MyLocalElectrician - Electrical News & Business Listings

NICEIC announces Paul Collins as new Technical Director

gazza — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:01:36 +0000

NICEIC announces Paul Collins as new Technical Director

gazza Mon, 24/04/2023

Paul takes over from current Technical Director, John O’Neill who retires at the end of March

NICEIC, the UK's leading Certification Body for the building services industry, has announced the appointment of Paul Collins as their new Technical Director. Paul replaces John O'Neill, who retires at the end of March, having held the position since 2019.

"I want to congratulate Paul on his new appointment," said Certsure Managing Director, Richard Orton.

"Having been with the organisation for thirteen years and successfully heading up the Technical Services Division for the past four, I have no doubt Paul will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this important role.

"I would also like to thank John O'Neill for his outstanding contribution to the business and for being the trusted custodian of our core value – technical integrity for the past four years."

Having started his career as an electrical apprentice in 1990, Paul moved on to become an NICEIC Qualified Supervisor gaining vast experience in the electrotechnical, gas, plumbing, heating, and renewable sectors before joining NICEIC in 2009.

Since this time Paul has held an number of positions within NICEIC including Helpline Engineer, Head of Consulting, Head of NICEIC, Head of Operations and most recently Head of Technical Services.

In his new role as Technical Director, Paul will continue to represent NICEIC on various committees and working groups.

“I am delighted to take on this new role". said, Paul Collins

“I am passionate about our industry, and I am committed to pushing it forward, raising standards, and ensuring technical integrity remains at the heart of everything we do.

“There truly has never been a more exciting time to be involved in our industry and I am excited to be part of the team who will continue to develop and cement NICEIC’s leading role within it.”

NICEIC

Are you NICIEC's next quiz champion?

gazza — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 12:34:22 +0000

Are you NICIEC's next quiz champion?

gazza Wed, 07/09/2022

Are you NICIEC's next quiz champion? Do you have what it takes to take the crown from the current holder Darren Cooke of Stolworthy Electrical Ltd? If so, put your skills to the test by signing up for the NICEIC Amendment 2 quiz on Wednesday September 14th at 8pm.

The event, which will focus on the implementation of Amendment 2 of BS 7671:2018, aims to raise funds for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). Providing a lifeline to so many the EIC delivers free, confidential and practical support to those working in the electrical contracting industry and their families.

NICEIC is throwing down a gauntlet to their 38,000 customers who are invited to battle it out to become the next NICEIC quiz champion
All in the name of a good cause the event will raise funds for the Electrical Industries Charity
Participants are encouraged to make a £1 donation to enter a contribution which NICEIC will match
Taking place on September 14^th at 8pm, the quiz will focus on Amendment 2 of BS 7671:2018

All participants will be asked to make a voluntary donation of £1 to enter an amount which NICEIC will match, with 100% of the funds raised going directly to the EIC.

"The last NICEIC quiz was a great success,” said Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Head of Technical Services.

"With hundreds in attendance, it was a tight contest which saw Darren Cooke win ultimate bragging rights. This time, we want to combine our contractor's competitive nature with fundraising for a truly worthy cause.

"The EIC do so much great work for the men and women of our industry, and we are pleased to be able to help in any way we can."

Tessa Ogle, Electrical Industries Charity, Managing Director and CEO added.

"We are thrilled to be part of the hunt for NICEIC's next quiz champion and greatly appreciate the support from NICEIC and their contractors. Our work is vitally important and couldn't be done without fundraising initiatives such as this.”

To sign up for the quiz please click here and register your attendance. To make a donation to the EIC please click here and to find out more about the great work undertaken by the EIC please visit www.electricalcharity.org

NICEIC

MIND THE GAP - ESF COMMENTS ON THE BUILDING SAFETY BILL

gazza — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:04:28 +0000

MIND THE GAP - ESF COMMENTS ON THE BUILDING SAFETY BILL

gazza Fri, 29/04/2022

Commenting on the Building Safety Bill, which receives Royal Assent today, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of leading consumer protection charity, Electrical Safety First,
said:

“We are delighted the Bill takes us a step closer to addressing the ‘safety gap’ around electrical safety in high rises – by including a requirement for the Government to complete a cost-benefit analysis for introducing regular electrical installations checks in all residential tower blocks in England.

