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In This Issue...

TheWIRE

• Aspire On Site!

• Million Dollar Men!

• The new www.cef.co.uk

City Electrical Factors’ magazine for employees, customers and suppliers

SPORTS NEWS

Cefco - 30 Years Young.... Coleshill Branch Refit... South Wales Group Go Rafting! A Winning CEF Team...

GEORGINA

MACKIE HO

US

EOn November 27th 2013, the City Electrical Factors’ family lost it’s matriarch. Many of you know the Tom Mackie story but as the saying goes “behind every great man there’s a great woman” and my grandfather was no exception, his great woman was Georgina Margaret Mackie (or “the Boss” as my grandfather would call her), born November 3rd 1922, in Leamington Spa...

After having run away from an abusive household at the age of 14, my grandmother joined the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) during WWII at the age of 18. During her time in the WAAF

she was a radio operator in the Royal Corps of Signals and that is where she met Tom. As my grandfather often said Georgina was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and no doubt

from the stories there were many others who felt the same way, but in typical Tom Mackie fashion he was determined and in 1944 Tom married the woman of his dreams.

Continued overleaf...

BEHIND EVERYGREAT MANTHERE’S AGREAT WOMAN

TheWIREWelcome to...

Georgina was not your typical woman. In 1951, my grandfather Tom, married with three children at the time, wanted to risk it all and leave a comfortable job as a salesman at GEC in Birmingham, to buy an almost bankrupt wholesaler trading out of a horse stable in Coventry.

My grandmother not only supported him, she also put up 15% of the £300 herself. This was an ‘all in’ bet, leaving them only 9 shillings and 6 pence in their bank account.

During the early years, Georgina made many sacrifices to allow her husband the time and money needed to grow the business; no vacation for the first 8 years, aside from an annual day trip to the beach with a packed lunch, no household appliances to make the daily chores easier and not even the money to buy the large loaf of bread at the bakers.

Georgina, just like Tom, will be missed terribly, but their legacy will live on through their incredible achievements and the fantastic company they built together.

To permanently honour the lesser known founder of City Electrical Factors we have renamed our Head Office in Kenilworth, Georgina Mackie House.

Thomas Hartland Mackie

GEORGINA

MACKIE HO

US

E

02

“As we approach the year-end it’s great to see the developing growth in so many branches and groups, I truly believe the investments are now bearing fruit. With the National Accounts Department gaining many new agreements and preferred supplier status, providing the opportunity for branches to approach and work locally with these customers.

The exciting B2B project and all its benefits are just around the corner which will aid branch sales further.

I am very pleased to announce an incredible year in the US with record sales and profits for the last financial year. Coupled with the improving results from many other countries, this goes towards strengthening the company further thus fuelling continued investment and growth.

Thank you all for your efforts”.

Thomas H. Mackie.

CEF WORLDWIDE

Continued...

0303

The Toronto Waterfront Challenge...This year, Torbram Electric Supply arranged a company team of six to participate in the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon that took place on Sunday October 20th, 2013.

The half marathon was 13.1 miles or 21 KM’s which takes an average of two hours to run. Over the past few years a number of close family members of Chief Accountant, Phil Flaherty, were diagnosed with cancer and were forced to battle with this awful disease. Phil said “much of that battling would not have been possible if it were not for the

incredible research that goes on behind the scenes, and that is why I’m looking to raise funds for The Canadian Cancer Society, as they do amazing work in supporting different initiatives not just in Canada but globally.”

“Unfortunately two of my close relatives lost their battle this past year after putting up a valiant fight and I’m sure all of us know someone who has been affected by cancer.” All the hard work paid off when TES raised $5,843 for The Canadian Cancer Society meaning they came in as the top team!

Half Marathon!

Pictured (left to right) Michelle Barta – TES Marketing, Paul Stoddart – TES Central Divisional Accountant, Alan Renton- TES Central Credit Manager, Ronan Berry – Downtown Branch manager, Joe Spiteri – Toronto Group manager, Phil Flaherty – Chief Accountant

TOPThe

TEAMS

Million DollarThe Men...

CEF WORLDWIDE

That is exactly what Scott, Andy, Shane, Darren, Eric and Jimmy from Concord branch in North Carolina did! They were already the first branch to ever achieve a MILLION dollar single sale month, well they have now done it TWICE.

We’re sure a third is on its way, so well done guys! GREAT JOB!

If you do it once,why not do it again?

The Texas Grand Prix...Several members of CES Senior Management were recently invited by 3M™ to enjoy a day at the U.S. Grand Prix held in Austin, TX. Also accompanying the team were members of Central Texas group including General Manager - Neil Mallinson, Group Manager - Beau Lesar, Branch Manager - Nate Jefferson, as well as Austin Southeast customer, Russell Neal. The team had the opportunity to watch winner Sebastian Vettel as he climbed out of the Red Bull car, pump his right fist in the air and hold up eight fingers for each of his consecutive victories. It was a sight to see!

Formula1Formula1

1 Torbram Electric Supply ($5,843,00)

2 Granny & Zooey ($4,999.20)

3 Luke Tsang ($3,084.00)

4 Running For Life (£2,560.00)

5 Wawanesa ($1,667.00)

6 Team CCS ($1,665.00)

7 Conquering Cancer ($1,600.00)

8 Devina’s Family ($1,435.66)

9 Team OAEllis ($1,270.75)

10 Milnes ($1,091.00)

04

Adam ChardMansfield Group Nikolas Kostis

Warrington Group

Michael Davies

Doncaster Group

Adam CookeNottingham Group Richard Senior

Stoke Group

Tom CollinsBradford Group

Robert GriffithsNorth Wales Group

Daniel WhiteManchester Group

Alex Robinson

Sheffield Group

Sam BondWigan Group

Team APT

Marc PetrettiScotland East Group

Jordan Steer

Nelson Group

James Allen

Durham Group

Danielle McLaughlin

Scotland Central Group

Jamie SmithNorthern Ireland Group

Stephen McGrane

Ireland Group

Stephen Lunan York Group

Paul Richards

Newcastle Group

Team WIPNathan Benetti

South Wales Group

Alfie RawboneLondon South West Group

Robert HoddinottCanterbury Group

Ian ChanBristol Group

Ryan ArmstrongBournemouth Group

Ryan ArmstrongBournemouth Group

Vinny ChalkTorquay Group

Callum BakerHastings Group

Charlie Harwood Crawley Group

Aiden HattoReading Group

Team AmbitionClive HoadLondon South East Group

SPOTLIGHT

All the Aspire trainees have now completed one of the most important aspects of their journey into electrical wholesaling. They have all now spent three long, cold and wet months working on site with some of our customers.

CEF felt that this part of their training was critical in order to enable the company to appreciate and understand the ever evolving requirement of our customers.

Before any of them could go out on site they all had to complete the “NVQA” training and

assessments, this was quite a challenge, however all passed and were able to experience how the products we sell are installed and also, very importantly, what our customers require and expect from an electrical wholesaler.

All of the trainees were asked to regard this time as a project and to keep a diary throughout the three months, completing it with a full report on their experiences on all aspects of the ‘life of a customer’. Some of their findings will really help CEF grow with their customers.

A Hard Day’s Work...

Programme...

Ben SanigarLondon North East Group

Adrian JacksonPeterborough GroupIvan LambertWorcester Group

James KellyIpswich Group

Jamie FranceAylesbury Group

Cory BatesNorthampton GroupAshley PearsonBirmingham South Group

Thomas PlantBirmingham North Group

Team TMS11

Tom JohnsonHinckley Group

TheASPIRE

Investing in the future!As part of the total commitment to the Aspire training programme, F4P in partnership with Super Rod, have issued free of charge Super Rod products to every Aspire trainee. Each trainee received the Super Rod full demonstration kit complete with a carry case, a tool box polymer rod set, the new multi-purpose 25mm pro-fit cutter and the 8mm hexagon shank centre drill. In total the investment made by F4P and Super Rod exceeded £5000 at trade, as in partnership they look to invest in the future.

