As most owners of commercial properties will be aware, an Energy Performance Certificate (“EPC”) is a document produced by an approved assessor which is designed to provide a measure of a property’s energy efficiency. This will be in the form of a rating, which will be from ‘A’ to ‘G’ on a scale, with a rating of band ‘A’ representing the highest energy efficiency. To calculate this rating an EPC assessor will use a standard methodology, looking to how the property is ‘insulated, heated, ventilated, and lighted’. However, what is not as often understood are the situations in which an EPC is necessary, and what the penalties are for failing to have one in place.
It is necessary to provide an EPC if you are selling your property * or if you are renting your property to a tenant. This requirement to provide an EPC applies to both domestic and non-domestic properties. Additionally, the following requirements will also apply:-
- Any marketing particulars should give the energy performance indicator as given in the EPC;
- The EPC must be provided free of charge to the potential purchaser/tenant.
An EPC is also required if you are applying for a completion certificate from the Local Authority for the construction of the building; if you are applying for a feed-in tariff for solar panels; and it is often a request from your lender if you are refinancing your property. An EPC is not required to be given to an existing tenant who is renewing their lease. For domestic properties, a Home Report will usually be required to put the property on the market, which will contain an EPC – it is worth noting that for a private sale, where a Home Report is not needed, an EPC is still required.
Penalties
In terms of penalties, failure to provide an EPC to a tenant or purchaser can result in a Penalty Charge Notice – which carries a fine of £500 (for domestic properties) or £1,000 (for commercial properties). It is irrelevant that a tenant or purchaser waives their right to be provided with an EPC. It is also worth noting that Local Authorities have the power to bring criminal sanctions against those who breach EPC legislation.
For some properties, it is mandatory for an EPC to be produced and displayed in the property; for example, in properties that are occupied by a public authority and which are frequented by the public and are over 250m2 in area. Additionally, if you own a non-domestic property over 1000m2 in area, and are planning to sell or let the property, you are under an obligation to have not just an EPC, but also an action plan which identifies improvements to the energy efficiency of the property. We have not explored the full details of that here, but further information can be provided if you require.
Once an EPC is produced for a non-domestic property, it is a legal requirement to have it affixed to the property. Building standards guidance suggests this is best affixed near a boiler or meter. It is also good practice to keep a copy with your title deeds or any alteration documents, as it may be needed in the future. It is worth noting that only the EPC itself requires to be affixed to the property – it is not a breach of this requirement if the recommendation report included with an EPC is not affixed to the property. Penalties for failure to comply with the requirement to display an EPC can result in a fine of £1,000.
How long does it last?
An EPC will last for a period of 10 years and does not need to be updated during this time. However, if alterations have been carried out, it may be a good idea to have the EPC updated as these alterations may have increased the property’s energy rating from the original EPC rating.
Exemptions
It is also useful to note that there are some categories of property which are exempt from the EPC regulations. These include:-
- Buildings owned or occupied by certain government departments;
- Temporary buildings intended to be used for less than 2 years;
- Workshops and certain agricultural buildings which have low energy usage;
- Standalone properties with a total useful floor area of less than 50m2.
Does the property already have an EPC?
Should you be curious as to whether a property you are considering purchasing or already own has a current EPC, there is an EPC register which contains the EPCs of properties which have been produced. Please note this generally only contains EPCs of non-domestic properties. This register is open to the public and can be accessed by anyone and searched by postcode, as well as the EPC Report Reference Number. It is worth noting that not all EPCs are listed here, due to the fact that lodging the EPCs on this register was phased in over time.
In terms of future developments, it is also worth mentioning that the Scottish Government is currently consulting on legislation to introduce a minimum energy rating for private domestic properties subject to a new lease after 1 April 2019. This will have the result of making all properties leased to a new tenant after this date have a minimum energy rating of a band ‘E’, which requirement is expected to rise to a band ‘D’ after 1 April 2022. This will likely be enforced by Local Authorities who can issue fines to the owners of properties which do not meet the required rating. Should these changes be brought in, they could have a significant impact for many private residential landlords, who will find they cannot grant a new lease of their properties if their energy rating is a band ‘F’ or less without carrying out upgrading works.
