CABLEtalk October/November 2021

October/November 2021 £4.50

COP26 SPECIAL

The green revolution

With the eyes of the world on the UN climate change conference in Glasgow, are you ready for renewables? the new new-look on fixing the 56 Focus alarms legislation website goes live retentions problem 20 SELECT’s 18 Navigating

CONTENTS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 OPINION

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Alan Wilson on climate change and the impact on our industry

NEWS

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FEATURES

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All the latest news from SELECT and around the wider industry

FEATURES

Your guide to changes to heat and smoke alarm legislation

22 26

Discover what SELECT Members had to say in our recent survey Access a wealth of advice and information with SELECT TV

COP26 SPECIAL

FEATURES

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Explore SELECT’s new and even easier to use website

FEATURES

24

SELECT’s Linda Rolfe takes on a tough charity challenge

36 42 44

Europe’s electrical contractors and the renewables revolution Setting the record straight about some energy efficiency myths What the circular economy could mean for industry work methods

TRAINING

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Blended learning helps training courses continue to be a success

APPRENTICES

COP26 SPECIAL

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SELECT Member Martin Wight and his career in renewables

COP26 SPECIAL

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MANAGING EDITOR Iain Mason iain.mason@select.org.uk EDITOR Sarah Wolstencroft sarah.w@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk

Why it’s vital to keep up the momentum once COP26 ends

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

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

48 50

Meet hard-working Robbie Neave, our Talent of Tomorrow Celebrating the latest Get Into Electrical Installation students

FOCUS

54 56

Expert advice on finding funding to help your firm with training Four-page special on tackling the problems around retention

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

60

Round-up of the latest gear and gadgets to help you at work

DIARY

62 CABLEtalk

Get to know Loraine Hutchison and try our £50 prize wordsearch OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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COMMENT

Time to walk the walk

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or many years, successive governments of all flavours have made a series of what could be viewed as ill-judged attempts to encourage the installation of renewable energy products. There have been a number of false starts, so it’s no surprise that many have a slightly jaundiced view of renewable technology.

However, what’s no longer in question is if we do nothing or tinker at the edges, we will sleepwalk into an unrecoverable disaster. At the upcoming COP26 event, world leaders must show the courage and vision to make decisions that have a lasting and positive impact on the way all countries adapt and change to move us towards a zero-carbon world.

If they’re brave enough to take these decisions, the legacy will be a huge impact on the construction industry and our sector in particular. SELECT Members should be excited to move into this next phase but, at the same time, we need politicians to agree and communicate a clear direction of travel.

Saying we have a target to be net zero by 2045 is almost meaningless to most people. What we need are ‘bite-sized’ actions to take industry along, not give them a date 24 years in the future.

Most of us are too busy to deal with the here and now, never mind what

“If they’re brave enough to take these decisions, the legacy will be a huge impact on the construction industry and our sector in particular” will happen in a quarter of a century!

As I told a recent webinar hosted by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (more on Page 8), the first step is to ensure proper and sustainable investment in training.

We already have a series of triedand-tested technologies, but having a coherent plan to assist with upskilling while incentivising installations will help grow the market for everyone.

There are also new opportunities on the horizon. For example, ‘prosumer’ installations, where individual homes, groups of homes or even shopping centres can effectively come together and generate their own electricity, using wind, solar or a mix of both.

Another example of innovative thinking has been the use of retired EV batteries to provide back-up power to the Amsterdam Arena in the Netherlands.

The industry needs to

grab such opportunities, take advantage of them and make them work for us.

Despite what some may think, climate change isn’t something that’s going to happen in ten or 20 years’ time – it’s real, it’s happening now and we don’t have a second to spare if we are to stop it getting worse.

For many years SELECT has been using the mantra that “the future is electric” but, based on what we are seeing, I think we can confidently say that future is already here – and SELECT Members will be front and centre in delivering its growth.

Alan Wilson Managing Director, SELECT

ON AIR

Alan was the guest on a special MacRoberts podcast on 24 September, where he discussed the issues facing businesses across the Scottish economy. Listen to the podcast again at bit.ly/Mac-Rob CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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NEWS CAMPAIGNS 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 INSTAGRAM @SELECT_Trade_Association

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.

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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Wall hits new Six more businesses have signed up to support our campaign for proper regulation of the electrical industry

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ELECT has welcomed six more Member businesses to the online Wall of Support as our crusade for regulation of the electrical industry gathers further momentum.

Firms from across Scotland that have now added a digital ‘brick’ to show their support for protection of title are: ● Aberdeenshire Electrical Services Ltd ● Enerlek Ltd ● Gordon Eason Electrical ● JK Electrical

“Hardly a week goes by where I don’t come across electrical work of extremely poor standard”

● Power Distribution Contracting Ltd ● WMQ Building Services Brian McKenna, Director of Enerlek, said: “I support this campaign wholeheartedly. Too often I have to fix electrical work that’s been installed dangerously and doesn’t conform to any regulations, putting people and premises at risk.

The title of electrician must be protected and regulated to ensure people are safe.”

Jim Kerr, owner of JK Electrical, added: “Hardly a week goes by where I don’t come across electrical work of extremely poor standard. I’ve seen some truly shocking installations and feel that the problem of unskilled personnel carrying out electrical work is worsening.

“For this reason, I believe it’s absolutely essential that electricians be given protection of title and I strongly support SELECT’s campaign. Regulating the electrical industry in Scotland would help ensure that those who carry out electrical work are adequately trained and qualified, raising standards and improving safety.”

The new additions join 17 SELECT Member firms and their staff who put forward their names earlier this year, along with leading trade bodies EuropeOn, the

Retentions system is ‘clunky’ SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners how retentions damage reinvestment and “disproportionately penalise small businesses”.

Speaking on the Thomas Nagy Electrical Show on Fix Radio, Alan said it was time to do away with the “outmoded system” and find a solution to

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

the “clunky and difficult” practice. He told listeners: “Construction is one of the few sectors still operating a system which in many cases is simply used to enhance cash flow.

“But it is a clunky and difficult means of contract completion which disproportionately penalises small businesses and effectively has Alan Wilson

levels of success Warning over rogue ‘electrician’ danger

Visit the Wall of Support at bit.ly/SelectWOS

National Federation of Roofing Contractors and The Scaffolding Association, and MSPs Martin Whitfield and Michelle Thomson.

The Wall of Support now has more than 76 politicians, trade unions, professional bodies and other organisations backing SELECT’s campaign for regulation of the industry.

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are delighted that more SELECT Members have answered the call and joined our campaign.

“Their support will help us continue become an opportunity for certain bodies to penalise sub-contractors.

“Every part of the construction industry has its own issues with retentions, depending on where they are in the supply chain. For instance, electricians and plumbers work near the end of a contract, whereas ground workers are at the beginning and, in some

to make an impact in the industry and at the Scottish Parliament as we continue to build momentum.

“I would urge more electrical businesses to join their fellow Members and add their names to the Wall of Support so we can show the strength of feeling that exists over this issue.”

To add your name to the Wall of Support, please email yvonne.wilson@select.org.uk

cases, might have to wait years before a client pays on completion.”

Alan said SELECT would like the government to put retention monies into trust in the short term and do away with the system completely in the longer term, to remove uncertainties for business.

He added: “Retentions mean money is taken out of the industry which

cannot then be reinvested.

It’s incumbent on all of us to think about how money is paid out on time to the people who need it.”

Alan was on the show, sponsored by Schneider Electric, on 26 August.

Four-page retentions special report: Pages 56-59

Alan Wilson used a recent radio interview to raise the profile of SELECT’s regulation campaign and highlight the risk of unqualified “electricians”.

Speaking on Fix Radio on 2 September, SELECT’s Managing Director said rogue tradespeople “pose dangers not only to themselves and people they work beside, but more importantly to the end user”.

He also pointed out that unqualified individuals practising as electricians was not a good look for an industry trying to attract new recruits.

Alan told listeners: “To call yourself an electrician you should have to go through a proper apprenticeship and keep your qualifications up to date.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case.

“If you’ve done your four or five years of training and you become a qualified electrician, and yet somebody down the road just puts ‘electrician’ on their van and has no qualifications and no training, how galling must that be?

“Nurses, doctors, teachers and even night club bouncers are protected. If you want to shoe a horse, you have to be regulated – it’s a protected title. So you can’t go off to your local stables and say, ‘Give me a shot of that’ yet you can come and wire my house.”

Alan added: “A voluntary approach doesn't work. You need statutory regulation. It’s back to the carrot and stick approach because you need real penalties.

“I’d rather be on the front foot and be criticised for trying to prevent something happening than explain to somebody’s children or widow, ‘I'm sorry your loved one died. We were thinking of regulating the industry, but we just didn't get around to it’.”

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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NEWS COP26 Actuate UK united in climate fight SELECT has joined fellow Actuate UK members to warn world leaders gathering for COP26 that they need to tackle the climate crisis “before it is too late”.

The association was among voices from the engineering alliance who urged leaders to have “the courage and vision” to make real change happen.

SELECT MD Alan Wilson said: “We have already called for efficient heating and cooling in buildings, improved indoor air quality and a fast vehicle charging infrastructure – all things that are within reach and can bring about change if we are bold enough.

Such examples can, and should, be followed by others around the globe.”

Fiona Hodgson, CEO of plumbing and heating association SNIPEF, another key Actuate UK member, added: “There is no doubt the construction industry has the skills and innovation at its fingertips – we just need those in power to have the courage to make the green revolution a reality.”

Julia Evans, CEO of BSRIA, said: “Together, we must tackle the climate crisis before it is too late – and that means cooperating like never before to find real and practical solutions to reducing the carbon impact of buildings across the world.”

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Keep up the good work MD Alan Wilson insists the drive towards a greener future must continue after COP26 has come to an end

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ertainty and momentum are the key ingredients if the construction industry is to successfully build on the outcome of the upcoming COP26 summit.

That’s the view of SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, who says it’s essential for the good work to continue after leaders have left the Glasgow conference on 12 November.

He said: “As a sector, we’re very excited to move into this next phase of industry development, but there are two key words, which we need to hear and embrace: certainty and momentum.

“The industry needs to know its clear direction of travel and to be given bite-sized chunks of information to help it stay on course. And it also needs to keep pace with any promises made, so we can’t have COP26, and then say, ‘Wasn’t that jolly good?’ and all go back to our day jobs as if nothing has changed.

“The sector has been discussing this kind of work for many, many years and there have been several false dawns. But we’re past that now and we need to move forward to the next stage.”

Speaking as a guest at the Building to COP26 webinar, hosted by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) on 7 September, Alan also said that the electrical industry will be “an integral part of all our lives” in the future.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

He told online delegates: “We’ve said for many years that the future is electric, but I think we can say ‘the now is electric’ because electrification is already starting to drive our heat, light and transport demands.

“It’s therefore vital that we have investment in the sector; we currently have a good workforce, with a record number of apprentices recruited so far this year, but an element of upskilling is definitely necessary to help make our sector more agile when it comes different kinds of installations.”

Hosted by Stephen Good, CEO of CSIC, the webinar discussed the opportunities that COP26 presents industry to accelerate to zero carbon.

Other speakers included Peter Reekie, Chief Executive of Scottish Futures Trust and the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum; Sean Smith, Chair of Infrastructure & Environment Group SRPe; Lynne Sullivan, architect and national built environment strategic advisor; and Professor Steve Petrie, Business Performance Director at Balfour Beatty.

Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, also delivered the opening address, giving an overview of what COP26 means for the Scottish built environment.

COP26 special: Pages 29-45

HEAT AND SMOKE ALARMS

Alarm campaign aims to create safer homes

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he Scottish Government has launched a nationwide media campaign urging homeowners to install interlinked heat and smoke alarms before new fire safety laws come into effect next year.

From February, all homeowners will be required to have interlinked alarms under legislation brought forward after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.

Most homes will also require a carbon monoxide alarm.

Privately let and new-build homes must already meet these standards but, as outlined in the new campaign and information currently available from SELECT, from February they will apply to every home in Scotland, regardless of age or tenure.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “One death from a house fire is one too many, and improving fire safety remains our utmost priority. Interlinked fire alarms will give residents more time to escape, significantly reducing the risk of injury or death.”

NEW MEMBERS Seven firms have become SELECT Members since 1 August 2021 4

2 6 1

3

5

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Interlinked alarms will be a legal requirement

The campaign, which launched on 19 August, comprises adverts across TV, radio and digital channels, with printed leaflets provided at local libraries.

Further government information is also available at www.mygov.scot/homefire-safety

1. Arc-Tech Scotland Ltd, Glasgow 2. B Munro Electrical Limited, Bankfoot, Perth 3. Houston Electrical, Bathgate 4. Chris Morrison Electrical Contractor Ltd, Isle of Lewis 5. Arisaig Electrical Services, Lasswade 6. Bishopton Electrical, Bishopton

Help for Members: Pages 18 & 19

7 Eildon Housing Association Ltd, Selkirk

Training delivered thanks to partnership with Aico First and second year electrical apprentices have received more vital training thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Aico.

The leading alarm manufacturer visited Glasgow

Clyde College, Cardonald Campus, on 18 August to deliver more Fire Industry Association accredited CPD via its Aico Expert Installer training session. During the session, apprentices enjoyed practical, hands-on training about alarm selection, siting and installation, plus updates

on standards, legislation and new technologies.

SECTT Training and Development Manager Barrie McKay said: “This latest training session was another huge success. With new laws about heat and smoke alarms coming into force in February, it’s good to

see apprentices learning to work with the right products to do the job properly.”

The partnership delivers training to more than 700 students in Scotland annually, with Aico alarms distributed to SECTT assessment centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.

The apprentices received hands-on training CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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NEWS SELECT Practical help to stay protected With COVID-19 restrictions easing and Scotland moving beyond Level 0, SELECT has produced a handy guide to help Member businesses and their staff stay safe.

