CABLEtalk February/March 2020

February/March 2020 £4.50

The future is electric SPECIAL EDITION: Putting innovation in the spotlight

CONTENTS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 OPINION

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Alan Wilson discusses why the future is definitely electric

NEWS

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INNOVATION SPECIAL

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Discover all the advantages of investing in an electric vehicle

Find out what SELECT has been up to lately across the country

INNOVATION SPECIAL

24 26 28 34 36 40 42

INNOVATION SPECIAL

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All the latest news from SELECT and around the wider industry

Harnessing the potential of wind and solar solutions

We check in with the UK’s first hotel powered entirely by battery Could pumped storage hydro be the solution for energy in future?

How SELECT is still working with EuropeOn to shape the industry Making the most of opportunities from the smart home revolution The digital doctor making access to healthcare quicker and easier What changes in technology could mean for your business The skills and training needed to tackle the systems of the future

FEATURES

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INNOVATION SPECIAL

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Talented youngsters show off their skills at the CABEC final

FOCUS

Learn about the latest trend to transform the lighting industry

48 50

MANAGING EDITOR Iain Mason iain.mason@select.org.uk EDITOR Sarah Wolstencroft sarah.w@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022

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

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

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

What you need to know about changes to employment law Essential information covering Written Statement of Particulars

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

52

The latest innovative gear and gadgets to help you out at work

DIARY

54

Upcoming events, meet Nicky Deighan and £50 wordsearch

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

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COMMENT

The future is bright…the future is electric!

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n this issue of CABLEtalk we are featuring developments in the renewable and energy efficiency arenas. As we move towards becoming even more dependent on an electric-powered economy, our sector is in a prime position to capture current and future workload developments, not only in traditional areas such as light, energy and communications but now in transport too.

It’s hard to imagine what part of our lives electricity won’t touch as we move forward into the 2020s and the targets set by the Scottish Government in regard to carbon reduction will mean more and more opportunities for electrical businesses.

In addition, the decision to require alternative sources of heating to be installed in new build properties other than gas from 2024 means a chance for our sector to become more involved in heating installations.

As a result, this is likely to open up new opportunities in service and maintenance work.

Additionally, as more and more car companies

“Installation of these technologies will also bring a requirement for increased knowledge and training” start selling electric vehicles there will be an increase in demand for electric charging points. When these cars and vans need serviced and maintained, who’s to say that electricians shouldn’t take this work on? We have already seen electricians in a number of European countries, including Finland, undertaking electric vehicle servicing work.

Installation of these technologies will also bring a requirement for increased knowledge and training. It’s encouraging that the Scottish Government acknowledges that individuals installing such products should be qualified electricians, with top-up training as necessary. Apprentice training will also need to be updated to reflect the future direction of the industry.

Another major issue which needs to be tackled is system design. All too often we learn about the installation requirements for new products and systems but we don’t often spend enough time recognising the extra design needs for new systems, especially when they are linked to existing systems. The industry as a whole needs to do more and provide suitable training.

The next few years will be an exciting time to be involved in the industry as it becomes more and more important to our everyday lives and it’s incumbent on bodies like SELECT to make sure that electricians are given every opportunity to develop their businesses to reflect the new landscape we will face.

The future is bright – the future is electric!

Alan Wilson Managing Director, SELECT CABLEtalk

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

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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

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

 LINKEDIN bit.ly/select_linkedin

 YOUTUBE bit.ly/select_youtube Visit our websites at:

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

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.

Alan: We need to attract the brightest talent ● MD outlines his vision for the future in video ● Q&A interview marks the relaunch of SELECT’s YouTube channel

T

he need for more young people to join the electrical industry in Scotland has never been greater – and those who do so will have an “opportunity for life”. That’s the view of SELECT Managing Director

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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Alan outlines his vision for YouTube viewers

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

Alan Wilson, who says fresh talent will be required to meet the ever-increasing demand for new technology and electrical services.

Speaking in a video interview on SELECT’s newly relaunched YouTube channel, Alan says anyone entering the industry has “a really bright future ahead of them”.

He said: “I’m pleased to say the future is indeed electric as we all move towards more dependency on electricity in our day-to-day lives, whether it’s use of the internet and mobile phones or vehicles and heating and lighting for our properties.

“There is no doubt we will need an increase in the workforce to meet these

Watc h the full inte bit.ly rview at /Alan _Wils on

SELECT MD Alan discusses the future of the industry in his YouTube interview

“Being an electrician is at the very top of the construction industry tree in terms of opportunities and skills” demands as we go forward, yet we are facing an ever-increasing competition with other sectors to get young people to join our sector.

“Like all industries, we face a challenge to encourage young people into our industry as Scotland faces a well-documented skills shortage. But what we can say is that anyone coming into this industry has an opportunity for a career for life.

“We need to work hard to get schoolchildren more involved and interested at a younger age and for them to see how the whole range of work that an electrician does impacts across their lives.”

During the 15-minute video, launched in January, Alan also discusses electric vehicles, the future of the trade association and the many challenges faced by today’s electricians.

He added: “Being an electrician is at the very top of the construction industry tree in terms of opportunities and skills and that’s why we want to attract good quality young people who

will bring a great benefit to all our lives going forward.”

Alan also stresses the need for regulation of electricians – and insists Holyrood should act sooner rather than later to make it happen.

SELECT has been leading a highprofile campaign for better regulation of the trade, with the Scottish Government now pledging to publish a consultation on the issue later this year.

And Alan said: “It’s amazing that an industry that’s so safety-conscious and potentially dangerous if not done correctly is still unregulated. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals out there carrying out electrical work who have no qualifications or experience, putting people at harm.

“Regulation is the only solution.

Whenever we speak to politicians and the public, no one has said yet that it’s not the right thing to do. The Scottish Government has to have the courage of its convictions and introduce regulation as quickly as possible.”

Link up with us online at new-look SELECT page The SELECT LinkedIn page has been relaunched, with all details updated and the format refreshed to ensure clearer navigation.

The move is part of a wider review of all our social media platforms and follows the successful relaunch of our YouTube channel in January.

Linda Rolfe, SELECT Events, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, said: “Our LinkedIn page has been completely revamped to ensure we deliver information quickly and effectively across all digital platforms.

“Working alongside our revitalised Twitter and Facebook accounts, new YouTube channel and SJIB Twitter feed, it ensures Members have the latest developments at their fingertips.

“We are now planning to launch an Instagram page later this year to ensure we cover the full range of social media.”

Follow SELECT on LinkedIn at bit.ly/select_linkedin

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NEWS SELECT Going green As you may have noticed, this edition of CABLEtalk is slightly different than normal.

For this special innovation issue, we’ve switched to a one-off green cover to reflect our focus on renewables, including electric vehicles, hydro and wind power.

Instead of the traditional polythene bag, your magazine also now comes in an envelope made from recyclable paper.

Iain Mason, SELECT Director of Membership and Communications, said: “For this special edition, we wanted CABLEtalk to instantly represent renewables and green innovation. Switching to recyclable packaging also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the environment.”

Important dates for your diary ● Don’t miss your local Branch Update and AGM coming up in March ● Toolbox Talks will hit the road again near you in May and June SELECT is currently preparing for this year’s Branch Updates and Branch AGMs, which will take place across Scotland throughout March.

The meetings will be held at eight different venues, with each event starting at 5.30pm for 6pm. If you

● Edinburgh & South East of Scotland – Tuesday 3 March, Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells ● Inverness & North of Scotland – Thursday 5 March, Mansefield Hotel, Elgin

require more details, please contact your Member Representative, email memberservices@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577.

The dates and venues for this year’s Toolbox Talks have also been confirmed as our ever-popular technical advice sessions prepare to hit the road.

SELECT’s Technical team will once again be visiting 12 locations across Scotland to deliver the latest updates to Members far and wide.

Electric vehicle charging and EICR coding will be the subjects up for discussion this year, along with exhibitions from suppliers and SELECT partners.

● Lanarkshire – Tuesday 10 March, Hamilton Park Race Course, Hamilton ● Ayrshire – Thursday 12 March, Gailes Hotel, Irvine ● Glasgow & West of Scotland – Tuesday 17 March, West College Scotland, Clydebank

Top up your skills with SELECT’s range of training courses SELECT currently has space available on a range of training courses over the upcoming months.

Held at five locations across Scotland, places can now be booked on the following courses: 8

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Edinburgh

● BS 7671 Training (18th Edition): Requirements for EI (218) – 18 February, 3 & 26 March; Initial Verification (209) – 27 February, 24 March; Inspection & Testing (Inc. periodic inspection) (214) – 24 & 25 March

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

SELECT offers a wide range of training courses

● Aberdeen & North East of Scotland – Thursday 19 March, Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen ● Dumfries & Galloway – Tuesday 24 March, Station Hotel, Dumfries ● Tayside – Thursday 26 March, McDiarmid Park, Perth

Toolbox Talks: Shetland – Wednesday 17 June, The Lerwick Hotel

Toolbox Talks: Orkney – Tuesday 16 June, The Pickaquoy Centre Toolbox Talks: Inverness – Tuesday 26 May, Tulloch Stadium

Branch Update: Glasgow & West of Scotland – Tuesday 17 March, West College Scotland, Clydebank

Toolbox Talks: Aberdeen – Wednesday 27 May, Pittodrie Stadium

Branch Update: Inverness & North of Scotland –Thursday 5 March, Mansefield Hotel, Elgin

Toolbox Talks: Glasgow – Wednesday 13 May, Hampden Park Toolbox Talks: Oban – Wednesday 10 June, The Wide Mouthed Frog

Branch Update: Aberdeen & North East of Scotland – Thursday 19 March, Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen

Branch Update: Tayside – Thursday 26 March, McDiarmid Park, Perth Toolbox Talks: Dundee – Tuesday 12 May, The Apex Hotel

Toolbox Talks: Edinburgh – Tuesday 5 May, The Walled Garden

Branch Update: Lanarkshire – Tuesday 10 March, Hamilton Park Race Course, Hamilton Toolbox Talks: Islay – Tuesday 23 June, The Machrie

Branch Update: Ayrshire – Thursday 12 March, The Gailes Hotel, Irvine Toolbox Talks: Ayrshire – Wednesday 20 May, The Gailes Hotel , Irvine

● Health & Safety Training: Safe Isolation (217) – 19 February; ECS Health, Safety & Environmental (102) – 4 March ● Technical Training: PAT Testing (207) – 20 February; Fire Alarm Workshop (203) – 24 & 25 February ● Free seminar: Electric Underfloor Heating & Infrared Heaters – 18 February

Glasgow

● BS 7671 Training (18th Edition): Requirements for EI (218) – 27 February, 10 & 17

Branch Update: Edinburgh & South East of Scotland – Tuesday 3 March, Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells

● Edinburgh – Tuesday 5 May, The Walled Garden ● Borders – Wednesday 6 May, Tweed Horizons ● Dundee – Tuesday 12 May, The Apex Hotel ● Glasgow – Wednesday 13 May, Hampden Park ● Dumfries – Tuesday 19 May, Easterbrook Hall ● Ayrshire – Wednesday 20 May, The Gailes Hotel ● Inverness – Tuesday 26 May, Tulloch Stadium ● Aberdeen – Wednesday 27 May, Pittodrie Stadium ● Oban – Wednesday 10 June, The Wide Mouthed Frog ● Orkney – Tuesday 16 June, The Pickaquoy Centre ● Shetland – Wednesday 17 June, The Lerwick Hotel ● Islay – Tuesday 23 June, The Machrie

Toolbox Talks: Borders – Wednesday 6 May, Tweed Horizons

Branch Update: Dumfries & Galloway – Tuesday 24 March, Station Hotel, Dumfries

March; Initial Verification (209) – 10 March; Inspection & Testing (Inc. periodic inspection) (214) – 10 & 11 March ● Health & Safety Training: ECS Health, Safety & Environmental (102) – 18 February ● Technical Training: Scottish Building Standards (216) – 26 February; PAT Testing (207) – 27 February; Emergency Lighting (221) – 11 March ● Free seminar: The Future with Electric Heating – 18 February

Toolbox Talks: Dumfries – Tuesday 19 May, Easterbrook Hall

Further details about Toolbox Talks will be revealed in the next edition of CABLEtalk. If you have any queries in the meantime, please email memberservices@ select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577.

