Renewable Energy Installer May 2016 | Page 30

My working week

Who are you ? Craig Andrews of Halifax-based Fusion Heat and Power
What do you do ? Fusion Heat and Power is an MCS accredited renewable energy installation company , Gas Safe registered and approved installers to the large domestic and commercial market

Rest day ? There is always ‘ the rest ’ to do !

Craig Andrews divides his time between the office , site visits , and meetings with suppliers and customers
Monday Early start on Mondays with essential toolbox talks , briefings to the installers and a quick catch up on any issues that may need attention from over the weekend . Final check and amendments to RAMS for site works for the guys heading off to the commercial environments . Looking ahead in the diary to make sure there are no surprises or oversights , such as shows , presentations , remote stay away site visits or inspections over the next week . A jog of the memory to chase up MCS ; Gas Safe , Heatas and Napit commitments . All of us in the industry understand the importance and necessity of keeping on top of these memberships . Straight onto adding any missing details required from suppliers or manufacturers to complete quotations or tenders left uncompleted from last Friday .
Tuesday Meetings with suppliers or customers are usually scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays with today being exceptionally busy as our rapid expansion within the CHP market continues to take hold . An essential site visit taking in a containerised plant room at a biomass project for a rugby club that we have constructed through our engineering division is close to completion . Welcome news that we are on target for a successful commissioning as planned , and the client is very happy with progress .
A day on the road continues , visiting a barrel washing facility where the installed biomass heating system is performing as expected , but low water temperature through a bespoke plate heat exchanger is causing concerns . On further inspection , a splarge pipe has been extended too close to the return port within the tank , short cycling the supply . A sketch , a call and we have arranged with the customer directly to attend tomorrow to rectify .
Wednesday Going through engineering drawings in the office with the draughtsmen , designers and fabricators gives us all an opportunity to envisage and action any issues that could potentially delay the imminent commencement of the next in-house manufactured skid package . Any conflicts from the working drawings can be addressed at this stage prior to fabrication , construction and assembly . Sharing offices , workshops and the warehouse with the team of designers , welders , fabricators and engineers allows us to remain hands on and flexible to amendments and alterations across all design and build packages , whilst remaining in total control of quality and delivery dates .
As it ’ s an office day , I can usually find some time to take measurements from plans and compile a Bill of quantities for the tender of larger projects , currently a new hospital . heating plumbing , domestic services , above ground drainage , CHP in the plant room and gas absorption chillers on the roof . Wednesdays don ’ t seem to be long enough .
Thursday Suppliers and customer day again , and today we have a meeting with Strong Energy looking to add Hargassener biomass and Waterkotte heat pumps to our portfolio .
Meeting with Paul at Micknol group with an update and catch up on the position of our energy brokerage interests . We work with Paul to supply credit for customers wanting renewable energy installations , commercial finance as well as offering reduced gas and electricity utility supply prices across the UK , along with water utilities in Scotland . On the back of this meeting I am able to negotiate a far lower energy tariff for existing commercial clients .
Friday Rest day . Rest day meaning I have to get finished the rest of what I set out to do on Monday ! Checking with admin that all accounts are paid and what is owed , a fulltime job for the bookkeepers and an invaluable asset to the team . Praise to our admin at Fusion Heat and Power , an often overlooked position , but critical in keeping us grounded and in control of the finances , in and out . All the office staff , engineers and project managers try to get together early Friday afternoon as the fabricators finish earlier today . As the installers come in to return stock , clean vans and compile reports and time sheets , it gives us an opportunity to get a feel for works progress , customer feedback and suggestions for toolbox talks on Monday .
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