“Currently, only private landlords are required to undertake five yearly electrical safety checks, despite most high rises being composed of mixed tenures. England, unlike Scotland (with Wales set to follow suit), has not yet extended this requirement to social housing and there is no such legislation covering homeowners across the UK. This is despite the fact that, in 2021 alone, electricity caused 355 fires in high rises and, according to Government figures, the number has increased over the last three years.

“The Charity has led the call for a uniform approach to electrical safety in tower blocks and we have worked closely with Lord Foster of Bath to help address this regulatory gap, which leaves families and buildings at risk. We want to see mandated, five yearly, electrical safety checks in both social housing and leaseholds in mixed tenure high rises, to protect all occupants and ensure consistency and effectiveness. Not only would this protect hundreds of thousands of people, it will also help provide the peace of mind that everyone wants to feel in their own home.”

Electrical Safety First

Applications open for Electrical Safety First's Safety Innovation Award

gazza — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 12:38:28 +0000

Applications open for Electrical Safety First's Safety Innovation Award

gazza Fri, 11/02/2022

Do you have an innovative electrical project or product which improves (or seeks to improve) consumer safety, that you want to bring to a wide professional audience?

Electrical Safety First’s Safety Innovation Award puts the spotlight on those individuals and businesses who put safety at the heart of their work, while incorporating sustainability and innovation.

The Charity is inviting applications from businesses, community groups, and individuals, who have developed (or are developing) an innovative product - or a project - that can enhance consumer safety. Currently in its 6^th year, the award is now open, with the deadline for submissions the 31^st August 2022. Applications at all stages of development, including design and concept, are welcome.

The winner will be announced at Electrical Safety First’s annual product safety conference, where they will have a platform to discuss their innovation with the audience. They will also be offered ongoing support via media coverage, tailored newsletters and, where applicable, a half day of coaching from Electrical Safety First’s highly respected Technical Team – explaining everything you need to know to deliver your idea or get your product to market. All short-listed applicants will also be offered a space in the conference networking area, where they can network and give demonstrations of their work.

Electrical Safety First’s internationally recognised annual conference, which takes place each November, is attended by over 200 delegates, from throughout the electro-technical industry – and beyond. This year, the event will be held at Church House, Westminster, on 23^rd November 2022.

During this period of uncertainty and rapid technological change, there is a huge opportunity for innovation and creativity in product safety”, explains Martyn Allen, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First. “We want to hear from individuals and businesses of all sizes, as well as community groups. And we are not only interested in a market-ready product or project - we also want to hear from people who have a design or concept which, with some support, can make a significant contribution to improving consumers’ electrical safety.”

For more information, and to submit your application, visit: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/award

Electrical Safety First

Comment from Electrical Safety First on Building Safety Bill

gazza — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 11:50:24 +0000

Comment from Electrical Safety First on Building Safety Bill

gazza Wed, 19/01/2022

Commenting on the Building Safety Bill (Report Stage) and amendments tabled by Andy Slaughter MP to introduce five-yearly electrical safety checks for social tenants and leaseholders in High Rise Residential Buildings (HRRB), Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First said:

“Those living in high rise buildings face unique risks and it is essential this Bill addresses them adequately. We have become all too familiar with how devastating electrical fires in tower blocks can be and it is a matter of urgency that all homes within a block are subject to the same protections, regardless of tenure type. We urge MPs to support mandatory electrical safety checks as part of this Bill so that people and their properties can be kept safe and secure from the devastation that electrical fires in high rise buildings can cause.”

Electrical Safety First

NICEIC Wall of Shame incorrectly identifying electricians

gazza — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 19:53:33 +0000

NICEIC Wall of Shame incorrectly identifying electricians

gazza Mon, 08/11/2021

My Local Electrician has been contacted by a number of online electricians groups regarding their concerns with the NICEIC's Wall of Shame. We all know that their wall of shame is something we, as professional electricians, give the thumbs up to. We also agree that the NICEIC should be prosecuting those who are using the NICEIC logo without actually being registered with them.

