Electrical Magazine & Events is the only magazine dedicated to providing news and information covering all of Ireland's electrical industry both North and South of the border.
ISSUE 84 - APRIL/MAY 2021
CONTENTS
In this issue...
Issue 84 - April/May 2021
44
20
70
74
News &Views 5
Products 11 Myenergi
In Focus 14 AEW training
The future’s bright for Knightsbridge
Electrical Equipment Greentech becomes an official stockist of the popular range of renewable energy products.
AEW launch training programme for staff to upskill from the comfort of their own home..
Knightsbridge demonstrates it’s commitment to a Brighter Future with a move to sustainable packaging.
12 Timeguard
44 Hinch Distillery McCorley Mechanical and Electrical crank up their major M+E project deliveries with a bespoke full-scale installation for the £15m brand new Hinch Distillery and visitor centre at Ballynahnich. 56 CIBSE NI continues to thrive Jonathan Grimshaw, CIBSE NI shares his hopes to grow the local membership.
8
Belfast Met partners for apprenticeship project The six colleges in Northern Ireland help the apprenticeship system respond to the Covid-19 crisis. 39 Over-55s are the brightest sparks inWEEE recycling
Timeguard provides a solution for affordable control of energy guzzling appliances.
32 Marshall-Tufflex
Core Distribution are the Ireland-wide suppliers of high quality Marshall-Tufflex comprehensive cable management systems, ideal for contractors working in the education sector.
A study by WEEE Ireland reveals 18 to 24-year-olds lag way behind the older generation.
THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Heather Campbell Publication Manager Janice Uprichard Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 3
NEWS
Bernard Lynch, 1960 - 2021
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of Bernard Lynch, Business Development and Marketing Manager for AP Haslem. A well-known and much-loved personality within Ireland’s electrical industry, Bernard was MC for the annual IEBA Ball and the EFI awards. In tribute to Bernard, Keith Haslem, Managing Director for AP Haslem, said his passing left a “huge void” in the company that would be “impossible to fill.” “All of us at AP Haslem are shocked and stunned. Bernard was a great friend and colleague to everyone; staff, customers and suppliers alike. He was a mentor to me since he began working with us in March, 2015, and his influence and contribution to the development of our business has been immense across all sectors. “He was a wonderful man and a true gentleman, who will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege to know him.” We would like to take this opportunity to extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time. Bernard was a vibrant and esteemed member within the Irish electrical industry and his loss will be felt by all. ‘Awonderful man and a true gentleman’
Knightsbridge converts waste cardboard into ‘stuffers’ - crinkle-cut packing.
The future’s bright for Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – is demonstrating it is committed to a brighter future with a move to sustainable packaging that is both 100% recyclable and made from 100% recycled materials. In the case of cardboard boxes, the company has teamed up with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure its packaging comes from wholly recycled sources and is certified as such – look out
for the FSC logo on these new materials. Where products were previously sold in plastic ‘clamshells’, these will now be sold in recyclable and biodegradable polybags. The company also tasked its in-house recycling team to see what use could be made of materials received that would ordinarily go to waste. Its latest bright idea is converting incoming cardboard into ‘stuffers’ – the crinkle-cut packing that secures products within their outer cartons.
Scolmore announces newGroup Commercial Director
Jim Hutchinson has been promoted to Group Commercial Director at Scolmore following his 18-month tenure as Commercial Manager for the company. He will now oversee all commercial procedures across the Scolmore group of companies which includes Click wiring accessories, Ovia lighting, ESP security and fire protection, and Unicrimp cable accessories. A well-known figure in the electrical industry, Jim has amassed more than 30 years’ experience and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to call upon, having worked primarily within customer- facing roles across a broad spectrum of well-known businesses and predominantly premium brands. Commenting on his promotion, Jim said,
Jim Hutchinson, newly appointed Group Commercial Director, Scolmore.
“It’s a privilege to have been given the opportunity to further develop my career within the Scolmore Group and to be a member of a highly experienced and committed senior management team. We have exciting plans in place for 2021 and beyond, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to playing my part in executing key initiatives to develop further opportunities for our customers.”
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ECA NEWS
AS ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES BODY ECA JOINS A NEW ALLIANCE TO REPRESENT THE UK ENGINEERING SERVICES SECTOR, PAUL REEVE, ECA DIRECTOR OF CSR EXPLAINS HOW THIS WILL DRIVE CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY… Championing change and collaboration in engineering services
F ebruary saw the virtual launch of a major new alliance, Actuate UK. The alliance brings together the expertise of eight leading trade, technology, research and professional bodies in engineering services. This makes Actuate UK a strong and unified voice for the industry. Together, the members represent over 60,000 firms and 350,000 skilled professionals. The combined engineering services sector enables around £600 billion of UK economic activity. As an agent for positive change, Actuate UK supports the delivery of a safer and more sustainable UK built environment. With others in the industry, the UK Government and
the Devolved Nations, Actuate UK will play a key role in national initiatives, such as the Construction Leadership Council’s Recovery Roadmap, and the Construction Playbook. It will also provide strategic support to economic plans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Initially, Actuate UK will focus on four areas: the post Covid-19 world of business; after Grenfell - safety, quality and competence; achieving net zero carbon; and skills for tomorrow’s built environment. Actuate UK will make a vital contribution to issues ranging from indoor air quality to smart cities and infrastructure. The launch included video endorsements by key industry figures. These included Andy Mitchell, co-chair of the
Construction Leadership Council and CEO of Thames Tideway Tunnel, and Ann Bentley, member of the Construction Leadership Council and Global Chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall. Construction Minister, Anne Marie Trevelyan, and Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills in the Scottish Government also welcomed the new alliance. Both Ministers anticipated working with Actuate UK to grow a resilient green economy, post Covid-19. Actuate UK fills a gap in understanding the bigger picture of the industry. It will lead the sector’s response to the Building Safety agenda and post-Covid-19 Green Recovery, championing the culture changes needed for their successful delivery.
