M&E Archives | BDC Magazine https://bdcmagazine.com/category/trades/me/ The Choice of Industry Professionals Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:01:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://bdcmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cropped-BDC_Favicon-32x32.png M&E Archives | BDC Magazine https://bdcmagazine.com/category/trades/me/ 32 32 Students get inspirational tour of data centre with CyrusOne https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/08/students-get-inspirational-tour-of-data-centre-with-cyrusone/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:47:01 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=150567 Engineering students at UTC Heathrow got the rare opportunity to tour an operational CyrusOne data centre, seeing for themselves the racks of servers used to store computer data (email, website, online transactions, etc) for some of the biggest companies in the world, along with the electrical and mechanical equipment needed to support such important infrastructure. […]

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Engineering students at UTC Heathrow got the rare opportunity to tour an operational CyrusOne data centre, seeing for themselves the racks of servers used to store computer data (email, website, online transactions, etc) for some of the biggest companies in the world, along with the electrical and mechanical equipment needed to support such important infrastructure.

Shortly before school broke for the holidays, seven engineering students visited CyrusOne’s LON1 site based in Slough, where they met Jacob Dowsett, Regional Operations Director, and Steve Hayward, Vice President European Operations. Jacob was especially inspirational, telling the students about his unconventional path into his role: “What we are hoping to do is shed light on this industry and make the route for your generation more straight forward,” he said.

The purpose of the tour was to support the learning these students have been doing on the data services industry as part of their Engineering BTEC course through the Digital Futures Programme. This programme, unique to UTC Heathrow, is designed to open opportunities for students to explore an array of careers within the data services industry, as well as equipping them for other technical careers.

Although the programme has been running since 2021, this is the first time any of the students have visited a fully operational data centre. Having made sure that their clients were happy with the students being shown around, CyrusOne were delighted to offer the inaugural tour.

CyrusOne’s Jacob Dowsett explained how vital it is for students to be able to see the workings of the data centre in person. “It’s so important for the students to be able to visualise these data centres and see for themselves. Obviously, it’s data sensitive, really high security, but without these experiences – showing the students what’s actually inside the data centre and what engineering roles there are, they’re not going to want to join the industry. They need to see things up and running and see themselves doing it.”

On the day, students were shown a short presentation on what happened at the data centre (which the students were already pretty clued up on), before starting the ‘electrical tour’.

Much to the students’ delight, this involved the big switch on of a power generator. It was big and loud – the boys loved it naturally! They were shown how it worked by an engineer – but it wasn’t a passive watch. Like all good school trips, the students were armed with a clipboard containing questions they were required to answer. This meant they were actively engaged, listening to the engineers and most importantly learning.

The second part of the tour looked at the mechanical side – the cooling system. Data centre servers generate a lot of heat, so all require some kind of cooling mechanism, in this case an Adiabatic* cooling system.

Kitted out with boots, hi-vis and lanyards, the students got to really visualise how a data centre works. They spoke to some of the engineers, asking intelligent questions about how the equipment works and what engineers at CyrusOne do – and what the earning potential is.

Something that really gave the students food for thought was the company’s vision of a sustainable future and what they could do to be a part of that.

CyrusOne’s Hanna Chegrouche, Marketing Coordinator  said: “I think the younger generation need to feel valued in industry and feel like they’re part of a bigger impact. So while we were talking about the now of being an engineer, we were also talking about the headwinds that we face and how engineers have a big part to play. We looked at our new facility, LON6, through a VR headset experience and I think they were surprised – it looks so different to what you perceive a data centre to look like, with the biodiverse surrounding areas and timber framed interior, you won’t even think that was a data centre city at all.”

For many of the students who were already considering a career in the sector after school, this tour made them even more determined! ALET Project Coordinator Candace Rose Kumi, who is based at UTC Heathrow said:  “The advice given to students was fantastic, they left feeling inspired and wanting to know more about the industry. They gained a better understanding of electrical and mechanical equipment within a data centre as well as the future works.”

One of the students, Lucas, went on: “This was a great opportunity and has helped me to decide that I would love to start a career in the data centre industry. Everyone was very enthusiastic and informative, and I am very grateful to the CyrusOne team for this experience.”

