buzz-electrical-2023

Buzz Electrical Marks 25 Years with Charity Ball, raising £4,000 for Action Bladder Cancer UK

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:33:08 GMT

Buzz Electrical Ltd hosted a charity ball to celebrate 25 years in business, and raise funds for Action Bladder Cancer UK, the black-tie ball took place on Saturday 16th November 2024, in The Orangery at Wood Norton hotel, near Evesham.

Buzz raised £4000 for the charity Action Bladder Cancer UK, Steve & Sue Owens, would like to thank everyone who attended the ball, donated cash and wonderful raffle and auction prizes to help make the evening such a huge success.

MD of Buzz Electrical Steve Owens was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2022, which resulted in him having his bladder removed in February 2023, now living with a urostomy stoma and having ongoing immunotherapy treatment for secondary bladder cancer in his lungs.

Without the wonderful work Charites like Action Bladder Cancer UK do, Steve and many others wouldn’t be here today. Thank you for helping us raise much needed funds towards such a good cause and raise awareness of the 10th most common cancer in the UK.

Steve Owens, Managing Director of Buzz Electrical Ltd, said:

“2024 was a momentous year for us and we felt it was important to do something special and support a cause which is close to our hearts. The year marks the anniversary of 25 years of Buzz Electrical Ltd, and we are delighted to be celebrating with family, customers, suppliers, friends and our team.

“The anniversary ball was great fun, we were incredibly fortunate to have local businesses support the evening by donating some very generous prizes, and special thanks to Wood Norton Hotel who hosted our very special evening.”

Action Bladder Cancer UK work to improve outcomes for bladder cancer patients by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms, Bladder Cancer is not a rare cancer.

You can find information about various aspects of bladder cancer, treatments and other issues at https://actionbladdercanceruk.org/

Buzz Electrical celebrates 25 Years with a Charity Ball

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:42:06 GMT

Buzz Electrical Ltd is hosting a charity ball to celebrate 25 years in business, the black-tie ball will take place on Saturday 16 ^th November 2024, in The Orangery at Wood Norton hotel, near Evesham.

Buzz are hoping to raise around £3000 for the charity Action Bladder Cancer UK.

Without the wonderful work Charites like Action Bladder Cancer UK do, Steve and many others wouldn’t be here today. Help us to raise much needed funds towards such a good cause and raise awareness of the 10th most common cancer in the UK.

Tickets are £70.00 each, the evening will include a sparkling drinks reception followed by a three-course dinner, raffle, auction and dancing, all in aid of Action Bladder Cancer UK.

To purchase your tickets or to donate a raffle prize please email sue.owens@buzzelectrical.co.uk

Steve Owens, Managing Director of Buzz Electrical Ltd, said:

“2024 is a momentous year for us and we felt it was important to do something special and support a cause which is close to our hearts. This year marks the anniversary of 25 years of Buzz Electrical Ltd, and we are delighted to be celebrating with family, customers, suppliers, friends and our team.

“The anniversary ball promises to be enormous fun, with a chance to raise awareness and funds for a charity which has a special meaning to us. We have been incredibly fortunate to have had local business support the event by donating some very generous prizes, and we are looking forward to Wood Norton Hotel hosting our very special evening.”

Action Bladder Cancer UK work to improve outcomes for bladder cancer patients by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms, Bladder Cancer is not a rare cancer.

You can find information about various aspects of bladder cancer, treatments and other issues at https://actionbladdercanceruk.org/

Buzz Electrical Ltd electrical contractor on a new elegant, neo-gothic Garden Folly in Worcestershire.

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 12:54:29 GMT

Buzz Electrical Ltd were privileged to be contracted tocarry out the full electrical installation to a new elegant, neo-gothic GardenFolly in 2020 which was built within the grounds of an 18th- centurymansion in Worcestershire.

The 18th-centurymansion was requisitioned during the 2nd world war where “peers andpoachers served together” as part of training Churchill’s “secret army” for thewar effort.

Initially Buzz Electrical had to complete some general alterations at the incoming mains position within the main house to allow us to install a submain cable from the house incoming supply to feed the new Folly this was run discreetly through the cellar areas and then over to the new Folly by means of a trench where this is terminated into a new dedicated distribution board to feed the circuits throughout the Folly.

The general electrical installation due to the nature of the building was more complicated than usual although the Folly has fairly small foot print the design of thebuilding limited routes for the installation of cabling so with this in mindand working alongside the professional team a sympathetic electricalinstallation was installed using a coordinated design between all parties whichis testament to the main contractor, architect & interior designers.

Electrical accessories from Forbes & Lomax alongside individual and carefullyconsidered light fitting provided by the interior designers were installed togive an ageless yet modern twist to this beautiful building.

The professional team consisted of the following:

Main Contractor: J. Rigg Construction Ltd

Architect: Quinlan TerryArchitects

Interior Designer: Rosanna Bossom Interiors Ltd

A quick guide for Landlords to get up to speed on electrical checks in 2021

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 12:16:27 GMT

On the 1st June 2020 new legislation came into force for Landlords in England for electrical safety checks to be completed on their property following this timeline:

- All new specified tenancies from 1st July 2020

- All existing specified tenancies from 1st April 2021

This was introduced by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government who specify that these safety checks are to be carried out at intervals of no more than 5 years (or tenancy change – whichever comes earlier) by a qualified and competent person.

So who is a qualified and competent person who can carry out these checks?

Buzz Electrical are approved contractors for this work. Any person or Electrical business should be listed on this site

Please contact us today on 01386 423 600 or email info@buzzelectrical.co.uk and book an appointment for us to carry out these checks on your behalf. Do take action soon in case your property needs further improvements or investigations.

What’s involved in an Electrical Safety Check?

A series of inspections and tests of the electrical installation, not including electrical appliances. It’s advised that appliances are also checked for safety, however it’s not a requirement of the legislation.

What documents will I receive as a result of the check?

It will depend on the work carried out, for some existing installations there may already be a valid (less than 5 years old) Electrical Installation Certificate covering the whole property, this would have been issued when the installation was first installed or rewired.

If there is no valid Electrical Installation Certificate then a report is required, this is generally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This report will provide you with an overview of the condition of the electrical installation and (if relevant) will list any remedial works that may be needed.

What do the codes on an EICR mean?

If the report has an unsatisfactory outcome the EICR will list the issues and a code will be attributed to the severity of the issue, these codes are

Code C1 ‘Danger present’ Risk of injury Immediate remedial action required

Code C2 ‘Potentially dangerous’ Immediate remedial action required

Code C3 ‘Improvement recommended’

Code FI ‘Further investigation required’

What should I do with the Electrical Safety Check documents?

You or your agent is required to supply a copy of this electrical safety check / report:

- to the existing resident/tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test

- to a new tenant before they occupy the premises

- to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report

The landlord must also supply the local housing authority with a copy of this report within seven days of receiving a request for a copy and retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.

Where the report shows that remedial work is necessary, you must complete this work within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report. Then you or your agent must supply written confirmation of the completion of the remedial works to the tenant and the local housing authority within 28 days of completion of the works.

What are the penalties for landlords for not complying with this legislation?

If the local housing authority finds that landlords are in breach of their duties in relation to electrical installations - they must serve a notice. It will set out the remedial works required to comply with these duties and may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000.

Where can I find further guidance?

National Residential Landlords Association:

https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/looking-after-your-property/electrical-safety-inspections

Electrical Safety First – Landlord Guidance:

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk /guidance/advice-for-you/advice-for-landlords/

Electrical Safety in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/312/contents/made

What do I do next?

Please contact Buzz Electrical today to book your property/ies in for their Electrical Safety Check.

This service will be in high demand so we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible.

Also, if your property requires any additional improvements or investigations then these will need to be actioned quickly. Get in touch today! Call 01386423 600 or email info@buzzelectrical.co.uk

Buzz Electrical have been assessed as competent to provide Electrical Safety Inspections in the Private Rented Sector(England) in accordance with the requirements of BS7671 (IET WiringRegulations).

