Blog: Investing in the Future

Author: Patrick Harrington, Operations Manager

As the new academic year begins, I wanted to highlight the Quinns Apprentice Scheme and my admiration for the dedication Kris and the Directors show towards investing in future talent.

We are delighted to have recently welcomed Matthew Graham who is joining us as an Apprentice Electrician and commences his studies at Andover & Sparsholt College later this month. This is the start of a 4-year journey leading to full NVQ 3 qualification and an AM2 Practical Assessment.

On the Mechanical side of the business, Daniel Sparrow joined us in July and starts at Wiltshire College this month. Daniel will work towards full qualification both as a plumber and heating engineer. We wish Matthew and Daniel every success as they combine on-the-job training with college assessments over the coming years.

At the other end of the spectrum, we are delighted that three of our Apprentice Engineers are just a single practical assessment away from full qualification. With the support of JTL and Wiltshire College, Rhodri Thomas, Lewis Wakeford and Matthew Young have all progressed beyond our expectations and the Company Directors are excited about their future prospects.     

To keep up with the level of enquiries, the business is keen to upskill on our Mechanical side. We are pleased that we will be working with a new assessor to ensure that Jake Shinton & Tyren Harrington complete their Domestic Gas and Plumbing portfolios as soon as possible. Again, we are in no doubt that both are excellent engineers and will achieve their final sign-off over the coming months.          

Finally, Andrew Conway and Lewis Russell start their second years in Electrics and Carpentry respectively and again we look forward to supporting them through the process.

Kris and the team are justifiably proud that we have now have nine apprentices. Again, as a person new to the industry, I did not realise the level of commitment required on the company’s behalf to embark on these schemes. At the same time, I have been amazed at the attitude and desire to learn shown by all these young people and I look forward to watching them succeed over the next few years and beyond.  

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Blog: Not Another Audit?!

Author: Patrick Harrington, Operations Manager

I am now approaching my fifth month as Operations Manager at Quinns, and given I had no previous Mechanical & Electrical experience whatsoever, I have learnt so much already.   

One aspect of the industry that has surprised me is the volume and regularity of audits which the company must pass to keep its accreditations live. Without these, the business cannot continue to offer our diverse range of specialist services. Indeed, since my first day with the company on 23rd March, Quinns Ltd has been subject to and passed as many as five audits with a six due next month. 

There are three key reasons I wanted to raise this: 

Firstly, audits are time consuming in terms of preparation and, in addition to membership costs for the various bodies, in some cases are chargeable as well. To cover these costs, the company must regularly revise its hourly rates so that our customers continue to be provided with fully guaranteed, quality installations and maintenance.

Secondly, I wanted to express my admiration for the Technical and Operational Directors at Quinns who prepare meticulously for the audit days themselves, presenting detailed folders of information and in many instances accompany the auditors on site visits. There is a feeling of pressure in the lead up to the day itself and this dedication has led to all audits being successfully passed.    

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the auditors themselves. Our MD, Kris Quinn, is at pains to ensure a warm welcome is received, each guest is treated with respect and of course offered regular refreshments. In return, I have to say that each auditor has been incredibly supportive, pulling in the same direction as the company and giving guidance where appropriate. This enables us to demonstrate continual improvement and keep up with the inevitable changes that occur.  

Audits are not going away; they are necessary for businesses like ours to maintain integrity, continue operating in our niche sectors and add to our skillset. For a company of our size, it can be a challenge to keep so many plates spinning, but we will continue to embrace rather than dread the events and use them in a positive manner. Wish us luck for the next one!                  

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Quinns Ltd becomes MCS certified for solar PV installation

Quinns Ltd is proud to announce that the company has achieved full MCS accreditation for the installation of solar PV.

MCS is an industry-led quality assurance scheme, which demonstrates the quality and reliability of approved products and installation companies.

Being MCS certified demonstrates to our customers we install to the industry-expected level of quality every time.

