News & Media
Archive 2011
2011 Press Releases
Part P News - June 2011
NICEIC Live lights up Epsom - June 2011
MP backs 'Jobs for the Girls' campaign - May 2011
NICEIC produces new training prospectus - March 2011
Government support on renewables - March 2011
Fraud clampdown continues - Feb 2011
NICEIC's Top industry event - Jan 2011
NICEIC MCS News - Jan 2011
Ascertiva Changes - Jan 2011
..................................................................
Ascertiva Changes
New CEO and Chairman Announced
Ascertiva Group, the global third party certification company, has announced the appointment of Emma McCarthy as it Chief Executive Officer. Emma previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer.
A restructure of its governance structure has also meant that Executive Chairman Jim Speirs has been appointed Chairman of Ascertiva Group’s board. He will also undertake special projects for the Group.
“These roles were created as part of a wider project to streamline our governance structure and will help enable the Group to maximize its benefits to our parent charity,” explains Jim Speirs.
The Group has gone from strength to strength after its rebrand from NICEIC Group in May 2010. Its NICEIC brand recently launched its own Apprentice Academy, consulting and insurance business and has made an impact on national television shows such as BBC Watchdog and Rogue Traders. Its NQA brand, which has offices around the world, continues to develop the growth in environmental, health and safety and quality management systems.
Published 12 January 2011
.....................................................................
NICEIC MCS news
Launch of microgeneration jargonbuster
Do you know your biomass from your solar thermal?
2011 is set to be a key year for microgeneration and to ensure you don’t get lost in a world of ‘tech talk’ NICEIC has launched its very own jargon buster.
The guide provides clear definitions of the key terms commonly used within the industry and is a useful tool for those considering installing renewable energy devices on their homes.
“More than 100,000 homes in the UK currently have microgeneration installations,” said NICEIC’s Chief Operating Officer Emma McCarthy. “We expect this number to rise rapidly in 2011 as homeowners take advantage of the opportunity to produce their own ‘free’ energy. We predict that it won’t be long until private residential homeowners learn about the benefits of Feed-in-Tariffs and the incentives available.
“However, we also understand that to those not in the know, Microgeneration can seem a very complicated and confusing world – particularly with some of the scientific language involved. We hope this guide will go some way to giving people a clearer understanding of the industry and give them the confidence and courage to engage with professionals about microgeneration products and installations.”
NICEIC is at the forefront of the renewable industry and has been granted a licence to run a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), designed to protect the consumer by ensuring independent evaluation of microgeneration product and installers.
The jargon busting guide is available on the NICEIC website at:
www.niceic.com/householder/microgeneration
Published 17 January 2011
.............................................................
NICEIC unveils top industry event
NICEIC announces its first conference and exhibition.
NICEIC Live will be an unmissable hub of business advice and technical information for electrical contractors, as well as offering attendees discounted rates on the latest products and services.
“This is an innovative and exciting event for the electrical contracting industry,” says Mark Smith, marketing manager at NICEIC. “It will be very much a learning experience with talks on industry related issues. We have put together the most comprehensive selection of seminars and speakers ever seen at an electrical industry event aimed specifically at contractors.”
The day’s packed programme of seminars will be delivered by a combination of respected electrical industry figures and high profile business people. Speakers include NICEIC’s own Tony Cable, as well as former minister for trade and deputy chairman of Dyson, Sir Richard Needham.
Political figures and MPs will also be invited to speak about industry issues and legislation.
Topics discussed will include the significant opportunities in the microgeneration industry, counterfeit goods and RCDs, home automation and environmental systems management, as well as advice on marketing a business and recovering from the recession. The live event builds on the success of NICEIC’s regional TechTalks which have attracted more than 5,000 attendees in the last two years.
“The response from both contractors and sponsors to our Tech Talks has been fantastic so it is a natural step to develop an exhibition and conference on a much larger scale,” added Mark. “I’m confident that NICEIC Live will become a permanent fixture on the industry calendar for years to come.”
NICEIC Live will be held on Thursday, 19 May, 2011, at Epsom Downs racecourse.
Tickets cost from £35 with early-bird rates available until February 25.
Attendees will receive a voucher book featuring discounts and special offers from leading electrical suppliers along with a free ticket to an Epsom race meeting. For more information on the event or to register for tickets, visit www.niceiclive.com
Published 17 January 2011
......................................................
Fraud clampdown continues
Another Rogue Trader Prosecuted
NICEIC has vowed to continue its clampdown on rogue traders after another electrician was found guilty of falsely claiming to be a member of the electrical accreditation body.
Newbury based Gary Crossman, who trades under the name of G C Electrical, was fined £2500 with £1500 costs, after Reading Magistrates Court found him guilty of falsely claiming to be registered with NICEIC.
