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Full electrical fit-out for Viking community hub

Full electrical fit-out for Viking community hub

Diamond Services has completed all electrical work at the new Viking Community Centre in Sprowston. The former pub and Indian restaurant has been completely transformed and now boasts a fantastic, welcoming space for the local community.

Building contractor Draper and Nichols spearheaded the project which included a large extension to the building creating almost 2000 sq ft of new space. The new facility includes a large purpose-built multifunctional community hall with kitchen, a separate café area and several meeting rooms and office space. A community shop will also be opening shortly.

Community hall sensor lighting
kitchen lighting and electrics
energy efficient led lighting
ev chargepoints

The renovation included a full rewire of the property, all electrical connections including heating and ventilation and building management system (BMS), fire and security systems, and audio visual equipment including a large projection screen. Solar panels fitted to the roof of the extension by our team also offer renewable energy generation. In addition, motion sensor energy efficient lighting was installed throughout the building, and external lighting along with six EV chargepoints.

Director Martin Barmby said, “The Viking Centre will be a great asset to the local community and we were delighted to be involved in this project. The community hall in particular is a fantastic space with a unique design and careful consideration was made to the lighting used so that it aesthetically complemented the roof finishing whilst also being highly energy efficient.”

Photo Credit: Sprowston Town Council
Photo Credit: Sprowston Town Council
Photo Credit: Sprowston Town Council
Photo Credit: Sprowston Town Council

The Viking centre was officially opened on 12th April 2025 by Broadland District Councillor Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou, alongside Chairman of Sprowston Town Council Bill Couzens, and included a display of heritage archives and viking themed entertainment.

Diamond Services Move to Larger Premises

Diamond Services Move to Larger Premises

What a great way to end the year! The Diamond Services team has moved to new premises alongside partner business Diamond Controls. The exciting move has been a few months in the making as part of the group’s growth strategy and plans for 2025.

The move to larger premises follows significant growth and expansion into new product areas over the past few years as well as having outgrown the group’s previous premises. The new head office can now be found on Bessemer Road in Norwich, just behind ASDA on Hall Road in the south of the city. The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vivien Thomas, came to open the fantastic new facility on the 6th of December 2024.

Iain Ames and Martin Barmby

The New Premises

Starting with a complete blank canvas, unit fit-out has been ongoing since late summer with the Diamond Services team completing all electrical works. This has included everything from wiring, data cabling, LED lighting, fire and security fit-out, heating, and air conditioning unit installation. Every room has pir sensor control lighting saving on energy and carbon footprint. The fit-out was project managed by the Diamond Controls team with Norwich-based building contractors, Saw Building and Landscaping completing building work with support from local companies including Swaffham-based Acorn Works, commercial interior specialists.

The purchase of the premises represents a significant investment for the business and helps to future-proof growth says Group Director, Iain Ames: “As the business has grown and we’ve expanded our team, so has the range of products on offer to our clients. We had outgrown our previous location so it was the perfect opportunity to turn these previously unoccupied units into a fantastic working space we are proud to call our own. This move has allowed the creation of new jobs at our Head Office in Norwich with further room to expand as the business grows. Our new facilities will enhance our capabilities as well as provide a welcoming and inspiring space for staff and visitors.”

The bright, modern premises span across two large units in a gated compound and are fitted out to include a full suite of offices, dedicated training, and break-out rooms.

Celebrating the group’s 20th anniversary last year, the move is another significant milestone for the business as we look to build on our success and continue to expand our services to clients across East Anglia.

The team from Diamond Services

If you’re moving to new premises and need a new electrical system, please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements or request a quote. Call us on 01603 531352.

Shining Light on Renowned Norwich Research Centre

Shining Light on Renowned Norwich Research Centre

Diamond Services has been working with The John Innes Centre as part of a long-term refurbishment and upgrade programme. Our latest project was to transform the conference centre’s lighting system, following upgrades to the conference centre hospitality foyer and reception, and across other faculty buildings last year.