Summing up, another of the visiting students, Yaseen, said: “I found the trip to be fascinating because of the orderliness of such a complex operation. Everything was so under control to the point where any issue they have is predictable and resolvable in seconds, if not minutes, and I found this to be an inspiration for how I should maximise efficiency in my day-to-day life. I was surprised to see how relaxed everyone was given that if the servers were to go down it would cost them thousands of pounds, but I think they are so organised that they never need to worry. They were very welcoming and willing to explain any questions we had and went out of their way to make it a great day for us.”

  • Adiabatic cooling systems are used with evaporative coolers. These systems are made up of a large fan that draws warm air through water-moistened pads.
  • UTC Heathrow is a specialist science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) school which teaches students aged 14 to 18.
  • To find out more about the Digital Futures Programme please visit www.heathrow-utc.org/employers/digital-futures-programme
  • CyrusOne is one the founding partners of the Digital Futures Programme. It has taken steps to engage with local UTCs (University Technical Colleges) as part of their efforts to promote positive interactions and recruit talented individuals. CyrusOne has participated in educational initiatives such as providing guest lectures, organising workshops and offering apprenticeships. This is essential to support the growth the industry is currently going through.

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CLD Systems Sets New Standards in Stadium Security https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/08/cld-systems-sets-new-standards-in-stadium-security/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:57:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=150245 As one of the largest suppliers of security fencing in the UK, CLD Systems offer tailored, trusted, and durable security solutions to protect environments such as data centres, education, logistics hubs, manufacturing and warehouses, elite professional sporting venues, open spaces, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites. Recently, CLD Systems embarked on a remarkable project that […]

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As one of the largest suppliers of security fencing in the UK, CLD Systems offer tailored, trusted, and durable security solutions to protect environments such as data centres, education, logistics hubs, manufacturing and warehouses, elite professional sporting venues, open spaces, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites.

Recently, CLD Systems embarked on a remarkable project that showcased its expertise. Tasked with transforming the home of West Ham Untied FC at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s London Stadium, a prominent stadium hosting Major League Baseball London Series fixtures, CLD Systems demonstrated its commitment to excellence and delivered a significant enhancement to the stadium’s infrastructure.

The project commenced with CLD Systems being appointed by a pitch installer, the key entity responsible for the stadium’s transformation. CLD Systems Systems’ primary role was to provide a robust fencing system that would enclose the perimeter of the baseball field. This system not only served as an integral structure to form the field build but also had to withstand the impact of professional athletes running at full speed and occasionally climbing the fencing to catch a ball. Additionally, the fencing system provided support for the installation of padding, ensuring player safety, and acted as a platform for advertising and marketing purposes.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s London Stadium project involved multiple concurrent activities, including the reconstruction of stadium seating, protection of the football pitch and athletics track, and the creation of a new artificial baseball field. The scale of the project was substantial, requiring 144,000 square feet of turf, 345 tonnes of clay, and an impressive 4,000 tonnes of aggregate.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s London Stadium project exemplified international collaboration, as professionals from Canada, the USA, Australia, Poland, Greece, and Scotland came together to contribute their expertise. This diverse team ensured a multifaceted approach to the stadium’s transformation, incorporating various perspectives and best practices.

The efficiency and professionalism of all teams involved were evident throughout the project. Completed within a remarkable 18-day timeline, the stadium was decommissioned and made ready for the next event in under five days. The impact of the project was reflected in the remarkable attendance figures, with over 110,000 spectators witnessing the grandeur of the revitalised stadium. The highest attendance record was set on Saturday, with 54,622 spectators, which was surpassed the following day when Sunday’s attendance peaked at an impressive 55,565.

CLD System’s director, Russell Wells said, “We are proud to have been part of the MLB World Series at the London Stadium project, contributing our expertise in security fencing to enhance the safety and integrity of the venue. The collaboration with our esteemed partners and stakeholders has allowed us to set new standards in stadium security, ensuring a seamless experience for fans and players alike.”

The successful collaboration between CLD Systems and other stakeholders played a crucial role in delivering a stadium transformation that captivated both fans and players. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s London Stadium now stands as an iconic landmark, showcasing innovative design, meticulous planning, and seamless teamwork.