“Actuate UK supports the delivery of a safer and more sustainable UK built environment.”
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ECA NEWS
“Actuate UK fills a gap in understanding the bigger picture of the industry.”
Roadmap toRecovery
This Construction Leadership Council strategy aims to drive the recovery of the construction and built environment sectors, and through them the wider UK economy, following the Covid-19 pandemic and economic downturn. Construction is uniquely placed to drive the national economic recovery. It operates throughout the UK, employs 3.1m workers, and exports billions of pounds of products and services. The strategy aims to increase the level of activity across the construction ecosystem, accelerate the process of industry adjustment to the new normal, and build capacity in the industry to deliver strategic priorities, including: increasing prosperity across the UK; decarbonisation; modernisation through digital and manufacturing technologies; and delivering better, safer buildings. There are 3 phases to the plan, to be delivered over two years: • Restart: Increase output, maximise employment and minimise disruption (0-3 months); • Reset: Drive demand, increase productivity, strengthen capability in the supply chain (3-12 months); and • Reinvent: Transform the industry; deliver better value, collaboration and partnership (12-24 months). This document sets out 14 key policies for how the UK government should assess, procure and deliver public works projects and programmes. It outlines the government’s expectations for how contracting authorities and suppliers, including their supply chains, should engage with each other. TheConstructionPlaybook
What isActuateUK?
Actuate UK is the ‘go to’ organisation for Government and key stakeholders within the built environment for the engineering services sector.
They provide thought leadership, expertise and practical guidance. Their purpose is to instigate and effect positive change in the industry to facilitate a better built environment for all. They represent the wider engineering services sector in the built environment with one shared voice. Actuate UK will be active in the devolved nations and aims to work in partnership with sector bodies operating solely in those nations.
ACTUATEUKMEMBERS
For more information about Actuate UK, visit: www.actuateuk.org.uk Discover more about the work carried out by ECA here: www.eca.co.uk or contact ECA’s Northern Ireland Regional Manager, Alfie Watterson: +44 (0)28 9147 9527.
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 7
NEWS
An independent economic report has laid bare the impact of the partial lockdown of construction on the industry, its employees, clients, and the wider economy. The CIF presented the report to the Irish Government to demonstrate that the shutdown’s negative impacts are unnecessary as HSE evidence shows construction does not impact on Covid-19 spread. Commenting on the study CIF, Director General, Tom Parlon, said, “HSE monitoring of construction has shown minimal cases since September. This is because the industry can operate at full capacity without contributing to the spread of Covid-19. This report reveals taht every week of this unnecessary shutdown costs 800 homes, €427m in lost output, €156m per week in lost profit and wages, €32m in lost Exchequer revenues and almost 2,800 fewer persons employed. In addition, 60,000 construction workers, instead of contributing to the economy safely, are costing the Exchequer €21m in PUP weekly. CIF study details impact of Irish lockdown
Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive at Belfast Met.
Belfast Met partners for apprenticeshipproject
The six colleges of Further and Higher Education in Northern Ireland are working in partnership on a collaborative Apprenticeship Development Project, funded through the Department for Economy’s Apprenticeship Challenge Fund. The Challenge Fund is part of the Department’s Apprenticeship Recovery Package for Northern Ireland, which channels financial support to help the apprenticeship system respond to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Commenting on the new development, Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive at Belfast Met said,
“At Belfast Met we have a deep commitment to skills and apprenticeships. We are fully aware of the critical role that skills will have in the economic recovery, and apprenticeships will be a central component of the recovery. The Apprenticeship Development Project… provides an innovative and collaborative project across the sector, with extensive expertise in teaching, training and engagement with employers across the regional partners.” For more information about apprenticeship business solutions at Belfast Met go to www.belfastmet. ac.uk/apprenticeships/how- apprenticeships-work/
Launch ofmobile business app for tradespeople
Tradesmen and women could free up more time to earn an extra £6,000 each year with a new app developed to help them with their business.
