CABLEtalk October/November 2017

October/November 2017 £4.50

Safe pair of hands

12-PAGE SPECIAL

Servest Arthur McKay does the double at SELECT Awards 2017

PAGES 21-33

15

Curtain goes up on new surge protection video

33

Bright future with the Prince’s Trust

CONTENTS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 NEWS

07

All the latest updates from SELECT and the wider industry

OPINION

05

FROM THE MD

13

Alan Wilson: The time for talking is over – we need to see action

Newell McGuiness discusses the arrival of electric vehicles

FEATURES

14

Kevin Griffin tells us all about his journey to becoming president

16 18 36

New technical video is aiming to bring a surge of interest in safety Business leader interview with SAL chief exec John Blackwood All aboard for Elgin as Central Board heads for the Highlands

TRAINING COVER STORY

21

Action and excitement from the SELECT Industry Awards 2017

38

Fiona Harper explains why FICA needs to be such a tough test

FOCUS

41 44 46

Len Bunton focuses on why it’s important to read the small print Rudi Klein gives some potential answers in the retention debate Elaine Ellis discuss the merits of new Foundation Apprenticeships

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

48 FEATURES

33

Proud day for candidates from Get Into Electrical Installation

Our handy guide to five new products hitting the shelves

DIARY

50 CABLEtalk

Vital dates, meet a SELECT staff member, plus our prize wordsearch OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

3

COMMENT

Electric vehicles are coming. The only question is: When?

I

t was the Greek philosopher Heraclitus who is quoted as saying: “Change is the only constant in life.” I wonder what he might say today if that was how he saw things more than 2,500 years ago?

There is, however, no doubt the pace of change continues to accelerate in all our lives. I was reflecting that it was only in the June edition of CABLEtalk that I was talking about the need for more storage of electricity and the place batteries might play. Since then, the Government has announced a £246 million investment in battery technology, as it aims to position the UK as a world leader in the sector.

The first phase of its investment will support the Faraday Challenge, a programme of competitions aiming to boost both the research and development of expertise in battery technology, mainly for electric vehicles.

At the same time, it seems clear that the electric vehicle revolution has gone up a gear with a number of other announcements. Among these are Volvo committing to electrifying all models by 2019, Tesla launching its new Model S car and the French government planning to ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040. In a separate initiative, The London Taxi Company has changed its name to The London EV

“Latest UK figures simply confirm that the public is warming to EVs, with sales increasing by well over 30% year on year”

Company and a new plug-in hybrid taxi began to roll off the production line on 1 August. Finally, while diesel engines will continue to be at the centre of the heavy truck market for the foreseeable future, many big players already have fully electric prototype trucks on trial.

So there really is only one direction of travel for the use of electrical vehicles and that is sharply upwards. Latest UK figures simply confirm that the public is warming to EVs, with sales increasing by well over 30% year on year.

But what are the likely implications for SELECT Members and the electrical industry generally?

Well, clearly there will be a bit more installation work for charging points, but there could well be much more work on infrastructure. The existing electricity networks are already under pressure and the strain will only increase as the growth in electricity demand rises rapidly on the back of the predicted number of plug-in cars, vans and trucks growing a hundred fold over the next 10 to 15 years.

SELECT Members will need to keep an eye on developing standards around these issues, not least the proposed requirements for improved safety of EV charging stations that the next amendment to BS 7671 might deliver.

SELECT Members will undoubtedly also need to consider their own approach to electric vehicles, especially those that operate mainly in an urban environment where economic or legislative pressures will increasingly encourage EV use.

Interesting, if rapidly changing, times!

By Newell McGuiness Managing Director, SELECT CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

5

EDITOR’S NOTE DEAR MEMBERS

CABLEtalk MANAGING EDITOR Alan Wilson alan.wilson@select.org.uk PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Demi Armstrong demi.armstrong@select.org.uk EDITOR Iain Mason iain@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022 PUBLISHER Connect Publications DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk ADVERTISING David Hughes davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0022 Jane Deane jane@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0020

A

very warm welcome to this bumper edition of CABLEtalk. For those of you who attended the SELECT Awards in Glasgow, I hope you’ve got your breath back.

Not only was there a brilliant array of industry talent on display, but the ensuing party ensured plenty of sore feet (and no doubt heads) the next day.

On a personal level, it was good to meet up with so many of you in person, even if it was just bumping into you during the ceilidh.

Such a fantastic occasion deserves to be celebrated in the pages of CABLEtalk, which is why this issue features a special 12-page supplement that relives the many highlights. Starting on page 21, you’ll find the full list of winners, plus some excellent pictures – see if you can spot yourself Stripping the Willow or waving along to I Am Sailing.

As well as rewarding the talent of today, the Awards recognised the stars of tomorrow,

and training and apprenticeships also feature elsewhere in this issue.

On pages 38 and 39, Fiona Harper explains why apprentices face such a tough test on FICA, while Elaine Ellis explores the new Foundation Apprenticeship on pages 46 and 47.

I was also lucky enough to attend the Get Into Electrical Installation celebration event in Paisley, and was impressed by the obvious enthusiasm of the candidates. As Anne Galbraith says on pages 33, 34 and 35, it’s good to see the industry is in such safe hands.

Speaking of enthusiasm brings me back to the SELECT Awards, where Professor Rudi Klein urged guests to keep up the battle against retentions.

His energy for this cause knows no bounds – find out his latest expert advice on pages 44 and 45.

And finally, if you know your drouth from your dreich, enter our Scottish slang wordsearch on page 50 – you’d be a numpty not to!

Iain Mason Editor, CABLEtalk

CABLEtalk is produced by Connect Publications on behalf of SELECT

Connect Publications Studio 2001, Mile End 12 Seedhill Road Paisley PA1 1JS Tel: 0141 561 0300

l MORE NEWS & UPDATES l MORE EVENTS & PICTURES l MORE TO READ & DISCOVER www.cabletalkmagazine.com NEW MEMBERS

A total of 14 firms have become SELECT Members since July 2017 The Walled Garden Bush Estate Midlothian EH26 0SB Tel: 0131 445 5577 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.

6

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

ABZ Approved Electrical Solutions – Aberdeen Crabb Electrical – Kintore, Aberdeenshire Duncan R Bell Contractor – Coldstream, Berwickshire

Muir Electrical Ltd – Glasgow R G Electrical Services (Moray) Ltd – Buckie, Banffshire R H (Aberdeen) Electrical Ltd – Aberdeen R M Donaldson Ltd – Alloa

First Class Gas – Aberdeen

RAMM Electrical – Uddingston

JR10 Electrical – Aberdeen J T Hart Electrical – Haddington

Stephen Hunter Electrical Services – Menstrie, Clackmannanshire

MCN (Scotland) Ltd – Hamilton

YES 24 Ltd – Glasgow

NEWS SELECT

Swedish contractors at the SELECT office

Swedish contractors get a flavour of the Scottish marketplace A group of 12 representatives from Installatörsföretagen, the trade association which represents electrical contractors in Sweden, visited the SELECT offices in September.

The electrical contractors were in

Scotland to learn more about how our industry works. As well as an overview of SELECT and the Scottish marketplace, the visitors also heard about trading conditions from SELECT members John Noble, from John Noble Electrical Ltd in

Bonnyrigg, and Kenny Duncan from NES Ltd, based in Inverness.

After the visit to the SELECT offices, our guests visited the local Glenkinchie distillery to sample some other delights of Scotland.

MSP tables official motion in praise of training programme

C

olin Beattie MSP was the special guest at a Get Into Electrical Installation celebration event – and later praised the scheme in the Scottish Parliament.

The SNP MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh visited Edinburgh College to attend the ceremony for the programme, which is funded by SELECT and run by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Trust (SECTT) and the Prince’s Trust.

He was so impressed by the quality and quantity of work on display, he lodged a Parliamentary motion on 3 August.

The motion said: “The Parliament congratulates this year’s candidates of the Get Into Electrical Installation programme; understands that the

Colin Beattie MSP with SELECT’s Alan Wilson during his visit in September

programme...is run by Prince’s Trust, Edinburgh College and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust, and is funded by SELECT; notes that a celebratory event was held for the candidates on 27 July; understands that

Lewis Jackson...who won the Edinburgh College 2nd Stage Apprentice of the Year award in June 2017, was invited as an inspirational speaker to speak to the candidates; and wishes all the candidates success with their future careers.”

The third year of the programme saw candidates complete programmes at Edinburgh College, Dalkeith Campus; West College Scotland, Paisley Campus; and Dundee College, Kingsway Campus.

The six-week course offers candidates an introduction to electrical skills and a week’s work placement.

Colin also visited the SELECT offices in September, when he heard more about our campaign to regulate the industry. ●● Read more about Get Into Electrical Installation on pages 33 to 35.

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

7

NEWS SELECT SELECT member sees his renewables work recognised in pages of Parliamentary Review

Moray and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer at the gala

8

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

A SELECT member firm has been selected for the influential Parliamentary Review – an independent guide which showcases the UK’s top businesses.

Stirling-based Moray Robertson Electrical Services (MRES) is one of just 11 outstanding companies chosen to feature in the energy edition of the 2017 Review, which highlights examples of excellence. The publication is sent to more than 500,000 policymakers and business executives to raise industry standards by sharing best practice.

It is a major coup for the family firm, which was established five years ago by husband and wife team Moray and Cherene Robertson.

Moray said: “It’s a real honour for us to

Moray’s achievements picked for prestigious publication appear in the Parliamentary Review, which is read by thousands of industry experts. As such a young company, we were surprised to be included but delighted that our company’s core values and commitment to raise standards have been recognised in this way.

“Our aim was to build an honest, reliable company with a solid and dedicated team and we are pleased to have achieved that and be singled out as an example of best practice.”

Cherene said: “I’m so proud of Moray and the whole team at MRES. “Moray had the vision of building a company which was different to its competitors and he’s done that thanks to his strong work ethic. Being part of the

Parliamentary Review demonstrates just how far we’ve come since starting up the company five years ago.”