CLD Systems’ involvement in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s London Stadium project highlights its commitment to setting new standards in stadium security. By providing tailored, trusted, and durable security solutions, CLD Systems ensures the safety and enjoyment of all who attend major sporting events while contributing to the creation of inspiring and secure spaces.

For more information on CLD Systems, please visit: www.cld-systems.com

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BESA backs call to triple retrofit recruitment https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/07/besa-backs-call-to-triple-retrofit-recruitment/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:19:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=150149 The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called for a major injection of funding and planning into addressing the skills shortage which is preventing the refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings in line with the government’s carbon reduction targets. A study by the recruitment firm Reed Environment estimated that current rates of recruitment for professions carrying […]

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The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called for a major injection of funding and planning into addressing the skills shortage which is preventing the refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings in line with the government’s carbon reduction targets.

A study by the recruitment firm Reed Environment estimated that current rates of recruitment for professions carrying out building retrofit work would have to triple if the country was to meet its 2050 Net Zero target.

It concluded that the UK is currently on track to miss the required number of building energy efficiency upgrades by 55 years – only reaching it in 2105 – due to “a serious shortage of retrofit training and recruitment pathways”.

BESA said building retrofits should be “a main policy and business pillar of Net Zero”, but that the country was falling behind its targets due to the lack of a comprehensive plan for how the 2050 target could be delivered.

“Retrofitting homes and commercial buildings needs to be a main building block of Net Zero,” said the Association’s director of training and skills Helen Yeulet. “This requires a serious acceleration in recruitment of the necessary skills, which will also underpin business growth and job creation in the sector.”

Lagging
The UK is also lagging comparable European countries when it comes to retrofit work, according to research from the MCS Charitable Foundation, which revealed it was installing less than a tenth of the number of heat pumps as France despite having a similar heating market.

Only 55,000 heat pumps were sold in the UK last year, compared with 621,000 in France. 20 other European countries also had higher installation rates than the UK, which is being held back by the lack of a comprehensive and consistent plan for ‘green skills’, according to BESA.

The MCS report said that there was currently “little chance” of the UK meeting the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028. However, with a proper skills strategy it should be possible to create 50,000 new jobs in this market, up from just 2,000 today.

BESA welcomed the launch of the government’s £5m Heat Training Grant which offers £500 towards heat pump training for self-employed installers, the unemployed and those working for a business with 250 employees or less. It is expected to help upskill around 6,000 heating engineers, but the Association said it was important that the government made long-term policy commitments and abandoned its ‘stop-start’ approach to funding.

“Employers need to have the confidence to invest in their workforces and diversify their businesses,” said Yeulet. “We need to take a leaf out of France’s book.”

She also called for the government to give a clear commitment to the Future Homes and Building Standard, which is due to come into force in 2025 and would set energy efficiency benchmarks that could drive retrofit work.

France has benefited from energy efficiency and electrification of heat being political priorities for more than a decade underpinned by generous financial incentives. The installation market grew from 100,000 a year in 2010 to over 600,000 last year and France now has more than 30,000 people employed full time in heat pumps.

“There is no mystery about why other countries are doing better than us,” said Yeulet. “They have clear policy commitments and long-term, properly funded training programmes in place that give employers the confidence to invest and grow their businesses.

“We have been talking about this for years, but this is not just about government. We all need to step up and do what we promise by investing in our workforces. Not just because it is the right thing to do for the planet, but also because the potential for business growth is huge.”

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Baxi MD Appointed New Chair of the HHIC https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/07/baxi-md-appointed-new-chair-of-the-hhic/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:29:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=149760 Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed  the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership […]

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Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed  the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC).

Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM.

Since joining Baxi as Managing Director almost three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi at the forefront of innovations in low carbon technology and installer support as the heating industry looks to decarbonise. This includes recent work with Government to make training more affordable and attractive to installers through the Heat Training Grant, which was launched this month.

Karen also brings rich experience as a leader in the engineering space across multiple industries – most notably the rail industry heading up Hitachi Rail’s UK division.

In her new role as chair of the HHIC, she brings strong focus on business improvement and accelerating growth, is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and has extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain and customer service.