job quoting, project planning, time tracking, product ordering, stock management and invoicing. For most, full use of the app can free up at least four hours a week to spend on fee-earning projects. For a tradesperson with an hourly charge rate of £35 who works 45 weeks a year, this could add £6,300 to their annual income - an approximately 20% increase in average pay. For more information and for links to download Timter from the Apple and Google app stores, visit www. timter.com
Timter is designed to enable British trade professionals –
from electricians to plumbers to carpenters, roofers, small builders and more – to earn more without working harder, win more work through an enhanced professional image and gain better control over their projects. It handles most major aspects of business management including
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Eco-Friendly & Smart Green Technology N O W I N S T O C K
Microgeneration energy diverter eddi Free water and space heating using excess energy from your PV or wind turbine • 3.68KW / 16A max. heater load • Supports two heaters (sequentially) • Integral bypass switch • VariSine™ PWM technology • Fan-less cooling • Built-in programmable boost timers • Energy savings data logging • Graphical back-lit LCD screen for ease of use • Overload and short-circuit protection • Automatic Daylight Saving Time adjustment • Expansion module option • Wall mounting bracket for ease of installation • Fully EMC and safety compliant (CE) • 3-year warranty
zappi Charge your EV with your PV
zappi has 3 charging modes which makes it great for all homeowners.
Those with grid-tied micro-generation systems like wind or solar can use the eco settings allowing users to save on energy bills. The charging current is automatically and continually adjusted in response to on-site generation and household power consumption. In FAST charge mode, zappi operates like an ordinary EV charging station. • 7kw Single Phase • 22kw 3-Phase • EV Charging From Surplus Solar Or Wind Generation • Dynamic Load Balancing for Maximum Installation Flexibility • Advanced Integral Safety Features
F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N C O N T A C T I A N D O R N A N O R T I M M O N T G O M E R Y
58 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6HT T: +44 (0)28 9066 1177 E: ian.dornan@eel.co.uk or tim.montgomery@eel.co.uk
COMPANY NEWS
Ian Dornan and Tim Montgomery, Electrical Equipment Greentech.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT GREENTECH LEADS EXPANSION INTO IRELAND OF MYENERGI - THE AWARD-WINNING, AND FASTEST-SELLING MANUFACTURER OF EV CHARGERS AND ENERGY DIVERTERS... Electrical Equipment Greentech charges aheadwithmyenergi
E lectrical Equipment Greentech has become an official stockist of the highly desirable range of renewable energy products from myenergi, a company that has grown phenomenally since its foundation in the UK two years ago. With a large stock profile of the brand’s market-leading zappi range of EV chargers and eddi energy diverters held in their Belfast premises, Electrical Equipment Greentech is primed and ready to provide next-day delivery throughout the island of Ireland.
Commenting on the new product range, Ian Dornan, Sales Executive for Electrical Equipment Greentech said, “We are delighted to be partnered with myenergi. Their EV charging and energy diverter range sits perfectly alongside our existing renewables stock of solar PV and associated products. “The myenergi range gives us an opportunity to reach out to another market sector. With the Government’s ban on petrol and diesel cars coming into effect in 2030, we anticipate that the EV charger market is going to be huge for us going forward.” By August last year, there were more than 17,000 EVs on the road in Ireland, with a Government target in place to reach 936,000 by 2030. This target, which includes battery EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs, will be equivalent to one- third of the 2.8 million vehicles that are currently in use. Myenergi’s zappi is the world’s first solar-compatible EV charging device. With optional charging modes to either draw power from the grid, or utilise 100% of self-generated green energy, the pioneering system makes charging your car completely circular. A free supporting app allows users to utilise
economy charging tariffs, engage the boost system and monitor energy usage. The eddi power diverter from myenergi uses excess energy generated from domestic solar PV or wind generation systems. Rather than exporting it back to the grid, the intelligent eddi diverts it back into the user’s heating systems. Electrical Equipment Greentech is part of Edmundsons Group, one of the largest electrical wholesalers in the world with over 350 branches in the UK and Ireland, better known by its other trading names, Eastern Electrical and EWL in ROI. With such a powerful heritage, Electrical Equipment Greentech is the ideal choice of partner for myenergi in Ireland. Ian said, “We’ve taken plenty of stock on board as this is a very sought-after product in the car charging and energy diverter market. We’re also offering online virtual training to all of our customers to get them up to speed with this new product range. “We see this as a fantastic partnership going forward in Ireland.” If you have any questions or pricing enquiries about the myenergi products, call: +44 (0)28 9066 1177 or
email: Ian.Dornan@eel.co.uk or Tim.Montgomery@eel.co.uk.
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COVER STORY
boost
NEW for 2021: Simple digital timed controls - it couldn’t be easier or clearer.
THERE’S A MARKET HUNGRY FOR STRAIGHTFORWARD, AFFORDABLE CONTROL OF ENERGY-GUZZLING APPLIANCES, SAYS TIMEGUARD… The boss of boost
T he costs of recovery from the shock of the pandemic are coming home to roost, and it’s clear that anything that can reduce energy waste is going to be welcome – especially when it is an affordable and easy solution. Integrated smart home controls are one thing, but few of us have home cinemas and multiple living rooms. Most of your customers just want to be sure that things don’t get left on all day or night - and Timeguard can help you to help them, as it has done for years. What could be simpler therefore for making sure devices like fixed heaters, towel rails, immersion heaters etc., aren’t left running expensively and unnecessarily than the new push-button digital count- down timers from Timeguard?