Crossman used the NICEIC logo on his company website and in an advert on Yell.com. He is the second electrical contractor in a month to be prosecuted.
In January, Ertan Gokay, of U.K Smartbuild, in Enfield, was fined £8,630 and ordered to pay £1,100 in costs following a prosecution by Brent and Harrow Trading Standards.
NICEIC recently stepped up its fight against firms incorrectly using its logo by setting up a wall of shame. Contractors caught falsely claiming to be members will be named and shamed on the NICEIC website and their details passed to Trading Standards.
Government support for renewables
NICEIC welcomes announcement on RHI
NICEIC has welcomed the recent announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
The announcement promises the £860m to increase green capital investment by £4.5 billion up to 2020, stimulating a new market in renewable heat. DECC claims the RHI will provide an incentive to increase number of industrial, commercial and public sector installations by seven times to 2020.
A full system of RHI payments will be available to households from October 2012 and before that more than a quarter of the first year’s budget is to be guaranteed for up to 25,000 household installations through a “RHI Premium Payment” to encourage take-up.
“We are delighted that the government has announced this major incentive for renewable heat,” states Emma McCarthy, chief executive officer for NICEIC. “DECC believes 150,000 existing manufacturing, supply chain and installer jobs will be supported by the incentives and NICEIC believes any boost to the trade through promises such as this are vital in the current economic climate.”
“Renewable heat is a largely untapped resource and an important new green industry of the future,” says Secretary of State Chris Huhne. “This incentive is the first of its kind in the world. It’ll help the UK shift away from fossil fuel, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging innovation, jobs and growth in new advanced technologies.”
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has a huge task ahead of it; meeting the UK carbon reduction targets of 2020. The Climate Change Act 2008 set legally binding emission reduction targets for 2020 (reduction of 34 percent in greenhouse gas emissions) and for 2050 (reduction of at least 80 percent in greenhouse gas emissions), and introduced five-yearly carbon budgets to help ensure those targets are met. Renewable energy is part of the government’s solution in meeting these targets.
“With householders now given the incentives to install renewable technologies, the opportunities for the electrical, heating and plumbing trades are significant and NICEIC will be at the forefront of this industry, providing certification, training and advice,” adds Emma.
For more details on the scheme go to www.decc.gov.uk/rhi.
Published 10 March 2011
....................................................................
NICEIC produces new training prospectus
NICEIC's new training feature
NICEIC has produced a brand new training prospectus featuring their widest ever range of courses.
The booklet contains information on more than 40 industry specific courses and covers a range of markets including electrical training, gas, water, automation and the rapidly growing renewable technology sector.
All the courses are developed and delivered by leading industry experts whose wealth of knowledge and experience ensures the training is clear, manageable and relevant.
Asad Majid, National Training Manager at NICEIC, said: “We are committed to providing the most appropriate and up-to-date knowledge, so that attendees to our training courses are equipped with the necessary skills to face the challenges of working in the trades profession.
“Through our dedicated training team and network of partners we are able to offer cost effective training at a range of centres across the UK. Our training rooms are fully equipped with modern technology and offer practical, hands on teaching which replicates real-life scenarios.”
In addition to its classroom learning, NICEIC has expanded its portfolio of courses available online.
Since its launch over a year ago the online training facility has proved very popular with contractors who find it difficult to take time off work. This innovative style of training allows users to gain the necessary qualifications at a time and pace that best suits them.
For more information about the courses on offer, and to request your copy of the latest NICEIC Training Prospectus please email courses@niceic.com or log on to www.niceic.com and click on training.
Published 16 March 2011
.....................................................................
Campaign Support
MP backs ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign
NICEIC’s Jobs for the Girls campaign has received the backing of Conservative MP, Andrew Selous.
The NICEIC’s campaign aims to encourage more women into the electrical contracting industry and dispel the myth that trade professions are a viable career path for men only. NICEIC is also looking to recruit more young females to its Apprentice Academy. The Academy, run in partnership with Bedford College, aims to provide young students with the necessary training and skills to meet the demanding challenges of the industry.
Mr Selous, MP for south west Bedfordshire, said: “There has never been a more important time to reach out to the public to address these issues and stimulate opportunity.
“NICEIC is very effectively leading the way for the electrical contracting industry. Through its ‘Jobs for Girls’ campaign it has highlighted a need to encourage more women to take up the mantle and supported by its Apprentice Academy, it will help bring more ladies forward.
“NICEIC’s ongoing initiatives support and boost the industry, whilst ensuring its longevity. They will help pave the way for younger generations to come and build a real future for the industry.”