Super Rod’s range of labour saving tools are designed to meet the needs of tradesmen involved with the installation of cable. These tools save time, reduce frustration and increase productivity!

Super Rod’s approach is to ‘Listen, Innovate and Deliver’, they LISTEN to the needs of their customers. This may be in the form of feedback, site visits, trade shows, surveys and in general conversation; the important thing is that they understand the problems tradesmen face everyday. They INNOVATE...their tools are designed to overcome problems and difficulties.

Working with end users to develop product solutions, which allow all installers to work smarter, not harder! Then they DELIVER. Super Rod are committed to delivering the highest levels of quality in both their products and service. When they say they will do something, they do it.

All the Aspire Trainees have undertaken full training from Adrian Rees the National Sales and Marketing Manager of Cefco. A refresh of the training will be completed once the Aspire Trainees return for their second visit to Cefco in June and July of this year.

The Aspire Trainees getting hands-on experience...

05

SPOTLIGHT

Aspire trainee, Rob Hoddinott being presented with his first City & Guilds certificate for the “Product Knowledge Programme” by the Branch Manager at Canterbury branch, Royston Gough.

Adam Cooke, the Nottingham Group Aspire Trainee, spent his contractor placement with JCP Electrical. Adam was working at Loughborough University in the Plant Room where he was carrying out alterations to an addressable fire alarm system to accommodate an interface to control a BMS panel.

Adam was using an Ethos Tester to test if there was a voltage drop after the alterations. During his time with the contractors he also helped install cable across a 25m bridge to supply power to a lamp post across a river and helped install data cable into

Loughborough University’s Lighting and Design studio so they could install more PCs. Adam was also part of the team at Greenwood Academy where 22 double ganged sockets were fitted into their Photography Studio because they needed more sockets to plug the modelling lights into.

Adam said “I enjoyed my time out with the contractors and would recommend it to anyone, I gained so much product knowledge and tool experience, and now I have actually completed the 3 months, I would say it’s one of the high points of the Aspire course to date”.

Forward together...

Adam Cooke, pictured at his Aspire placement

Rob Hoddinott, pictured being presented with his certificate

James Kelly, Aspire Trainee at Chelmsford branch, recently spent time working at a local chicken farm in Southend-On-Sea.

James worked for three months with over 15,000 chickens at Stambridge Farm whilst on placement with his contractors. James was part of the electrician team taking part in full rewires, call outs, clean out’s and fault finding.

06

Marge Hangs Up Her Coat...It was with regret, but with warm wishes that in December, we announced the retirement of Marge Northwood at Tamlex after 22 years of loyal service. Marge was well-known and liked by the staff of CEF and was known to most for her courtesy and amicability as the lady at the end of the sales telephone line. She will be missed by all the staff at Tamlex and no doubt their customers as well.

Marge was given a memorable send off by staff at Tamlex and was later taken out for a meal by Roger Thorn and Colin Franks in recognition of her dedicated service to the company.

Marge has vowed to take it easy but we know she will be coming back to Tamlex to check on her daughter Lisa, who has already moved straight into Marge’s vacated seat.

We all wish Marge the best for the future and for a long and happy retirement.

Havering College Starter Kits...Havering College of Further Education recently asked CEF Romford to tailor an electrician’s toolkit suitable for their students. They are one of the few colleges in the area that offer an electrical training centre and the kits were to be used by the students for the new intake in September as well as some of the staff. The college wanted to sell these kits to the students, with the added benefit that once they are qualified, it will be a starter kit for them to go out on their own with. However, being a college there are certain rules – such as a no knife policy - which meant that they had to tailor the kit differently just for them. Havering College had been with their previous supplier for the last four years so this opens more opportunities for future business. The branch also picked up that the college had been supplying safety boots and asked for a chance to quote. They had to go cheap, but are still making a good profit on the boots order!

Congratulations go to Jake Forster (right) for recently winning the charity golf event “The Corporal Cup 2013” held at The Belfry.

Jake, who works for Anglia Division Accounts, won by one shot, scoring 40 points on Stableford format, off his official handicap of 13.

The conditions were perfect and Jake duly delivered a round to be applauded, shooting 3 birdies and 6 pars to take the trophy home until next year.

The event is in its 4th consecutive year raising money towards a local charity based in Kenilworth called Guys Gift. The charity is not funded by the lottery so every penny raised really does count, Guys Gift help families who have

lost their parents suddenly and assist children in dealing with their loss with group counselling and taking them on days out with other families who are in a similar situation.

Another event targeted in 2013 to help raise awareness and money towards Guys Gift was the Great North Run, which was held in September in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The overall amount collected from both events was a staggering £1545!! Steve Bale (pictured left) said “Once again I’d personally like to thank all who supported and donated towards Guys Gift, you really will be making a difference to a lot of children who rely heavily on donations to help them deal with tragic situations.”

THE CORPORAL CUP 2013

AchievementsRewarding

Well done to David Brooks who won the “Account Manager of the Month” Award for May, October and November. This led to David winning the Account Manager of the Year! Well done David.

Torquay’s Triple Winner!

Congratulations to Steve Evans from Plymouth Central Branch who has achieved 20 years service with City Electrical Factors. In recognition of his loyal service, Steve was given an engraved tankard. Well done Steve!

and counting...

20 YEARS

TORQUAY GROUP AWARDS...The Torquay Group Awards are given to recognise those who have made outstanding achievements and gone above and beyond expectation. Some of the winners included: David Brooks from Penzance Branch (far left) was presented with the Account Manager of the year award. Lee Whitford from Newton Abbot Branch won the Regional Account Manager of the month for June 2013 for opening 13 new accounts! Finally, Nathan Stoddern from Bodmin Branch was awarded the Account Manager of the month award. Congratulations to all winners on their achievements.

David Brooks, Penzance Branch

Steve Evans pictured with his award

Lee Whitford, Newton Abbot Branch Nathan Stoddem, Bodmin Branch

Dan Alimardani of Balham branch (pictured right) from the London South West Group has received an award from Steve Hayes of Test Instrument Solutions, for achieving the UK No.1 spot for selling the most TIS1040 lamp testers - January’s National promotion.

Dan says “It was easy to promote such a great product to all our customers and demonstrate what a time saver this product can be.” London South West Group held the top three branch positions in the UK and were the top group, which is a credit to all staff members involved.

BEST SELLER...No. 1 Branch for National Promotion in January

07

08

Affordable Housing Project

30 Years Young...

In 1983 a temporary site cabin was erected on a small spare piece of land in Bentley. After this and two more premises were outgrown, a purpose built warehouse with offices was constructed in 1990 (now home to Fusion Lamps). As the business progressed, two divisions were added, MCG and D&F Lighting (now Déluce Lighting) and due to expansion at a national level, 6 satellite offices around the country were established.

In 2003 after a major re-organisation, plans were put into place to move the main business across Doncaster to the Ten Pound Walk site, close the satellite offices and centralise the operation, leaving the rapidly expanding Fusion Lamps at Bentley. With the development of the Levanté and F4P brands Cefco now has 5 well established CEF own brands... more than just a warehouse!

2013 saw the 30th Anniversary of Cefco Division. From a small portacabin with two members of staff to four separate warehouse complexes and over 100,000 square feet of storage and almost one hundred members of staff ...it’s been quite a journey.