The Robertsons attended a gala dinner at the Palace of Westminster to mark the release of the prestigious publication.

The firm features in the first Parliamentary Review of the energy sector, which demonstrates the progress being made by UK businesses to battle climate change and energy waste.

It includes three pages focusing on MRES’s bespoke services, which include commercial and industrial electrical installation for a wide range of clients.

The journal details the firm’s specialist work in the renewables energy sector and its £250,000 investment in new

offices and a training academy to grow the business.

Daniel Yossman, Review Director, said: “Moray Robertson Electrical Services and other hardworking organisations have come together to make this year’s Review possible.

“Sharing knowledge and insight with peers and government is essential work and I am delighted that this year’s Review will reach every corner of the British economy.”

i

CABLEtalk

An e-copy of the energy Review can be viewed at www.theparliamentaryreview. co.uk/editions/energy/energy

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

9

NEWS APPRENTICES

Fortress prepares for the future with 10 apprentices

S

The apprentices hard at work at Fortress Security Alarms

ELECT member firm Fortress Security Alarms is demonstrating its commitment to the future after recruiting a number of apprentices.

The contractor – which has been established in Kilmarnock for more than 20 years – has taken on 10 new apprentices and trainees from the local Ayrshire area in the last two years.

Eight are apprentice engineers who all attend New College Lanarkshire – four in the first year and four in the second year. Fortress has also recruited two apprentices to be trained in the roles of trainee stock controller and trainee administration assistant.

Mark Raymond, Fortress Managing Director, said: “We have always recruited apprentices within our business, but two years ago, we identified a large gap in the number of businesses in our sector that were taking on apprentices.

“This mirrored the marketplace issues 10

CABLEtalk

that we were finding when looking to recruit new engineers.

“We have therefore made significant investment and embarked on a strategy of training and development and increased apprenticeships.

“To give you an idea of scale, we have 10 apprentice and trainee staff out of 44 employees – that’s 23% of our employees who are apprentices or in trainee posts.”

Fortress undertakes the design, supply, installation, servicing and maintenance of fire and intruder alarms, CCTV, door access control, electrical works, emergency lighting, hand-held fire equipment and fire and smoke detection systems. They cover a diverse range of sectors including domestic, commercial, retail, social housing, education, leisure, police and healthcare.

They have also been working long term with East, North and South Ayrshire Councils and collaboratively with East Ayrshire Council Economic Development Department.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

“After significant investment, we now have 10 apprentice and trainee staff out of 44 employees... that’s 23% of our employees who are apprentices or in trainee posts”

OTHER COMPETITORS:

●● Alan Webster, West Lothian Council (Edinburgh College, Sighthill Campus) ●● Liam Kelly, J McKeown, Newton Stewart (Dumfries & Galloway College) ●● Ellis McBride, Shaws Electrical Engineers, Glasgow (West College Scotland, Clydebank Campus) ●● Andrew Henderson, G Henderson Electrical, Forfar (Dundee and Angus College, Kingsway Campus) ●● Sean McCafferty, A M Campbell (UK) Ltd, Peterhead (North East Scotland College, Fraserburgh Campus) ●● Jonathan Donaldson, Muirton Control & Automation Ltd, Keith (Moray College UHI) ●● Dale O’Donnell, Morris & Spottiswood, Govan, Glasgow (New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell Campus)

Left to right: Darren Charles, Ruaraidh MacCormick and Stephen Berry

Ruaraidh clinches top prize at eMAc THREE talented trainees were rewarded for their hard work at the electrotechnical Modern Apprenticeship competition (eMAc).

Organised by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the contest recognises the achievements of Scotland’s apprentices.

Held on 23 August at Moray College, Elgin, the top three apprentices were: ●● Gold – Ruaraidh MacCormick, Northern Security Alarms, Inverness (Inverness College UHI) ●● Silver – Stephen Berry, Electrical Solutions Network Ayr (Ayrshire College) ●● Bronze – Darren Charles, Smart Electrics Contractors, Burntisland (Fife College).

Each competitor – all third stage apprentices from across

Scotland – was presented with a framed certificate and a Makita drill courtesy of SECTT. The eMAc competition is supported by UK Skills, with eight competitors picked from the regional heats to attend the UK Skills competition at the NEC in Birmingham on 16-18 November. The winner could then join the UK team at the WorldSkills, event competing against electrotechnical engineers from across the globe.

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive of SECTT, said: “The standard was excellent. I could feel the tension in the workshop and was impressed with the competitors’ concentration and neatness.”

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

11

NEWS SELECT Praise rings out for Stirling Alarms as SELECT member clinches gold status from UK’s leading approvals and certification body Stirling Alarms has secured a second prestigious industry medal in less than two years of trading.

The SELECT member firm, which offers alarms, CCTV and access control systems across Central Scotland, has been awarded gold status by the UK’s leading approvals and certification body, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).

The accreditation is the highest accolade in the security industry and builds on the company’s achievement of a silver medal in February 2016.

Stirling Alarms was launched in November 2015 by established business Stirling Electrical Services, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year.

Owner Scott McLean said: “We created the division in response to a surge in demand for high-tech alarms that can be controlled and maintained

12

CABLEtalk

from anywhere in the world using a smart phone or computer.

“We’re proud to have passed NSI’s rigorous audit and to have achieved gold so quickly.

“We have our staff to thank for their hard work, dedication and commitment to delivering the highest standards of service.”

Stirling Alarms was presented with is gold medal by the Leader of Stirling Council, Scott Farmer.

Councillor Farmer said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see such a long-standing business expanding and thriving.

“I’m really impressed by the work that Scott and his team are doing, especially their investment in the next generation through apprenticeships.”

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Scott McLean and Councillor Farmer

COMMENT

Time to stand up and be counted

I

t’s four years since Robin Crawford and Ken Lewandowski issued their report, Scottish Public Sector Procurement in Construction. It contained 65 recommendations which covered governance, accountability and leadership; prioritisation and co-ordination of spend; approach to market; capability and capacity; sustainable procurement, innovation and emerging technologies; data as an enabler of reform; and what the industry needs to do. The Scottish Government agreed with 64 of them, but four years on what has changed?

The answer, sadly, is very little.

The only tangible success has been the introduction of Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) in 2016. PBAs are very helpful to Members as they improve subcontractor cashflow and ring-fence it from upstream insolvency. It also helps as payments are made directly by the client/Tier 1 contractor.

Yet despite government promises, sub-contracting firms are still being paid late, retention payments are still being held back and firms are still saddled with increasing levels of contractual risk.

To illustrate my point, a recent survey by the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group Scotland, showed that, despite a requirement introduced in April 2016 for contracting authorities in Scotland to declare in procurement strategies how they intended to ensure 30-day payments along their supply chains, only nine of the 29 were considered to be compliant.

The primary reasons for noncompliance according to SEC were: ●●Lack of evidence demonstrating that 30-day payments were required in Tier 2 and Tier 3 contracts, i.e. sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts

“Despite promises from government, sub-contracting firms are still being paid late, retentions are still held back and firms are still saddled with risk”

By Alan Wilson Head of Membership and Communications, SELECT

●●No indication of measures such as performance monitoring to ensure compliance along the supply chain ●●Failure to accurately reflect the requirement in the legislation that the 30 days start from presentation of invoice or similar claim.

If government can’t get public bodies in order, what chance is there that the private sector will? Slim to none I guess.

If there is a bright side, at least they have introduced these requirements.

The next stage is getting them to work, which takes action, not words.

Another issue at the forefront of our activities is the campaign to regulate the profession of electrician. Our recent research showed that up to as many as 2,000 unqualified electricians are potentially putting public safety at risk.

In our view, this is an issue which the Scottish Government must address urgently. Our constitutional law experts have established that the government has the power to act and protect the vulnerable, young and old from rogues who do nothing to help our economy.

We have already advised government that regulation will carry no extra cost.

So customers won’t face higher bills, properly qualified electricians won’t need additional training, and the government will neither have to set up or manage a scheme for registration as this already exists via the SJIB. The only losers will be unqualified electricians.

In our view, the case for regulation is compelling. It’s why we expect ministers to introduce a legal framework to regulate the industry and, initially at least, provide protection of title for properly qualified electricians.

So the time for talking is over. We need to see action and our Members, quite rightly, demand it now.

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

13

FEATURES PRESIDENT INTERVIEW

The view from Hi Kevin. In your last CABLEtalk interview, you spoke of your interest in apprenticeships. Why is that?

Maybe I’m biased because I came up as an apprentice, but I think they’re still vital – particularly in the current climate. For a while, apprenticeships were almost seen as a second prize instead of going to university, but people are now beginning to recognise their true value again. Apprenticeships today give you a valuable skill that’s taken years to perfect and that you can take anywhere in the world. Plus you can learn and earn at the same time and gain a constructive qualification. It’s a tremendous launch pad and we should rightly be proud of the part we play in it.

So you went through that yourself?

I certainly did. I was still at school and knew I didn’t want to work behind a desk, so I applied for an apprenticeship with Chubb. I don’t think there was a huge amount of choice back then – we were in a recession and it was probably my last chance. Luckily I was accepted and it worked out well.

How long did it take for you to think: ‘This is the industry for me’?

Probably when I got my first wage slip!

Back then you were paid weekly in cash and the wages came up from London.

In my second week, the postman handed me a packet and when I opened it there were all these notes inside. I just thought: “Wow!” There was something tangible about getting the money in your hand rather it just going into a bank.

After four months in the chair, we caught up with new SELECT president Kevin Griffin to find out more about his career, hear his thoughts on apprenticeships and training – and discover how he sees our future as a gatekeeper for Members I did it because I wanted to give credibility to my business and show that I was doing things the right way. Being a member of an association like SELECT means you’re properly inspected and vetted, so other people know you’ve really got to have your house in order.