Entitled Protecting your people, the free downloadable booklet offers practical guidance about COVID measures in the workplace, including how and when to self-isolate.

The brochure contains information on responsibilities for COVID coordinators, line managers and staff, plus the different type of COVID-19 tests and how to order them. It also contains a series of self-isolation flowcharts, offering step-by-step guidance on a range of scenarios.

Director of Employment and Skills Fiona Harper said: “This latest resource continues our wide range of COVID-19 help for Members as we move into a new stage of the pandemic.”

The brochure can be downloaded at select.org.uk

Ongoing COVID-19 measures mean that the second Branch Updates of 2021 are again being held online via webinar.

As CABLEtalk went to press, SELECT was preparing to host all eight regional get-togethers 10

CABLEtalk

Promotion for Bob as Loraine arrives

Long-serving technical expert Bob Cairney Bob Cairney has been promoted to Director of Technical Services at SELECT as the association makes a number of personnel changes.

The experienced electrical professional started his role on 4 October, taking the reins from colleague Dave Forrester, who has retired from SELECT after 12 years.

Bob will now oversee the development of technical and training services to Members, reflecting the increasing reliance on electrical technology and renewable energy sources.

He said: “It is a huge honour to be offered this important role at a time knows the organisation when it is increasingly clear and industry intimately.” that the future is electric.

Bob’s appointment was “Our Members operate confirmed at a meeting of in a highly technical, fastthe SELECT Central Board Loraine moving and ever-changing on Wednesday 1 September.

Hutchison environment and it is crucial that Another new face has also they are able to access, through joined SELECT, with Loraine SELECT, the most up-to-date and forwardHutchison becoming a full-time looking technical advice and guidance, as Membership Administrator in the well as modern training opportunities.”

Membership and Communications team Bob has been SELECT’s Technical in August. The Employment and Skills Standards Adviser for the past four years, Function is also looking to replace and previously served as Senior Technical Employment and Skills Adviser Nic Adviser and Technical Services Manager.

Jengaenga, as well as recruiting an He also spent time with the University Employment and Skills Administrator. of Dundee Estates and Buildings Services as Head of the Electrical Section.

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of Getting to Know You – SELECT, said: “Bob is highly respected and Loraine Hutchison: Page 62

in October via GoTo Meeting.

The highlight of the autumn meetings will be a presentation on the new heat and smoke alarm regulations, delivered by our Technical Advisers.

Members will also have chance to ask questions and equip themselves with information to pass on to customers.

Updates on SELECT activity

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

are also due to be delivered by SELECT’s Directors of Function and Presidential Team, with Training Officers providing latest news from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT).

President Donald W Orr said: “Although it’s unfortunate that we still can’t meet face to face, COVID-19 is still a very real

threat and keeping each other safe must be our utmost priority.

“I hope to see many familiar and new faces at the Branch Updates as we continue to collaborate, cooperate and face ‘the new normal’ together.”

To find out more about the Autumn Branch Updates, email memberservices@select.org.uk or call 0131 445 5577.

Personal details form keeps it simple

Our latest infographic is full of facts SELECT has released its third infographic of quarterly statistics, which shows the wide range of activity between July and September.

Hosted on the new association website, the graphic shows what happened in technical, training, membership, communications, employment and skills

during the past three months.

It follows the release of our first two infographics which tracked the association’s progress in the first six months of 2021.

SELECT has created a handy personal details form to help Members keep track of important information for their personnel records.

Produced in response to recent feedback, the form is free to download and includes details relevant to SELECT’s Welfare Credit scheme.

Benefits Manager Michelle Courtney said: “Keeping a record of an employee’s personal details is something all employers should do when a new person starts, and it should be updated annually or when a change is needed.

“No one wants to think about making claims for death benefit but having a clear indication of what your employees’ wishes are makes the claiming process much more straightforward.”

The form will help indicate who payments should be made to if a claim is submitted through SELECT’s Welfare Credits scheme, which covers sickness and death benefits for operatives and staff.

Michelle added: “Employers might not think they need to have such a record, but we have made things easy by having a form that is simple and straightforward to complete.”

The new form can be downloaded at bit.ly/Person-form. Further information about the SELECT Welfare Credits scheme is available by emailing michelle.courtney@ select.org.uk CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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NEWS SELECT Three lucky Members have each won a free SELECT training course after taking part in our recent online survey.

David Smith of David W H Smith (Heating and Electrical Services) in Glasgow, Colin Burns of Colin Burns Electrical Services in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, and Paul McCrone of J K McCrone Electrical Services in Edinburgh each won a session with our technical experts.

The results of the survey can be found on pages 22 and 23.

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Safety is the priority as we move on After COVID-19 measures were further relaxed in August, SELECT continues to offer an uninterrupted service to Members, albeit with some contingency measures in place.

Some staff are now operating from The Walled Garden on selected days, with others working from home in line with Scottish Government guidance.

In-person technical assessments and visits by Member Representatives also continue, with health and safety measures put in place to protect against the threat of coronavirus.

In addition, a limited

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Staff have returned to The Walled Garden

number of delegates are still permitted to attend training course assessments at our Training Centre, subject to review.

Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “The safety of our staff and Members is still

our No1 priority, so we will carry out these measures until the end of 2021.

“As recent figure show, the virus is still around us, so we will continue to follow government guidance and be COVID smart.”

We’ve reached the quality mark again

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ELECT is delighted to announce that it has achieved its 23rd year of accreditation to the prestigious Investors in People quality mark.

Recognised across 75 countries, the mark recognises the effectiveness of leadership and management and sets apart organisations that have achieved excellence in the way they lead, support and manage people.

In its report, Investors in People said: “Overall, people see SELECT as a great place to work and get a great deal of

satisfaction from working within the organisation.

“The association is viewed as compassionate and very supportive and it works as a true team, with people helping other people to do best by its Members.

“People know that making suggestions will be well received by their supervisors and they are often encouraged to do so and feel genuinely listened to.”

The report also praises SELECT’s approach during the pandemic, adding: “The organisation was seen to be very supportive to its employees

during lockdown and staff spoke of feeling very empowered.”

Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills, said: “Year on year since 1998, SELECT has been assessed as meeting or exceeding the standard required to retain Investors in People accreditation and we are delighted to have continued this impressive run of achievement.

“SELECT has worked hard to achieve this quality mark because it communicates to Members, stakeholders and staff that people form the backbone of our association.

“It also shows that we understand the need to invest in our people as well as the structures and policies surrounding our working lives.”

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NEWS CICV FORUM

Advice video has safety in mind

Let’s stay local for success SELECT has joined other members of the CICV Forum to urge businesses and the public to help support tradespeople by signing up to the new Scotland Loves Local gift card campaign.

Designed to revitalise grassroots communities hit

by COVID-19, the scheme will see the creation of gift cards for Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, each of which can be spent only in that specific region.

The Forum is keen to see the scheme used by the public to support local tradespeople and the construction industry in general, recognising the emergency and essential work the sector undertook at the height of the national shutdown.

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “As the body which represents electricians in Scotland, we would very much welcome this initiative and encourage consumers not only to patronise local shops and restaurants but also to support the trades which are so important to their communities.”

Businesses can find out more or register directly at lovelocal.scot/giftcard 14

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ELECT has helped the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum create another in its series of engaging advice videos, reminding workers how to keep themselves and others safe as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed.

The 90-second animation is the latest in a string of easy-to-follow Forum films designed to help construction workers protect themselves and their colleagues, customers and families after Scotland moved out of Level 0.

Among the practical advice, the animation reminds construction professionals to make sure they’re vaccinated, register with Test and Protect, take regular lateral flow tests and familiarise themselves with the rules around self-isolation.

While on-site, it also reminds them to carry out thorough risk assessments, keep work spaces ventilated, wash hands, tools and surfaces regularly, continue to observe physical distancing and wear appropriate face coverings where required.

The video was developed by Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communication at SELECT and Chair of the Forum’s Communications sub-group.

He said: “Since the CICV Forum began in March 2020, our animations have proved to be highly effective in delivering vital health and safety messaging, and we hope this new video will continue to get important advice The CICV Forum has updated two important pieces of guidance for construction workers to help in the fight against COVID-19.

The collective’s Construction Operating Guidance has been revised, with new advice on good practice and other health and safety measures that

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Watch the video at

across to construction bit.ly/CICV_ SafeWorking professionals everywhere.

“This latest animation continues the Forum’s key message that we are all #InThisTogether and the importance of workers taking personal responsibility to protect themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.”

The new guidance follows a range of other informative Forum videos that have helped to steer the sector through the pandemic.

Rebecca Crosland, Chair of the Forum’s Health and Safety group, and Head of Health & Safety at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), said: “This video is a reminder of the practical steps we should all keep taking to protect ourselves and our customers, colleagues and loved ones. Make no mistake – COVID-19 is still a very real threat and we can’t afford to relax yet.”

operatives should now follow while working.

The Forum has also released an updated version of its Guidance on work in domestic premises to reflect new working recommendations after restrictions were relaxed.

Both documents can be downloaded for free at cicvforum.co.uk/downloads

SJIB Digital guide to training

Initiative looks at skills and achieving net zero The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) is among five leading construction bodies who have united to launch an industry-wide initiative to upskill the workforce and help meet UK net zero targets.

Working under the umbrella of the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), the SJIB has joined forces with the following organisations to help meet the expected rise in demand for renewables technology: ● The Joint Industry Board (JIB) ● The Scottish Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board (SNIJIB) ● The Joint Industry Board for Plumbing, Mechanical and Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) ● The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

The five CSCS Partner Schemes – which represent more than 300,000 operatives across the heating and ventilation, mechanical and electrotechnical sectors – will now work together to recognise and endorse their workforces’ green qualifications, skills and

experience. By doing so, they aim to help achieve the net zero target dates of 2050 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 2045 for Scotland.

Discussions have taken place to agree a roadmap, including solutions for multioccupation projects, such as heat pump installation and maintenance, which cross boundaries between heating and ventilation, electrical and mechanical disciplines.

Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “It is becoming clearer with each passing day that the rapidly changing world requires properly trained and qualified professionals to support the transition to net zero carbon.

“This is essential for improved safety and better consumer confidence and this work will ensure the necessary skills are recognised in each of the partner schemes.”

The groups say the mutual understanding addresses the need for industry-recognised qualifications for personnel, and will prevent a “race to the bottom” for training and standards in an important part of the shared sector.

New card demonstrates holder’s professional status The SJIB is continuing its roll-out of Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cards with another new addition to its online portal.

The Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card is designed for operatives and managers who work in specialised electrotechnical disciplines but don’t carry out installation work and whose roles within the electrical industry aren’t already covered by a core ECS card. The PQP card recognises

the card holder’s professional status through their registration with an electrotechnical professional institution, such as The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), with applicants able to access a list

of relevant professional bodies.

To be eligible, applicants must be able to provide evidence of their membership of such an institution and must also have completed the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment within the past 30 months, or hold a valid approved exemption.

To find out more and apply, visit the portal at bit.ly/ ECS-portal, click on ‘ECS Related Discipline’ > ‘PQP’ and complete the online application.

CABLEtalk

The SJIB has released a special downloadable digital version of its Apprentice and Adult Training Schemes Guide.

Adapted from Section J of the SJIB Handbook, the resource is designed to be used by both employers and learners, and includes detailed information on a range of essential topics.

Areas covered include: ● Registration, conditions of employment and wages ● Holidays, welfare benefits and expenses ● Union membership, discipline and grievances ● Stages of Apprenticeship and Adult Training Scheme ● Approved electrician status.

It also includes easy-to-follow flowcharts, outlining the stages of the SJIB Apprentice and Adult Training Schemes and how to carry out safe isolation effectively.

Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “The brochure is designed to give an accessible overview of the electrical apprenticeship and adult training schemes.”

The brochure can be downloaded at bit.ly/SJIB-J

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NEWS GUIDANCE Online tool looks at future projects An innovative online tool has been launched to provide the construction industry with greater clarity and understanding of future public sector construction projects to be delivered across Scotland.

Developed by the Scottish Futures Trust in partnership with the public sector and construction industry, the Construction Pipeline Forecast Tool is open to all suppliers and is free to register. Showing a current value of just under £8.5 billion, the tool has details of more than 1,150 future public sector infrastructure projects and covers many sectors including education, health, housing and flood prevention.

The tool allows the user to simply and easily explore data held using various criteria that includes the chosen procurement route, the procuring authority, contract value and sector.

Of the 1,150 project opportunities, approximately 60% are below £2 million in value, emphasising the focus on providing opportunities to small and medium-sized enterprises.

This will continue to grow as additional contracting authorities join the system, which will be updated every six months.

By providing greater transparency on future workload, the pipeline aims to help businesses plan better.

Find out more and register at pipeline.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk

New information to improve quality

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he Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division has published new national guidance intended to help improve the quality of building warrant applications.

Developed with key stakeholders to support the wider work of the Building Standards Futures Board, the information is designed to support understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the people involved from design through construction and at completion.

Aimed at all applicants and agents submitting a building warrant application, it provides procedural and technical checklists and promotes using competent professionals to help produce a quality application.

The content of the guidance covers the following key areas: Members who want to find out more about conflict management can now watch a webinar by the Royal Incorporation of Chartered Surveyors

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● Building standards system and warrant process ● Roles and responsibilities ● Who should submit a building warrant application ● What makes a quality application ● Project and application types ● List of useful building standards guidance ● Checklists of what to submit with a building warrant application.

It is free to download and aims to improve the consistency and accuracy of information submitted to verifiers to improve handling of building warrant applications, reduce the time taken to grant warrants and provide clarity on procedural and technical requirements when making an application.

Find out more at bit.ly/SG-BSD

(RICS). Hosted on 9 September, Conflict Management in the Built Environment gave an overview of the Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP) and included a

professional outlining his experiences. Panellists included CABLEtalk columnist Len Bunton.