The centre chose Diamond Services to upgrade its interior pendant lighting to enhance lighting controls by conference organisers and boost energy efficiency. This included the installation of 38 pendant luminaires chosen specifically for their technical specification and adaptability. Having the capability to manage lighting for accurate dimming and overall control was an important part of the remit. It was also essential that the installation was completed with minimal infrastructure change. 

As with any centre for excellence, the lighting needed to be state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, cost-effective and have a lifespan whereby maintenance and replacement would be minimal.  

The John Innes Conference Centre is a hub for events at Norfolk’s renowned John Innes Centre for Research for Plant and Microbial Science. Located at the Norwich Research Park, the facility hosts conferences for attendees from all around the world, and includes an auditorium boasting 320 seats, and a hospitality foyer and reception area which is overlooked by a gallery used for networking and dining events. 

The project was completed over several days and was project managed to ensure minimal disruption, completed at times to not interfere with the running of the centre and events taking place during the project.

John Innes Conference centre lights install
John Innes Conference centre lights install in auditorium

Choosing the Best Lighting Solution C77-P Pendant LED Lights

We contacted the team at Glamox, a lighting solutions manufacturer and supplier who we work with regularly. After discussing the client’s needs, we specified the C77-P series. A slender pendant luminaire with specially designed reflector optics to ensure full glare control and comfortable lighting. The luminaire contains a bluetooth interface for smart lighting control via an App. An ideal solution for full controllability in a large conference space.

The C77-P series was combined with a Glamox MPW PIR and daylight sensor for use with the wireless ZigBee system. The sensor connects the luminaire to the wireless ZigBee solution so that multiple lighting groups can be integrated into the same network simply by using a phone as an bluetooth low energy (BLE) integration tool. For larger integrations a gateway can be added.

“Having worked with the John Innes Centre for Research for many years it was a pleasure to be invited back again to help with the lighting installation at their conference centre,” said Director, Martin Barmby. “This busy conference centre will now be able to host its events in a more streamlined and efficient manner, offering complete control over the environment for the best comfort of guests to the venue.”

If your business lighting needs an upgrade, please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements or request a quote. Call us on 01603 531352.

Latest Fire Safety Regulations for Holiday Accommodation

Latest Fire Safety Regulations for Holiday Accommodation

Fire Safety Regulations have changed for holiday lets. This means that small holiday accommodation owners must ensure their properties adhere to the UK Government’s latest guidance to comply. 

The well-being and safety of holiday guests will be high on the agenda when it comes to fire safety, and there are stringent guidelines and criteria that must be met to both protect and prevent potential fire hazards within a range of small holiday accommodations. 

There are a number of potential hazards when it comes to fire within a property. Electrical faults via installation and equipment are one of the most common causes making it essential to undertake regular safety inspections.

Diamond Services, Company Director, Martin Barmby commented on the Government’s Fire Safety Regulations: “According to Gov.uk, in 2020, there were approximately 19,300 accidental fires of electrical origin each year in the UK. One of the most common causes of electrical fires is faulty sockets. Other examples include faults in appliance cords, receptacles, and switches.” 

Martin continued: “These causes can easily be mitigated by only using qualified electricians with the correct credentials and by carrying out regular maintenance and checks where appropriate. It’s just not worth the risk to your guests, your finances, or reputation.”

The latest fire safety regulations apply specifically to small holiday accommodation. This includes:

  1. Single premises on the ground or first floor, or providing sleeping accommodation for a maximum of 10 persons, with no more than four bedrooms on the first floor, such as houses, cottages, and chalets.
  2. Individual flats whether in a purpose-built block of flats or a house that has been converted into flats.
  3. Smaller types of outdoor accommodation such as holiday caravans, camping and glamping pods, lodges, shepherds’ huts, tents, tree houses, and yurts.
Holiday cottage surrounded by summer flowers

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

The guidance means that it is now compulsory to regularly inspect equipment in line with regulations through an EICR every five years. This entails testing and identifying any damage, defects, or deterioration to electrics throughout the residence. 