So whilst the NICEIC wall of shame is certainly a good thing, If you feel that the NICEIC should be identifying the business concerned in a better way, sign the form below and we can forward this to the NICEIC in the hope they will respond and address the issue we have raised.

One group of like minded professional electricians, My Electricians ToolBox, have sent us the following letter:

Dear Certsure

Regarding your published, “wall of shame.”

https://www.niceic.com/find-a-contractor/wall-of-shame

Whilst this is undoubtedly a good idea, there is an issue with one of the entries on this list.

“Your Local Electrician (Stafford),” is obviously a specific business.

However, without further specific identification, this entry is causing problems for a number of Certsure paid-up members, and members of other competent persons schemes.

“Your Local Electrician,” is a byline or tagline, used in marketing by members of, “My Electrician’s Toolbox.”

It is used on branded work wear, in magazine advertisements, on vans, and on stationery, and in lots of other ways.

Without much more specific identification, electricians using this tagline are being incorrectly identified as being unregistered contractors.

Please correct this issue, either by specifically identifying the business and/or individual concerned, or by removing the entry to eliminate confusion.

Yours, the undersigned,

niceic logo

niceic wall of shame

niceic rogue traders

7 Reasons Business Management Software is a Game Changer for Electricians

gazza — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:05:13 +0000

7 Reasons Business Management Software is a Game Changer for Electricians

gazza Mon, 01/11/2021

It’s no secret that the electrician business is tough. You have to oversee all your office work and keep track of what’s going on with each client you’re working with. You’re up against a lot of competition, which means you have to market yourself well. If you’re looking for an easier way to run your business in one place, then it might be time for you to consider using business management software. What is business management software? This type of software has the ability to help you do everything from managing certificates and organising schedule . . . to simplifying payment process and getting more projects. By going digital, you not only save time and money but also provide an organised workspace for your team members.

Read on to have a better overview of the reasons why you need to use this type of software.

Manage your documents and certificates in one place

Dealing with the safety of your workplace is a top priority for electricians. But keeping all their health and safety documentation as well as certificates in one place can be a struggle. With the help of an online document management feature, you can manage all your H&S reporting, contracts, and certificates in one place. This makes them accessible when needed as attachments when communicating with clients. All your important records can be stored together on a cloud-based server that works with any device or platform. This means that your certificates are always up to date, allowing you to access your files whenever you need them.

2. Save more time by eliminating paperwork
Managing your team members can be time-consuming. With business management software, you can reduce the amount of paperwork you need to do your tasks. The result is a more productive workplace and less clutter. Its intuitive interface ensures that it works on any platform or device. This makes the process of preparing quotations and invoices simpler. Instead of manually creating invoices every time a job is completed, you can set up your own templates to generate an invoice each time a client places a job order.

3. Organise your scheduling with ease

With the right business management software platform, electricians can get more by improving their daily workflow. As an essential tool for the busy electrician, using a software allows you to divide work among your team. You also ensure that deadlines are met without having to rely on memory or paperwork. By monitoring your job schedule, you can focus on areas that need improvement as well as allow your team members to track progress in real-time. Managing tasks within a single dashboard even becomes better by using a job and team calendar management feature, so nothing gets missed by your team.

4. Simplify payment processing
As the backbone of any business, improving your cash flow becomes your number one priority. This is where you can maximize the benefits of using all-in-one business software, which has been designed to give you the necessary tools so that your business never falls behind. With a payment solution feature, you can simplify the process of payment and spend less time chasing it and more time on client service. How does this happen? When payment is processed through a secure payment gateway, it asks clients to settle their payment much more quickly.