Did being a SELECT member help your own business, Logic Systems Fire & Security Ltd? Definitely. For example, I’ve never had to do any advertising because the networking side of things helped to develop things dramatically. The SELECT name absolutely helps within the industry – it’s recognised as a seal of approval if you like. We work in conjunction with a lot of electrical contractors and as soon as they see the SELECT name, they know it’s a business they can work with.

How did your career progress?

After my apprenticeship, I became an estimator, getting into contracts and running jobs from the office side of things. I then decided to set up on my own, and joined SELECT about a year later, in June 1994. Like a lot of firms, 14

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Kevin spoke at the AGM in Stirling in June after taking over from Eric Rae

What’s been the most useful part of being a member?

Things are constantly changing, evolving and updating and you can never afford to stand still, so the SELECT training has been invaluable. I speak to people who say: “Why do I need to do this training every three years? It’s ridiculous.” But standards change, equipment changes and you absolutely need refreshers. It’s only when you go on the courses that you start to think: “Wait a minute – I DO have gaps in my knowledge.” Technology is changing so fast now. In my own business, CCTV cameras have come on leaps and bounds – things are moving so fast that you just absolutely need to keep pace. Without a doubt, training is the foundation on which SELECT is built. It’s what employers want, and luckily the interaction between SELECT, the colleges and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) is phenomenal. It’s moving the industry forward and helping to build a solid foundation. As an apprentice, you’re working and also going to college. So you’re not racking up huge debts, you’re learning a trade and you have SELECT’s support the whole way through.

What else do you think SELECT Members value most?

The back-up and technical advice is invaluable – particularly the helpline.

Members know that if they hit a problem, they can pick up the phone

the top “Members know that they can pick up the phone and SELECT will help them find a solution”

and SELECT’s technical knowledge will help them find a solution. I’ve used it myself, so I know its value first-hand. I think our Members see SELECT as the gatekeeper that gives them information and fights their corner – and that’s something we’re determined should continue. With the upcoming IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition, it’s going to be more important than ever.

So what are your aims as president?

Firstly, to represent the association when and where we need it. I’ve had a great start and things are now starting to get busy.

I really want to drive forward our campaign to highlight the dangers of using unqualified people to carry out electrical work – that’s a huge priority.

I’m also looking forward to getting out and about to the branches and meeting and talking to as many people as possible; doing things face-to-face is always how I like to do things.

Outside of work, what are your other interests?

I go to the gym a couple of times a week and I play a bad round of golf. I also do a bit of walking and have taken part in charity walks, including the WolfTrek in the Cairngorms. It’s a great way to raise money for worthwhile causes.

Speaking of causes, the Electrical Industries Charity is something that’s close to your heart isn’t it?

It’s a great charity, and I’d really like us to become more involved. It’s here to help people within the electrical industry who have problems or issues, whether you’re an apprentice, an employee or a family member. It does a great job, so I’d certainly like to raise awareness and get the branches involved. I’d like to think we could organise some events that bring Members together and raise money for the charity. It’s something that I’m really looking forward to being involved with.

KEVIN ON THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION How much has the digital revolution changed your industry?

Alarms and security systems have progressed on the technical side, but the function hasn’t changed much.

The size and price have reduced, but things still work to the same principles. The socket and voltage don’t change, it’s just the extra bits they add to them.

What ARE the biggest things that have changed in your industry?

I would certainly say CCTV.

You’re now buying a camera for about a tenth of the price compared to 15 to 20 years ago – and you’re getting a far better picture. You can do an awful lot more with it in terms of zoom etc and the quality is absolutely stunning.

Where do you see it going in the future?

To be honest, I really don’t know – things are moving so fast. You can now see and do everything on your phone, from banking to watching a live stream of what’s happening in your house.

Who knows where we’ll be 20 years?

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

15

FEATURES SURGE PROTECTION

A still from the technical team’s new surge protection video

Talk of the small screen Following feedback at our Toolbox Talks, SELECT’s technical team is launching an informative new video about surge protection

16

CABLEtalk

S

ELECT is really switching Members on to safety after creating a helpful new technical video about surge protection. The YouTubestyle film – which is due for release soon – has been produced by the SELECT technical team following feedback from our popular Toolbox Talks, which toured Scotland earlier this year.

Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services, said: “It’s something we’ve been

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

meaning to do for a while as a direct response to requests from our Members and will be particularly handy for those people who were unable to get along to the Toolbox Talks themselves.

“There are a couple of aims, but first and foremost it’s a way for us to educate Members who might be thinking, ‘I’m not sure which is the best device to protect a particular installation’.

“It’s also an opportunity to extend the way we use different forms of media to reach out to Members. We’re very much

exploring alternate ways to speak to people, and YouTube in particular is a platform that we want to make better use of.

“It’s just one example of how we’re trying to engage more with our Members across different platforms.”

An engaging mix

Using a mix of live video, narration and diagrams, the film will explain the dangers of surge protection and the measures that can be taken to protect a variety of installations.

Dave said: “During our Toolbox Talks we covered surge protection in general, about how it can affect electrical installations and what we can do to protect sensitive equipment connected to those installations.

“With this technical update we want to focus on those devices that protect against surges. IT equipment is particularly susceptible, even to indirect lightning strikes. Simply turning equipment on and off can introduce voltage spikes which can be harmful to sensitive equipment.

“As we explain in the video, surge protection devices are designed to divert some of that high current away from equipment.

“In a standard domestic supply of 230V, you can get a spike of up to 6,000 volts, which could take out quite a bit of equipment. They don’t need to be switched on – if they’re plugged in and connected to the supply, a dangerous surge can cause damage.”

“This video is a way to educate Members...but it’s also an example of how we’re trying to engage with them more across different platforms”

with Members notified how to access it.

But the technical team aren’t resting on their laurels and are already busy on their next small-screen projects.

Dave revealed: “The most obvious one will be an update on the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition. We’re hoping to know the exact content by the end of this year, so we’re looking to put something together to share that knowledge with Members.

“We’re also currently producing a really good collaborative project with the SJIB for candidates approaching their Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA).

“We’ve even looked at doing something on topics like electric vehicle charging and earthing and bonding. This is just the start of a step-by-step process and we’ll measure the response to this film before the next one.”

Dave Forrester

Compulsive viewing

The video is designed to be viewed easily on phone, tablet and desktop – so advice will always be at hand whenever you need it. Dave explained: “It’s designed to get the message across quickly and efficiently.

“It breaks down the essentials of protection and shows how members can safeguard clients’ installations against harmful surges, with a range of devices.

“It also explains which regulations deal with surge protection, and what contractors need to know before installing these Dave Forrester

devices. It’s been put together by one of our own technical advisors, Mark McLaughlin, so it’s easy to follow. He researched the subject, delivered the Toolbox Talks and developed the script.

It won’t be his voice on it though as he’s a little camera shy!”

The video is designed to be watched on the go, wherever you may be

Get set for a sequel...

As CABLEtalk went to press, Dave and his team were putting the finishing touches to the video. Once it’s completed, it will be uploaded to YouTube and will also be available through the SELECT website,

FIND OUT MORE

CABLEtalk

If you require any further information about the new surge protection video, email Dave on dave.forrester@select.org.uk or call him on 0131 445 9222.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

17

FEATURES BUSINESS LEADER INTERVIEW

Home truths John Blackwood is chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL).

Here, he talks about the issues facing the private rental sector – and why it’s vital for landlords to keep abreast of changing laws

By Nicola Stow Hello John, what are the everyday challenges that you encounter?

I think the main challenge is embracing new legislation. Our job is to make sure landlords are fully aware of any new rules and regulations they need to follow to operate as a professional private landlord in Scotland. Our members – we have just over 2,500 – are responsible landlords who want to improve the lettings business.

However, there are other landlords out there who are not as responsible and it’s our job to raise awareness, not only in how we can support them, but to encourage legislators – politicians in particular – that we need more enforcement 18

CABLEtalk

of the sector to improve it. Therefore, we need to ensure that landlords who don’t comply are taken to task.

How do landlord laws differ in Scotland to those imposed south of the border?

We have more stringent standards in Scotland regarding fire safety regulations, especially in private housing. For example, private landlords have a requirement to install smoke alarms in the living area and halls of a property and a heat detector in the kitchen. All alarms must be mains-wired and interconnected. For a one-bed flat in Scotland, a heat detector and two smoke alarms are required and, quite often, it’s a challenge getting landlords to understand the complexity of the legislation.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

On the subject of fires, what can landlords in Scotland learn from London’s Grenfell Tower tragedy?

I think this is more an issue for landlords in high-rise tower blocks. However, there is a lesson here for all landlords to prioritise the importance of fire safety in residential accommodation. In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the Scottish Government is planning to address this issue and there are already a range of measures in place. We’re delighted that the private rental sector in Scotland has a higher standard of fire and electrical safety. Likewise, I’m pleased to say that the Scottish Government has published a new consultation that will extend the existing requirements of the private rental sector to all social housing in Scotland. We’ve been campaigning for that for some time to ensure safety across all housing tenures.

What would you say SAL’s relationship is like with the electrical sector?

Developing strong partnerships and

“For a one-bed flat in Scotland, a heat detector and two smoke alarms are required.

Yet quite often, it’s a challenge getting landlords to understand the complexity of the legislation”

keen to find out more. One area we’re focusing on is advising landlords where to find appropriate, qualified and registered engineers to carry out the checks – and enforcing the message that only qualified engineers should be used.

This can be challenging in Scotland; some landlords find it difficult to find qualified electricians to carry out checks, especially in remote areas.

How has this sector changed over the last decade? And how do you see things from a long-term point of view?

There has been more focused and targeted legislation in the private rental sector to improve both standards of service and quality of accommodation.

In the last decade the private rental sector has doubled – and we expect that growth to continue as the pressure to house Scotland’s people mounts. In the future, the private rented sector will have to house more people than before.

Therefore, it’s important to make sure the quality of accommodation meets the needs of those individuals. The sector is more professional now than ever before, but we’ve still got a long way to go.