SHOWCASING OUR LATEST NEWS FROM ACROSS OUR IN-HOUSE MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Achabeag, Lochaline, ScotlandThe Croft House and The Fair and Square House, built by the Achabeag Partnership for the local affordable housing market, are prototypes and show homes, which will hopefully inspire future develop-ments across the country. The Achabeag Partnership consists of the Highlands Small Communities Trust, Roderick James Architects and Ardtornish Estate. As keen supporters and supply partners of this project, both City Electrical Factors (Inverness Branch) and Déluce Lighting have donated energy saving lighting to complement the dramatic internal living spaces within these two

homes. Assistance from the Scottish Government and Highland Council has been critical in the progress of this enterprise, as national legislation had to be changed to accommodate the building and planning scheme, making this a truly unique and ground breaking undertaking. The houses have exceptional levels of insulation with minimum heating needs and are virtually maintenance free. The structural timber frames for both buildings are Scottish Douglas Fir, sourced mostly from local forests. The insulation, which is processed recycled newspaper, was collected by schoolchildren from Lochaline village.

From left to right:Darren Williams (Deluce Lighting/CEF)Roderick James (Roderick James Architects LLP)Peter Smith (Roderick James Architects LLP)Hugh Raven (Ardtornish Estate)Angus MacDonald (MacDonald Joinery Ltd)Lachlan Campbell (MacDonald Joinery Ltd)

COMPETITION WINNER

The Fair and Square House

The Croft House

09

The Cefco Trade Show was held at their Doncaster, Ten Pound Walk site. It was a great success, with over 500 visitors enjoying the exhibitions and facilities.

COMPETITION WINNER The lucky winner of the Cefco Trade Show prize draw was Jason Horsley, CEF Huddersfield Branch Manager.

The prize was a 6th Gear driving experience, where Jason had the opportunity to drive four top of the range motors, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a Porsche and an Aston Martin. Jason said the day was “absolutely brilliant”.

Jason being presented with his prize by Paul Finney, Cefco Business Development Manager - Central.

The main purpose of the trade show was to demonstrate existing products, feature new products, take a look into the future spread of products currently being researched and developed, and to meet the whole Cefco team. The 45 exhibitors had a very busy day, taking many enquiries together with providing excellent demonstrations and information. Judging by the amount of feedback and complimentary comments, everyone took a great deal from the day, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

After signing in, the visitors could wander around the five main exhibition areas, which included the three Cefco Conference suites, warehouse and marquee areas, taking a brief refreshment stop as they went, which included a hog roast and burger bar.

The general concensus of opinion from visitors and exhibitors alike was “It’s great. When’s the next one going to be?”.

10

Tamlite Lighting has now launched the latest version of their successful HILUX range. The HILUX HX-LED combines the industry-leading performance and quality of the HILUX, with the latest LED technology from Philips Lumileds.

The HILUX HX-LED is available in 2, 3 or 4 row versions with outputs of up to 28,000 lumens, allowing for high-racking LED to match the performance of traditional T5 fluorescent.

The product launch is backed by a brand new set of literature and photometric data and also includes new T5 racking aisle versions.

HILUX HX-LEDTAMLITE LIGHTING LAUNCH THE

LED lighting

is the greatest

development

in the lighting

industry since

Thomas Edison

presented the

world with an

electric lamp

circa 1880.

With all the talk about LED it feels like

a new technology but it has actually been

around for more than half a century.

The LED started life in October 1962, as

a single red illumination in a General

Electric research lab in New York.

During the early years, from 1970 onwards

LED quickly established itself for use in a

variety of application mainly as indicator

lights or numerical displays on measuring

instruments. Throughout the 1970s LEDs

were used in watches, calculators, electronics

and traffic lights with red LEDs in

Emergency lighting.

In the early part of the 1990s a breakthrough

was made by an engineer at the Nichia

corporation which resulted in a blue LED

being available. For the first time white

light was made possible by the careful

combination of RED, GREEN and BLUE

LEDs: the 3 primary colours of light.

By 1996 phosphor white LEDs had been

developed allowing white LED light to

be created with a single blue LED and

a phosphor coating. For the early part

of the 21st century there was significant

development in the efficiency of LEDs.

2

1

IntroductIon.

IntroductIon.

LED TImELINE

60s

70s

80s

90s

00s

First red LED developed by Nick Holonyak at GE in 1962

Red indicator LEDs manufactured by HP,

with materials from monsanto - 0.1 lm

First green and yellow LEDs

First blue LEDs arrive in 1971

1 lumen red LEDs available by 1972

LEDs used in watches, calculators, traffic lights and exit signs

Advances in lumen output. 1984: First Superbright red LEDs

High-brightness blue LEDs by Shuji Nakamura

at Nichia in 1993

1995: High-brightness green LEDs

First white LEDs developed in 1996

Ultrabright red and amber LEDs

LEDs begin to replace incandescent sources in coloured

light applications

LEDs become viable for portable illumination applications

Colour Kinetics founded in 1997

1998: RGB lighting applications

White light via RGB LEDs

White light via blue + phosphors

First “tunable” white LED luminaires

LEDs available in 10-100 lumens

By 2003, LEDs widely accepted in entertainment

lighting applications

White-light LEDs become viable for accent lighting by 2004

1000+ lumen LEDs via multi-chip packages available by 2005

By 2008, LEDs become viable for general illumination

multiple manufacturers (Nichia, Cree, Osram, Lumileds,

King Brite, Cotco etc)

11 aPPLIcatIonS.

applications

the advances in LEd technology and

LEd luminaire design have brought

the benefits of energy-saving, reduced

maintenance and eco-friendly life

cycles to many more end-users and

designers.

LED lighting has already replaced a large

proportion of GU10 and MR16 lamp

sales, with equivalent outputs showing

good energy savings. Many existing GU10

or MR16 Halogen lamps can be directly

replaced with a new LED lamp that can

offer an equivalent output (though not

always against a brand-new replacement

lamp) with energy savings up to 80%.

CDMT and CFL luminaires (downlights

and track spots) are now steadily being

replaced by LED luminaires with similar

outputs. Many retail customers are now

enjoying the low-maintenance costs and

modern looks that LED luminaires can offer.

office/commercial Lighting (Fluorescent)

The LEDs biggest competition in this area

is the T5 lamp. Whilst the lumens per

watt figures are ready to better that of

T5 luminaires, glare and lighting controls

are areas for consideration to luminaire

designers. Use of computer screens means

that glare must be kept to a minimum.

With most offices now preferring to

incorporate lighting controls such as

presence and daylight detection, the

additions of dimmable drivers along with

expensive optics and thermal management

of office specific LED luminaires can make

paybacks difficult when compared with

the T5 option available in the market.

For the greenest of customer LED will offer

the best energy savings, but current return

on investment calculations shows the T5

lamp on top, so both technologies will

continue to be sold to different customer

bases for the next few years.

AccEnt LIGhtInG StrEEt LIGhtInGStreet lighting is now at its tipping point with LEd. over the past 12 months or more local authorities have switched off discharge lighting during hours of the “night” (typically between 12.00am-5.00am) to save energy. they are now switching them back on and the future of street lighting will certainly be LEd.

Conditions for external applications in the UK mean that controlling the heat of LED lanterns is easy to manage.

Lumens per Watt performance of LED provides energy and C02 savings

The precise optical control of LED lanterns leads to accurate light distribution onto the road surface, with minimum light spill to surroundings or upward sky glow.

Dimmable control gear will enable lanterns to be dimmed during less busy hours of the night, providing energy savings but greater safety, than switching lights off. Improved life spans also increase savings through reduced maintenance costs.

13 aPPLIcatIonS.

11

Tamlite have now published over 10,000 of their LED Guides. The guide offers end users, installers and designers a simple, jargon-free guide to LED technology and making the best use of the many products on offer today.

The LED Lighting market continues to be flooded by new suppliers, many of whom seem to have very little lighting experience or knowledge! Thus the provision of independent, authoritative technical data to substantiate life, performance etc. claims is becoming an essential part of CEF and Tamlite’s future as a major

force in the Lighting market. This effort is further bolstered by the LED INFINITY ASSURED programme which looks to set out a rigorous set of standards that will help customers in all sectors identify quality, performance and reliability from LED lighting products.