These new digital controls enable users to choose the ideal duration for an appliance to be switched on, and to be able to set it at the push of a single button and to be able to see at a glance how long is left. Users can add some extra boost or change their mind and switch off if required. These controls fit the bill perfectly and they are easy install. These two new members of the Timeguard ‘BoostMaster’ family are rated at 13A (3kW) and will fit into a standard flush or surface mount 25mm back box. There are 2-hour and 4-hour versions and the ON time can be chosen in 15-minute increments. The large backlit display then counts down minute by minute. The new devices have also been tested
A sleeker version is available for use where fused protection isn’t needed.
“Time control is always the foundation of energy-saving solutions.”
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COVER STORY
Summer’s coming and there’s a great option for outdoor lighting and patio heaters. Select your ON time up to 3 hours and get a blue flashing warning when it’s nearly time for a boost.
The original Timeguard BoostMaster Countdown Timer wthin a fused spur.
and rated for up to 100W of LED lighting. The big-display BoostMaster models join the original Timeguard electronic boost timers, which have a column of LED lights rather than minute-by-minute digital displays. These are available with or without integral fused spurs. Where more precise timing is required, or users want appliances to switch on when they are out, the FST Fused Spur Timer with fully programmable electronic time control fits the bill perfectly, neatly replacing a standard fused spur which probably already exists adjacent to the appliance you wish to control, so there’s no extra wiring. You can choose between 24-hour models or 7-day programming to cater for people’s different weekday and weekend lifestyle patterns, and there’s a Timeguard boost button to get a little extra heat or power without having to override the programming. the ability to control appliances that you need to come on and off every day can be a major
concern, and the good news is that adding the accuracy of electronic time control does not have to mean getting to grips with the sequencing of setting timing programmes. While that has become so much easier and more intuitive over the years, it is still troublesome to some of us, particularly older people. Timeguard even offers the option of an analogue ‘interface’ to electronic time control, with the added benefit of boost timing and interchangeability with old Economy 7 units, making it particularly popular with people who are concerned about managing their use of power at peak times. Time control is always the foundation of energy-saving solutions, and ideas like these help installers to provide something that will have immediate impact on users’ consumption and their bills. Want to boost business? Contact your local wholesaler or visit www.timeguard.com
FST Fused Spur Timeswitch - Programmed timing, boost options and fused protection all in one.
Analogue looks with electronic accuracy for heating control - with additional boost control.
Timeguard, Victory Park, 400 Edgware Road, London NW2 6ND T: +44 (0) 20 8450 8944 - E: sales@timeguard.com www.timeguard.com
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
training
STAFF CAN UPSKILL FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOMES, WITH AEW’S NEW DISTANCE LEARNING SCHEME... AEWlaunches staff trainingprogramme
T he Association of Electrical Wholesalers (AEW) recently launched a staff training programme for its members in conjunction with the Electrical Distributors Association (EDA) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in the UK. “Over 100 learners from almost 30 AEW- affiliated branches have already signed up to take part in the programme,” said AEW Administrator Ken Legros. “We have made a fantastic start and we
look forward to seeing more and more learners joining the programme over the coming months.” The training initiative is comprised of 12 individual modules: 1. Introduction to the Principles of Electricity 2. Lighting – Introduction 3. Lighting – Systems and Controls 4. Heating and Ventilation 5. Fire Safety and Security Systems 6. Wiring Devices and Controls 7. Renewables 8. Industrial Controls 9. Distribution, Switchgear and Protection 10. IT and Data Infrastructure 11. Cables and Cable Management 12. Customer Services Each module costs £130, which covers the cost of the module itself, administration expenses at the IET, postage and packaging, the online exam and the City & Guilds accreditation. “All in all, this is great value”, added Ken, “and I am delighted to announce that the Electrical Industries Federation
of Ireland (EIFI) has made a significant donation to the AEW from its Education Bursary Fund, which will be passed on by the AEW to its participating members in the form of a subsidy on each module ordered during the launch period. The AEW is extremely grateful to the EIFI for their generous support.” Get started To get started on the programme, a manager at an AEW-affiliated branch invites a member of staff to choose one of the 12 modules on offer. They then complete a Manager Form and a Learner Form and email these forms to Ken Legros at admin@iebg.ie. On a monthly basis, Ken collates all the Manager and Learner Forms received during that month and submits them in batch format to the IET on the first day of the following month. Modules are then posted to branch managers by the IET for distribution to learners, who can study them at their own pace. “In these days of Covid restrictions, this training programme is the ideal way to upskill your staff,” continued Ken, “as it provides them
Ken Legros, AEW Administrator
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
EIFI supports AEWtraining initiative
“This is the most ambitious training programme that the AEW has ever embarked upon.”