Adapted from guidance on www.niceic.com

Image thanks to Unplash, LuizaGiannelli (shady street)

Steve Woods retires from Buzz Electrical after 21 years’ service

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:37:44 GMT

Steve Woods, Chief Test & Inspection Engineer with Buzz Electrical Ltd has recently retired after working for the company for 21 years.

Steve(pictured above right) started at Buzz in 1999 as a qualifying supervisor when there was just him and Managing Director and Buzz founder Steve Owens (pictured above left).

Steve Owens said “Steve is a highly valued member of the team and will be greatly missed by all of us. He is incredibly loyal, experienced and professional and has been a great example to others within the company as he always takes great pride in his work and has wanted to stay with us for so long”

A few years ago, Buzz set up their own technical division Buzz Technical to oversee periodic inspection and testing as well as the testing and certification of their electrical work, Steve Woods was instrumental in his involvement with this and has helped grow this part of the business. Buzz provide complete Testing and Inspection services, giving clients detailed reports on the conditions of their electrical installations. AnElectrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will indicate if there are any electrical circuits or devices that are overloaded, expose any possible electrical shock threats or fire hazards, unearth any faulty electrical work previously carried out, and much more.

All homeowners are advised to have an EICR carried out at least once every ten years and business premises should be tested every three to five years.

Due to a change in the law this summer (The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020), new regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected at least every 5 years and tested by a person who is qualified and competent.Landlords will also have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants as well as to the local authority if requested.

Buzz willbe even busier keeping up with this rental demand and Steve will definitely beleaving behind big shoes to fill but the team are sincerely grateful for hisdedicated service and departing kind words “ I have had areally enjoyable 21 years with Buzz and will miss the team”

Landlords Electrical Obligations Update February 2020

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:34:21 GMT

On 13th January 2020, plans were laid out in Parliament for ‘ElectricalSafety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020’. Once ratified by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, these new regulations will take effect from July 1st 2020 for new tenancies and April1st 2021 for incumbent tenancies.

Who should carry out this work?

In essence, a competent person within the electrical industry is aperson possessing sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills,experience and qualifications for the nature of electrical work undertaken.Competent Person Scheme (CPS) operators such as the NICEIC, Elecsa and NAPITassess an electrician’s proficiency through periodic assessment and oncesatisfied, place them on the Electrical Competent Persons register, which canbe checked online; www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk

However, it is important for Landlords to understand that simply becausean electrician is registered with a CPS, it doesn’t automatically qualify themto carry out the proposed Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR). Itis extremely likely that when the regulations come into force, electriciansmust hold a City & Guilds 2391 Inspection & Testing qualification or the equivalent EAL Level 3 Award in Electrical InstallationInspection, Testing, Certification and Reporting.

Thankfully, there are easy ways to check if an electrician has the necessary qualifications to carry out the inspection report. Scheme Providers such as the NICEIC have an ‘Approved Contractor’ status for those with the relevant Inspection & Testing experience. Should the electrician in question hold a Joint Industry Board (JIB) Gold Card with a JIB Grade of‘Approved Electrician’, then they are also able to carry out the inspection.

While this can provide a Landlord with a certain amount of confidence ata glance, it is still important to get confirmation that the electrician holds the appropriate qualification. At BuzzElectrical you can be sure that our electricians have the correct qualifications and experience to carry out this work.

Current Landlord responsibilities

Despite the fact that there are currently no statutory requirements forLandlords to undertake annual safety checks on domestic electrics as there are with gas, the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommends the periodic inspection and testing of the installation at least once every 10 years.However, this is left to the Landlords discretion.

Any appliances supplied by the Landlord should either be new or checked by a qualified electrician before the property is let. It is advised that all paperwork regarding the item (receipts, warranties, certificates of inspection)should be kept for a minimum of six years and made available to the tenant upon request.

Other recommendations for best practice include:

Check wiring condition for any obvious damage or faults
Check the correct fuse ratings are used throughout the property
Ensure all supplied appliances are periodically PAT tested
Keep detailed records of any and all safety checks

New regulations

Once the proposed regulations come into practice, it will be mandatoryfor private landlords and letting agents to ensure electrical installations areperiodically inspected and tested at a minimum of once every five years by aqualified electrician, whether the property is occupied or not.

Not only this, but the following obligations must be fulfilled by theLandlord:

The latest report must be provided to any prospective tenant within twenty-eight days of request
The most recent report must be supplied to a new tenant prior to occupying the property
The report must be supplied to an incumbent tenant within twenty-eight days of taking place
A copy of the report must be kept and provided to the electrician undertaking the next inspection.

Obligation to repair faults

If a safety report identifies faults, repairs must be completed by a qualified and competent person within 28 days of inspection. Once completed, the Landlord must ensure they obtain written confirmation confirming that the repair has been rectified and meet the required safety standards. This must be also be supplied to the tenant within 28 days.

According to Electrical Safety First (ESF), a charity dedicated to reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by electricity, more than half of all domestic fires are caused by electrical faults. They hope that these new regulations will protect the millions of private renters across theUK.

Martyn Allen, Head of the Electrotechnical Division for ESF says the new regulations will allow tenants to hold their landlords responsible for deficient electrical safety. He added: " It is now vital this new regulation has teeth and that the enforcement body has the resources to act when necessary, to protect the tenant ."

Involvement by local authority

Should the new regulations not be adhered to by a Landlord, stipulations give the local housing authority (LHA) the power to arrange repair work on theLandlords behalf.

Should a tenant raise a concern with the local authority:

Upon request, an up-to-date report must be provided to the LHA within seven days
Where repair work is urgently required, the LHA can serve a ‘remedial notice’. The Landlord will have twenty-eight days to take action from the date served
Should repairs not be undertaken, the LHA can access the property then recover costs from the Landlord.
Continued breaches can lead the LHA to imposing a fine of up to £30,000

Outgoing Minister for Housing Heather Wheeler said of the new regulations “ Everyone deserves a safe place to live. While measures are already in place to crack down on the minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties, we need to do more to protect tenants. That’s why we will introduce powers to enable stronger electrical safety standards to be brought in along with tough penalties for those who don’t comply ”.

Newly appointed Minister for Housing Esther McVey continued “ theGovernment to committed to introducing mandatory five-yearly electrical safety inspections for electrical installations in privately rented properties ”.

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to ensure you are up to speed with new regulations – do get in touch with us at info@buzzelectrical.co.uk or call us on 01386 423 600

Adapted from content provided by Trade Skills 4U .

10 Ideas to Transform the Lighting in Your Bathroom

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 11:00:15 GMT

Bathrooms today have to be hard-working – efficient for those early mornings, but also a calming retreat where you can relax at the end of the day. Lighting plays a big part in both the mood and efficiency of a bathroom, so if you’re planning a revamp, make sure you spend a bit of time thinking about it.

Are you planning just to update your existingbathroom? A new lighting scheme can transform things – whether you add astriking pendant, improve your mirror lighting or fit a dimmer switch, youcan give your room a whole new feel. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Pack a punch with pendants

We’re more used to seeing pendant lights over kitchen islands and dining tables, but they can work in bathrooms too. In this picture, the pendant adds a strong, modern feature of the bathroom and a good balance with the vintage bath and bench. It also highlights the beautiful ceiling.

2. Create a cluster

www.curiousa.co.uk

Pendants can also look striking grouped together and add a sculptural element to your bathroom. These simple white snowdrop pendants add focus to the bathing zone and work well with the jungle feature wall.

3. Use spotlighting for a new effect

Minmin KP, Pexels

Rather than the usual recessed spots in a ceiling, do something different and sink them into the floor to highlight a particular feature, or create a subtle focus on key areas.Here, the sinks are highlighted in a stylish way to fit in with the Moroccan theme.

Word of advice on this route – it should beplanned early to ensure all the necessary wiring is in place in the floor.

4. Flatter with glamorous side lights

Create an old-fashioned ‘Hollywood’ dressing-room feel by installing strips of bare bulbs around a mirror. Lights like these look as good turned off as they do on, when they cast a flattering, shadow-free reflection for anyone getting ready for their close-up.