As the heating industry continues its progress decarbonisation and develop the skills required to achieve it, Karen’s leadership experience and expertise are set to drive forward the HHIC’s focus on advancing the heating industry to net zero.

Karen Boswell OBE said: “I’m delighted and privileged to have been selected to Chair the HHIC Board. I want to thank Steve Keeton, our outgoing Chair, for his leadership during the incredibly difficult lockdown period we’ve all endured, and for his work despite the challenge of the pandemic, with business transformation, innovation and helping shape Government policy.

“Our industry is at the forefront of enabling solutions for decarbonising heat and hot water in UK homes and businesses. The next three years are going to be incredibly important and exciting as we help move customers towards their carbon reduction targets and ambitions.

“Our members are best placed to provide expert advice to government and support the development of the right decarbonisation policy that benefits everyone.

“One of my clear focus areas will be on growing our skills base to deliver this critical, transformational role. We must attract, train and reward new talent from all walks of life, reflecting the customers and communities we serve. The decarbonisation agenda is a great career opportunity and we need to work better at demonstrating how attractive this sector is; delivering clean heat and hot water in homes and buildings is a fundamental component of our national ambition for net zero.”

Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, said: “We are pleased to announce Karen’s appointment as chair following a commendable tenure from the outgoing Chair Steve Keeton. Our industry is at a pivotal and exciting point. New technologies like heat pumps and hydrogen further down the line mean there is exciting opportunity for jobs and making a difference in the UK’s decarbonisation journey.

“However, our research has found that there is a large skills gap that we must fill if we are to make any progress. Encouraging more people into the industry with a focus on improving diversity, equity and inclusion is a next crucial step to attracting more people into this exciting sector at a time of great progress and innovation.”

For more information about the HHIC and to see its latest research reports, click here.

For more information about Baxi, click here.

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South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division welcomes Edward Shepherd as Operations Director for the Omega Red Group and IWS Water Hygiene. https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/07/south-staffordshire-plcs-compliance-division-welcomes-edward-shepherd-as-operations-director-for-the-omega-red-group-and-iws-water-hygiene/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 04:53:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=149768 South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division, which includes the Omega Red and IWS Water Hygiene brands, welcomes Edward Shepherd as its new Operations Director. Edward will join the senior management team, overseeing all operational aspects for both businesses. Edward brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held senior positions within a service provision […]

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South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division, which includes the Omega Red and IWS Water Hygiene brands, welcomes Edward Shepherd as its new Operations Director. Edward will join the senior management team, overseeing all operational aspects for both businesses. Edward brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held senior positions within a service provision business and demonstrating extensive expertise in the engineering industry.

Previously, Edward had eight years of experience as Service Operations Director at MSA The Safety Company, a decade of experience at Bristol Uniforms Limited and four years in a senior position at Thales.

Known for his dedication to developing individuals and organisations, Edward is committed to delivering operational efficiencies. With a clear focus on optimising processes and improving overall performance, he will play a crucial role in advancing the compliance division’s operational capabilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ed to our team,” said Neil Shailer, Managing Director of the compliance division. “Ed’s extensive background in service provision and engineering, coupled with his passion for driving operational efficiencies, make him an invaluable addition to our compliance senior management team. We are confident that his leadership and expertise will contribute significantly to our ongoing success.”

The compliance division of the Group offers lightning protection services, electrical earthing solutions, height safety solutions, legionella control and water treatment services all of which help clients achieve compliance to a range of relevant standards and regulation.

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Is Net Zero key to Unlocking Engineering Diversity asks Expert Panel?  https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/07/is-net-zero-key-to-unlocking-engineering-diversity-asks-expert-panel/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:39:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=149496 AN ALL-female panel of built environment experts gathered recently for international M&E consultancy CPW’s ‘INWED 2023: Sustainability in the Second City’ roundtable to discuss the importance of retrofitting to tackle net zero and why sustainability is a significant opportunity to attract more women to the engineering industry. Held at CPW’s city centre office on Colmore […]

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AN ALL-female panel of built environment experts gathered recently for international M&E consultancy CPW’s ‘INWED 2023: Sustainability in the Second City’ roundtable to discuss the importance of retrofitting to tackle net zero and why sustainability is a significant opportunity to attract more women to the engineering industry.