NICEIC’s Chief Executive Officer Emma McCarthy added: “Our research suggests there is a very real interest from young women wanting to pursue this type of career and we hope more ladies will come forward and help to even the balance in what is currently an industry short on skills.”
The Jobs for the Girls campaign was launched in January this year and has received widespread media attention. For more information and case studies of women currently working with in the electrical industry please visit www.niceic.com/contractor/jobs-for-the-girls
NICEIC Live lights up Epsom
More than 500 electricians packed out Epsom Downs racecourse on Thursday (May 19th) for the first ever NICEIC Live.
The conference and exhibition event brought together some of the biggest names in the electrical industry and proved to be a hive of activity.
“It was amazing to see Epsom covered in a sea of vans,” said TV star Quentin Willson, who presented a seminar on the future of the electric car. “There was a good buzz about the place and the contractors displayed a real enthusiasm for more knowledge. Electric cars are coming and electricians are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities this will bring.”
Other guest speakers on the day included ITV News’ economics editor, Daisy McAndrew, who spoke about the optimism returning to the UK market; entrepreneur and founder of the chocbox, Peter Moule, who discussed his appearance on Dragon’s Den and former Minister for Trade, Sir Richard Needham.
In a lively talk on innovation, Sir Richard discussed how bravery was key to success in business. “No matter what the size of the organisation, you have to be bold and confident in what you are doing, and convinced that what you do makes a difference,” commented Sir Richard.
There were also technical presentations on the upcoming first amendment to the 17th Edition wiring regulations and opportunities surrounding renewable technology from NICEIC’s Tony Cable and microgeneration team.
On the exhibition floor visitors snapped up the latest offers and information from exhibitors and industry specialists such as Niko, Phillips, Megger, Fluke, Ideal Industries, Brother, Milwaukee, Dehn, Phoenix Contacts, Wago, Peugeot, Clik, Mr Electric, Acksen and Castline.
As well as hosting a prize draw for iPads, the home automation specialist, Niko, also brought along the £1 million automation bus – giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the latest in lighting technology.
“This was something new for us and the industry as a whole,” said NICEIC’s certification director Alan Wells.
“The response was just fantastic. It was great to see so many people from various sides of the industry come together for such a special day. There was something for everyone to enjoy or learn from, and we hope it is the first of many such days to come.”
Part P news
Appeal to Government on Part P
NICEIC, the UK’s largest registration body for the electrical contracting industry is asking government to listen to its registered contractors over proposed changes to Part P of the Building Regulations.
Part P is currently under review by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), formerly known as the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) which launched the original legislation in 2005.
“NICEIC is lobbying for Part P to be amended sensibly, with focus particularly on maintaining confidence in the legislation, enforcing compliance by non-registered contractors and ensuring consistency in these troubled times,” explains Emma McCarthy, chief executive officer of NICEIC.
“Our great concern is that the electrical contracting industry will be left in 2013, as we believe was the case in 2005, with an imperfect regulation, with little enforcement support from Local Authorities and very little publicity from government.”
NICEIC has surveyed its customers to get their view on Part P and what they would like to see happen to the legislation.
“There is no doubt registered contractors quite rightly want to see Part P amended for the better, and naturally they have very little regard for DIY electrical work,” Emma continues. “I find it quite remarkable that this review was inspired by comments, many ill-informed from DIYers, on the government’s Your Freedom website. Electrical installation work is potentially dangerous and should be left to the acknowledged experts. The electrical contracting industry’s voice must be heard, otherwise there is a danger the industry will be left with a shell of a regulation and the householder not knowing where to turn for a safe job.
“The argument that Part P of the Building Regulations is “red tape” and a barrier to DIY electrical work in the home has formed the basis for this questionable review. That is fundamentally wrong and there is a danger this premise will compromise safety. Electrical contractors want confidence, consistency and compliance from legislation and that is what we will campaign for.”
The comprehensive survey was sent to NICEIC’s email database of registered contractors with 1500 completed surveys returned.
• 85% said retain Part P but amend and improve it
• 73% say public listing of their company for consumers is strongly valued or critically important (ie a business benefit)
• 49% of NICEIC contractors have seen an improvement in the standard of electrical work since Part P was brought in
• 95% said no to allowing DIY work without the need to notify
• 90% said that all installers carrying out electrical work under the Building Regulations should be required to register as Competent Persons
• 62% agree with Risk Based Assessments
• 93% want to see more frequent and significant action against non-compliance
• 73% want schemes to jointly fund consumer publicity
• 96% want DCLG to recognize the need for increased public awareness
The consultation for Part P will begin in October 2011 and NICEIC intend to share the results of its survey with civil servants, government and other stakeholders.