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Aberdeen

● BS 7671 Training (18th Edition): Initial Verification (209) – 17 March; Inspection & Testing (Inc. periodic inspection) (214) – 17 & 18 March ● Technical Training: PAT Testing (207) – 19 March

Dumfries

● BS 7671 Training (18th Edition): Requirements for EI (218) – 31 March

Perth

● BS 7671 Training (18th Edition): CABLEtalk

Requirements for EI (218) – 25 March ● Technical Training: Scottish Building Standards (216) – 26 March

For further information or to book a course, please contact SELECT Training on 0131 445 5577 or visit the SELECT website www.select.org.uk/ training

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NEWS SELECT Investment and improvement in Action Plan An updated Economic Action Plan (EAP) has been issued by the Scottish Government, outlining its spending proposals.

The follow-up to the 2018 Plan shows the Scottish Government’s progress against delivery of both existing actions and new Programme for Government commitments. New measures in the Plan include: ●●Working with public bodies to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030 ●●£30 million investment in renewable heat projects through the Low Carbon Innovation Fund ●●£10 million of increased investment in Scotland’s workforce for 2020/21 ●●£10 million to support communities who want to buy land or buildings ●●£500 million to improve bus infrastructure across the country.

The update also sees the release of the first public version of findbusinesssupport.gov.scot – a single online point for businesses to access advice and support.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We look forward to working with businesses and organisations across the country as we deliver the actions in this Plan and continue to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth across all parts of Scotland.

“The EAP will provide an important contribution to our aim of building a strong, vibrant and diverse economy that promotes wellbeing and attracts investment.

“The Plan is designed to support a competitive business environment, investment in a highly skilled workforce and actions that nurture the economy of the future and help to grow our economy, whatever the circumstances may be after Brexit.”

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: RSION AL VE DIGIT .ly/select_ bit rside byyou

Discover more about our work behind the scenes A new brochure has been produced explaining some of the vital work that SELECT is carrying out behind the scenes.

The new publication, called By Your Side, outlines the many different ways we work on Members’ behalf to help improve the industry for everyone.

It reveals how SELECT is a tireless campaigner for regulation, presses for payment change and carries out political lobbying in Scotland and beyond.

It also explains the vital work we do to raise industry standards, improve working conditions and aid skills development by building relationships and serving on respected industry bodies.

Iain Mason, SELECT Director of Membership and Communications,

Champion green issues in business Is your workplace as green as it could be? You can learn how to grow a greener, more profitable

said: “Our experts promote our Members’ interests in a variety of ways, from advising on essential technical and employment matters to conducting political lobbying.

“However, this dedication often happens unnoticed behind the scenes – so this guide explains exactly how we’re always working on our Members’ behalf.

“It explains clearly how we work around the clock to give our Members a strong collective voice, putting their needs first and creating a brighter future for us all.”

Copies of the new brochure are available from your Member Representative and can also be ordered by emailing memberservices@select.org.uk or calling 0131 445 5577.

business at one of Resource Efficient Scotland’s Green Champions training events this March.

You’ll find out about available funding and understand more about the changing resource

landscape. Training sessions are taking place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.

Book your place at www.resourceefficient scotland.com/eventsand-training

Members urged to give their views on retentions

S

ELECT is reminding Members to have their say and take part in an industry-wide consultation on the use of cash retentions in construction.

SELECT’s Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson said that every Member business should make their views known to the Scottish Government discussion before it closes on 25 March.

She said: “This consultation gives everyone in our industry a great opportunity to make their voice heard when it comes to the ongoing issue of retentions.

“We know from Member feedback that late and withheld payments caused by retentions continue to cause problems for businesses up and down Scotland.

“The disruption to all-important cash-flow doesn’t just cause financial worries – it can lead to serious mental

health issues and depression. That’s why it‘s vital that SELECT Members have their say and make their concerns known. Only by speaking out together can we hope to put an end to this outdated practice.”

The consultation was announced in December following an ongoing campaign by SELECT, working in partnership with the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group.

SELECT and SEC Group Scotland have been carrying out extensive lobbying amongst members of the Scottish Parliament to encourage them to support legislation to ringfence the monies.

Yvonne, who also works closely with SEC Group Scotland, added: “Our message is clear: Cash retentions must be put in a ring-fenced account or scheme. In this way we are more likely

Retentions can disrupt cash-flow

to see the end of a 200-year-old measure that’s been abused to the detriment of small firms which often wait years to get retentions released.”

The new consultation comes after a review of the system of cash retentions which was carried out for the Scottish Government by consultants Pye Tait.

In the subsequent report, Pye Tait said: “Qualitative evidence overwhelmingly shows that the biggest problem with the practice of retentions is the instability it creates for contractors at Tier 2 and below.

“Clients with experience of holding retentions in the last three years, say that, on average, retentions are used on 81% of all their current contracts. And the larger the organisation, the more likely they are to impose retentions on their sub-contracting firms.

“A requirement for retentions to be held in a protected and separate location would meet almost all of the serious criticisms of the current retention systems.”

Cash retentions are deducted from due payments, ostensibly as security in case a firm fails to return to remedy non-compliant work.

In practice, the monies – which belong to the firms from whom they have been withheld – are used to bolster the cash reserves of large companies and even public sector bodies such as local authorities.

Various estimates put the loss of cash retentions from the Carillion collapse in 2018 as between £¼ billion and £½ billion.

SEC Group Scotland has reminded the Scottish Government that in a 2013 review of public sector construction, a recommendation was made that cash retentions should be kept in trust.

To take part in the consultation, go to: www. gov.scot/publications/ practice-cash-retentionunder-construction-contracts

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NEWS SELECT

Updated app makes creating your certificates quick and easy ● Our improved SELECTcerts service is now even bigger and better ● Complete vital documents and store client and installation information A new and improved version of our popular SELECTcerts app has been launched which offers improved functionality and a wider range of certificates and reports.

The innovative service helps Members create a full range of electronic certificates 12

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quickly and easily, and can also be used to create a client database and installation locations.

Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services, said the new update will make it even quicker and easier to complete vital certification.

FREE

mont h’s new u trial for sers

He explained: “SELECTcerts Version 2.0 offers a far more user-friendly experience and comes with a few other tools built in, such as a scheduling calendar.

“It is designed to be easier to use on mobile devices with a simple step-by-step approach to completing certificates and reports.

“For users who are Building Standards Approved Certifiers, it also features the ability to complete and issue Certificates of Construction. The new system underwent extensive

user testing prior to launch, and we’re confident that Members will enjoy how easy it is to navigate and use.

“All existing users will now enjoy the first month of the new app free to allow them to get used to using the new system.

“There will be a similar discounted offer for new users switching from other systems or using SELECTcerts for the first time.”

Developed in partnership with the experts at Computer Scene Technical Ltd, SELECTcerts is designed to be accessed by all internetenabled devices and is available from Google Play, Windows App Store and the Apple App Store.

Annual subscription is £240 + VAT or £20 + VAT per month. For further details, email memberservices@ select.org.uk or call 0131 445 557.

Expert pair take up senior SEC Group Scotland roles The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group Scotland has welcomed two experienced construction professionals to senior roles.

Gordon Matheson, former President of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), has been appointed the new chair of the Scottish group, with Ken Lewandowski, former Local Chairman of Clydesdale Bank, being appointed executive chair.

Gordon replaces Eddie Myles of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA),

who stepped down after seven years as chair.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, who is also National Executive Officer of SEC Group Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gordon and Ken to their new roles. Their experience, integrity and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to press for positive change in the construction industry.”

SELECT works closely with SEC Group Scotland on a range of industry issues, including the current consultation on retentions.

Look out for finalised 18th Edition amendment As CABLEtalk went to press, the agreed wording for Amendment 1 to BS 7671:2018 was still being finalised.

Due for publication on 3 February, the new changes concern Section 722 of the 18th Edition, Electric Vehicle Charging Installations, following advances in technology for this key area of electrical work.

A full report on the amendment will feature in the next issue of CABLEtalk.

NEW MEMBERS

Ten firms have become SELECT Members since December 2019

Cannon and McKay Electrical Ltd, Glasgow & West of Scotland

KC Electrical, Ayrshire

Richard MacPherson Electrical T/A Armac, Dumfries & Galloway

R S Electrical Services, Glasgow & West of Scotland

ETO Electrical, Tayside SMD Electrical, Edinburgh & South East Scotland CTS Electrical Services, Glasgow & West of Scotland CABLEtalk

Grant Law Electrical Ltd, Lanarkshire

Cross Wired Ltd, Aberdeen & North East Scotland J Waugh Electrical Services Limited, Aberdeen & North East Scotland FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

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NEWS BEHIND THE SCENES December and January were once again busy months for SELECT staff, who travelled far and wide on Members’ behalf.

Here are some highlights – and some social news too

STIRLING Technical Standards Adviser Bob Cairney attended a meeting of the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) in Stirling on 20 January, representing SELECT at the Energy Efficient Scotland Quality and Skills Working Group. An update was provided by a Scottish Government representative on the quality assurance work associated with Energy Efficiency Scotland’s work and there was discussion on the implications of the publication of PAS 2035:2019.

AT SELECT HQ r Technical Administrator Susie Liddle got a giant bottle of bubbly for winning the SELECT Christmas crossword competition on 19 December.

SELECT staff in their best festive knitwear to back Christmas Jumper Day e Staff donned their festive knitwear on 12 December as they joined the annual Christmas Jumper Day fun to raise funds for Save The Children. On the same day, SELECT also handed over boxes of toys to Forth 1’s

Mission Christmas campaign, after an office appeal organised by Employment Affairs Administrator Gilian Hogarth.

t Employment Affairs Operations Manager Fiona Cornwall and the SJIB team met with ASI Ltd developers on 16 and 17 January to discuss the introduction of iMIS to the SJIB processes to enable online Grade Card applications.

EAST KILBRIDE Staff at the Holiday Inn, East Kilbride, sprung a special festive surprise on Training and Development Adviser Malcolm Duncan during the delivery of a one-day ECS health and safety course on 5 December. Instead of the usual buffet, they kindly laid on a full Christmas lunch for Malcolm and his 20 delegates, including crackers, streamers and specially prepared signs.

Susie Liddle

GLASGOW

TRAINING

245 delegates trained

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e Training and Development Adviser Malcolm Duncan delivered an in-house training course on BS 7671 at the SEC in Glasgow on 3 December. r Director of Employment and Skills Fiona Harper attended the first 2020 meeting of the Electrical

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

Installation Technical Expert Group in Glasgow on 16 January. t Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson flew the flag for SELECT at a meeting of Scotland’s Productivity Club at the City Building in Glasgow on 29 January.

GRETNA Member Representative Fiona Smith and Technical Adviser Stuart McKelvie held a drop-in session for Members at Greens at Gretna on 12 December.

FURTHER AFIELD LONDON e Director of Employment and Skills Fiona Harper was in London from 28-30 January to attend a range of events including the JIB Employee Relations Committee, a wage negotiations meeting, a board meeting of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership, a meeting with

the Fire, Emergency and Security System stakeholder group and discussions about the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme cards.