Held at CPW’s city centre office on Colmore Row, the event saw a ten-strong panel of local experts discuss a wide range of topics for International Women in Engineering Day. This included where Birmingham is on its journey to becoming net zero by 2030 and how far funding will stretch, through to the pros and cons of well recognised sustainability accreditations and how engaging with educators will help increase industry diversity.

Hannah Kissick, associate in innovations and sustainability at CPW, said: “It was very inspiring to host an event attended by women with impressive and extensive experience in the built environment. The range of topics we covered and the enthusiasm for collaboration during and after the session definitely gave me confidence that more solutions can be found for our journey to net zero in Birmingham and for creating a more accessible industry.

“Where there is a challenge there is always an opportunity, and this event reminded me that we can harness the interest in sustainability among the younger generation to position engineering as a key industry needed to meet sustainability targets.”

The professionals in attendance explored the processes of value engineering and design, asking questions of each other about how the gap between vision and reality can be bridged. However, factors such as cost and assurance were understandably noted as potential barriers to success. Despite this, an optimistic tone was maintained throughout the event due to the shared recognition of the quality young minds that are on the cusp of bringing new ideas into the industry.

Ellie Hignett, principal portfolio officer – Route to Net Zero Carbon at Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s so important that occasions like International Women in Engineering Day continue to be celebrated and events like the one hosted by CPW continue to be supported. They bring important stakeholders together and enable vital industries like engineering to debate how we can overcome shared challenges – like net zero.

“While funding plays a key role in what we can achieve in Birmingham, we must also invest time in education. Without the people needed in positions to focus on net zero, there is no infrastructure to carry out the work. We must also continue to use cooperation between the public and private sector to create a baseline for what is achievable, with retrofit being a very topical example amid ongoing debate around the best approach.”

The panel was hosted by CPW, chaired by Charlotte Dove (Cartwright Communications) and featured Hannah Kissick (CPW), Michelle Ward (CPW), Tiv Kaur (AA Projects), Isabel Scruby (HUB Residential), Dr Monica Mateo-Garcia (Birmingham City University), Justine Doody (Wates), Rosie Peach-Robinson (EDGE), Rachel Care (Turner and Townsend), Ellie Hignett (Birmingham City Council) and Lois Taylor (Naismiths).

With more than 300 staff based across 13 offices including two international offices in Poland and India, CPW specialises in designing and integrating a full range of building services into new and existing buildings to deliver cutting edge sustainable solutions that are not only energy efficient but are both financially and environmentally sustainable for clients.  

For further information on CPW’s sustainability work visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media.  

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Harley Haddow scoops best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy at The Grafters Awards https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/07/harley-haddow-scoops-best-mechanical-and-electrical-consultancy-at-the-grafters-awards/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:19:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=149382 Harley Haddow has received one of the top prizes at The Grafters Awards, scooping the best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy award. The ceremony which took place last night (Thursday 29th of June) at The Mercure Picadilly Hotel in Manchester, recognised the best of the Northwest construction and property industry. Hosted by television and radio presenter, […]

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Harley Haddow has received one of the top prizes at The Grafters Awards, scooping the best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy award.

The ceremony which took place last night (Thursday 29th of June) at The Mercure Picadilly Hotel in Manchester, recognised the best of the Northwest construction and property industry.

Hosted by television and radio presenter, Jenny Powell, the awards, part of Grafters Super Group, celebrate achievements from those across the Northwest industry.

Ian Chalk, director at Harley Haddow said: “We are delighted to have been awarded best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy and are proud of the accomplishments we have made over the last year in the Northwest.

“It has been an incredible journey so far from when we first opened our office in Manchester, with great project wins and team expansion. Winning something like this really consolidates all the hard work and dedication that has gone in across the consultancy and we can’t wait to build on this even more.”

The consultancy is going from strength to strength, with this most recent accolade one of seven award nominations in 2023 so far. Having opened their Manchester office last year, the team is continuing to grow their Northwest hub with further recruitment ongoing.

