

S

ELECT has teamed up with Access Plus and Training Plus to offer Members the best rates in the industry.

Members are guaranteed discounted prices for machinery hire, as well as discounts on a choice of 360 health and

safety courses. Access Plus provides powered access machines throughout the UK, supported by a dedicated customer service team.

It offers nationwide delivery through depots central to Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as a nationwide network of partners.

Training Plus delivers relevant, up-to-date training which gives staff the knowledge and skills they need to develop and excel.

Members can take their pick from hundreds of competitively priced courses – specialising in IPAF and PASMA – all led by highly experienced trainers and held at well-equipped facilities.

The sessions provide training and accreditation and the great atmosphere has helped them achieve 98 per cent candidate satisfaction.

SELECT Training Co-ordinator Jenny Cryans said: “Members can save themselves money and make sure their safety knowledge is up to date by taking advantage of these special partnership rates.”

For more information about powered access, email sales@ access-plus.co.uk or call 0800 328 8178. For any queries about training courses, contact sales@trainingplus. com or 0845 872 3411.

For a full list of upcoming SELECT training courses, visit www.select.org.uk/training call 0131 445 5577 or email training@select.org.uk

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

37

APPRENTICES COMPETITIONS

Winning skills on show The electricians of tomorrow proved the industry is in safe hands at SECTT’S Apprentice of the Year Competition and eMAC contest

T

alented apprentices showed off the high standard of their skills as they battled it out at competitions across the country.

Three regional heats of this year’s Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) Apprentice of the Year Competition took place in June, with the winners going forward to the final of the contest in October.

And more excellent work was on display from the skilled candidates at the Electrotechnical Modern Apprenticeship Competition (eMAC).

Sean Davies, Inverness College UHI 38

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“You can feel the tension in the workshops and I commend all the apprentices for their hard work” Anne Galbraith, SECTT

Craig Davidson, Moray College UHI

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

Fergus Hiddleston, Dumfries and Galloway College

Thomas Woods, Ayr Campus

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive of SECTT, said: “Congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the competitions – they should be very proud of their efforts.

“These competitions are such a good experience and the camaraderie among the competitors, as well as the commitment and effort they put in on the day, never fails to amaze me.”

First and second-stage apprentices took on the 2019 Apprentice of the Year challenge – which has been updated to fall in line with UK Skills and SECTT’s eMAC contest for third-stage trainees.

The competitors’ exercise involved PVC conduit and trunking for a lighting circuit. The first-stage apprentices surface clipped PVC twin and earth cable while second-stage candidates surface clipped a steel wire armoured cable for a radial socket circuit.

The first heat was held at Moray College UHI on 4 June. Sean Davies, a student at Inverness College UHI who works with Korrie Mechanical and Plumbing Ltd, was the winner of the first-stage contest. Moray College UHI student Craig Davidson, of Muirton

Frazer Matchett, Perth College UHI

Locking in safety

Dean Callan, ForthValley College

Lewis Sim, Moray College UHI

Darren Kerr, New College Lanarkshire

Blair Angus, Ayrshire College

Control and Automation Ltd, came first in the second-stage event.

The Ayr Campus of Ayrshire College hosted the next heat on 18 June. The winner of the first-stage category was Fergus Hiddleston, who studies at Dumfries and Galloway College and works with Derek Mitchell Electrical Ltd. The second-stage winner was Thomas Woods, a student at Ayr Campus, who works for T Walsh Contracts.

The third heat took place on 26 June at Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh College, where Barrie McKay, SECTT’s Training and Development Manager, was on hand to present prizes. Perth College UHI’s Frazer Matchett, of R W Bell (Electrical) Pitlochry Ltd, was top in the first-stage competition. The second-stage winner was Dean Callan, a student at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus who works for T Clarke Scotland Ltd. Meanwhile, the annual eMAC was held at the Kingsway Campus of Dundee and Angus College on 12 June.