5. Track your emails and keep them out of spam
Being able to email your quotes saves an great amount of time. But so often, we forget that our emails can actually land in spam folders or worse, not being received at all. What’s good about business management software is that you can set it up that all emails leaving your mail server land in your clients’ inboxes. You can also track emails to know exactly when the client has seen your quote. This means no more back and forth emails. An e-mail setup feature ensures that there will be no more lost opportunities and allows for faster replies from clients.

6. Be guided by live product pricing
If you are an electrician who works on short notice without the materials you need on hand for your job, it’s important to know how much things really cost before you buy them. With a live product pricing feature, you can select the best prices for the materials you’ll use on a job. Additionally, this feature allows you to use real-time information on any jobs you’re working on. You can also apply that information to become more familiar with material costs. With one click, the software updates often to make sure that your information is accurate with updated pricing from suppliers. Also, with this feature on your phone, tablet, or laptop, you can be out in the field and price each material as needed. You don’t have to worry about being under or overcharged.

7. Win more projects in less time
The ability to be productive and respond quickly is a huge advantage in the electrical contracting industry. Staying competitive is vital because there will always be someone willing to pick up your work. A business management software gives you complete control over the quoting process, from delivering quotes on-site to invoicing instantly.With the ability to set job templates for each job, you can easily work on tasks such as creating quotes and procurement requests. You can also follow up on your clients through an automated follow-up feature so you don’t lose out on winning more jobs.

Manage your business in one place with Custom Quoter

Simplifying the management of your business is easier than you might think. One thing that doesn’t need any more time or effort on your part is to start using a business management software like Custom Quoter. With this software, you can manage all the aspects of your business in one place. You’ll be glad that you did when managing certificates becomes easy and organising scheduling becomes simpler. You’ll also be thrilled by the fact that payments are processed quicker than ever before and emails never get lost again.

Get started today by starting a free trial right now and clicking here

Software for Electricians

Invoicing software for electricians

Estimation software for electricians

Business software for electricians

Latest Information from the NICEIC discussing the PRS legislation in England

gazza — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:59:40 +0000

Latest Information from the NICEIC discussing the PRS legislation in England

gazza Wed, 28/04/2021

The latest news from NICEIC and ELECSA which discusses the PRS legislation in England, the latest government guidance, and the tools available to support contractors and landlords undertaking Electrical Safety Checks.

PRS ELECTRICAL CHECKS, EICRs AND THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE - THE FREE TOOLS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS CAN NOT AFFORD TO IGNORE

Calls to NICEIC and ELECSA technical helpline more than double as the 1 April deadline for electrical checks in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in England arrives.
Landlords and Electrical Contractors seek advice on the rules and EICR coding.
MHCLG* issues updated guidance that urges Electrical Contractors to utilise Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 and WRAG FAQ’s.

Offering the latest industry agreed guidance on coding, these resources are free of charge and can be easily downloaded.

As the final deadline for the new PRS legislation in England came into force on April 1 2021, calls to NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical helpline peaked at over 600 calls a day, a figure which is more than double the daily average seen during the same period last year.

The majority of the call volume came from contractors seeking clarity on the rules relating to EICRs and guidance on appropriate coding. In addition, there was also a significant increase in calls from landlords and letting agents who were again seeking advice on the rules, particularly concerning enforcement during the pandemic.

Sam Donaghy, NICEIC and ELECSA’s Technical Helpline Manager, said.

“In the run-up to the deadline for carrying out electrical checks in the PRS, the calls increased significantly. From the conversations myself and my colleagues were having, it was clear, despite the deadline being set in 2020, many landlords had left it to the last minute to comply. A situation which, of course, wasn’t helped by COVID-19.

“Many of the questions from contractors related to appropriate coding on EICRs which, as we all know, are not always straight forward, while landlords sought guidance on the legislation itself. In both scenarios, we signposted callers to the NICEIC website.

“Here we outlined the latest government advice which promotes the use of free materials such as Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 and the Wiring Regulations Advisory Groups (WRAG) FAQ’s.”

Issued by MHCLG on April 1, the latest Government advice confirmed the planned implementation and timings of the PRS legislation would not change. Recognising the impact of COVID-19, the guidance went on to discuss renting during the pandemic. In this general guidance, MHCLG called for a pragmatic risk-based approach to enforcement during COVID-19.