John Blackwood working relationships with organisations such as SELECT is so important to us. We’ve worked together to make landlords aware of appropriate, enforceable legislation to ensure electrical safety in people’s homes.

And how could SAL’s relationship with the electrical sector be improved?

It would be nice to work together on more publicity campaigns. Our job is to keep our members informed and updated regarding change. But the onus is not solely on landlords; it’s also important for tenants to know more about electrical safety. If tenants don’t

see that something’s wrong, it’s not an issue for them. They don’t become as concerned as they should be about making sure, for example electrical checks are carried out on their property.

So we need to raise public awareness of the importance of general electrical safety in the home.

Since December 2015, landlords have been required to conduct five-yearly checks of fixed wiring and electric appliances in privately rented homes.

How have landlords responded to this?

We’ve been advising landlords of their legal responsibilities and they’ve been

JOHN ON SELECT “We’re always keen to work with like-minded organisations where appropriate on selective campaigns to get our message across. Therefore, we’ve always been keen to work with SELECT to achieve that in the private rental sector. Our aim is to signpost our members to find electricians who are SELECT members. We often refer landlords to the SELECT website so they can find an electrician in their area.”

What kind of training do you provide for landlords?

We have a sister organisation, Landlord Accreditation Scotland, that provides training for landlords and letting agents.

We run a variety of courses, informing them of their legal obligations – and fire and electrical safety is covered extensively as part of that programme.

The courses are well attended – we provide training to more than 2,000 delegates a year throughout Scotland.

And finally, if you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the industry, what would that be?

For me, I suppose, it’s not so much about waving a magic wand. My aim as chief executive of SAL is to ensure professionalism in the private rented sector in Scotland, ensuring that the private rented sector is a well functioning and sustainable housing option for the future – a sector that’s able to safely house Scotland’s people.

That’s my vision.

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

19

SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2017

AND THE WINNER IS...

All the action and excitement from our glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow FULL STORY: Pages 23 to 31 CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

21

SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2017 Servest Arthur McKay Operations Director Mike Stark with his wife

★

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Megger

Servest Arthur McKay Ltd

★

BEST USE OF TRAINING

Double top!

By Iain Mason

J

ubilant Servest Arthur McKay Ltd was left seeing double after triumphing in two categories at the SELECT Industry Awards 2017. The cross-border firm – established only a year ago – was crowned Electrical Contractor of the Year at our 12th annual ceremony and also scooped Best Use of Training.

It was a night of triumph for the new company, formed in October when Suffolk-based facilities management service provider Servest acquired building services contractor Arthur McKay, whose HQ is in Edinburgh Proudly clutching the firm’s awards, Operations Director Mike Stark said:

“I’m surprised and ecstatic in equal measure and am delighted on behalf of all our hard-working teams.

“These awards are a credit to our whole business and show that we’re moving ahead in the right direction.

The only thing is, we’ll need to put up a new trophy shelf now!”

Newell McGuiness, SELECT Managing Director, added: “This alliance between two great specialists has created a truly world-class company.

“Servest Arthur Mackay Ltd is a very worthy winner of our main award and its success in the training award also shows that it is committed to the continuing professional development of all its staff.”

The company was presented with its Contractor of the Year award by Simon Wood, from award sponsor Megger,

Sponsored by Ross Electrical

Servest Arthur McKay Ltd

while the training gong was handed over

by Billy Richmond of Ross Electrical.

AKD Systems of Edinburgh and Richard Irvin Energy Solutions were also nominated for Best Use of Training.

The awards were among 10 handed over in front of 350 Members and guests at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday 13 October. Hosted by leading journalist Keith Aitken, entrants ranged from family firms to multinationals employing tens of thousands of people.

Outgoing MD Newell McGuiness – who received his own surprise award – added: “Each year, it is a muchanticipated pleasure to recognise the dedication, commitment and investment in the future which companies bring to

CABLEtalk

Continued on page 24 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

23

SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2017 Kristian Van Rensburg (right) and Angela Devine present Kellan with his award

★

BEST SMALL CONTRACTOR Sponsored by EC Insurance

Interlink Lighting & Electrical

★

WHOLESALER APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by EDA Apprenticeships Plus and the Electrical Distributors’ Association

Kellan Pirie, Electric Center

Continued from page 23

this competition. They have gone the extra mile to demonstrate that the electrical sector in Scotland is in good hands.”

Best Small Contractor

restructure the company and transform internal weaknesses into strengths.

This has led to record profitability and increased staff morale.”

The award was handed over by Mark Hodson, of sponsors EC Insurance.

Other nominees were ATD

Glasgow’s Interlink Lighting & Electrical was rewarded for taking its business in a bold new direction as it scooped the small contractor award.

The firm, which has been shortlisted three times before, was recognised for streamlining its procedures.

Newell and his wife Dianne with SELECT president Kevin Griffin Newell McGuiness said: “Two years ago, the firm introduced a five-year plan to AWARD SPONSORS: 24

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Wylex receive their award from CEF’s Gerald O’Hare

Electrical Services, of Kirkcowan, EAL Electrical, of Grantown-on-Spey, and Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractors, of Connel, near Oban, which was highly commended.

Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year

Kellan Pirie danced his way to the stage after winning this new award, sponsored by Electrical Distributors’ Association Apprenticeships Plus. Kellan, who

Cameron Thomson celebrates after Crown House was crowned Best Delivery of Customer Service

★

BEST DELIVERY OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

Sponsored by Blue Sky Pensions

Crown House Technologies

Mark Hodson presents the award to Interlink

★

BEST NEW PRODUCT Sponsored by City Electrical Factors

Wylex

Colin McCormack of Stearn, Glasgow, and Nicole Bell, of Rexel, Kirkcaldy.

Best New Product

works at Electric Center Inverurie, said: “It’s a great honour to be the first-ever recipient of this award.”

The new category reflects the vital contribution made by wholesalers and distributors and the importance of apprenticeships in attracting new talent.

The award was presented by Kristian Van Rensburg, Chair of the EDA Scottish Section, and Angela Devine of EDA Apprenticeships Plus. Also nominated were Craig Arundel, of Scott Coppola Electrical in Edinburgh,

improves safety by reducing the likelihood of loose connections.”

Sponsored by City Electrical Factors, the award was presented to Wylex by CEF General Manager Gerald O’Hare.

Huge cheers erupted as Wylex won for its NMX metal consumer unit, which leads Best Delivery of the market thanks to its Customer Service robust design.

Motherwell-based Crown Newell McGuiness House Technologies said: “This product continued its winning was chosen as it was streak as it scooped apparent that a this award. great deal of The off-site thought had gone manufacturer, part into its design and of building and manufacture. This infrastructure not only helps to technology providers Kenneth Ferguson make the installation Electrical Contractors was a lot easier but also Continued on page 26 Highly Commended

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

25

SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2017 Continued from page 25

AKD Systems were overjoyed after winning Best Visual Promotion

Laing O’Rourke, followed up its hattrick of prizes in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

The award was presented to Project Manager and Electrical Engineer Cameron Thomson by Jessica Rigby from sponsor Blue Sky Pensions.

Alan Wilson, Head of Membership and Communications at SELECT, said: “Crown House commits to quality outcomes and continually learns and improves what it does.”

Also nominated were AKD Systems and Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK), both of Edinburgh, and Kenneth Ferguson Electrical, of Connel, Oban.

Best Visual Promotion

Edinburgh-based AKD Systems saw its name up in lights thanks to its striking logo and fleet livery, featuring brightly coloured cables and symbols.

Demi Armstrong, SELECT’s Events, Marketing & Website Coordinator said: “AKD’s colour-coded message is a lesson in letting the customer know who you are and what you can do for them.”

Sponsored by Voltimum SA, other nominees were Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd, Edinburgh, Invincible Fire and Security, Ardrossan, I-Protech, Aberdeen, and Alba Facilities Services from Glasgow, who was highly commended.

★

BEST VISUAL PROMOTION Sponsored by Voltimum

AKD Systems

Best Electrical Safety Project

Glasgow’s Edmiston Brown was rewarded for its exemplary safety record as it received this award.

The firm has had no major reportable accidents in five years and was praised by judges for its Falkirk canal tunnel work.

Newell McGuiness said: “This very challenging job was done to the highest possible standards.”

The award was presented by Bryn Walker from Electrical Safety First, with Crown House Technologies and Select Electrical and Mechanical Services also nominated.

Alba celebrates its Highly Commended award for Best Electrical Safety Project

AWARD SPONSORS: 26

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Bryn Walker (right) hands over the Electrical Safety Project award to Edmiston Brown

Neil MacEachern (right) hands Jock his award

★

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Sponsored by Schneider Electric

Jock Simpson

Jock’s shock

I

ndustry legend Jock Simpson received a standing ovation as he was handed his Lifetime Achievement Award. The honour recognised his long and distinguished career, during which his expertise and wisdom have benefited countless people.

After he was given his award by Neil MacEachern of sponsors Schneider Electric, Jock said: “This is a tremendous shock – to be honest, I am a bit embarrassed. But it is also a tremendous honour and I am delighted to accept it from such wonderful friends and colleagues.”

BEST ELECTRICAL Newell McGuiness added: “Jock has SAFETY PROJECT worked tirelessly throughout his Sponsored by Electrical Safety First career to enhance employeeemployer relations and has had to exercise the judgement of Solomon in often very testing situations.

“His skills have often been instrumental

★

Edmiston Brown

in keeping competing parties together, agreeing on difficult issues and seeking compromises. He has taken on heavy responsibilities, reached the top in a variety of different areas and has always acted in the best interests of everyone in the industry, from shop floor to boardroom.”

Jock is Executive Chairman of the National Joint Council (NJC) for the Engineering Construction Industry, and Chairman of the Scottish Joint Industry Board. He also has extensive experience in the energy industry, including senior roles with British Energy and npower.