If that’s a bit over the top for your style, a more low-key route is to install a pair of elegant wall lights either side of the mirror for similar shadow-free results.

5. Concealed lighting

Julie Aagaard, Pexels

This is when you can’t see the source, but can still see the light it emits – it is the perfect way to add atmosphere to a bathroom. It offers the chance to get much more creative with your lighting and give your room a real wow factor. Here the light around the mirror and the dark walls give a very dramatic look.

Concealed lighting is often architectural lighting, as it’s worked into the fabric of the building, so this is definitely one you’ll need to plan for.

6. Zone with colour

There are few areas in your home where you can use coloured lighting to such good effect, as zones are so clearly defined in the bathroom. Emphasise the zones by using different lights in each – bright and white for high-use areas, and something a little calmer, such as blue, for the bath and shower.

7. Continue a theme

Amira Aboalnaga, unsplash

If your bathroom has a particular theme, then continue this in the lighting. This bathroom pictured has a slick, gold modern take on Art Deco and the pendant light perfectly fits. Details are key to a cohesive design, and lighting is a brilliant way to add another layer to your bathroom scheme.

8. Focus on a feature

NELBali Photography, Unsplash

Bathrooms are by no means solely functional spaces, and your choice of lighting should reflect that. As well as focused task lighting over a basin, for example, you could think about positioning your lights to showcase a statement element, such as this beautiful outdoor shower.

9. Highlight a niche

Joey, Pexels

Sometimes, just a little subtle lighting can work wonders and add interest to an otherwise plain-looking bathroom. Try illuminating an inset shelf to transform it from something utilitarian into an attractive feature.

Here, the lighting picks out the beautiful middle eastern arches, the brickwork, pretty candles and houseplants too.

10. Try out a dimmer switch

Rumman Amin, Unsplash

Try fitting a dimmer switch to your main task light, as this will let your eyes adjust first thing in the morning and help you wind down in the evening. Dimmers are available for halogen and LED lights, so you can control the intensity of all your bulbs. This dimmer light featured keeps the bathroom light low for early morning or late evening soaks.

Start your bathroom transformation today and get in touch with us at Buzz Electrical for a free quote, email us at info@buzzelectrical.co.uk or call us on 01386 423 600

Adapted from an articleby Lara Sargent via Houzz

Buzz Electrical supports National Apprenticeship Week 3- 7 February 2020

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 08:59:52 GMT

Buzz Electrical Ltd Celebrates Successful Fundraising for National Diabetes Charities

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:12:07 GMT

January 2020

To recognise the success of their fundraising for leading diabetes charity Diabetes UK, and the world’s leading Type 1 diabetes research charity JDRF, Buzz Electrical Ltd held an official cheque presentation and networking event at their Evesham offices on Wednesday 22nd January 2020.

In the last 12 months, during their 20th year in business, Buzz Electrical Ltd has raised awareness and funds for research into the prevention of diabetes through events including a charity football match, where their team of electricians took on a local football team, and a charity ball for 100 guests at the Wood Norton Hotel.

During the celebratory presentation event, both Diabetes UK and JDRF were presented with their charity cheques by Worcester Warriors and English Rugby Union player Chris Pennell, a Type 1 diabetic since the age of ten who has still secured a successful career in the sport that he loves. The cheques, adding up to a total value of £4,468, were presented to the two charities. The event was attended by Worcester Warriors Community Manager Steve Joslin, Steve Owens, MD at Buzz Electrical, Siobhan Clifford of Diabetes UK, and JDRF’s Regional Fundraiser Bernie Carranza.

“We were thrilled to receive this wonderful donation from Buzz Electrical as part of their year of fundraising,” Carranza said. “There are currently 400,000 people in the UK with Type 1 diabetes, with over 29,000 of them being children. We will use this generous donation to support life-changing research into the cure, treatment and prevention of Type 1 diabetes.

“Without supporters like Buzz Electrical, we wouldn't be able to keep improving lives until that all-important cure is found. Thank you again for all of your support.”

Siobhan Clifford, Diabetes UK West Midlands Fundraiser, said: “We’re really grateful to Buzz Electrical for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes. Every penny raised will help us to support the millions of people living with diabetes in the UK.”

The fundraising events that took place throughout Buzz Electrical’s 20th anniversary year were organised by Director Sue Owens and Marketing Manager Lucy Biltcliffe, both of whom attended the cheque presentation.

Commenting on the success of Buzz Electrical’s fundraising, MD Steve Owens said:

“We have been delighted to support Diabetes UK and JDRF throughout our 20th anniversary year, charities which are close to our heart – and we have had some fun along the way! Supporting the charities has been important to us because more people than ever have diabetes, and more people than ever are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. If nothing changes, more than five million people will have diabetes in the UK by 2025.

“I’m so pleased that Buzz has raised vital funds and generated awareness for the national diabetes charities, who do such fantastic work into supporting people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, as well as much needed and important research – which we hope one day they will find a cure for!”

Keep Your Home and Family Super Safe This Christmas

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:19:21 GMT

It’s one of the exciting Christmas rituals, getting out the decorations and lights. Typically 9 in 10 UK homes are decorated every year and 4 out of 5 Brits admit going ‘over the top’ with this tradition.

However, despite our enthusiasm for adorning our homes – less than a quarter*of us think about the impact this might have on the electrics in our home.

Not surprisingly, the increase in decorative lights requires the use of multiple sockets and extension leads, and very few of us realise that this could be a danger to our family.

“Electrical safety in the home is important at any time of the year, but at Christmas we tend to forget that all the decorative lights we use around the home massively increase the dangers to our family. Just grabbing old lights from the loft and plugging them in isn’t acceptable. Everyone needs to be aware of the dangers and take into account the risks when getting competitive with the neighbours.” explains Tony Cable, Senior Events Engineer for NICEIC and ELECSA.

Further causes for concern include repeatedly using lights year in year out that are not properly checked, lights used for 5 years or more and Brits not understanding the British Safety Kitemark.

Steve Owen, MD of Buzz Electrical explains “With lighting going up in the garden and in the house, the usual issue is over-loading on sockets. Try and avoid this by not using extension leads or splitters where high currents are involved and a great idea is to use external festive lighting which is LED type; this is much lower power consumption which reduces the risk of overloading cables and socket power supplies”

Over-loading can cause fires.”

Dominika Roseclay for Pexels

Brits are advised to think safety first when decorating their home this Christmas. NICEIC and ELECSA have identified the top five tips to ensure your home is electrically safe this Christmas;

Don’t overload sockets – Try to avoid extensive use of extension sockets and adapters. Do not plug multiple extensions into each other.
Do not re-wire your lights – Many homeowners will be tempted, or have already rewired lights to include 2, 3 or sometimes 4 sets of lights into a single plug. This is dangerous and causes a potential fire risk.
Make sure lights you use outside are certified safe for external use - Only use outdoor lights that have been specifically designed to be used outdoors. If you are unsure check the manufacturers’ instructions.
Do not leave lights on for long periods – Many homes will be tempted to keep lights on for 24 hours, overnight or even more concerning, leave them on when they go out. All Christmas lights increase the risk of fire and overloading and should only be switched on whilst you are at home.
Always use Christmas lights that have been certified for use – This can be identified by the European Standards Symbol (represented by a CE) and the British Standards Kitemark. If in doubt, don’t use them. Always buy lights from reputable stores.

If anyone is concerned about the safety of their home electrics, or would like to obtain professional advice about their Christmas lights, they can visit www.niceic.com/safechristmas to find the latest advice and tips.

At Buzz Electrical we’re happy to offer any advice too or for work that requires a registered electrician contact us at info@buzzelectrical.co.uk or call 01386 423600.

*NICEIC and ELECSA Research into Safety in Homes at Christmas 2015

Toni Cuenca for Pexels

Landlord Mandatory Electrical Safety Checks 2019 – Update To Be Announced

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:50:50 GMT

Despite a great deal of new regulation and legislation for the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in the past few years, more was due this Autumn 2019 but has yet to go through.

