REUNION AT FLEX CONNECTORS
12th March 2007

Flex Connectors Limited - the company behind the flex 7 range of lighting connection and control solutions - is welcoming back a former employee.

The company announced today that Paul Bellamy has re-joined Flex Connectors and will be working as Project Support Engineer for Northern England and Scotland.

Paul will be responsible for providing technical advice and support - including quotations, information and training - to consultants, specifiers and contractors across the region. He will work closely with Alan Leyland and Brian Hedley, specification development engineers for Flex Connectors in Northern England and Scotland respectively.

"I'm delighted to be re-joining Flex Connectors," explained Paul. "Both the company and the product range have grown so much during the last two years. I'm looking forward to building on my existing knowledge of flex 7 and to helping the company develop its customer relationships". Hugh Gearing, Director at Flex Connectors, added that Paul Bellamy's return to the company "could not have come at a better time for us. Customer demand for the detailed projects quotation service we offer electrical contractors and consultants has increased dramatically over the last few months, so Paul's skills will beinvaluable in helping us develop this side of the business".

GROWING CONNECTIONS
13th November 2006

As befits accommodation for young businesses which focus on the energy sector, the new Technium building at Pembroke Dock incorporates a range of energy-efficient lighting control products from Flex Connectors.

The £13 million facility at Cleddau Bridge Business Park is part of the Technium business innovation network. Its objective is to provide young technology-led, high-growth businesses in Wales with the support and facilities they need in order to achieve long-term growth.

The electrical contractors, Havenkey, installed flex 7 occupancy sensors and daylight-linked digital sensors, ELV switch leads and 7-pole connection units and plugs throughout the hub building and research facilities.

As well as the energy and cost savings which flex 7 lighting connection and control delivers, the flexibility of the range made it an ideal choice for an environment where the needs of the occupants are likely to change as the companies develop and grow. Every product shares a common interface, which makes it possible to construct a complete upgrade path without altering the fixed components.

Technium Pembrokeshire was developed as the result of a partnership between the Welsh Assembly Government, Pembrokeshire County Council and the University of Wales Swansea and is the newest of ten Technium Centres, currently housing more than 80 companies across Wales.

FLEX SALES TEAM EXPANDS AGAIN
9th October 2006

Flex Connectors Limited - the company behind the flex 7 range of lighting connection and control solutions - is once again adding to its team of specification development engineers.

The company announced today that Steve Sutton has joined Flex Connectors as specification development engineer for South West England and South Wales. Steve joins the company from Marshall Tufflex, where he has worked for the last 16 years, after qualifying as an electrician and then moving into electrical wholesaling.

As well as looking after existing customers, Steve will also be responsible for extending usage of the lighting connection and control range to other consultants, specifiers, contractors and wholesalers in the south west region. His appointment follows the recent addition of Mark Perry to the sales team.

"I'm delighted to be joining Flex Connectors at this time," explained Steve. "It's an expanding, innovative company with a very impressive product range and I'm really looking forward to developing sales in the south west region even further".

Victor Chetcuti, National Sales Manager, added that the addition of Steve Sutton to the Flex Connectors sales team was "essential to maintaining the level of service which our customers expect. This is especially true of the projects sector of our customer base, where we offer solutions to M&E consultants & design & build contractors".

NEW FLEX CONNECTORS CATALOGUE NOW AVAILABLE
13th September 2006

Flex Connectors has just published a new catalogue in order to help electrical contractors, consultants and wholesalers get the most from the innovative flex 7 range of lighting connection and control products.

The illustrated catalogue provides full details on the company's connection units, single socket outlets, plugs, plug & socket sets and pre-wired leads. All these products use the unique flex 7 seven-pin configuration, are 16 amp rated and can connect together to form a complete lighting connection system.

As well as information on the range, the catalogue also includes product applications, technical details, installation instructions and circuit diagrams.