Fiona also attended the Digital Infrastructure focus group in London on 15 January and, before Christmas, the JIB/SJIB pay and conditions review in London on 5 December, followed by the JIB National Board meeting.

r Director of Technical Services Dave Forrester was in London on 2 December at the ETIM UK Digitalisation Forum then represented SELECT at the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification Management Committee in the city the following day. t Director of Finance and Operations John McGhee has been a regular visitor to

London. On 31 January, he attended a roundtable with HMRC to discuss the VAT reverse charge, on 14 January he attended a BlueSky/ Crystal pension meeting, and on 2 December he represented SELECT at a reverse charge VAT roundtable at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

EDINBURGH

TRAINING

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training courses delivered

 The Walled Garden

MOTHERWELL Director of Employment and Skills Fiona Harper attended a meeting to discuss the SCQF Credit Rating of the SVQ in Electrical Installation at New College Lanarkshire on 7 January.

e Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson represented SELECT at a networking lunch organised by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry in Edinburgh on 3 December. r Director of Finance and Operations John McGhee attended the quarterly Bank of England Financial Stability update in Edinburgh on 18 December. t Technical Adviser Stuart McKelvie delivered a talk to a meeting of Cullen Property Investors in Edinburgh on 15 January. Topics for discussion included what to look out for when receiving electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) and changes to smoke

The CABEC final alarms in the private rented sector to BS 5839-6:2019, including discussions on houses in multiple occupation. u SELECT President Kevin Griffin, Managing Director Alan Wilson and Director of Finance and Operations John McGhee represented the association at

Technical Adviser Stuart

CABLEtalk

the annual Construction and Built Environment Challenge (CABEC) final at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on 16 January. Read a full report of the event on Pages 46 and 47. i Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson represented the association at a City of Edinburgh Council event at the Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh on 24 January. o Yvonne also joined SELECT President Kevin Griffin and Managing Director Alan Wilson when they attended an SEC Group Scotland meeting and dinner held in Edinburgh on 30 January.

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INNOVATION SPECIAL 28 PAGES OF THE FUTURE

Driving change Electric vehicles (EVs) are being hailed as the future of transport – but what benefits could they bring to your business? To kick off this special 28-page report, we spoke to Willie Fairhurst, Managing Director of SELECT Member firm Essential Cloud Solutions (ECS), who have been successfully using EVs in their fleet for eight years Continued on page 18 >>> CABLEtalk

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INNOVATION SPECIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLES

By Iain Mason Director of Membership and Communications

The EVs are charged up overnight at the firm’s HQ

Hello Willie. How many EVs do you have at ECS?

Out of our fleet of seven vehicles, three are currently full EVs – two Nissan e-NV200 vans plus my own Tesla. The vans are charged overnight here at our office, so they’re ready to go for staff every morning.

How long have you been using them?

We’ve had the vans since 2015, but before that we had a Renault Kangoo ZE in 2012, which was really back in the early days of EVs. We’ve also had a few hybrids along the way, which have helped staff understand the possibilities of EVs and how to drive on a charge etc.

And what made you choose EVs?

Because we’re a technology company, it had a bit to do with being early adopters, but it was also because of concerns about the environment. We spend a lot of time driving through town in Edinburgh and Glasgow and a lot of the time we’re just sitting there with the engine chugging away, spewing fumes and burning expensive fuel. Also, if you go back to 2012, we were seeing really big spikes in diesel prices, so we saw it as a possible way to reduce costs.

Did you receive any grants or funding?

We used an interest-free loan from the Energy Saving Trust (EST), with whom we also enjoyed extremely good engagement about business charging.

How easy was it to apply for funding?

Very easy – it was only slightly more involved than going into a garage and signing a normal vehicle lease. The EST were really helpful with the process and helped us understand how to get from A to B and how long everything would take.

As well as helping with EVs, they also came out and did a business assessment, which led to us replacing our air conditioning with a more efficient system that helped us reduce costs.

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“Getting people to actually use them is the biggest challenge, but once they do they understand the advantages” How do you find EVs perform compared to traditional fuel?

At the start there was a lot of talk about range anxiety, but after driving them some pretty hefty distances, our staff started to

understand how charging works. The problem is, you have your traditional driver who’s used to going to the garage once a week, so doesn’t understand overnight charging, particularly if they take the vehicle home and don’t have a domestic charge point. So there’s still some pushback in the business about distance, but we’re hoping the next round of vehicles will have even bigger batteries so that won’t be an issue.

I’m confident we’ll soon get to a point where EVs only have to be charged once every so often, plus we’ll see more public charge points, which will be a big help.

So has there been a change in attitude among your staff towards EVs? Willie Fairhurst

Oh yes, they’ve bought into the ethos behind it.

only does six or seven Like anyone in the industry, we do tend miles a day, so why not to carry a lot of kit, but we find it doesn’t replace that with an EV? affect the overall range at all. I think that’s a bit of a misconception. The other What about the infrastructure, misconception is you’re such as charge points?

QUICK FACTS burning the battery when Edinburgh isn’t great, but you’re stationary in town but Dundee is terrific, Glasgow’s you’re not – you only use not bad and East Lothian energy when you’re moving. is doing quite well. The People say, ‘Oh, I’ll drain the infrastructure is getting there battery in a traffic jam on the and with a little bit of motorway,’ but nothing could planning you can go long Essential Cloud be further from the truth. distances. For example, we Solutions (ECS) had someone who went up to Do you have to drive any Aberdeen and back in the EV, BASED: 37-45 Peffer differently? which took three charges in Place, Edinburgh The interesting thing is that each direction, so it’s not EH16 4BB with EVs, you do change your impossible. In fact, if you’re PHONE: driving style – I think it makes driving long distances, you’re 0131 322 9230 you calmer. From personal advised to take regular breaks WEBSITE: experience, there’s a difference anyway, so using them to www.ecs.scot in attitude from driving a charge your EV is exactly diesel van. It’s notable that our the same.

EVs haven’t had any accidents compared to the diesels, which Are you looking to invest have had one each over the last in more? three or four years. It would I’d like to get some bigger certainly be interesting to look at the battery vans and eventually have 70% national statistics for EV accidents. of fleet as EVs, so we’d have one or two diesels and five or six EVs.

What about weight?

Like everything, some people were sceptical at the start, but then they drove an EV to Glasgow, did the job while it was charging and drove home again, and realised how simple it was.

Getting people to actually use them is the biggest challenge, but once they do, they understand the advantages. In fact, one member of staff has now bought their own EV.

And where does your business usually take you?

We’re mainly Central Belt, so the EVs cover Glasgow and Edinburgh no problem. Our EV vans are in and out of Edinburgh all the time, with the diesel fleet usually covering any trips north.

What’s the range on the EV vans?

Winter does impact on range, so currently they’re doing 65-70 miles on a full charge, going up to 80-85 miles during the summer. Both are ideal for what we need in and around town. The Renault Kangoo ZE only did 40 miles, so wasn’t really suitable in the long run.

What about running costs?

They’re definitely cheaper. I look at our fuel card bill and we’re spending £600 a month on diesel, yet the Tesla costs me around £7 to charge, which gives me 220-odd miles. The Nissans are £4 to £5 each for around 80 miles. I filled up one of our diesel vans the other day and thought, ‘Oh, so that’s how much diesel costs.’ It’s a real eye-opener after electric.

The vehicle tax and servicing costs are a lot less too – we’re not replacing loads of things like brake pads etc.

And the cost of the vans themselves?

The Nissans cost £14,000 each, and a regular equivalent would be £11,000, but over the five years we’ve had them we’ve made up the difference in cost savings.

And from a personal point of view, do you enjoy an EV? Absolutely. I’ve always had traditional diesel beasts, such as Mitsubishis and Volkswagens and so on, but it’s just a calmer drive now. I would much rather do a long-distance drive in the Tesla than a diesel, put it that way.

So EVs are the future then?

I do think that in the electrical industry, we should all be driving change. And this change is going to start with the smaller contractors who don’t have huge fleets.

I would challenge everyone to start recording their daily mileage and ask themselves, ‘How far do I actually go?’

Times are changing – people just need to be brave and do it.

Any drawbacks?

At the moment, it’s really just range anxiety. But do people really need to do 300 miles a day? We find that, at most, our staff only do an average of 40 miles a day. And in fact, one of our diesel vans

Is it time you took charge?

Discover the answers to the most commonly asked EV questions on Pages 20-22 CABLEtalk

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INNOVATION SPECIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Is it time you took We asked experts at the Energy Saving Trust some of the most common questions about electric vehicles to help you decide if it’s time to make the move away from petrol or diesel

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ack in 2013, the Scottish Government announced plans to rid Scottish cities of polluting carbon emissions from vehicles by 2050. They also set out plans to spend £14 million to upgrade their current fleet with electric vehicles (EVs) and install electric charge points in all of their main buildings.

Fast forward to 2017 and the UK Government set a target that all cars manufactured would be zero emission by the year 2050. So it seems EV is fast becoming the way ahead in the eyes of government, low carbon organisations and some manufacturers.

This article aims to answer some of the most common questions about EVs – as no doubt you’ll be an end user at some stage over the next 40 years.

What are the benefits for both the environment and a business when running an EV?

As far as the environment is concerned, it reduces CO2 emissions and helps to reduce the effects of global warming.

There is also a reduction in air pollution affecting human health, particularly the particulate matter 20

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and NOx emissions from diesel fumes in urban areas. From a business point of view, EVs offer an 80% reduction in fuel costs. For example, the average EV will cost around 3-5p/mile to run, compared to 16-18p/mile for a petrol/ diesel vehicle.

Is there funding available to buy an EV or install a charge point at a home or office?

In Scotland, the Low Carbon Transport Business Loan is available for businesses to help them implement measures that will reduce the CO2 impact of their transport.

This offers up to £120,000 interestfree (capped at £35,000 per plug- in vehicle) and a six-year payback period.

There is also currently grant funding available for home charge points.

The key details are as follows: ●●£800 funding towards home charge point

TRAINING FOR CHANGE SELECT now delivers a two-day course that offers a Level 3 Award in Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.

The City & Guilds (2919-01-02) course aims to provide expert guidance to learners who want to to gain knowledge and understanding about EV charging equipment installation Aimed at qualified electricians interested in understanding how to install the range of equipment and systems available, it covers the specialised installation requirements of EV charging equipment in public, private and commercial locations and includes guidance on electrical requirements.

SELECT delivered nine such training courses last year in partnership with West College Scotland, with 67 delegates attending the sessions.

At the end of 2019, we also managed to

secure a partnership with Fife College to deliver the training course in Glenrothes.

Jenny Cryans, Training Manager at SELECT, said: “We already have six courses scheduled for this year, with some of the places already full.

“We’re now hoping to form partnerships with other colleges to allow us to offer the course to our Members in different areas throughout Scotland.”

The following course dates are now available to Members: West College Scotland, Paisley ●●6 & 7 April 2020 Fife College, Glenrothes ●●31 March & 1 April 2020 ●●9 & 10 June 2020 To secure your place on any of the above dates, please contact SELECT Training on 0131 445 5577.

●●Open to company car/van drivers ●●Combined funding from the Energy Saving Trust and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) ●●Funding should cover the majority of the installation cost.

There is also funding support available for business charge points. For an application form and more information, email electricvehiclesscotland@est. org.uk Please note that funding is provided annually and T&Cs are subject to change.

What criteria need to be met by a company to secure a loan to purchase an EV in Scotland?

In order to be offered the loan funding for a plug-in vehicle, the company would

need to successfully pass a credit check.

The organisation must be based in Scotland or actively operate in Scotland and must have been trading or operational for at least 12 months.

Do I need to have a specific electric charge point installed at home or can I just plug into a normal socket?

Due to the high electrical load imposed by a charging electric vehicle, we strongly discourage anyone from charging an EV from a three-pin plug unless it is on a dedicated circuit.

Installing an EV charge point also enables much quicker charging than Continued on page 22 >>>

EV: THE BENEFITS ●● Electric vehicles generally cost 3p-5p per mile to run, compared to 16p-18p per mile for petrol or diesel vehicles, providing a considerable saving to a company. ●● There are also tax

benefits from owning or using an EV which again can prove to be very attractive to a business. ●● Maintenance costs can also be lower as there are fewer working components in an EV

compared to the traditional fuel burning engine. ●● There are also brand benefits to your business – using an EV sets out your environmental intentions to your clients.

TAXI RANK TOP-UP The raft of new EV innovation includes a pilot project that will see electric taxis charging wirelessly while they wait in their ranks.

The government is putting £3.4 million towards plans to fit five charging plates outside Nottingham railway station.

The six-month pilot project will see ten electric taxis kitted out with the necessary hardware and the scheme could be rolled out if successful.

Officials said electric vehicles were “vital” to improving city air quality and making charging convenient was key.

