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Trade bodies have such a vital role to play in our industry


couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the ADCAS 20th Anniversary River Cruise, taking in the delights of the River Thames.


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It was a delight to meet members of the Association – which represents companies with an interest in ductwork – and to learn a little more about their work.


What struck me, however, is that ADCAS, in keeping with many of the other associations in our building services industry, is keen to work with other organisations in the best interests of its members and the wider industry. ADCAS, for example, works with BESA, BSRIA and FETA.


This seems to be a growing trend and the voice that this gives our industry should never be underestimated. Many of these organisations encourage training to ensure that standards are maintained and that there is a good supply of young people coming through to replace those who are retiring.


A good example is BESA’s recently elected President, Tim Hopkinson, who has pledged to raise the profile and status of


CONTENTS BSEE


From THIS MONTHthe Editor


4 NEWS Latest news from around the industry.


the building engineering profession and make careers in the industry more attractive to young people.


Some organisations – such as the BCIA – hold annual awards, which encourage innovation and best practice. Others – on their own, and as a united force – work with local MPs and government departments, lobbying parliament over issues that affect our industry. At the time of going to press, BESA welcomed reports that a full review of the Building Regulations will be carried out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Chief executive Paul McLaughlin said BESA had been flagging up weaknesses in the regulatory framework for many years and had long been a champion of tighter enforcement.


We need our industry trade bodies to keep nipping at the heels of those in power and those who establish the standards. Long may that continue. Enjoy this month’s issue.


Debbie Eales deales@datateam.co.uk TALKING POINT


By Greville Warwick, Managing Director


of MCS Corporate Strategies Ltd.


British firms should get serious about R&D and patents


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t is probable that Britain has the most generous and well-established ranges of cost recovery support for research and development. Still not fully used or appreciated, R&D Tax Credits are a potent and available way to carry out new product and process research and undertake the development through test and trial to implement and scale-up production.


Research can be for your own purposes or on behalf of others. Patents can now be monetised to protect IP and to give very valuable ongoing corporate tax benefits. Costs allowed cover payroll, sub-contractors, suppliers and a range of consumables and overhead costs.


Research and development can be at any and every level of your operations. The scope is purposely wide in order to include all parts, items, components, assemblies, prototypes, samples – first-of-class items, processes, systems and activities that contribute substantially or marginally to your work. It is for SMEs and large companies.


The sole qualifying criterion for considering a claim is that your company is a UK registered entity. With its large and comprehensive scope, R&D Tax Credits is regulated by HMRC through (CIRD*) and a well prepared and simplified version for quick reference and information. There are many emerging technologies that require a more tailored and focused approach to suit individual needs. Among technologies that can benefit from R&D Tax Credits are: the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Building Controls and Instrumentation, IT Systems and Sensors.


VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bsee.co.uk


“Industrial Technology” is full of articles, advertisements and information on the vast ranges of products and processes that should be assisted and supported by the UK’s world beating R&D support schemes.


Intellectual Property (IP) generated by R&D attracts additional powerful support when turned into patents. New and existing patents can be used to access Patent Box to reduce rates of corporation tax to as low as ten percent. Using Patent Box and R&D together gives British companies an unbeatable package of support to take on and improve every production and process activity with large elements of the research risks and development uncertainty removed. The schemes are underused through, we suspect, lack of knowledge on how to identify, qualify and apply the schemes. We further suspect bad advice as to individual firm’s viability or plain fear of the unknown. Research is often a marginal activity until it is developed to provide the new drive and technologies to exploit new products and systems. Our clients have profited greatly from access to cost recovery and dramatic use of R&D Tax Credits and the expanding Patent Box options. If you think you are into technology, exploit it. Why hesitate? The schemes are retrospective, up to two years, and intended to stimulate ongoing claims through increased commitment to research and development and the ongoing year-on- year effects of Patent Box. The support is there for the long-term: be part of it! *CIRD: Corporate Intangibles Research and Development.


www.mcs-corporate.com BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2017 3 6 THE BUILDING SERVICES


FORUM Get on board for our new, educational event!


8 HOTEL & LEISURE uMidlands Hotel opts for MAXXflo units.


uNoise! It’s a serious matter.


10 INDUSTRY COMMENT Ideal Commercial focuses on light commercial opportunities.


10 APPOINTMENTS This month’s movers and shakers.


11 INDUSTRY COMMENT Manual boiler blowdown and boilerhouse overspending.


12 LIGHTING uThe changing face of lighting connectivity.


uStaying connected in a modular world.


14 DRAINAGE A look at the building services that take a back seat.


16 COVER STORY VEXO International UK Ltd: Clarity through innovation.


17 THE BCIA COLUMN Malcolm Anson’s latest take on the building controls industry.


18 HEATING Multi‐occupancy heating efficiency.


20 FIRE & SAFETY Smoke alarm systems – making the right connections.


21 INDUSTRY COMMENT The RRO lighting regulations you shouldn’t ignore.


22 ENERGY MANAGEMENT uIt’s all about MEES.


uFocus on fan coil units. uCHP, the heart of heat networks.


uEnergy management – the foremost challenge for FMs.


uSensors and building efficiency.


28 INSTALLATION NEWS Case studies and installation stories.


31 WHAT’S NEW 36 RECRUITMENT 37 CLASSIFIED


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