Please also be aware that the regulations applying to an EPC will differ for properties which are not located in Scotland.
For help and advice on commercial property related matters please speak to a member of the Blackadders Commercial Property team.
Stephen Annis, Trainee Solicitor
Commercial Property
Blackadders LLP
@ComPropStephen
Charities and employers both have a role to play in encouraging and supporting young trustees.
A welcome aspect of this year’s Trustees’ Week on 12-17 November has been the focus on youth – in particular the ‘Young Trustee’ campaign to get 250 charities to pledge to recruit a young person to their board.
The need for an initiative like this was highlighted in last year’s Taken on Trust report, which showed that the average age of trustees is 60-62, that 64% are male and 92% white. The research is based on trustees in England and Wales only, but there’s no reason to believe the situation in Scotland is significantly different.
There’s another figure in Taken on Trust which received less attention but is equally concerning: that over seven out of ten trustees had been recruited directly by the chair or fellow board members. Without belittling the brilliant work done by such trustees, it’s not just the diversity of trustees we need to widen, it’s the methods used to find them. If not, diversity will remain elusive or cosmetic.
In defence of charities, for many of them, it’s easier said than done to find young trustees – especially when organisations have limited resources to recruit or advertise for trustees.
A good starting point for advice for charities looking to recruit younger trustees (and volunteers) is the Charities Commission’s checklist on ‘Finding and Supporting Young Trustees’. It gives good pointers for connecting with young people, such as building relationships with colleges, universities and student unions.
It also includes practical considerations around, for example, the legal issues when recruiting young trustees, the need to avoid tokenism, and the need to provide appropriate support, mentoring or training. While the checklist focuses on younger trustees, these issues apply with all trustees. Governance training is highly recommended for all charity boards.
Employers too need to think about how to support and encourage young trustees. Trusteeship has obvious benefits for charities and society, and also for individuals. But often overlooked is that employers benefit too – it can help recruitment, and young trustees will also develop their soft skills, networks and connections.
The average trustee spends over four hours a week on their duties. Clearly, this will largely be in their own time, but any trustee will still need occasional time off and support to attend a board meeting or event.
If there’s a take-out message for employers from this year’s Trustee Week, it’s to do their own bit to support diversity by enabling and encouraging their own staff to sign up and perform their trustee duties effectively.
Partner, Head of Charities and Third Sector
Lindsays
alastairkeatinge@lindsays.co.uk
0131 229 1212
-Thousands of visitors taking advantage of Virgin Trains’ reduced fares from England
-Visitor numbers to Glasgow surge over festive period
-The best shopping experience in the UK outside of London is just a short train ride away
THOUSANDS more shoppers are crossing the border with Virgin Trains to enjoy Glasgow’s Christmas attractions, new figures show.
The number of people taking advantage of reduced day return fares from the North of England in the run up to the festive period has grown by more than a quarter in just three years.
On the back of this success, Virgin Trains has cut the cost of a day return “Shopper” ticket to Glasgow by a third, valid on any train after 9.30am.
Return fares are available for just £17 from Carlisle, £22 from the Lakes (Oxenholme and Penrith) and £27.50 from Preston. First Class returns are available from between £35 and £56 from Carlisle/Preston respectively until the promotion ends on January 6.
Last year, nearly 15,000 people took advantage of Virgin Trains’ flexible Shopper tickets between November and early January, a 28% increase on 2014/5.
The number of people making planned festive trips from Northern England has also surged. Last December, the number advance journeys in December between Glasgow and Preston, Lancaster and Cumbria rose to 5700 a week, nearly a third higher than in 2013.