“The EIFI (Electrical Industries Federation of Ireland) is delighted to support this initiative with the AEW, as it allows our industry employees to generate greater technical excellence across the electrical distribution channel. “This award was made possible by collaboration between EIFI and the former ETCI (Electro-Technical Council of Ireland) to set up an EIFI bursary fund in 2018 to support development and education within our sector. It is critical that we train and upskill our employees and embrace new technologies and standards within our industry. “Other examples of support can be seen by the development in 2020, of a CPD Training Programme on IS10101 Wiring Rules in collaboration with ECA/CIF. The ‘Guide to IS10101: 2020 National Rules for Electrical Installations’ training programme has been uploaded onto the ETCI and CIF training webpage as a freely accessible CPD training programme. Other training information can be seen on the ‘My Learning’ page of the EIFI website. “The EIFI will promote and pursue engagement with other relevant professional bodies, trade associations and organisations operating in the electrical and allied trades. An ‘open door’ invitation is offered to other organisations operating in the industry for cooperation and promotion of good practice in all aspects of the Irish Electrical industry.” Mark Keogh, Chairman of ETCI Education sub-committee. For more information on EIFI please visit: www.eifi.ie
with an opportunity to self-learn in the comfort and safety of their own homes or at their work places. Following the online exam, every successful learner receives a City & Guilds certificate with a Pass, Credit or Distinction grade.” This training initiative is very flexible for both manager and learner. Managers can choose how many learners they want to include in the programme and, in conjunction with their managers, learners can choose which modules they want to study and also in what order they would like to study them. Although the programme best suits customer-facing staff, it can also be used to help prepare a non-customer-facing employee
such as a warehouse operative for a customer-facing role at the trade counter, for example. Similarly, it can be used as part of an induction programme for new starters; as part of a graduate training initiative for less experienced staff, or as a refresher course for staff with plenty of experience. “This is the most ambitious training programme that the AEW has ever embarked upon and we look forward to providing our members and their staff with these vital educational opportunities for many years to come,” said Ken in conclusion. For more information regarding the programme, contact Ken Legros, T: +353 (0)85 207 2761 E: admin@iebg.ie
Mark Keogh, Chairman of ETCI Education sub-committee.
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BUSINESS ADVICE
KEIR THOMAS-BRYANT FROM SAGE GIVES THE LOW-DOWN ON THE NEW VAT DOMESTIC REVERSE CHARGE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU…
F rom March 1, electrical contractors and subcontractors working in the UK’s construction industry might have to handle and pay VAT in a different way following the introduction of the new VAT reverse charge system. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. 1. What is the VAT domestic reverse charge for construction services? The VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction services, to give it its full title, is a change in how VAT is handled for certain kinds of construction services in the UK, along with the building and construction materials used directly in those services. In simple terms, for services they provide affected by the reverse charge, sub-contractors will require the contractor employing them to handle and pay the VAT directly to HMRC.
VAT charge goes into reverse
2. What VAT rates does the VAT reverse charge for construction services apply to? It applies to both standard and reduced-rate VAT supplies. It doesn’t apply to zero-rated supplies. 3. Why is the VAT reverse charge for construction services being introduced? HMRC says it will combat fraud, whereby construction businesses charge VAT for the services they supply but then disappear without paying their VAT bill. 4. Who does the VAT reverse charge for construction services apply to? It applies only to VAT-registered businesses who are supplying/ receiving services that are reported under CIS. In other words, it applies to
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BUSINESS ADVICE
“For services they provide affected by the reverse charge, sub-contractors will require the contractor employing them to handle and pay the VAT directly to HMRC.”
works forming, or to form, part of the land, including (in particular) walls, roadworks, power lines, electronic communications apparatus, aircraft runways, docks and harbours, railways, inland waterways, pipelines, reservoirs, water mains, wells, sewers, industrial plant and installations for purposes of land drainage, coast protection or defence • Installation in any building or structure of systems of heating, lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, power supply, drainage, sanitation, water supply or fire protection • Internal cleaning of buildings and structures, so far as carried out in the course of their construction, alteration, repair, extension or restoration • Painting or decorating the internal or external surfaces of any building or structure Remember that the reverse charge applies to the services listed above plus any construction materials used directly for those services. This is different to the CIS scheme, which does not cover materials. 6. I’m a sub-contractor. What does the VAT reverse charge for construction services mean for my business? In theory, it means very little because when you issue your VAT invoice you will merely be passing on the VAT charge that you would have had to account for in any event. You will, however, need to expect a change to the way you reconcile customer’s payments against invoices issued, as any VAT registered customers will be withholding the VAT element for
any CIS related supplies. You’ll need a different kind of invoice. It might also affect your cash flow because the VAT you previously held before passing it monthly/quarterly to HMRC as a payment will no longer be available for any uses you might have put it to. 7. I’m a contractor. What does the VAT reverse charge for construction services mean for my business? If you’re a contractor (i.e. purchase CIS regulated construction services) then, in theory, it means you need to ensure that when you receive reverse charge VAT invoices you correctly account for them. You’ll need to pay any VAT due directly to HMRC as part of your normal VAT settlement process instead of paying the VAT on CIS related supplies to your supplier. This may require an update to your accounting software if you do not use cloud software. You may gain a cash flow benefit because the VAT you previously had to pay when paying sub-contractors, but could not reclaim until your next VAT return, is simply netted off in your VAT return. There should be no net impact on your overall VAT bill. You will need to complete your VAT return differently.
services supplied between the majority of construction sub-contractors and contractors in the UK. 5. What construction services does the VAT reverse charge apply to? According to HMRC, the reverse charge applies to the following: • Construction, alteration, repair, extension, demolition or dismantling of buildings or structures (whether permanent or not), including offshore installations
• Construction, alteration, repair, extension or demolition of any
“If you’re a contractor (i.e. purchase CIS regulated construction services) then, in theory, it means you need to ensure that when you receive
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an abridged version of a blog post kindly supplied to us from Sage Advice. To read in full, visit: http://1sa.ge/34fm50DDsW3
reverse charge VAT invoices you correctly account for them.”