To watch the webinar discussion again, go to bit.ly/CAP-watch

FEATURES THE TOLERABLE STANDARD

By Iain Mason Director of Membership & Communications

S

erving our Members’ interests and keeping the public safe is at the heart of what SELECT does, and the introduction of the new Tolerable Standard has given us chance to demonstrate just that.

One of the key requests from Members this year has been clear information to pass on to domestic customers and landlords, who seemed unsure of the impact of new rules on alarms.

We’ve therefore created a range of free, easy-to-access resources that can be used by Members and the public alike to help them prepare for when the new standard comes into effect next February.

First up is our new public safety animation that clarifies exactly how householders and landlords can comply. It’s housed on a dedicated heat and smoke alarms page on our new website, along with FAQs, downloadable brochures and social media templates, and details of training and certification.

Our main aim is to help the public understand what they need to do, clearly and concisely, and where to go for help if they need it. This includes stressing the importance of using a qualified electrician to carry out the work.

We also want to develop SELECT Members’ understanding of what is

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A hot topic In response to recent Member feedback, SELECT has created a range of resources to help answer customers’ questions about the upcoming changes to heat and smoke alarm legislation in Scotland required by giving them practical tools to help their customers and ensure all work is carried out safely and correctly.

Members are therefore now being encouraged to use and share these resources to familiarise themselves with the new rules and, in turn, help educate customers.

Presentations on the new rules are also being made by our Technical team at the online Branch Updates in October, with any additional questions added to the list of FAQs. We hope the impact of this activity will be to help as many people as

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possible prepare properly and comply with the new regulations before the implementation date.

It’s just the latest in a long line of initiatives that we’ve rolled out to safeguard both the welfare of customers and the 15,000 people and 3,500 apprentices who work in our sector.

Stressing the importance of using a SELECT Member also reinforces our other long-running campaign for regulation of the electrical industry, ensuring that all work is carried out by a qualified professional.

THE NEW STANDARD The new Tolerable Standard, which is applicable from 1 February 2022, requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey, including hallways and landings.

There must also be

a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, as well as a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.

In addition, all the heat and smoke alarms

must be interlinked, either mains-powered with battery back-up or battery-powered with a tamper-proof longlife battery, to ensure there is an effective warning system to keep everyone and their property safe.

NEW RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS GUIDANCE

Three free downloadable guides, one giving an overview for the public, the others providing more technical in-depth advice for Members. Print copies of all three brochures are available by emailing memberservices@ select.org.uk

ANIMATION

A two-minute information film, designed to be shared online and across social media platforms, educating the public on what they should do next and reminding them to use a SELECT Member to carry out any electrical work.

CERTIFICATION

Details of where to obtain certificates of design, installation and commissioning that can be given to clients to show that an installation complies with the relevant standard. Certificates are available via SELECTcerts or in paper format.

TEMPLATES

SELECT has created a downloadable image for Members to use on their website or social media business page, along with an example message explaining why the public should always use a SELECT Member to install and test their system.

FAQS

A list of the most commonlyasked questions about the new standard, to help prepare Members and their clients for the changes.

These will be updated in line with any changes as the 1 February 2022 deadline draws nearer.

TRAINING

Details of the free CPD accredited training scheme from Aico, which provides electrical contractors with the latest requirements and information to select, site, install and maintain Aico alarms to the highest quality.

To find ou t more and acce ss all the se resource s, go to bit.ly/hea t-smoke

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FEATURES SELECT WEBSITE

Everything’s at Your new SELECT website now makes it easier to find exactly what you need and keep track of the latest news and benefits MORE INFORMATION We’ve added new sections covering the full range of services offered by SELECT, including our campaigns and more details about our behind-the-scenes work, giving you a broader range of information.

BOOK TRAINING We’ve made it quicker and easier to browse, book and pay for SELECT training courses at the touch of a button, with new virtual and in-person courses being added all the time.

UPGRADED SHOP Thanks to this expanded and updated service, you can now choose from an even wider selection of brochures, paperwork and other collateral at competitive prices.

MY SELECT We’ve created this dedicated section for Members only where, after logging in, you can access essential information and browse our many offers and benefits in full.

EASIER PAYMENT Thanks to the updated functionality, we’ve made the checkout service more convenient, so it’s now easier to pay for SELECT goods and services instantly, saving you time.

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MORE DOWNLOADS Expanded selection of publications, updates and advice at your fingertips, available to download instantly in a variety of formats to help keep you updated on every service.

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your fingertips Visit the new site now at select.org.uk

SELECT TV Your exclusive Member videos are now hosted on the website itself in the MY SELECT area, giving advice on technical, employment, commercial and health and safety issues.

CLEANER NAVIGATION With a new layout and more intuitive menus, it’s now easier to find your way around the SELECT site and get the essential information you need quickly and efficiently.

MORE RESPONSIVE The new website is powered by, and linked directly to, our iMIS content management system, so updates will be quicker, giving you plenty of up-to-theminute information.

KEEP TRACK The website is now linked to our Member database, so you can log in and manage your company profile, update contact details and pay invoices at the touch of a button.

FIND OUT MORE Four special Member videos have been created to walk you through the new site and help you make the most of its new features, including: ● Getting started – how to log into your account for the first time using your username and password ● Personal profile and contact details – explore your Member profile and update information CABLEtalk

● Company profile and invoicing – how to pay invoices and confirm company details are linked ● Registering for courses – a helpful guide to booking yourself and others on training courses.

Watch all four videos on the dedicated MY SELECT channel at bit.ly/SELECT-TV OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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FEATURES MEMBER SURVEY 2021

Delivering your verdict

The recent SELECT survey gave Members across Scotland the chance to have their say on the association and its service. Here’s what they told us…

TRAINING & UPDATES

94% APPROVAL

Why do you attend Branch Updates?

39% To keep up with industry news 20% To network with other Members 16% To watch a technical presentation 25% Other

of respondents said they would recommend us to another electrical contractor

93% 93% OF MEMBERS SAID THEY WERE SATISFIED, VERY SATISFIED OR EXTREMELY SATISFIED WITH SELECT

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of those who replied had completed a SELECT training course

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96% said the course had met their needs

87%

of Members said they attended Toolbox Talks before lockdown

COVID-19

77%

of Members said we had kept them updated and resolved any issues

67%

said our COVID response had been very or extremely helpful

CORRESPONDENCE

50%

said they had taken online SELECT training during the pandemic

ADVICE

95% 76%

84% of those who took part said that our employment advice was useful

of respondents said they found the Technical Helpline useful, very useful or extremely useful

84% of respondents said it was important to receive CABLEtalk

75% SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO RECEIVE THE MONTHLY E-SHOT, SWITCHEDON

50%

of Members said they preferred to contact us by phone

51%

OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY FOUND OUR WELFARE CREDIT SCHEME USEFUL, VERY USEFUL OR EXTREMELY USEFUL

said that they preferred us to contact them by email

How much information do you receive from SELECT? 100

80

85%

of respondents said the Legal Helpline with MacRoberts was a useful resource

75% OF THOSE WHO TOOK PART SAID SELECT’S PROFILE WAS QUITE OR VERY VISIBLE

60

92% enough for my needs 5% not enough 3% too much

40

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FEATURES CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Our intrepid adventurer is pulling on her walking boots and tackling the Inca Trail in Peru to raise funds for the Electrical Industries Charity – and she needs YOUR help

By Linda Rolfe, Events, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

and help. I know the challenge will be no easy feat, with some treks taking up to 12 hours, climbing steep inclines and battling the high altitude and fatigue.

The highest I’ve climbed previously is Mount Snowdon, which is 1,085 metres high – a mere molehill compared with Machu Picchu, which is more than double this size at 2,430m.

I’ve also only camped once before, too, at the Glastonbury festival – a long way from the jungle and creepy crawlies of South America!

I work out and walk a couple of times a week but after seeing what is ahead, it has hit home that I need to start doing some extra training to ensure I don’t let the team down.

I’ve already started practising in the walking boots I’ll be wearing to reduce the likelihood of blisters. I’m also walking

longer distances carrying a rucksack off-road and will be following a special 16-week training plan.

But I know each step will be worth it – and that every pound donated will go towards supporting some of the 10,000 people who are helped by the EIC each year.

My fundraising target is £5,000 and to hit this I’ll be involved in a range of activities over the next year, including race nights, sponsored quizzes, Easter egg hunts and a sponsored silence. I’ll also be volunteering to paint

IIT’S LINDIANA n September 2022 I will be undertaking a gruelling five-day trek through the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu in aid of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC).

I decided to tackle the Inca Trail challenge for the EIC because it’s such a great cause and has helped so many electricians and their families down the years, including SELECT Members.

The charity relies solely on donations but the pandemic has halted many fundraisers. SELECT itself would usually contribute with things such as the President’s Walk and SELECT Awards, so in their absence I thought I’d step up 24

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£0

nails, walk dogs and clean cars – anything to raise cash!

I’m also asking for YOUR support by sponsoring me to help raise funds for the valuable work the EIC carries out every day. The charity looks after anyone from the electrical or energy sector, whether retired, an apprentice, a relative or an employee, offering invaluable financial support, counselling, guidance and legal advice.

It has also helped families from every walk of life who have suffered with addiction, bereavement, cancer, employment disputes and divorce battles.

The EIC is a charity for people like YOU – so please give whatever you can to help me on my trek and ensure it can continue its vital work.

LINDIANA’S QUEST ● DAY 1: A fivehour trek from the ancient stones of Tambomachay high in the hills, down to Sacsayhuaman, the huge Incan ruin on the outskirts of Cuzco.

Day 5 Day 4 Day 3

A JONES! To sponsor Linda on her epic quest and help fellow electricians via the EIC, please go to bit.ly/Linda-Inca

● DAY 2: Six hours of walking along the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River, before camping at Wayllabamba.

● DAY 3: The big one! The ominously named Dead Woman’s Pass awaits at 4,200m after a steep climb on narrow trails, with the 10-hour

Day 2 Day 1

adventure ending in the camp at Pacamayo. ● DAY 4: Now on the Inca Trail proper, another high-altitude, 10-hour trek passes the ruins of Sayacmarca and Puyupatamarca, before steep steps descend to camp at Winay Wayna.

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● DAY 5: A three-hour walk to Inti Punku, aka ‘the Sun Gate’, then a march along the Urubamba River and we finally arrive for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Our adventure complete, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cuzco by bus.

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FEATURES SELECT TV

Our video stars are the ones to watch

Since its launch in April, our exclusive SELECT TV channel has proved increasingly popular, thanks to its wealth of Members-only content. With new videos being added all the time, here’s a rundown of all the on-screen advice currently available…

TV 1: TECH WATCH Developed by our in-house Technical team

EICR CODING Created in response to Member demand, this three-part tutorial provides a thorough grounding in Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICRs), and use of classification codes in accordance with BS 7671:2018.

Watch Part 1 at bit.ly/STV-EICR1 Watch Part 2 at bit.ly/STV-EICR2 Watch Part 3 at bit.ly/STV-EICR3 CABLE SIZING Written by our Training and Development Adviser, Malcolm Duncan, this easy-to-follow session is designed to demonstrate a recognised step-bystep method of calculation in line with the requirements of BS 7671.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-cable AMENDMENT 2 Recorded at the SELECT AGM in June 2021, this presentation sees former Director of Technical Services Dave Forrester highlight 10 proposed changes to BS 7671, including protective equipotential bonding and specific requirements for arc fault detection.

Watch now at bit.ly/amend-2

also os can All vide d in the MY e che be wat section of th T e C it s E b L e SE LECT w new SE ct.org.uk le at se

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HOME OFFICES AND HOT TUBS This special online Toolbox Talk was held on 7 July 2021, and saw Technical Standards Adviser Bob Cairney discuss the rise of hot tubs and home offices during lockdown and answer related questions from Members about their installation and safety.

Watch now at bit.ly/TTalk-3

TV3: BUNTON BROADCASTING

TV2: RUDI VISION Presented by SELECT consultant Professor Rudi Klein

NEW: READING THE SMALL PRINT Terms and conditions can often hide a multitude of potential hazards. In his latest video, Professor Klein explains why it’s vital to check suppliers’ T&Cs, paying particular attention to price adjustment clauses, disclaimers and any references to non-delivery of materials.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-TCs

BATTLE OF THE FORMS During this video, Professor Klein discusses the ‘battle of the forms’, outlining exactly what such a conflict entails and the risks associated with fighting over paperwork. He also advises on your chances of winning and what happens if a contract doesn’t materialise.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-forms CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION Professor Klein puts contract documentation under the spotlight, giving Members an invaluable insight into what they should be watching out for. He also uses his years of experience to advise on paperwork pitfalls and the dangers that lurk when it comes to liability.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-contract

PROBLEM CLAUSES Len discusses the pitfalls of hidden clauses, including contract amends, retention issues and payment provisions and schedules. He also explains extensions of time and ‘termination for convenience’, and explores how to deal with omission of work with no consequences.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-clauses LOW-COST ADJUDICATIONS In this video, Len outlines the role of low-cost adjudications and summary procedures, how they can help you, and what steps you should take to ensure you are prepared, including keeping accurate and up-to-date records.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-LCA TOP TIPS FOR GETTING PAID The problem of late and withheld payments is all too common, so Len has provided some invaluable advice for Members, offering practical pointers including payment schedules, detailed applications and agreeing matters beforehand.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-paid

BIDDING STRATEGIES In this useful film, we offer exclusive guidance on bidding strategies, including the risk of lump sum bidding, getting suppliers on side, creating separate contracts for installation and materials, pricing and stockpiling of materials, and what to do when quoting for domestic jobs.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-matbid CONTRACTUAL STRATEGIES In his second film about material price increases, our in-house expert gives an overview of the risks associated with existing contracts, addressing potential issues in future contracts, fluctuations clauses, and identifying problem clauses in your SBCC and NEC contracts.

