Journal of feedback
www.cairiskhub.org.uk
Vol. 20 Winter 2025 £4.95
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
Editor’s Report Suzie Hamm-Bury, Marketing Specialist ............................................. 3 CAI Certification Scheme ..................................................................... 6 From the Chairman’s Desk Peter Sealey, Chairman and Senior Executive .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Assessment & Technical Executive Report 2024/25 Kevin Dawson, Assessment and Technical Executive FSCTE ASET .. . . . . . . . . . . 14 Membership Benefits Including riskhub, Which?, AA, Fleet and Commercial, TrustMark, Dell Technologies, Bosch, Motia and Construction National .................... 17 Charity Launches No Falls Week 2026 Hannah Williams, Charity Manager, No Falls Foundation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 CAI - Account Management Update Dan Fletcher, Account Manager, CAI ............................................... 40 Harmonised Standard for Amplifiers Finally Revised Peter Barnett, Consultant .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Fibre Fuse, Connector Burn, Back Reflection, and Transient Effects Robert Sydee FSCTE, Technical Director, Whyte Technologies ................ 46 Electrical Training Keith Bail FSCTE, Trainer and Consultant, KB Consultancy ..................... 48 Marketing Report - An Update Suzie Hamm-Bury, Marketing Specialist .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Role of Technology in Hotel Sustainability Andrew Brann MSCTE, Sales Director, Televes .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CAI Education & Skills Training Programme Course Results .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 CAI Safe Working at Height ................................................................. 63 CAI Education & Skills Training Programme Foundation Level Diploma in Signal Reception Results .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Products, Ideas & Company News .......................................................... 66 Journal of feedback contents
Editor: Suzie Hamm-Bury Designed and Printed by: Evolution Print & Design Ltd Tel: 0116 274 7700 Email: sales@evolutiondc.co.uk
Editor’s Report Suzie Hamm-Bury, Marketing Specialist
A warm welcome to the Christmas 2025 edition of Journal of feedback This special Christmas edition of Feedback welcomes articles from all areas of our industry including technical articles, new product news, trade news, and some of our all-important membership benefits. This edition is bursting with technical stories from all areas of our industry, along with reports from CAI management and employees keeping you, our members, abreast of all developments. Included in this is the launch of our brand-new CAI Academy training facilities with further details being published on this in early 2026. In addition, we have our fantastic member benefits section within
the publication. Make sure you read and understand all the offerings from the CAI partners particularly from CAI’s riskhub and Fleet & Commercial our Insurers, as there are real savings to be had. Our other member benefit partners also include Bosch Power Tools, Dell Technologies, The AA, Fuelcard (Motia) and Which! Trusted Traders – so there really is something for everyone. This special Christmas edition is distributed with our fantastic 2026 wall planner. We hope you will find both sizes of wall planner useful for all planning, and we thank all our advertisers who have again supported this fantastic initiative. I am always happy to hear any news from any of our members as this is what makes Feedback and makes it so unique. I do hope you enjoy reading this edition.
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
www.cairiskhub.org.uk Included with membership and helping members with: Employment Legislation Risk Assessment e-Learning Site- Ready Courses
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
A big thank you once again to all contributors to Feedback. As always, I am extremely grateful for all your articles and your continued support, enabling it to remain a well-known and respected trade journal. City & Guilds Accreditation & Training CAI’s courses remain ever popular with members and non-members alike undoubtedly due to the City & Guilds accreditation of twelve of our bespoke training courses. We remain confident that CAI can deliver courses that will really enhance the professionalism and standards in our industry. Trustmark We are pleased to report that our TrustMark scheme continues to be successful. With over 22,000 people every month searching for reputable traders, we can certainly see the scheme continue to grow. A successful TrustMark audit was completed once again in September 2025, so if you are thinking of joining this scheme, please do let us know. Membership and Training If you would like information on how to join CAI or for any information regarding our training courses and membership benefits always visit; www.cai.org.uk or call the Watford office on 01923 803030 . My very Best Wishes to you and your families for a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