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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE
SUPPLIERS OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING MATERIALS TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, LOCAL AUTHORITIES, FACTORIES ETC DISTRIBUTORS OF: • Thorn Lighting • Hager Switchgear • MK Accessories • Gewiss • Click • Avo • Unitrunk • Pirelli Cables • GE Lamps & Tubes • ROBUS • ESP Fire Alarms & Emergency Lighting • Crabtree • ATC • Dimplex, Redring etc n BUNCRANA Unit 4A Milltown Business Park, Buncrana Tel: +353 (0)74 9322569 - Fax: +353 (0)74 9321771 n OMAGH 53 Derry Road, Omagh Tel: +44 (0)28 8225 2642 - Fax: +44 (0)28 8225 2645 n LIMAVADY 16 Connell Street, Limavady Tel: +44 (0)28 7772 2188 - Fax: +44 (0)28 7776 8991 n DERRY Maydown Works, Derry Tel: +44 (0)28 7186 0834 - Fax: +44 (0)28 7186 0834 n LETTERKENNY Fiesta Port Road, Letterkenny Tel: +353 (0)749126788 - Fax: +353 (0)749126539 n ENNISKILLEN Unit 10, Derrychara Link, Enniskillen Tel: +353 (0)28 6632 8330 HEAD OFFICE... Balliniska Business Park, Springtown Industrial Estate, Londonderry. T: +44 (0)28 7136 0110 - F: +44 (0)28 7126 3796
MANUFACTURERS& SUPPLIERSOF:
• MCCBoards • Form2&4Distribution Boards • Variable SpeedDrives • PLCControl • Multi-metering Cabinets • EnergyMeasurement • Power Factor Correction • Plusmuchmore
• NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION • FREE DELIVERY Unit 2A Milltown Business Park, Co Monaghan T: 00353 47 72265 - E: info@troypanels.com www.troypanels.com
Email: info@cableandaccessories.co.uk www.cableandaccessories.co.uk
ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE DUNGANNON
MALLUSK BRANCH Unit 5, Antrim Line Business Park, Sentry Lane, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim BT36 4XX Tel: +44 (0)28 9083 0303 - Fax: +44 (0)28 9083 0306 Email: mallusk@eweni.co.uk MAGHERAFELT BRANCH Unit 1b, Loves Hill, Castledawson Road, Magherafelt BT45 8DP Tel: +44 (0)28 7946 9600 - Fax: +44 (0)28 9746 9699 Email: magherafelt@eweni.co.uk
SERVING THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY
HIGH LEVELS OF STOCK ON AWIDE RANGE OF ITEMS
PROUD STOCK I STS OF THE FOLLOWI NG BRANDS :
NEWTOWNARDS BRANCH Unit 4 Scrabo Business Park, Jubilee Road,
Newtownards, BT23 4ZP Tel: +44 (0)28 9180 0981 Email: ards@eweni.co.uk
SUPPLIERS OF:
AWARDWINNINGELECTRICALWHOLESALER
DUNGANNON ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE 199 Killyman Road, Dungannon, BT71 6RR. T: +44 (0)28 87729787 www.dungannonelectrical.co.uk
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 7.30am - 5.00pm Fri 7.30am - 4.30pm - Sat 8.30am - 12 noon www.eweni.co.uk
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WHOLESALER NEWS
DOLPHIN ELECTRICAL, BUSY DELIVERING PREMIUM BRANDS AND PRODUCTS RIGHT THROUGH LOCKDOWN... Dolphin’s express delivery goes swimmingly
I rish family-owned Dolphin Electrical is an independent electrical wholesaler that packs a mighty punch when it comes to servicing its well-established customer base. During this second lockdown, the Dublin 8-based premises has been open for business on an express delivery basis, with their vans constantly on the road ensuring vital materials arrive on time at sites that remain open. Colin Rooney from Dolphin Electrical said, “We have built our business up over the last 44 years on the fast reliable service we provide. Our vans are on the road daily, delivering a unique express delivery service within our industry. “Time is money - our aim is to bring the trade counter to
the customer as we fully understand the value of our customers’ time and importance of a quick turnaround to site with any order.”
constantly evolving their business with current markets to suit all their customers’ needs. The business was founded
Dolphin Electrical stocks a vast range of premium brands and products and supplies electrical goods to the electrical wholesale, retail, lighting, facility and property maintenance, hospitality, electrical engineering and construction sectors. With decades of experience and knowledge in the electrcial
by Noeleen and Harry Rooney. A well-known and respected individual in the Irish electrical industry, Noeleen has been integral in the company’s continuing success. She has instilled in the company the importance of “your word is your bond” and getting to know each and every
”Our vans are on the road daily, delivering a unique express delivery service within our industry.”