If you would like to know more about opportunities within Harley Haddow please visit: https://www.harleyhaddow.com

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SELECT announces new Associate Members as Schneider Electric, Robus and CompEx join https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/07/select-announces-new-associate-members-as-schneider-electric-robus-and-compex-join/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:32:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=149390 SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed three major new enterprises to its growing Associate Membership Scheme as it continues to attract an impressive line-up of market-leading manufacturers and organisations. Schneider Electric, Robus LED Group and CompEx have all joined the 25 existing Associates who have built mutually beneficial relationships with SELECT’s member businesses […]

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SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed three major new enterprises to its growing Associate Membership Scheme as it continues to attract an impressive line-up of market-leading manufacturers and organisations.

Schneider Electric, Robus LED Group and CompEx have all joined the 25 existing Associates who have built mutually beneficial relationships with SELECT’s member businesses over the past 18 months.

The three new Associate Members will now be able to engage with SELECT’s experts and members, enjoy access to a wealth of services and benefits and work with the organisation to share the latest ideas and in-depth knowledge to the advantage of the wider industry.

Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, said: “Everyone at SELECT is delighted that enterprises of the size and stature of Schneider Electric, Robus and CompEx have joined our Associate Membership scheme.

“Becoming an Associate is an opportunity for partner organisations to build stronger relationships with key players in the electrical contracting industry, and also to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body.”

SELECT, which represents around 1,250 electrical firms and 15,000 contractors across the country, launched the scheme early in 2022 to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners.

Mr Mason added: “Since its launch, the scheme has proved extremely popular and has allowed Associates to speak to our members both through our print and digital channels and also face-to-face at the many events we run across Scotland throughout the year.

“It has also strengthened our own relationship with some of the industry’s most renowned names and allowed us to develop and grow events such as our Toolbox Talks, President’s Cup and President’s Lunch.”

Schneider Electric, which traces its history back to 1838, drives digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to help businesses make efficiency and sustainability gains across their organisations.

David Pownall, Vice President of Services at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, said: “We have had a long and fruitful association with SELECT over the years, including sponsoring organisation awards, and we are proud to be included in an Associate Membership scheme which brings so many benefits to the electrical industry.”

Robus is a Dublin-headquartered global lighting wholesaler with customers in more than 40 countries around the world. Established in 1984, it is now the biggest lighting company in Ireland.

Mick G Slein, Chief Executive of Robus, said: “Becoming an Associate Member of SELECT completely aligns with our best-in-class mindset and our vision of being our customers’ most trusted LED lighting brand. We look forward to building strong and trusted relationships with SELECT members as we continue to grow internationally.”

CompEx is the international scheme for competency validation and certification of people who work in explosive atmospheres. First established 30 years ago with the support of industry, its suite of training and assessment modules are delivered through a network of independent training and assessment centres to support electrotechnical practitioners in sectors including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacturing and utilities.

Huw Bement, Managing Director of CompEx, said: “Our international safety and competency scheme is rooted in certifying electrotechnical technicians and engineers operating in hazardous areas – so becoming a SELECT Associate Member is hugely important for us. It’s a fantastic opportunity for CompEx to establish new industry connections and to continue building our existing relationships.”

The trio’s arrival follows the announcement of Legrand UK & Ireland as SELECT’s 25th Associate Member earlier this year. The electrical and digital infrastructure specialist is part of Legrand Group, which has a presence in nearly 90 countries and employs more than 38,000 people.

Other SELECT Associate Members include Hispec, V-Tac, Aico, Aurora, Electrium, Hager, Luceco, Megger, Scolmore and Thorn Lighting.

SELECT has just completed its annual Toolbox Talks roadshows and is now involved in the organisation of the second Green Home Festival as a leading member of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV).

The organisation also continues to spearhead a long-running and high-profile campaign for regulation of the electrical industry, with the submission to Scottish Parliament of a Members’ Bill calling for Protection of Title.

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HE Simm Group to deliver £16m commercial MEP Project at King Street for Vinci https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/06/he-simm-group-to-deliver-16m-commercial-mep-project-at-king-street-for-vinci/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 08:05:53 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=149087 The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool – that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme.  The contract, […]

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The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool – that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme. 

The contract, which will see the firm deliver a full MEP installation, over a 37-week programme, was awarded to the company following its ongoing, successful delivery, at VINCI’s New Victoria scheme for end client Muse Developments. 