Michael Stewart, Virgin Trains General Manager for Anglo-Scottish services, said the growing reputation of Glasgow as a shopping and leisure destination and faster train journeys was drawing more people to visit from as far as Preston.
“Glasgow’s world class shopping, Christmas markets, attractions and atmosphere makes it the perfect day out and we are seeing lots more people from the north of England taking advantage of our reduced fares in the run-up to Christmas. With three Virgin Trains services every two hours to Glasgow, it’s a quick and enjoyable way to visit Scotland’s biggest city,” he said.
In recent years, Glasgow has cemented its reputation as a festive destination, with heavily-attended popular Christmas markets established in its George Square and St Enoch Square alongside the city’s world-famous “Style Mile” retail district propelling Glasgow to the position of the UK’s leading shopping destination outside of London.
Throughout December, visitors to Glasgow city centre can benefit from late night shopping at more than 1500 shops and an exciting programme of fun events for all the family as part of Glasgow Loves Christmas, the city’s annual festive marketing campaign managed by Glasgow Life.
Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “We welcome Virgin Trains’ ongoing commitment to Glasgow and we’re delighted that this great value offer will once again make the city even more accessible to leisure visitors from the North of England throughout the festive season. As the success of this joint promotion shows, flexible, affordable rail travel together with a compelling destination offering is a winning combination for Glasgow. As the UK’s largest and most successful shopping destination outside London with a huge selection of world-class brands and retailers we’re confident there’s something to suit every shopper and budget. Together with a packed programme of magical events and festive fun, it’s true that Glasgow Loves Christmas like nowhere else.”
Book your ticket now at www.virgintrains.co.uk.
For more information on Glasgow’s spectacular festive programme, visit www.glasgowloveschristmas.com
Originally seen as a niche investment sector, responsible investment is now not just in the ascendancy – it has become increasingly mainstream. It has been a long journey since the first ethical investment vehicles were launched in the 1980’s (EdenTree’s Amity UK Fund among them), but now around 80% of asset managers and asset owners now incorporate a degree of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their decision making.
Responsible investing allows you to make a positive difference to the world by entrusting your money to an investment manager, or fund, that integrates ESG or responsible criteria into the traditional investment process. Through these processes, the investment vehicle chooses very carefully the companies that it invests in, based on their principles – what they believe in and what they do – as well as their prospects for growth and returns.
One of the often confusing factors around responsible investing is that there are many different ways to approach it, and many different terminologies which often overlap. For example, ethical investing has its roots in faith-based investing and typically sees investors avoid associating their money with practises they do not agree with. Sustainable investors seek to invest in companies that generate returns without future detriment to the environment and society. Responsible investing incorporates both of these aspects into its process.
One of the key issues to arise from this is the danger that investors end up confused or the victims of ‘greenwashing’ – a term used to describe when asset managers purport to be ‘green’ through marketing rather than fully integrating ESG and sustainability into their investment processes. Unfortunately, the loose appellation of ‘SRI’, ‘ESG’ and ‘ethical’ to funds has created a caveat emptor – ‘let the buyer beware’ – situation. As demand grows for ESG, it is crucial to assess which asset managers are offering credible solutions.
Despite this issue however, we believe responsible investing appeals to the very basic tenets of the investment wisdom. It is primarily about risk mitigation as well as adding value. Companies that take seriously their responsibilities to society and the environment, managing the associated risks, are more likely to be those that will deliver sustainable outperformance over the longer term. Research indicates companies that are built on strong ESG practises are lower risk because they are well managed, and their headroom for revenue and profit growth is significant due to their provision of sustainable solutions which are increasingly in demand.