At the same time, the company has also released new brochures on its flex 7 modular interconnection system and on its energy-saving lighting control range. Copies of the catalogue and brochures are available simply by phoning Flex Connectors on 020 8580 1066 or by emailing marketing@flexconnectors.co.uk.

Delivering mutiple applications, flex 7 solves a wide array of lighting installation problems. Designed specifically for industrial and commercial use, it has the flexibility and adaptability needed to meet the challenges presented by modern building environments.

FLEX CONNECTORS STRENGTHENS SALES TEAM
2nd August 2006

Flex Connectors Limited - manufacturers of the innovative flex 7 range of lighting connection and control products - is strengthening and expanding its team of specification development engineers.

The company announced today the appointment of Mark Perry, who has considerable experience of the electrical industry on both the manufacturing and wholesaling sides.

Mark will cover South East England, working with Dick Broughton and Graham Butcher in a new eastern region sales team, to look after existing customers within the electrical contracting, consulting and wholesaling sectors. Their brief is also to further expand and extend usage of the extensive flex 7 range within southern and eastern England.

Victor Chetcuti, National Sales Manager for Flex Connectors, explained that "the rapid growth in business which Flex Connectors has experienced made it essential to increase our sales force in order to maintain the high level of customer service which we aim to provide. With the additional construction work which the 2012 Olympics promises, London & the South East was the obvious place to focus at this stage".

BACK TO SCHOOL
24th May 2006

Flex Connectors is helping to ensure that pupils and staff at a state-of-the-art school will be able to learn and work in an environment that meets the needs of everyone using it, including the local community.

St Joseph's Catholic Comprehensive School in Swindon is being completely re-built under the government's PFI programme, at a cost of £15.3 million.

The contractors, NG Bailey, are installing flex 7 modular chains, connection units and pre-wired plugs throughout the school. The versatility of this lighting connection range meant it was suitable for use in a wide range of settings, including classrooms, library, administrative areas, sports facilities, resource areas & ICT areas.

Construction work, which began in July 2004, is due for completion this summer and when the new school opens, it will be home to almost 1400 pupils and staff.

The new building has been carefully designed to reflect the culture, purpose and ethos of the school, with particular emphasis on light levels and on facilitating the flow of people around the site at all times and in all weathers.

LAP OF LUXURY
10th May 2006

A newly-opened luxury hotel has had 5 & 6 core modular chains designed and made by Flex Connectors installed throughout the extensive dining and conference areas.

The Nottingham Belfry, part of the Marston Hotels group, has a total of 12 conference and banqueting rooms, plus a restaurant, brasserie and bar.

NG Bailey, the contractors, chose to use flex 7 chains, as well as connection units & plugs and leads, in order to facilitate the installation of dimmable and standard fittings in the hotel's dining areas and conference rooms, which all have solid ceilings. All the chains were bespoke and made to order to meet the specific requirements of each room.

flex 7 modular chains consist of single socket outlets connected together, the required distance apart, which allows complete runs of lighting points to be installed in one piece with the minimum of plug-in connections.

The chains eliminate the difficulties associated with installing lighting when ceiling void space is limited or in areas such as corridors. Chain lengths can be from 2 to 16 outlets, with up to seven poles per outlet. Contacts and outlet are rated at 16 amps.

PERFECT TIMING
21st March 2006

Flex Connectors have now added a timer unit to the flex 7 range of networked lighting controls to provide additional flexibility and energy-saving potential on lighting installations.

One or more sensors are networked with the timer unit to act as a simple-to-operate lighting management system, which can be used to control some or all of the lights in a building according to the needs of the occupants.

The company anticipates that the timer will be particularly useful in buildings such as schools where the lights may need to be on all day, with the sensors operating only in the evening and during the night. The seven-day timer eliminates the possibility of users forgetting to switch to the sensor system at the end of each day.

The flex 7 timer unit also incorporates a socket for plugging in an override switch to provide manual control as well, for instance if the building is to be used for an evening event.