The biggest, headline-change is expected to be the introduction of mandatory five-year electrical installation checks on private rented accommodation in England, which the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) propose to implement in a phased approach.

What’s in the pipeline?

Heather Wheeler MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at MHCLG, said in late February that mandatory electrical safety checks in the PRS would be introduced ‘as soon as possible’. No implementation date has yet been given, but MHCLG said it hopes to introduce the new legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows for it. It’s perhaps not surprising then that this still has yet to happen.

Following a consultation on ‘Electrical safety in the private rented sector’, which ran from February to April 2018 and received 582 responses from a range of organisations and individuals, including electricians, letting agents, local authorities, individual landlords and tenants, and fire and rescue representatives, the Government responded in January 2019 .

Guidelines for Inspectors

It states that the new rules will require landlords to make sure that the inspectors they hire to conduct checks have the necessary competence and qualifications to do so. Tough financial penalties will be levied on those that fail to comply.

New guidance will be published, outlining the minimum level of competence and qualifications needed for those conducting these inspections.

MP Heather Wheeler said the new measures will lessen the risk of faulty electrical equipment in homes, in turn giving tenants peace of mind and prioritising their safety. She added that the measures will provide clear guidance to landlords on who they should be hiring to carry out these vital electrical safety checks, with the guidance also providing clear accountability at each stage of the inspection process – of what is required and whose responsibility it is – without ‘placing excessive cost and time burdens on landlords’.

Time to prepare

The Government insists the property industry, which is broadly supportive of the new measures, will be given at least six months to ‘become familiar with the new duty’ before it comes into force.

There are also a number of elements to the phased approach, which is based on the framework used in Scotland in 2015 , when the Scottish Government implemented similar new rules to make electrical safety inspections in private rented properties mandatory. These are as follows:

A transitional period will apply in the first two years, with the new rules only applying to all new private tenancies in year one, before being extended to all existing private tenancies in year two.
Rental properties with an existing EICR (electrical installation condition report) will not need to replace it for five years from its start date.
In the case of new and fully rewired properties, an Electrical Installation Certificate can be provided instead of an EICR as long as the date of the next inspection indicated on the certificate has not elapsed.

What happens next?

The proposals still need to be fully approved by Parliament (it hasn’t to date – October 2019). The regulations are subject to the affirmative procedure and will need to be debated and approved in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before they can be brought into force.

Once the regulations have been approved, they will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with new tenancies.

The consultation’s other major recommendations revolved around promoting voluntary action by landlords to improve electrical safety standards in the sector, for example by conducting visual checks of electrical installations at the change of a tenancy. A high level of support for all measures of landlord action were recorded in the consultation paper.

The Government will now update it’s ‘How to Let’ booklet to encourage landlords to carry out these actions when the new regulatory requirements come into play. Government will also engage with industry stakeholders to produce new guidance setting out how landlords can determine competence. As well as this new guidance, Government will also encourage competent person scheme operators to set up new electrical inspection and testing schemes which inspectors and testers could opt to join.

The new guidance and any voluntary competent person schemes will be finalised six months ahead of the new regulatory requirements coming into force.

There is an insistence that the industry will be given at least six months to come to terms with the new regulations before they become law (and the same timeframe for the finalisation of new guidance and any voluntary competent person schemes). Since we are now in October 2019 with little sign of movement (and the current turbulence in Government) there is every chance the measures won’t now be introduced until early 2020.

However, it’s important to be aware of what is coming. And, even before the new measures come into play, it’s a wise idea for Landlords – or your letting agent on your behalf – to keep on top of safety in rental properties, including regularly checking any electrical installations to ensure tenants are put at no risk of faulty equipment and the possible hazards this could cause. At Buzz, we are of course happy to carry this out on your behalf. Please just give us a call or ask your letting agent to get in touch.

01386 423600 or email us on info@buzzelectrical.co.uk

Buzz Electrical Ltd raises £3600 at their Anniversary Charity Ball

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:50:45 GMT

Evesham-based electrical company Buzz Electrical Ltd hosted its first ever charity ball to celebrate 20 years in business. 100 guests including customers, industry contacts, friends and employees of Buzz were invited to celebrate this special occasion.

The black tie ball took take place on Friday 8th November 2019, at Wood Norton hotel, near Evesham. The evening included a drinks reception with live entertainment, followed by a three-course dinner, raffle, auction and dancing, all in aid of Diabetes UK, the foremost diabetes charity in the UK, and JDRF, the world’s leading type 1 diabetes research charity.

Buzz raised £3600 for the combined charities from the evening, and some fantastic auction and raffle prizes have been kindly donated by local businesses including Broadway Golf Club, Russell’s Restaurant, Fosseway Garden Centre, The Tea Set Broadway, The Farm, Snitterfield, AP Meats, GWSR, Hook Norton Brewery, City Electrical Factors, The Wood Norton Hotel and Worcester Warriors.

Steve Owens, Managing Director of Buzz Electrical Ltd, said:

“2019 is a momentous year for us and we felt it was important to do something special and support a cause which is close to our hearts. This year marks the anniversary of 20 years of Buzz Electrical Ltd, and we are delighted to be celebrating with customers, suppliers, friends and our team. Having a fantastic team and working closely with our customers over the years to build strong relationships has resulted in our excellent record of customer retention and growth for the company.

“The anniversary was enormous fun; we had a chance to raise awareness and funds for two Diabetes charities, which have a special meaning to us. We have been incredibly fortunate to have had local business support the event by donating some very generous prizes, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with Wood Norton Hotel who played host to our very special evening of food, entertainment and much much more.”

Buzz Electrical Ltd celebrates 20 years in business by hosting Charity Ball

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 14:06:03 GMT

Evesham-based electrical company Buzz Electrical Ltd is hosting its first ever charity ball to celebrate 20 years in business, and 100 guests including customers, industry contacts, friends and employees of Buzz are invited to celebrate this special occasion.

The black tie ball will take place at 7pm on Friday 8th November 2019, at Wood Norton hotel, near Evesham in the Orangery. The evening will include a drinks reception with live entertainment, followed by a three-course dinner, raffle, auction and dancing, all in aid of Diabetes UK, the foremost diabetes charity in the UK, and JDRF, the world’s leading type 1 diabetes research charity.

Buzz are hoping to raise around £3000 for the combined charities, and some fantastic prizes have been kindly donated by local businesses including Broadway Golf Club, Russell’s Restaurant, Fosseway Garden Centre, Worcester Race Course, Cotswold Inns & Hotels, Worcester Warriors, Beauty by Beaumonde, Abbey Butchers and Wood Norton Hotel.

Steve Owens, Managing Director of Buzz Electrical Ltd, said:

“The anniversary ball promises to be enormous fun, with a chance to raise awareness and funds for two Diabetes charities, which have a special meaning to us. We have been incredibly fortunate to have had local business support the event by donating some very generous prizes, and we are looking forward to Wood Norton Hotel hosting our very special evening of food, entertainment and much much more.”

To support our Anniversary Charities we have a Just Giving Page here: https://buff.ly/2JVoYB4

Meet The Team: Sam Kilmister

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:35:41 GMT

1. What is your role at Buzz Electrical Ltd?

Contracts Manager

2. Which 3 words would you use to describe Buzz Electrical?

Friendly, Conscientious, Motivating

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are the same for me at Buzz Electrical. I start the day by talking to the engineers about the jobs they have booked in for the day and the plan of action to make things flow and easy for both the customer and the electrical engineers. Once the engineers have left, I carry out tasks including; ordering and sourcing materials, meeting clients, quoting for works, booking in electrical works and the general running of on-going jobs.

4. What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the fact the aspect that no one day is the same and there is a lot of variety. Every day brings me new challenges and I am constantly learning which I love too.

5. Before working at Buzz Electrical, what was the most unusual or different job you’ve ever had?

Dish Technician

6. Are you messy or organised?

Organised

7. If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

David Beckham

8. What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

A holiday to plan how to spend all the money.