As companies become increasingly global, their risk profile increases. A global supply chain and client base can present multiple risks around human rights, labour relations and business practices, which if mismanaged could lead to reputational damage, fines or a loss of licence to operate. All of this can detrimentally affect the performance of the company and the client’s return. A responsible investment process seeks to identify these additional risks and understand how the company is managing them. Additionally, companies that manage their impact on the environment are increasingly turning cost centres into profit generations, whether through reducing energy use and recycling waste, or preparing for changes in legislation and regulation. These savings and additional income all contribute to a company’s performance and ultimately to the shareholder’s bottom line.
Therefore responsible investing does not have to come at the sacrifice of performance either, because it is routed in the long-term, whether it be on the issue of climate change or any other social or environmental challenge that we face. As such, ESG considerations are actually perfectly positioned to be investment criteria if we consider the practise of investing is designed with a long-term horizon in mind. Responsible investing in companies that are built on sustainability gives you the ability to identify long-term trends with much more accuracy, which in turn allows you to more consistently achieve what we at EdenTree call ‘profits with principles.’
Overlaying ESG or responsible investment process has enormous benefit for investors and the market is certainly recognising this. Studies also show that the younger generation of investors, those who are just beginning, are far more conscious of social and environmental issues and much more likely to opt for a responsibly managed fund which fits their wider outlook.
Collectively, the result is a compelling investment thesis.
Please remember past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested. You should always retain professional advice before making any investment decisions. For advice on investments speak to a member of the Blackadders Wealth Management Team today.
Jamie Daniels
Investment Manager
Blackadders Wealth Management
I’m sure you’re all wildy aware of the uproar at the moment regarding Iceland’s banned Christmas advert promoting a #NoPalmOilChristmas. Targetted social media tactic or accidental marketing genius?
The advert, released on Twitter on Friday, won’t be making it to our TV screens this year as it breaches the UK’s political advertising laws. Naturally, everyone’s gooey centres were melted into madness and immediately a social media campaign began, with petitions reaching over 800,000 signatures in order to get that little Rang-tan swinging from channel to channel. A solid scroll will even see my name in the list!
Clearcast, the body responsible for approving TV adverts on behalf of the major broadcasters, is clear in saying that the reason for the ban is as a result of Greenpeace’s involvement with the video.
Originally, the ad was actually in the form of a Greenpeace campaign film and has been on their website and social media for quite some time, which is where the problem lies. As it was initially created by them prior, they view it as a political campaign more-so than a marketing one. In order to bypass the ban, Greenpeace would have to prove they are not a political advertiser to the satisfaction of Clearcast – so despite the social media furore, it seems highly unlikely.
It seems there’s no end to the debate over this little Rang-tan, as there’s now discussion that Iceland were well aware the advert would be banned and this scandal plays into their palms. Understandable, when you consider that in just 2 weeks the advert has triple the views of its 2017 Christmas ad and it’s sent social media absolutely bananas – generating even more publicity!
The very fact that it has been released as a controversial “banned” advert has kickstarted momentum that perhaps might not have been the case had it made it straight on air. Christmas adverts more than ever are becoming so highly anticipated, competing annually with the retail heartstring tuggers, Iceland may have swooped in and stolen gold before half have even had their chance!
With more than 14 million views on Iceland’s Facebook page and 100,000 retweets on Twitter, it’s definitely a campaign that isn’t going quietly – and certainly not with a hyper-realistic robotic orangutan trawling London “searching for a new home”!
Insisting this isn’t the case, Iceland CEO Richard Walker notes they were only made aware of the ban around a fortnight ago and they had believed by removing Greenpeace branding from the advert it would satisfy broadcasting law – hoping that by teaming up they could spread the message far and wide.
He notes that Iceland have been active in this campaign, making the move to pull palm oil from all of their own-brand products 2 years ago and believe that whilst they appreciate this only scratches the surface of a much larger issue, it’s urging a conversation that has been well over-due.
“Everything we do as a human race leaves a footprint, but it’s about doing what we can where we can” – Richard Walker, CEO of Iceland
Though, it may be worth noting that Iceland were one of the worst rated by Ethical Consumer for stockists of palm oil, prior to this active moment. So has it all just been a ploy to gain back some brand equity initially lost from this?