Watch now at bit.ly/ STV-matcon

Presented by contract expert Len Bunton

DESIGN LIABILITY What exactly is ‘design’? When do I take on responsibility for it? And what should I look out for and avoid? Once again, Professor Klein is here with all the answers to help guide you through the maze when it comes to the world of design.

Watch now at bit.ly/STV-design

CONFLICT AVOIDANCE PLEDGE Another exclusive video for SELECT Members, Len outlines the many benefits of signing the Pledge as part of the Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP), and how it is helping to save time and money for an increasing number of businesses across the UK. Watch now at bit.ly/STV-CAP CABLEtalk

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COP26 ECO SPECIAL

COP26 SPECIAL

The power of tomorrow World leaders will gather in Glasgow on 31 October for the UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26. Ahead of this momentous occasion, we explore the latest renewables developments in the electrical industry and how the green revolution could impact us all + PAGE 30

+ PAGE 36

+ PAGE 39

+ PAGE 42

+ PAGE 44

Winds of change

European view

Beyond COP26

Myth busting

Circular economy

SELECT Member Martin Wight on why getting into green energy is a good move

Find out more about the changes made by electrical contractors on the continent

Why it’s vital to keep up the momentum once the summit has finished

Getting to the truth behind some common misconceptions about energy efficiency

CABLEtalk

How the construction industry can benefit from trying greener working methods

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COP26 MEMBER PROFILE

The winds of change When SELECT Member Martin Wight fitted his first turbine he had no idea it would lead to a career in renewables spanning wave, wind and solar power, as well as work on an innovative new energy-efficient homes project

By Tim Power 30

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COP26 SPECIAL

T

en years ago, when a new client asked Martin Wight if he could install a wind turbine on his property Martin jumped at the chance and said: “Yes, of course!” The only slight issue was that he had never installed one before, but he was up for the challenge.

In order not to take advantage of the customer being his first renewable ‘guinea pig’, he offered to do the work at half his usual hourly rate, so that if he overran on time the client would not feel he had been overcharged.

Although Martin made less money on the initial contract, it proved to be a good investment in his future in renewable technology, as he went on to install more than 150 wind turbines around the UK. He is now one of the few electricians in Scotland who has experience in the installation of all four forms of renewable energy platforms: wind, solar, hydro and even wave energy.

New skills

Martin has always been keen to learn new things and is interested in renewables because of the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, as shown by man’s impact on climate change. He said: “It’s so important to be open to learning a new skill and that first wind turbine experience had a significant impact on my future career as an electrician, opening up a new world of fast-developing technology which is having a beneficial effect on how we create and use energy, and ultimately protect our planet.”

Martin’s next encounter with the world of renewables was while he was working as an electrical contractor at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife, as the owners were interested in installing a wind turbine to supplement their energy needs. He had invited a representative of a company up to the race track to look into the idea, and was so interested in hearing about the new technology, Martin Wight that when

Martin started his renewables career by installing wind turbines

devices. These were the NPS 60kW and the NPS 100kW wind turbines, up to 60 metres high, which were ideal for farmers and landowners wanting extra energy or to generate additional income through the feed-in tariffs to the National Grid which were available at the time in the UK.

“The design of the turbine was definitely configured with the installer in mind”

Growing expertise

the rep said she was leaving her existing company to set up a new one to import US-made wind turbines, Martin jumped at the chance to join her as one of the installers.

He explained: “We got chatting about renewables and I told her about my experience with my first client and I was astonished to learn that that person was her brother. She was so impressed with the work that I had done that she asked me if I would be interested in joining her new venture and installing wind turbines.”

Within three weeks of this conversation, Martin was in the Northern Power Systems’ headquarters in Vermont, USA, on an intensive training course learning all about the installation of their wind turbine

When the company was sold, Martin went on to work with another company called Capture Energy, based in Cornwall, to install NPS 60kW and NPS100kW and wind turbines.

Over this time, Martin installed more than 150 wind turbines up and down the UK, from Cornwall to the north of Scotland, and he loved the job. “These machines were great to work on because you were out in wonderful countryside but the beauty of it was the design of the turbine, which was definitely configured with the installer in mind.

“The direct drive machines were supplied with a 400-volt transformer and the process involved working out loss on the length of the cable install as well as installing the appropriate size of cable for the turbine. If the turbine was going straight to grid it was quite simple.

If we were integrating to supply other systems then it got more complicated.

“When you are building a turbine you are responsible for the whole project, from building the tubular steel monopole tower and constructing the turbine cell with its permanent magnet generator at Continued on page 32 >>>

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COP26 MEMBER PROFILE >>> Continued from page 31

the top with the three blades, which can more than 24 meters in diameter. Then you have to angle the blades for the average wind speed of that site, and wire the whole structure together so electricity can be generated from the turbine to where it is required.”

Electricity can be generated on these models with wind speeds from as little as 3 metres/second, but they are designed to provide maximum generation at 12-15m/s, cutting out at anything above 25m/s.

Martin added: “You are there from the time the foundations are poured until the final commissioning of the wind turbine. It’s a very intense period of work over a few weeks.”

Martin said he enjoyed the nature of the work and became one of the few people within the company in the UK that was allowed to carry out all four aspects of wind turbine operations: installation, build, commissioning and subsequent maintenance.

Over the last five years, Martin has broadened his renewables experience into solar PV systems and a few smallscale hydro-electric projects. He even had a wave energy project on the go until the developer went into liquidation.

Innovative ideas

Another exciting and innovative green project Martin got involved in around five years ago was with the Resource Efficient House, that was developed by Scottish construction firm Tigh Grian Solar panels on the roof of the Resource Efficient House

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The Resource Efficient House at Ravenscraig being dismantled Images: © Tigh Grian

(Scottish Gaelic for ‘house of sun’) – the Scottish housing arm of Swiss company UserHuus AG that has developed energy-efficient homes.

The design concept involves manufacturing the house in pre-built sections using a structural insulated panel system (SIPS). The 4.9m x 11.4m pod modules are built to be fully serviced, fitted out and decorated at the factory in Wales and when laid on pre-prepared foundations can be assembled into a flat or a two/three/four bedroom house format, thus reducing construction costs, time and waste. Each unit is fully insulated and heated using a wholehouse mechanical heat recovery ventilation system, with wall-mounted electric panel heaters giving an EPC B rating and they incorporate roofmounted solar panels.

According to Tigh Grian, this ‘pod’ approach provides an “affordable, energy-efficient, quick-to-build volumetric housing solution”.

Martin was involved in the commissioning of many of the 52 ‘pod’ homes at the new Queen Street estate in Alva, Clackmannanshire, which comprises a mix of one-bedroom cottage flats, and two and three-bedroom homes.

These unique properties were built to meet the government’s Scottish Housing Quality Standards and were the first Gold Standard energy efficient homes.

Such was the innovative nature of the design that a number of these Resource Efficient Houses were chosen to be

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showcased at the British Research Establishment’s Innovation Centres, both in Watford in England and at Ravenscraig in Scotland.

Energy efficient

The Resource Efficient House was designed to meet the Scottish Platinum Standard in Building Regulations Section 7: Sustainability, and this can be seen in the reduction of material used in its construction, and waste resulting from this process. For example, an average three-bed home built in Scotland can produce as much as 13 tonnes of construction waste. The Resource Efficient House produced less than five tonnes of construction waste,

ISLE OF BUTE Martin was involved in was the electrical contracting work for the development of the Kerrylamont Centre on the Isle of Bute, which is part of the late Marquis of Bute’s plans to provide flexible work spaces to develop rural skills and help businesses thrive on the island.

This has involved renovating a group of listed 19th century farm buildings and a diary to provide small and medium-size workshops, studios, stone working facilities, an open plan media studio, communal spaces and a flexible event space.

Martin said: “I’ve done a lot of work for that project which has also involved

COP26 SPECIAL

HARNESSING WAVE POWER

The Ravenscraig house will be rebuilt at City of Glasgow College

“We had to reverse engineer quite a lot of the electric wiring, putting cables that were supplying switches inside cupboards within the house” with less than one tonne going to landfill. As well as facilitating sustainable living for occupants, the design of the house ensures maximum recycling in-use and reuse of construction products at the end of life.

However, the first Gold Standard Image: © On Site Generation

installing heat pumps. I was working on one of the farm buildings which is being converted into working units for tradespeople, such as blacksmiths, coopers and clockmakers, and there is a plan to team up with Stirling University, which offers rural skills courses, and for their students to come and study here with the professional crafts people.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of the team helping to renovate the site and also working with Johnny Bute as he has lots of projects across the island to help the local community through his Mount Stuart Trust. It was sad to learn of his death at only 62 this year in March.”

energy efficient homes to be built in Scotland encountered a hiccup early on when the developers discovered that the Welsh factory constructing the housing pods was using an English electrical contractor who had not read up on Scottish electrical regulations. Martin

Ecodan air source heat pump installed by Martin on Mull

Martin’s work has taken him all over Scotland and to install an innovative wave machine that was undergoing test trials off the coast of Mingary Castle on the Ardnamurchan Estate, near Lochaber on the west coast of the Highlands.

He explained: “This estate operated fish farms off the coast and fed the fish using an electrical powered ‘feed cannon’ that blew fish feed from a workboat directly into the fish pens. The trouble was this machine required a 120kW generator on a barge, so we looked at creating an array of the experimental 7kW wave devices being tested at the site to help generate the power required. We were able to create an array of seven wave devices, which gave us 49kW for our trials, but, unfortunately, the wave device manufacture went into liquidation and my involvement stopped, which was a shame as this technology has great potential.”

explained: “I was called in by Tigh Grian when they started receiving the pod units from Wales at the Alba site and discovered that the electrics were not compatible with Scottish regulations.

For instance, in the white box where the electric meter goes outside the house they had designed the solar switches and all of the television control boxes inside this unit, which Scottish Power would not be happy about.

“So before we could put the pods together we had to figure out a way of getting those controls into the inside of the house. We had to reverse engineer quite a lot of the electric wiring, putting cables that were supplying switches inside cupboards within the house.

“Unfortunately, a little later on, the company supplying the pods got into financial difficulty. Tigh Grian had to take delivery of a lot of pods that were not fully finished, so we had to complete a lot of the wiring before they could be Continued on page 34 >>>

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COP26 MEMBER PROFILE highlight the new technologies built into the house regarding energy saving as assembled on site. well as its zero carbon, environmental “That’s a lot of work as you have to sort and recycling credentials.” out the lighting and switches in addition The Ravenscraig house is a two-storey, to the positioning and integration of the three-bedroom family-sized home, made solar PV system, as well as setting up the of four pod units providing 136m2 in telephone, Cat 5 cables, plus floor space. The QUICK FACTS house alarm and smoke alarm accommodation is mainly systems and make sure they all open plan with a kitchen, work together before handing living and dining on the the house over.” ground floor connecting via a double height space to the Homes of the future gallery and home office space.

Although the pod estate at A stove, using a waste byAlba is now completed, Martin product formed into wood was involved in another pellets, provides space heating commission with Tigh Grian: and mechanical ventilation to help dismantle the original with heat recovery ensures Resource Efficient House sufficient air quality is Martin Wight show home that was based at maintained in the airtight Electrical Ravenscraig and help rebuild home. Water conservation it at Glasgow College, so the is also addressed with a BASED: energy efficient housing grey-water recovery system Dunfermline concept could be showcased and low water use appliances PHONE: in time for COP26, the and fittings installed.

07791 024711 international conference The house is unusual as it on climate change which is has two photovoltaic arrays; being hosted in Glasgow one of traditional PV panels from 31 October. and one a semi-transparent thin film PV Martin said: “The original site at sheeting, which covers the roof of the Ravenscraig has been sold for housing balcony area. This photovoltaic solar development and rather than demolish glass sheeting is a Building Integrated the pod building, Glasgow College Transparent Photovoltaic (BIPV) wanted to rehouse it at their site and product and provides a shaded area for >>> Continued from page 33

Martin, centre, working on solar panels at an EV car port in Dundee with On Site Generation

Images: © On Site Generation

sitting out in, drying laundry or growing plants while also contributing to the building’s electricity requirements.

Martin added: “The transparent panels above the balcony were quite revolutionary at the time; they were Thin-Fil Photovoltaic panels, not very powerful at 92watts per panel with a 1.5kW Sunny Boy inverter.”

NEW BATTERY TECHNOLOGY With a long experience of working in renewables, Martin knows that a great leap in the adoption of these energy systems will come when battery technology develops further.

He said: “Obviously, when the wind does not blow or the sun does not shine then wind and solar devices cannot generate electricity, so that’s why it’s important to store it when the conditions for generating electricity are optimum, and increased capacity batteries are the way forward.”

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That’s why he is excited to be getting involved with a Scottish manufacturer, On Site Generation – based at the Midlothian Innovation Centre in Roslin, near SELECT’s HQ – that is leading project to integrate a new battery storage solution to a new solar energy project in Dundee.

“One of the jobs we have in planning is to supply electrical contracting knowledge to help install 120kW of solar panels on the roof of a building to power a new 200kW battery pack to provide electricity

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

to the building. It’s one of the biggest battery storage systems we’ve been involved in.”

Martin said it’s an interesting project and, if he gets the go-ahead, it’s another opportunity to learn more about the expanding renewables sector. If he’s successful, he will go on a training course with the battery supplier to learn how to use the new technology.

The battery system manufacturer has developed an innovative and versatile energy storage system,

which uses lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP) battery modules and incorporates its own ‘intelligent hybrid inverter’ technology as well as battery management system control system in a scalable format in 2.5kWh increments up to a maximum of 200kWh. The LFP batteries have no cooling requirements, extremely low selfdischarge rates and are virtually incombustible due to the chemical stability of their iron phosphate cathode.