Fiona Harper, Head of Employment Affairs at SELECT and the Secretary of the SJIB, said: “Jock has made a huge contribution to the health of the industry. He has brought a keen mind and patience to difficult situations and shown that resolution is always more beneficial than conflict.”

WHICH JORDAN WAS CROWNED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR?: PAGE 29 >

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

27

28

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2017 Jubilant Jordan with his mum, girlfriend and sister

Jordan with Jock Simpson RUNNER-UP

Jordan Scott, G&A Barnie Building Services

Joy for Jordan

A

lthough the identity of the Apprentice of the Year was top secret until the big night, the winner was always going to be called Jordan. Each of the finalists shared the same first name – but it was 21-year-old Jordan McBain who pipped his namesakes Jordan Gilchrist and Jordan Scott to the prize.

Jordan, who works with Highland company G&A Barnie Building Services, said: “This has been a terrific night for Team Jordan! I didn’t expect to make the last 16, never mind win, so it was a big shock when my name was read out– my girlfriend, mum and sister just screamed. It’s been a

★

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by the SJIB and Edmundson Electrical

Jordan McBain, G&A Barnie Building Services

Jordan and Gary Mason RUNNER-UP

Jordan Gilchrist, Boston Networks Ltd

fantastic occasion and I’ll certainly be celebrating tonight.”

Jordan, from Elgin, beat hundreds of other young hopefuls who took their Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) last year.

His fellow finalist Jordan Scott also works with G&A Barnie Building Services, while Jordan Gilchrist is employed by Boston Networks.

A spokesman for G&A Barnie said: “We are very proud of both Jordans and particularly pleased for Jordan McBain.

Both are hard-working, dedicated to the trade and a credit to the company.”

The award – sponsored by the

Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Edmundson Electrical – recognises the hard work that apprentices put in to becoming a fully-qualified electrician. It was presented by Jock Simpson of the SJIB and Gary Mason of Edmundson.

Fiona Harper, the Secretary of the SJIB, said: “In many ways, this award is the most significant as it represents the future of the industry. It is encouraging to know our future is in good hands.”

Jordan will now be treated to a visit to Schneider Electric’s plants in Grenoble, where he’ll be given an insight into their Research and Development centre.

GUESTS ENJOY SPARKLING NIGHT OF RHYTHM ‘N’ BLUS: PAGES 30 & 31 > CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

29

SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2017 Tribute act Rob Stewert soon had guests dancing

Keith Aitken compered the evening superbly

SELECT staff hold arms aloft during I Am Sailing

Former president Eric Rae enjoys the ceilidh AWARD SPONSORS: 30

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

All pictures by Mike Wilkinson

T

he SELECT Awards 2017 certainly hit the right note with Members, nominees and guests as the Radisson Blu dancefloor was filled with whirling kilts, the highest of high heels and plenty of electrifying dance moves.

After being expertly compered by respected journalist Keith Aitken – who found time between awards to issue a rallying cry about retentions – and some chocolate fireworks courtesy of app experts Magic Xperience, it was on to the night’s entertainment.

Tribute act Rob Stewert got the first brave souls up and dancing as he belted through a string of classics including Maggie May, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? and the popular arms-aloft anthem I Am Sailing.

With guests warmed up, talented trio Franco keep the party going with two hours of timeless tunes from the ’60s to the present day. At one point, the dancefloor even heaved with Dashing White Sergeants as the band launched into an energetic ceilidh that set sporrans spinning.

Official proceedings finished at 1am, but Members and guests packed the hotel bar into the wee small hours – comparing awards and making the most of the chance to mingle.

Roll on 2018!

Partygoers give it their all on the dancefloor while (right) others enjoy Strip the Willow

Franco entertained guests for two hours

Rhythm ‘n’ Blus Guests included Dorothy and Graham Nicol

Fiona Harper and Archie Jay

David Millar and Stuart McKelvie

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

31

FOCUS EDUCATION

3-PAGE SPECIAL

The successful candidates from Paisley’s West of Scotland campus proudly show off their certificates

Candidates get switched on to a possible electrical career, thanks to the third successful Get Into Electrical Installation programme run by SECTT and the Prince’s Trust

F

By Iain Mason

A matter of Trust

or the third year in a row, youngsters from across Scotland have been energised by the electrotechnical industry, thanks to the Get Into Electrical Installation programme. Organised by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and the Prince’s Trust, the six-week courses in Edinburgh, Dundee and Paisley saw candidates from a variety of backgrounds given an introduction to electrical skills.

The programme, funded by SELECT, also included a week’s work placement, where the youngsters gained more invaluable hands-on experience to improve their confidence.

At the end of each course, candidates were presented with certificates at a celebration event, during which they told an audience of family, friends and employers about their experiences.

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive Officer, SECTT, said: “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 Modern Apprenticeship programme and the first step towards gaining full-time employment.

“We were delighted to be involved again this year with the Prince’s Trust and to be able to offer three programmes through funding from SELECT.” Continued on page 34

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

33

FOCUS EDUCATION

T

he course gives these youngsters the vital confidence to go out and show they have the right attitude. The attributes employers value most are enthusiasm and a willingness to turn up on time, learn and do well – all clearly shown by these candidates.

EDINBURGH Continued from page 33

Edinburgh College, Dalkeith Campus

The first programme started in Edinburgh, with eight youngsters completing the course. Of these, five have been offered employment and one a place on a pre-apprenticeship course.

The other two are looking at alternatives.

Anne said: “Although a small group, they worked well together and helped

Anne (right) with candidates in Edinburgh

each other at all times. The staff praised the quality of the work they produced in such a short time.”

Also impressed by the craftsmanship on display at the celebration event were special guests Colin Beattie MSP and Lewis Jackson from Response (Scotland), who gave an inspiring speech to the candidates.

Lewis took part in the first programme in 2015 and went on to gain an MA in Electrical Installation. He also won the

I

’ve watched these youngsters help each other and grow into a team. They really listened to everything they’ve been told. I’ve also learned a new phrase – ‘Pure heavy murder’ – which means ‘something difficult’.

Andrew Fogarty, Head of Energy and Engineering, West College Scotland

PAISLEY 34

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

S

Edinburgh College 2nd Stage Apprentice of the Year in June 2017.

West College Scotland, Paisley Campus

Activity moved to the west of Scotland for the second programme, with 12 proud youngsters finishing the course, watched

by CABLEtalk.

Two of the group have now been offered jobs, another an apprenticeship, and a fourth has accepted a full-time

adly there are thousands of young people around the country who still believe they’re not good enough. We help give them the confidence and skills to find a job and a future.

Lee Johnstone, Head of Corporate Partnerships, The Prince’s Trust

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive Officer, SECTT

3-PAGE SPECIAL

T

his great scheme works on so many levels. It helps young people and it also helps the electrical industry find and nurture new talent. I hope, like me, it will help these young people enjoy a long-lasting career in the electrical industry.

DUNDEE place at college to study mechanical engineering. The others will all be offered a place on the pre-apprenticeship course.

Anne said: “What a group! They were all very different but worked so well as a team. They really benefitted from the expertise and support of course tutor Andy Fogarty from day one.”

Dundee College, Kingsway Campus

Another dozen motivated youngsters

I

enjoyed the course, especially the practical part, rather than just sitting in a classroom. I had no electrical experience before this, but in just six weeks it taught me so many things, like health and safety, how to use extinguishers and how to read things properly. If someone had told me I’d be able to do it all, I wouldn’t have believed them. The main thing was that we helped each other and worked as a team.

I originally wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but this has given me a new direction and another option if I want it.

Newell (right) lines up with Dundee candidates

completed the final course in Dundee, with plenty of encouraging feedback from their work placements.

Anne said: “They all worked so hard in the workshop and in studying for the SECTT pre-employment assessment, which they all passed.”

With a college class due to start in October, SECTT will now look at employment opportunities and possible places on the pre-apprenticeship course.

Anne said: “My thank-you list is huge

Newell McGuiness, Managing Director, SELECT

and starts with SELECT for funding these programmes, the Prince’s Trust – particularly Lorna McIver and Devon Cook – and the SECTT team for making it happen.

“I’m also grateful to all the colleges and their staff, the employers who very kindly offered practical work placements, and the other support agencies who encouraged and helped all these amazing candidates. It is so rewarding to see the results.”

G

etting to know the young people and the struggles they’ve had to overcome, and then seeing them grow, gain confidence and be successful is so fulfilling. It’s why I love my job.

Devon Cook, Programme Executive, The Prince’s Trust

Fahad Sceibi, 19, Bridgton, Glasgow CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

35

FEATURE CENTRAL BOARD

Toast of the Highlands T

By Demi Armstrong Events, Marketing & Website Coordinator

A tour of a local distillery was among the many highlights when the Central Board hit the road for its regular out-of-town meeting, this time as guests of the Inverness & North of Scotland branch

Branch and board members got the chance to mingle at the distillery 36

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Dinner included a SELECT cake

he entire Central Board, led

by President Kevin Griffin, were guests of SELECT's Inverness & North of Scotland branch on 5 and 6 September, as part of our policy of holding one board meeting in different branch areas across the country.

Before getting down to business, branch members guided their guests on a special visit to the Glen Moray distillery, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year.

They were introduced to the mysteries of whisky by Master Distiller Graham Coull, who was Ambassador of the Year at this year's Spirit of Speyside Festival.

As well as a tour of the facility, guests also had time to sample the whisky – which for some reason seemed to be the highlight of the tour for many!

Master Distiller Graham Coull explains the mysteries of whisky

Afterwards, board and branch members retired to the Mansfield Hotel in Elgin for dinner. The guest speaker was Sandy Adam, chairman of multiaward winning Springfield Properties, who spoke about seizing opportunities.

He said that while the construction industry was subject to fluctuations, there were often opportunities which were there to be taken.

Inverness & North of Scotland branch chair Sonya Warren, of Gateway Control Systems, said: “It was great to

see so many Central Board members make the trip to Elgin and it was equally good to see that a number of local members also came along.

“These types of events are a great way for local members and board members to meet each other.”