industry, Dolphin Electrical stays ahead of the curve on the latest manufacture updates, developments and products;
customer. This attention to individual customer relations has built a loyal and expanding customer base and is also recognised on an industry-wide level, having twice taken home the prestigious Wholesaler of the Year - Reader’s Poll accolade at Ireland’s
Electrical Awards ceremony. Noeleen is passing on her vast
knowledge and experience to Colin - an experienced business development manager - who joined the company three years ago, ensuring the Rooney family name continues to be recognised as a sign of excellence in the independent electrical wholesale sector for many years to come. T: +353 (0)1 453 8076 E: info@dolphinelectrical.ie www.dolphinelectrical.ie
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 19
Raymond Kane with switchboard, c.1980.
Company director Damien Kane with a completed ‘Form 4’ ABB switchboard.
“For Kane Engineering, innovation was always the key to staying successful.”
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1971 - 2021
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KANE ENGINEERING
HISTORY
LV Switchboard assembly area in Kane Engineering’s Newtownards factory.
KANE ENGINEERING LIMITED IS ONE OF THE BEST-KNOWN NAMES IN NI’S ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY AND A LEADING SUPPLIER OF LOWVOLTAGE ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR; WE LOOK BACK OVER ITS HISTORY, PEOPLE AND PROJECTS ALONG THEWAY... Kane Engineering Limited celebrates 50-yearmilestone
B efore Kane Engineering was retired) had been dipping a toe into the switchgear market part-time, trading as ‘Century Engineering’, whilst also holding down a full-time job as an Electrical Foreman for Hendron Bros. When he later decided that the business had enough potential to take it on full- established as a limited company, founder Raymond Kane (now time, he saved up enough money to pay the mortgage and family bills for the six months ahead. He established the business in March 1971 as ‘Kane Engineering Limited’. The company name’s choice was straightforward in hindsight; Raymond
was setting out to build a business he could be proud of, and there was no better way of keeping the focus on that than by putting his own name on every product to be designed and manufactured. The early days The company’s first business premises were in Belfast – which turned out not to be the best location for a new business during the turbulent 1970s. After a couple of years, Raymond decided to relocate to a rented industrial unit in South Street, Newtownards. Not long after that, with the business quickly gaining a good reputation amongst electrical contractors, he decided to build a new factory in Glenford
Industrial Estate in the town, a location that has been expanded over the years and remains the base of operations and manufacturing today.
Kane Engineering Ltd, Glenford Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4AU T: +44 (0)28 9181 4465 - E: info@kane-engineering.co.uk www.kane-engineering.co.uk
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1971 - 2021
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 21
KANE ENGINEERING
HISTORY
South St., Newtownards factory, early 1970’s.
Staff product training c.1990.
Electrex Trade show at the NEC Birmingham, early 1990’s.
Welded panels at South St., Newtownards factory, early 1970’s.
RF Kane – Quality award 1992.
LV panel testing, c.1991.
WITH THE MOVE TO A NEWFACTORY, KANE ENGINEERINGWAS ONE OF THE FIRST COMPANIES TO MOVE AWAY FROM ‘INDUSTRIAL PATTERN’ SWITCHGEAR TO THE MORE MODERN ‘CUBICLE PATTERN’... 1970’s – Bringing newproducts to theNI market
K ane Engineering brought a new by fuse switchgear. One key strategic partnership was with Merlin Gerin (later to become Schneider Electric), which Kane introduced to the NI market through an exclusive distributorship in 1976. The French brand was certainly unknown to the local market at the time, and the introduction of the name Merlin Gerin to customers was often met with the reply, “Merlin, who?” French accents aside, Kane Engineering was responsible for establishing the brand in Northern Ireland and even became Merlin Gerin’s biggest customer in the UK for their modular ‘Prisma’ steelwork system. world of circuit breakers to a market that had been previously dominated
continued to grow its local market presence, becoming a market leader. Other switchgear companies such as ‘Kelvin Manufacturing’ and ‘Heating Controls & Devices’ faded out of the market through lack of competitiveness and innovation. For Kane Engineering, innovation was always the key to staying successful, being the first company to introduce CAD systems in the late 1980s, and always looking out for new supplier and customer opportunities. 1990’s – New partnerships and new people Kane Engineering was heavily involved in the TQM (Total Quality Management) approach to business in the early 1990s, and further investment in I.T. systems kept the company as the preferred choice for quality and value in LV panels. Raymond’s daughter, Paula, was a director in the business during this period and played a
key role in driving the quality systems and process improvements, which resulted in Kane Engineering being recognised as the winner of the ‘NI Quality award’ 1992. Damien Kane graduated from university in 1992, and after working in London for a period, joined the family business in 1994 and took the role of Managing Director when Raymond retired in 1998. During the mid-’90s, Kane Engineering built its first Cubic Modular system panel, a partnership that has gone from strength to strength over the past 25 years. Kane was Northern Ireland’s first ‘Accredited system builder’, and Cubic now supplies all of Kane’s modular steelwork and busbar systems. “Cubic’s business model is ‘the customer as partner’ and this is something we’ve tried to take on board with all our own customers and suppliers over the years,” said Damien.