COP26 SPECIAL

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION Scotland has been a world-leader in wind power for generations. Professor James Blyth, a Scottish electrical engineer based at Anderson's College in Glasgow (now the University of Strathclyde), is credited with building the world’s first-known wind turbine in July 1887.

The 10-metre-high cloth-sailed device was installed in the garden of his holiday cottage in Marykirk, Kincardineshire – making it the first house to have its electricity supplied by wind power.

Blyth offered the surplus electricity to the people of Marykirk for lighting the main street, however, they turned down the offer as they thought electricity was ‘the work of the devil’.

In July 1995, the UK’s first gridconnected wind turbine started producing electricity at Costa Head in Orkney.

The roof panels were REC Peak Energy Series 245watt Photovoltaic panels with a 3kW Sunny Boy inverter, and Martin was involved in taking both types of solar panels off and making the DC wiring safe to allow the roof trusses to come off, as ‘unplugging’ all the other electrics ready for reconstruction at Glasgow College. Unfortunately, the project has been put on hold for now.

Ready for a challenge

However, Martin still has another commission with Tigh Grian as its other two houses at the BRE’s Innovation Park in Watford have been bought by a property developer in Burntisland, Fife, and these will need to be dismantled, transported and rebuilt in their new Scottish location soon. This project will be more of a challenge as one of the houses has a complete buildingintegrated photovoltaic roof.

Martin said: “This one is going to be tricky as, upon further investigation, we can’t remove in one go.”

Another interesting feature of these houses is the use of ‘fascia solar panels’: instead of placing panels on the roof, these are designed onto walls to catch the sun, and are colour matched with the render or fabric of the house so they

3.85kW solar panels installed on a property in Gullane

were not as noticeable. Martin added: “It’s funny, as the BRE site in Watford is also used as a film set and I’ve seen the Tigh Grian houses featured a couple of TV programmes, like the detective series Baptiste.”

Embracing change

Martin hopes that the Ravenscraig house will be rebuilt soon at Glasgow College as he’s got some ideas on how its energy efficiency and green credentials can be further enhanced through his experience of electrical work in the renewables sector.

He said: “I’d really like the company to consider reconfiguring the heating system and installing a heat pump, and to also look at incorporating battery storage to conserve energy when it’s not being used. The house is very innovative but it’s using 10-year old technology and I want to bring it up to date. I just feel if we are going to showcase something then I want it to be the best that it can be.”

Martin is fascinated by the fastmoving world of renewables and glad he took the plunge 10 years ago, and he’s still keen to keep on learning.

He added: “While each company’s different renewable systems have their own idiosyncrasies, at the end of the day it’s still the basic electronics that powers them, so there is nothing to be worried about.

“I would recommend everyone to try different things out, particularly in the renewables sector, because it is great when something new comes along.

I think that is one of the greatest aspects of our job; if you don’t embrace change you don’t learn, and if you don’t learn you grow old and get grumpy!”

“These panels are designed onto walls to catch the sun, and they are colour matched with the render or fabric of the house so they were not as noticeable as solar panels” CABLEtalk

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COP26 EUROPEON

By Julie Beaufils General Secretary, EuropeOn

T

he past nine months have been an extremely busy time for the green transition in Europe and, consequently for EuropeOn and its members, including SELECT. Indeed, the EU has decided to completely revamp its climate and energy legislative framework this year, following the adoption of new and more ambitious climate targets. After enshrining the objective of net zero by 2050 in EU law, European policymakers have agreed to cut emissions by 55% by 2030.

The so-called “Fit for 55 Package” was presented this summer and is the legislative translation of the EU Green Deal which was central to President Ursula Von der Leyen’s campaign programme back in autumn 2019.

A unique opportunity

It will undoubtedly be much discussed

by EU policymakers during the COP26 in Glasgow, where the EU hopes to convince more countries to follow its footsteps. Aiming to achieve the 55% emissions cut before 2030, the package reshuffles legislation such as the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directives and introduces new legislation.

It is thus no wonder that the Fit for 55 Package should be of interest to electrical contractors. Our sector can pride itself on its 1.8 million 36

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The view from Europe 2021 has been a landmark year for both the green transition agenda and electrical contractors across Europe. So with COP26 looming, how do our counterparts on the continent view the renewables revolution? And what new initiatives are being introduced across the water that might one day affect us all? professionals who actively implement the energy transition, by electrifying new end-uses while installing and integrating renewable energy technologies in buildings, infrastructure and transport.

The European electrical contracting sector is well aware that the Fit for 55

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Package is a unique opportunity to ensure a successful energy transition while making the Green Deal the EU’s “growth strategy”, in Ms Von der Leyen’s own words.

This new package of laws will be instrumental in promoting renewable energy and ensuring that renewables are used in the most efficient way possible. In this regard, we at EuropeOn have always been convinced that renewable electricity has the most to offer in this time of change.

This belief has been reinforced by the recent strides in the power sector across Europe. In 2020, grid electricity became greener than ever as renewables overtook fossils in power generation for the first time. This now gives us a clearer view on the best

COP26 SPECIAL The energy sector is huge and will require hundreds of thousands of workers

way forward to decarbonise major sectors of our economy. Electrification has now emerged as the most energy efficient and cost-effective strategy to bring emissions to zero in many sectors.

A case in point would be the road transport segment. The previous raft of EU climate and energy measures, adopted in 2018, still left the door open to various technologies and so-called alternative fuels to meet sectoral emission targets. This included compressed or liquefied gas, as well as ‘blue’ or ‘grey’ hydrogen (made by ‘reforming’ natural gas), which only offer marginal emission reductions.

The changing landscape

In 2021, the picture has very much changed. Electric vehicles (EVs) have advanced drastically to become cheaper and much more efficient than any alternative. More importantly, unlike the initial perception, EVs will actually become a climate and energy resource by providing additional storage solutions to renewable electricity producers, whether the latter are

“Electrical contractors have a key role in ‘switching on’ the energy transition but will there be sufficient numbers?” households or utilities. The same goes for heating. While we understand that switching from gas boilers to electric heat pumps may require more structural investments to existing buildings, their efficiency and potential for further integration of variable renewable electricity sources, makes them a compelling choice to reduce emissions from this ‘hard to decarbonize’ sector.

Yes, electrical contractors have a key role to play to “switch on” the energy transition, but will they rise to the call of duty in sufficient numbers? As previously outlined in CABLEtalk, EuropeOn released a new report in July, estimating the job potential of electric renovations and prosumer installations by 2030. As expected by

anyone working in the sector, the job potential is tremendous, with hundreds of thousands of jobs. However, will we be able to attract the required candidates and train them with up-todate skills? These are critical challenges that EuropeOn is striving to bring to the EU debate on the Fit for 55 Package.

EuropeOn has already been active on recently proposed measures specifically aimed at scaling up renewables, energy efficiency and EV charging stations. But there is more to come in 2021. Indeed, the Commission intends to present on 14 December further revisions of the Energy performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and of the Third Continued on page 38 >>>

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37

COP26 EUROPEON >>> Continued from page 37

Energy Package for Gas. EPBD regulates crucial aspects of electrical contractors’ activity, especially when it comes to (deep) renovations, energy management, smart buildings and integrating electro-mobility in the built environment.

This is why EuropeOn is currently fine-tuning the last details of its position on EPBD. It will underline electrical contractors’ priorities such as: ● investing in the modernisation and safety of electrical systems in buildings ● making buildings ready for the e-mobility surge ● mainstreaming Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) in buildings and facilitating data access, and ● reshaping the Primary Energy Factor to remove inconsistencies and improve energy performance of buildings.

The EPBD will be key to increase the production and consumption of renewable energy and achieve climate neutrality. Accounting for about 36% of GHG emission across the EU, buildings need to be addressed. While we face an uphill battle – buildings are not replaced as often as cars – we cannot overlook the contribution of this sector to our impact on climate. Additionally, we have seen that power prices across Europe are reaching new heights, leading ‘climate-

COP26 SPECIAL

“Three out of the four key means highlighted by the UK presidency to achieve these targets are directly relevant to electrical contractors’ expertise” sceptics’ to question governmental plans for net zero, even though these increases are linked to increases in fossil gas prices. Nonetheless, this could still reinforce the case for buildings to become more energy-resilient by producing more of their own power.

Solar solutions

About 90% of European roofs are unused, which needs to change if we are to reach net zero. Authorities in Berlin have decided to lead the way in this regard as solar PV will become mandatory on new and renovated buildings. As the price of solar panels has dropped by over 95% since 2000, EuropeOn has been calling for solar PV to become the norm in building codes and regulations across Europe.

EuropeOn is highly invested in making our electric dream a reality and we are already joining forces with the Electrification Alliance, under

The cost of solar panels has fallen in the past 20 years

the #ElectrifyNow campaign, to demonstrate the benefits of electrification. In particular, we will be vocal during the EU Sustainable Energy Week on 25-29 October – the Commission’s annual energy event in Europe – and at a special event expected on 17 November.

Climate neutrality debates are not limited to the EU of course.

From 31 October to 12 November, the UK will host COP26 in Glasgow, to discuss how countries around the world can secure net zero by 2050 and keep global warming below +1.5Co. Three out of the four key means highlighted by the UK presidency to achieve these targets are directly relevant to electrical contractors’ expertise – accelerating the phase-out of coal, speeding up the switch to EVs and encouraging investment in renewables.

EuropeOn will continue to provide more ‘food for thought’ on the next generation of renewables – with SELECT and its Members continuing to play a key role in all our futures.

A TEAM EFFORT EuropeOn is the European electrical contractors’ association, of which SELECT is a member. Comprised of associations from 12 European countries, its overall objectives are to exchange best practice and strengthen electrical contractors’ profile across Europe. Find out more at europe-on.org 38

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COP26 INNOVATION

COP26 SPECIAL

Maintain the momentum Innovation will be crucial for the transformation to zero carbon – so it’s vital that the momentum of cutting-edge thinking continues after the COP26 circus leaves Scotland Industrial-scale KUKA KR Quantec robotic arm at CSIC’s robotic cell

47%

By Stephen Good CEO, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre

S

ustainability is fast becoming the defining theme in public discourse, and the arrival of COP26 in Glasgow is only helping to elevate its importance within governmental policy agendas. In a few short weeks, we will have the eyes of the world looking at what Scotland is doing to tackle climate change.

What’s most important, however, is the momentum for change that COP26 will create – and the legacy that it will leave behind. November’s event is going to be one of the most high-profile global summits we have ever seen on our doorstep, but for most industries and

organisations, the real challenge lies in sustaining that momentum. We must look beyond COP26 and treat it as a starting point for a longer-term journey to reaching zero carbon.

COP26 matters for the construction sector

The built environment is responsible for as much as 47% of UK carbon emissions

The built environment is responsible for as much as 47% of UK carbon emissions and, therefore, the sector has a major role to play in reducing the impact of climate change. For construction companies, COP26 is an opportunity to showcase what is already being done and also what’s possible, with skills, expertise, innovative techniques, and sustainable materials that could be

integral to the future of the sector.

Working together, we have to raise awareness and increase the adoption of zero carbon alternatives, and it is incumbent on us all to strive for a more sustainable future. There are cuttingedge developments emerging all over the construction industry with smart buildings becoming the norm. From Continued on page 40 >>>

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39

COP26 INNOVATION >>> Continued from page 39

sensor-led heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to intelligent monitoring tools and even the requirement for electric vehicle charging points, there are a range of electrical innovations becoming more mainstream.

Recognising the opportunity

To accelerate transformation, we need a step change in culture. Those in leadership roles must recognise that innovation and change can be a business opportunity rather than a challenge, and the more that people adopt and invest in new techniques and materials the lesser the risk involved.

That said, we also cannot ignore the fact that our sector is largely made up of SMEs. So alternatives need to be accessible, understandable, and affordable with greater emphasis on knowledge sharing, best practice guides and creating resources to support a sector-wide transition.

The first two-storey modular home manufactured from Scottish mass timber

Transitioning to low carbon

Decarbonisation is one of the biggest factors we must contend with in Scotland, in terms of both new and existing buildings. There will need to be a significant cultural shift to embrace new technology and heating systems. Energy from renewable sources is one part of that, with a growing demand for wind, wave, and solar power both

A member of Team ESTEEM using the UK’s only vacuum press of its kind at the CISC 40

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278k

homes currently use a renewable or low emissions heating system on a national scale and within individual homes or communities.

Of Scotland’s 2.45 million homes, only around 278,000 currently use a renewable or low emissions heating system. To that end, we are also likely to see more households utilising heat pumps and heat recovery networks, for instance.

With that will come an additional need for skills and associated supply chains. However, on the other hand, we also need to think about building efficiency in its entirety – alternatives can only go so far if a building is losing heat through gaps or cracks.

CSIC is currently supporting team ESTEEM – a group of students participating in the Solar Decathlon Middle East – to build an innovative house of the future powered exclusively with solar

energy. Powered by photovoltaic panels, the house also showcases a range of new technologies including AI integration and intelligent cooling solutions.

Future-proofing the workforce

While there are endless opportunities for innovation and new ways of working, the transition to zero carbon will ultimately be underpinned by the strength of our skills and talent.

At the moment, the construction sector is crying out for experts who can be at the forefront of new sustainable building design and retrofit projects.

A recent report by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) suggested around 22,500 new roles will need to be created by 2028 to achieve the Scottish Government’s carbon targets, reflecting

COP26 SPECIAL the growing demand for new green skills and increased innovation.

As a sector, we are used to sticking to one trade or specialism, but perhaps moving forward we need to place more emphasis on what we call ‘meta skills’ – focusing on developing adaptability, collaboration, communication and critical thinking among others. With greater emphasis on this type of learning, we can support the development of a future workforce ready to embrace change and champion innovation across any of the key disciplines in the sector.

