Archive for 2020

16

Dec '20



ERF Christmas Opening Hours 2020

 

 Thank you for your business and support in 2020.
We wish you a safe Christmas and New Year and we will be here to support you in 2021.

08

Dec '20



This Is Where There Are The Biggest Shortages Of Electricians In The UK 

With recent analysis predicting an additional 15,000 fully qualified electricians will be needed over the next five years, it is clear businesses have to make developing the next generation of electricians a priority. 

Although the pandemic has provided the trade with many challenges over the last seven months, one positive to come out of the coronavirus crisis could be the opportunity it provides to attract new people into the industry. 

In a bid to encourage companies within the industry to invest in the electricians of tomorrow and to aid those within the trade currently out of work find a job, we have mapped out the areas of the UK where there are the biggest shortages of electricians.

Having analysed a job website for all of the vacancies for electricians, we found Middlesex – which has 574 openings – is the county with the highest number of electrician jobs going and ultimately the area with biggest shortage of electricians. With 566 job vacancies, Surrey is second, followed by Hertfordshire and London. 

The areas in the UK with the biggest shortages of electricians 

Rank  Location  Number of ‘electrician’ job vacancies
1 Middlesex 574
2 Surrey 566
3 Hertfordshire 555
4 London 531
5 Buckinghamshire 195
6 Greater Manchester 181
7 Leicestershire 143
8 Berkshire 142
8 West Yorkshire 142
10 Derbyshire 115
11 Cheshire 112
12 Merseyside 111
13 Nottinghamshire  108
14 West Lothian  103
15 West Midlands  101
16 Bedfordshire  99
17 Somerset  98
18 South Yorkshire  97
19 Wiltshire  94
19 Midlothian 94
21 Tyne ＆ Wear 92
21 Isle of Man  92
23 West Sussex  91
23 Warwickshire  91
25 Staffordshire  90
25 Herefordshire  90

 

With no job vacancies, the Scottish county of Wigtownshire is the area with the fewest openings for electricians. Caithness in Scotland, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Moray, Scotland, Selkirkshire, Scotland and Sutherland, Scotland, all have just one job vacancy in their respective areas also.

While the majority of existing vacancies are for fully qualified electricians, there are a number of apprentice and trainee roles available as well. 

Founder member of recruitment company District4, Ian McDiarmid, specialises in recruiting within the electrical industry and said employers are beginning to widen their talent pools.

He said: “Over the last year or so businesses, especially those who have deals with the bigger contractors, have started to invest in additional training courses for new starters. The emphasis is definitely starting to shift from solely employing skilled electricians. Now, individuals who have the right work ethic and soft skills are being given the opportunity to be trained up which is a promising sign for the future. 

“Like all trades, electricians have been hit hard as a result of the pandemic but we are slowly starting to see the job market recover.” 

It’s not just the electrical industry which is suffering from a lack of qualified employees though with a government report in 2016 finding skill shortages were responsible for a quarter of all job vacancies. Recent analysis has also found 43 per cent of vacancies in skilled trades were as a result of skills shortages, with 13 per cent including electricians. 

As the demand for new houses continues to grow and smart home installations increase, the need for businesses to invest in the next generation of electricians could not be clearer. 

Andy Laycock (Head of Sales) of ERF said: “With the industry needing around 15,000 fully qualified electricians over the next five years, businesses really have got to make developing the next generation of electricians a priority. Although the pandemic has thrown up many challenges for us all, there is no doubting the opportunity it provides to attract new people into the trade. 

“Our research shows there are several areas in the UK where qualified electricians are in extremely high demand and we hope businesses can incorporate this insight into their recruitment strategies as they build towards developing the electricians of tomorrow. 

“We see through our customers, that being an electrician really is an extremely rewarding job and the skills you develop while training enable you to focus on a wide range of specialisms later down the line. Due to there being such a demand for new starters, there are also lots of fantastic opportunities to progress in a relatively short space of time.” 

Five reasons why you should become an electrician 

Electricity plays a huge part in all of our daily lives and as the population grows the demand for electricians is only going to increase. Here are five reasons why you should consider pursuing a career as an electrician. 