Newell McGuiness, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “The Inverness and North of Scotland event was a great success as it provided another good opportunity to build links between the board and the branches.”

MEMBERS MINGLE As well as representatives from each of SELECT’s eight branches, more than 12 local Members also attended the dinner.

Among them was Graham Meacher, from Green Moray Renewables Ltd, who said: “These events are helpful and demonstrate that, no matter where we work, we face the same types of day-to-day challenges. It was good to share experiences with fellow Members from across Scotland.”

“The event was a great success and a good opportunity to build links between the board and the branches” CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

37

TRAINING FICA

Test puts candidates on the road to success

Fiona Harper, the Secretary of the Scottish Joint Industry Board, explains the vital role of the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA)

Hello Fiona. So what is FICA? Once they’ve completed their four years of training, every apprentice electrician has to sit FICA to be awarded their SVQ in electrical installation. They also get a craftsman certificate and are graded by the SJIB as an electrician. Most are very proud that they have this endpoint assessment – and so they should be.

What format does it take?

It’s a two-day practical simulation in which candidates complete an electrical installation which they then inspect and test to ensure compliance with the regulations. It’s split into a number of sections and they must complete each one successfully to pass. It’s very robust, very rigorous and very demanding and is designed to demonstrate both their practical and theoretical knowledge.

Why does it need to be so robust?

Being an electrician carries a lot of responsibility – if you get it wrong, the 38

CABLEtalk

consequences can be fatal, so it’s absolutely vital to do things properly in a safety-critical industry like ours.

So what would you say is the value of FICA to today’s industry?

With FICA, you have to accumulate and assimilate all the knowledge and on-site experience you’ve gained over the last four years and put it together. Yet once you’ve passed, you’re still learning. I liken it a bit to the driving test – OK, you’ve passed and you’re out on the road in the big wide world, but you’re still always learning and developing to become a better driver. So those who pass FICA aren’t quite ready to be let loose, but they’re certainly on their way and can call themselves craftsmen.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Fiona Harper

Is FICA a unique assessment?

It is pretty unique, yes. There is currently a trend for endpoint assessments and other industries are following suit, but there’s nothing quite like FICA in terms of its demands and standards and how we go about it. The main thing is that it’s industry-led – it’s not done by colleges, it’s done by the industry for the industry.

Why did it come about?

I think people wanted to be sure that the electricians that were out there knew what they were doing.

This is a way of ensuring they do things right.

What’s the feedback from candidates?

Generally they’re very nervous and

“The main thing is that we know we have true craftsmen out there, trained by the best. And the customer knows they’re getting a proper electrician who’ll do a safe job in their home” Fiona Harper find it hard at the time, but once they’ve passed they have a huge sense of achievement and are very proud of it.

Getting the SJIB craftsman certificate is actually just as important to them as getting the vocational qualification – that’s when they really identify with being electricians. Most consumers are not aware of just what it’s like to be trained as an electrician; I don’t think they appreciate the intensity of it or the depth or the breadth of what each candidate covers. So those that pass are quite right to feel proud. Ultimately, I’d really like candidates to feel excited about heading towards their FICA rather than being full of trepidation because when they come out the other end they truly are electricians.

What are the benefits to the customer and the wider industry?

The main thing is that we know we have true craftsmen out there, trained by the best and able to adapt to any situation.

So they know the core fundamentals, but can also move from one part of the industry to another. Being flexible helps the industry as well as helping the individual. But the main thing is that the customer knows that they’re getting a proper electrician who’ll do a safe job in their home.

inspection and testing part of FICA. I’m really excited about seeing them as it’s one of the toughest sections.

What does the future hold? Are you planning any changes?

Preparation is key to passing FICA first time, so we’re trying to get that message out there, both to candidates and the companies they work for. It’s not like college or university where you can rely on bits of paper or books – you have to have a lot of underpinning knowledge in your head and you have to know how to use it properly. Yes, theory is important, but practical preparation is key to passing FICA and companies need to support the apprentices in that journey.

We’re also currently filming some videos to help with the preparation for the

It must be satisfying to know the future is in your hands?

It’s wonderful – they really are very special young people and their hard work is reflected in our Apprentice of the Year award at the annual SELECT Awards. The nominees have to be good to get there and are all quite amazing people – I just wish we could have three winners because they are all exceptional.

FIND OUT MORE

CABLEtalk

If you require further information about the SJIB, visit www.sjib.org.uk or call them on 0131 445 9216.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

39

SCHNEIDER SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Schneider Electric offers a helping hand to electricians Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, is continuing its commitment to electricians with the expansion of its Electrician Partner Programme.

Formerly known as Ultimate Installer, the scheme is completely free for professionals working in the residential and light commercial sectors, who can fulfil one of the entry criteria.

Electricians are supported at every step of the business journey, from starting up and marketing to day-to-day running and growth.

Partners receive exclusive access to the My Rewards loyalty scheme, where they can collect points on Schneider Electric purchases and redeem on more than 20,000 gifts. Other benefits include a complimentary welcome pack with branded t-shirt and other goodies, a listing on the Partner Locator for end users, and a special range of promotions and events.

Online portal

The Partner Programme can be accessed online through the mySchneider electrician portal, which is accessible to anyone, regardless of the

40

CABLEtalk

TIME-SAVING APP Schneider Electric have also recently launched a new app for electricians, designed to save time and make life easier. Users will be able to put together quotes quickly and easily with product and technical information at their fingertips, as well as manage whole projects in one place on their phone or tablet. The app is free to download via:

Partner criteria. The portal is a one-stop shop for product information, distributor locations, training, and customer and technical support. Approved Partners also have access to an enhanced version with further features.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Business partner of choice

“We believe it’s the cornerstone of our Partner Programme to identify and support the needs of electricians”, said Jocelyn Mottram, Electrician Programme Manager at Schneider Electric.

She went on: “Our vision is to be the electrician’s business partner of choice by ensuring we continuously invest, innovate and provide the value and support they really need in the field and online.”

John Darby, of Oldland Electrical, also praised the Programme. He said: “Schneider Electric understands the challenges that many electricians face in an increasingly demanding and competitive climate.

“I have no hesitation in recommending the scheme – there’s no risk and plenty of reward!”

For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.co.uk/ electricianpartner

FOCUS CONTRACTUAL UPDATE

In the first of a two-part series, SEC Group Scotland board member Len Bunton considers the implications of entering into construction contracts with onerous obligations – and reveals why a magnifying glass could be your best friend

Y

By Len Bunton

FRICS FCIArb, HON FRIAS

SEC Group Scotland

ou may all wonder what the relevance of the magnifying glass is.

It’s not because my eyesight is failing, but rather because I had to purchase one recently in order to read a set of conditions of contract that had been sent by a contractor to a client of mine.

The magnifying glass was required so I could actually read the text as the document had been printed out in an unreadable format. Now I’m no cynic, but part of me questions whether this was deliberate in the hope that the reader would give up trying to understand the terms and conditions they were entering into. So in the first of

this two-part series, I’ll be looking at an issue that I encounter frequently when advising contractors and subcontractors about their contractual obligations.

Importance of the contract

When somebody phones up asking for a piece of advice, the first thing I do is to request to see a copy of the contract conditions. The responses are many and varied: “We don’t have one.” “We have one but we don’t know where it is.” “We were intending to sign but it’s still sitting on my desk.” “We raised a number of issues with the contractor and they Continued on page 42

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

41

FOCUS CONTRACTUAL UPDATE Continued from page 41

haven’t come back to us, and that was six months ago.” Or, even better: “Contracts? I don’t believe in contracts.

We just agreed a price, shook hands and got on the with the job”.

It goes without saying that it’s absolutely essential that you contractors and subcontractors out there make sure on each project that you have a properly formulated contract that sets out each party’s rights and obligations.

I fully appreciate that when contractors are tendering for work, their objective is to secure the work package at a decent price, then go off and do the work properly, get paid on time, make a reasonable profit, and hope to have created the opportunity for future work from the same sources.

In my experience, it has not been a priority of many organisations to carefully look at their contract, consider the terms and conditions, and determine whether they are onerous and might cause difficulties at a later date.

On the many occasions when I’ve raised this issue the response has been: “Look, we need the work and we have a labour force to keep fully employed. We keep multiple fingers crossed and hope that there will be no contractual issues at a later date.”

I can understand that securing work is the contractor’s priority in life. But what I would like to do is to set out some of the risks hidden in contracts – and what you can do to negotiate these, or at least mitigate some of the obligations that you’ve undertaken.

Main contract provisions likely to apply to you

So what are the types of provisions that you need to be wary of? More often than not, contractors will say that the terms and conditions of the main contract will apply to the subcontractors as well, and that the conditions of the main contract are available for inspection at the contractor’s offices.

You will be deemed to have had notice of these in formulating your subcontract price. Now that is a difficult one, because few subcontractors will have the time and resource to go off and spend a couple of hours looking through 42

CABLEtalk

“It’s essential that you have a properly formulated contract that sets out each party’s rights and obligations”

Not reading the small print can have implications if things go wrong

an encyclopaedia of contractual clauses that might cause a nightmare at a later date. So I would suggest that you take into consideration the size of the subcontract you are entering into, and that you might want to look at particular provisions that could impact on your subcontract, like the payment provisions, retention periods and the level of liquidated and ascertained damages etc.

Also, if the main contract has been let using one of the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) or Scottish Building Contract Committee (SBCC) forms and the employer has inserted amendments, it is useful to check if these amendments are in tracked changes so you can understand any

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

modifications to the main form. There is no doubt that this is a risky area for subcontractors, and in a complex project it’s certainly worth spending a few hundred pounds getting somebody to have a quick run-through the main contract to see if there are any potential problems lurking there.

In relation to subcontracts, many contractors use the family of contracts published by JCT and the Edinburghbased SBCC. Many subcontractors I come across are not up to date with the latest version of these forms, but luckily the SBCC has an online subscription service which is designed to help your organisation keep fully up to speed with the latest developments.

an explanation as to why a clause has been changed, which appears to me to be a very sensible approach in the public sector to ensure that everybody understands the contractual obligations they are entering into.