The report determines any factors that may cause danger and highlight areas where improvement for safe and effective energy supply could be advantageous. Detecting these flaws early, will not only protect guests, it will protect the property from future incidents. A much more proactive approach, helping make savings by fixing the issue at a time when repair is possible and avoiding expensive replacements. 

Emergency Lighting

Property owners will need to install adequate emergency lighting to facilitate a safe escape from the property if a fire breaks out. A suitable backup source is required in case of electrical supply failure. You should take into account external lighting and other lighting that isn’t dependent on the property’s circuitry, such as night lights, accessible torches, or specialist emergency LED lighting. Solutions can include single self-contained units right through to large central battery systems.

Highlights from the guidance are:

  • Conduct a fire risk assessment for your premises
  • Employ a qualified electrician to conduct a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) 
  • Install mains powered smoke and heat alarms in all bedrooms and common areas such as the kitchen
  • Provide clear well-signed escape routes from your premises
  • Store flammable materials safely
  • Maintain your fire safety equipment in good working order

A full guide including a fire risk assessment checklist can be found here. If you are responsible for the premises, you are legally responsible for making sure you comply with the law.

When seeking an electrician for installation, maintenance or to conduct an EICR report, they must be NICEIC Certified. Visit the NICEIC website to make sure.

Does your holiday property comply with the electrical updates? For help with electrical and fire safety measures get in touch to find out more, or call us on 01603 531352.

Choose LEDs to Replace Your Commercial Fluorescent Lighting

Choose LEDs to Replace Your Commercial Fluorescent Lighting

We take a look at the ban on T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lighting and how opting for LED replacements will make impressive energy savings of up to 85%. Bring lighting upgrades to the top of your to-do list and save 15% on your installation costs by taking advantage of our spring LED offer. 

We’ve all experienced the flickering of fluorescent tube lighting. The flick of a switch, followed by a pause and a slight buzzing noise as it springs into action to light a room. Fluorescent lamps have been around for a while. First invented in 1926, by Jacques Risler, a French engineer, these lighting solutions are energy-hungry, have a short life span, and are, most importantly, far from environmentally friendly.

Why is There a Fluorescent Tube Ban?

The phase-out of T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lighting began last year in August, with the final ban for all coming into place recently in February 2024. The decision for the ban has been ‘fuelled’ by the scary impact of the toxic mercury that is found in these particular lamps.

We asked LED specialist Jamie Whitten from Glamox to explain. 

“The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive is part of the UK and EU’s goal to phase out unnecessary toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and public health. The consequence is that light sources containing high levels of mercury are now banned, and many buildings will need to upgrade their lighting installation as a result,” explained Jamie. 

“T5 and T8 fluorescent tube lights contain high levels of mercury, an element that has a significant negative environmental impact. This has prompted the need for businesses utilising this lighting source to seek an alternative. The logical choice is to replace the banned products with LEDs.”

What Makes LEDs a Good Replacement for Fluorescent Lights?

There are many reasons why today’s LED alternatives are the obvious choice. 

The difference between LEDs and T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes will easily become apparent when the lamp is switched on for the first time: The LED will not flicker. There is full brightness in less than a second and the noise level is reduced, because the ballast does not hum. 

These benefits, however, are part of a much bigger set of stand-out advantages. 

These include:

  • Energy Efficient. Less heat, more light, lower energy usage.
  • Cost-Effective. Low running costs. Payback within months per lamp.
  • Long Lifespan. Durable with minimum maintenance required.
  • Environmentally Friendly. No toxic mercury.100% recyclable.
  • Superior Quality. Potential to increase productivity & staff wellbeing.
  • Versatility. A lighting solution for all. Inside & Out.

Learn more about LED Lighting solutions with Diamond Services.

Three Solutions For Fluorescent Tube Replacement

Now that these fluorescent tubes are banned from sale, many commercial, retail, and industrial units are left with lighting that can no longer be replaced. So, what are the solutions?

  • Change the light source only by using LED tubes that can replace the existing T8 or T5 lamps.