Flex 7 on-off, daylight-switched and daylight-linked dimming sensors are designed to provide control for small groups of lights or link together for larger lighting schemes through a simple plug-together network.

All the sensors hold Energy Technology List status from the Carbon Trust, in recognition of their energy-saving potential. This enables end users of the equipment to apply for Enhanced Capital Allowance on their spending.

BROAD HORIZONS
8th February 2006

High quality new offices built behind a distinctive period stone façade are utilising networked lighting controls and a pre-fabricated wiring system from Flex Connectors.

6 Broad Street Place now contains almost 23,000 square feet of office space over six floors in a prominent City of London location, opposite the entrance to Broadgate Circus and Liverpool Street Station.

The redevelopment of the building - which has suspended ceilings and raised floors - was undertaken by Bridge House Estates, the property arm of London's oldest charity, the Bridge House Trust.

The contractors, MITIE Engineering, chose Flex Connectors' networked lighting controls as the project called for a flexible system that could provide effective energy efficiency in an office environment with good natural light.

Using the fos3000a analogue occupancy sensor from the flex 7 range enabled full daylight linking to be achieved. This sensor can work independently or be linked to other daylight linking or On/Off PIR sensors to form simple networks.

The intuitive nature of both the pre-fabricated wiring and of the sensor linking system - all components are interchangeable and inter-connectable - means that the electricians who install or alter the lighting can configure or reconfigure lighting layout and the control links, without the need for commissioning visits.

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS
25th January 2006

Flex Connectors' networked lighting control system is providing the solution to energy management needs at The University of Aberdeen's newly renovated MacRobert Building.

The range of on-off, daylight-switched and daylight-linked dimming sensors provide local control but also communicate with each other via a simple, plug-together network.

By connecting all the occupancy sensors in the building and installing corridor hold units and ELV switching, the company has produced a cascade effect, with individual rooms able to hold on corridor lights, which in turn can hold on stairwell lights. This ensures that if occupancy is detected in any one room, the exit route remains illuminated - an essential safety consideration in public buildings.

The contractors, Claud Hamilton Electrical Services, installed flex 7 lighting controls throughout the ten storey state-of-the-art building, which includes 24-hour ICT facilities, lecture theatres, facilities for post-graduate research and continuing professional development, science classrooms and office space.

Officially opened in December - after a £13m, two year refurbishment process - by Jack McConnell, Scotland's First Minister, the MacRobert Building houses the university's School of Education. The School, which has 1400 full and part-time students and 150 members of staff, offers some 370 courses and provides innovative teacher education using the latest technology.

The flex 7 range has also been used in a number of other buildings at The University of Aberdeen, where Flex Connectors is a specified manufacturer of lighting connection & control products.

A MATTER OF DEGREES
11th January 2006

Flex Connectors' lighting connection and control products have been used throughout Matthew Boulton College's new £37.9m state-of-the art premises in the centre of Birmingham.

Flex 7 networked lighting controls, ELV switching, connection units and pre-fabricated chains of sockets were used on all nine floors of the multi-use building, which incorporates classrooms, meeting rooms, a library and an operating theatre.

The contractors, Interserve Engineering Services, chose Flex Connectors because their flex 7 range could provide an energy-saving solution that was adaptable enough to accommodate complex installation requirements, which included combining occupancy sensing with versatile override switching options. The scheme also successfully utilised Flexishield pre-wired conduit rather than standard flexible metal conduit.

The new building has enabled the college, which teaches over 500 courses to more than 7000 students, to expand its healthcare, medical & IT facilities.

HALF TIME FOR PLUGS AND SOCKETS
18th March 2005

Flex Connectors have introduced several product improvements to their flex 7 range of plugs and sockets. The number of fixing screws in the plugs has been halved, significantly reducing wiring time for contractors.