There are four elements to becoming MCS certified:

  1. A commitment to quality workmanship
  2. Commitment to customer care
  3. Demonstrate competency
  4. Committing to continual improvement through the deployment of an effective management system

Kris Quinn, Managing Director commented, “Working with an MCS certified company ensures the safety and quality of your solar PV products and installation, which is hugely important for homeowners.

We are also delighted that becoming a Solar PV MCS Certified Installer means our clients can access the Smart Energy Guarantee scheme which brings rewards for energy returned to the grid. Please click here to learn more.”

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Blog: Electric vehicles in the UK

As more people become conscious of reducing their carbon footprint and minimising the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity. In the UK, EV adoption has been growing rapidly, and the government has set ambitious targets to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the state of electric vehicles in the UK.

How many electric vehicles are out there?

In recent years, the UK has seen a steady increase in the number of electric vehicles on its roads. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), over 100,000 EVs were registered in the UK in 2021, which represents a 91.2% increase from the previous year. Electric cars now account for around 7% of all new car sales in the UK, with the most popular models being the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.3, and the Nissan Leaf.

Is charging infrastructure accessible?

One of the main challenges to EV adoption is the availability of charging infrastructure. Fortunately, the UK government has been investing in expanding the charging network. As of 2021, there were more than 26,000 charging points across the country, including over 5,000 rapid chargers. Rapid chargers can charge an EV battery to 80% in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for long journeys.

In addition to government efforts, private companies and local councils are also investing in charging infrastructure. For example, Shell has partnered with Waitrose supermarkets to install EV chargers in their car parks, while Transport for London has installed more than 300 rapid charging points across the city.

How is the UK Government supporting EVs?

The UK government has set ambitious targets to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. To support this transition, the government offers several incentives to encourage the purchase of EVs. These include a plug-in car grant of up to £2,500 for eligible vehicles, a reduced rate of vehicle tax for zero-emission cars, and exemption from the London congestion charge. In addition, the government has also announced plans to invest £500 million in EV charging infrastructure over the next five years.

What are the environmental benefits?

One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of EVs is their environmental benefits. EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to local air pollution. They also produce less greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel cars, even when considering the emissions from generating electricity to power them.

In addition to the environmental benefits, EVs can also save drivers money in the long run. EVs have lower running costs than petrol or diesel cars, with electricity being cheaper than fossil fuels. They also require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts and do not need oil changes.

What does this mean for the future of EVs?

Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for UK drivers, and with government support and investment in charging infrastructure, their adoption is likely to continue to grow. As we look towards a future with cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, EVs are an important part of the solution.

Looking for EV charger installation?

We’d be more than happy to help! Our friendly team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch here or call us on 01980 625449 today to chat with our experts.

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Quinns creates bespoke cypher sign to mark the coronation of King Charles III

Quinns Ltd has teamed up with Tim Tomblin at TIATO for yet another unique signage project.

The team are proud to have designed, created and installed a bespoke cypher sign at Antrobus House in Amesbury, to mark the King’s Coronation.

The sign was constructed by Quinns’ own carpenter at the workshop, before it was installed by Quinns construction engineers on 3rd May 2023.

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The phase out of compact fluorescent lamps

The UK is gradually phasing out the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in favour of more energy-efficient lighting solutions. This decision was made to reduce energy consumption and to help the country meet its carbon reduction targets.

What are the issues with CFLs?

CFLs were once a popular choice for energy-efficient lighting. They were seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs, as they used significantly less energy to produce the same amount of light. However, over time, it became apparent that CFLs had their own environmental problems, such as the presence of mercury in their design.

As a result, the UK government decided to phase out CFLs in favour of more efficient and safer lighting solutions. The phase-out began in 2016, and the sale of new CFL bulbs has been gradually decreasing since then.

What are the alternatives?

Instead, the UK government is encouraging consumers to switch to more energy-efficient lighting solutions such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or halogen lamps. These types of bulbs use even less energy than CFLs, last longer, and do not contain any hazardous materials. LEDs in particular, are now widely regarded as the most energy-efficient lighting solution available and are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for consumers.