The LED guide can be downloaded from the Tamlite website or obtained through any CEF Branch. The guide will be supported in 2014 by the introduction of the Tamlite Lighting - Lighting for a Living, LED Workshops.

TAMLITE LED GUIDE

A NEW APPOINTMENT AT TAMLITE...

TM

TAMLITE L IGHTING

LED GUIDE

Justin Kite joins Tamlite following a long and impressive period as Marketing Communications Manager at Seco Tools (UK) Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of carbide cutting tools and associated equipment.

With his 20-years track record in business-to-business marketing, Justin brings to Tamlite a wide range of skills, both strategic and hands-on. He has been brought on board by Tamlite to increase the company’s exposure as it continues to expand its offering of products for the projects and specification market, as well as improve the support to CEF Branches and Groups through the increased effort to help sell-out the key commodity lines.

Colin Lawson, Head of Sales, Marketing & Product Development at Tamlite Lighting, comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Justin Kite into the fold at Tamlite. This is an important appointment for the company, following a year of highly- successful marketing investments. Justin brings to the table great marketing experience that should prove invaluable as Tamlite heads into another exciting year.”

12

After many months of preparation we are fast approaching the launch of our exciting new B2B CEF website. Currently all of the teams who are engaged with the project are working hard to achieve a “go live” date of July 2014. This milestone event for CEF is critical to our continuing success and has been developed to ensure we stay relevant to our customers whilst creating an opportunity for significant sales growth over the coming years.

Our typical customer today is far more tech savvy, with over 75% of electrical contractors now using a smart phone device to conduct their daily business. The web is being used to source technical specifications, review price comparisons and to place orders for products. It is therefore essential that CEF now provide a website for our customers. Our site has been designed to complement our existing branch business and support both our in-house brands and leading manufacturer brands.

As we develop our online business model, we are very confident that this will drive additional traffic to our branches, as customers embrace our click and collect services and learn more about the services and products we offer. This will give our customers flexibility to shop with us online or via our branch network and many will alternate between the two depending on their circumstances at the time of purchase.

Research has shown that for those companies who develop an effective multi-channel strategy, they are likely to be rewarded with customers who spend more and stay more loyal to their brand.

One of the key design principles of our site has been to ensure that customers can find products easily.

This has required an immense amount of effort to ensure our product content, attributes and images are organised and structured in such a manner to deliver an outstanding customer experience. Our highly disciplined approach will be rewarded by Google in terms of search results; furthermore our high quality content should be easy to action by our customers. Our marketing will endeavour to be memorable, inviting to look at and fun to read for new customers. We will be embracing digital marketing techniques and social media to drive brand awareness.

The accounting function for our B2B operation will be under the watchful eye of Accountant Mark Eden. Mark will be working closely with our Credit Reference provider and our internal IT department as we work towards offering an online Credit Account Application system, ensuring that the requisite security measures and existing risk assessment strategies are maintained.

The launch of our B2B website has required a considerable investment of time and money and as you can see from the department updates it has required the establishment of new disciplines and functions for CEF.

Jeremy Saunders and I have been delighted with the energy and commitment of everyone involved with the launch and look forward to updating the business as to our progress over the coming months.

Peter BirksExecutive Director

Mark EdenAccountant

Jeremy SaundersGeneral Manager

Introductions to the CEF Online Team...Peter Birks

Executive Director

www.cef.co.ukIntroducing the new...

13

14

Business to BusinessThe NEW www.cef.co.uk

The new and improved industry leading website and online ordering platform for account holding customers is about to launch. The team who helped to make all this possible, give us an insight into their respective roles in shaping the new www.cef.co.uk.

Online Trading Website

“Since joining B2B as Divisional Manager back in July, it has already been an exciting journey with many challenges. We initially looked at the possibility of outsourcing the logistical element of the business to a third party, such as DHL or Wincanton. However, it became apparent that this route was not viable and would not give us the flexibility and control we desired. Therefore, with the decision made to keep the whole operation in-house, the search for suitable premises began.

With a defined search area, the desire to achieve a late order time for our customers and a requirement for flexible lease options to accommodate future expansion, the search was challenging. Eventually, we successfully negotiated terms on a superb 35,000 sq ft facility in Buntingford, Hertfordshire.

The design and tender process for the Warehouse fit out then began in October 2013. There were many elements to be considered in the design, mainly driven by our requirement to ultimately stock around 35,000 product lines.

This led to us incorporating a 22,000 sq ft mezzanine floor, giving us a total of 52,000 sq ft of Warehouse space. Overstock locations, large cable storage, pick flow and bin replenishment all had to be factored in.

We took possession of the building in January 2014 and began the process of refurbishing the office areas and fitting out the Warehouse with energy efficient intelligent lighting ahead of the mezzanine and racking installation.

Over the last couple of months, we have successfully recruited the management team for the Division, giving us heads of departments for the Warehouse, Purchasing and Customer Service functions. I am pleased to say that we have managed to achieve the presence of experienced CEF staff in all areas, giving us both the company and product knowledge required. The coming weeks will see us continue our recruitment drive to complete all departments.

Progress is well under way for raising initial purchase orders to all of the 170 suppliers who will make up our stock profile.

We will shortly begin the intake of that stock whilst developing and testing the warehouse procedures and scanning system. Parcel and pallet carrier negotiations are also underway and I hope to have our chosen partners selected in the next couple of weeks. The integration of their systems will then begin.

The weeks leading up to the launch will involve intensive training programmes for all staff and extensive testing of all systems. This will ensure we are fully prepared to offer and deliver an industry leading online facility to both our branch network and customers.”

Craig MarksDivisional Manager, B2B

Offering new initiative...

15

Business to BusinessThe NEW www.cef.co.uk

So how did we get here?

www.cef.co.uk

The Software Set Up and ImplementationWe had a 1 Year configuration of a new product database (STEP), including an initial period spent learning the new software. 950 attributes were assigned to 3,000 newly created product categories using specific rules and parameters.

Within the existing Data Preparation Department, re-organisation allowed 100 hours per week to be spent on enriching products with relevant data, alongside completion of the necessary daily tasks, necessitating growth of the department from 3 to 9 members of staff.

The Product SelectionOver 1,500 hours were spent on product selection, and more than 35,000 products selected from over 180 suppliers’ product portfolios.

The Product Enrichment ProcessWe spent over 2,000 hours categorising 35,000 products into 3,000 product categories. These were then data enhanced to comparable website and publication standards, utilising our existing company databases as a starting point. Over 700,000 product specifications have been entered using more than 180 supplier websites and catalogues. In total, 2,200 hours were spent taking over 34,000 images, in addition to acquiring 317 brand logos.

“In March of 2012 we were tasked with producing quality enriched data and images for over 35,000 products for a new and exciting industry leading website and B2B online portal.”Tony Hughes

Internet Product ManagerTracey DoddsData Prep Office Manager

To complete enriching and approval of stage 1 B2B suppliers. To conduct a final cleanse of data, ensuring adherence to data governance rules, thus delivering consistency throughout.

The role of Data Preparation...

The Next Step...

How did we set about this huge task?”

16

From requirements

to website...

The next few months...Our main focus over the coming months is to provide quicker product updates and to conduct a comprehensive testing exercise. The latter is where we will need your help by using the website on different browsers, devices and operating systems and provide feedback on all aspects of the website.

With this completed, we will then be in a position to ‘go live’ providing our customers with a ‘best in class’ website experience.

• 140 webpage designs. • 62,300 lines of application code.• A scalable cloud based infrastructure to quickly adapt to varying web traffic levels.