Digital transformation

New technology is another important piece of the puzzle, and a major disruptor for the industry to wrap our heads around that could support the transition to zero carbon, as well as boosting productivity and efficiency.

There are an infinite number of opportunities that technology could unlock for the construction sector, whether that be in the design stage, to aid construction, or in terms of smart technology embedded into a building.

22,500

Nothing changes if nothing changes

new roles will need to be created by 2028 to achieve carbon targets Strong connectivity will be critical in laying the foundations for greater use of all types of digital tools and technology, from AI and robotics to intelligent building management systems. The roll-out of 5G could provide a muchneeded boost in that respect, transforming accessibility on building sites and enabling the use of data and digital tools.

Recently CSIC was involved in a project to explore remote inspections of construction sites, comparing the efficiency and quality as part of a range of trials for the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division. In this case, the focus was also on integrating accessible and cost-effective options such as smart phones and tablets, rather than using VR

headsets or similar complex hardware.

At the opposite end of the scale, 5G could see sites adopting the use of autonomous vehicles or holographic building visualisation tools, as well as a range of real-time monitoring capabilities that remove the need for site managers and building control officers to be present on site – saving on emissions from travel, among other benefits.

This saying couldn’t be more relevant for the construction sector and our approach to zero carbon. To reach the Scottish Government’s carbon targets, we need a collaborative approach to adopting alternatives.

The sector has a real opportunity to do things differently and pave the way for a more sustainable built environment for the benefit of everyone in Scotland.

To find out more about CSIC and how it can help your business on its innovation journey, please visit cs-ic. org or email info@cs-ic.org

Virtual reality tech at the CISC

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41

COP26 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Busting the myths

Not everyone sees the benefits of being more energy efficient – and that often comes down to not being fully informed. Certain scare stories persist about energy use, so the experts at Zero Waste Scotland are here with some facts to pass on to clients and colleagues…

Myth: PV panels are no good in winter and shouldn’t be used in Scotland.

This is a cracking one to start with and definitely one of the most frequent myths. Well, newsflash, did you know that Iceland uses solar power, despite having barely 30 minutes of sun a day in December? Even on Scotland’s worst days, we enjoy more sun than that. As long as your panels aren’t covered in snow, you’ll produce power all year round.

Myth: The light from LEDs isn’t as good as a ‘normal’ lamp.

This comment is usually followed by ‘… and they’re too expensive’. What is true is that LEDs are more expensive than a traditional 100w bulb. But – and it’s a big but – they can last up to 20 years in 42

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certain conditions. So pound for pound they’re cheaper. But what about the quality of the light? It’s fair to say the early LEDs didn’t provide the ‘right’ sort of light, but technology is always evolving and so many businesses are now making the switch, because it’s an easy win when it comes to being more energy efficient.

Myth: Turning lights on and off uses more electricity than leaving them on.

This is a myth that has been doing the rounds for years and it’s no more true now than it was then. If you’re leaving a room, get into the habit of turning the light off. Turning the light back on when you return will use less electricity than leaving the light on while you’ve been out of the room.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

COP26 WEBINAR Zero Waste Scotland is hosting a COP26 webinar on 20 October at 12 noon, advising how to motivate your workplace to save energy.

Find out more and book your place at bit.ly/ZWS-WEB1

COP26 SPECIAL

Myth: Most heat escapes through windows.

Surprisingly, this isn’t the case. But a lot of people believe this to be true. In fact, the majority of the heat disappearing from your premises is escaping through the walls, and any gaps around your windows and doors. A high proportion will also escape through your roof. Your windows account for around 10% of heat loss. It’s why insulation is so important.

Myth: Using a screensaver on your computer saves energy when you’re not around.

Screensavers were one of the first fun things to personalise when you bought a new computer. But a lot of us now realise that keeping the screen on and having a fancy animation actually wastes energy. Go to your computer settings and investigate the power-saving options. You can customise them to help save energy when you’re not using the device.

Myth: Phone and laptop chargers don’t use energy when plugged in if they’re not connected to a device.

Guess what? That’s not true. They do. And just consider how many chargers you have at your place of work – phones, laptops, even cordless power tools. It all adds up. It’s good practice to switch everything off when not in use and also helps extend the life of the chargers themselves.

Myth: Turning up the thermostat heats a room quicker.

If you’re getting the hang of this, you’ll know that’s not true. Say

you like to have your office at 20oC. You’ve just started work on a cold day, so you turn on the heating and crank it up to 25o to heat the room quicker.

What will happen is it will take the same length of time as it would do normally to reach 20o, but when it reaches 20o it will continue to raise the temperature up to 25o. So, essentially, you’ve achieved nothing other than using unnecessary energy to heat the room warmer than you want it. In a case like this, it’s best to install a programmable thermostat or go ‘smart’ and have a system you can operate from your phone.

Myth: Air source heat pumps don’t work in cold weather.

They can and do. Heat pumps can produce heat when the temperature outside is well below freezing, providing heating and hot water all year round. They also supply more heating and cooling capacity than the amount of electricity that’s needed to run them. Indeed, when compared with traditional oil, electricity or liquid gas, heat pumps are a good choice for businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. They are also a safer alternative when compared to combustion heating systems, have a good lifespan of around 15 years, and are also relatively low maintenance.

Zero Waste Scotland is a not-for-profit environmental organisation, funded by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund. Find out more at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

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COP26 THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Making a real change

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

CONSTRUCTION

The ‘circular economy’ is a phrase that’s currently doing the rounds in conversations about greener working methods. But what is it exactly? How does it work? And how can it be put into practice by the construction industry? Our friends at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce are here with the answers…

A

circular economy is one which focuses on continuously using products and materials, with businesses, industry and consumers working together to make things last.

Through design and manufacturing – as well as remanufacturing, refurbishing, leasing and providing products and materials as a service – businesses maintain and maximise their value.

The benefits are many, including: ● Improving resilience by reducing the risk to changes in the supply and the price of resources ● Reducing spend by using fewer resources and materials ● Generating business by 44

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

developing and creating new income streams ● Increasing customer loyalty by developing new services that enhance customer relationships ● Reducing waste by continuously

● Use sustainable materials where possible, i.e. local, natural, low-carbon and recyclable ● Use waste management planning tools to help reduce waste and costs ● Encourage clients and designers to embed circular principles at the planning stages ● Use pre-used materials and recycled demolition waste on site wherever possible ● Engage the whole supply chain in the design process to maximise circular economy opportunities

using resources and materials instead of sending for disposal.

With the increasing pressures on finite materials, a circular economy provides an alternative to our current ‘take-make-dispose’ approach.

WEBSITE OFFERS SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT As well as offering advice on the circular economy, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has launched a Net Zero Edinburgh website to support businesses, residents and visitors in the run up to COP26.

Created in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, the site offers a central point for information on: ● Edinburgh’s net zero ambitions ● Work the city is doing to meet its target of net zero by 2030

● The latest news, blogs and opinion articles on COP26 and all things sustainability ● A page showcasing sustainability-focused events taking place across the city.

Visit the site at www. netzeroedinburgh.org

COP26 SPECIAL

IN ACTION: HOW DIFFERENT AREAS CAN CONTRIBUTE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

IT

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

● Source reused or refurbished goods such as IT equipment, furniture etc. instead of buying new ● Introduce circular economy training for staff to ensure everyone is on board ● Engage with suppliers to explore circular economy opportunities such as leasing, repair service, reusable packaging etc ● Work with caterers to reduce food waste and partner with organisations to take unavoidable leftover food from facilities ● Move to a paperless office to prevent and reduce paper waste

● Donate any unused or old IT equipment to be repurposed ● Lease IT equipment for your business ● Refurbish faulty/old IT equipment to extend usage ● Work with local supply chains to create a sharing economy ● Introduce a leasing scheme to replace/ complement product sales

● Lease office furniture, lighting and/or IT equipment ● Move to a paperless office to reduce paper use ● Use virtual software for meetings to reduce staff travel ● Encourage the use of reusable cups by removing plastic cups at water coolers ● Partner with organisations to donate any faulty/old equipment reuse or refurbishment

“It looks to sustainability, where everything has value and very little is wasted” Instead, it looks to keep the flow of materials and products within the economy for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use.

This approach develops new business models, designs products more smartly, remanufactures and reprocesses

new business models, collaboration and by identifying and developing sustainable opportunities for innovation and increased profitability.

This helps improve competitive advantage, while addressing the issue of resource efficiency.

On this page, we’ve provided some examples of how businesses can start the ball rolling and take the first steps to contributing to the circular economy.

COP26 SUMMIT Edinburgh Chamber is hosting a two-day COP26 Edinburgh Summit on 3 and 4 November, featuring a range of local and international speakers who will share their insights and stories on their transition to net zero. Find out more and register at bit.ly/CE-WEBINAR

materials to create new products from old and repairs what we can – in other words it looks to sustainability, where everything has value and very little is wasted.

Businesses are already capitalising on the benefits of being circular, through

To find out more, visit www. edinburghchamber.co.uk/ circular-edinburgh or email circulareconomy@ edinburghchamber.co.uk

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TRAINING COURSES UPDATE

The perfect blend

Blended learning remains popular as SELECT continues to deliver training online and in person at The Walled Garden

By Jenny Cryans Training Manager

O

ur phased return to classroom-based sessions at The Walled Garden is now in full swing, with an increasing number of delegates joining us for in-person modules.

It’s been great to see so many familiar faces back at SELECT HQ – behind face masks, of course! Feedback continues to be excellent and we are endeavouring to help everyone feel safe with reduced class sizes and a continued focus on health and safety measures.

Since the start of the year, SELECT has delivered 167 virtual and in-person training courses, updating and refreshing the skills of 1,237 delegates.

Our Initial Verification Course (209) continues to be popular, with the majority being delivered virtually, followed by a practical two-hour session at The Walled Garden on the second day.

Our Periodic Inspection course (214) is another session that is now in full swing, with one day delivered virtually and the other a full day in our Training Centre.

The Training Centre itself is also closed off to keep footfall to a minimum,

with temperature checks and plenty of hand sanitiser and wipes provided to ensure that delegates and tutors feel safe throughout their visit. The mix of virtual and in-person courses continues to be well received – and it seems blended learning is the preferred option in ‘the new normal’ we are now all embracing.

Further details on available courses can be found at www.select.org.uk/training, by calling SELECT Training on 0131 445 5577 or by e-mailing training@select.org.uk

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UPCOMING SELECT COURSES BS 7671 TRAINING

DURATION

VENUE

1 & 1/2 days

Online (Day 1) & 19 & 20 Edinburgh (Day 2)

1 & 1/2 days

Online (Day 1) & Glasgow (Day 2)

16 & 17

1 day

Edinburgh

2, 17

2 days

Online (Day 1) & 26&27 Edinburgh (Day 2)

2 days

Edinburgh

218 Requirements for Electrical Installations

1 day

Online

21, 27

1, 9, 18, 22

HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING

DURATION

VENUE

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

209 Initial Verification

214 Inspection & Testing (including periodic inspections)

OCTOBER

23 & 24

Edinburgh

11

Glasgow

17

101 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

1 day

102 ECS Health, Safety & Environmental

1 day

Online

26

217 Safe Isolation

1/2 day

Online

20

221 Emergency Lighting

1 day

Online

21

222 The Electrotechnical Site Safety Assessment (TESSA)

1 day

Online

19, 28

10014 SSSTS

2 days

Glasgow

Manual Handling

NOVEMBER

11, 24

3, 8, 15, 23 1&2

Edinburgh

Call for dates

Call for dates

Glasgow

Call for dates

Call for dates

1/2 day

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APPRENTICES TALENT OF TOMORROW

Robbie has got the right approach We talk to an apprentice electrician who knows what it takes to succeed and is determined to work hard and continue to learn as his career develops

By Stephanie Koetsier Why did you want to become an electrician?

A few of my cousins are electricians, as is my dad, so that motivated me to get into the electrical industry. It helps, because if you don’t know something during the day, you can always take it home and get a hand off your family!

Was it difficult to get an apprenticeship?

I got mine through my school and I did day release, so every Thursday I got the day off school to work for John Noble. I did that for around three months and then my boss, Alastair Noble, said they were happy with how I was doing and offered me an apprenticeship which I started in January. Although I live in Edinburgh, I decided to train at Borders College after visiting with my employer.

How have you found it?

It’s a good apprenticeship. The 48

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variation of work is really good, you get a little bit of everything, and I get on really well with the boys.

Was the college training what you expected? What do you enjoy the most and is anything challenging?

In the first year of college it was all practical stuff which I grasped really well and enjoyed. The second year was a lot more theory which I don’t enjoy as much because I’m more hands-on.

It’s just one of those things you’ve got to do. We all got our own booths and every week you’d go in and it would be

a different kind of wiring system you were going on to, such as cable containment, plastic containment and other different things. Throughout the year you’d add to this booth and then at the end of the year you got to look back and watch it all come together.

It’s quite decent watching it all come back together in the end.

How about on site?

I took to on-site work quite quickly, but sometimes it’s quite hard at the start and frustrating not knowing. You just want to be able to do everything and help out as much as you can, but sometimes obviously you can’t help with some of the jobs and you just need to take a step back and watch.

Overall, being on site is good. It’s easier to learn on site and you’re doing the job that you’re going to be doing

“The variation of work is really good, you get a little bit of everything and I get on with the boys really well which makes life a lot easier”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

NAME: Robbie Neave AGE: 19 POSITION: Going into third stage of apprenticeship WORKS: John Noble Electrical, Bonnyrigg STUDIES: Borders College, Galashiels HOBBIES: Playing football and socialising with friends

are brand new! I think the lecturer Dale Clancy really helped me a lot.

What does the future hold?

I’m not too sure, to be honest.

Hopefully just see my time out and take it from there – hopefully while working at John Noble. I’m just taking the year as it comes and seeing what happens. There’s a lot you can do once you get your grade card because it’s such a big industry.

