Our team installed four 150 kW Alpitronic chargers, providing eight rapid charging bays for EV drivers. The work involved significant supporting infrastructure to connect the new chargers to the UK Power Networks system. Key elements included:
Sixty metres of HV cable trench to the point of connection
A new 1,000 kVA substation
A 1,600 A Schneider feeder pillar
A fully coordinated cable installation linking the site to the local network
This combination ensures a resilient and future focused solution that meets current charging needs and provides capacity for long term growth. Beyond the installation itself, the project also ensures the chargers are integrated into the local network and ready to meet growing demand.
Powering the Shift to Cleaner Transport
The new hub provides reliable rapid charging while supporting local transport choices and wider sustainability goals, making zero emission travel more accessible for the high volume of visitors who shop at the park each week.
This project is another example of how eSmart Networks, along with our partners and clients, brings dependable EV infrastructure to high footfall destinations. As demand for rapid charging increases, accessible hubs at retail parks and community sites play a vital part in enabling the transition to cleaner transport.
If you would like to discuss grid connections or EV charging delivery for your sites, speak to our team today.
Guided by its core values of happiness, independence, and respect for all, the school’s mission is simple but powerful:
To make a positive and tangible impact on the lives of our pupils. To open up their world, to help them be independent and most of all to help them live happy, healthy lives.
Unique Learning Methods Powered by Technology
A key part of this mission is giving every pupil the tools they need to thrive. One of those tools is an iPad, paired with a specialist communication app called Proloquo2Go. This software is specifically designed to support non-verbal children or those with limited speech, helping them to express themselves and interact with the world around them, sometimes for the very first time.
This enables children to engage with others in ways they were unable to previously, the impact of which reduces social isolation and frustration. This, in turn, leads to happier, more fulfilled children who are more able to learn and thrive. The app is set up differently for each child to suit their particular needs and can be expanded at the appropriate pace as their ability to use it develops. The app has a range of voices which can be selected to speak for the child. This means they hear themselves communicating and can lead to them being more able to verbalise for themselves.
How Are We Making A Difference?
Over the coming months and as we head toward the Christmas season, we’ll be focusing our fundraising efforts on helping Chatten Free School provide this essential technology to even more pupils.
Each iPad and software package costs approximately £1,000, and our goal is to raise as much money as possible and provide more students with an iPad with the Proloquo2Go software. Every donation brings us closer to giving another child the tools to connect with the world around them.
Moments That Matter
Having an iPad paired with the Proloquo2Go software has had a huge impact on Toby’s life, enabling him to communicate with his mum Vicky, giving him a ‘voice’ for the first time. Now Toby can tell his mum which song he would like her to sing to him, or which ice cream he’d like from the ice-cream van.
Vicky describes the moment her son first communicated with her through the app as “the joy of hearing his voice for the first time… his world suddenly opened up.”
Toby was shown how to use the app at school under the guidance of the Speech Therapist, and how to make choices and show that he understands what others are asking of him. He is able to use the app at school, at home and in the community. In time, he will learn to say how he feels, what he thinks and have conversations. “That prospect is so exciting!” said Vicky. “For Toby to gradually be able to interact with more people means he can be a part of the community and function happily within it.
It’s a reflection of the school’s purpose: opening up the world for their pupils and helping them live independent, happy lives.
We’re very much looking forward to supporting Toby and the Chatten Free School over the coming months.
Members from various teams across eSmart Networks dedicated their time and effort to a range of gardening and maintenance tasks. The transformation of the greenhouse was particularly impactful; it had, for a long time, become a disorganised dumping ground for outdoor materials. Our volunteers undertook a massive clear-out, sorting through items, tidying up, and making it functional again. Beyond the greenhouse, they worked tirelessly to de-weed garden beds, dug out new planting areas, trimmed overgrown bushes, and cleared the patio area of weeds and overgrown plants. We also donated a selection of small plants to help fill the many pots and beds, adding a touch of greenery to the space.
The team at Ferriers Barn expressed immense gratitude for our efforts, especially noting their pleasure with the revitalised greenhouse. Our volunteers were equally enthusiastic about the experience. As one team member shared, “It was incredibly engaging and rewarding to help out in our local community. Knowing we were making a tangible difference to the centre and helping to create a more enjoyable space for everyone who visits was a fantastic feeling.”
Our Ongoing Commitment to the Community
Working with the community isn’t just a one-off event for eSmart Networks; it’s a fundamental part of our Group culture. Both our Board and our people are consistently seeking out ways to support local and national causes that resonate with our values. We firmly believe in giving back, and our commitment is reflected in our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts. Our staff are actively encouraged to use their dedicated volunteering days each year, where we financially support them to spend time assisting local charities.
Our partnership with Ferriers Barn is a testament to this ongoing commitment, as we’ve had a relationship with them for the past three years and intend to continue our support moving forward. As a smaller, independent centre, our contributions can have a significant and immediate positive impact.
Volunteering Week 2025 at Ferriers Barn was a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved, highlighting the power of collective effort and our deep-seated commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate. We look forward to continuing our impactful community work in the years to come.