The website contains some extensive customer focused features, including: •Avastproductrange,allowingthe website to be used as a ‘one-stop shop’. •Enrichedproductinformation,which includes a detailed product specification, images and downloads. •Searchandfilteringtoolstoallowour customers to find products quickly and easily. •Productreviewsthatarehostedby Reevoo, one of the market leaders. •Theabilitytocreateatradeaccount using online credit-checking facilities.

• ‘My CEF’, where you can manage your account, i.e. •Vieworders,quotationsandinvoices. •Requestareturn. •Manageyourusers. •Aquickre-orderingfacility.

• Several customer service contact channels, including phone enquiries and online live assistance.• Support for various payment methods, i.e. on account, PayPal and Credit/Debit Card.• Commercial incentives on the site are achieved with the ability to build promotions and voucher codes.• Flexible delivery and collections options, with the opportunity to have your order collected from a branch or delivered next day. • Keeping the site content current is crucial, therefore news, blog and knowledge base articles can be easily created.

Karl OakesWeb Development Manager

“My role in this project is to manage the design, development and infrastructure of the website.

In order to build an e-commerce website of this scale, we have needed the co-operation and help of many departments within the business and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their ongoing support.

This has allowed an excellent team of highly skilled designers and developers to build a website that has created all of the various features below...”

17

KING...

DIGITAL MARKETING...to

“As we get ready to begin this exciting chapter in CEF history, we must embrace unique forms of marketing for our business, which presents us with new challenges and opportunities.

Digital marketing is the process of connecting and engaging with new and existing customers online. Social media channels such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook offer us the chance to build greater brand loyalty and develop deeper relationships with our customers, while optimising our website. To rank highly across the search engines, provides us with a cost effective method for acquiring new business.

Over the past six months we have developed and refined a well-structured digital marketing plan. We have carried out a digital audit, taking the time to understand our current online presence. We have analysed our customer and sales database; and we’ve identified new functionality such as product reviews that can be used to further enrich our product pages, help us to increase sales and appear higher in the search engine results.

We have put together a calendar of timely and relevant promotions ready for go-live, identified where we can find new customers online and we have started applying

business intelligence to our marketing efforts and already we’re seeing some extremely promising results.

Our social media following has grown by over 1500% and this digital channel is starting to generate new business for the company.

We have begun to send out more targeted email communications and as a result, more people than ever before are opening and seeing our marketing messages.

If these early successes are a sign of what’s to come then we are all about to enter an exciting chapter in CEF history; a time where we can measure the impact of our marketing, drive greater brand loyalty and most importantly increase customer satisfaction.”

Paul GrayDigital Marketing Executive

... and the content is

“Less than 2 years ago we were given the daunting task of providing 35,000 product images for our new Digital Asset Library, initially for use on our B2B Web Site. From day one, we knew we needed to have product consistency of the highest quality throughout all ranges - from wiring accessories to fuses.

We had to come up with new and creative ways to photograph such everyday items. This included the creation of jigs and rigs to hold the products at the best visual angle. This ensured whoever took the shot, the consistency would never waver, as at one point we had up to 4 photographers all going out at different times to various places throughout the country – from John O’Groats to Lands End.

This also had to be as portable as possible as we had to go direct to the suppliers to photograph their products – in anything from a

boardroom, an office or a cupboard! We developed a system that allowed us to assign the product code and copyright to each individual image at point of taking the photograph.

Once the images were back in the Studio, our team of specialists processed each image which included photo manipulation, removal of back-grounds and ensuring consistency of colour and size (quality control). Each image was then backed up to three different servers to ensure security.

The team then had to export each image in a format suitable for upload to our product database (Step). Thanks to B2B we now have a huge Asset Library of extremely high resolution images that can be used not only on the B2B website but in all marketing materials, from banners to flyers and digital signage. If you require a product photograph all you need to do is quote the product code to enable us to insert the image required into your document.”

Paul FosterGraphic Designer

Edward RutherfordGraphic Designer

B2B Product Photography...

18

Flush Screed Modular TrunkingFlexible by design, robust in construction

Contact us for further detailsT: +44 (0)1952 586689 Tamlex | Harcourt | Halesfield 15 | Telford | Shropshire | TF7 4ER

E: sales@tamlex.co.ukW: www.tamlex.co.uk

Profile / compartment dimensions

350mm

65mm

130mm85mm130mm

Remove lid & fillet Drop in service outlet boxSelect any lid position

Easy as 1 - 2 - 3

• Three compartment for Power/Voice/Data• Removable lids to allow easy access to cabling• Removable lid and fillet to position Service Boxes• Reinforced lid to endure typical foot traffic• Full range of accessories to compliment the system

Service Boxes - can be positioned

anywhere on trunking1 2 3

Switch modules

Features:• 1 to 6 gang plates• 10AX, 1-way, 2-way and intermediate• Fuse modules• Key switches• Retractive switches• 13A DP switches• Print legends available

The M2 accessory range now with fully interchangeable modules to enable bespoke switch configurations.

®

Complimenting a full range of wiring accessories, circuit protection and energy management systems.

Access the new brochure online to see the full range.

NEW

Contact us for further detailsT: +44 (0)1527 520678

www.facebook.com/M2Division

@M2Division

E: sales@m2electrical.co.ukW: www.m2electrical.co.uk

Two new appointments in graphic and web design have strengthened the sales and marketing team of the Installation Materials Division.

As web based information becomes increasingly more important it has become necessary to integrate all means of communication. Advertising, such as the

company’s commitment to advertising throughout 2014 in the Professional Electrician will link to further information available on the various web sites. With a monthly circulation of over 70,000 it is an ideal platform to display the many unique and innovative products and further establish the brand awareness of each of the five manufacturing companies.

Marketing Initiatives...Professional Electrician

The R&D department of the Installation Materials Division are now based in purpose built offices and laboratories, providing essential support services to the five In-House brands; Proteus Switchgear, RPP, Tamlex, Centaur & M2.

Utilising the latest 3D CAD design software, innovative designs are created, modelled and tested. Continuous investment in test equipment has ensured compliance with national and international standards; typified by its two year programme with Proteus Industrial Switchgear for design verification testing in accordance with BS EN 61439 which becomes mandatory later in 2014. The department will also utilise third party test validation where appropriate to demonstrate independence of its quality assurance and complement the technical construction file requirements of CE marking and registration.

Our fully trained staff also provide a technical resource to provide drawings, specifications and data sheets not only for the support of the companies’ web sites but for also those of its customers and end users.

Based at

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

19

®

Counter Mats... M2 CatalogueThe NEW

The more traditional areas are not ignored: counter mats; product displays; newsletters; brochures and wall charts are all a function of the department and necessary continuous investment in support of our customers.

CurrentIssues...

Available in hard copy and online at www.m2electrical.co.uk

®

CONSUMER UNITS

XS

Unique twin screw isolator

Safer, circular x-sectional

terminal

Increased terminal length

for a secure connection

Extensive range featuring 1 to 23 way consumer units

Isolator / RCD controlled, dual RCD and high integrity

options available

Manufactured from flame retardant materials to IEC 60695

Safe SecureUnique

CATALOGUEONLINE

DOWNLOAD

A connection above the rest

www.m2electrical.co.uk | sales@m2electrical.co.uk | T: 01527 520678

Scan me for details

Contractor Packs available

(10way dual RCD c/w 10x MCBs)

®

Features & benefits

Dedicated busbarconnector

Durable thermoplastic material

35mm2 terminal capacity

Min/max Torque setting

Features:

• 1 to 6 gang plates

• 10AX, 1-way, 2-way and intermediate

• Fuse modules

• Key switches

• 13A DP switches

• Print legends available

Features:

• 1 to 6 gang plates

• 10AX, 1-way, 2-way and intermediate

• Fuse modules

• Key switches

• Retractive switches

• 13A DP switches

• Print legends available

• Soft Edge.

• High gloss finish.

• Scratch resistant.

• Clean smooth overall appearance.

• Colour matched

• Curved Rockers.