The contest involves the best thirdstage apprentices from all over Scotland, selected for the quality of their work and performance. The gold medal was won

by Lewis Sim, from Moray College UHI. Blair Angus, of Ayrshire College’s Ayr Campus, took silver and the bronze went to Darren Kerr, from the Motherwell Campus of New College Lanarkshire.

UK Skills judges will now decide which candidates will be selected from all the regional competitions to take part in the UK Skills contest at the NEC Birmingham in November.

Anne Galbraith (pictured above with the eMAC winners) added: “It is always a pleasure to speak to the apprentices, who all say the same – how much they enjoy being an electrical installation apprentice and the career opportunities that becoming an electrician offers.

“You can feel the tension in the workshops and I commend all the apprentices for their hard work.

“I would also like to thank all those who came along to support them. Each heat was extremely well attended.”

More than 650 apprentices and adult trainees are being supplied with free lockout kits by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Electrical Safety First (ESF).

The kits, worth £30 each, will help them ensure electricity is turned off – and stays off – until work is safely completed. This process, known as safe isolation, is a safety fundamental and essential in helping to avoid a serious or even fatal electric shock.

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive of SECTT, said: “I cannot stress enough the importance of working safely at all times, to protect the apprentices, colleagues, the public and property.

“The kits will be provided to apprentices and adult trainees from the Shetland Isles to the Borders.

They should become familiar with them as they are the same as the kits used in the Final Integrated Competence Assessment.”

Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of ESF, added: “Adopting safe working practices and procedures is essential. Embedding this at the beginning of an electrician’s career is key. The kits not only provide crucial safety equipment but, we hope, also promote safe working as an ingrained habit.”

BELOW: Apprentices with their kits

For more information on SECTT and its work, call 0131 445 5659, visit www.sectt.org.uk or email admin@sectt.org.uk CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

39

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to the latest industry solutions 1 SNICKERS’ PROTECWORK CLOTHING RANGE CAN HELP YOU STAY SAFE ON SITE As working clothes on site go, there’s a big difference between conventional electrician’s workwear and specialist ProtecWork garments from Snickers Workwear, which includes protective wear for electricians.

Over the years, conventional workwear has evolved to make the working day on site more comfortable and efficient, with built-in functionality for tools and fixings, as well as protection against cold, rain and the effects of warm weather.

ProtecWork, the new ergonomically designed protective wear from Snickers Workwear, has a number of European Conformity (EC) marks across the range of products.

It has been designed and developed to protect the wearer from serious risks such as heat, flames, electric arcs and hazardous chemicals.

In effect, clothing that can mean the difference between life and death for the

wearer. To be able to properly identify what protection is needed for electricians, you have to know what risks you, your employees or your workmates are facing.

Category III clothing covers exposure to serious risks, which include major hazards such as electric arcs.

It’s therefore important to focus on that category of garments to provide the wearer with adequate protection.

Working in high-risk environments involves, as the name implies, high levels of risk. Arcs caused by electrical faults can cause severe injuries and damage.

So it’s vital that you choose the correct Class III protective wear to ensure your personal safety on site.

ProtecWork from Snickers Workwear is the new protective wear solution that will deliver the right level of layered protection to help ensure comfort, safety and wellbeing on site.

For more information on the new ProtecWork products, visit www. snickersworkwear.co.uk or alternatively, call the Snickers Workwear Helpline on 01484 854 788.

Flexel offer a FREE design service for you and your customers.

Just email us your drawings/ plans and we will do the rest. Flexel also offer on-site visits to discuss your needs.

INSIST on ‘Flexel’ products from your Electrical Wholesaler for premium products at low prices!

• EcoFloor for under Tiles, Marble flooring and Bathroom areas.

• EcoFoil for Bathroom areas.

• EcoFilm for under Laminate, Engineering wood, LVT (inc Karndean & Amtigo), Vinyl and carpet.

• EcoMax-Duo overboard system for EcoFilm protection when required.

• FlexelTouch Control Systems Thermostats, Wireless, Wi-Fi and Internet Connected.