The phase-out of CFLs in the UK has been a success, with more and more consumers opting for energy-efficient lighting solutions. According to a report by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the sales of LED bulbs in the UK increased by 39% in 2020, while the sales of CFL bulbs decreased by 44% in the same period.

There are several reasons why LEDs have become the preferred choice for consumers. Firstly, they are more energy efficient than CFLs, and use up to 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Secondly, they are long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 25 years, meaning that they do not need to be replaced as often as other types of bulbs. Finally, LEDs come in a range of different colours and brightness levels, making them suitable for a variety of different lighting applications.

Where do we go from here?

In conclusion, the phase-out of CFLs in the UK has been a positive move towards reducing energy consumption and meeting carbon reduction targets. The popularity of LED bulbs has proven that consumers are willing to switch to more energy-efficient lighting solutions, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.

Looking for electrical services?

At Quinns Ltd, we offer a full range of electrical services from refurbishment and rewiring to new installations in a commercial and industrial environment. Learn more about how we can support you here.

Our friendly team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch here or call us on 01980 625449 today to chat with our experts.

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Quinns Ltd achieves FIRAS certification

Quinns Ltd is proud to announce the company achieved FIRAS certification in March 2023.

FIRAS is a voluntary, third party certification scheme that promotes good practice for the installation and maintenance of passive fire protection products. Companies are required to employ highly competent supervisors and technicians and must pass a three-stage assessment to become certified:

  • Assessment of office management systems
  • Assessment of workmanship of site for all trade disciplines for which certification is sought
  • Competence assessment of supervisory and installation employees

FIRAS is the leading certification body for companies installing passive and active fire protection systems, and certified companies must continue to demonstrate compliance with industry standards and material/product manufacturer installation instructions in order to reassure their clients that the fire protection installed by them is correct to specification and will provide the required level of fire protection.

Kris Quinn, Managing Director commented, “We are delighted that achieving the FIRAS certification will enable us to expand our range of services.

We would like to remind our clients how important it is to ensure your firestopping is carried out by certified professionals. The Quinns team is always on hand to provide advice on a range of fire safety and compliance requirements that are essential to all businesses”.

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Winchester City Council & TSML appoints Quinns Ltd for fire safety works

The Quinns team have recently been appointed by Winchester City Council and our client TSML to carry out the works at King’s Walk Shopping Centre.

The upcoming electrical project will include installing fire safety infrastructure such as emergency lighting, fire stopping and electrical testing.

Kris Quinn, Manager Director at Quinns commented, “As a certified member of the BAFE Fire Safety Register, we are trusted experts in the field of fire safety. We’re delighted to be supporting Winchester City Council and TSML by conducting these important fire safety works.”

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Quinns Ltd completes two-part refurbishment project

The Quinns team were appointed to carry out an extensive two-part refurbishment project within the front of house area at our client’s offices.

In the first phase, the team were tasked with refurbishing toilets, offices, conference rooms, communal areas, stairs and reception areas. This not only included replacing all of the plumbing and electrical services within these areas, but also new ceilings, doors, decoration, flooring, desks, fit out of IPS and cubicles along with all appliances and signage.

Once complete, the second phase required the upgrade of all the local distribution outstations. A significant amount of planning and management was required to coordinate this complex project, which involved staged electrical shutdowns and required panels to be built at our site in Amesbury for installation onsite.

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Quinns Ltd wins contract at St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury

The Quinns team are thrilled to have won the contract to upgrade the plant room and heating system at St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury.

Kris Quinn, Managing Director at Quinns commented, “Our Mechanical Services team are highly skilled mechanical engineers who are experienced in all aspects of plumbing and heating, from the small-scale reactive maintenance up to industrial plant room refurbishments and new installations. We are looking forward to supporting St Thomas’ Church on their upgrades.”

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