Last time we caught up with Damian McCabe, Eoin McGeehin and Jordan McCloy, they were part way through the second year of their Graduate Scheme. Now, having successfully stepped into permanent roles across the business, we’re taking a fresh look at their progress and how eSmart Networks continues to support internal growth and career development.
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two years since this group of Graduates joined eSmart. The graduate programme has been a fantastic way for us to nurture the next generation of engineers, giving them hands-on experience with the real-world challenges we face. This has been especially important as the UK and the world continue their push toward greater electrification. Along the way, they’ve also helped shape the scheme for those following in their footsteps, ensuring new grads have an even stronger start to their careers with us. It’s been brilliant watching them evolve over the past two years, stepping up to take on more and more responsibility. Although they’re well and truly part of the furniture now, they continue to bring plenty of bright ideas and just enough tricky questions to keep us honest! Their contribution has been invaluable, and I’m sure their impact will only grow as they progress in their careers.
How Have Things Evolved Since the Last Article?
We began by asking each of our graduates how their roles have changed since we last spoke.
Damian has stepped into a more customer-facing position:
Since progressing from the Graduate Scheme to a fully-fledged Grid Connections Engineer, I’ve taken on a more central, customer-focused role within the team. I now lead my own projects, from one-off assignments to managing a portfolio of multiple developments. These cover all our sectors, including Housing, Industrial & Commercial and EV infrastructure.
Eoin outlined the technical scope of his new position:
As part of the EHV Electrical Design team, I’m involved in a range of tasks on a day-to-day basis. I work on projects at various stages – ranging from early phases such as Phase 1 or tender stage, to those approaching the ‘Approved for Construction’ stage. For all projects, I produce a variety of design documents to support construction and ensure they meet both DNO and customer expectations.
Jordan reflected on the opportunities that have helped him continue growing in his role:
It’s been an exciting journey since the last article. Now working as a Grid Connections Engineer at eSmart Networks, my development is growing daily. I’ve had the opportunity to take on new projects and explore other areas of the business, including project management and estimating. These insights have been incredibly valuable early in my career, helping me provide the best possible service and advice to clients.
Damian Reflects on His Journey
Damian has made the most of every opportunity since joining the Graduate Scheme – and has carved out a special interest in the policy space:
My role has evolved significantly, not just during the Graduate Scheme, but also in my current position, reflecting the fast-paced growth of the industry. With the race to electrification, grid capacity is becoming as valuable as gold dust. Our challenge is to uncover that ‘gold dust’ in the right place, at the right time.
In my new role, alongside my day-to-day workload, policies have become my niche – I just need to understand the rules before taking part. This interest has turned me into a bit of a policy nerd, particularly in key areas like Connections, Distribution Licences and ENA Standards.
Anyone involved in Electrification will be familiar with the ongoing Connections Reform, and it’s a great feeling to know I’ve contributed on behalf of eSmart Networks to one of the biggest reforms aimed at creating a more efficient, future-proof electricity grid through multiple consultation responses.
Eoin on Life in His New Role
Eoin’s work in the design team continues to expand, covering a range of complex projects and responsibilities:
I’ve contributed to creating Site Compound Plans, Multicore Block and Single Line Diagrams for 33 kV and 132 kV projects using CAD software. I’ve also prepared Engineering Reports, along with Earthing, Busbar and Cable calculations using advanced software tools. Once complete, these documents are reviewed internally within the design team before being shared externally.
Some of the highlights to date include developing an earthing calculation tool in Excel and visiting project sites to observe construction progress based on the designs I’ve contributed to. I’ve also really enjoyed learning about and designing SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) layouts for several projects.
At the end of the design phase, all finalised design documents are issued and tracked to the site team to support construction activities.
Jordan on Professional Development and What’s Next
Jordan is continuing to grow his technical and commercial knowledge while looking ahead to the next stage of his career:
I look forward to continuing to grow in both my personal and professional development with the opportunities at eSmart Networks.
As these three continue to develop in their roles, it’s clear they’re already making a strong impact. We’re proud to have them as part of the team and excited to see what’s next.
As part of our commitment to providing opportunities for the next generation, we were pleased to welcome Kieron Leneghan for a three-day work experience placement at eSmart Networks.
Kieron, a school student, spent time with a number of teams across the business, getting hands-on experience with different aspects of our work. From planning to design, he gained insight into how we deliver power and grid connection projects across the UK.
During his time here, Kieron particularly enjoyed working with our Design team. He assisted the team with a site plan in AutoCAD and helped build a project walk-through, picking up new skills along the way.
I’ve really enjoyed it. It gave me a good understanding of how the company works and some good experience,” he said. “I learned a lot of new commands and tools in AutoCAD and found it really interesting to see how many different parts come together on a project
These placements are part of our broader ESG commitments and reflect our focus on supporting early career development across the sector.
Kieron’s time with us reinforced his interest in the industry, and we are proud to have played a part in shaping that.
These few days have confirmed that this is something I want to do in the future,” he said. “I’d definitely recommend doing work experience at eSmart to others.