Sally Longford, deputy leader at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are excited to host the trial of this new type of innovative charging technology, keeping us ahead of the pack, and helping to promote cleaner taxis in our city and potentially take us a further step forward towards our goal of being carbon neutral by 2028.”

The vehicles will be owned by the council and provided rent-free to drivers.

No date has been fixed for the project to start, though the council said it hoped it would be “later this year”.

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INNOVATION SPECIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLES BUSES ON BOARD

© Thinglass / Shutterstock.com

The EV revolution has seen electric buses launched on a commercial route in Glasgow for the first time since the 1960s.

Bus company First Glasgow said the introduction of the two vehicles was a “statement of intent” as Glasgow aims to become a “net zero” city.

The new buses will run on the M3 route, connecting Milton and Springburn with Stobhill Hospital and the city centre.

The state-of-the-art vehicles have high definition digital cameras and an interior screen, as well as USB charging points, on-board audio-visual next stop announcements and free wifi.

Their introduction comes after Glasgow became the first Scottish city to have a low emissions zone, where emissions standards must be met by 20% of buses which pass through the city centre. All vehicles entering the zone from December 2022 will have to meet the standards.

First Bus managing director Andrew Jarvis said the new buses will make travel easier and more convenient for passengers as well as being better for the environment.

He added: “Every customer journey on the route will save around 2kg of CO2 compared with driving on your own in an average car, making the bus the best choice in reducing the impact on the planet.”

The project has been financed through SP Energy Networks’ £20 million Green Economy Fund, which is also backing the installation of 22 EV charging points in First Glasgow’s Caledonia depot.

>>> Continued from page 21

you would get from a standard three-pin socket. Expert advice should be sought about installation.

Normally there’s no need to upgrade wiring for home charge point installations. However, as always, expert advice should be sought.

Can an electric point be installed in a public or communal area if I don’t have a drive to park on?

Are there any ongoing government incentives to a company for using an EV?

The ideal scenario at the moment is if people have an off-street parking space where they can install their home charge point. It would potentially be possible to install a charge point in a public/ communal area, but you would need permission from the organisation that owns the land, e.g. your local authority.

There are currently around 1,200 public charge points across Scotland.

The majority of these are currently free to use, which is a great incentive.

In order to access them, you would just need to pay £20 annually for a Charge Place Scotland card. You can check out the location and status of CABLEtalk

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What are the tariffs for charging at public charge points? How is payment made for these tariffs?

As above, the majority of public charge points in Scotland are free at the moment, however charges are likely to be implemented shortly. If there are tariffs to use a charge point you would simply pay through your Charge Place Scotland access card account.

Is the installation of a charge point straightforward? Do I need to adapt my electrical system at home?

How many public charge points are there in Scotland?

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each charge point by going to www. chargeplacescotland.org

Companies can offset the whole cost of purchasing an electric vehicle against taxable profits in the first year. As of April 2020, company car drivers, who drive pure EVs will pay no benefit in kind tax during 2020/21.

More information on EVs can be found at: www. energysavingtrust.org.uk/ scotland/businessesorganisations/transport/electric-vehicleschargeplace-scotland and www. energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/ grants-loans/low-carbon-transportbusiness-loan

INNOVATION SPECIAL BATTERY-POWERED HOTEL Hi Ross. What prompted Whitbread to look at battery storage?

We have a lot of hotels around the country, all running on electricity, making energy one of the business’s biggest costs. So taking action that could reduce our energy costs makes good business sense. This trial is also going to help our commitment to cut carbon emissions in half by 2025, and as much as 88% by 2050.

Why did you choose Scotland for the trial?

Scotland was selected because of its abundance of low carbon electricity.

Edinburgh also met the right conditions regarding health and safety and type of energy profile; the hotel uses lots of energy at the most expensive times of day – peak times.

What size is the battery?

We installed a 100kW lithium ion battery which is 3m3 and weighs approximately five tonnes.

Was it an easy project to undertake?

I think when you are undertaking a ground-breaking project like this, where the market is young and there aren’t that many suppliers with a long track record, there are always going to be challenges. For example, we had unexpected issues with shipping the battery because of its size. But with good planning and working with E.On, who have supported us on other energy projects and understand our business, we were able to install the battery with minimal disruption at the hotel.

We worked closely with the local team and essentially had the site ready to plug the battery in when it arrived.

Incidentally, we are now looking at vending machine-sized batteries for our London hotels, where space is an issue.

How exactly does the battery enable you to make savings?

It’s really quite simple. Our hotels typically need energy at times when it’s at its most expensive – typically in 24

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Volty Towers Edinburgh is home to the UK’s first batterypowered hotel, after the Premier Inn at the Gyle began trialling battery storage. Ross Greenhalgh, Energy Manager at owners Whitbread, revealed more about the project the evenings when guests come back to relax in their rooms with their lights, heating, showers, kettles and televisions on. By having the battery, we have the ability to store electricity on site.

We can charge the battery when energy is at its cheapest, and then use that cheap energy

whenever it’s needed. We can essentially use off-peak energy at peak times.

When we get smart with controls, we can get into some quite clever processes that will allow us to be really responsive and make sure we get the very cheapest energy prices, or perhaps even get paid to charge our batteries or sell energy Guests choose the hotel so they can see the battery

The 200-room hotel is the first in the UK to be battery powered

back to support National Grid. And of course, we have our 198 hotels with solar PV. Battery storage will make them even more valuable assets.

What kind of savings are you anticipating?

The trial is expected to save the hotel £20,000 per year in energy costs. You can imagine the costs savings we could make across the whole business if we rolled this out across all our hotels.

Have there been other benefits?

Yes, the battery and this UK-first has been a very visible statement to demonstrate our commitment the environment.

People are now coming to stay with us just because of the battery and to see it. As well as

“It’s expected to save £20,000 per year – imagine the saving if it was in all our hotels ” Ross Greenhalgh reduced energy costs and giving our customers the low carbon experience they want, we have more security of electricity supply too. If there’s any intermittent problems with our power supply, we have the battery to keep the lights on and showers hot for our guests.

Are you looking at any other energy efficiency measures?

Yes. We’ve already been doing lots of things in our hotels, like upgrading lighting to LEDs, voltage optimisation, staff engagement, improving controls on heating systems etc.

These actions are helping the business reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs. In fact, Premier Inn has more sites with solar panels than any other hotel chain in the UK, with 198 in total.

Battery storage is the next step for us – going beyond energy efficiency and looking at the cost and carbonsaving benefits we can get out of energy storage systems.

Article courtesy of Resource Efficient Scotland, a programme from Zero Waste Scotland. To find out more, call 0800 808 2268 or go to www.resourceefficient scotland.com

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INNOVATION SPECIAL PUMPED HYDRO

Storing up solutions Could hydro power projects be the answer to providing reliable support to renewable energy sources in the future?

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By Stewart McRobert

he vast majority of Scotland’s future energy needs will be met by renewables. That’s positive – but there’s a problem.

Wind and solar power have not been fully exploited yet. We can’t guarantee when the sun will shine and the wind will blow. That means that sometimes we’ll have too much power for our needs and at other times we won’t have enough.

We need back-up energy sources that kick in when nature isn’t cooperating.

The people at Intelligent Land Investments Group believe pumped storage hydro is one of the main answers to this problem. And the good news is that as well as providing reliable support for Scotland’s renewables, it seems that any new projects will provide plenty of opportunities for electrical contractors.

Turbines and tunnels

Ross McLaughlin, the firm’s technical adviser, explained how this well-established system works. “Pumped storage hydro involves two water bodies separated by height,” he said.

“They’re connected via a series of tunnels, some of which have 26

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turbines, and the height difference is used to create power. When there’s excess power on the grid, you use that to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper. Then, when you need increased power on the grid, you release the water through turbines and generate electricity.”

100 years of power

The company is so confident that this will play a vital part in Scotland’s future energy mix that it has applied to build three pumped hydro storage projects over the next 15 years. The first of these at Red John, Loch Ness, could receive planning permission later this year.

Mark Wilson, the firm’s chief executive officer, said: “There are already two pumped storage projects in Scotland – one at Cruachan, Oban, which has been in place since the 1960s, and another at Foyers that has been on the go since 1974.

“These systems have a lifetime of more than 100 years and they already provide 95% of the world’s energy storage capacity.”

Industry experts anticipate at least 5GW of pumped storage coming on stream in the UK by 2030.

The Red John project will offer 450MW. “Our planned three projects Ross McLaughlin

will have a combined capacity of 2GW and they will be a major contribution to carbon reduction by offsetting 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year,” said Mark.

What’s more, it’s expected that the total investment required will be approximately £2.5 billion.

“A lot of money will stay in the country for engineers, electrical contractors and so on,” added Mark.

“We’ve calculated that Red John alone

FINDING THE RIGHT SITE A pumped storage hydro project is a major undertaking and finding the right location is essential for all sorts of reasons.

Mark and his colleagues

worked with a global technical company to identify 150 potential sites for the three planned projects.

He said: “We did not want to pursue any

© Lev Radin / Shutterstock.com

ATTENBOROUGH BACKING THE BID

would generate between £60 to £100 million worth of work for the electricity sector.”

Opportunities

Until now, a lot of the money used to create onshore and offshore wind projects has gone abroad. However, one major benefit of a pumped storage system is that approximately 70% of the capital cost is construction. Mark said: “As well as opportunities for

project that had a negative impact on the environment.”

It’s hoped this thorough approach will pay off with consent for the Red John project this year. The other two sites will go

forward to planning authorities at the end of 2020 with consent anticipated late in 2021 or in early 2022.

“After we get the goahead, each project will take five to six years to build,” said Mark.

Clatteringshaws Loch reservoir in Galloway Forest Park damming the Black Water of Dee to feed Glenlee Hydro Power Station

When you’re taking forward major projects it’s always good to get support from high profile figures, and Intelligent Land Investment Group has backing from the very top - none other than Sir David Attenborough.

Mark Wilson said: “I wrote to Sir David last year and told him about our plans. He took the time to write back and said that what we were doing was wonderful. He wished us great success and even said he would help us in any way he could!”

external contractors, we believe the three projects will create 1,500 jobs.”

Mark believes that the changing face of the energy sector is good news for SELECT Members and others. He explained: “If I was a qualified electrician or engineer, I would be encouraged by the way things are evolving, with a rapidly expanding operational and maintenance (O&M) sector for onshore and offshore wind.

“Both Scottish Power and SSE have made renewables their sole focus so there’s a massive opportunity for ongoing O&M. An onshore turbine has a minimum 20-year lifespan and needs regular maintenance.”

What’s more, the Scottish Government supports the renewables switch, and, according to Mark, many others are in favour of using

pumped storage hydro in the energy mix. He said: “Many storage systems out there require huge subsidies, but these don’t. They fund themselves.

“There’s a white paper coming out soon comparing different options and pumped hydro is by far the cheapest form of energy storage at the moment. It will be critical in the country’s journey to net zero and meeting climate challenges over the next couple of decades.

“At the moment we rely on interconnects from Europe to provide a percentage of our energy needs.

“That can be eliminated with the right number of pumped storage systems. I’ve no doubt that these projects can help give the country energy security.”

Mark Wilson

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INNOVATION SPECIAL EUROPE

By Dave Forrester IEng Director of Technical Services

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ELECT plays an important role in the direction of EuropeOn, the association for electrical contractors in Europe, through our participation in several working groups, notably the Policy Working Group and the Technical Working Group.

As SELECT’s Director of Technical Services, I attend regular meetings of both working groups, the last of which were held in Brussels in November last year.

Whether we are EU members or not, much of what is being decided at EU level will have a knock-on effect on what we do in Scotland. I believe it is vital that we play a part in shaping European policy in the areas of climate change, adoption of renewable technologies and e-mobility.

In much the same way that BSI will continue to participate fully in the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), adopting international and European standards at UK level, SELECT will continue to participate fully in the activities of EuropeOn. Since its rebranding from AIE to EuropeOn, activity in a number of key policy areas continues at pace. The UK’s exit from the EU on 31 January does not mean that we should simply 28

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The shape of things to come

Brexit may have happened, but activity in Europe will still affect the Scottish electrical industry.