9. Where would you like to travel to?

At present a safari in South Africa

10. What are your hopes for the electrical industry?

That it grows and Buzz Electrical continues to thrive and better itself within the industry.

Buzz’s Top 10 Tips for Planning Lighting in your Home

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 11:33:40 GMT

Any interior designer will tell you that good lighting in your home is everything. Lighting affects the feeling and mood of your home —do it well and the whole look of your decoration will improve.

1. Ceiling height - Make sure you take it into consideration.
This key piece of information is really important when your choosing hanging light fixtures. Some lights come with adjustable cables or rods, but others don’t. Avoid getting stuck with a light that hangs too low or too high.

As a general rule, the bottom of a light should hang about 12 to 20 inches below a standard 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches.

2. Table hanging .
If you’re planning on hanging lights over a table or a kitchen island, 28 to 34 inches is the recommended distance from the bottom of the light to the surface of the table or island. However, this can vary depending on the size of the light. A smaller light can hang a little lower lower and a larger light can be a bit higher.

3. Plan lighting before building.
Think about your lighting during the initial design phase of a new build or renovation. With a new kitchen build (for example) this is always done to ensure sockets and fittings are built into to any carpentry. You may want three pendant lights over your dining table instead of one or two, that should be taken into account before construction starts.

4. Stylish swagging .

If you are looking at installing pendant lighting but don’t want the expense or hassle of changing your home’s electrical setup, cord swags can be a good option. Swag them loosely over a bar or a hook or secure the cord tight to the ceiling for an industrial look. Your Buzz electrician can always do this for you or at least check they are safely installed.

5. Look up.

Don’t limit lighting to downlights. Depending on the room shape and style, consider wall scones or uplighting to create a softer feel and avoid potentially harsh downlighting that can cast shadows. Bottom of Form

6. Decide on glows.
The light fixture should not be your only decision— the type of lightbulb is equally important. Halogen, compact fluorescent and LED bulbs come in a range of warm or cool hues. Like the colour of your walls, the type of glow you want is an important choice.

If your walls are fairly cool, you might want to warm them up with a lightbulb that casts a warm glow. Alternatively, you may want a cooler glow to brighten up a darker space.

7. A glistening staircase.

Adding lights to stairs is a bonus for dark staircases, particularly at night. They are often enclosed, so light them from the sides or embed lights in the risers as a design element. No more tripping up when you’re sleepy!

8. “ Toe-kick” lighting .

Talking of lighting up dark spots, strip lighting on the underside of kitchen/bathroom bases or utility cabinets is a subtle way to create a low level glow. Far from frivolous, this design feature can provide calm lighting and is safety-conscious too ensuring little ones see hard corners.

9. Use lighting to introduce bold pops of colour.

Installing a light fixture in a bright hue in an otherwise simple room can add interest and fun to the room.

10. Use lighting as decoration.

Introducing lights as decorative elements helps set the mood in your home. If general lighting is already installed, using lights instead of wall art can be a interesting way to provide low level lighting.

Feel free to contact Buzz Electrical to discuss lighting for your home and book in any work required. Call us on 01386 423600 or email us on: info@buzzelectrical.co.uk We’d love to help!

Charity football match has crowds ‘buzzing’ and raises more than £400 for two national Diabetes charities

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 08:18:53 GMT

On Sunday 1st September, Badsey Community and Sports Club became home to a never-before-seen charity football match between Evesham based Buzz Electrical Ltd and Badsey United Old Boys.

The charity football match is just one of the events planned to commemorate and celebrate 20 years of Buzz Electrical Ltd being in business in the Vale of Evesham.The match was also a fundraiser for their chosen anniversary charities Diabetes UK , the foremost diabetes charity in the UK that campaigns for improvements in the care and treatment of people with diabetes and JDRF , the world’s leading type 1 diabetes research charity. Both charities are close to the heart of Buzz’s Managing Director and local Badsey resident Steve Owens (pictured below) and this fun event raised over £400.

After a short-lived shower, the sun returned just in time for the 1pm kick-off and, spearheaded by captains Ross Quiney and Sam Kilmister for Buzz and Steve Bradley for Badsey, both teams began the fight for victory. Refereed by Paul Sparrow, the first half saw two disallowed goals, one from each team, before Buzz’s Mark Bellamy became the first to get a score on the board. The real fun began after half-time, where Owens (manager) tossed away Buzz’s chance of a second goal when he took an on target penalty in the 60th minute, and Badsey United went on to score three consecutive goals to secure the win – two by Martin Skembry and the last by his son James, scored in the 90th minute just before the final whistle.

With both teams still (quite literally) buzzing from the afternoon’s events, the presentation was given by Steve Owens and his wife Sue, the day’s organisers. Despite a dodgy mic (which probably could have benefitted from an electrician!), Steve expressed how pleased he was with how the day had turned out:

“It’s been a brilliant afternoon with fantastic team spirit on both sides and a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you to Badsey Club for providing a great venue, Paul Sparrow for giving up his time to referee, and we’re so grateful to everyone that has come along to support us today and donate to both the Diabetes charities, enabling us to raise awareness and valuable funds for such a valuable cause”. Then, runners up Buzz collected the trophy presented to them by Sue, who also gave victors Badsey United their winning trophy.

After the presentation and the raffle, Martin Skembry, goal-scorer for Badsey, said: “It’s been a fantastic day – and not just because I scored! We were lucky to have 20 committed old boys with us, and the football was brilliant from both teams.

“It was a competitive game despite being a charity match, and it was an even game until the last 10 minutes. We’re all old and we’re all proud, so of course, we all wanted to win – our back four had a combined age of 215!

“I’m hopeful that we can do it again next year and defend our title.”

Overall, the day could not have gone more smoothly and this, alongside having raised money for a good cause made it clear that, despite the 3-1 score, there were worthy winners all round.

Buzz Electrical Ltd announces Diabetes UK as their chosen charity to support in their 20th Year

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 21:48:48 GMT

A celebration to mark the 20th Anniversary of Buzz Electrical Ltd took place at its offices on Friday 1st March when Nigel Huddlestone, MP for Mid Worcestershire launched the celebrations. To mark and celebrate 20successful years in the Vale of Evesham, Nigel was invited to cut the 20th Anniversary cake and launch their Anniversary Charity, Diabetes UK.

Steve Owens, Managing Director said “We wanted to celebrate but alsoto raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK, a charity close to our heart. Last year we raised over £1000for Breast Cancer Care with our Spot the Pink Van campaign and this year we are excited to be planning some events throughout the year to support Diabetes UK including an Anniversary Charity Ball at The Wood Norton in November”

Buzz celebrates 20 years

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 16:08:04 GMT

A celebration to mark the 20th Anniversary of Buzz Electrical Ltd took place at its offices on Friday 1st March when Nigel Huddlestone, MP for Mid Worcestershire launched the celebrations. To mark and celebrate 20 successful years in the Vale of Evesham, Nigel was invited to cut the 20th Anniversary cake and launch their Anniversary Charity, Diabetes UK.

Steve Owens, Managing Director said “We wanted to celebrate but also to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK, a charity close to our heart. Last year we raised over £1000 for Breast Cancer Care with our Spot the Pink Van campaign and this year we are excited to be planning some events throughout the year to support Diabetes UK including an Anniversary Charity Ball at The Wood Norton in November”

Celebrating Apprentices Past and Present

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 11:36:28 GMT

We're celebrating National Apprentice Week by sharing some personal feedback from our past and present Apprentices - meet Matthew Cooke, our current Apprentice and Sam Kilmister and Ross Quiney who are now Contracts Managers and were former Apprentices with Buzz Electrical Ltd

Buzz Electrical Ltd supports National Apprentice Week 2019

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 11:34:11 GMT

As Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year we're proud to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week this week. (4th – 8th March 2019)

Our current Apprentice Matthew Cooke & Contracts Manager Sam Kilmister are 2 of the 18 apprentices Buzz Electrical Limited have employed in the last 20 years pictured here with Managing Director, Steve Owens.