• EcoMax Thermal Boards for heat loss prevention.

• EcoFloor Ice, Snow and Freeze Prevention kits.

• EcoSun infrared heaters (Domestic, Industrial and Commercial).

Tel: 01592 760 928 Email: ch@flexel.co.uk Web: www.flexel.co.uk Flexel International Ltd, Telford Road, Glenrothes, KY7 4NX CABLEtalk_Sept_2019_Flexel_HP.indd 1

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

29/07/2019 17:07

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

2 HULTAFORS GROUP ADDS HELLBERG TO PREMIUM PROTECTION PRODUCTS The Hultafors Group has added Hellberg Safety PPE products to its premium brand portfolio.

With more than 50 years’ experience in the PPE industry, the Hellberg Safety specialist equipment includes highly advanced hearing protection products, face protection and communication solutions.

As well as face guards, helmets and passive hearing protection, Hellberg supplies secure electronic hearing protectors. Peter Dumigan, managing director of the Hultafors Group UK said: “Hellberg PPE products complement the Snickers Workwear and Solid Gear Safety Footwear portfolios so well. The Hultafors Group now provides an

By David Wilson Partner, MacRoberts LLP

even more extensive range of EN-accredited, quality products, ideally suited to protect personal safety.” Call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854 788 or see www.hellbergsafety.com

3 FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT WITH ONYX SHOES AND BOOTS FROM SOLID GEAR Good safety footwear is part of a comfortable day’s work on site – just like good working clothes and quality tools.

Combining maximum comfort and protection with a durable design, Solid Gear’s Onyx is available as a shoe or a boot and is ideal for on-site work.

This EN-accredited footwear integrates a seamless upper and Cordura

NEC3 dispute?

4 weeks, or risk going mute

reinforcements with a poured polyurethane midsole, a breathable footbed and strong rubber outsole for maximum grip. Metal-free protection comes from the fibreglass toecap and penetration board.

And the unique BOA Closure System distributes pressure of the fastened shoe evenly to ensure a glove-like fit.

To get more information on Solid Gear, visit www. solidgearfootwear.com or call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854 788.

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SHOWCASE YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS HERE

David Hughes: 0131 561 0022

In the recent case of Sitol Ltd and Finegold & Anr, parties entered into a standard NEC3 Contract (“the Contract”).

Following a dispute between the parties, Sitol raised adjudication proceedings which resulted in an order for Finegold to pay the sum of £45,000 plus adjudicator’s fees of £42,000.

The dispute ultimately came before the TCC when Finegold refused to make a payment, arguing that the adjudicator was appointed too late, as per the terms of Clause 93.3 of the Contract. This states that,“a party may refer a dispute to the adjudicator if the party notified the other party of the dispute within four weeks of becoming aware of it”.

As the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, as amended, was not applicable due to the Finegolds being residential occupiers, the court applied the test set out in the case of Amex v Secretary of State for Transport [2004] EWHC 2339, that a dispute arises once it has been denied. The

court found that a dispute over payment had arisen and crystalised as a result of an express rejection by Finegold’s solicitors on 19 February 2018.

Therefore, it was found that the adjudication raised

by Sitol was out of time on the 25 April 2018 as the last date Sitol could serve notice was 19 March 2018.

Lord Waksman J commented that he had come to this conclusion “with no great enthusiasm,” but he had to apply the law.

This is likely due to the commercial consequences of such a decision to construction disputes falling outwith the scope of the Construction Act. Going forward, it may become common that Clause 93.3 is subject to drafting amendments between parties, prior to the signing of contract. Until then, parties will have to more vigilant of timescales for notification during any initial dispute discussions.

● To find out more, email david.wilson@macroberts. com or call 0141 303 1100.

davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

41

DIARY MEMBERS / EVENTS / COMPETITION GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Neil Sim Technical Adviser, North of Scotland

Hello Neil. How long have you been at SELECT? I only joined SELECT in May this year, so I’m fairly new and still finding my feet.