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CAI Certification Scheme Previously known as CAI Benchmarking
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
CAI Cable Certification Scheme Detailed below is the current list of companies plus their respective cables that have been accredited under the CAI cable certification scheme – this is correct as at the time of going to press. An updated list will be printed in each issue of Feedback and can also be found live on the CAI website. CAI Approved Cables
Company
Part No
CPR Rating
Certificate No
Cable Type 100
ABS100 (CO6465V00xx - 151yyyyzz)
Amphenol – TFC Communication Equipment
Eca
CAI 0167 A
Antiference Ltd
A100
Eca
CAI 0125 H
535B, 535B/250, 537B, 537B/250
Eca
CAI 0146 E
Deta Electrical Co Ltd
Foshan Shengda Cable Co Ltd
MF100
Eca
CAI 0156 D
Leigh Cables Commercial Ltd LCC100
Eca
CAI 0136 G
AR-01-004, AR-01-104, AR-01-204, AR-01-204W
CAI 0157 D
Mayflex UK Ltd
DFD100 – LSZH / CPR-C
Cca, s1a, d1, a1 CAI 0166 B
Qing Cables Ltd
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Recber Kablo A.S
307241
Cca, s1a, d1, a1 CAI 0165 A
Securi-Flex Ltd
SFX100
Dca
CAI 0131 G
Shoal Group t/a F S Cables
392FS100
Eca
CAI 0161 B
Cca, Dca, Eca, Fca
CAI 0116 H
Webro Cables & Connectors WF100
Webro Cables & Connectors WCF100
Eca
CAI 0122 G
Webro Cables & Connectors HD100
Dca
CAI 0154 E
Cable Type 125
Webro Cables & Connectors WF125
Dca, Fca
CAI 0142 F
Cable Type 165
Webro Cables & Connectors WF165
Dca, Fca
CAI 0141 F
Cable Type RG6 (only for use in single dwelling units)
Webro Cables & Connectors RG6 SDU
Eca
CAI 0110 H
Cable Twin Type 0.65 (only for use in single dwelling units)
Hengtong Optic-Electric Co. Ltd
HT63
Eca
0.65 Twin CAI 0006 G
Webro Cables & Connectors WF65
Eca
0.65 Twin CAI 0011 F
Cable Twin Type 100
Securi-Flex Ltd
SFX100 Twin Dca
100 Twin CAI 0012 E
Webro Cables & Connectors TWINSAT 100 Eca
100 Twin CAI 0013 E
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
CAI Aerial Certification Scheme Detailed below is the current list of companies plus their respective aerials that have been accredited under the CAI aerial approval scheme – this is correct as at the time of going to press. An updated list will be printed in each issue of Feedback and can also be found live on the CAI website. CAI Approved LTE Aerials
Benchmark Standard
Company
Model
Certificate No Group
Antiference Ltd
TCX-10T
Standard S CAI/AB 171 T
Blake UK Ltd
DMCT/F
Standard S CAI/AB 162 T
DMX05T/F
Standard S CAI/AB 163 T
DMX08T/F
Standard F CAI/AB 164 T
Televes UK Ltd
13 Element Yagi 790 Standard F CAI/AB 167 T
V Zenit
Standard F CAI/AB 172 T
8
CAI Feedback Winter 2025
European IRS Certification Scheme
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
The European IRS Certification Scheme (EICS) outlines a set of tests to verify the efficient use of spectrum by dSCRs and multiswitches as well as interoperability with satellite and DTT receivers, providing an industry agreed test regime for these types of equipment. Currently there are no harmonised standards for satellite launch amplifiers, dSCRs and multiswitches to demonstrate compliance to the Radio Equipment Directive, meaning there is no industry-wide specification to test how spectrally efficient their performance is. Spectral efficiency is a key aspect of a performance and criteria such as isolation, dynamic range, interference rejection, and gain control, all indicate whether a product can perform well in today’s environment where multiple technologies are expected to work in adjacent spectrum bands without causing interference to one another. Similarly, interoperability between receivers and switching equipment is essential to support platform delivery as well as having industry agreed requirements and independent verification of properties such as signalling and power levels being sent between receivers and switches. Therefore, the EICS gives installers, specifiers, distributors and retailers, manufacturers, broadcasters and platform operators confidence that products will perform as intended and are compatible with platform requirements, providing system integrity.