Without our Apprenticeship Programme, Buzz Electrical wouldn’t be what it is today. We have a team culture of ‘belonging’ and our Apprentices are valued from the day they start their journey with us.

Local MP launches 20th Anniversary of Buzz Electrical Ltd

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 11:30:43 GMT

Like many start-up businesses, Buzz Electrical Ltd had humble beginnings in a garden office attached to the family home. Now the Worcestershire Company is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and is one of the leading Electrical Contractors in the area specialising in Residential, Industrial and Commercial Electrical Services and Installations.

A celebration to mark the 20th Anniversary of Buzz Electrical Ltd took place at its offices on Friday 1st March when Nigel Huddlestone, MP for Mid Worcestershire launched the celebrations. To mark and celebrate 20 successful years in the Vale of Evesham, Nigel was invited to cut the 20th Anniversary cake and launch their Anniversary Charity, Diabetes UK.

After being welcomed by Managing Director Steve Owens, Director Sue Owens and Marketing Manager Lucy Biltcliffe, Nigel Huddlestone was introduced and met the office team before having a look around the offices and hearing about some of the important company milestones and achievements. To mark and celebrate 20 successful years in the Vale of Evesham, Nigel was invited to cut the 20th Anniversary cake.

Business owners, Steve and Sue Owens began the company working from their home in Badsey in Worcestershire. Buzz Electrical was established in 1999, after Steve had worked for 20 years as a self-employed electrician following completion of his electrical apprenticeship. Employing just one person in the early days, it wasn’t long before the business rapidly grew and they moved to an industrial unit in Evesham.

Continuing growth and expansion of the business 4 years ago saw its relocation to new centrally located offices in Evesham with a team of 27 as well as a specialist technical division Buzz Technical.

Reflecting on two decades in business, Steve Owens said: “Twenty years is an important milestone and I am personally proud of the success we have achieved. It’s very much about the team and retaining the personal values that underpin my business philosophy – Buzz Electrical is all about being a company that understands our clients’ needs and gives professional efficient service to all our customers, large or small”

“It is testament to our fantastic team who all work so hard and are dedicated that has enabled us to invest in growing the business, creating new jobs and focussing on continuous improvement over the years which has enabled us to be successful”

When not to DIY – if you think you can turn your hand to electrical work – think again!

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:06:31 GMT

‘Don’t do it yourself when it comes to electrical work – jobs you definitely need an electrician for’

Most people will turn their hand to certain DIY jobs like painting and decorating, maybe joinery work and even some plumbing. However, for those that think that they can turn their hand to electrical work – please think again. Every year in the UK, there are fatalities and thousands injured due to faulty electrics in the home. Unsafe electrical installations lead to fires and electric shocks, which is why Steve Owens, MD at Buzz Electrical advises that it’s not a good idea to try to save money by carrying out electrical work yourself.

Rewiring of your home :

If a property has not already been rewired within the last 25-30 years, the chances are it will need upgrading at least in part, in order to bring it up to current IEE standards. The wiring may be potentially dangerous and may not be able to cope with the demands of modern living. This is a skilled job that takes a qualified electrician several days to do professionally. At Buzz Electrical, we go to great lengths to ensure that your home is rewired as quickly and with as less disruption as possible to minimise any inconvenience.

Fuse Board Upgrades:

Fuse Boards are also commonly known as Consumer Units and distribution boards. There are several reasons why you may require a replacement: -

· Your current Distribution board does not have an RCD protection (residual current device). This is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity automatically in a fraction of a second if it detects any electrical fault on your circuit, or the smallest of current changes. This minimises the risk of electrical fires, electrocution or electrical shocks.

· Your Distribution board meter tails to your supplier meter & earth pipework bonding are up to the latest regulations.

· Your Distribution board is more than 10 years old. Fuses or Circuit breakers can age through use, therefore if it is older than 10 years you should get it checked by a qualified electrician.

After installation, there must be full testing & certification of the system and this can only be undertaken by a skilled electrician with the latest qualifications & accreditations, preferably an approved NICEIC contractor.

New socket installations :

Whilst these might seem easy to install, there should be a full test of the circuits after installation to ensure that there is no overloading of the circuit and all works conform to BS7671 2008 Amendment 3. of the IEE regulations.

All Electrical works carried out in a domestic property requires notification to your local Building control Department, known as Approved Part P of the building regulations 2013. (This Part P document is asked for when selling a property).
It is recommended that in the first instance, an Electrical Installation condition report & test is normally recommended, this will confirm that all circuits, accessories & distribution boards are satisfactory and conform to BS7671-2008 Amendment 3.
Buzz electrical Ltd, will be happy to quote for this report, normally without visiting the property, please ring or e mail for a verbal or written fixed price quotation. This will be followed by a further quotation for any remedial works or rewiring , if the installation is found to be unsatisfactory.

It is important to get recommendations or testimonials for the electrician you have chosen. Buzz Electrical Ltd are a NICEIC fully approved Electrical Contractor, so you can be sure of a professional service and full peace of mind. Get in touch for a free no obligation quotation today.

Tel: 01386 423600 / www.buzzelectrical.co.uk

Buzz wins two Worcestershire Awards and is named Apprentice Employer of the Year 2018

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 12:20:32 GMT

Evesham’s Electrical Contractor, Buzz Electrical Ltd, has won Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year and Apprenticeship Employer of the Year for 2018 at this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.

The Awards, organised by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce were held in November at Tree Tops Pavilion, Midlands Safari Park. Hosted by BAFTA-nominated TV Presenter, Angellica Bell, the event was attended by 350 guests including 25 of the county’s best apprentices, employers, training providers and schools.

The Chamber was pleased to sponsor the Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category, and Sharon Smith, CEO, was delighted to award Evesham-based Buzz Electrical Ltd as the winner. The evening culminated with an overall award of Apprenticeship Employer of the Year for 2018, sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, which recognised Buzz’s outstanding achievement.

Based in the Vale of Evesham, Buzz Electrical has been providing electrical services and installations throughout the Midlands, Cotswolds and further afield for residential, commercial and industrial clients for 19 years. In the last 3 years, the business has been growing by 20% with Buzz continuing to earn an excellent reputation both locally and nationally for exceptional personal and professional service. Last month Buzz Electrical were recognised with Highly Commended at the prestigious national Electrical Industry Awards in the Electrical Contractor of the Year category as well as being a Finalist in the Project of the Year category for their work with GWSR and the new station at Broadway.

Managing Director and founder of Buzz Electrical Ltd, Steve Owens said, “It was such an achievement for us to win these awards, to be recognised by our business counterparts for all the work we have put into our 18 apprentices over the past 19 years. Without our apprenticeship programme, Buzz wouldn’t be what it is today.

“I started as an apprentice, at the age of 16, and I am now in a position to give the same chance as I had to as many young people as possible. The construction industry is in need of more young people to come into the industry, across all areas, hopefully this will help to raise the profile of apprenticeships within the construction industry and to show, how with hard work you can progress. I would like to thank Worcestershire Apprenticeships for the recognition they have given to us and all the other award winners.”

“I am incredibly proud of all the team of 26 at Buzz for their continued hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, and these awards are fantastic recognition for all that we’ve achieved together.”

http://worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/apprenticeship-awards-2018/

Buzz is a Finalist and recognised with Highly Commended at the Electrical Industry Awards

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 12:20:25 GMT

Buzz Electrical were recently recognised as finalists and Highly Commended at the prestigious national Electrical Industry Awards in the Electrical Contractor of the Year category as well as being a Finalist in the Project of the Year category for their work with GWSR and the new station at Broadway.

The Electrical Industry Awards are open for entries from across the UK and Buzz Electrical Ltd this year were up against eight other national finalists for the Contractor of the Year award and five in the Project category. This National Award is based upon quality of work and extent of projects, client feedback, financial performance, marketing, training and investment in people, social responsibility and is judged by independent panel of experts representing the UK Electrical sector. The Awards took place in October 2018 at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London.