Contractors will also have the choice of either deciding not to tender, or trying to negotiate onerous provisions out of these contracts.

Amendments to standard forms

Again, if the standard forms are used, it is quite often the case that contractors will insert amendments, which can be very complicated to work your way through. These amendments may relate to a whole series of different matters by adding and omitting certain words, and it really is hard work to read through these to understand what the changes are. Following recent discussions between SEC Group Scotland, SBCC and the Scottish Futures Trust – who are shortly publishing recommendations into the new procurement guidelines in Scotland – we have recommended that changes to the standard forms should be kept to the absolute minimum. They should be in tracked change version with

but it certainly is an area that is worth looking at.

Moreover, the Construction Act now outlaws provisions that make subcontract retention release conditional on some events under the main contract, such as the issue of a Certificate of Making Good.

Another very onerous provision relates to the deduction of liquidated and ascertained damages, where the Payment provisions damages figure in the main contract So what contractual provisions are applies also to the subcontract. likely to cause difficulties? The first, In a major project, this can be and probably the most important, a very onerous obligation for a relates to payment provisions. JCT subcontractor to take on, and this and SBCC represent cross-industry most certainly is a matter that needs interests; they have drawn up a set of to be considered at tender stage. This payment provisions that are fair and is often completely disproportionate reasonable and provide the essential to the value of the sub-contractor’s certainty to contractors in package of work. relation to time periods for I close by coming back Read payment, what they are to a point I made earlier the n ext part o going to be paid and when in this article – work is contr f Len’s they are going to receive short in the industry, upda actual their cash. This has to be margins are tight, and next te in the reflected along the whole subcontractors need editio of the construction workflow to keep their n CABL o Etalk f supply chain. organisations going, and So the first thing to look at more often than not they are in relation to a new contract is prepared to take on the risk of what are the payment provisions? some of the issues I have raised.

Have they been varied from the This is a matter of commercial standard forms? Are you clear what judgement for subcontractors to this means to your organisation? And if consider when tendering for, or the payment provisions are too securing, attractive work packages. onerous, can you negotiate an In my second article, I will look at improved position? The ultimate suspension and termination provisions position might be that the cash flow and a few other golden oldies that might implications of the contract are just so cause you grief in the future. onerous that you’re not able to take on Sadly, I am sure my magnifying glass the project – and believe me, I have will come to good use in the days and seen that happen. months that lie ahead...

One of the difficulties that subcontractors face is that retention release is often tied into the date of practical completion of the main RETENTIONS LATEST contract. So, for example, if you’re A further issue on cash flow relates to a subcontractor involved in the early retentions. I am fully aware of the work that stages of a project, you might have to has been put into this issue by SELECT and wait a considerable period of time for SEC Group via their highly industrious CEO, retention release.

Rudi Klein, the champion of the get-rid-ofI quite often see contractors and retentions cause. I am grateful to Professor subcontractors agreeing an earlier Klein for his comments and suggestions date of retention release within a about this first article. His update in commercial agreement reached on CABLEtalk last month was excellent and amounts that are due to the contractor you’ll find his latest article on pages 44&45. for the work they have carried out, CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

43

FOCUS RETENTIONS UPDATE

By Professor Rudi Klein SEC Group CEO and Barrister

B

y the time this issue of CABLEtalk hits your desk, the Westminster government may have published its longawaited review of the system of cash retentions. This review was prompted after some intense lobbying from SELECT, acting in concert with the other trade bodies that are part of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group.

SELECT will be inviting members to respond to this review, that will go out to consultation once published.

However, as always, there can be only one possible response: Nothing will change unless there is statutory protection of retention monies. These should be ring-fenced in a scheme or trust, so the demand for retentions will diminish since access to the cash to bolster working capital or to invest it on the overnight money markets will be denied.

But beware! Those who back retentions will not go quietly and will no doubt offer a host of persuasive arguments as to why they should have access to your cash. So, here’s some handy answers to such arguments:

RESPONSE

There are now many examples of legislation aimed at protecting weaker parties in business to business contracts: ●●Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 ●●Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, also known as ‘the Construction Act’ ●●The Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013, which seeks to protect suppliers from the predatory behaviour of large supermarkets.

ARGUMENT

Legislation should not intervene in business-to-business contracts, only in consumer contracts, where the consumer is usually the weaker party.

44

CABLEtalk

ARGUMENT

Ring-fencing cash retentions will put the monies out of circulation so that nobody can use them.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

RESPONSE

Precisely! But the monies will be released on time and firms will be able to use the protected monies as security when borrowing for their businesses.

ARGUMENT

As far as protection from insolvency risk is concerned, retentions shouldn’t be treated any differently from other payments.

RESPONSE

Retentions belong to the firm which has allowed them to be withheld.

They are withheld primarily for one purpose – as security in the event that a firm does not return to remedy defects.

Consent to their withholding does not

Don’t take no for an answer

As the cash retentions debate heats up, its supporters are as keen as ever to put up a strong fight. Here, we provide a flavour of the potential arguments they could use – and some of the responses you can hit back with extend to permitting them to be used by the creditors of the party holding them. This is why many other countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Germany, have legislation to protect retention monies.

ARGUMENT

Public sector clients holding retentions don’t go into insolvency.

RESPONSE

No, but they often take their time to release the monies, mainly because the monies have been used for purposes unrelated to the legitimate reason for which they were withheld, eg to finance other activities of the local authority or other public body. There is also an additional and important factor – subcontractors working in the public sector

are always at risk of their main contractors going bust.

ARGUMENT

The economic case for protecting retention monies has never been made out.

undercapitalisation and low-price tendering are longstanding features of the construction market that contribute to its low productivity and innovation.

The use of retentions as working capital enables those features to remain with no incentive to change and no incentive for clients or lead contractors to properly manage project risks.”

ARGUMENT:

What’s the problem? Contractors include in their prices the cost of their retentions.

RESPONSE

It’s almost impossible to price for the unknowables. Will I lose my retention because of the other side going bust after one year? How long will the other side take to release my monies? Will the other side make up excuses not to release all or part of my retention?

CONTACT YOUR MP – AND LET US KNOW As we outlined in the last edition of CABLEtalk, it’s vital to gain support for statutory ring-fencing of cash retentions from your Westminster MP. After all, this is a battle we must win for the betterment of every small business in the construction industry. If you have contacted your MP, please let SELECT know by emailing alan.wilson@select.org.uk BELOW: Our feature in the last edition

RESPONSE

The cash retention system is damaging to the economic health of the industry and its clients. Here’s what the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment had to say about it: “The use of retentions as working capital is the key concern for the Government; funding working capital from retentions can mask and reward poor performance and poor financial management practices. For example, CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

45

FOCUS APPRENTICESHIPS

Building on a strong Foundation A promising new apprenticeship helps youngsters gain invaluable experience and could help their career options flourish

heart of their youth skill strategy.

In March, the Scottish Government set a target of starting 27,000 people on apprenticeships by the end of March 2018. The majority of those who start training will be under 25.

One of the outcomes of this positive focus on work-based apprenticeship training is the expansion of the apprenticeship family from modern apprenticeships to the introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships. These schemes are still at the pilot stage.

A national problem

By Elaine Ellis Qualifications and Skills Development Manager, SELECT

A

fter many years of being considered the poor relation to university, training young people through apprenticeships is back in fashion in the UK. Although policy and approach varies in the devolved nations, each have placed apprentice training at the

Along with the rest of the UK, Scotland has one of the world’s lowest youth unemployment rates. A strong apprenticeship programme is seen as one of the key reasons. (Germany has the lowest rate, with an apprenticeship programme and links with industry and education hailed as the world’s best.)

Despite this, the UK still has a problem with youth unemployment and an over-reliance on low-skilled jobs for young people. Worldwide, youth unemployment is at epidemic proportions and, while we’re doing well in comparison with many countries, we can’t afford to be complacent. Although young Scots may have favourable employment rates when compared with their European compatriots, unemployment rates are still significantly higher than for adults.

A recent report has highlighted structural changes that impact negatively on young people entering the labour market. The Life Chances of

46 CABLEtalk OCTOBER/SEPTEMBER 2017

Young People in Scotland suggests that, for today’s 16 to 24-year-olds, there are significant new entry barriers into employment that will affect them at a greater level than any previous generation. For those who are disadvantaged or don’t have the right contacts or support, the barriers are even harder to navigate, showing that even in a relatively progressive country like Scotland, we’re leaving many young people behind.

Another issue is the mismatch between the skills that young people

THE EXPERIENCE GAP One of the reasons for high youth unemployment is down to the experience gap. Research by UK Commission for Employment and Skills in 2014 found that 66% of employers rate work experience as either crucial or highly significant when recruiting. The lack of work experience is a major barrier in allowing young people to access vacancies, in particular those in which they could build a meaningful career.

“Foundation Apprenticeships allow youngsters to gain a work-based qualification, while also developing experience and gaining a practical grounding in useful workplace skills” enter the labour market with and the skills employers are looking for. There is the economic paradox that, while young people struggle to access good quality jobs, employers are also struggling to fill vacancies with available talent.

A new approach

One approach to address these barriers is the introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships. Designed for pupils entering S5, they allow youngsters to gain a work-based qualification, while also developing experience with employers and also developing a practical grounding in useful workplace skills.

These qualifications – which take around two years to complete – are currently only available in the fields of software development, engineering and financial services.

Upon completion, students are then ideally placed to take up a Modern Apprenticeship in the same subject – with the practical experience gained reducing the length of study time.

For those not pursuing a career in their Foundation Apprenticeship subject, completion will provide credit towards university or college.

Sadly, Foundation Apprenticeships in their current format are not ideal for the electrotechnical sector. The safety aspect of our work fits the old adage that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, and part-training without completion of the full programme is not in our interest.