One day, it would be good to own my own company but I think that’s a long time away. But for now, after I finish my time, I will hopefully continue to work for John Noble and gain more experience.

Robbie enjoys the hands-on element of the job and also likes working with a team

every day so really there is no better place to learn than there.

Has there been anything about the job that’s surprised you?

Not really to be honest. When I was younger and on my summer holidays I used to go out with my dad’s boys and help them. So when I was going out onto the site it was quite easy to adapt. I think I’ve always known I wasn’t fit for the office, I was always going to be more hands-on.

How helpful have the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and your training officers been during your journey?

My training officer, Stuart Jack, is brilliant with all the boys and he’s always there to help you – he’s just a text away. We’ve got an ePortfolio that you do with your training officers and it’s just answering questions throughout the year, so when he comes down to the college he helps. At the college, the lecturers

Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeships or this career path?

I think nowadays it’s quite hard to get an apprenticeship so if you’ve got one, make sure you show up on time and make sure you’re showing your bosses that you’re willing to work.

I think a lot of people take apprenticeships for granted and don’t turn up on time or take the Mick a little bit, and it’s not until they get let go that they realise what they could have had in the future after their apprenticeship. There’s always going to be a need for electricians and joiners, and the trades are always kept pretty busy.

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Covid + Brexit = Shortages! How to protect yourself

By Rebecca Barrass Associate We’ve all seen the news, whether it be labour, construction materials, or your favourite fast food retailer’s ice cream, everyone is suffering from shortages and price hikes.

Shortages are of particular concern in the construction industry. Having already faced the challenges of enforced shutdowns during lockdown, contractors are now facing a series of material and labour shortages, with the price of raw building materials hitting a record high, causing delays to projects and difficult conversations when it comes to final account discussions.

So how should small and medium contractors weather the storm?

Re-visit standard terms and contracts Use the opportunity to look at your contractual terms and try to include terms which could provide some protection from future issues brought about by Covid-19, Brexit, or similar global event.

One such protection would be to include a force majeure clause. A force majeure clause can relieve a party from all or part of its obligations due to events 50

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beyond its control. For example, events caused by a pandemic or epidemic!

A ‘change in law’ clause could also be useful. Under these, contractors would be seeking relief in circumstances where a change to the law has resulted in delays or additional costs. At a more fundamental level, check your variation clauses. Are the events covered by variation adequate?

And finally, under what circumstances can you terminate your contract?

Good housekeeping Keep good records and site diaries. Should you end up in dispute, contemporaneous records will be vital in evidencing your entitlement, whether to additional payment or more time.

Client relationship management Collaboration and communication between clients, contractors, and their supply chains is more crucial than ever in trying to alleviate the pressure faced by the industry. ● For more advice, contact Rebecca Barrass on 0141 303 1164 or email rebecca. barrass@macroberts.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPRENTICES GET INTO ELECTRICAL

Worth SECTT resumed its successful Get Into Electrical Installation programme this year, culminating in an emotional celebration event at West College Scotland

By Barrie McKay Training & Development Manager, SECTT

D

ue to COVID issues, most colleges are faced with running catch-up classes to complete the apprentices

stage of apprenticeship after the summer. This has led to only one course being run in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, thanks to funding support from SELECT via the Electrical Engineering Training Foundation (EETF).

The Get Into Electrical Installation programme is an intense taster course that allows candidates to make an informed choice about becoming an electrician. It’s a very successful route into the SJIB’s Apprentice Training Programme and the first step towards gaining full-time employment.

Applicants were preselected by the Prince’s Trust and invited to a taster day at West College Scotland, Paisley Campus, which involved practical skills and team Continued on page 52 >>>

“The programme is an intense taster course that allows candidates to make an informed choice about becoming an electrician”

INSTALLATION

waiting for!

Craig Wilson of the Prince’s Trust

WCS Paisley’s David Walker addresses the audience at the end of course event

d Craig Wilson Sean Mack an

David Walker praised everyone’s hard work

Callum Farmer

Tahsin Ebrahimi

Omer Tahir CABLEtalk

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APPRENTICES GET INTO ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION >>> Continued from page 50

building, with the enthusiasm and determination clear to see.

Seven candidates were then given an introduction to electrical skills on the six-week course. They spent four weeks at college – with most of that time in the workshop – and were all given maths tuition before sitting the SECTT pre-employment assessment.

The fifth week then saw them take up a work placement sourced by SECTT, with this being the very first taste of “work” for some candidates.

From day one, I always stress to all the candidates that employers are looking for those who turn up on time, don’t take time off and show the right attitude – the rest we can teach them.

For some, this is the first time that they have been able to commit to a course and just turning up at college every day is an achievement. The college lecturers are also excellent and give the candidates tremendous support.

The candidates spent the final week of the programme writing up their CVs before the course culminated in a celebration event on 12 August, attended by proud family members.

The candidates were all encouraged to say something during the uplifting – and often very emotional – event before they were presented with certificates and a screwdriver set from the college.

Some successful outcomes saw interviews arranged for the class, with two candidates being offered a job with Advanced M&E Ltd in Paisley. Another is now a labourer at FES Ltd in Stirling until next year’s intake and three are doing the Pre-Apprentice Course in Electrical Installation at West College Scotland, Clydebank Campus.

The other candidate was put in contact with an employer looking for someone with the qualifications he had, such as HNC and HND in electrical engineering.

So all are moving into hopefully successful routes into the industry.

Well done to all and I’d like to say a special thanks to David Walker, lecturers Sean McCartney and Ricky Crawford, classroom assistants Louise Adair, John Lomax and Glenn Baillie at West College Scotland and of course our own SECTT Training Officer, Frankie Greig.

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The college’s David Walker speaks at the celebration event

Marc Smilie

Daniel Pristaw of the Prince’s Trust

Adam O’Donnell

Callum Farmer

The candidates were all presented with certificates and a screwdriver set

FOCUS FLEXIBLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND

By Saffron Grant Training Consultant, Digital Construction Skills

A

s it currently stands, every construction company in Scotland is entitled to either £5,000 or £15,000 to spend on training of their choice, thanks to the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF).

This versatile and easily accessible fund can help you identify and achieve your digital enablement goals and aspirations, and is available regardless of whether you’re registered with, or receiving funding from, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

It can be used for any kind of training, coaching, or professional development, one-to-one training, standard courses or designed bespoke for your company including: ● Digital leadership coaching ● Training to help you identify the

Facts about funding

When it comes to securing financial help for training, finding the right solution can often seem like a maze – so our expert is here to explain exactly what kind of assistance your business is entitled to via the Flexible Workforce Development Fund best digital tools for your business ● Training on the legal and contractual aspects of digital construction ● Product training on any digital tools you’re rolling out ● Upskilling/reskilling employees with digital skills e.g. coding, systems integration or data analytics.

“Training is essential to ensure we achieve the skills and digital transformation needs for an electric future that meets our climate change agenda” 54

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

The funding is £15,000 if your wage bill is more than £3 million and you pay the Scottish Apprenticeship Levy, or £5,000 for any other size of business, including sole traders.

The terms of the funding have evolved and become much more flexible since the funding first started a few years ago. If you explored this funding in the past and found that it was quite limited, then it’s probably worth reviewing the new terms.

Unfortunately, not many businesses know about this help – and those that do are often bamboozled by the thought of the many hoops they’ll need to jump through.

It’s a shame, as training is essential to ensure we achieve the skills and digital transformation needs for an electric future that meets our climate change agenda.

So what are some of the FAQs about the FWDF? I’m glad you asked…

Are only businesses with a wage bill of more than £3 million that are paying the Scottish Apprenticeship Levy entitled to FWDF funding?

No. Any business in Scotland, even a sole trader, can apply for funding of at least £5,000.

Can you only spend the funding on courses which your partner college offers?

No. Some colleges will sub-contract to other colleges or a private training provider if they can’t provide the training you require. However, the

total sum of funding includes VAT and a college admin fee of up to 1.3% which means 35% of the available funding is lost.

Can you only spend the funding on college courses and recognised qualifications?

No again! You can spend the funding on any training or development that can demonstrate improved productivity.

This includes qualifications at subdegree level, short duration courses, bespoke training and development programmes designed for your

FWDF: OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER If the college you’re partnered with can’t provide the training you need to help you optimise the impact of funding, you can change to a different college.

The level of detail required depends on the size of your company. The application process is very quick and simple and your partner college

will help you create a training plan, select the right training and complete the application.

The funding can be organised within a few weeks of the application.

You need to have a quite a clear idea of your needs at the time of applying. However, if some of the training is scheduled for later in the

year, and your training needs change, e.g. an employee leaves the company before the training they are due to complete, there is a mechanism for requesting a variation.

The funding is paid direct to the training provider, so you don’t need to outlay the costs and then claim them back.

company, one-to-one training or coaching, in-house training, e-learning or distance learning.

Can you only apply through participating colleges?

Once again – no. There is funding available for companies who would prefer to partner with a private training provider.

Does all the funding have to be used with a single college or training provider?

I think you know the answer here – no! Colleges can sub-contract to other training providers or colleges so the funding can be used for any number of different courses or programmes across any number of colleges or training providers.

To find out more and apply for funding from the FWDF, call Saffron Grant on 0845 519 5632 or email saffron@ digitalconstructionskills.com

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FOCUS RETENTION DEPOSIT SCHEME

Towards a fairer deal

Earlier this year, a short life working group set up by the Scottish Government recommended the introduction of a retention deposit scheme to combat payment abuse and help contractors receive vital funds. So how exactly would it work?

By Professor Rudi Klein Barrister and SELECT consultant

U

nder the current tenancy deposit scheme in Scotland, a landlord must deposit a tenant’s deposit in a scheme operated by approved bodies, or obtain insurance out of which a deposit can be repaid.

Like this arrangement, which enables tenants’ deposits to be kept secure,

a retention deposit scheme (RDS) would keep retention monies secure from poor and improper management of supply chain funds.

It would be operated as a digital platform, similar to online banking, so contractors can keep track of any retentions held inside it, and could be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

In the example given on this page,

Client enters into contract with main contractor 5% retention Client

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Retentions pot split pro-rata

Insurance premium

Insurance premium

Insurance

Client

RDS is withholding 5% retention from main contractor for defect protection on behalf of the client

20% of 5%-1% retention

Main Contractor

Main Contractor

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

4-PAGE RETENTIONS SPECIAL the client enters into a contract with the main contractor which requires a 5% retention. The client deducts 5% from progress payments and pays these deductions into the RDS. The client pays an insurance premium equivalent to 0.23% of the progress payment to the RDS whenever a progress payment is made to the main contractor.

Assuming the main contractor sub-contracts 80% of the project value, the RDS will automatically divide the retention pot on a pro-rata basis between all the contractors in the supply chain. This will allocate 20% of the 5% retention pot (1%) to the main contractor and leave the sub-contractors with the remaining 80% of 5% (4%). All contractors will be able to see that their share of the retention pot is secure at any time by accessing the RDS platform.

With just the client paying the whole retention into the RDS, there’s no need for other parties in the supply chain to deposit retentions. If additional retentions are withheld from the supply chain at a higher percentage than that applicable up the supply chain then this additional retention must be paid in too.

For example, if a client is withholding a 5% retention amount and the main contractor withholds a 7% retention amount from sub-contractors, then an extra 2% will be required to be paid into the RDS by the main contractor to be held for the benefit of the supply chain.

BENEFITS OF AN RDS ● Cost effective: The 0.23% insurance levy paid by the client includes the costs of operating the scheme. ● Rapid adjudication: Disputes are resolved quicker as they are automatically referred to adjudication within a defined period.

Separation of the cash is expected to lead to a fall in spurious claims. ● Monies are safe: Retentions are held in a ring-fenced account, so payments occur automatically without delay unless there is a dispute.

Whenever a payment into the RDS is not made in accordance with the contract, all parties are immediately advised and actioned according to the terms and conditions as agreed. All other payments are automated by the scheme or advised by the adjudicator.

If defects exist in the completed work at the point of insolvency, or there remains incomplete work, the RDS provides the client with access to the entire 5% project retention fund.

Where sub-contractors have wholly/ satisfactorily completed their work packages, full retention release is provided.

The 0.23% insurance ensures that the client’s full retention is protected, and the client also benefits from a stronger

between sub-contractors

● Improved funding access: Protected retentions will provide collateral to banks and others for lending purposes – the exact opposite of today, where retained retentions are assumed to hold no value.

and more efficient and less disruptive supply chain.

If alleged defects, or required remedial work, are disputed, the dispute must be referred to adjudication within a defined period, starting from the date on which that party objected to the release of monies. Disputed monies can be placed on hold and the adjudicator will then notify the RDS of their decision as to whom the whole or part of the retentions must be released.

Practical tips to recover retentions: Pages 58&59

Main contractor becomes insolvent

5% Insurance

Client

4% Insurance 1% Balance

the main contractor remaining retention in the RDS

Insurance

100% of the retentions paid (80% of the (5%-4%) retention

80% of 5%-4% retention

Sub-contractors

4% Insurance claim to RDS

Main Contractor

Sub-contractors

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FOCUS RETRIEVING RETENTIONS

By Len Bunton FRICS FCIArb, HON FRIAS Contract Expert

I

n his article on the previous pages, Professor Rudi Klein has explained the process involved in a retention deposit scheme and I now want to look at some practical issues in relation to the recovery of your retentions.

Retention has been a problem for the industry for more than 40 years and no progress has been made to address the position.

The main issue, certainly as far as the public sector is concerned, is twofold: ● Concerns relating to the insolvency of contractors and the public sector having no cash available to have defects rectified ● In many cases, rectification of defects remains outstanding and, for whatever reason, the contractor will not go back on site to carry out remedial works, meaning that the public sector body has to engage others to do so.