With this discussion growing arms and legs all around us, we are now aware of just how detrimental palm oil can be for our environment. Whilst the debate shifts, we are discovering more about the sustainability of what goes into our much-loved products and as a whole becoming more environmentally conscious consumers. So I suppose the final argument is: genius marketing ploy or not, are we glad of it anyway?
Iceland may have top trumped the retail masterminds and sent everyone swinging, but they have most definitely raised some much needed awareness.
If you’re interested in a #NoPalmOilChristmas, Ethical Consumer has a palm oil free list that can help keep you slightly sustainable: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/palm-oil-free-list
Shauna Rafferty, Account Executive at Teviot
We are a brand and marketing agency who understand that if you don’t give the marketplace a story to talk about, they’ll define your brand for you. We’re here to help you establish and define your brand story on your terms.
• Shopping scams represent three quarters (78 per cent) of all reported scam cases in the UK
• One in five high value shopping scams (21 per cent) result in losses of more than £5000
• With almost half of Scots (48 per cent) planning to make a purchase this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Barclays issues new warning in its mission to beat scammers
Bargain hunters beware. Careless shoppers this Black Friday and Cyber Monday could be in line for big losses, according to new data from Barclays.
Scottish people are at risk, with Barclays research showing that two fifths (41 per cent) have saved up throughout the year for the event, and almost one quarter (23 per cent) plan to purchase high cost electrical items such as a TV or laptop. This is despite 41 per cent stating that they have concerns about being scammed on the day.
In doing so, Scottish shoppers of all ages are overlooking the scam warning signs – more than half (56 per cent) would make a purchase with a company that doesn’t request delivery details, and nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) would be comfortable using an unfamiliar website.
Throughout the year, Scottish shoppers take on average 3 hours to buy a piece of clothing. On Black Friday, a third (33 per cent) take under five minutes to splash the cash.
So, while the big events in the shopping calendar offer a great chance for savvy shoppers to get their hands on a great deal, it also presents scammers with a golden opportunity to make a quick buck. Shopping scams, where the victim pays in advance for goods never received, make up a staggering 78 per cent of all reported scam cases in the UK.
Across the country, almost two-thirds (59 per cent) of high value shopping scams result in a loss of £2000 or more, equating to more than the UK’s average monthly salary[1], with one in five (21 per cent) resulting in losses of more than £5000
To help Brits stay vigilant, Barclays is calling on the half of (48 per cent) Scottish shoppers planning to splash the cash this Black Friday and Cyber Monday to take greater care when making their purchases.
Barclays top tips for staying safe this Black Friday and Cyber Monday:
1. Think before making a purchase
On shopping sale days, people take significantly less time to purchase household items such as a sofa – on average 27 hours is spent making this decision on non-sale days, with one in 10 taking less than five minutes on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. This is also true for fridges and dishwashers, as well as televisions and laptops. Be sure to stop and think before you buy – is the website the real deal?
2. Don’t ignore your concerns
Almost half of Scots (48 per cent) are planning to make purchases this Black Friday even though 41 per cent have concerns about being scammed on the day – do not click on any links, or open any attachments in emails from people you don’t recognise
3. Learn from previous mistakes
Shoppers need to be vigilant in learning from mistakes. Over half of Scots (56 per cent) would still make a purchase at a shop they were previously scammed at. Never give out your PIN or online banking password – legitimate websites won’t ask for it
4. Watch out for deals that are too good to be true
Scottish shoppers on average expect to spend nearly £300 this Black Friday, with some committing to spending up to £750 – quite a sum when you think that could cover a month’s rent or a holiday to Spain. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is
5. Don’t expect to spend everything you have saved in advance
41 per cent of Scottish people put money aside in advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Keep an eye on your bank balance so that you can spot and report fraudulent transactions quickly
Speaking about the results, psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw explains the psychology behind our fervent need to bag a bargain: “The fear of missing out, of experiencing regret because you’ve missed a bargain, of someone else getting that sought-after item: this all feeds an irrational buying frenzy that can lead to mistakes. Barclays data shows that ahead of this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shoppers’ buying behaviour can lead to a high risk of being scammed. Rather than a shopper who is careless and loses money, be a shopper who feels pleased about money saved for goods that have been carefully purchased.”