Certificates overleaf >
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
dSCRs/plug-in dSCRs
Company
Product Name/Part Number
Certificate Number EICS-DC-1037 A EICS-DC-1038 A EICS-DC-1031 A EICS-DC-1032 A EICS-DC-1044 A EICS-DC-1045 A EICS-DC-1001 B EICS-DC-1002 B EICS-DC-1048 A EICS-MS-1050 A EICS-MS-1051 A EICS-DC-1005 A EICS-DC-1006 A EICS-DC-1049 A EICS-MS-1052 A EICS-SR-1013 A EICS-DC-1033 A EICS-DC-1034 A EICS-DC-1035 A EICS-DC-1036 A
Antiference Antiference
ADM04 5-4 ADM08 5-8
Fracarro Fracarro
SWI8508 dSCR multiswitch SWI8504 dSCR multiswitch
Global Invacom Global Invacom
dSCR GTU
dCSS Switchblade
Inverto Inverto Inverto
dSCR multiswitch 4o/p dSCR multiswitch 8o/p dSCR multiswitch 12o/p
Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd
TdSCR508 Gen 3 TdSCR512 Gen 3
TdSCR516 TdSCR504 TdSCR506
TdSCR516 Gen 3 WSCR504RP 4o/p
Whyte Technologies Whyte Technologies Whyte Technologies Whyte Technologies Whyte Technologies
WSCR504 WSCR506 WSCR508 WSCR512
Satellite Receivers
Company Freesat Freesat Sky UK
Product Name/Part Number
Certificate Number EICS-RC-1018 A EICS-RC-1019 A EICS-RC-1012 A
UHD-4X-500
UHD-X
SkyQ
LNBs
Company
Product Name/Part Number Wideband LNB 747402
Certificate Number EICS-LNB-1020 A
Televes S.A.U
10 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Optical Gateways
Company
Product Name/Part Number
Certificate Number EICS-OG-1042 A EICS-OG-1043 A EICS-OG-1039 A EICS-OG-1040 A EICS-OG-1041 A EICS-OG-1021 A EICS-OG-1022 A EICS-OG-1023 A
Global Invacom Quattro GTU Global Invacom Quad GTU Global Invacom OTx 1310 Global Invacom OTx 1550 Global Invacom O2O 1310
Televes S.A.U Overlight Optical Transmitter 237501/502 Televes S.A.U Optical Receiver Quattro 237540 Televes S.A.U Optical Receiver dCSS 237530/31/32
Launch Amps
Company
Product Name/Part Number 318641/646 TMSA 318640/645 TMSA
Certificate Number EICS-LA-1029 A EICS-LA-1030 A
Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd
Multiswitches
Company
Product Name/Part Number
Certificate Number EICS-MS-1046 A EICS-MS-1047 A EICS-MS-1024 A EICS-MS-1025 A EICS-MS-1026 A EICS-MS-1027 A EICS-MS-1028 A
Global Invacom Switchblade Base 8 way Global Invacom Switchblade SatPlus 8 way
Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd Triax UK Ltd
318613/626 TMS 5x8 318614/627 TMS 5x12 318615/628 TMS 5x16 318616/629 TMS 5x24 318617/630 TMS 5x32
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
From the Chairman’s Desk Peter Sealey, Chairman and Senior Executive
Welcome to the 2025 edition of Feedback. It’s hard to believe another year has flown by, and once again we find ourselves balancing progress with plenty of challenges along the way. The wider economy remains tough, with high costs and delays caused by new building regulations affecting many members’ projects. Yet I’m constantly impressed by the resilience of CAI members — adapting, diversifying and continuing to deliver great work in both established and emerging areas. Whether it’s signal reception and distribution, fibre, data smart home integration or even man-down quarry radio systems, our members keep showing what flexibility and professionalism look like.
We’re also pleased to confirm that once again CAI has passed our annual TrustMark audit, which means we can continue to enable our members to be TrustMark registered businesses, the only way companies in our industries can achieve this. As the only Government backed scheme that the consumer can use to access tradespeople, it remains a valuable tool. This is in addition to our ongoing relationships with Which? TrustedTraders, Fleet and Commercial Insurance brokers, the AA, Dell Technologies and Bosch among others – all of which offer CAI members expertise, preferential rates or discounts.
One of the biggest success stories this year has been the CAI riskhub. Introduced in 2024, it’s already saving members time and money by bringing together HR templates, health- and-safety guidance and e-learning tools in one place. It’s been fantastic to hear how widely it’s being used, with over 300 member companies accessing it in September 2025, and well over 500 site-ready courses being completed in that month alone.
Training continues to go from strength to strength too, with real engagement and positive feedback from attendees. I won’t repeat myself, as there is detail elsewhere in this issue — but it’s clear our training programme is evolving right alongside the industry it serves.
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
And on the subject of training… we’re moving! After many years in our current offices, CAI will soon relocate to new premises complete with a purpose-built training suite. The new facility will give us more space, flexibility and the chance to deliver courses in new hybrid formats, if members demand it. We can’t wait to share it with you early in the new year — so keep an eye out for the official announcement. As ever, my thanks go to the CAI staff for their dedication and professionalism. Particular thanks to Bev, whose commitment keeps the association running so smoothly and to all the CAI staff, including Charlene and Suzie and our newest staff members, Dan Fletcher and Keera Miller-Howe who have really hit the ground running and whose enthusiasm for engaging with members continues to make a real difference. Lastly, I should also offer extra special thanks to Amanda Ward this year, who recently celebrated, if that’s the right word, her 25th anniversary of working at CAI, and to Kevin Dawson, who also hits his 25th Anniversary early in 2026. Both still fall far short of Bev’s remarkable 47 years, but are milestones nonetheless! I’m also endlessly grateful to my colleagues on the Board and Committees, all of whom volunteer their time and expertise for the good of our industry. Finally, thank you to you — our members — for your continued commitment to CAI and to maintaining the highest standards across our profession. It’s been a demanding year, but one full of progress, and with our new office and training facilities on the horizon, I’m confident 2026 will be one of renewed opportunity.