1980’s – A period of change and innovation During this decade, Kane Engineering
Kane Engineering Ltd, Glenford Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4AU T: +44 (0)28 9181 4465 - E: info@kane-engineering.co.uk www.kane-engineering.co.uk
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1971 - 2021
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KANE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES
Global Source & Supply of Electrical Materials & Engineered Components
LARGEST INDEPENDENT STOCKHOLDER OF COPPER DRAWN PRODUCTS IN THE UK AND IRELAND
MSS PRODUCTS OFFER A PLATFORM TO LOW COST MANUFACTURE OF ALL TYPES OF ENGINEERED PRODUCTS
Congratulations to Kane Engineering on 50 successful years
www.mssproducts.com E: sales@mssproducts.comT: +44 (0) 161 703 9990
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KANE ENGINEERING
PEOPLE
Social distancing in the workshop has become the new normal, and Kane’s seven female members of staff unfortunately were all working remotely on photo day!
INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE IS AT THE HEART OF KANE ENGINEERING’S CONTINUED GROWTH AND SUCCESS... People and change
T he year 2009 saw a significant change in Kane’s organisational structure, with Damien being joined on the board of directors by Peter and Michelle Mallon, who had approached Kane Engineering seeking a strategic partnership in LV switchgear with their Cookstown-based business, EPS Environmental (now Enisca Ltd). Peter and Michelle have since retired from Enisca and continue to apply their skills and experience to Kane Engineering, helping to grow the business in the Irish and GB markets. Damien explained, “Having non-family Directors join the family business for the first time gave us a new perspective on the company and where the growth opportunities might lie. As a result, the company has grown over 300% in size in the last decade, and we’re now in a strong position to grow further.” With over 30 staff at present, running
a manufacturing business in the time of Covid has required some new ways of doing things. Damien reflects on the challenges of the last 12 months, “Who would have thought that on top of the difficulties brought about by Brexit, we would also have to deal with a global pandemic!” To play their part in stopping the spread of the disease, most of Kane’s engineering and admin staff have been working remotely for the last year. “We’re fortunate to have invested heavily in our I.T. systems over the last couple of years, as staff in multiple locations now have high-speed access to our server, and video calls – with staff and customers alike – have become the new way of doing things.” Damien particularly commends the effort of key staff members, Stephen Spiers (Engineering Manager) and Nikki Caskey (Operations Manager), who have both been with the company for over twenty
years, and have really shown that they understand the business and the people in it, to keep things running smoothly during this challenging period. “We have key customers in the telecoms and data centre sectors, as well as in healthcare, and food retail, so it has been imperative that we can continue to deliver the same high standards of product and service,” said Damien. “It is our dedicated staff who have made that possible for us in 2020, and that now sets us up for a renewed period of growth in 2021.” “Having non-family Directors join the family business for the first time gave us a new perspective on the company and where the growth opportunities might lie.”
Kane Engineering Ltd, Glenford Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4AU T: +44 (0)28 9181 4465 - E: info@kane-engineering.co.uk www.kane-engineering.co.uk
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1971 - 2021
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KANE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES
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KANE ENGINEERING
PROJECTS
KANE ENGINEERING LTD’S UNCOMPROMISING PRODUCT DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY HAS DELIVERED LOWVOLTAGE SOLUTIONS THROUGHOUT THE UK AND IRELAND... Notable projects
Y ou don’t have to look too far around the province to find a building whose electrical systems run on Kane Engineering switchgear. The company’s switchboards can be found in all types of commercial, industrial and residential developments, including Titanic Belfast, the PRONI building, Belfast MET in Titanic Quarter and the ICC – formerly Belfast Waterfront Conference & Exhibition Centre, Grand Central Hotel and The Grand Opera House - to name but a few. Current prestigious switchgear projects for Kane Engineering in Belfast City Centre include Blocks ‘BC’ and ‘BD’ at Ulster University’s new £360m campus on York St., (for Dowds Group and Michael Nugent Ltd.) and the 250,000 square foot Grade A office development at City Quays III (for Harvey M&E). The company has also reached another milestone, having just logged its 6,000th
project into the order book. This particular job is for the LV switchgear for the new Queen’s University Management School at the Riddel Hall site on Stranmillis Road. It follows on from Kane having supplied the LV switchgear for the Riddel Hall buildings’ refurbishment around 12 years ago. Damien Kane commenteed, “We’ve worked on many projects at QUB over the years, including the Sonic Arts Research Centre, the Medical research centre at City Hospital, and the Queen’s Film Theatre. It’s great to be working with electrical contractor JD McGeown and consulting engineers AH design on what will be our milestone ‘K6000’ job number, with several high specification switchboards soon to move into manufacture.”
“Today we have loyal customers who seek us out by name. They don’t just settle for any LV switchboard for their projects, they ask for a ‘Kane panel.”
Kane Engineering Ltd, Glenford Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4AU T: +44 (0)28 9181 4465 - E: info@kane-engineering.co.uk www.kane-engineering.co.uk
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1971 - 2021
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 27
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