• • • NEWS • • • Seven ways to get your trade business ready to thrive this winter


To help, the experts at Fergus have put together seven hints and tips which could help tradespeople make more money and really take advantage of the colder weather.


Be proactive with maintenance F


ergus, the leading name in job management software for the trade is encouraging construction professionals to get their business ready for the opportunities on offer. James Chillman, UK country manager for


Fergus, said: “As the winter season approaches, it’s crucial for trade business owners to prepare for the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with the colder weather. “HVAC installers, electrical contractors, plumbers, and gas engineers all play vital roles during this time of the year and there are several strategies they can employ to ensure their businesses thrive.”


services For HVAC installers, winter is one of the busiest times of the year. To spot business opportunities, encourage your customers to schedule maintenance services well in advance.


Diversify your services


Electrical contractors can take advantage of the winter season by offering additional services, such as installing outdoor lighting and generators in case of storm blackouts.


Plumbing preparedness Plumbers should be ready to address a surge in emergency calls during the winter. Frozen pipes and heating system malfunctions are common issues.


BGEN launches school STEM and sustainability partnership


B


GEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering firms, has launched a STEM and sustainability partnership with nearby St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, in Warrington.


Through interactive curriculum-linked classroom lessons, inspiring site visits and the donation of 20 Chromebooks, pupils will be introduced to real-life examples of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects in action. BGEN’s experts are working with St Vincent’s staff to develop the programme and have met with the School Council (made up of pupils) to share details of the partnership.


BGEN will also help the school improve its energy efficiency and carbon footprint – whilst reducing its running costs - by making a significant contribution towards its switch to an LED lighting. This is expected to reduce the school’s energy costs


by more than £2,700 a year and cut its annual CO2 emissions by two thirds.


Oliver Groarke, head of future markets at BGEN, said: “We’re delighted to kick off our Sustainability and STEM partnership with a school located just a stone’s throw away from our Penketh site. “STEM education encourages curiosity, exploration and inspires a lifelong love for learning. We’d like to think that perhaps we’ll see some of the pupils become engineers in the future – maybe at BGEN.” Dominic Vernon, headteacher at St Vincent’s, added: “Environmental education is very important, and we know that STEM subjects provide the foundations and tools for future employment opportunities. The launch of this partnership – which combines both areas of learning, makes for a very exciting start to the school year and for many more to come.”


6 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • NOVEMBER 2023


Gas engineers: Focus on safety Gas engineers should prioritise safety during the winter. Ensure that gas heating systems are working efficiently to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other hazards.


Embrace job management software The Fergus Go app allows tradespeople to manage their businesses on the go, ensuring that you’re always prepared to seize opportunities and ensure you’re successful over the winter months.


Marketing matters Don’t forget the power of marketing, especially during the winter months. Use social media and your website to showcase your expertise in tackling winter-related issues.


Build strong customer relationships Regardless of your trade, building strong customer relationships is key to spotting business opportunities in winter. Offer exceptional customer service, show empathy, and go the extra mile to keep your clients satisfied.


Mitsubishi Electric secures ESD certification for industrial robot portfolio


M


itsubishi Electric has become one of a select few


manufacturers to achieve third-party certification for the protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) across its MELFA family of industrial robots.


The certification covers a range of


MELFA FR horizontal and vertical industrial robots with a maximum payload of 20kg, as well as the RV-5AS-D-ESD industrial collaborative robot. It has been achieved through the use of a specialist paint on non- loadbearing plastic components, which enables the entirety of the robot arm to be earthed and prevents ESD build-up.


All units have been tested in accordance with EC 61340-5-1:2016 and ANSI/ESD S20.20:2014, which includes static and dynamic testing and measurement of triboelectric charges.


The certification approves the


MELFA ESD range for use in a variety of complex production environments where the presence of ESD could cause significant damage to the components being assembled. Potential applications include printed circuit board (PCB), semiconductor and silicon chip wafer assembly; as well as the handling of electronic components throughout the automotive, electrical and medical device market.


electricalengieneeringmagazine.co.uk The MELFA ESD models


incorporate all the core functionality of the RV-FR and RV-RH range of industrial robots, and offer easy systems integration with PLC, servo and HMI. The models offer high-speed with excellent repeatability and are easy-to-use with clear visual programming. Barry Weller, product manager, mechatronics, at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems UK, said: “The presence of electrostatic discharge could spell disaster during the handling and assembly of delicate electrical components. Ensuring your automation equipment is working with you not against you is critical, especially in high-volume production.”


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