SELECT will continue to play a key role, working with European counterparts to shape the future

●●Prepare a proposal for Europe’s long-term strategy for submission to the United Nations Framework for the Climate Change Convention.

The Commission has also just released the first tangible documents on the European Green Deal that will shape all upcoming policy initiatives at EU level.

The Green Deal Communication and its Annex outline the actions that the Commission will take in the next months and years. These actions will notably boost building renovations and accelerate the deployment of renewable energies as well as electromobility solutions. They will create growth and open up new business opportunities for companies operating in the electrotechnical sector.

The most relevant initiatives announced by the European Commission are:

Climate Neutrality & Energy

It’s vital we play a part in shaping European policy in climate change, the adoption of renewable tech and e-mobility ignore what the European Commission is planning. Indeed, much of it aligns with the views of the UK and Scottish Government in terms

of carbon reduction targets designed to mitigate the effects of climate change, the growth of renewable technologies and moves to electrify transportation.

Most recently, EU heads of state and government met in Brussels to discuss the European Commission strategic vision for a climate neutral Europe by 2050. Presidents and prime ministers endorsed the objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Only Poland declared that they cannot commit to implementing this objective, so at the EU Summit in June 2020 there will be another discussion about climate neutrality and specifically about Poland’s position.

The Commission will: ●●Propose a ‘European Climate Law’, possibly in March 2020, to make the climate neutrality objective binding

●●Propose plan for moving the 2030 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction target which is currently set at 40% up to 50% or even 55% in summer 2020 ●●Propose revision of relevant legislation to deliver on increased climate ambition, including Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directives by June 2021 ●●Present a strategy for smart sector integration in 2020, including electricity, heating, gas, transport and industry ●●Engage with Member States in a ‘renovation wave’ of public and private buildings, and work with stakeholders on a new initiative to address barriers to renovation in 2020 ●●Review the Construction Products Regulations, “to ensure that design of new and renovated buildings is in line with the needs of the circular economy” Continued on page 30 >>> CABLEtalk

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INNOVATION SPECIAL EUROPE >>> Continued from page 29

●●Proposed revision of the Energy Taxation Directive by June 2021 to end fossil-fuel subsidies ●●Review the state-aid guidelines covering energy and environment in 2021.

Transport ●●Propose a strategy for sustainable and smart mobility in 2020 ●●Launch funding calls supporting the deployment of public charging points from 2020 ●●Propose revision of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive in 2021 ●●Propose revision of CO2 emissions standards for cars and vans by June 2021 ●●Take action to oblige docked ships to use shore-side electricity ●●Propose to decrease free allowances allocated to airlines, extend the Emissions Trading

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Scheme to the maritime sector, and investigate how to include road transport ●●Support the drive to install one million electric vehicle (EV) charging points across Europe by 2025.

Skills ●●Put forward a Just Transition Mechanism including, among others, a Just Transition Fund, in January 2020, notably to support the move of workers from fossil to green activities giving them access to reskilling opportunities ●●The European Social Fund Plus will help Europe’s workforce acquire the skills they need to transfer from declining sectors to growing sectors ●●The Skills Agenda and the Youth Guarantee will be updated to enhance employability in the green economy.

Last but not least, following two letters from EuropeOn to policymakers, EuropeOn has:

●●Co-signed with other leading EU associations on #Skills4climate and building renovations.

Importantly for SELECT members, this highlights the range of skills available to buyers who are looking to install renewable technologies as well as the level of upskilling that might be needed to continue to support these technologies. ●●Co-signed a letter to the Climate Action Network, one of the ‘Green 10’ major environmental associations, calling for a higher 2030 GHG reduction target of 65%.

For more information about the work of EuropeOn, go to europe-on.org

INNOVATION SPECIAL WIND AND SOLAR Knowing the rules around wind turbines has helped the business

Greg has taken advantage of the renewables market

Finding the perfect FiT The installation boom in renewables may have subsided, but SELECT Member Greg Hutchings says the sector still holds plenty of opportunities

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By Stewart McRobert s a marketplace largely governed by subsidy schemes, long-term success in renewables depends on innovation, the right expertise and making sure the sector doesn’t dominate your business.

That’s what Greg Hutchings of Dumfries-based Lotus Electrical Services Limited has found.

He explained how the firm’s early entry into the market and ability to navigate the finer points of feed-in tariffs (FiTs) have given it an advantage. “When solar 32

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panels and wind turbines started becoming popular in industry we turned our attention to the sector and became MCS certified,” he said. “In the first year of our involvement almost a quarter of our turnover was in renewables, although importantly, it never grew beyond that.”

The installation boom in the sector lasted for a few short years before a change in government incentives and other developments saw it falter.

Greg Hutchings

As a result, many of the companies that had relied on that business coming in began to disappear.

Learning the rules

However, Lotus Electrical had maintained its interest and become familiar with the workings of Ofgem, the regulatory authority that deals with FiTs and other compliance qualifications. This started to have benefits. Greg said: “We could enter into client dialogue early because we knew what Ofgem required, helping make sure a development was compliant and eligible for FiT. “For example, if someone had solar panels and wanted to add a wind turbine they’d face a challenge.

Since the solar panels would attract a different

The Lotus Electrical team

renewable generation systems too. Insurance firms know there’s a significant risk and cost implication if the wiring to a renewable system is not up to scratch.”

High voltage help

tariff to the turbine, close negotiation would be required to navigate Ofgem’s rules and claim for both sources.”

Outside these cases, Greg has found an even healthier source of business: “Most of our renewables work now focuses on people who have capitalised on their initial investment and want to benefit further by using the electricity they’re generating while keeping their existing incentive payment.”

He highlighted the case of a commercial client with a large wind turbine who’d never been able to use the power it generated because it had been given an independent supply from the distribution network operator – power went straight to the grid. Greg negotiated with Scottish Power to reconfigure the connection. As a result, the company is saving £10,000 a month in electricity costs. “It was complicated and needed 18 months of negotiation,” he said.

Good for everyone

Greg believes renewables aren’t just great for his business but for the wider industry. “There are lots of opportunities out there,” he said. “Every electrician needs to make sure they know about renewable systems because I get at least

one or two enquiries every day from people who want wind turbines/solar panels fixed and/or checked.

“What’s more, an electrical installation requires an electrical installation condition report (EICR) to be carried out every five or 10 years. There is EICR work here for electricians and lots of it.”

He receives regular requests for commercial EICRs on farms and other businesses with wind turbines or solar panels. Greg explained: “It’s not just the farm that needs the EICR but the

The company’s expertise in high voltage work has also had spin-offs in renewables. Greg said: “As a result of additional training in high voltage work we’ve been able to develop interesting and innovative ideas for clients.

“When an installation gets to six or seven years old it’s almost paid for itself and the owner thinks about what’s next.

“We can help them use the electricity they generate by creating private high voltage networks.

“For example, one of our clients had three wind turbines and four chicken farms. We were able to take the power from the turbines to those farms and now he gets free heat.

“In fact, there’s so much power that he’s able to make the conditions two degrees warmer than before and he’s noticed a 20% drop in the amount of food his chickens eat.”

It’s that kind of initiative that can help any contractor make the most of the growing opportunities in renewables.

And Greg is ready to lend his firm’s expertise to joint projects. “If a firm has a one-off project where they need specialist input – and they don’t want to spend a lot of money training one of their guys to be a high voltage engineer – we’re more than happy to help.”

THE LOTUS POSITION Greg Hutchings established Lotus Electrical 20 years ago as a sole trader and now employs 36 staff.

He said: “I served a domestic apprenticeship but got the chance to go overseas and learn more industrial electrical work.

“I then travelled around the UK before returning to Dumfries and Galloway to start the company.” That

diverse experience meant that in the early days of the company it was able to combine bread and butter domestic work with more specialised contracts.

That proved a healthy mix. In year two Greg employed his first electrician and it’s been steady growth since then.

For the company’s 20th anniversary Greg worked CABLEtalk

out that it had grown by an average of 26% a year.

Although Lotus Electrical Services Limited describes itself as a rural contractor its area of operation extends from Carlisle in the south up to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

For project work, the firm has coverage across the UK and has even completed joint projects as far afield as southern Ireland.

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INNOVATION SPECIAL SMART HOMES

How to think smarter The smart homes of the future will offer a dazzling array of gadgets and gizmos designed to make life easier for consumers. Keeping pace with this new technology is essential – so here’s some advice to help you get in on the ground floor

By Ron Skirving FCIM, Dip CAM (DigitalM)

F

or too long, the custom install market has had its pick of the high margin work. But with satellite and audio visual (AV) installations now being displaced by the Internet of Things (IoT) and an ever-increasing choice of new devices and systems, the electrical contracting industry has a fantastic opportunity to cover new ground.

The market has moved on from just AV control in every room. Today, a more diverse range of skillsets is required to deliver fully integrated AV systems, lighting and heating.

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Essential to delivering these solutions is a solid understanding of electricity and structured wiring.

And it is my view that the electrician is ideally placed to become the smart installer and technology expert to meet the needs of this growing market.

Opportunities

Smart homes are now big business in Scotland and across the UK. The spend on assisted living solutions, home security and automation was estimated at £800 million in the UK last year. It is growing at a rapid pace and is expected to increase by 30% this year. Even then it will only have reached 40% of homes.

There is a long-term opportunity and one worth investing in to upskill and claim your place in this cuttingedge market.

Cabling infrastructure

Cabling is the backbone of smart buildings. A structured wiring scheme allows the smart installer to bring technology everywhere in the home without having to lay wires every time a new device is introduced. You can even get standalone devices such as Alexa, Nest and Sonos to communicate with each other.

Installing cables is bread and butter work for an electrician. Designing a project plan and using software to programme the devices is more complex, but manageable within the skillset of the electrician.

Becoming a smart installer

Good electricians are in huge demand, but in short supply. The greater imbalance will exist in the smart home sector but most homeowners don’t currently know where to go to

“Most homeowners don’t currently know where to go to make their homes smarter” make their homes smarter. Until now, the home automation market has focused on high-end customers, which account for perhaps 10% of the market, whereas the real opportunity exists in the much larger middle section. Home automation is now an affordable reality for them.

As prices continue to fall, the market is speeding up, helped by the likes of Amazon advertising on TV.

Seizing the opportunity

For the electrician looking to develop

their business, my advice is to get involved with home automation.

Increasing the value of projects and taking advantage of upselling opportunities will significantly increase your profits. You will spend less time laying cables and more time planning and managing installations.

If you’re learning to become an expert, you’ll have to take on a lot of information. There are no easy routes so find out about the latest innovations and developments.

Identify your knowledge gaps in

cable networking, security, heating or lighting, and learn accordingly.

Become an expert in a system that is open, flexible and scalable with no customer tie-in. Be seen as an expert in the field of smart homes in your area by improving your digital presence. Invest in your website’s search engine optimisation and your Google ranking for your smart home keywords and phrases.

For those that share this vision, the rewards will come.

Ron Skirving is Director at Delta Digital.

Contact him on ron@deltadigital.co.uk or 0333 321 4617 and find out how you can lead the smart home revolution in your area at www.deltadigital.co.uk CABLEtalk

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INNOVATION SPECIAL DIGITAL DOCTOR

What’s app doc?

The future is bringing game-changing innovation in a variety of ways. SELECT’s private health insurance partner now offers a 24-hour digital GP on your phone – delivering invaluable medical services around the clock to help keep you and your business in the best of health

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e’ve all been there – you haven’t felt well for days, or you’ve had a cough for a few weeks, or you’ve noticed an irritating rash. But work keeps getting in the way of seeing your GP. Early intervention is key when dealing with any health concerns. But with the average waiting time to see an NHS GP rising to more than two weeks¹, how can you make sure that you, your family and your employees get the necessary treatment and support as quickly as possible?

Seeing patients sooner can mean offering treatment at a less serious point in any illness. So wouldn’t it be great if you could book to speak to a doctor the same day, or even within a couple of hours? Now you can.