In my view the industry needs to address the question of quality on projects – or more accurately lack of quality – if it wants to put up a sustainable argument about the complete abolition of retention.

In most disputes I deal with, there are constant issues in relation to defective workmanship and this problem certainly needs to be addressed.

Firstly, the work on site should be carried out to the specified standards, and this needs to be regularly monitored by the site team. The 58

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Dealing with the problem Retentions are the oldest industry chestnut in town, so how do you recover what’s rightfully yours if something goes wrong ? And can subcontractors do anything to ensure that sums aren’t withheld in the first place ? As always, our experienced expert is here to help… industry needs to aim for a ‘defectsfree’ position at practical completion and we need to avoid the usual endless list of problems when the work is done.

In my view, two issues will emerge moving forward, with the first being that there is a strong possibility that employers/contractors will reduce sub-contractors’ valuations in respect of non-compliant workmanship.

Forms provided by the Scottish Building Contracts Committee (SBCC) refer to work being “properly executed” and in the event that it is not, the payment application will be reduced – something to be aware of.

I also believe that the public sector will start to consider a contractor’s record on quality during the tender process and will request that tenderers

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

provide ‘quality’ references from other public sector clients. This will mean that they identify their quality monitoring procedures during the construction phases and quality issues will be reviewed regularly during this time.

Here are a few other bullet points to consider that provide food for thought when it comes to retentions: ● It has been suggested to me by several clients that they will not tender for projects if there is a retention in place. ● Try to get agreement on reducing both the retention percentage and the retention periods. Retention should be released at the end of your subcontract period and the defects liability period should run from that

4-PAGE RETENTIONS SPECIAL

“In most disputes I deal with, there are constant issues in relation to defective workmanship and this needs to be addressed” date. It should not be based on the main contract’s practical completion dates. ● For example, if you are a steelwork contractor then it is ludicrous that your retention is reduced at practical completion of the main contract. ● Keep an accurate record of when your retention should be released.

Also keep a schedule up to date and record in a calendar as to when you should be chasing your retentions.

I find it incredible that so many contractors just do not collect retention when it is due to them. ● Deal with defects quickly and efficiently.

● Build it right first time round. ● If you are not getting paid retention when it is due, then use the Low-Cost Value Adjudication Scheme to get a quick result. This is provided by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and further information can be found in the video I made for SELECT TV – watch it at bit.ly/STV-LCA So now, the million-dollar question: Is it likely that the industry will see an end to the practice of retentions?

Alas, I honestly don’t think that this will happen in the near future. As I have stated above, the industry doesn’t help itself by producing shoddy and non-

compliant workmanship which gives the perfect excuse for Tier 1 contractors to hang on to cash.

In my opinion, the remedy rests with the supply chain to get it right and aim to gain a reputation as a ‘quality’ contractor – in every sense of the word.

Len appears in a number of exclusive Member-only videos on SELECT TV, giving advice on payments, problem clauses and other invaluable contract issues. To watch his advice films, got to bit.ly/SELECT-TV or log in to MY SELECT on the new SELECT website at www.select.org.uk

CONFLICT AVOIDANCE PLEDGE UPDATE I’m delighted that all the hard work in promoting the RICS Conflict Avoidance Pledge (CAP) is now paying off, with more than 260 organisations in the UK signing up.

In Scotland, the 60 signatories include SELECT, the CICV Forum, SNIPEF, CECA, SBF and FMB, with the Scottish Government also confirming its support for a more collaborative approach to the avoidance and

resolution of disputes.

CAP provides early intervention on project issues to avoid them escalating into disputes, with the RICS providing a CAP professional to meet with the contracting parties, identify the problem and find a solution. Such issues could include: ● Non-payment ● Is work a variation or not? ● What is the extent of a contractor’s

design portion? ● Is work design development or not? ● Is work defective or is the problem a design issue?

If you have issues like these on a current project then use CAP – it’s quick, cost effective and can unblock otherwise tricky problems.

I’m also encouraging SELECT Members to incorporate CAP into contracts and sub-contracts and to CABLEtalk

ensure that your supply chain has bought into the process.

The first step is to commit to the CAP, then the RICS will contact you and provide written information and support. For further details, please email me at len@ buntonconsulting.co.uk or contact gbeasley@rics.org

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Making light work of office space issues Ledvance has launched a new future-proof IoT light management system, making it easier than ever to produce the right lighting conditions for defined requirements. Vivares offers superb simplicity with compatibility to two technologies: a wireless option via Vivares Zigbee and a wired version using DALI-2 technology. The flexible system is particularly suited for office solutions, especially where rewiring and structural changes are not possible, as is often the case if a building is listed or does not have suspended ceilings.

Nelo Neves, Sales Director at Ledvance UK, said: “Lighting today has to do much more than simply switch on and off. Vivares enables new possibilities for our customers with sustainable, dynamic human-centric lighting and customisation. Major benefits for lighting professionals include simple and user-

friendly installation, operation and maintenance. The system is ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings.”

Based on the leading ZigBee 3.0 standard, Vivares adapts lighting to the most diverse requirements in the simplest possible way.

Integrating daylight and motion sensors further increases the energy savings that can be achieved, and cloud-based monitoring with Vivares Cloud Services ensures even greater reliability and security by generating maintenance and energy consumption reports. In addition, separation of lighting communication from Wi-Fi networks ensures maximum security.

There are no control cables for unrestricted luminaire placement and the wireless system is scalable for major projects. ● To find out more, visit www.ledvance.com

The new VIVARES portfolio from LEDVANCE offers new possibilities for modern light management in offices, with compatibility to two technologies: a wireless option via VIVARES Zigbee and a wired version using DALI-2 technology 60

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to the latest 1 CCTV RANGE FOCUSES ON SECURITY It is just three months since ESP relaunched its RekorHD 2MP CCTV range, which offers wholesalers and installers a collection of CCTV systems that come in a convenient kit form, with all the elements required to get a system up and running in one box. Now the company is ready to unveil the second phase of the product development programme which sees RekorHD expanded into a comprehensive analogue CCTV range.

Analogue CCTV remains a popular choice with installers and end users who are impressed with the image quality and functionality that the

RekorHD range provides. While the RekorHD kit format is providing a convenient solution for a wide range of CCTV applications, the new analogue CCTV additions will meet the increasing demand for a comprehensive analogue CCTV range. The expanded Rekor HD range offers an increased number of cameras. There is now a wider choice of camera lenses for different focal requirements, infrared coverage for night-time visibility and options for either a bullet or dome camera style.

For more information about the range, call 01527 515150, visit www.espuk.com or email sales@espuk.com

4 WORKING IN COMPLETE COMFORT Snickers Workwear is continuing to make great strides in work trousers design and functionality while still increasing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Sustainable fabrics, body-mapping designs and improved performance are key features in the all-new work trousers for men and women.

Wherever they’re working, whenever they’re

on task and whatever the weather, there’s a pair of trousers to suit.

There are new designs with unrivalled functionality in the AllRoundWork and FlexiWork ranges.

The four-way stretch features ensure maximum working mobility.

Call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, visit www.snickersworkwear. co.uk or email sales@ hultaforsgroup.co.uk

industry solutions 2 BRIGHT IDEAS GET EVEN BETTER Ovia has taken its popular Inceptor Omni fire-rated, tri-colour, dimmable downlight and made a number of significant improvements to enhance its overall performance.

First launched in 2017 as part of Ovia’s premium Inceptor product range, Inceptor Omni has proved a popular choice for installers thanks to the ease of installation and flexibility it offers. It incorporates Ovia’s award-winning Flameguard system technology and is I-joist rated for 30, 60 and 90 minutes.

Retaining all the qualities of the original version, the new Omni V2 now boasts a recess depth of just 53mm, thanks to the Flow integrated driver,

which means there is no need for an insulation bracket. Omni V2 is supplied with push-fit Flow connectors which feature push-in, low maintenance terminals to offer another time-saving benefit for installers. With the driver now incorporated into the Flow connector, this means that insulation can be laid over the fitting.

For further information, contact OVIA on 01827 300640, sales@oviauk.com or visit www.oviauk.com

5 AN IDEAL SCREW ADDITION

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has added Squarelock Woodscrews to its growing Q-Crimp range of fixings.

Ideal for hardwood, softwood, chipboard and fibreboards, the new Squarelock Woodscrews feature a square recess which allows for greater rotation and a more positive fastening than conventional cross and slotted screws. The shank of the screw grips the wood and reduces the change of splitting.

The fully hardened bright zinc plated steel screws are available in a variety of sizes to cover all requirements – from 8 x ¾” to 10 x 3”.

A Squarelock Woodscrew screwdriver bit is also available to assist with high torque screwdriving without the risk of breaking the tip or damaging the screw.

For further information contact Unicrimp on 01827 300600, sales@unicrimp.com or visit www.unicrimp.com

3 PART M RANGE GROWS WITH GRIDRPO

Scolmore continues to invest in new products and improvements to its extensive range of wiring accessories and has just announced new additions to its Part M range. The range of visually contrasting accessories that comply with current building regulations Part M, now includes GridPro frontplates and a shaver socket.

GridPro is a comprehensive range of frontplates and modules designed to offer installers flexibility. The new 6-24 gang,

anthracite grey Part M GridPro additions have been developed as a high quality, flexible and modern solution to assisted living wiring requirements.

A brochure with details of the full range of Part M products is available to view on the Scolmore Group website and can also be downloaded from the Scolmore Group app.

For more information, call 01827 63454, visit www.scolmore.com or email sales@scolmore.com

6 PROTECTED THANKS TO PROTEUS The Proteus range of 1 module Arc Fault Detection Devices combines the latest AFDD technology with the additional benefits of an RCBO. This retrofittable device protects against earth leakage, overload and short circuit, combined with arc fault detection, making this the ultimate circuit protective device.

Available in 6A to 40A rating, B and C curve with 30mA type A earth leakage filtering and Switched Neutral, this device detects series and parallel arc faults

on ring and radial circuits as well as those in equipment and leads. For further information, visit www. proteusswitchgear.com/ arc-fault-detection

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SHOWCASE YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS HERE

David Hughes: 07767 407 402 davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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DIARY SELECT TEAM

GETTING TO KNOW YOU Loraine Hutchison Membership Administrator

“Members value the knowledge that the association is here to assist them with anything they need”

Hello Loraine. How long have you been working at SELECT?

Do you get the chance to meet SELECT Members?

I’ve been with the association since July this year. At first, I was working as a temporary member of staff for the Membership and Communications Function after the previous Membership Administrator left. I then became a permanent member of staff six weeks later, in August.

Tell us a bit about your work life so far and how you ended up at The Walled Garden.

I worked in private banking for more than 30 years before taking the opportunity of redundancy in 2019.

For the last two years, I’ve been a lady of leisure while looking for further employment outside the banking industry. In June 2021, I was offered temporary employment with SELECT and took the opportunity gladly.

What does your job entail?

Tell us more about what you do.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and our current working patterns, I haven’t been able to meet Members face-to-face.

However, I do correspond daily with Members either by telephone or email and it’s been good to get to know them that way.

What do you think are the main benefits of SELECT membership?

Although I’ve only been here a short while, it’s clear that Members value the knowledge that the association is here to assist them with anything they need, helping them overcome the many challenges they may face, such as changes in legislation and getting paid on time. It’s good to see that we offer peace of mind to customers too, giving them the confidence that by using a SELECT contractor, their electrician is a competent and qualified professional who is up to speed with the latest regulations and guidelines.

As a Membership Administrator, I cover a variety of tasks. I mainly focus on assisting prospective new Members of SELECT with the application process.

I’ve also been involved in transferring and updating content from the existing SELECT website to the new site, and have also been dealing with any ad-hoc queries received from the Members.

What’s a typical day like for you at work?

During the day, I answer email and telephone enquiries about becoming a Member of SELECT. I have also been carrying out an annual project to help improve efficiency, telephoning Members to confirm that the contact details held by SELECT are all correct.

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What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

I’ve enjoyed learning about a sector which is brand new to me, as like most people, my knowledge of the electrotechnical world was limited. I enjoy seeing and dealing with the application process from start to finish and get a feeling of satisfaction once an application has reached its conclusion and I can tell someone they have full membership.

I also enjoy dealing with the wide variety of questions – every day’s a school day!

What impact has COVID-19, lockdown and working remotely had on your working day?

As I joined in the middle of COVID-19, training was a bit of challenge because it had to be done remotely. However, my colleagues have been outstanding and have given me their very valuable time to help train me up and answer any questions I have.

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS: Cheese or chocolate? Cheese Dog or cat person? Dog First car owned? Burnt orange Mini Favourite film? Walking on Sunshine Favourite TV show?

Strictly Come Dancing Favourite holiday spot? Florida Dream date? George Clooney Favourite colour? Pink One thing people might not know about you? When I was five years old I went to my first-ever concert: Andy Williams at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

WIN

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BONFIRE NIGHT WORDSEARCH A B C E D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q C R S T

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Here’s your chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers with our prize wordsearch about Bonfire night compiled

by SELECT Training Administrator Laurie Burns. Find the words, take a pic of your finished grid and email it to memberservices@select.org.uk by 19 November.

The winner will be drawn at random. T&Cs are online.

Congratulations to August/September winner Karen Haggarty from Arran Electrical & Refrigeration Ltd.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Barrels Bonfire Catherine wheel Conspirators Effigy Execution Explosives Fireworks Flames Gunpowder plot Guy Fawkes

• • • • • • • • • •

House of Lords London November Parliament Plotters Rockets Sparklers Toffee apples Traitors Trial

Keep up to date with Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, all SELECT meetings and events are subject to change. We will update Members with new information as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow our website www.select.org.uk Twitter @Updates_SELECT @Training_SELECT @Regulate_SELECT

Facebook SELECT.TheECAofS Instagram @SELECT_Trade_ Association

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

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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