A well paid career  

Due to qualified electricians being such a vital component to the economic growth of the country, it is unsurprising it is a career which pays extremely well compared with other trades. In fact, data recently published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found electricians earn the most out of all the trades with an average salary of £33,495. While money isn’t everything, we all like to feel as though we are being paid relative to the value of service we offer and as an electrician this often proves to be the case.

Varied working environment

One of the great perks of being an electrician is the fact you aren’t stuck in the same workspace everyday. Being an electrician is a very hands-on job and while one day you might be wiring a new home, the next you could be repairing an electrical panel at a warehouse. You are therefore constantly being faced with new problems and then ultimately coming up with the solutions which is an extremely valuable life skill to have. 

Plan your own career path 

As has been mentioned, you learn lots of different skills when you’re training to become an electrician which provides you with the opportunity to shape your own career path. From installations, repairs or upgrades – there’s lots of scope for variety. 

Affordable training 

While a lot of careers these days require people to go to university which results in them accumulating a huge amount of student debt, you don’t need to do this to become an electrician. Many businesses are now paying part of or even all of the cost of training courses in a bid to attract more people into the trade. With the demand for electricians continuing to rise, employers are only going to continue investing in the next generation of electricians. 

A demand for your services

Due to the ongoing shortage of electricians, those in the trade are struggling to cope with the demand for their services. With the need for new housing more evident than ever and smart home technology becoming all the more desirable there are going to be no shortage of opportunities within the electrical industry for many years to come. 

Methodology 

We analysed more 7,500 vacancies which had been posted on a job website under the search term ‘electrician’. We then broke this data down by the regions of the UK they were being advertised in. From this we found Middlesex had the highest number of job vacancies in this particular field and ultimately the biggest shortage of electricians. 

 

The data is correct as of November 2020. 

02

Nov '20



ERF Branches to Remain Open During Second Lockdown

For all ERF customers,

On behalf of the ERF family, we want to let you know that all our branches (excluding Birmingham) are to remain open, as we enter the next period of lockdown.

The team is here for you and our focus remains on great customer service alongside stringent COVID-19 safe working practices.

The safety and wellbeing of our staff, customers and suppliers is our top priority and we are proud that we can continue to serve you in a COVID secure manner.

We want to take the opportunity to thank you again for you unwavering support and know that together, we will all get through this.

If you have any queries or concerns, then please reach out to your local branch manager,

Stay safe,
The ERF Team

14

Oct '20



How can Electricians Earn Themselves a Five-Star Review? 

At ERF Electrical we wanted to know what makes a customer give an electrical installer a five-star review.

The answer? One in five customers give top marks to those that clean up after themselves. We analysed 1,000 five-star Checkatrade reviews across 10 major cities, with our research showing that electricians and electrical contractors are most likely to receive an ‘excellent’ five star review for being tidy, professional, punctual, friendly and courteous. 

Interestingly, those living in Bristol value cleanliness above anything else, while residents in Liverpool, Glasgow and Leeds praise good time management. In Liverpool, punctuality was mentioned in 25% of top reviews.

The highest-ranked qualities, according to the percentage of reviews they appeared in, were:

  1. Tidy/clean (21%)
  2. Professional (20%)
  3. Polite/courteous (20%)
  4. On-time (18%)
  5. Friendly (16%)
  6. Reliable (10%)
  7. Efficient (10%)
  8. Helpful (7%)

The research also reveals that Leicester residents are most likely than anywhere else to praise those with good manners, with one in five (22%) of reviews mentioning the friendliness of an electrician.

The highest-ranked qualities, according to city, were: 

  1. Bristol – tidy, professional, efficient, reliable, friendly
  2. Birmingham – professional, tidy, polite, reliable, friendly
  3. Edinburgh – professional, reliable, tidy, friendly, on-time
  4. Glasgow – on-time, professional, efficient, tidy, friendly
  5. Leeds – on-time, professional, friendly, tidy, polite
  6. Leicester – friendly, professional, on-time, tidy, helpful
  7. Liverpool – on-time, professional, polite, tidy, friendly
  8. London – professional, friendly, polite, reliable, helpful
  9. Nottingham – professional, polite, on-time, tidy, courteous
  10.  Sheffield – professional, friendly, polite, efficient, tidy

Tidiness and friendliness were mentioned among the top qualities in nine of the ten cities we looked at. Other five-star reviews gave credit to knowledgable, trustworthy and respectful electricians. 