Option one is a quick-fix solution with minimum investment and will result in no requirement for ceiling refurbishment. However, there will still be challenges with flicker and colour-shift. Estimated energy savings will be approximately 15%, compared to a full refit which will see savings of up to 85%. You’re also looking at a shorter lifetime, less possibilities for lighting control, and less opportunity to benefit from reduced energy costs. 

  • Change the complete LED kit (light source and ballast) but keep the housing and the optic.

The second option is to change the light source and the ballast. This is a relatively short installation time achieving minimum energy savings estimated between 40 to 50% and will result in no requirement for ceiling refurbishment. The downside is that investment is higher and lifetime wouldn’t be optimal due to limited heat management. Preparation time is longer, as is payback time.

  • Replace the complete luminaire with an LED luminaire 1:1

The third option involves a complete luminaire refit providing a long lifetime, optimum energy savings of up to 85% with short to medium payback time, and full flexibility when using wireless lighting controls. As expected though with a full refit the initial investment is higher and installation will take longer. However, the pros, far outweigh the cons when it comes to the bigger picture and the long-term savings.

Save 15% When Upgrading Fluorescent Lighting

Does your commercial building still use fluorescent lighting? Now is the perfect time to upgrade to more energy efficient LEDs. To help you make the switch, we’re offering a 15% discount on all LED lighting installs for commercial properties. 

Just mention LED15 when you contact us and we’ll apply the discount to your quote. The offer is valid for orders placed by 30th June 2024 and includes all the products and installations you’ll need to transform your business premises. Learn more

Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation quote and site survey. Don’t forget to mention LED15 when contacting us.

Save 15% on LED Lighting Upgrades

Save 15% on LED Lighting Upgrades

Does your commercial building still use fluorescent lighting? Now is the perfect time to upgrade to more energy efficient LEDs. To help you make the switch, we’re offering a 15% discount on all LED lighting for commercial properties. 

Just mention LED15 when you contact us and we’ll apply the discount to your quote. The offer is valid for orders placed by 30th June 2024 and includes all the products and installation you’ll need to transform your business premises. 

LED lighting offer

Ban on Fluorescent Bulbs

We’ve launched this offer to coincide with the ban on T5 and T8 fluorescent lighting that came into force on 1st February. This means replacement bulbs will be very difficult to purchase. Businesses are advised to switch to LEDs to take advantage of several key benefits:

  • Reduced Energy Usage
  • Lower Energy Bills
  • Lower Maintenance Costs
  • Less Environmental Damage

Research suggests that you can save up to 90% on your lighting energy costs just by switching to LED solutions. Plus, with smart technology, including motion sensor activated controls, you can limit when lighting is activated in unused or low traffic areas. 

The perfect solution for all business premises 

As specialists in LED lighting design, we can advise you of the best solution for your needs and environment. Our experienced engineers will replace your lighting system and any additional electrical work required with minimal disruption to your property and operations. 

Our product range includes options for warehousing, manufacturing and light industrial units, offices, retail and local authority buildings such as schools and hospitals. Learn more about our LED Solutions.

Get in touch to arrange a no obligation quote and site survey. Don’t forget to mention LED15 when contacting us. 

Request A Quote

Terms and Conditions: Applies to orders confirmed & invoiced by 30/6/24 & installation completed by 31/12/24. Available to new quotes and qualifying products only. Includes purchase & installation of LED lighting & associated accessories. Excludes additional electrical works. Use code LED15 to qualify. Not applicable with other promotions. E&OE.

Commercial Business Gets Fully Powered Up

Commercial Business Gets Fully Powered Up

In our latest commercial projects, we’ve been working with manufacturing specialist the IFD Group, and distribution business GE-BE, providing a comprehensive electrical contracting service and project management across two sites in Norfolk.

The Diamond Services team has worked with the owners of the organisation for almost 3 years after first being commissioned for electrical services at the GE-BE Transport distribution centre in Swaffham. The state-of-the-art facility is 435,600 sq ft and accommodates its growing fleet of over 70 vehicles and 100 trailers, as well as housing over 100 employees with the new modern office and sales facilities. A large electrical project for the Diamond Services team and one that has led to an equally fulfilling project this year for the IFD Group’s new manufacturing facility.