13
CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Assessment & Technical Executive Report 2024/25
Kevin Dawson, Assessment and Technical Executive FSCTE ASET
was great catching up with many of you. The midlands was particularly well attended.
So what has this year been like for me... quite busy to be honest! There seems to have been a resurgence on the diploma assessments, possibly due to the change from CSCS to ECS cards. This will not affect the guys and girls who have already completed their diploma, it will only affect you when you come to renew your CSCS card. In this case you will apply for your new ECS card in pretty much the same way. Safe Working at Heights has not been as busy, so please check your certificates and make sure you’re up to date, although I’m sure Charlene and Suzie will be chasing you anyway if this is the case. We completed some very successful roadshows in May, pretty much covering north, south, east and west of the UK and it
I have decided to reduce my hours a little with my retirement date just around the corner. This doesn’t mean I have gone completely, just a reduction in some of the travel and hours. So still here, still taking calls and where required, still assessing - so you haven’t got rid of me just yet! Courses are still going well and at time of writing, I am in Watford running the Basic Installers course and very much look forward to teaching many more. I am now proud to say I am officially on a BSI Committee. To be precise the BS 8634 portable roof ladders standard, which officially kicked off earlier in October.
14 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
For those I haven’t managed to see this year, I really do hope you are all well and business is good. Hopefully I will catch up with you soon. Please feel free to call me - always happy to help or just offer a simple chat.
I will do my best where I can, to keep you all informed on this standard and how it is progressing, but more importantly how this may affect our CAI members regarding roofing ladders and how they may possibly be changed or altered.
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CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Membership Benefits
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
membership benefits
17
CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Association For Audio Visual Professionals BUSINESSES NEED TO BE AGILE AND ADAPTABLE TO SURVIVE
CAI have launched riskhub, which is included as part of your membership subscription. In the current working environment even minor accidents or disputes can have potentially litigious and costly consequences. Getting employment legislation and Health and Safety compliance right is therefore essential for a business to thrive. Our risk management service will provide you with the means to manage all aspects of staff employment and workplace safety - more easily, more effectively and more profitably. Membership brings access to a wide range of facilities, designed to help you stay compliant with current legislation and alerts you to any changes or current issues which may impact on your business. It also includes an ‘ask the expert’ facility for both risk assessment and HR questions, as well as downloadable templates and other documents. Plus, the CAI riskhub includes access to key e-learning training tools, covering the site ready courses you need. These are both CPD and Rospa accredited and include Asbestos Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling, Risk Assessment and Working at Height, among many more. Members who’ve used the riskhub have reported back very positively about the service, and one member said he could have saved enough from its use to cover more than a year of his CAI membership fee.
TO START MAKING USE OF THE GREAT RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU PLEASE VISIT: WWW.CAIRISKHUB.ORG.UK
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Being a CAI Member brings amazing benefits that can save you money!
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
Major Benefit
ACADEMY
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
Vehicle Services
Consumer Recognition
Tools & Equipment
www.cai.org.uk 01923 803030 Get in touch!
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We're the UK's No.1 breakdown service provider
We have more expert patrols in more places
We fix 4 out of 5 cars at the roadside
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More expert/dedicated Patrols than any other major UK breakdown service. Source: AA Annual Report 2023 (2,700 Patrols) and RAC Class A Prospectus 2023 (1,750 Patrols). Verify at theAA.com/Best Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. England and Wales. Company registration number 2414212.
Membership Benefits
Benefits of the AA The AA
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
LET THE AA KEEP YOU ON THE ROAD
Running a company with vehicles at its heart means that staying still isn’t an option. The AA’s business breakdown cover will make sure your drivers get back on the road quickly – and with minimum disruption – if the worst happens.
All you need to do is choose the right level of cover for you.
Whether you just have a single vehicle or run a whole fleet, the AA can cover your cars, vans, motorbikes and more – as long as they’re 3.5 tonnes or under. If you’re not sure if your vehicle would be eligible, you can call the AA on 0330 053 0442 to check.
Visit theAA.com/business for a quote.
23 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Membership Benefits
The Importance of Cyber Insurance James Archer Cert CII Senior Account Executive Fleet and Commercial
Why is Cyber Insurance Essential for UK Businesses? 1. The Rising Threat of Cybercrime Cybercrime is on the rise globally, and the UK is no exception. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported that the frequency of cyberattacks against UK businesses has been steadily increasing, with the cost of cyber incidents continuing to climb. Ransomware, in particular, has emerged as a top threat, with hackers increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses that may lack the resources to defend themselves adequately. According to a report by the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, almost 40% of UK businesses experienced a cyberattack in the past year alone, highlighting just how prevalent and dangerous these threats are. Moreover, the sophistication of these attacks is increasing. Cybercriminals are employing more advanced techniques, making it harder for companies to detect breaches early and respond quickly. In this environment, even businesses with robust cybersecurity systems are vulnerable to attack, underscoring the need for additional financial protection through insurance.