In addition, all plugs, sockets and trunking mount plates are now available in the full range of flex 7 colours - black, white, red and grey. This enables contractors to select particular colours for different functions and, once on site, see at a glance the intended use for each item - a particular advantage for large, complex projects.

Flex 7 plugs and sockets are available in 3, 4 and 7 pole versions and all are 16 amp rated. They can be ordered separately or as plug and socket kits.

Steve Garton, Technical Director, said "At Flex Connectors, we take the view that continuous product improvement is as important as new product development, particularly when it's in response to customer feedback. These changes to flex 7 plugs and sockets should make our products even easier for contractors to use and provide them with greater product choice".

NEW APPOINTMENTS AT FLEX CONNECTORS
19th January 2005

Flex Connectors Limited - manufacturers of the innovative flex 7 range of lighting connection and control products - today announced two new appointments to their sales team. Alan Leyland joins as Specification Development Engineer for Northern England, whilst Brian Hedley will fulfil the same role in Scotland.

Both new appointees have extensive experience. Alan Leyland has worked for over twenty years in the construction industry, most recently as Technical Sales Engineer for Illuma Lighting. Brian Hedley has more than twenty years electrical industry experience, latterly as Sales Engineer with Eaton MEM.

As well as looking after existing customers, they will also be responsible for introducing the flex 7 range to other wholesalers, contractors, consultants and specifiers in their areas.

Dick Broughton, who previously looked after Scotland for Flex Connectors, will be responsible for East Anglia and the East Midlands from April onwards. Graham Butcher continues to be Specification Development Engineer for London and the Home Counties. All members of the sales team report to Victor Chetcuti, National Sales Manager, who is also responsible for customers in the Midlands, Wales and South West England.

FLEX CONNECTORS ON THE MOVE!
7th December 2004

Flex Connectors Limited - manufacturers of the innovative flex 7 range of lighting connection and control products - are moving premises.

Whilst the move will not take them very far geographically - the new premises are only five minutes away from the old ones - the company is confident it will take them a long way in terms of business development.

With Flex Connector's rapid growth and increasing share of the lighting connection market, additional office space and larger areas for storage and production have become essential. The new location will also house a display area where flex 7 products can be demonstrated and a conference room for meetings and training seminars.

The company's new address, from Monday 20th December 2004, is Unit 8, The Gate Centre, Syon Gate Way, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9DD, but phone and fax numbers remain the same. The move will take place over a weekend so that normal service to customers can be maintained.

Hugh Gearing, Managing Director of Flex Connectors, said "We've been at our present address since Flex Connectors was founded, but greatly increased demand for our products, particularly on the projects side, meant that staying where we were was no longer an option. Our new premises will enable us to meet the increased demand and support the company's forecast growth".

FLEX 7 LIGHTING CONTROLS AWARDED ENERGY TECHNOLOGY STATUS
11th October 2004

Flex 7 lighting control products have been awarded Energy Technology List status after being independently assessed to ensure they meet the required energy-saving criteria.

The inclusion of flex 7 occupancy sensors, absence detectors and networking products on the List means that businesses which install them can claim Enhanced Capital Allowances on their spending. As a short-term financial benefit, this enables them to deduct 100% of capital expenditure against taxable profits. Businesses also gain long-term financial benefits from the reduction in fuel bills associated with energy-saving technology.

Flex 7 on-off, daylight-switched and daylight-linked dimming sensors have the potential to save energy in a wide range of environments, including offices, schools and hospitals. They can provide control for small groups of lights or be linked together for larger lighting schemes through a simple plug-together network. Lights can also be manually over-ridden by plugging in a low voltage switch drop.

Hugh Gearing, Managing Director of Flex Connectors, which produces the flex 7 range, commented: "I am delighted by our inclusion on the Energy Technology List. Initiatives such as the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme are invaluable in helping manufacturers like ourselves get the energy-efficiency message across to end users. Energy-efficiency was a primary objective in the design of our lighting control range and it is gratifying to have independent confirmation that the objective was achieved".