Jodie Gilbert / Ross Martin, Barclays Head of Digital Safety, said: “As thousands of us chase a deal on that new laptop this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, criminals are getting ready to jump on anyone who lets their guard down. My advice for Black Friday shoppers: beat the fraudsters by staying alert – warning bells should start to ring for those deals which appear too good to be true.
For more details on how to stay safe, visit www.barclays.co.uk/security
Barclays backs Take Five to Stop Fraud – a national campaign from UK Finance and Government offering straight-forward advice to help everyone prevent financial fraud.
EDINBURGH business Carbon has won the Gold Standard Award for Independent Financial Advice for a sixth successive year.
They are one of just eight firms across the UK to receive the accolade this year..
Investment director Barry O’Neill and London office director Darren Lees attended the awards ceremony in the House of Commons.
The 2018 Gold Standard Awards were judged by an independent panel of experts chaired by Rosy Anand, head of marketing, workplace savings and defined benefits solutions at Aviva..
Carbon managing director Gordon Wilson said: “The Gold Standard Awards are extremely important, considered by many to be the benchmark of excellence in our industry.”
“Only a handful of 5,000 plus financial advisory firms across the UK achieve the Award each year, so to be one of them is a great honour.
“To be one of them, repeatedly, for six years is even better.”
“Clients put their faith in us every day, so it’s hugely gratifying when we can pay this back with an independently-judged award which endorses our claims to excellence and justifies their trust.”
Entrants are asked to complete a lengthy questionnaire to demonstrate strength in five ‘pillars’ of their business: Financial Strength, Capability, Service, Fair Value and Trust.
They must show in detail how they have gone above and beyond the standard requirements of the industry, and how they have improved on their offering of the previous year.
Businesses must also show a commitment to furthering levels of trust throughout the wider financial industry.
Commenting on the announcement from the Prime Minister that the Cabinet has backed the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the political declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU27, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses will recognise the huge efforts made by the Prime Minister and across government to reach this milestone.
“With people’s livelihoods and the future prospects for many companies in the balance, this is not the time for snap judgments. Businesses will be looking carefully and deliberately at the real-world implications of this agreement over the coming days, and expect their elected representatives to do the same.
“After two and half years of uncertainty, this may be end of the beginning — but not yet the beginning of the end. Our firms need clarity and precision on the specific terms of trade they will face in future, many of which are still to be agreed. The avoidance of sudden or multiple changes to trading conditions is crucial to business investment and confidence.
“Our priority will be to assess the implications of these proposals, working closely with Chamber business communities across the UK.”
Leading Scottish law firm MacRoberts LLP announced today that Euan Duncan is the firm’s new Chair.
Since 2015, Euan has been an extremely valued and effective member of MacRoberts’ Management Board. This new appointment will see Euan take on the role of Chair for the firm as part of the updated and widened strategic management of the firm. The new role will involve the strategic development of the business, maintaining and acquiring new clients and contacts and internally encouraging and supporting all members of staff and partners.
Euan is an accredited Intellectual Property specialist and joined MacRoberts as a Partner in 2012. In addition, Euan is Head of the Food and Drink Sector Group, an industry sector that has seen significant growth for the firm in the last few years. Euan’s role as Chair will be in addition to his growing practice as an IP and commercial contracts expert.