In an age where digital transformation is at the heart of business growth, cybersecurity risks have evolved from niche concerns to critical threats that all companies—regardless of size or sector—must address. For UK businesses, the rise in cyberattacks, data breaches, and technological vulnerabilities has made cyber insurance an essential part of a company’s risk management strategy. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats continue to grow, ensuring adequate protection against the financial, legal, and reputational fallout is crucial for long-term success. What is Cyber Insurance? Cyber insurance is a specialised form of coverage that helps businesses manage the financial risks associated with cyber incidents. It typically covers a wide range of potential issues, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, network interruptions, and other cybercrime-related threats. The policy can cover direct costs such as IT forensic investigations, data recovery, and legal fees, as well as indirect costs like reputational repair and business interruption losses. While many businesses may think of cybersecurity primarily in terms of protective software or IT infrastructure, cyber insurance adds a critical layer of financial protection. It helps companies respond effectively to cyberattacks and mitigate the extensive damage that can result from such events.
24 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Membership Benefits
damage a brand’s credibility and customer trust. For instance, a data breach exposing sensitive customer information can lead to a loss of business, declining sales, and increased scrutiny from stakeholders and regulators. Cyber insurance policies often include reputation management services, such as PR support to manage the fallout from an attack. These services can help businesses regain customer trust and minimize the long-term damage to their reputation. With the support of cyber insurance, businesses can engage in effective communication with customers, investors, and the public to ensure that their response to the attack is handled with professionalism and transparency. 5. Business Continuity and Resilience Cyberattacks, especially ransomware attacks, can bring operations to a complete halt. The financial strain of a prolonged downtime—whether due to systems being locked, data being compromised, or critical infrastructure being damaged—can be overwhelming for businesses. In extreme cases, the disruption can threaten the company’s survival. Cyber insurance often includes business interruption coverage, which helps companies cover lost income during the downtime caused by a cyber incident. This coverage enables businesses to remain operational while they work on resolving the cyberattack and restoring their services. It also helps companies plan for the future, strengthening their resilience against potential disruptions. 6. Peace of Mind for Business Owners In addition to financial and operational protection, cyber insurance offers valuable peace of mind. Business owners can focus on growth and innovation, knowing that they have a safety net to fall back on if things go wrong. It helps reduce the overall anxiety surrounding cyber threats, allowing businesses to operate confidently in a connected world.
2. Financial Protection and Risk Mitigation The financial implications of a cyberattack can be catastrophic. Data breaches, service outages, and ransomware demands can run into the hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of pounds. The direct costs of a cyber incident may include: n Incident response and investigation: IT forensics to understand the breach’s cause and scope. n Data restoration: The cost of restoring lost or compromised data. n Legal fees: Legal assistance for breach notifications, regulatory fines, and customer lawsuits. In addition to direct costs, businesses can face significant losses due to business interruption (lost revenue while systems are down) and ransom payments. Cyber insurance can help cover these costs, offering companies financial stability and a faster recovery timeline. 3. Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, the UK has stringent data protection laws that businesses must comply with. Under GDPR, companies that fail to secure customer data could face heavy fines of up to 4% of annual turnover. If a business suffers a data breach, it must inform affected customers within 72 hours and may also face legal action for failing to safeguard personal data. Cyber insurance can help cover the costs of compliance, including notification expenses, customer support services, and any penalties imposed by regulators. It also helps businesses with crisis management and legal defence if they face lawsuits following a data breach or non-compliance incident. 4. Reputation Management In today’s hyper-connected world, a company’s reputation is invaluable. Cyberattacks can severely
25 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Membership Benefits
How Fleet and Commercial Insurance Brokers Can Help While cyber insurance is critical, finding the right coverage can be complex, especially with the variety of policies and options available. This is where Fleet and Commercial play a key role in assisting businesses. Fleet and Commercial specialise in providing tailored insurance solutions, including cyber-crime insurance, that meet the unique needs of each business. n Expert Guidance on Coverage Options
Conclusion The increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats make cyber insurance an indispensable tool for UK businesses. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too does the need for robust protection against cyber incidents. While investing in cybersecurity measures is critical, cyber insurance offers an additional layer of security, helping businesses manage the financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with cybercrime. For UK businesses, cyber insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessary step in ensuring resilience in the face of ever-evolving digital threats. By securing the right policy with the assistance of an experienced insurance broker companies can safeguard their financial interests, comply with regulatory requirements, and protect their reputation and long-term success in the digital economy.