Steve Owens Managing Director at Buzz said, “We are once again thrilled to achieve this fantastic recognition. It is a great Team Buzz effort which recognises their hard work and commitment, thanks must also go to our valued clients who have enabled us to present Buzz Electrical to the award judges and gain this prestigious finalists place and be crowned Highly Commended”

https://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/electrical-industry-awards/

BUZZ make it a hat-trick!

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:59:24 GMT

We’ve got lots to celebrate with three very special Awards achievements.

Buzz Electrical have been selected as finalists in the prestigious national Electrical Industry Awards 2018 as Electrical Contractor of the Year for the second year running and Project of the Year as well as Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year in the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2018 for the second year.

The Electrical Industry Awards are open for entries from across the UK and Buzz Electrical Ltd will be up against eight other national finalists for the Contractor of the Year award and five in the Project category. This National Award is based upon quality of work and extent of projects, client feedback, financial performance, marketing, training and investment in people, social responsibility and is judged by independent panel of experts representing the UK Electrical sector. The Awards will take place at the end of October at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London.

Steve Owens Managing Director at Buzz said, “We are once again thrilled to achieve this fantastic recognition. It is a great Team Buzz effort and recognises their hard work and commitment, thanks must also go to our valued clients who have enabled us to present Buzz Electrical to the award judges and gain this prestigious finalists place”

Following a large number of nominations in all 10 categories of the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2018 , judges have shortlisted an ‘exceptional group’ of finalists that are said to highlight the hugely positive contribution that apprenticeships have made on the county’s businesses. Steve Owens, MD at Buzz is delighted “ We’ve been employing apprentices for 16 years and are passionate about creating local jobs and ‘growing our own’ talent to secure a future workforce. We couldn’t be more proud of our hard working team and we are looking forward to attending the Awards ceremony at the West Midland Safari Park in November”

St George’s Day Celebrations Aboard the Asparagus Express

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:09:30 GMT

Directors at Buzz Electrical joined the St Georges Day celebrations at the newly opened GWSR Broadway Station for a trip on the Asparagus Express to GWSR Cheltenham Race Course to mark the start of the Asparagus season.

Evesham based Buzz Electrical Ltd have played a critical role in the rebirth of Broadway Station since 2017 with its team designing and building electrical solutions to serve the stations ticket office, booking hall, waiting room, stores, café, kitchen, toilets, covered footbridge and of course the signal box.

Installing Garden Electrics

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:07:15 GMT

Style, form and function should be your top priorities when upgrading your outdoor electrics suggests Steve Owens, M.D. at Buzz Electrical.

Enjoying your garden is so much easier when you have an outdoor source of power. Carrying out routine jobs like lawn mowing and hedge cutting becomes so much more convenient, especially if you prefer to use lightweight electrical equipment. At last, you can ditch the hassle that comes with an extension lead and miles of cables. And essential summer pleasures like listening to music on the patio with a glass of wine are suddenly no problem.

Using a fixed outdoor supply is also safer, not only because it eliminates trailing wires but because exterior sockets must be RCD protected. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable is cut so preventing awful accidents.

It’s usually a simple matter for an electrician to run armoured cable from your house to wherever you need it. If you have a shed, summerhouse, greenhouse, gazebo, outdoor office or workshop, installing electricity will open up all kinds of new possibilities. Functional items like pond pumps, heaters, and security lights look neater when wired in close proximity.

With a bit of imagination and technical know-how lighting will transform your garden at night.Fix wall lights, hang lanterns and/or string fairy lights around your seating area and it will be transformed by dark into an intimate grotto. Combine with a series of spotlights strategically placed to create features of your trees, shrubs or potted plants and your space will take on a whole new appeal. For further details or advice call us on 01386 423600 , or visit us on https://www.facebook.com/buzzelectrical/

A CCTV alarm system will significantly enhance the security of your home or business premises

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:07:11 GMT

A CCTV alarm system will significantly enhance the security of your home or business premises. Buzz Electrical Ltd’sMD Steve Owens explains.

Falling costs

CCTV was once the reserve of pubs, shopping malls and public spaces but as the cost of systems fall, it’s possible for us all to benefit from the security they offer. They should be considered as a part of a whole security package including a burglar alarm, door and window locks, gravel around your property and lights.

Wired versus wireless

There are two types; wired and wireless and suitability will depend on the nature of your premises and what you want to achieve. Wired systems, where a wire plugs directly from the camera to the monitor, tend to be more economical, more reliable and of the highest quality but the wires, including extension cables and connectors, have to be laid. If access proves too difficult, such as in older or period properties, we will consider installing a wireless system which transmits images using analogue or digital technology.

Factors to consider

Cameras must be weatherproof (an IP rating of 65 is best), tamper-proof and accessible for cleaning and maintenance. You must ensure your monitor generates sufficiently high resolution images to be of use in case of an incident and your installation must comply with privacy laws. This means making sure that your cameras aren’t pointed at public space or other people’s houses or gardens.It’s a good idea to discuss any CCTV plans with your neighbours first – sharing a system with neighbours can be one way to reduce costs. We can advise on all these factors and suggest the most appropriate system for your needs.

Security and added convenience

Not only is CCTV a visible deterrent to burglars but some systems can be linked to your TV, PC, smartphone or tablet meaning you can keep an eye on your pets and property if you are working late, out for the day or on holiday. Other options include email or text notifications when cameras are activated. The most sophisticated systems link all your home electrics so you can automate your CCTV, lighting, heating, curtains and blinds, gate entry, TV and sound systems. As long as you have access to WIFI, you can control everything from anywhere in the world, at any time. If you would like to find out more please book a free survey on 01386423600 . For more hints and tips visit www.facebook.com/buzzelectrical

How will you know if your property needs rewiring?

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:07:08 GMT

Electrical, approved NICEIC contractors, offer the full range of electrical services including rewiring and new installations. MDSteve Owens explains how to spot warning signs of potentially unsafe wiring.

Electricityis usually out of sight and out of mind because cables are convenientlyhidden inside walls, switches and sockets. So it’s not surprising that many ofus forget to check electrical installations for wear and tear.

Faultyand ageing wiring is a major cause of electrical fires in the home. You canprotect yourself by having regular checks carried out on the condition of yourcables, switches, sockets and other accessories as well as doing some of yourown routine inspections.

If your home is approaching or has exceeded 40 years of age, you need to be aware of some simple signs that there may be a problem with your electrical wiring; fuses blowing regularly or the fuse board tripping regularly, dimming and flickering lighting, buzzing or discoloured switches or a burning smell. These are clear signs that can help you tell the age of the electrical installation in your home so you can decide whether you need further advice.

Youshould also look out for:

Cablescoated in black rubber, lead or fabric.
A fusebox with a wooden back, cast iron switches or a haphazard mixture of fuseboxes.
Olderround pin sockets and round light switches, braided flex hanging from ceilingroses, brown and black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
Wall-mountedlight switches in bathrooms.

Thesesuggest that your installation is over 40 years old and may need rewiring.

If youare concerned you can call us on 01386423600 or contact a registered electrician to get a report on the condition of your installation.

For morehints and tips visit www.facebook.com/buzzelectrical

Stay Safe in your Home - Electrical Safety Tips

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:03:17 GMT

Government statistics show that electricity causes more than 20,000 fires a year - almost half of all accidental UK house fires. Each year, about 70 people are killed and 350,000 are seriously injured due to an electrical accident in the home.

Modern living has meant we use more and more electrical appliances in the home. Just 20 years ago the average UK home had a hi-fi system and one TV or video, whereas today it is more likely that there are multiple TV’s, computers and laptops, DVd players, satellite receivers, games consoles, microwaves. So the risk of electrical accidents in the home is much higher than before.

Electricity improves our daily lives - but only when used safely. Don’t create hazards by overloading sockets, and never ignore warning signs like burning smells, sounds of arcing (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping. Electrical accidents are most likely to happen when equipment is damaged or misused. Failure to correct the problem could have devastating effects. This sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised how many of us fail to follow basic safety guidelines.

Faulty and aging wiring is one of the major causes of electrical fires in the home. You can avoid these by having regular checks carried out on the condition of your cables, switches, sockets and other accessories.

