INDUSTRY NEWS
IN BRIEF …
INDUSTRY NEWS
IN BRIEF …
Tamlite Lighting has been recognised for its commitment to best practice , excellence and quality assurance by the Lighting Industry Association ’ s Quality Assurance ( LIAQA ) Award . Tamlite is the first company to be bestowed this prestigious annual award . The LIAQA scheme aims to ensure that suppliers of lighting and lighting related products have structures in place that fully address product compliance . Tamlite was a founding participant of the all-new and improved scheme , and impressed the LIA ’ s judging panel with its dedication to high standards .
UNIQUE SERVICE BOOSTS PROSPECTS OF ELECTRICAL SUBCONTRACTORS
CE Law Construction Solicitors has launched The National Legal Consortium , a unique legal service developed specifically for the needs of the subcontractor .
The Consortium allows clients ( within the subcontracting industry ) to sign up to an annual agreed fee , guaranteeing open ended access to specialist construction law advice . The fee is paid over 12 months with costs based on turnover and fees starting as little as £ 150 plus VAT per month .
David Jackson , director at CE Law Construction Solicitors , explained , ‘ As a specialist in the subcontractor construction industry , we are consistently faced with instances of “ subbie bashing ” whereby the more powerful and well resourced main contractor falls into dispute and withholds payment . Many subcontractors are forced to walk away , recognising that they simply don ’ t have the funds in place to tackle a potentially costly and challenging legal case .
‘ We believe that membership of the National Legal Consortium is an ideal solution , giving subcontractors access to legal advice and support if the situation arises . It ’ s about protecting the business and , in a sense , insuring it against all possible eventualities . The scheme doesn ’ t just cover advice on claims but provides ongoing advice on contracts , notices or whatever else may arise requiring specialist advice .’
The scheme was developed with input from the Solicitors Regulation Authority , Barristers and Construction Professionals to ensure that it meets the strict SRA requirements and addresses the needs of subcontractors .
For further information visit : www . nlcuk . net
OBITUARY – BILL WRIGHT , ECA
After graduating from Cambridge University in 1975 , Bill spent the early part of his career in the civil service , latterly working for now privatised Qinetiq as head of test services .
A chartered electrical engineer , Bill then moved to the John Lewis Partnership , where he held a variety of roles over a 25-year period , including chief electrical engineer and corporate energy manager .
In recent years Bill has been the Electrical Contractors ’ Association ’ s head of energy solutions , a role in which he made a major and sustained contribution , with his vast knowledge of technical and energy matters .
A fellow of the IET , Bill also played a key role in the development of previous and the latest Wiring Regulations .
As someone truly committed to the success of our industry , Bill also held a variety of non-executive roles at bodies including Electrical Safety First , Gas Safety Trust , SummitSkills and NICEIC . From 2013-14 , Bill was also ‘ Master of the City of London ‘ Lightmongers ’ Livery Company ’.
Bill ’ s interests included sailing and hill walking . He had an abundance of energy and enthusiasm and approached everything with a smile and a great sense of humour . His passing is a great loss to all who knew him and our sympathies are with his family at this difficult time .
TENDERSPACE WELCOMES SELECT COMMITTEE ’ S REPORT ON HOUSEBUILDING REFORM
Many subcontractors are forced to walk away from disputes rather than tackle a potentially costly and challenging legal case .
A new report from the Communities and Local Government Select Committee has called for the dominance of large volume homebuilders to be reduced to aid the housing market and build more homes .
David Stapleton , CEO and founder of TenderSpace , the online platform that helps SME contractors manage , grow and protect their businesses , has welcomed the report and believes technology will play a big role in opening up the marketplace .
‘ We agree with the Select Committee that the government should support small and medium sized builders and ensure local authorities have the tools they need to make an effective contribution to solving the housing crisis ,’ said David . ‘ SMEs drive competition , innovation and value in the marketplace and supporting them is crucial to the future of the housebuilding industry . Technology will help collaboration between project managers and contractors , making the marketplace more open and bidding processes more transparent .’
The report notes that the eight largest firms build more than half of all new homes and calls for a more competitive market , with a large number of companies of different sizes . The Committee recommends improving access to land and finance for smaller builders and says government should reduce the risk for builders and prepare sites for development by providing infrastructure and planning permissions .
Toolstation has been named Which ? Retailer of the Year 2017 , the second year running it has collected the top prize . The highly sought after Which ? Awards recognise the brands that go the furthest to satisfy their customers . Toolstation impressed by having the joint highest customer score in the recent Which ? High Street Shops Survey and topping the DIY category in the Online Retailer survey earlier in the year .
Scolmore has won a prestigious award and two highly commended accolades at this year ’ s Electrical Wholesaler Awards held at the Lancaster London Hotel on Thursday , 18th May . The company won ‘ Best Marketing Campaign ’ for its work to promote the innovative Scolmore App , and was highly commended in the Best Overall Supplier category , as well the Best New Product category with its innovative Click Smart Switches . The award was presented to the Scolmore team by Electrical Wholesaler editor Debbie Eales .
Circuit Electrical Testing , a small husband and wife-run electrical testing business based in Halifax , has been named as the UK ’ s best small businessto-business company at the inaugural Small Awards in association with Facebook . The ‘ Supply Chain ’ award , sponsored by Mercedes- Benz Vans , recognises small businesses that are working within the business supply chain ; those that work with other businesses large and small , with particular credit to those businesses that include other small businesses in their supply chain . Husband and wife owners Vicky and Brian Nolan collected the company ’ s award at a glittering Black Tie Ceremony in London hosted by television personality Sue Perkins .
8 | July 2017