The advice also signposted Electrical Contractors and Landlords to resources relating to undertaking EICRs and correct coding. The two reference points given were Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 and the WRAG FAQs.

“We welcome MHCLG’s promotion of the Best Practice Guide 4 and WRAG FAQs said Martyn Allen, Electrical Safety First’s Technical Director,

“Offering industry agreed best practice guidance on EICR coding and the application of BS 7671, these resources have been created to support the industry as collectively we strive to maintain standards, provide consistency for inspectors and installers, and protect the consumer. Free to download and easy to follow, the Guides are available via our website or through the links provided on NICEIC’s PRS page.”

“If you are an Electrical Contractor undertaking electrical safety checks I urge you to download your free copy today.”

NICEIC and ELECSA contractors looking for further support on EICR coding can also join the free and exclusive Coding Clinics, which run as part of the brands technical webinar series, the WIRE. The next episode broadcasts live on May 5^th at 8PM to register please click here or visit https://bit.ly/3aKmBff.

For more information relating to the PRS legislation and what it means for you and your business please visit www.niceic.com.

PRS legislation

NICEIC

PRS ELECTRICAL CHECKS, EICRs AND THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE - THE FREE TOOLS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS CAN NOT AFFORD TO IGNORE

Calls to NICEIC and ELECSA technical helpline more than double as the 1 April deadline for electrical checks in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in England arrives.
Landlords and Electrical Contractors seek advice on the rules and EICR coding.
MHCLG* issues updated guidance that urges Electrical Contractors to utilise Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4 and WRAG FAQ’s.

Offering the latest industry agreed guidance on coding, these resources are free of charge and can be easily downloaded.

Sam Donaghy, NICEIC and ELECSA’s Technical Helpline Manager, said.

“We welcome MHCLG’s promotion of the Best Practice Guide 4 and WRAG FAQs said Martyn Allen, Electrical Safety First’s Technical Director,

“If you are an Electrical Contractor undertaking electrical safety checks I urge you to download your free copy today.”

For more information relating to the PRS legislation and what it means for you and your business please visit www.niceic.com.

NICEIC

PRS legislation

Former paratrooper encourages others to take the apprenticeship plunge

gazza — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:15:20 +0000

Former paratrooper encourages others to take the apprenticeship plunge

gazza Fri, 05/02/2021

A paratrooper who was forced to quit the army due to health reasons says becoming an apprentice electrician was the best thing he could have done to turn his life around.

Michael Parr, 28, of Great Glen, Leicestershire was discharged from the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment after suffering hearing loss in one ear as a result of firing heavy weapons.

Since becoming an apprentice at RK Electrical Mechanical Services in Northamptonshire he has his feet firmly on the ground and hopes to encourage others to consider apprenticeships when faced with having to make a career change.

Speaking of his experience during National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), Michael said: “On leaving school I went on to study farming, I’d worked on a farm since I was 13 and knew this was something I wanted to do. I studied farm management and worked in the industry for eight years.”

After spending two years working on farms in Australia Michael decided the time was right to follow a life-long ambition to join the army and in 2014 he took the plunge.

He said: “I went overseas quite a lot on training exercises, completing various parachute jumps. I loved everything about it and was devastated when after just four years I was discharged for becoming deaf in one ear from firing heavy weapons.

“I didn’t really know what to do, a career in the army was my life ambition. I didn’t have a back-up plan and I needed one fast.”

Michael decided to retrain to become an electrical engineer.

He said: “I decided to throw myself into a new career. I had excelled in the army and I knew I would excel as an electrician. I could transfer all the skills I had learnt in the army into relearning a trade. I asked around and was told about RK Electrical Mechanical Services.”

The award-winning Desborough-based employer specialises in providing high-quality electrical, plumbing and heating services over a number of industry sectors, including housing developments, social housing sites and industrial, commercial and domestic properties.

Apprenticeships in electrical plumbing and heating, including gas, are offered to successful candidates on completion of a two-week trial.