NEW 12-WAY CONNECTION UNIT REFLECTS LIGHTING TRENDS
11th October 2004

Twelve-way connection units and multi-connection units have now been added to the flex 7 range, further extending the choice of lighting installation options available. This brings the different types of flex 7 lighting connection units to 22, making it the most extensive range on the market.

Larger units like the new 12 way unit reflect the trend towards a higher density of lower wattage luminaires in modern buildings and the increased use of uplighting, as well as lay-in modules, to minimise glare in offices.

Flex Connectors have introduced their new unit - the fcb12 - in response to this trend and to feedback from customers. By bridging the gap between the existing 10 and 16 way units, the 12 way units provide a cost-effective solution for electrical contractors and consultants seeking to implement these new lighting trends. Applications for the new unit include lighting schemes where ten lights plus a plug-in sensor are required or where large numbers of closely grouped downlighters are called for.

The 12 way units are available across all three flex 7 connection ranges: the Value range - which caters for most circuit applications; the Multi range - which allows for the creation of two independently switched circuits within one connection unit; and the /7 range - which is particularly suitable for dimming control. All units are 16A 230V rated and can be surface, drop rod or conduit box mounted.

ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE?
25th April 2004

Flex Connectors have just announced that an additional product has now been added to the new range of fos2000 lighting control devices being launched at Interbuild 2004.

Visitors to stand 12-F63 will, for the first time, be able to see the brand new absence detector from Flex Connectors. Absence detectors operate in the same way as presence detectors - a passive infra red sensor detects occupancy in an area and turns power on, then turns the power off after a preset time when occupancy is no longer detected.

However, the lights controlled by an absence detector will only turn on when a switch is pushed, allowing the occupants to decide whether they require the lights on or not. If required, the same switch can also turn lights off.

Absence detectors represent an ideal option for occupancy sensing lighting control, ensuring that lights are not left on in empty rooms or areas, whilst still allowing occupants to turn lights on or off manually. As with all flex 7 sensors, absence detectors can be connected to form simple networks and also linked to corridor hold units.

Hugh Gearing, Managing Director at Flex Connectors, believes that "absence detectors provide a degree of human control over lighting, which is often missing from fully automatic control schemes. This makes them a particularly good choice for installation in public buildings such as hospitals and educational institutes, where the requirement for energy efficiency sometimes conflicts with the day-to-day needs of the people using these buildings".

CONTROL WITHOUT COMMISSIONING
16th October 2003

A new range of control devices from Flex Connectors is set to save electrical contractors considerable time and money by providing simple lighting control systems.

The on-off, daylight-switched and daylight-linked dimming sensors work together without the need for complex programming, setting of DIP switches - or costly on-site commissioning.

Incorporating the popular flex 7 miniature sensor head and with optional plug-in ELV over-ride switching, the sensors provide local control - but can also communicate with each other via a simple, plug-together network.

The new range provides simple but innovative solutions to many common installation problems - for example, where a room is too large for a single circuit. Two occupancy sensors, one for each circuit, can be plugged-together with a linking cable and will work together to switch both circuits.

In situations where the lights may need to be manually over-ridden - such as a classroom
or conference room - an ELV (extra low voltage) switch drop can simply be plugged in to allow for this requirement. The clever design of the range means that contractors select only the control products they need, eliminating redundant features and the need for on-site commissioning visits.

In environments where safety is a prime consideration, Steve Garton, Technical Director at Flex Connectors, believes that the company's corridor hold module will be particularly useful. "An output from each sensor or group of sensors can be linked to the corridor hold module, which allows up to ten inputs to 'hold-on' lighting in a corridor, stairwell or reception area. If occupancy is detected in any one room, the exit route will remain illuminated. This makes it ideal where sensors are installed in public buildings such as hospitals or schools."