What were you doing before you joined SELECT? Tell us a bit about your background and how you got here.

I started my career with Hutcheon Services in Aberdeen where I completed my apprenticeship. I then continued for another three years as an electrician within the company, working on various projects from industrial, commercial and domestic jobs to inspection and testing. I then changed industries and went to the oil and gas sector to further my electrical skills and gain more experience. During this time I held a variety of positions including electrical technician, senior technician, rig electrician, senior rig electrician and technical section leader (electrical).

After that I started up my own business working in the north east of Scotland, mainly carrying out domestic work. I

LOCAL EVENTS SELECT Awards 2019 Glasgow, Friday 11 October Dumfries & Galloway Branch Meeting Dumfries College, Stranraer, Tuesday 15 October 42

CABLEtalk

Quickfire Questions Cheese or chocolate?

Cheese Dog or cat?

I love all animals First car owned?

Vauxhall Nova Favourite film?

Anything with plenty of action Favourite TV show?

I don’t really have one Top holiday spot?

Anywhere that’s away from home Dream date?

I’m afraid there’s no such thing any more!

One thing folk might not know about you?

I’ve got a real passion for reptiles and other exotic animals

Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch Meeting West College Scotland Thursday 17 October Edinburgh & South East Branch Meeting Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells, Tuesday 22 October

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

later moved across to work in facilities management as an electrical manager covering five sites across the north east of Scotland before crossing over to SELECT. What does your job entail?

Tell us a bit more about what you do…

My new role covers a range of aspects from technical help desk work and Member assessments to training and individual inspection and testing when required.

carrying out Member assessments as well as taking training sessions.

What do you know now that you didn’t before working at SELECT? Did you know much about the electrical industry beforehand?

I’d been involved with the electrical industry for more than 19 years so I did have a good knowledge of it. But I’ve now got a much better understanding of just how many different parts there are to SELECT and exactly what they’re involved in.

What’s a typical day like for you at work? Tell us about some of the things you do in an average day in the SELECT office...

I don’t think there is a typical day as it changes all the time.

I could be out on the road making a Member visit up in Wick or working in-house doing technical help.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

I really enjoy the Member visits and the chance to get out on the road to meet people. I also like having the opportunity to advance my knowledge and gain more insight into the industry’s regulations and what processes happen before the final outcomes.

Do you get the chance to meet SELECT Members?

Yes, part of my role involves

● To contact Neil, email neil.sim@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577.

CT 17GLAOSGOWOT&LANGD

SC IN T OF MEET WESANCH BR

Inverness & North of Scotland Branch Meeting Mansefield Hotel, Elgin, Thursday 24 October Ayrshire Branch Meeting Ayr Campus, Ayrshire College, Tuesday 29 October

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Congratulations to Lorraine Gray from CEF Elgin, who won the music festivals wordsearch in our June/July issue.

Lorraine wins a £50 Amazon voucher.

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Here’s the chance to win a fantastic £50 Amazon voucher with our fun wordsearch. Find the various words linked to the Edinburgh festivals listed above right, take a picture of your finished grid and email it to memberservices@select.org.uk by 13 September 2019. Or cut it out and send it to: Wordsearch, SELECT, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB. The winner will be drawn at random. Terms and conditions are online.

Aberdeen & North East Branch Meeting Tullos Training Centre, Aberdeen, Thursday 31 October Lanarkshire Branch Meeting DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Strathclyde, Bellshill, Wednesday 6 November

31 OCT

ABERD EE EAST BN & NORTH RA MEETINNCH G

Tayside Branch Meeting The Red House Hotel, Blairgowrie, Perthshire Thursday 7 November NATIONAL EVENTS Elexshow - the Electrician’s Exhibition Ricoh Arena, Coventry CABLEtalk

Dedicated trade show for electrical contractors.

19-20 September Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019 Event City, Manchester The largest exhibition dedicated to the needs of both industries. 2-3 October AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

43

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