The new manufacturing site in Snetterton was previously a bottling plant and needed a complete electrical service to transform the site into a facility for the production, freeze-drying and packing of products.

With some impressive commercial equipment and machinery such as large freeze dryers and a chill room, the project included a mains power refit, LED lighting with PIR sensors for energy saving, emergency lighting for health and safety compliance, car park flood lighting, security CCTV installation and data wiring.

Ensuring enough electrical power for the multiple freeze-dryer machines was imperative and so we organised a custom-made addition to the main incoming distribution panel. Our team coordinated the specification of multiple 400a power supplies with our switchgear supplier, Eaton, and project managed the manufacture and delivery in a timely manner so that a planned factory shutdown could be arranged to install the new bespoke panel.

Commercial electrical fit out at IFD in Norfolk

“Working alongside the IFD operations team, the project was carried out over several months,” says Diamond Services Company Director, Martin Barmby. “As with any large electrical installation project, we need to coordinate with the development team and be available at specific times throughout the contract for fit-out, testing, and sign-off. Industrial premises require specialist electrical skills and knowledge to maintain a safe working environment, so there is a lot of planning and important safety regulations to comply with. It was great working with the team again for this latest project.”

The IFD Group is an innovative manufacturer of food products, creating new categories online and in-store for large well-known brands. 

If your industrial building needs electrical wiring or an electrical refurb, please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements or request a quote.

Diamond Services Christmas Donation

Diamond Services Christmas Donation

Company director Martin Barmby visits local charity The Hamlet to present CEO Ellie Coulson with a donation of £1000 towards their amazing hard work in the community.

Each Christmas we donate to a local charity. It’s our way to give something back by making an annual charitable donation instead of sending gifts to our clients.

This year we donated to The Hamlet Charity Trust to support all their hard work helping children and adults with disabilities and complex health needs in the local area.

This week our company director Martin Barmby presented a cheque to CEO Ellie Coulson at the children’s services centre in Johnson Place, Norwich. 

“It was a pleasure to visit The Hamlet this week and present Ellie Coulson with a cheque in appreciation for the charity’s continued hard work,” says Martin. “The team truly makes such a massive difference to so many lives. My son actually went to the preschool at The Hamlet, which he loved. The donation will contribute to the charity’s ‘50 Years of Firsts’ campaign which celebrates the joyful firsts in a child or young person’s life. These firsts are often the result of months of hard work and patience during their time at The Hamlet.”

The Hamlet Centre Trust is a well-known charity in the local area. The team provides much-needed support to children, young people, and adults by providing recreational, educational, and social opportunities. It gives each individual the chance to be themselves, explore their own choices, and reach their full potential.

The Hamlet has just celebrated its 50th year by expanding its adult services and acquiring new premises on Marion Road in Thorpe Hamlet.

Sixteen Norfolk Schools Make the Smart LED Choice

Sixteen Norfolk Schools Make the Smart LED Choice

Working closely with Unity Education Trust, Diamond Services has been helping local schools to improve their energy efficiency by replacing outdated lighting systems with some of the latest LED low energy solutions on the market.

The influx of schools, sixth forms and colleges choosing to make these lighting upgrades has been due to a recent grant made available from the government.

The Energy Efficiency Grant

At the beginning of the year, schools, sixth forms and colleges were given access to apply for a share of a new £500 million government funded scheme to help shield them against inflated energy costs. The Department for Education’s (DfE) Energy Efficiency grant made it possible for them to allocate funds to spend on lighting upgrades such as smart LEDs, controllers, and sensors.

The specific aim was to help education providers across England manage their energy consumption, while making a positive impact on the environment – as well as future proofing to reduce the budgetary impact of escalating utility costs. The amount of grant awarded would depend on the type of institution. (Learn more about the Energy Efficiency grant).