From 1 January 2020, all SELECT Members with ECIS private medical insurance schemes can enjoy access to Babylon, an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted virtual GP in your pocket.

Easy to install and use, the Babylon Digital GP app offers a range of benefits, including:

Ask Babylon

The Babylon AI system can analyse millions of symptom combinations in seconds to provide swift health information.

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Talk to a doctor 24/7

Arrange a video appointment with a doctor any time of day or night on your mobile phone.

Appointments are normally available within two hours of booking.

Referrals in minutes

GPs can issue open referral letters that can be used in conjunction with Bupa and some NHS pathways.

Prescriptions delivered

Your doctor can send prescriptions straight to the pharmacy of your choice for collection within the hour, or you can have your medicine delivered to your door.

Secure clinical records

Enjoy instant access to your medical records, which are stored securely.

Experience and expertise

All doctors have an average of more than 10 years’ experience and are registered with the General Medical Council and accredited by Bupa.

An ECIS spokesperson said: “Babylon is the new way to deliver health care for modern electrical businesses. Using it could help SELECT Members and their dependants speak to a GP on the same day, removing the need to take time off work and getting them started on their treatment pathway if needed.”

For more information about using your SELECT Membership to enjoy private medical insurance and the Babylon app, email ecis@ecins.co.uk

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Source: The Guardian, August 2019

INNOVATION SPECIAL FUTURE OF LIGHTING

Bright The rapid rise of LEDs shows how quickly the lighting industry can be transformed. Jim Dawson, of SG Lighting, predicts the next revolution to sweep the market

T

he lighting industry could be on the brink of a smart tech revolution, which will boost workers’ wellbeing and improve productivity at the flick of a switch.

Biodynamic solutions that work in harmony with human body clocks are forecast to be at the forefront of future innovation.

They involve tunable white lighting, which uses a range of adjustable colour temperatures that replicate outdoor conditions and have been shown to have an effect on people’s emotions.

And their rise could be as rapid as the sudden surge in LEDs seen in recent years – transforming how we illuminate offices, factories, schools and hospitals.

Proving the benefits

Jim Dawson, Technical Manager at SG Lighting Ltd, predicted: “The next thing that is going to revolutionise the lighting industry will be 100% tunable white lighting.

“The human body has evolved over thousands of years to take our body clock cues from the sun.

“Biodynamic lighting is about giving back what we’ve lost by moving into these artificially lit caves we call homes 38

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and offices. We’re able to do this with a lighting system that is able to emulate the changing colour temperatures and changing intensity of outdoor lighting.”

Jim believes the rise in popularity of tunable white lighting is being driven by two factors – a cut in costs and research backing its benefits.

He said: “The cost has come down hugely. It used to only be in higher end ranges but now we have solutions which cost slightly less than the old fluorescent lighting. It’s very affordable now.

“The other factor is that research has been done showing the significant difference it can make. Biodynamic lighting has been around for a while but it was very difficult to get anyone to put solid figures to it. A test was done on a production line and there was a five to seven per cent increase in productivity. In a call centre it cut

sickness by two per cent. That’s a massive amount of money to save.”

Simple solutions

Jim highlighted two main ways tunable white lighting is used.

He explained: “There’s a basic version – a teacher who wants kids to be alert in the morning can set it to a colder colour, like 6500K. At lunch you might go to 3000K to make it more relaxed.

“Then the gold standard is a true biodynamic 24-hour system. You link it to a 24-hour clock and it cycles on whatever rhythm you’ve chosen. It’s so smooth you’d never know the light was changing. Those systems have been expensive in the past. But we’ve brought in our own app control and it’s

“We have solutions which cost slightly less than the old fluorescent lighting, it’s become very affordable now”

ideas... almost no money now. You can do it through a wireless DALI system and get a top end tunable white lighting system without the need for any wet trades or rewiring. It’s a game changer.”

Jim insists the move to smarter lighting won’t present a challenge for installers. He said: “There are almost no differences in installing a normal LED lighting solution versus a tunable white system.

“In the past, if you were doing a tunable white lighting solution it was essentially two systems in one – you’d have one at 3000K and one at 6500K. It was almost like having two light fittings in one, but that’s gone now and it’s really very simple.”

SETTING THE TONE

1900K Candle

2200K High pressure sodium lamp

2700-3000K Warm white halogen incandescent

4000-4500K Natural white metal halide

4800K Direct sun

5000-6000k Day white

7000-7500K Cool white

10000K Blue sky

Next generation

Describing one project he worked on at a school in Dundee, Jim added: “They didn’t have the budget to change all the wiring. But using a wireless DALI system they were able to introduce controls by just changing the light fittings. No extra wiring required, no fuss and it was all done in a heartbeat.”

Although the technology is only just starting to take off in the UK, it’s already widely used across northern Europe, particularly in hospitals.

Staff can use ‘sunshowers’ which drench them in 17000K light to help they stay alert through night shifts when other lighting is dimmed.

Jim believes the impact of the new technology will soon be seen more widely. He added: “We’ve had LG3 and LG7 and they’re the standards at the moment, but I’d be surprised if LG7 didn’t become superseded or at least involve an element of tunable white lighting. Five years ago we were talking about LED as something that

Biodynamic lighting uses different colour temperatures to replicate a variety of outdoor conditions. The changing hues have been shown to affect how people feel and can have an impact on mood and productivity.

Temperatures at the lower end of the scale give off warmer colours with orange and yellow tones, making it feel cosy and relaxing, like candlelight.

The colours get colder the further you go up the

might take over the market in the next ten or 15 years. Now almost every product we sell in the UK is LED. “It’s going to be a long time before we see a revolution as fast as that but if you’re looking for what’s going to happen next, tunable white is right up there with the next generation.”

scale, with temperatures from around 5000K emulating outdoor light from the sun.

Higher temperatures give off a cool blue white colour, which can make people feel more awake and alert.

To find out more about tunable white lighting solutions, go to www.sg-as.com or you can email Jim at jim.dawson@sglighting.co.uk

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INNOVATION SPECIAL DOMESTIC ENERGY

The future is already here

The revolution in domestic technology is opening up exciting possibilities for switched-on electrical contractors and installers. Here, a leading energy professional explains how SELECT Members can help consumers recognise the opportunities the next decade is already offering

By Shirley Paterson Independent Energy Adviser and Domestic Energy Assessor

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he Scottish Government has high aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and ‘green’ our transport and cities. But what most people refer to as ‘the future’ is actually happening NOW. My day job includes 40

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surveying domestic properties, producing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and providing support and advice to clients about implementing EPC recommendations.

But away from the office, I’m part of the green revolution too, embracing renewables to increase my home’s efficiency, cut energy bills, generate energy and fuel my trusty electric vehicle (EV).

By fitting smart heating controls, PV panels, EV charge points and other energy-saving devices, I reduced my energy and fuel outgoings by more

than £3,000 per year. Today, our family home uses 92% of the energy it generates, with 8% exported to the grid.

But it was only when I began implementing these measures that I realised how reliant I’d been on electrical contractors to help me achieve the high ‘B88’ rating on my EPC – and how electrical work is also a key part of my clients’ journeys to a similarly green future.

Working together

Collaborative working with electrical contractors across Scotland has certainly

to help them implement their EPC recommendations. Registered private sector landlords can access this three times over to improve three domestic tenanted properties, and up to £100,000 is available for portfolio managers to access to improve a managed portfolio of tenanted properties.

Self-builders can apply for up to £23,500 of 0% loans for renewables to be installed, and SMEs can access up to £100,000 for renewables and energy efficiency measures.

So as you can see, there are many opportunities for SELECT Members to point their customers in the right direction and help support the demand for greener and cleaner technology.

“To many it has seemed like a chasm of change, but those who’ve crossed it don’t look back ” helped me support consumers to reduce their energy bills and start their journey towards greener self-sufficiency.

To many it has seemed like a chasm of change, but those who’ve crossed it don’t look back. This is often made possible by the wide range of financial support available in Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

Home-owners are often not aware of what’s available, so it’s always useful to have some facts and figures at your fingertips.

For example, there are grants and 0% loans of up to £38,500 available for owner-occupiers

The heat is on

Generating heat on-site is also becoming more common, encouraged by the UK-wide Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, which is available until the end of March 2021.

This is a sizeable sum, payable tax-free and index-linked in quarterly, regular

amounts for seven years to owners of heat generating products accredited to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and installed by MCS-accredited installers.

Calculated by Ofgem from heat demand data on the EPC, and funded by the UK Government, it’s all designed to incentivise the transition away from fossil-fuelled heating systems and on to renewable heating systems.

Again, it’s well worth SELECT Members being up to speed with the options, as they may have an interest in supporting the installation of systems like air and ground source heat pumps.

In the driving seat

I call my EV ‘a cost-effective battery storage solution on wheels’ – charging it can use less energy instantaneously than my kettle needs! My next car will be a 52kWh model, which if charged at home overnight will cost only £7 to fuel 238 miles – less than 3p/mile on a domestic tariff of 13.5p/kWh. Domestic property owners can also take advantage of up to £35,000 of a 0% loan for an EV, and up to £800 of grant funding to have a charge point installed.

With figures like these, and SELECT offering more charge point installation courses, it’s easy to see which way traffic is heading when it comes to transport.

I see a future where SELECT Members support their clients along this greener, energy-saving path, working with energy professionals, providing EPCs and explaining the range of practical options available to them.

The journey to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly way of living has already started. The only question is: Are you on board?

Shirley Paterson is an Independent Energy Adviser and Domestic Energy Assessor trading as nextGenergy, one of 8,000 registered assessors accredited by Elmhurst Energy.

For further information, email info@ nextgenergy.co.uk or call 07800 801 151.

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INNOVATION SPECIAL SKILLS

The future of training The electricians of tomorrow will need to be equipped with a whole new range of skills says John Renwick, Sector Manager – Construction at the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) Hi John. What skills do you think the electricians of the future will need?

I would suggest they will need knowledge of smart technologies, electric vehicle (EV) charging, battery storage and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and to be prepared to adapt to other new technologies as they emerge.

The climate emergency and the 2045 net zero target set by the Scottish Government is driving change at an

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unprecedented rate. This will be evident in an increased demand for PV systems in new and existing homes alongside a need for more electrical vehicle charging points. Additionally, heating will see a transition from gas and oil boilers to storage heaters, convection panels and heat pumps, offering customers renewable sources for their energy. We should also see an increase in demand for mechanical ventilation heat recovery to ensure

“It’s critical that industry gets involved by engaging in any reviews and consultations to influence change” that we provide good air quality for good health. Finally, we must recognise the digital revolution which is driving change both in the home and in businesses with increased demand for smart technologies.

And how will training need to evolve to cope with these new technologies?

With the launch of the Energy Efficient Scotland Programme in April 2020, supported by the Skills Competency Framework which is currently under development, industry will be required to meet the requirements of the programme for the range of

technologies installed. This programme will have an impact on existing and new staff, including apprentices, at a time when it is already difficult to train staff to meet the needs of all SMEs. There will be a focus on addressing the climate emergency and the 2045 net zero target set by the Scottish Government.

If we want the electrical sector to be at the forefront of future skills, it’s critical that industry gets involved by engaging in any reviews and consultations to influence change through membership organisations such as SELECT. From a skills and supply perspective, colleges are in an ideal position to adapt training around new technologies. ESP works closely with our member colleges, membership organisations and manufacturers, to constantly upgrade technologies and develop training

programmes to ensure colleges have the capability and capacity to support the future skills agenda.

How do we go about equipping them with these skills?

We need to raise awareness of the renewable and energy efficiency training which is being offered, working in partnership with government agencies, awarding bodies, membership organisations, manufacturers and merchants.

Industry will need to develop skills based around the relevant emerging technologies. This would benefit from funding to prime the sector in advance of demand. Providing incentives that will drive industry to be upskilled will Continued on page 44 >>>

PLAN FOR CHANGE Energy Efficient Scotland is a 20-year initiative aimed at delivering improvements in energy efficiency and low carbon energy. It has two key objectives – to remove poor energy efficiency as a driver for fuel poverty and to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions in line with the targets set out in Scotland’s Climate Change Plan.