• Crescent rocker marking.

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Access the new brochure online to see the full range

M2X1I 1 Way Insulated UnitM2X2I 2 Way Insulated UnitM2X3I 3 Way Insulated UnitM2X4I 4 Way Insulated UnitM2X8I 8 Way Insulated UnitM2X10I 10 Way Insulated UnitM2X14I 14 Way Insulated UnitM2X16I 16 Way Insulated UnitM2X21I 21 Way Insulated UnitM2X23I 23 Way Insulated UnitIs

ola

tor

Con

tro

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Co

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Un

its

M2X33TR 6 Way Dual RCD Insulated Unit

M2X55TR 10 Way Dual RCD Insulated Unit

M2X66TR 12 Way Dual RCD Insulated Unit

M2X89TR 17 Way Dual RCD Insulated Unit

M2X910TR 19 Way Dual RCD Insulated UnitDu

al R

CD

C

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Un

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M2X23TR1 6 Way Insulated Dual RCD Unit c/w 1 High Integrity Way

M2X55TR2 12 Way Insulated Dual RCD Unit c/w 2 High Integrity Ways

M2X44TR3 11 Way Insulated Dual RCD Unit c/w 3 High Integrity Ways

M2X555TR2 17 Way Insulated Tri RCD Unit c/w 2 High Integrity Ways

M2X554TR3 17 Way Insulated Tri RCD Unit c/w 3 High Integrity Ways

M2X78TR4 19 Way Insulated Dual RCD Unit c/w 4 High Integrity WaysH

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To be comfirmed

Cable Management System

Steel

Basket

Tray

DID YOU KNOW?The stand off bracket can be reserved and used as a suspension

bracket, fit the M6 rods (TF021) through the end holes.

DID YOU KNOW?We can produce special attachments for any application to reduce

on-site fabriction, this can result in a reduced installation timefor the electical contractor.

DID YOU KNOW?The standard length is 3 metres

and ranges from 50 - 600mm wide.

Size available;

50

100

150

200

300

400

600

BT100/50

BT100/100

BT100/150

BT100/200

BT100/300

BT100/400

BT100/600

DID YOU KNOW?C E F

your localstore supplies a

range of Steel Basket Tray

BA

SKET

TR

AY

15

0 x

50

mm

50

x 5

0m

m

• 100 x 50 mesh for general application.• 50mm depth as standard, 100mm and 150mm depth

available on request.• All steel wire frames 4mm diameter• Electroplated finish on basket tray body.• All accessories manufactured from continuously hot

dipped zinc coated low carbon steel strip to BSEN 10346: 2009.

KEY FEATURES

BT/FXFast Fix Coupler

ST06Stand Off Bracket

BT/GCBT/GC For Fourway Gusset

BT/CAFast Fix Conduit Adaptor

BT/WP

Cable Take Off Support

BT/SB

Universal Socket Box Adaptor Plate

A selection of the accessories available

Find more information online tamlex.co.uk

Alternatively scan the QR code

T: 01952 586689

F: 01952 581769

E: sales@tamlex.co.uk

W: tamlex.co.uk

TamlexHalesfield 15HarcourtTelfordShropshireTF7 4ER

QR Code to be confirmed

T - (+44) 01527 528024

E - sales@rpp.uk.com

Take indoors, outdoors

in conjunction with

• IP56 protected in use

• Choose your style of enclosure & fit the module to suit the application

• Power sockets, fuse units, security switches, surge protection

• Computer, telephone, television, satellite, microphone, speakers, HDMI

• Choice of Translucent Covers or Solid Grey

• Protected against dusta dn small particles, as well as

strong jets of water from all directions

13 Amp 1 Gang Switched Socket Outlet

List no. ES 401

13 Amp 2 Gang Unswitched Socket Outlet

List no. ES 501

13 Amp 2 Gang Unswitched Socket Outlet

List no. ES 501

2 Gang 2 way 16 Amp Switch Socket Enclosure

List no. ES 304

1 Gang 2 Module EnclosureList no. ES 404

1 Gang Double Pole Neon 16 Amp Switch EnclosureList no. ES 307

Ask in-store for further details

WEATHER PROOF RANGE

Use in conjuction with

Proteus Industrial provided bespoke 160A – 800A earth leakage units to the requirements of their customer KJ Electrical.

KJ Electrical are a national company who install power supplies to wind and solar farms.

Keith Jones from KJ Electrical needed the earth leakage units to provide RCD protection to the AC supply generated by the wind and solar farms. Dependent on location, units often varied in IP rating specification, with products manufactured here in our Telford based factory; meeting this flexible choice with

suitable enclosures was never a problem (using either standard steel construction or GRP cabinets) and still have the product out for the next day delivery. CEF Malvern now also have a range of the units in stock and are selling similar units on a monthly basis too.

RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLER

Supplying for the future...

20

Now Available!

Features: 50,000hrs LED life, 2 yrs warranty on LED, IP65 rated, c/w AC adaptor and 12V in-car charger, Rechargeable battery pack, 4hrs battery life from a 5hrs charge.

Plus the LEDFLPR10USB 10W features a USB charging port (mobile phones, iPads etc), LCD Screen, dimmable LED and detachable battery pack (spare battery available)

Contact MCG Industrial for more details on 01302 342642.

Well done to Inverness branch who held a MacMillan’s Coffee Morning.

The branch managed to raise £261.20 for MacMillan with lots of support from their Suppliers who kindly donated gifts for Raffle prizes. Gwen Czaja (Account Manager), Ian Chappell (Stores Manager) and Ilona Foster (Sales Assistant) made the lovely cakes for the Coffee Morning, which went down a treat!

A big thanks to all involved for raising money for such a wonderful charity.

Inverness

A MARKET-LEADING Ruabon firm has won high praise after a visit from Assembly Member Ken Skates.

Mr Skates, the Labour AM for Clwyd South, was taken on a tour of the Wrexham Mineral Cables factory at Wynnstay Technology Park, Ruabon, by Divisional Manager Colin Hughes on 22nd November 2013. The company, which employs 43 people, was founded in 1987 and developed a unique patented manufacturing process to produce fire survival cables.

Mr Skates said: “The company’s ongoing success both in the UK and overseas has built up a large client base which trusts them to deliver high quality products to tight deadlines, making it a key employer in Clwyd South.

Wrexham Mineral Cables already exports all over the world but has superb potential for expanding its network and huge potential for future growth. It is also a shining example in terms of its investment in improving employees’ skills, and its research and innovation are second to none.”

He added: “The company is currently creating a new £5m-plus extension to accommodate a new production line that will produce the world’s leading fire survival cables and also a revolutionary new cable for the world’s oil industries. Wrexham Mineral Cables is unique within the UK and with its continuing investment in its highly-skilled and dedicated workforce and its market-leading products the future looks very bright indeed. It’s a jewel in the crown of North Wales industry.”

Assembly Member praises Ruabon firm’s‘huge potential’...

TV recycling first for theElectrical Waste Recycling Group...

TV viewers dump a staggering one million flat-screen sets every year!Electrical Waste Recycling Group has come up with the world’s first automated recycling system to safely deal with the liquid-crystal-display sets and that means approval from the Environment Agency to start the work at their Kirkheaton plant.

It will also mean that EWRG will look to create up to an extra 30 jobs next year. The secret system means the 40 workers at the premises can reclaim all the useful components from a TV set within six seconds.

In addition, they safely harvest the hazardous mercury from inside the LCD (liquid-crystal-display) sets and manage to recycle 98.5% of the components. The previous manual system would take 15 minutes per set.

The approval from the Environment Agency (EA) means the firm has become the world’s first recycling plant to mechanically process LCD flat panel displays from flat screen televisions and monitors.

The company has gained full EA approval, with huge interest shown by other recyclers, flat panel display manufacturers and waste management companies.