However, the philosophy behind Foundation Apprenticeship is sound and should be supported. After all, a qualification that builds links with

industry, employers and schools is positive, and allowing youngsters to widen their knowledge of career possibilities and gain work experience is to be welcomed.

As the Foundation Apprenticeship programme evolves, there will no doubt be an opportunity to work towards a qualification that suits the construction and building services sector, and we would be delighted to work with our industry partners and Skills Development Scotland to explore every option.

It is essential that, as a sector, we look for imaginative ways to support the expansion of qualifications that link schools, young people and industry.

While the current Electrical Installation Apprenticeship is one of – if not the – largest single discipline for apprenticeship training, and as such sets many young people on a positive career, it is only one route. We should be looking to widen access and, as a sector, support initiatives that widen opportunities for all young people at an earlier stage, not just for those that go on to become electricians.

By building stronger links with education we will be able to widen the talent pool and attract a wider demographic to our sector in a range of roles. Foundation Apprenticeships will be an excellent way to do that.

If you require further information about qualifications and skills development, contact Elaine at elaine.ellis@select.org.uk or call her on 0131 445 5577.

CABLEtalk OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 47

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to some of the latest products to hit the market 2 ESP CCTV KITS HELP HOMEOWNEERS KEEP A CLOSER EYE ON PROPERTIES

1 SCOLMORE IS SHINING A LIGHT ON INNOVATION WITH NEW DOWNLIGHTS The latest additions to Scolmore’s integrated LED downlights Inceptor Nano5 - introduce new, compact, fire-rated, dimmable downlights, with an array of features in their shallow profiles.

With a highly competitive price point, the new high-performance, 4.8W LED products are designed to have mass market appeal and are suitable for a variety of uses in domestic applications.

The two models - Inceptor Nano5 Fixed and Inceptor Nano5 Adjustable - allow the luminaire to be directed to where light is needed and feature a compact, high-powered driver suitable for installation in a fire rated ceiling. Nano5 Fixed is designed for a 60mm cut out and will fit into a recess depth of 45mm, while the Adjustable is designed for a 75mm cut out, with a recess of 54mm.

Both feature the Flow Connector, Scolmore’s pre-wired connection system that is designed to speed up installation and to allow faster removal for testing and replacement. The company’s trademark blue strip of intumescent adds an extra barrier of protection against fire by expanding to fill the gap between the plasterboard and the light fitting. It also offers a 30, 60 and 90 minute fire rating, and is acoustic and airflow compliant.

With an ingress protection rating of IP65 for the fixed bezel and IP54 for the adjustable, they are both suitable for use in situations where moisture and low pressure water jets are a factor, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

For details, visit www.scolmore. com or call 01827 63454.

ESP is building on its 1080p HDView Wire Free CCTV Kit with the addition of three new kits aimed at the domestic market.

The existing white two-camera kit now has a black option, with four-camera kits also being added in both colours. The new systems offer easy installation and superior quality HD image capture.

The CCTV kits offer Wi-Fi open field range of 150m, with no cabling required between the NVR and the camera. The 1080p resolution offers superior image clarity, providing users with better quality live images and recorded footage - essential for any CCTV system.

The NVR records camera footage to the internal hard drive - with 500 GB, 1TB, 2TB or 4TB options - and footage can be transferred to a memory stick using the USB port for easy evidence gathering.

Remote monitoring is possible via smart phone, using the ESP HDView WF APP, as well as via the Cloud, using a LAN connection.

For more information, visit www.espuk.com or call 01527 515 150.

3 DRAPER TOOLS SET HELPS YOU GET A GRIP ON EXPERT PERFORMANCE Draper Tools has introduced a new high-quality plier and screwdriver set to its Draper Expert range of tools.

Made to withstand frequent trade use, the nine-piece Ergo Plus VDE Approved Fully Insulated Plier and Screwdriver Set is manufactured to DIN Standard and individually certified to EN 60900.

Each plier in the set is manufactured from special tool steel with the cutting edges additionally induction hardened for longevity. The screwdrivers are manufactured from hardened and tempered CRV steel with a chemically blacked finish. For maximum comfort, fully insulated ergonomic soft grip handles are fitted to both the pliers and screwdrivers.

Tested to 10kV, this set is suitable for working on live circuits of 1kV AC and 1.5kV DC. To safely store each screwdriver and plier, the set comes packed in a convenient vinyl wallet.

To find out more, visit www. drapertools.com

WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCT? CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SPREAD THE WORD HERE 48

CABLEtalk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

In association with

4 HARTING HOUSINGS ARE BUILT TO PROTECT, WHATEVER THE WEATHER Harting has expanded its Han M range of industrial connector housings, launching a new series of bulkhead hoods with increased resistance to external influences including dust, dirt and liquids.

The new housings meet the requirements of IEC 60529 in protecting interior parts against strong water spray and temporary immersion in water to a depth of one metre.

The circumferential collar seals the housing externally, and also prevents the seal from slipping inwards or outwards. In addition, the seal is more stable on the new housing than its predecessor and is able to compensate for unevenness, which increases protection against the penetration of water.

The new housings complete Harting’s housing range in sizes 6 B, 10 B, 16 B and 24 B. Applications include wind turbines, cranes, external switchgear and railways, where operational safety needs to be maintained in extreme environments or under adverse weather conditions.

For further information, visit www.harting.co.uk

5 SCHNEIDER GOES SCREWLESS WITH STYLISH SWITCH AND SOCKET RANGE Schneider Electric has expanded its popular Lisse range of wiring accessories to include a contemporary screwless range.

The Lisse Screwless Deco combines a new curved design with future-proof technology and comes in four high-quality finishes, making it ideal for middle-market residential and commercial customers looking to upgrade or redecorate.

With simple installation and clever design features, the range is ideally suited for new builds and refurbs. The Lisse light switches can be installed in 16mm shallow back boxes and sockets in 25mm back boxes.

The detachable front cover can be easily removed when renovating or decorating.

For more information, visit www.schneiderelectric.co.uk/en

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

CDM Regulations: Know your duties!

By Craig Bradshaw Partner, MacRoberts LLP The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (‘CDM Regulations’) impose significant duties on clients, principal contractors and contractors in relation to workers on site.

These include:

Welfare facilities

Parties involved in construction projects are under a duty to liaise with each other to ensure the provision of welfare facilities for workers. These include toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms and lockers and facilities for rest.

Engaging with workers

Principal contractors have a duty under the CDM Regulations to consult and engage with workers in good time on matters which may affect their health, safety or welfare.

This is additional to the general legal duty applied to all employers to consult their workforce about health and safety.

Supervision

Contractors - i.e. any party engaging construction workers or managing construction - are responsible for the supervision of workers and must ensure they have the instructions they need to CABLEtalk

work without risk to health and safety. Contractors must also ensure that every worker has the skills, knowledge and experience to work in a safe way and provide training where required.

Cooperation

Generally all parties involved in a construction project must cooperate with each to ensure the health and safety of anyone on site.

A failure to comply with duties under the CDM Regulations can have serious repercussions for the party in breach. The main enforcing body is the Health and Safety Executive, who can take a range of enforcement action depending on the nature of the incident.

Be aware that criminal sanctions can apply to a breach of health and safety regulations with fines and even imprisonment a possibility in most serious cases.

Those involved in construction projects in any capacity should therefore ensure they are aware of their duties under the CDM Regulations.

l MacRoberts is an independent commercial law firm with more than 150 years of experience.

Find out more at www.macroberts.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

49

DIARY EVENTS / WORDSEARCH WIN £50 OF AMAZON VOUCHERS

In association with MacRoberts LLP, we’re giving you the chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers with our Scottish slang wordsearch.

Simply find the words in the grid above, take a pic and email it to memberservices@select.org.uk by 25 November. Alternatively, cut it out and send it to: Wordsearch, SELECT, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB. The winner will be drawn at random.

T&Cs are available online.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU AFORE AWA AYE BAMPOT BAWBEES BIZZUM BLETHER BLOOTERED BRAW CAULD CHITTERING CLARTY CRABBIT DOUR DRAM DREICH DROUTH EEJIT GLAIKIT GREIT HAIVER HEN KEN MAUCHIT NAPPER NAW NUMPTY SCUNNER SKIVER STRAMASH WABBIT WHEESHT

Upcoming events Dumfries & Galloway branch meeting Station Hotel, Dumfries Tuesday 31 October, 5.30pm

Garfield Hotel, Stepps Tuesday 7 November, 5.30pm

Lanarkshire branch meeting

Aberdeen & North East of Scotland branch meeting

Dumfries & Galloway branch dinner

Ayrshire branch meeting

Dakota Hotel, Eurocentral Thursday 2 November, 5.30pm

Woodlands Hotel, New Bridge, Dumfries Friday 3 November, 7pm

Glasgow & West of Scotland branch meeting 50

CABLEtalk

Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen Thursday 9 November, 10am

Ayr College. Tuesday 14 November, 6pm

Inverness & North of Scotland Mansion House Hotel, Elgin Thursday 16 November, 5.30pm

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

Violette Fivet Technical Services Administrator How long have you been at SELECT?

I started as a temp in November 2015 and SELECT offered me a permanent position as an administrator in the technical department in February 2016.

What does your job entail?

As the name suggests, my department deals with all things technical, but it also helps organise training, so the job is quite varied. I assist two of our technical advisers with the administration of the technical inspections for our Members and, on the training side, I’m responsible for a few of the courses we offer.

What’s a typical day for you at work?

I generally start by answering my emails, then I’ll spend time contacting Members for their technical assessments, processing course results, organising stationary orders, taking bookings for courses and managing a lot of admin bits in between. It’s a fast-paced position and every day is different.

Do you get the chance to meet Members?

I mostly speak to them over the phone but I do meet those who come to the Walled Garden for courses.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

Even though it may not look like it, my role is quite a challenging position! I enjoy the diversity and the fact that you need to be able to juggle multiple tasks all at the same time.