Four ways you can boost customer satisfaction

Here are a few ways you can increase your chances of getting an excellent rating:

 

Ask for feedback

It might sound obvious, but how do you know what you’re doing well, or not doing so well, if you don’t ask? Sending out customer satisfaction surveys are a great way to identify any areas of improvement and track progress over time. It also shows customers that you take your customer service very seriously, with an opportunity to ask those who were most impressed to provide a review or testimonial to your site.

 

Provide a personal service 

People like to be treated as individuals. Personalise your emails and requests for quotes, or even better pick up the phone and get to know your customers. If you own an electrical company, it may also be worth considering if you can implement a system whereby an electrician is assigned to a customer, so that they can get the same person each time. This helps build better personal relationships.

 

Reward loyalty

Is there a loyalty scheme you can implement to encourage repeat business and thank your returning customers? It could be something as simple as sending them a card at Christmas, or giving them a little discount off their bill.

 

Think technology

Providing a good service doesn’t just happen on the job – customers will begin to form an impression from the moment they visit your website, or pick up the phone. People want a quick response, which is why so many businesses have turned to AI for help (think chatbots!). While we will always value a more personal service, chatbots can provide answers to your most frequently asked questions, or point someone in the direction of where they can find the information they require, for example.

 

14

Sep '20



Electrical Meter Calibration Day at ERF Blaby Sparks Great Turnout

ERF Blaby Assists Large Numbers of Local Electrical Contractors to get Their Meters Calibrated

Last week, on Wednesday 9th September, the ERF team at Blaby calibrated over 40 customers meters.

The calibrations were conducted by a calibration partner, who are experts in electrical testing calibration. Meters were either collected or dropped off between 8am and 12.30pm and were all calibrated on the same day.

We know that it may have been difficult during lock down and this period of uncertainty to get your meters tested, and that is why we are even more committed to ensuring we are able to provide this service to you.

Missed the calibrations at Blaby? No problem. We have a large number of calibration dates throughout the rest of the year. Check out the dates and book yourself a place here: ERF Calibration dates.

 

ERF Blaby Service Manager Jack Skelton commented:

“ERF Blaby’s calibration day yesterday 09.09.2020 was supported overwhelmingly. 42 testers were calibrated for our loyal customers as well as food, drink and a lot of laughs. As a whole, the day reiterated the unmatched support from the local area our ERF branch receives, which we are hugely grateful for”.

 

Social Distancing and PPE

During these times we are committed to continuing to provide services like these in the safest way possible. We have FREE masks for customers to wear whilst in branch, hand sanitiser, gloves and lots of signs to help let our customers know how to keep themselves safe. Social distancing is practised at all times by both staff and the ERF team and we are confident that we continue to operate in a covid secure way.

Should you have any concerns, or need you meters collecting, please speak to you local ERF team.

07

Sep '20



Electrical Meter Calibration dates for 2020

Electrical Meter Calibration events

ERF offer an expert repair and calibration service for all brands of electrical test equipment.
Our partnership engineers understand and appreciate the technology and provide both repair and calibration services.

ONLY £25 per meter +VAT

Register your place at a calibration event near you here

Drop-in or drop-off your meters between 8am and 12.30pm.

Electrical meter calibration dates at the ERF branches:

All calibration events have now been held for 2020. Stay tuned for 2021 dates.

Meters included:
– Multifunction testers
– Pat testers
– Single instruments
– Checkboxes
– Earth resistance testers
– Mulitmeter
– Clamp meter
– Thermometer
– Rcd & insulation testers

Register your place at a calibration event near you here

Some branches will want you to attend on the day and others may be able to arrange collection of your testing equipment.
Please speak to your local branch to find out more.
kewtech meter

01

Sep '20



Extended Opening Hours for all ERF Branches

From 1st September 2020, all ERF branches will have extended opening hours.

The new opening hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 7.30am – 5.30pm

Friday: 7.30am – 5pm

This decision was made so that we can better look after our customers, from the branches and ERF Support Centre.