Group managing director Keith Patterson said: “We have carried out substantial trials and considering the huge performance advantages this new and unique process offers to the market, we are confident that the volume our partners will deliver will warrant the significant investment”.

MCG have a new and exclusive range of Rechargeable LED Floodlights... Two 10W versions, a 20W version and tripod are available.

NEW - Rechargeable LED Floodlights

Coffee Morning

21

South WalesThe 2013 inaugural South Wales Roadshow was a huge success with a great team of Milwaukee, CK, SuperRod, MTI (Fluke & Megger) and ACS Calibration helping support the South Wales Group in giving them the opportunity to meet many existing and new customers therefore generating a good amount of extra sale along the way.

Special credit goes to Nick Bailey NRS, Sam at Super Rod, Chris at MTI and Darran at CK for their brilliant efforts across the Road Show. Also congratulations to all the branches on the effort put in to making the days so successful.

Mark Rasbuary, Group Manager, said “I am already looking forward to next year... and 12 days solid of bacon rolls!”

Here’s your chance to win £60.00 worth of vouchers by simply circling the 15 differences between the above photographs!Send your entries in to:CEF Ltd. Mel Eden, Tom Mackie House, Station Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 1JJ

Closing date for entries: 30th June 2014.

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!!

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE...GiftTheWIRE

£60

Voucher

Address:

Email:

Name:

COMPETITIONTheWIRE

Send your entries to us...

21

Roadshow

22

Rising concerns over safety and security are fuelling the increased demand for surveillance systems in both internal and external locations. A report by Key Note has predicted that the CCTV market will grow by 30.1% between 2012 and 2016 – with the significant growth forecast from 2013 onwards.

All in one

The Facina CCTV kit with fold down monitor (VK4CHLCD) is a comprehensive CCTV security system and comes complete with four cameras, all necessary cables, a DVR with a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) and a built-in 10 inch LCD monitor.

Fold down monitor

Fully adjustable with a potential 90° tilt, the unique LCD monitor can be folded down when not in use but can continue to record if required. Its 10 inch display can be programmed to show a single camera picture, a four camera sequence or even a ‘quad view’ making use of all four cameras together. A VGA output allows for an additional connection to a monitor or television.

DVR recorder

The easy to use DVR recorder incorporates four video channel inputs plus four audio inputs in case the user wishes to add microphones. It records in real time at 200 images per second

to ensure smooth playback and has a full PAL recording resolution of 720x576 pixels to aid recording clarity. Recording can be programmed per channel as either continuous,

scheduled or by observed motion, resulting in increasing recording capacity and straightforward incident searches.

A pre-installed HDD can hold recordings for over one month and the remote viewing capability allows users to view images from anywhere in the world via their PC, tablet or smart phone.

The supplied software enables users to set up multiple kits at numerous sites and either view, record, or back up remotely – it is possible to view up to 64 cameras simultaneously if required. Additional features include a USB port for backing up footage to a USB memory stick and an RS485 output for controlling additional Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras using Pelco communication protocols.

Cameras

Four Facina dome style cameras can be either wall or ceiling mounted and offer discreet security surveillance in both internal and external environments. A flexible design allows for pinpoint positioning and built in infrared illumination ensures that action up to 10m away can be captured – even in complete darkness.

Extras

The Facina CCTV package also includes a USB mouse for easy access to the menu tree and an IR remote to enable wireless control. Four 20m camera video/power cables supplied with pre-made connectors are available on request included with 20m extensions.

Join the fold rush

For more information contact Facina on 01253 791888, email enquiries.challenger@adivision.co.uk or visit: www.challenger.co.uk

Introducing the new Facina DVR with ‘fold down’ monitor

STAFF FUNDRAISING...ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

23

STAFF FUNDRAISING...

Lisa Thomas, Office Manager from Zöe’s Place in Middlesbrough recently contacted us to thank our Nottingham Branch and in particular Adrian Hill, Account Manager. Lisa said: Our hospices provide a wonderful ‘home from home’ environment for babies and infants aged from birth to five years old who have life limiting or life threatening conditions.

As the only baby specific hospices in the UK, we offer palliative, respite and end of life care completely free of charge and ongoing support to families. During August 2013 our hospice suffered extensive damage due to a flood that meant we had to close our building and were unable to offer the much needed respite and palliative care to our families.

Due to the ever increasing costs incurred by the flood we were very concerned that as we had managed to get our hospice back open there would not be much of a Christmassy atmosphere as our budget just would not allow for replacing our external Christmas decorations and lights and as flood remedial works were continuing all our manpower was being put into remedial works.

BT contacted the hospice to offer volunteer staff for any purpose we proposed, we were keen to utilise their manpower but with no decorations to put up we were really struggling and unfortunately although we had made many appeals donations of lights and decorations were not as forthcoming as we had hoped. It was at this point that BT recommended contacting CEF. Adrian Hill of the Nottingham branch proved to be worth his weight in gold supplying a fantastic array of Christmas lights and decorations turning our extensive front drive into a winter wonderland.

The children were entirely awestruck by the transformation made possible by CEF and BT. The very generous donation of lights, decorations and well equipped teams who made themselves available for the entire day brought many a tear to the eyes of our families and employees. BT and CEF made our hospice a winter wonderland for all to enjoy and for all the hard work we will all be eternally grateful. We hope to continue to build on our working relationship and we welcome all BT and CEF volunteers again in the future.

Carrie Blenkinsop, mum of one, from Coventry will be raising money for the local baby hospice, Zoe’s Place, by taking part in a number of gruelling challenges over the coming months.

Carrie said “I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis which currently affects my back, hips, hands and my knees. Specialists have me on their list of ‘should bes’ – should be in a wheelchair that is. My body is precious to me and with what little I can do, along with huge amounts of

stubbornness and determination I am taking on these four huge challenges, to not only drive me on and focus my energy in a positive manner but also this is quite possibly the last time I will ever be able to achieve such a challenge. I am putting my body on the line literally, to ensure I play my part in giving these young children the best they can get”.

Carrie will be completing the 12k muddy obstacle race, The Iron Run in Kettering in March. In May she will be taking part in the 20 mile Rat Race in

Burghley, the World’s largest obstacle race involving 200 obstacles. She will be completing another obstacle race at Rockingham race course in August. Then the biggie! Riding from Coventry to Paris in September, covering 310 miles over four days!

If you would like to sponsor Carrie by having your company logo on her top for all four events, or give to Zoe’s Place please contact Carrie: Email: carrieandsimon@btinternet.com Good luck Carrie!

Zoë’s Place

Zoë’s Place

Middlesbrough

iPad Mini

WINNER!

This edition’s iPad winner, Adrian Hill from Nottingham Branch, continued to show his loyalty and generosity to Zöe’s Place, by donating the value of the iPad to their charity.

Baby Hospice

Baby Hospice Coventry

From Coventry to Paris...

24

Great fun was had on the South Wales Group Christmas ‘Do’ when the Branch Managers tried their hands at white water rafting at the excellent Cardiff International White Water Centre.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon frolics even though the water was bitterly cold... Still a bite to eat and a few drinks warmed the cockles later on...

Pictured left - back row: Steve Stark, Cardiff Branch. Mal Blackbird, Newport Branch. Marcus Pennyfield, Barry Branch. Ian Webb, Cinderford Branch. Tony Harris, Swansea Branch. Mark Rasbuary Group Manager. Sean Baker, Merthyr Branch and James Brown, Pembroke Branch. Front row: Steve Hubbarde, Port Talbot Branch and Paul Fieldsend from Cwmbran Branch.

CHRISTMAS RAFTING!SOUTH WALES GROUP

Trade ShowThe Fillongley

The gazebo is used on trade days and at local shows to advertise CEF’s services and brand name to the local community. Coleshill branch used this opportunity to create awareness of their recent branch relocation. This turned out to be a huge success with over 250 customers, colleagues and suppliers attending the new unit open day. In addition to their new unit, Coleshill branch have added a Megger checkbox to their counter services, for a small fee customers can check their meters while ordering their goods and record them on the checkcards sold in the branch.