Euan Duncan said,
“MacRoberts is a firm that has a strategic vision for growth in the next few years. I am hugely proud to be a partner and the Chair of MacRoberts and look forward to assisting with the implementation and achievement of that vision. Our focus will always be on our clients, our business and our people and this role allows me to focus on all of these. I fully support Neil’s approach and his plans for the future of the firm and I look forward to working closely with him to achieve these.”
Managing Partner, Neil Kennedy, said,
“I am delighted Euan has been appointed our new Chair. In my first year as Managing Partner we have set out ambitious plans for the next three years and Euan is the ideal candidate to help us take these forward as we develop our business.”
This announcement comes during a prosperous year for MacRoberts. The acquisition of Yuill + Kyle in December 2017 saw the firm strengthen its debt recovery offering, whilst Neil Kennedy was appointed as Managing Partner of the firm in May 2018. In addition, the firm has recently posted its accounts revealing that profit, turnover and staff headcount are all up on last year’s figures.
In another areas of success, MacRoberts is the only Scottish-based firm to be shortlisted at the British Legal Awards in London this month, for Commercial Property Team of the Year.
The skills of eight Edinburgh College students will be put to the ultimate test this week as they head south of the border to take part in the UK’s largest student skills competition.
Three stonemasons, two roofers, one brickworker, one automotive technician and one network infrastructure technician will fly the flag for the College at WorldSkills UK Live – a festival of skills competitions for students which sees the UK’s top talent vie for gold, silver and bronze medals. The competition takes place on Thursday and Friday (15 and 16 November) with winners being announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday (17 November).
Those age and skill eligible finalists who excel in the National Finals may be invited to join the WorldSkills UK training and development programme which would prepare them for competing at WorldSkills Shanghai 2021.
Each student has earned their place having performed well in regional qualifiers against their peers – with the highest scoring students taking up final spots at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Tony Mailer will compete in the Automotive Technology category after he won an IMI SkillAuto Technology Qualifier at the Henry Ford Academy in Daventry, Northamptonshire in May.
He said: “It’s unbelievable. It’s amazing to have won at Henry Ford and for the judges to deem my performance as good enough to compete at WorldSkills UK Live.
“I can’t wait to get down to Birmingham, meet the other competitors and see what the event is like in real life.”
Stonemason Calum Munro qualified for the trip to Birmingham after winning his regional qualifier which was held in Stirling. When asked how he’d feel if he won again at the UK final Calum said: “It would be great as it would be very difficult to do, as there will be some very good people competing and it will be very hard within the set time limits we have to complete the tasks.”
Since winning his regional qualifier, Calum has finished his Stonemasonry SCQF Level 6 course and is now working on site for FA Sweeney, a stonemasonry contractor, applying all the skills he learned during his time at the College’s Granton Campus.
Brickworker Jed Smith, who is currently studying for an HNC in Construction, is heading to the event for the second time. The Taylor Wimpey apprentice bricklayer went to the event in 2016 after winning his regional heat, placing him as the number one student brickworker in Scotland at the time.
Jed said: “I’m really looking forward to the event, it should be a good laugh as you get to meet all the other competitors and have a good time. Obviously, I’m focused on the competition, but being a part of the event itself is great.”
Stonemasons Henry Edwards and Hamish Innes, roofers Ross King and William Townsley and network infrastructure technician Xavier Sala make the up the rest of the Edinburgh College student team.
In addition to the eight students competing, Computing lecturer Jacek Kwiatkowski has been asked by WorldSkills UK Live to join the judging panel at the two-day competition.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “I’m excited for our eight students heading down to WorldSkills UK Live next week, what a wonderful opportunity for them.
“I have no doubt they will all do themselves and the College proud with their performances in their respective competitions – everyone at Edinburgh College wishes our team the very best of luck.
“To have eight of our students representing the College at such a prestigious event is fantastic – huge thanks and congratulations goes to our teaching staff who work tirelessly to make opportunities like these happen, ensuring students have the chance to relish such experiences.”