n Tailored Risk Management Plans n Claims Support and Assistance n Ongoing Reviews and Adjustments
26 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
4 Reasons why you should join TrustMark
1. Commitment to Quality à Demonstrates your professionalism and competence. à Illustrates high standards of customer service and trading practices. à Helps drive up standards across your trade. 2. Consumer Protection à Gives your customers confidence and assurance that they’re protected. à Support and guidance on resolving customer complaints, including access to the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman. à Become Trading Standards Approved. 3. Raises Your Profile à Promote your business with a personalised profile page. à Customers can easily find you using TrustMark’s ‘Find a Trader’ online directory. à Through TrustMark’s marketing campaigns, gain more exposure to your business. 4. Exclusive Offers & More à Discounts and offers with industry-leading businesses - AA, Fuel Card Services and Wickes TradePro. à TrustMark Home Improvement App to help communicate with new customers. à Visit our website to see our full list of benefits and offers.
Scan the code to start your application today www.trustmark.org.uk/business/information-guidance/join-trustmark
Membership Benefits
Grow your reputation with TrustMark Nicola Waller Membership Director Trustmark
levels of customer service, you can apply to join our other 18,000+ Registered Businesses. Our ever- expanding online directory helps homeowners to find reliable, quality businesses who are all working to the highest professional standard in their local areas. Licence to Operate We license and work with a network of 40 Scheme Providers – of which CAI is one – and they are all committed to meeting the operating requirements of our Quality Scheme. In turn, our Scheme Providers license and work with their TrustMark Registered Businesses to ensure they commit to and maintain the required standards of technical competence, trading practices and customer service. These businesses encompass over 115 different service types, including Aerial & Satellite Installations, Smart Home & Entertainment Installations, Access Communications & CCTV and Data & WiFi Networking. Why join TrustMark? By adding TrustMark to your CAI membership, you will have access to a number of benefits to help promote your business, including: Commitment to quality n Demonstrates your professionalism and expert knowledge in your trade. n Highlights your commitment to excellence, raising your profile in the industry. n Illustrates high standards of competence, customer service and trading practices. n Helps drive up standards across your trade.
TrustMark is the only UK Government-endorsed quality scheme for work carried out in or around the home, whether that’s aerial and satellite installations, repairing a roof or installing solar panels. It is an independent quality assurance body that is passionate about quality, raising standards and ensuring consumers have appropriate protections in place when having work done. In this article Nicola Waller, Membership Director at TrustMark, explains the benefits of joining TrustMark and why the quality mark should be part of every CAI member’s toolkit. Being TrustMark registered can not only create new work opportunities for your business, but it will assure customers that you are a trustworthy and competent installer. Since we started in 2005, we have been working to help drive-up standards across the repair, improvement and maintenance (RMI) sector and improve consumer protection. As a longstanding Scheme Provider of TrustMark since 2015 and the only association for this trade, the CAI continues to be a great supporter and has a growing membership of installers who are TrustMark registered. Who is TrustMark? TrustMark is an independent, not-for-profit business which means we focus on our customers –tradespeople and homeowners - and constantly reinvest back into the scheme. We are licensed and endorsed by the Government’s Department of Business & Trade and operate under a Master Licence Agreement, which sets out what we do and how we do it.
If you’re a CAI member looking to demonstrate your commitment to doing a great job with high
29 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Membership Benefits
TrustMark’s Home Improvement App
Increased visibility n Promote your business through the Business Portal, a 24/7 free resource to promote your business with a personalised profile page to showcase your work, manage customer enquiries, track progress and build your reputation. n Customers can easily find you using TrustMark’s ‘Find a Trader’ online directory. n Gain exposure from joint marketing campaigns and co-branded literature to elevate your business to customers and drive traffic to your website. n Displaying the TrustMark logo on your letterheads, marketing material, website and vehicles will provide additional assurance to potential customers that you are a quality business. Protecting you and your customers n Give your customers confidence that they are protected when using a TrustMark Registered Business. n We provide guidance, support and training on managing and resolving customer complaints, including access to the independent Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) service. n TrustMark’s low-cost payment protection (Escrow) service provides both Registered Businesses and your customers a protective financial arrangement when entering into a contract. n You are eligible for our national Trading Standards Approved scheme, providing your customers with another layer of assurance. (£90.00+VAT).
Free to download, we have also developed a unique ‘one-stop shop’ home improvement App in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive. The app is aimed at helping consumers to better understand the process, requirements and considerations around having home improvement work carried out in their property, including handy checklists and useful information about contracts, project timelines, planning permissions and building regulations and Health and Safety considerations. This is another useful tool and channel when communicating with new customers. Working with key partners At TrustMark, we work closely with a number of different businesses who share our mission to raise quality standards and improve consumer protection. By working together, we can enhance the work our Registered Businesses carry out at their customer’s home and offer advice and support, ranging from consumer advice to energy savings. We have also teamed up with industry-leading organisations to offer a range of exclusive offers and discounts tailored to our Registered Businesses, enabling you to benefit from them in your working and personal life. They include savings on tools, products and training to help you run your business more efficiently and effectively, including the AA, ARMD, Europcar, Fergus, Fuel Card Services and Wickes TradePro to name a few. For further information about TrustMark and what the quality mark can provide for your business, visit www.cai.org.uk/index.php/services/partnerships/ trustmark. TrustMark is open to all CAI members who hold CAI Plus status and costs only £60.00 +VAT.