From 2020, Energy Efficient Scotland will support building owners to make changes to their buildings and heating systems to reach the required energy rating, with more support available depending on the extent to which home owners struggle to afford their heating.

Find out more at www.gov.scot/policies/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-scotland/

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INNOVATION SPECIAL SKILLS >>> Continued from page 43

also generate a skilled and competent supply chain that will help government meet low carbon targets.

Is a basic grounding in electrical still important?

Very – electrical and hand skills are vital and should still be seen as the priority. However, it is important that as renewable technologies evolve, the skills will inevitably need to change to align. This can be challenging as training can’t always meet every need.

It is important that industry feeds back changes and challenges membership organisations, who can in turn represent their interests to government and skills groups.

What is ESP doing to encourage take-up of renewables and skills?

ESP has received a £500,000 funding boost from Scottish Power Energy Network’s Green Economy Fund to support the establishment of specialist renewable training centres covering central and southern Scotland. The Green Economy Fund award will support the development of these specialised training centres to ensure colleges have the capability and capacity to train the future workforce. The project will see significant capital investment in renewable and energy efficiency training equipment, staff training in current and emerging technologies, and support curriculum development.

We have also established the Energy Efficiency Training Network (EETN) with our member colleges in response to the significant gap in training provision across the energy sector. ESP identified the gap when working on the Skills Competency Framework with the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust and industry.

This is currently under development and is expected to be launched in April 2020.

The framework will take industry’s previous experience and transferable skills into consideration. A transition phase will also be applied to provide industry with the time 44

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“The framework will take industry’s previous experience and transferable skills into consideration” needed to gain relevant certification or qualifications if required. In time, this framework will underpin the minimum skills needed for the renewable and energy sector and will generate the standards for industry to work to.

We are also developing a digital map of Scotland’s college courses with the aim that industry will utilise it to plan and prepare for training needs. Finally, we are producing flyers about the opportunities for industry to get involved in the Energy Efficient Scotland £10-12 billion retrofitting project that commences in April 2020.

So how do you see the industry being in five or ten years’ time?

Personally, I would hope that we will see an increase in

John Renwick

apprenticeship numbers. The role of the electrician will certainly evolve as the industry responds to Scottish Government drivers such as the 2045 net zero target. If we work in separate silos, I’m not confident this will happen, but if we work collaboratively, we will create change.

The ESP is a collaboration of Scotland’s colleges and industry partners, established to increase Scotland’s capability and capacity to deliver the right skills for the energy, engineering and construction sectors to meet industry demand.

Find out more at www. esp-scotland.ac.uk

NEW EV COURSES NOW AVAILABLE SELECT offers more training in electric vehicle charging equipment installation

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See Pages 20&21 for more details

● Two-day City & Guilds course ● Level 3 Award in EV Charging Equipment Installation ● Expert guidance and tuition ● Gain greater understanding of EV charging ● Instruction in modern equipment and systems ● Full guidance on all electrical requirements

West College Scotland, Paisley 6 & 7 April 2020

Fife College, Glenrothes 31 March & 1 April 2020 9 & 10 June 2020

To book, call 0131 445 5577 www.select.org.uk/training

FEATURES CONSTRUCTION AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGE

Rising to the School pupils shine as they compete in the final of this year’s CABEC contest

By Anne Galbraith Chief Executive, SECTT

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James Gillespie’s High School, Marchmont, Edinburgh

technology department.

Overall winner James Gillespie’s was also presented with a large trophy.

Edinburgh councillor Neil Gardiner was at the final and Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, was able to attend once again and present the prizes. He said: “I was delighted to be asked back to this year’s finals of the Construction and Built Environment Challenge.

“It was great to meet a really diverse group of boys and girls and a pleasure to see them approach the challenges with enthusiasm and zest.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to SECTT and to all the colleges and universities taking part.

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the teachers in all participating schools who do so well to show their pupils the rewarding career opportunities available to them in engineering and construction.”

The contest has been running every year since

was delighted to be at the final of this year’s Construction and Built Environment Challenge and see so many talented school pupils.

The annual contest sees groups of youngsters take on a series of tasks and aims to inspire them about the wide 2ND range of exciting careers in the sector.

Linlithgow All schools across Academy, West Edinburgh and the Lothians Lothian are invited to put forward a team of S2 pupils – aged 13 to 14 – to compete in the contest.

The top 100 students made it through to the final at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on 16 January where James Gillespie’s High lifted the top prize.

Second place went to Linlithgow Academy – who won the challenge last year – with St David’s High in Dalkeith taking the third spot.

Each team was awarded gift vouchers and every winning school received a cheque for their craft, design and

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1ST

Challenge Providers

● Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) ● Edinburgh College ● SRUC Oatridge Campus ● West Lothian College ● Napier University ● Heriot-Watt University

Challenge Sponsors

● Electrical Education Training Foundation (EETF) ● SELECT ● CITB ● Edinburgh City Council ● Edinburgh College ● SNIPEF ● Unite the Union.

Neil Gardiner, far left, and Jamie Hepburn, far right, with the winning team

1999. Local college and university staff and training providers devise and run a series of construction, engineering and building services challenges.

Each team is marked by the lecturers on a number of criteria, including teamwork, understanding and carrying out instructions, working safely and completing the tasks.

Esme Anderson, from winners James Gillespie’s, said “CABEC is an excellent opportunity for students to experience construction and engineering challenges. We’ve 3RD found it encourages students to St David’s High, further study Design and Dalkeith Technology subjects and they so

enjoy the practical challenges of the day, which are totally outside their normal experience. Winning CABEC has boosted the confidence of these young people and highlighted their interest in the industry.

“I am especially proud to have seen their teamwork and communication, which are vital no matter what path they chose for their future. Thank you again for a brilliant day!”

My role is to manage the CABEC competition and source sponsorship to ensure that we can continue this great event which has been inspiring pupils for the past 20 years.

A total of 300 pupils took part in a series of heats before the final. This year there was a feeling of real excitement on the big day. All the teams were very enthusiastic upon arrival and this carried on throughout the day.

The talented students all performed very well and the feedback from the challenge providers was positive and highlighted the excellent teamwork.

I found the pupils to be most engaging and interested in all in the challenges.

We are so fortunate to have a fantastic group of challenge providers who are delighted to share their knowledge and expertise with the pupils and teachers.

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For further information about SECTT and CABEC, call 0131 445 5659, visit www.sectt.org.uk or email admin@sectt.org.uk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

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FOCUS EMPLOYMENT LAW

By Nicola Jengaenga, Employment Affairs Adviser

F

irst introduced in the public sector in 2000, IR35 (also called ‘intermediaries legislation’) is designed to prevent people or companies avoiding their tax liabilities or employment law obligations.

In the past, individuals calling themselves ‘independent contractors’ could use their status to pay less tax than an employee who was carrying out an identical role, and public sector bodies could avoid paying Employer’s NI contributions, holiday pay, paternity pay etc by labelling as ‘contractors’ those people whose employment relationship was actually that of an ‘employee’.

As of 6 April 2020, the UK Government will move to prevent such practices in much of the private sector, as IR35 rules will also apply to private companies who satisfy any two of the following three conditions: ●●annual turnover of more than £10.2 million ●●50 or more employees ●●more than £5.1 million on their balance sheet.

This legislation holds such employers responsible for ascertaining the true employment status of any person working for them as a ‘contractor’ – making sure that the relationship really bears out as one of client-to-contractor, and not of employer-to-employee.

However, determining the employment status of a person is not straightforward, and since there are not yet any concrete legal definitions, we can only go by that which has been determined through case-law judgements (see table for details).

If HMRC makes a decision on the employment status of a ‘contractor’, it won’t matter what has been written in any contract for, or of, services between the two parties; they will look at the day-to-day observable working practices to decide what category a person actually falls into. If, upon examining this table, it seems that

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Contractor or employee?

New government rules coming into force in April will mean changes for any private company employing contractors.

So how could this impact you and your business?

CASE STUDY Uber B.V. v Aslam, Court of Appeal, December 2018 Uber were appealing an earlier ruling which had found an Uber Driver (Aslam), who had a ‘self-employed’ contract with Uber, was not self-employed.

Uber B. V. said Aslam was selfemployed because: ●●Aslam could choose when to work or not work. ●●Aslam was not under any obligation to accept work. ●●Aslam was responsible for his own tax and NI where applicable.

Aslam said he was either an employee or a worker because: ●●Aslam had to be vetted by Uber to drive the car used for his work, and as such, he was not permitted to send anyone else to do his work for him. ●●Aslam could not develop his business independently by changing fares or charging structures, or by choosing his own routes of travel (both

of these were devised centrally

by Uber). ●●Uber felt able to deduct money from Aslam if there had been a complaint about overcharging. ●●The customers did not pay Aslam directly; they paid Uber through the Uber app. ●●Although Aslam could refuse work, a certain number of refusals within a specific time frame meant his account would be de-activated.

The Court of Appeal disagreed with Uber B.V. and held that, although Aslam was not an employee, he was a worker, and so amongst other benefits would be entitled to: ●●5.6 weeks holiday ●●national minimum/living wage ●●48-hour maximum working week ●●protection from unlawful deductions from wages.

you may be employing contractors who are treated more like employees, you should review your terms with these contractors to ensure that you are not legally responsible for payments such as employer NI contributions, backholiday pay, and a myriad of other employment law responsibilities.

Examples of recent case law in this area show how certain employment status indicators have affected the view of a given employment relationship.

The most important criteria, on which most case law has hinged so far, are highlighted in italics in the table below.

If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of employment affairs, please email nicola.jengaenga@select. org.uk or fiona.cornwall@select.org.uk For further information and guidance on IR35 rules, see: www.gov.uk/guidance/ understanding-off-payroll-working-ir35 and www.gov.uk/guidance/april-2020changes-to-off-payroll-working-forintermediaries

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IR35: Is someone classed as an Employee/Worker, or Self Employed?

Test Personal service

Employee / Worker Person named on the contract has to carry out the work.

Contract

The employer is obliged to provide work, and the employee/worker is obliged to accept the work.

The employer controls how, where, and when work is carried out. Employees are subject to the employer’s disciplinary procedures, but workers are not.

OF service.

Notice rights

Statutory minimum notice periods apply.

Financial risk

No financial risk. Benefits from business profits only if there is a specific scheme to allow this. Will be covered by employer’s insurance.

Tax and NI

PAYE, Class 1 National Insurance contributions.

Equipment Annual leave

Usually would use employer’s equipment.

Eligible for leave with pay.

Nature of assignment

Usually open-ended, or for a defined fixed term.

Integration

Is demonstrably part of the employer’s organisation, through indicators such as uniform, company email address, access to employer benefits, staff social life etc.

Mutuality of obligation Control

Self Employed Person named on the contract may carry out the work but may also subcontract or send a substitute for any reason.

Free to accept or refuse work. No obligation on the employer to actually offer any work.

Individual controls how, where, and when work is carried out. No disciplinary rules apply.

FOR services.

None, unless a notice period is specified in the contract for services.

Takes financial risk in carrying out work. Benefits from business profits if there are any. Carries own insurance.

No deductions made at source. Schedule D, possibly registered for VAT. Usually will use own equipment.

No entitlement to leave with pay.

For a set period, or to complete a set task. Usually not open-ended.

Is demonstrably not part of the employer’s organisation.

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FOCUS WRITTEN STATEMENTS OF PARTICULARS

Are you ready for workers’ writes?

From April this year, all employees and workers will be entitled to a Written Statement of Particulars on their first day on the job. But how much do you know about this important document? And if you’re an employer, how prepared are you for the changes? As ever, SELECT is here to help…

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By Nicola Jengaenga Employment Affairs Adviser, SELECT 50

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

n July 2017, the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts, Matthew Taylor, published a report called Good Work – The Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices.

This report looked into many aspects of modern employment, ranging from the gig economy and employment status to holiday pay calculations and contracts of employment.