All 12 ERF branches will have the same opening hours.

Hope to see you soon!

The ERF Team

 

 

29

Jun '20



ERF Safe working practices for COVID-19

ERF Safe working practices:

Here is a reminder on what we are doing at ERF to keep you safe.

 

Deliveries from us:

  • All delivery drivers have personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable gloves worn for all deliveries, face masks and eye wear when the site requires.
  • We shall advise you of our arrival on site via phone.
  • We will then unload our own vehicle, placing the goods where advised.
  • No signature will be required, your name will be taken and placed on the delivery sheet.
  • We will then return to our vehicle ensuring that you attend to your goods.
  • Then we will leave your site.

Deliveries to us:

  • Drivers and suppliers to communicate delivery date and details prior to delivery.
  • We will watch the delivery being unloaded.
  • We shall then visually check the goods.
  • The ERF colleagues name can be used to ‘sign’ for the delivery, as no signature shall be given.

ERF Delivery Drivers:

  • All our vehicles and drivers have a COVID-19 safety pack on board.
  • Our drivers are trained in delivering to open and enclosed sites.
  • Disposable gloves are worn for all deliveries. Where sites are enclosed or internal to buildings, our drivers will wear safety glasses and masks for your delivery.
  • We will not ask for a signature but will take a name and a photograph of the delivered goods.
  • We will monitor all changes in the government guidance and apply these rules to our deliveries.

Sales Counters:

  • All counters have instructions clearly marked on the door before entry.
  • Social distancing is clearly marked on the floor.
  • Staff wearing all necessary PPE minimum gloves, (eyewear and masks where appropriate).
  • Goods placed on counter. We will step back to keep distance.
  • Customers steps forward and takes their goods.
  • Customer leaves giving name for COVID-19 as signature.
  • Please observe the maximum numbers allowed in each branch at any one time.

ERF Stores:

  • Safe working practices.
  • Social distancing.
  • PPE worn.
  • Clear marking.
  • No external visitors.
  • Site cleaned at regular intervals.

Visitors:

  • All visitor meetings are to take place over virtual conferencing when possible.
  • If face to face meetings are unavoidable, then social distancing must be observed.
  • Adhere to all government guidance.

A reminder on our branch contact numbers:

Andover 01264357374
Blaby 01162788000
Cannock 01543570500
Derby 01332344114
Ilkeston 0115 930 6858
Leicester 01162628421
Mansfield (FCC) 01623 631200
Newark 01636610800
Nottingham 01159203961
Nuneaton 02476346953
Wolverhampton 01902871853

Need PPE?
We have a range of PPE available. View PPE available here and speak to your local branch to order.

PPE flyer with VAT

24

Jun '20



ERF Ilkeston is Open From Today!

11 out of 12 branches now open for our customers

The branches that we now have open are:

Andover 01264357374
Blaby 01162788000
Cannock 01543570500
Derby 01332344114

Ilkeston 0115 930 6858
Leicester 01162628421
Mansfield (FCC) 01623 631200
Newark 01636610800
Nottingham 01159203961
Nuneaton 02476346953
Wolverhampton 01902871853

Safe Working Practices. Safe for you. Safe for us.
Check out how we are keeping us all safe with our COVID-19 safe working practices. Safe collections in branch and safe deliveries.

Need PPE?
We have a range of PPE available. View PPE available here and speak to your local branch to order.

It’s been a challenging time, but we have continued to look after our customers and can’t wait to welcome more of you back into the branches.

 

The ERF Team

18

Jun '20



ERF Mansfield (FCC) opens it’s doors again!

Another open branch for you.

The branches that we now have open are:

Andover 01264357374
Blaby 01162788000
Cannock 01543570500
Derby 01332344114
Leicester 01162628421
Mansfield (FCC) 01623 631200
Newark 01636610800
Nottingham 01159203961
Nuneaton 02476346953
Wolverhampton 01902871853

Safe Working Practices. Safe for you. Safe for us.
Check out how we are keeping us all safe with our COVID-19 safe working practices. Safe collections in branch and safe deliveries.

Need PPE?
We have a range of PPE available. View PPE available here and speak to your local branch to order.

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