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CAI FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN SIGNAL RECEPTION QUALIFIES YOU FOR A SKILLS CARD
Route 1
Route 2
Must have more than 2 years’ experience. Requirements: Electrical Safety for Signal Reception Systems Course Safe Working at Heights Certificate ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment Work Based Assessment
Must have 2 years’ or less experience. Requirements: Electrical Safety for Signal Reception Systems Course Safe Working at Heights Certificate ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment Work Based Assessment Essential Principles for Installers & Complete 2 of the following: Basic Aerial & Satellite Installation Course An Introduction to IRS Course Home Networking & Connectivity Course Fibre Optics in Signal Distribution
Contact the CAI Training team on: 01923 803030 or email: amanda.ward@cai.org.uk for a quote.
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
Membership Benefits
call us now on 01923 803030 to discuss becoming a CAI member today!
Association For Audio Visual Professionals
36 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
Work at height charity shines spotlight on height safety during No Falls Week 2026 Hannah Williams, Charity Manager, No Falls Foundation
A powerful campaign to promote safe working at height No Falls Week 18 – 22 May 2026
fall from height in 2024/2025. Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that falls from height were responsible for almost one third of all workplace deaths last year. This is almost twice as many as the second most common kind of accident, ‘Struck by a moving vehicle’. This latest figure may represent an 8% reduction from 2023/24, however, prior to that, the proportion of falls from height continued to rise, reaching an unacceptable 36% last year. As awful as the fatality statistics are, there are an even greater number of non-fatal injuries resulting from a fall from height, with almost 5,000 people in Great Britain having been reported injured at work in 2024/25. However, the No Falls Foundation know there is substantial underreporting of non-fatal falls from height for all workers, particularly the self-employed, who were found to report just 12% of workplace incidents. According to the self-reported accidents from their preferred source, the Labour Force Survey (LFS), the HSE estimates the number of workplace falls from height over the last 10 years may be up to 425,000 (between 2014 – 2024).
The No Falls Foundation, the first and only UK-based charity for the work at height sector, is proud to be holding its third annual ‘No Falls Week’ from 18 – 22 May 2026, to promote safe working at height. Following the success of their previous campaigns, which have so far seen over 3,600 organisations sign up to take part, No Falls Week returns to raise awareness about the importance of safe working at height, prevent falls and ensure everyone that works at height comes down safely. It is estimated over 1 million businesses, and 10 million workers, carry out work involving some form of working at height every year. No Falls Week provides the opportunity for organisations across all sectors to place a focus on work at height safety. Falls from height are consistently the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, with 35 people losing their lives at work due to a
38 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
“That’s why No Falls Week is so important. Whether you work in aerial installation, telecoms, construction, agriculture or any other sector, No Falls Week is an opportunity for everyone to shine a spotlight onto the mental, physical, and societal consequences of working at height accidents. “Everyone who needs to work at height should be able to work safely and return home unharmed at the end of every shift. If we work together, we can prevent avoidable deaths and injuries.” Organisations can sign up to get involved in the week-long campaign via the No Falls Week website, where there are a host of toolkits and resources from members of the Access Industry Forum (AIF) to help organisations plan activities during No Falls Week. For further information and to sign up for No Falls Week, please visit: https://nofallsweek.org/get-involved/
Along with the lives, families and businesses affected by these accidents, up to 688,000 working days were lost through non-fatal falls from height in Great Britain in 2023/24 alone. Not only that, the latest figures from 2023/24 show the total cost of falls from height was estimated to be over £956 million, made up of costs to the employer and the individual, government tax losses and benefit payments. Hannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation, said: “Too many people are still being killed falling from height. In the last five years, 188 people have been killed because of a fall from height. Over the last 10 years, that number rises to 361, enough to fill a jumbo jet. “These deaths are not just statistics. Behind every number is a devastated family, group of friends, colleagues and employers who are left to face the long-term consequences these accidents can have.
39 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
CAI - Account Management Update Dan Fletcher, Account Manager CAI
With our industry constantly evolving, it’s more important than ever for us to listen to our members and understand the projects you’re working on, the technologies you’re embracing, and the trends shaping your businesses. While there’s continuing uncertainty around traditional aerial and satellite work, it’s been eye-opening to see how many of you are diversifying into new areas and adapting to the rapid pace of technological change. This is really the essence of my role: to understand your challenges, learn from your expertise, and ensure that we, as a trade organisation, continue to support you as the industry moves forward. The insights, suggestions, and feedback you’ve shared during our meetings are incredibly valuable and have already played a key role in shaping the direction of the CAI. Whether it’s helping us develop new Academy training courses, forge new partnerships with technology providers, or create resources that better reflect your needs, your input continues to drive us forward.