Upgrading Schools with LED Lighting Solutions

Since the early summer, the electrical team has completed an impressive sixteen school sites across Norfolk under the guidance of the Unity Education Trust. Each of these schools will be seeing notable savings over the coming months through their newly installed efficient LED lighting.

Starting with an initial in-depth site visit to determine and provide recommendations and advice, each project varied in size, funding, and specific needs. Diamond Services’ Director, Martin Barmby, said: “We found that on some of the larger sites there wasn’t sufficient budget to update the entire school’s lighting system so we recommended prioritising areas where the new lighting would have the most impact such as school halls and corridors.”

Jo Thompson from Unity Education Trust commented on the project: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Martin and the team at Diamond Services. All of the schools are really happy with the work that has been done and the new lighting has made a big difference to the school buildings. With such a large number of schools to survey and coordinate works, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the project has gone.”

School LED recessed lighting panel installation

The LED Lighting of Choice

As well as considerable savings in energy costs, LED lights also provide benefits such as improved comfort, health and wellbeing. There’s also a considerable reduction in maintenance costs. This is due to the decreas of replacement requirements as lifecycle is exponentially longer than other comparable lighting.

“We opted to use Aurora Lighting as a supplier,” Martin added. “The LED lights supplied have colour tuning settings and wattage control, so the fittings are able to be adapted easily to the school environment. The products we specified included a mix of LED light panels, downlights, suspended strip lights and spotlights. Most schools also had motion control sensors installed for circulation areas such as corridors, bathrooms, and cupboards. All great examples of areas where upgrades can maximise a building’s energy efficiency.”

An Effective & Efficient Work Ethic

Working within the time constraints of the summer holidays, meant that the Diamond Services team of electricians needed to work as efficiently as possible. “Fourteen of the projects were completed before the new term started,” added Martin. “Leaving two to complete by the end of October which we worked on outside of school hours to minimise disruption. With autumn and winter fast approaching, each of the allocated buildings are now ready for the darker days and evenings, helping each school to minimise their utilities costs straight away.”

If your school or commercial building has outdated and inefficient lighting, see how you can future proof your premises with smart LED lighting solutions by requesting a quote.

Mains Electrical Supply Combined at Zatu Games

Mains Electrical Supply Combined at Zatu Games

After an extensive refurbishment of its premises in Norwich late last year, games retailer Zatu Games, called on its long-standing electrical contractor, Diamond Services, to combine the mains electrical supply for its two buildings.

As energy costs began to escalate Zatu Games looked at new ways to manage its ever-growing electricity bills. The games retailer’s two substantial sized buildings are used as both office space and warehousing, and each had their own electrical supply substations. By investing in the installation of a mains power feed between the adjacent properties, they recognised significant savings could be made in operating and maintenance costs.

Project planning was incredibly important as the installation involved over 250m of cable. Two large cable drums, each weighing over half a tonne, were used to connect the two buildings and a six-strong team of Diamond Services electrical engineers were on hand to install the electrical supply.

Logistics were not straight forward as the connection required gaining access through an underground service tunnel and the support of scaffolding. Diamond Services provided a complete solution, including the installation of ladder rack equipment for future proofing and easy access to the cable if required.

Director Martin Barmby said, “Adding mains supply to a commercial building requires detailed planning and the sheer scale of the feed meant that it was a complex project that many electrical contractors would not be able to handle. However, our experienced electricians took it all in their stride and we worked as a team to deliver the project without any disruption to the busy operations. It’s certainly one of the longest and heaviest cable runs we’ve been involved in as a business!”

As part of the business’s own approach to carbon reduction, Zatu Games uses energy efficient LED lighting throughout its refurbished buildings. It also has solar energy capability, and encourages staff to use electric transportation, providing on-site EV charging stations. Also installed by Diamond Services. 

250m of electrical cable

Four commercial Rolec EV chargepoints were installed as part of the premises upgrades. These included single and twin 7kw chargers and an impressive Quantum 2 – a 22kw twin charger. Each of the stations uses the Monta Management Software, offering networked control for the business.

Are you looking to upgrade or make operational savings in your commercial building? Get in touch for a no obligation consultation.

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