Starting on site in November, and running through to September 2024, the company will also utilise its internal offsite manufacturing team, to provide a modularised roof top plant room amongst other modular items, including risers – to the value of three quarters of a million pounds. 

Greg Simm, Managing Director for HE Simm Engineering in the North, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract, especially as it comes off the back of the work we are currently undertaking at New Victoria.  

“It will be the largest commercial scheme delivered by the Northern Engineering Division and we are looking forward to getting going in November.” 

Gareth Simm, Chief Executive Officer for the company, adds: “This contract award plays well into our continued diversification strategy, which sees more and more of our work completed in sectors including commercial, industrial and healthcare, whilst also staying true to our roots of delivering the very best MEP in the UK residential sector.”

HE Simm was founded in 1948, 75 years ago this year. Since then, it has become recognised as a leading player in the design, delivery and installation of MEP, Fire & Security, Maintenance and Offsite Manufacturing capabilities across numerous sectors, for many long-term clients. 

To read more about the company visit www.hesimm.co.uk

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A life of dedication and service: SELECT pays tribute to Past President David Smith with award of Honorary Membership at AGM https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/06/a-life-of-dedication-and-service-select-pays-tribute-to-past-president-david-smith-with-award-of-honorary-membership-at-agm/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 03:57:00 +0000 https://bdcmagazine.com/?p=148572 A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with Honorary Membership of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. David Smith, a Past President of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive honour at the association’s 111th […]

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A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with Honorary Membership of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association.

David Smith, a Past President of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive honour at the association’s 111th Annual General Meeting.

Handing over the award, President Alistair Grant paid tribute to the extraordinary dedication shown by David, who has held a wide range of roles at SELECT over the past 26 years and won its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

After collecting his Honorary Membership, David told delegates at the at the Doubletree Edinburgh North Queensferry on June 1: “It’s a great honour to accept this award and quite a surprise too because it feels like just yesterday that I joined SELECT.

“I have seen massive change in the association during my time here and I like the fact that everyone is made more than welcome, whether a big or small company. That’s why I tell people, ‘Join SELECT – you’ll never regret it’.”

David, a senior partner in David W H Smith Heating and Electrical Services, went on: “I am very moved by the tribute of Honorary Membership and I would like to dedicate this award to all the colleagues, office bearers and officials with whom I have shared a wonderful and fulfilling career.

“The electrical sector in Scotland has never been in better health, with recognition of the job’s social and environmental importance and record numbers of apprentices, and great credit must be afforded to the association for fostering this climate.”

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “I believe it gives everyone in the organisation and our associates in the wider sector great pleasure to officially recognise the skill, experience and dedication that David has brought to the many posts he has held.

“David has had a full and fulfilling professional life, including work in national enterprises such as British Steel, and has created a successful business. He has always taken a keen interest in everything to do with the electrotechnical sector in Scotland.

“He has been a great friend and supporter of this organisation, but he has also played major roles in a number of Scottish and UK enterprises and associations over the years and has always been a keen supporter of apprenticeships.”

In his time with SELECT, David chaired the Electrotechnical Committee, was a member of the board of the industry sector skills council, SummitSkills, and served on SELECT’s Training and Skills Committee. He also held the Presidency between 2005 and 2007.

Alistair, who was nominated as President for another year at the AGM along with Vice-President Mike Stark, said: “Once David had fulfilled his role as Immediate Past President, he again became a representative of the branch, a position he held until March this year – a total service of 26 years. Some of our staff are not even that old!

“He will be a huge loss to the association, but I know we will be able to call on his experience at any time.”

Before the AGM itself, the SELECT Central Board met for its second quarterly meeting of the year, during which representatives from all eight branches discussed progress and the priorities of the association for 2023 and beyond.

Alistair also provided his own snapshot of current activity in SELECT and the wider industry, delivering updates on regulation of the industry, the ongoing work of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) and the association’s role in the workforce of the future.

The event also featured a tribute and moment’s silence in honour of former association President Pat Feeney, who passed away in February, aged 91.

SELECT is currently in the final stages of a long-running, but now very high-profile, campaign for the recognition of electrician’s professionalism with the submission to the Scottish Parliament of a Members’ Bill calling for Protection of Title.

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