Welcome to my very first article in Feedback! It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 18 months since I stepped into this Account Manager role. It really has flown by and as the end of another year approaches, this is a good opportunity to reflect on the progress so far and look at what the future holds. Over the past year or so, my main goal has been to meet as many of you as possible. This journey has taken me across the country, from Belfast to Broadstairs, and from Falmouth to Falkirk, and it’s been a real pleasure getting to know those of you I’ve already had the chance to visit. I’m looking forward to meeting many more of you in the weeks and months ahead. I’d like to thank everyone who’s taken the time to meet with me. Every member I’ve met so far has been incredibly welcoming and hospitable, and it’s given me a real appreciation for just how friendly this industry is. We have a really varied member base, and it’s been a pleasure learning about your businesses, the challenges you face, and your plans for the future.
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CAI Riskhub One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been introducing our new platform, riskhub, during member meetings. Riskhub is an online health, safety, HR, and eLearning resource that provides access to a wide range of up-to-date information designed to help keep your business safe and compliant. It offers a host of valuable features including a library of downloadable documents such as risk assessments and health & safety policies and an ‘Ask the Expert’ function, which connects you directly with HR or health and safety consultants. Members also benefit from CPD-accredited eLearning modules covering topics such as asbestos awareness, manual handling, electrical safety, and many more. The response to riskhub has been fantastic, and from speaking with many of you, it’s clear that it’s already proving useful, whether for accreditation submissions, tenders, or general compliance. It’s incredibly encouraging to hear such positive feedback from those actively using the platform and reassuring to know we’re providing tools that help keep your business and workforce safe and compliant. Many members have also shared that the eLearning modules have saved their businesses a considerable amount of money - an added bonus!
If you’re not yet set up on riskhub, or would like more information or a demonstration, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, I’ll be happy to help. The platform is included in your membership, so if you haven’t explored it yet, it’s well worth taking a look. CAI Academy I’ve really enjoyed talking to members about the wide range of training courses we offer through the CAI Academy, and it’s been encouraging to see such a strong appetite for learning. Coming from outside the industry, one of the first tasks I set myself was to attend every course we offer. It gave me a practical understanding of the content, the teaching methods, and the value each course brings making me much more confident when discussing training with our members. That said, please don’t quiz me too hard when we meet… I’ll admit, some of the more technical aspects went sailing right over my head! We’ve recently launched updated Basic and Intermediate Networking courses, along with a new one-day course on IRS/FIRS Maintenance and Fault Finding. These additions have been developed in direct response to member feedback, so please do get in touch if you’d like to book a place. Our trainers are also busy
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These conversations will allow me to raise awareness of the IRS/IP TV issues while also educating stakeholders about the high standards our members uphold. The goal is to ensure that CAI membership continues to be a requirement for TV-related work when tenders are published. This is no small project, and it will take all of us working together to achieve meaningful results. I’d like to thank the members I’m already working with, your support in connecting me with industry contacts has been invaluable in helping me arrange initial meetings. If you feel you can assist in any way, please do let me know. Lastly, I would like to thank the CAI team for their help, support, and for making me feel so welcome. Starting a new role in an unfamiliar industry can be a daunting prospect, but Pete, Bev, and the team have made the transition as smooth as I could have hoped for. It has been a privilege working with them over the past 18 months.
designing new courses to reflect the evolving needs of our industry, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements. And if you have ideas or suggestions for how the CAI Academy can continue to deliver relevant and practical training, please do get in touch. The CAI Diploma, which provides a pathway to obtaining an ECS ‘Signal Distribution Specialist’ card, continues to be a popular topic in my meetings. We’ve already supported many members in gaining this qualification and transitioning from the CSCS scheme. It’s proving to be a well-recognised and effective route to achieving a skilled worker’s card, and I’d be happy to help you navigate the process so please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss it further. A changing industry and the continued importance of IRS One of the main topics of conversation has been members’ concerns that some developers are considering specifying IP-only systems in new-build developments. I know several of you have raised this with me directly and are looking to the CAI for guidance and support. Pete and I have recently created an information leaflet for you to share with developers and specifiers. It highlights the value of choosing a CAI member for installation work and outlines some of the disadvantages of not specifying a DTT or IRS solution. We hope this resource supports your conversations with developers, and we’re very open to further ideas on how we can assist you in addressing this issue. Over the coming months, my role will evolve to focus more on setting up meetings with builders, developers, consultants, local authorities, and housing associations.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the road.
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