As a result of this study, as well as extensive public consultation, several recommendations were made for changes to the landscape of employment law in the UK. One of these concerned Written Statements of Particulars.

A Written Statement of Particulars sets

out the terms and conditions under which an employer expects work to be carried out, relating to a contract of service or apprenticeship. Its purpose is to set out the terms and conditions under which work will be carried out, and under which employment will be provided.

From 6 April 2020, all new employees and workers, including electrical operatives, apprentices and office staff, have a ‘day-one’ right to a Written Statement of Particulars. This means that on or before the first day an

employee or worker works for you, they must be in possession of a written statement of the details of their job.

Employers are not obliged to provide a Written Statement of Particulars as standard to any existing employees or workers, but employees or workers of any length of service are entitled to ask for, and receive, one at any time during their employment and up to three months after they leave the business.

A Written Statement of Particulars alone does not form a contract of

employment, but it is a record of the employer’s view of the terms and conditions of an individual’s employment.

As of 6 April 2020, content which is legally required to be in a Written Statement of Particulars is: ●●The name of the employer ●●The name of the employee ●●The employee’s start date ●●The date of any period of continuous employment (can be marked as N/A) ●●Details of working hours

●●Details of pay and pay intervals ●●Details of holiday entitlement and holiday pay ●●Details of days of the week the worker is required to work and whether working hours or days may be variable, with details of how they may vary ●●Details of entitlement to paid leave, i.e. paternity leave, parental leave, maternity leave etc ●●Any other remuneration or benefits provided by the employer ●●Any probationary period, including conditions and its duration ●●Any training provided by the employer which the worker is required to complete and any other required training in respect of which the employer will not bear the cost ●●The notice periods for termination by either side ●●Terms relating to absence due to incapacity and sick pay ●●Terms as to the length of temporary or fixed-term work ●●Terms related to work outside the UK for a period of more than one month.

The Written Statement of Particulars can also form a written contract of employment if there is evidence that both the employer and employee have agreed that the terms are contractual.

This would be achieved by both parties signing a declaration within the document to confirm this.

If you already produce Written Statements of Particulars then you may only need to make slight changes to your current documents in order to ensure they are compliant.

If you do not currently provide Written Statements of Particulars, this is an ideal time to bring this aspect of your business administration up to date. SELECT will be providing template Written Statements of Particulars in ‘fill in the blanks’ format to make the change as straightforward as possible.

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If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of employment affairs, please contact nicola.jengaenga@select. org.uk or fiona.cornwall@select.org.uk.

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Smart way to boost fire safety at home Aico, an Ei Company, is the UK market leader in fire and carbon monoxide protection, leading the way in home life safety by pioneering new technologies and offering high quality alarms which are developed and manufactured in Ireland.

All Aico alarms meet UK standards and offer a variety of sensor types to guarantee protection for every home, the cornerstone of which is delivering quality, service and innovation.

Stemming from this ethos of innovation, Aico has launched the SmartLINK Gateway to provide a groundbreaking solution for Registered Social Landlords.

It gives them access to real-time data insight into the status of the smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm systems across their

entire housing stock. Using its built-in GSM data connection, the Ei1000G utilises Aico’s next generation of wireless technology to report events including fire/CO activations and alarm head removals as they happen to the SmartLINK cloud portal, for full visibility and remote monitoring.

The Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, aid with forecasting and compliance and enable smart asset management.

The SmartLINK Gateway will revolutionise the way in which alarm systems are managed, paving the way to a solution-focused approach to asset management. ● www.aico.co.uk enquiries@aico.co.uk

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to the latest 1 MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE FROM KNIPEX MINI TOOLS Pliers specialist KNIPEX has launched three mini tool sets in tough polyester belt pouches.

Each of the kits includes the Mini Cobra High Tech Water Pump Pliers, which allow adjustment directly on the workpiece at the press of a button. There’s also the choice of the Mini Pliers Wrench, High Leverage Diagonal Cutter or the Needle Nose Combination Pliers.

The three kits are all ideal for both large and small gripping, holding and cutting tasks and the different tools have been chosen to perfectly complement the Cobra.

The sets are contained in belt tool pouches with a Velcro fastening to give maximum flexibility and ease of access for tradespeople on the move.

For more details about the KNIPEX mini pliers sets, visit www.knipex.com

3 BE READY WHATEVER THE WEATHER WITH SNICKERS’ WINTER WORKWEAR Snickers has everything you need to keep warm and stay stylish on site this winter.

FlexiWork insulated jackets and trousers offer superb insulation and full weather protection for optimal comfort.

Street-smart, stylish looks and market-leading GORE-TEX and 37.5® fabric technology make these jackets and trousers a must for winter. You’ll stay warm and dry in layered clothing that’s robust, waterproof and windproof. They’re great looking garments that will keep you comfy, whatever you’re doing.

Snickers’ new AllroundWork

winter jackets and gilets also deliver great all-round performance with a Ripstop water-resistant outer fabric and a coated inner fabric for durability.

They’re wind-resistant with all the features and functionality you’d expect in Snickers Workwear. AllroundWork garments are also packed with features that focus on freedom of movement and there’s a range of base and mid-layer garments plus accessories .

For more information, call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788 or go to www. snickersworkwear.co.uk

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SHOWCASE YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS HERE 52

CABLEtalk

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

industry solutions 2 AURORA’S NEW EMERGENCY RANGE SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON SOLUTIONS

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Termination of Construction Contracts

By James Duff, Senior Associate in Construction

Aurora Lighting has launched a comprehensive new selection of emergency lighting as part of its ever-growing commercial range.

It includes a choice of both maintained and non-maintained solutions plus manual test and self-test options, designed for use in a wide range of applications. For example, the surface mounted/ recessed downlight is perfect for use on concrete ceilings, but it also has a recess option.

All of Aurora’s emergency products are mains powered, resulting in a faster and cheaper installation process, and one where standard wiring material can be used. It also means low maintenance costs due to only periodic testing and general cleaning required as well as low hardware costs. To find out more, go to auroralighting.com

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

The case of Our Generation Ltd v Aberdeen City Council concerned various longterm agreements which Our Generation had entered into with the council governing installation of solar panel systems on council-owned buildings. The agreements included detailed termination provisions.

Our Generation issued termination notices to pull out of the long-term agreements on the ground that the council had failed to make payment of overdue invoices.

A dispute arose and Our Generation sought declarator that it had validly terminated each of the agreements, together with payment from the council of more than £8 million.

The termination clause provided that the innocent party could terminate if “the other party fails to make punctual payment of any amount properly due to the former party under this agreement and such amount remains unpaid at the expiry of 20 banking days after receiving written notice from the former party ”.

The key issue was whether Our Generation had given such written notice requiring payment of the unpaid and overdue sums.

Our Generation said it had CABLEtalk

done this, as it had issued an email to the council with a statement of account attached detailing several overdue invoices which read: “Please see attached statement of balances now overdue, owing to Our Generation Solar.”

The council didn’t make payment within 20 banking days of the email, so Our Generation sought to terminate the contract. The question for the court was did the email amount to a valid written notice requiring payment in accordance with the contract.

Lady Wolffe refused declarator and dismissed Our Generation’s claim. She held that “a simple statement that the balances were ‘overdue’ and ‘owed’ to Our Generation Solar does not fulfil the requirement of a default notice ‘requiring payment’ “.

Our Generation appealed the decision and the Inner House refused the reclaiming motion.

Some may consider this a harsh decision. This case is a stark reminder to consider very carefully the precise notice requirements in a contract and when they require strict compliance. ● To find out more, email james.duff@macroberts.com or call 0131 229 5046.

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DIARY STAFF / EVENTS / COMPETITION

GETTING TO KNOW YOU Nicky Deighan

Employment Affairs Administrator Hello Nicky. How long have you been at SELECT?

I’ve been working at The Walled Garden for six months now.

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

I moved to Scotland from Banbury in Oxfordshire to have a better network of family near me. I worked in a variety of administration roles before I got the job here at SELECT.

What does your job entail? Tell us more about what you do My work is mainly split between dealing with administration for the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS). I also help out with apprentice and adult training applications and any other ad-hoc duties that may arise.

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.

My average day usually consists of marking and dealing with assessments,

and then helping to process card applications. I also talk to Members and clients on the phone and deal with their queries. I’m always busy and no two days are the same.

Do you get the chance to meet SELECT Members?

I do speak to them on the phone and I’m hoping to meet Members at future events, such as Toolbox Talks and this year’s SELECT Awards.

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

Since joining SELECT, it’s certainly been a steep learning curve! There is so much that goes into working within this industry that I had no prior knowledge of.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job at SELECT?

No two days are the same and it’s always a pleasant working environment to be in. ● To contact Nicky, email nicky.deighan@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577.

 QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS: Cheese or chocolate? Cheese Dog or cat person? Dog First car owned? I don’t drive Favourite film? A Fish Called Wanda Favourite TV show? Forensic Science Favourite holiday spot? Boston, USA Dream date? Movie and a meal with my husband Favourite colour? Light grey One thing people might not know about you? I am a qualified nursery nurse

EVENTS Edinburgh and South East of Scotland Branch Update and AGM Buccleuch Arms, Newton St Boswells 3 March Inverness and North of Scotland Branch Update and AGM Mansefield Hotel, Elgin, 5 March Lanarkshire Branch Update and AGM Hamilton Park Race Course, 10 March 54

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Ayrshire Branch Update and AGM Gailes Hotel, Irvine, 12 March

Dumfries and Galloway Branch Update and AGM Station Hotel, Dumfries, 24 March

Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch Update and AGM West College Scotland, Clydebank, 17 March

Tayside Branch Update and AGM McDiarmid Park, Perth, 26 March

Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Branch Update and AGM Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen, 19 March

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

Toolbox Talks: Edinburgh The Walled Garden, 5 May Toolbox Talks: Borders Tweed Horizons, Newton St Boswells, 6 May

Toolbox Talks: Dundee The Apex Hotel, 12 May Toolbox Talks: Glasgow Hampden Park, 13 May President’s Cup Dunblane New Golf Club, 18 May Toolbox Talks: Dumfries Easterbrook Hall, 19 May Toolbox Talks: Ayrshire Gailes Hotel, Irvine, 20 May

WIN WORDSEARCH 2020 GOLDEN GLOBES £50 OF

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Find the following words... ● A ctors ● A ctresses ● A fter Party ● A wards ● B rad Pitt ● B rian Cox ● C hampagne ● D rama ● F ilms ● G owns ● J oaquin Phoenix ● J oker ● L aura Dern ● M ichelle Williams

VOUCHERS ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

M issing Link O livia Colman P atricia Arquette R ed Carpet R eporters R icky Gervais R ocketman R ussell Crowe S uccession T aron Egerton Th e Crown T om Hanks T uxedos

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LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS: Across: Stocking, Chimney, Prancer, Holly, Christmas Eve, Toys, Rudolph, Santa,

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December. Down: North Pole, Mistletoe, Baubles, Cookies, Christmas, Candy cane, Reindeer, Ho ho ho, Elf.

Congratulations to Leane Malcolm who won the Christmas crossword in our December/January issue. Leane wins a £50 Amazon voucher.

Here’s the chance to win a fantastic £50 Amazon voucher with our fun wordsearch compiled by SELECT Training Administrator Laurie Burns. Find the words linked to the Golden Globes listed above right, take a picture of your finished grid and email it to memberservices@select.org.uk by 6 March 2020. 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.

26 MAY

TOOLB OX INVER TALKS: NESS

Toolbox Talks: Inverness Tulloch Stadium, 26 May

Toolbox Talks: Aberdeen Pittodrie Stadium, 27 May Central Board and SELECT AGM DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh – Queensferry Crossing, 3 June

Toolbox Talks: ObanThe Wide Mouthed Frog, 10 June Toolbox Talks: Orkney The Pickaquoy Centre, 16 June Toolbox Talks: Shetland The Lerwick Hotel, 17 June All the fun at the Fair The Walled Garden, 20 June Toolbox Talks: Isle of Islay The Machrie, 23 June CABLEtalk

Find out more about our Toolbox Talks and Branch Updates on PAGES 8-9 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

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