Michael will complete his second year in March.

He added: “Being an apprentice is so much better than I expected it to be. I’ve had fantastic support from everyone at the firm and I would tell anyone faced with a situation like mine to go with their gut feeling, don’t let the word ‘apprentice’ put you off.

“As much as I wanted to stay in the army I knew that becoming an electrician would be better for my future and the time goes so fast. When I was told I was getting discharged from the army I really didn’t think I’d be where I am now.

“I knew a bit about electrics and decided to go for it and I would encourage others to do the same.”

RK Electrical Mechanical Services is currently supporting seven apprentices across both the electrical and mechanical sides of the industry.

Kye Bishop, Business Development Manager, added: “Apprenticeships have a key role in helping the UK’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and we are proud to be able to help people like Michael to retrain and up-skill. Our apprenticeship scheme supports our commitment to organically grow the business and create our own professional, highly-skilled workforce.”

On completion of the apprenticeship programme candidates will have taken the necessary steps to be qualified as either an electrical or mechanical engineer.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the RK Electrical Mechanical Services apprenticeship scheme can contact Kye Bishop 01536 601900 or email: kye@rkelec.co.uk

electrical apprenticeship

Michael Parr

Game-changing Bill for Substandard Electricals Online

gazza — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 07:49:12 +0000

Game-changing Bill for Substandard Electricals Online gazza Fri, 18/12/2020

Details of Electrical Safety First’s proposed new bill to ensure online platforms are covered by the same requirements for the safety of consumer electrical goods as the High Street retailer.

The Government’s Online Harms Bill has failed to address the problem of dangerous electrical goods available from online marketplaces. So leading consumer protection charity, Electrical Safety First, has put forward its own, ‘game changing’ Bill.

Electrical Safety First’s new Bill would make online marketplaces – such as Amazon and eBay – legally responsible for hosting listings of potentially lethal electrical products for sale. It would ensure they have the same responsibilities to protect consumers from unsafe products as High Street retailers.

The Government’s Online Harms Bill was developed in response to increased concerns around online personal security – particularly for children. Its declared objective is to establish a system of accountability and oversight for tech companies. But while the Government’s Bill covers various ‘harms’ arising from social media, fake news, or other illegal content on the web, the Charity argued it didn’t go far enough.

In multiple investigations[i], Electrical Safety First has found electrical products - presenting a serious fire risk - are easily available from third party sellers via online marketplaces. Currently, online marketplaces are not required to inform consumers if they have purchased a substandard electrical product from their site, which leaves thousands unaware of the potential fire and safety risk they have in their home.

Electrical Safety First’s proposed new Bill, if accepted by Government, would tighten the law so that online marketplaces must ensure electricals sold from a fulfilment centre, or third party seller on their site, are safe. And they would be required to alert consumers who have bought a substandard electrical item from their marketplace.

“We campaigned strongly for the Government’s Online Harms Bill to include dangerous electricals available online. We believe ‘harm’ goes beyond the Government’s definition, because counterfeit or substandard electrical products can have a life-changing impact”, explains Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First.

“Electricity is responsible for around half of all fires in UK homes, with most arising from electrical products. Our 2020 annual survey[ii] found almost one in four consumers bought what they thought was a genuine electrical item online, from a third-party seller, and then discovered it was fake. We also found[iii] that one in 10 adults have first-hand experience of an electrical shock, or fire, from an electrical item bought online.

“But we don’t just want online marketplaces to react to risk, we want them to be proactive. Given the sophisticated technologies available to these retail giants, it is not unreasonable to expect them to ensure effective safeguards – whether from revised algorithms, machine learning, or improved image recognition – to stop unsafe electricals being sold on their platforms. There is support - research undertaken for us by ComRes[iv], found 70% of MPs want online marketplaces to have a legal responsibility to help prevent the sale of dangerous electrical products. And we believe our proposed Bill would not only improve consumer safety but also protect legitimate businesses selling online.”

requirements for the safety of consumer electrical goods

Electrical Safety First