In summer 2013, with supplier support, Coleshill branch took their corporate branded marketing gazebo to the local Fillongley Trade Show, attended by many other local businesses and major suppliers...

TAMLITE OPEN DAY

In May 2014, Tamlite Lighting are throwing open their doors to give CEF and their customers another opportunity to get a taste of what Tamlite Lighting is all about. The event in February 2013 was a great success with customers travelling from as far away as Dumfries and Wimborne to visit.

This year the date has been moved to May and the duration extended to a 2-day affair. The event now includes prize draws, CPD accredited Technical

seminars, Showroom tours and a host of other offers, demonstrations, services and presentations that will give branch staff and their customers a real insight into one of the UK’s major lighting companies.

Invitations will be available for CEF staff to distribute to their customers nearer the time. The dates are Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st May, so please pencil it into your diary NOW and we look forward to seeing you then.

25

Peckforton CastleCheshireThe magnificent Peckforton Castle, built between 1842 and 1851 by John Tollemache has had a few changes of ownership and is now a hotel and wedding/conference venue.

Over the years the castle has been used as a location for television and cinema, including: Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.

The hotel, as an integral part of its commitment to save energy, resources and the impact on the environment, chose CEF (Northwich Branch) in partnership with Fusion Lamps to light the main reception room and bedrooms. Using high powered sparkling 4W LED candle lamps in their chandeliers, the hotel gains substantial energy and cost savings - up to 90% with this installation.

CEF Grantham Branch recently made a contribution to their customer Western Power Distributions Christmas raffle by creating a £250 CEF Grantham voucher to spend in store. They were also invited to attend the raffle on the 24th December with over 200 employees in attendance.

The winner, Matt Howarth, is looking to spend the voucher on some outside lighting for his garden. Picture from left to right: Gareth Rawson(SA) Matt Howarth(WPD) James Buxton(SM) Jonathan Mckane(BM) Mark Miller(AM) Dale Murphy (SA).

CHRISTMAS RAFTING!Raffle Win for Grantham!

Congratulations

Signed by ................................ Signed by ......................

..........

J MCKANE J BUXTON

Branch Manager Stores Manager

Grantham CEF Grantham CEF

£250

TWO

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Exclusive to CEF Grantham Branch

Peckforton Castle

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Wednesday 5th March 2014 saw a visit to Cefco from Peter Birks (CEF Executive Director), to view the new trade counter suite which has recently reached completion at the 63,000 sq ft distribution facility in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The new trade counter area is an accurate replication of a CEF branch, showcasing offerings from the 5 Cefco Companies; Deluce Lighting, F4P, MCG Industrial, Levante and Fusion lamps. Each display panel focuses on a particular family of products and / or market sector, communicating a clear message (regarding our collective offerings), to the ultimate consumer. For example MCG industrial displays shout loudly that we are stockists of industrial products, the display comprises of smaller products, but serves as an invitation for industrial enquiries. Deluce and Fusion are represented with fully functioning displays, the nature of these products demands that we impart the benefit of ownership in an interactive tangible format. F4P offer a vast array of installation products, but more importantly installation solutions for the customer, as such these products are displayed in complementary clusters to communicate this message, “the professionals choice” display is a prime example of this ethos. The Levante panel includes functional hand dryers (try before you buy), complemented by a comprehensive range of ventilation products, and also controls to reinforce the

message that a breadth of such products is available from CEF. Plano-grams of all of these displays will be available to enable an easy transition to branch display areas.The display area also incorporates a digital signage area which will be displaying broadcasts in synergy with the branch network. When questioned about the display area, Peter Birks commented “that it captured perfectly the current culture of improvement in CEF, and should serve as a valuable asset and source of inspiration for anybody looking to enhance their trade counters”. To arrange a visit please contact your local Cefco Business Development Manager, or relevant Sales Manager, Adrian Rees / John Pastoor.

GROUP

Stand Up & Be Counted...

CEF Executive Director Peter Birks, pictured with Cefco General Manager Nigel Hall and Adrian Rees, National Sales & Marketing Manager at Cefco’s new Trade Counter Suite.

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Farleigh SchoolAndover, Hampshire

Farleigh School needed a candle lamp that would fit into their existing designer light fittings. The lamp had to have the look and aesthetics to complement the fittings, but have the energy saving, maintenance and cost reductions of LED.

Fusion Lamps surveyed the area where the lamps were to be fitted and designed a unique bespoke LED candle lamp that met all the criteria required by the school, after installation the lamps were tested on site and have proved to be a great success.

CEF Norwich Fishing Competition...

The floods and power blackouts season is now upon us, causing misery, disruption and critical downtime. MCG Industrial have the solution! They are now launching their new range of generators and pumps, to help cope with the devastation created by water ingress and electricity shutdown problems.

Contact MCG Industrial for more details on: 01302 342642.

Just Launched...

Petrol Water Pumps and Petrol Generators

CEF Norwich’s annual fishing competition in September was again a great success with 30 eager customers trying to get amongst the top prizes...

There were five prizes for the best weights and one for the biggest fish. 1st prize went to Steve Woods, from Norwich Airport, with 30lb 8oz, 2nd Mark Hudson, of Premier Electrical, 3rd Tony Matthews, who is a longstanding loyal customer, 4th Bob Miller from MKM and 5th, plus biggest fish of 11lb 4oz to Gavin Lloyd -Thompson also from MKM. The weather was kind to us on the day and for those that failed to to get amongst the prizes were well compensated with an even sun tan plus a supper of fish and chips, washed down with a pint of woodford’s ale.

Remember, to CATCH a better deal visit www.cef.co.uk!

WHAT ASEND OFF!!!

SPORTS NEWSThe North London and South West Regional football tournament took place in Cardiff, in what proved to be a closely fought, tense, nail biting competition with South Wales coming out on top for the second year running - only on goal difference!

Stuart Peasnall, the London North East Group Manager, fought passionately for his team and was unfortunately rewarded with a red card for his efforts... Bad luck Peazy!... Gerard Herbert the CK National Sales Manager and main sponsor, is seen here presenting Mark Rasbuary the South Wales Group Manager with the shield which sits proudly in Cardiff awaiting next year’s challenge.

Footynote - Peazy would like to make it clear that after requesting a full investigation into the issuing of the red card the decision was rescinded and a yellow card issued instead!

Two of our Warwickshire employees recently enjoyed success in their local town pool league. Simon Furlong (Account Manager at Stratford-Upon-Avon branch) and Franc Woodcock (Office Manager at C Division Accounts) helped their Warwick based Lord Nelson pool team to the Sunday Pool League title. Simon, who is a qualified electrician, started CEF life at Warwick branch and has recently been promoted to his current position, and Franc has worked for several accounts offices during his 19 years including Tamlite Lighting and CEF Head Office, before joining C Division approximately 10 years ago producing accounts on Wrexham Mineral Cables and Pik-A-Pak at Tom Mackie House, Kenilworth.

Both Simon and Franc played a big part in the team’s success during the past season, Simon notching 14 average wins and Franc chipping in with 17 victories, meaning that the team completed the season unbeaten, and just two points clear of their nearest and local rivals The Black Horse Inn. Simon was aided during the season by “Maggie”, the team’s legendary cue, that was left to him by Ben Harris (a former team member) who moved to live and work in the Falkland Islands last year.

Team captain Lee Such commented “The lads were an integral part of the team. Franc’s experience counted for a lot and it’s great to see a young player like Simon develop his game. Both were thoroughly reliable, always turning up, doing their bit and contributing to team spirit“. Well done lads!!!

CEF POOL TEAM CHAMPIONS!