For privately owned domestic properties it is not a statutory requirement to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) performed on the electrical installation of your whole property, it is however advisable that the electrical installation of all properties are tested and inspected at regular intervals and no longer than once every ten years. Buzz Electrical regularly carry out these tests for domestic and commercial properties and will give you total reassurance that your house is safe.

Some obvious Electrical Dangers and Electrical Safety Tips:

· Remove plugs from sockets carefully. Pulling out a plug by the cable puts a strain on it, and could damage the contact between the plug and the socket. This could result in the plug overheating, its wires becoming loose or an electric shock (if the earth wire is disconnected).

Use plugs with the British Standard safety mark - they have live and neutral pins with insulating sleeves that allow you to put them in and pull them out of sockets safely.

· Don’t trail cables under the carpet or rug to keep it out of the way.

· Don’t dry clothes on an electric heater, with water dripping onto live parts - This is particularly dangerous, and could cause an electric shock or fire. Many electrical appliances, such as heaters, have ventilation slots to prevent overheating. If these slots are covered up, the appliance could overheat and catch fire, or if water drips in, there is a risk of electric shock.

· Never drill or fix nails in walls without knowing what’s behind them - Walls and partitions conceal electrical cables and gas and water pipes.

Don’t use adaptors plugged into other adaptors
Don’t overload adaptors, particularly with high-current appliances such as kettles, irons and heaters.

· Installing down lighters - Choosing the wrong down lighters, installing them incorrectly or fitting the wrong replacement lamp can pose a serious fire risk in your home.

It is important that any electrical installation work is carried out only by people who are competent. Buzz Electrical Ltd guarantee a professional, personal and reliable service from fully qualified electricians. Our team undergo continuous training and are fully updated on technical developments and safety regulations. If you would like to find out more please call us on 01386 423600 . For more hints and tips visit www.facebook.com/buzzelectrical

Making electrical updates in your home

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:01:49 GMT

SMALL CHANGES BIG DIFFERENCE…

If you’re looking to refresh your homes and make some changes, here are a few electrical ideas that you might like to consider

LED Lighting

Lights help to give your home a certain atmosphere, and different lights and bulbs can determine how each room feels when you are in it. Spotlights work fantastically in kitchens as they really brighten up the room and make you feel alert and energetic. More of our residential customers are now moving towards Eco energy saving lighting; not only are LED lamps now more affordable they will give a dramatic decrease in energy costs and save you money.

Adding extra sockets (replacing vanity mirror – will add this into editorial later on about lighting)

Most homes have around 4 – 6 sockets in an average room in their house; however with the increase in home entertainment and technology, this is often not enough. If you are constantly using extension leads or adapters to power your electrical appliances in a particular room, then it is time to look at adding extra wall sockets. Having these added by a professional electrician can be straight forward and minimise any dangers caused by misusing a quick fix solution of adapters.

USB Socket Outlets

With the ever-increasing array of gadgets that find their way into our home (Tablets, Phones, Kindles etc) it seems like there is a growing demand for built in USB sockets to aid the charging of these electrical devices. These can be in the form of a multi function socket where you can power multiple appliances at the same time, a customisable socket to suit any style or decor – meaning you can upgrade to the latest technology and style to update the look of your wall sockets without having to redecorate or change your existing style.

By installing additional wall sockets including USB charging ports, you are reducing the number of cables and therefore potential accidents plus some USB wall sockets can actually charge some mobile devices faster than the actual adapters – a great time saver.

You probably won’t need them in every room but the kitchen, bedroom and office are a few places that would benefit from having to search the house for chargers.

It is important that any electrical installation work is carried out by people who are competent and qualified. Buzz Electrical are a fully accredited NICEIC approved contractor and work to the highest professional and technical standards, always maintaining excellent health and safety procedures.

Here at Buzz Electrical we can tailor our service to your needs giving you peace of mind and satisfaction that all of our work is undertaken by fully qualified electricians. We are happy to offer a free estimate and explain everything fully to you, just give us a call on 01386 423600.

For more hints and tips visit www.facebook.com/buzzelectrical

We're delighted to be a finalist in the 2018 West Midlands Business Masters Awards

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 08:05:42 GMT

The chair of the judging panel said “There was strong competition and the judges were forced to cut lots of interesting and thriving companies. The shortlist is full of outstanding businesses which, regardless of size, are reaping the rewards of their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit" The winners will be announced on Thursday, 3rd May at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2015246-2018-business-masters-shortlist-revealed

Buzz Electrical’s recent project with GWSR is featured in NICEIC Connections Magazine

info@buzzelectrical.co.uk (Buzz Electrical) — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 07:50:14 GMT

https://www.niceic.com/media/connections

Installing modern lighting and smart home control systems into a period property (By Life in the Village)

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 12:59:53 GMT

Click here to read more

Worcestershire Apprenticeships Selfie Campaign

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:17:45 GMT

Our very own Apprentice Ambassador Ross Quiney has recently taken part in the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Selfie Campaign to support National Apprentice Week #NAW2018 5th - 9th March 2018. We're proud that he will be supporting and promoting apprenticeships by talking at schools and events about his own experience and progression within Buzz Electrical Limited

Thank You - Buzz Electrical raised an incredible £795!

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:14:33 GMT

We’re Recruiting a Business Administration Apprentice - Level 2

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:36:57 GMT

We’re looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual to join the team and become a highly skilled Administrator. The Apprenticeship is office based for 4 days with 1 day at college and offers a broad range of administration duties in a busy office environment. 35 hours/week.

We’ve been employing apprentices for 16 years and are passionate about creating local jobs

Please send your CV to Emily.maycock@buzzelectrical.co.uk

Buzz Electrical recent project with Hook Norton Brewery is featured in Premier Hospitality Magazine

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Click here to read more

Buzz Back Breast Cancer Care

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Buzz Electrical Ltd from Evesham are GOING PINK in October to support Breast Cancer Care, a charity very close to our hearts.

Supported by local firm Acorn Creative who specialise in signs and vehicle graphics, we have added a PINK van to our fleet of red Buzz vans to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Care. The Buzz Pink Van can be seen around the local area and we are encouraging our customers and the local community to ‘Spot the Pink Van & Donate’, to support people facing breast cancer.

1 in 8 of us will be diagnosed with breast cancer during our lifetime – so our professional and friendly team of 17 qualified electricians here at Buzz Electrical are also showing their support and turning each Friday in October PINK by wearing Pink T Shirts instead of their normal Buzz uniforms. Donations can be pledged if anyone ‘Spots a Pink Sparky’ during October.

Here at Buzz Electrical we are also looking forward to holding a ‘BIG PINK’ coffee morning on 28th October with pink cakes and a fantastic raffle. It's a fun way to bring everyone together while raising money for Breast Cancer Care, and if any local companies would like to donate raffle prizes, please email

We're a finalist in the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2017

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

'Small Apprenticeship Employer of the year'

Awards finalists, businesses and guests will attend the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards at 6:30pm, on Thursday 16 November at the Tree Tops Pavilion, West Midland Safari Park, where the winners of each category will be announced.

We're celebrating 15 years continued registration with the NICEIC!

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:57:50 GMT

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will indicate if there are any electrical circuits or devices that are overloaded, expose any possible electrical shock threats or fire hazards, unearth any faulty electrical work previously carried out, and much more.

Once the test has been completed, a report will be issued. If the report shows your electrics to be unsatisfactory, a quotation will be provided for any works required to achieve satisfactory status.

So when should testing be carried out? Anyone buying a property over 25 years old should ensure that the wiring is up to date before purchase as it may need to be upgraded.

Similarly, if you plan to renovate or extend your home it is important to know early on if any electrical work will be necessary as it’s best completed early on, before redecorating.

All homeowners are advised to have an EICR carried out at least once every ten years and business premises should be tested every three to five years. Many properties go unchecked for years so ask yourself: When were your electrics last tested?

Buzz Electrical regularly carries out EICRs and guarantees a friendly, reliable service from qualified electricians approved by the NICEIC.