By Chris Doré, Business Development Director, eSmart Networks
In the dynamic world of industrial and commercial electrification, where projects are bound by stringent deadlines and high stakes, ensuring power availability is a critical yet often underestimated challenge. For manufacturers, logistics providers, and developers, reliable power is not just a utility, it’s the lifeblood of operations.
However, navigating the complexities of securing a robust power supply from the UK’s limited Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) presents a daunting task. These challenges are magnified by intricate grid offers laden with conditional requirements. Success in this space demands a balance between technical expertise and the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically, offering certainty in a field marked by unpredictability.
The Challenge: Technical Complexity vs. Business Needs
Industrial and commercial stakeholders focus on operational continuity, cost efficiency, and compliance, leaving technical grid connection details secondary. However, grid offers from DNOs are often filled with conditions, provisional elements, and dependencies on third-party infrastructure. These uncertainties make it difficult to provide definitive answers on power availability, creating frustration and potential delays. Successfully bridging this gap fosters trust and ensures stakeholders remain informed and confident in their planning.
Understanding Grid Offers & Their Uncertainties
A grid offer defines the terms under which power is supplied, outlining capacity, costs, timelines, and necessary conditions. Due to regulatory time pressures, these offers often include caveats and contingent elements. Power availability might depend on the completion of upstream infrastructure work, supply chain resolutions, or regulatory approvals—factors beyond both the DNO’s and the client’s control. Without proactive communication, these uncertainties can disrupt timelines and budgets.
The Power of Clear & Empathetic Communication
Since stakeholders prioritize project success over technical complexities, communication must focus on translating intricate grid details into clear, actionable insights. Effective strategies include:
Focusing on Outcomes: Address fundamental concerns first—“Will I get power?” and “When?”—before delving into technical specifics.
Using Visual Aids: Summarize key elements of grid offers through charts, timelines, and bullet points, making complex details more accessible.
Proactively Highlighting Risks: Rather than letting stakeholders uncover hidden conditions later, transparently outline potential risks upfront to manage expectations.
Leveraging Analogies & Relatable Concepts: Relate power supply challenges to familiar project risks, such as construction setbacks or supply chain delays, to enhance understanding.
The ultimate goal is to provide certainty or, at the very least, a clear path toward it. While grid offers inherently contain uncertainties, proactively communicating risks and presenting contingency plans helps clients maintain control over their projects. Clarity and trust are built through expert guidance and the ability to navigate the technical maze on behalf of stakeholders.
The Role of Expertise in Simplification
While empathy and communication skills are critical, the foundation of this approach must be a deep technical understanding. To simplify effectively, one must first grasp the complexities involved. This knowledge enables the translation of technical details into practical insights that resonate with the audience’s concerns.
Experts in power connections must stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the energy sector, regulatory changes, and the evolving capabilities of DNOs. This knowledge empowers them to provide the most accurate guidance and set realistic expectations for their clients.
Mastering The Balance
Navigating the tension between detailed technical knowledge and clear communication is essential for anyone involved in managing power connections for industrial & commercial projects. For investors, developers, and contractors, certainty in power availability is not just a technical requirement; it’s a business imperative that affects project timelines, costs, and overall success.
By focusing on outcomes, simplifying complex details, and communicating with empathy, power connection experts can build trust and deliver the clarity their clients need. Mastering this balance not only enhances the client relationship but also positions you as a trusted partner in a landscape where certainty is often in short supply.
Here’s How We Do It
We begin every conversation by focusing on the outcome that matters most to our clients — ensuring they know when and if they will get their power. We make it a priority to address these concerns upfront, providing a clear picture of the project’s current status and any factors that might affect the delivery of power. This way, our clients can make informed decisions with confidence.
Visual Clarity: We translate the complex details of grid offers into visual summaries that highlight the most critical information. Using clear charts, timelines, and simplified graphics, we make it easy for clients to understand the steps involved in the process, the projected timelines, and any potential roadblocks. This approach transforms technical data into an easily digestible format.
Proactive Transparency: Rather than waiting for clients to uncover uncertainties or caveats within the grid offers, we proactively point out these elements and explain their implications. We identify risks upfront, providing clear explanations about how they might impact power delivery and the steps we can take to mitigate them. This transparency helps manage expectations and establishes us as trusted partners who are committed to avoiding surprises.
Relatable Explanations: To make technical details more relatable, we use analogies and comparisons that align with the client’s day-to-day experiences in I&C developments. By connecting power grid issues to more familiar challenges like construction delays or supply chain disruptions, we help our clients grasp the potential impacts without getting lost in technical jargon.
Expertise That Supports Simplification
Our ability to simplify complex issues starts with our deep technical knowledge and our constant engagement with the evolving landscape of the UK power grid. We stay informed on the latest developments within the energy sector, regulatory changes, and the capabilities of the DNOs, so we can anticipate challenges and set realistic expectations for our clients.
This foundation of expertise allows us to distil intricate technical details into straightforward, actionable insights, helping our clients navigate their projects with a clear sense of direction and minimal risk.
Our Commitment to Clarity
In the realm of industrial & commercial projects, where power needs can vary but are a crucial part of the project, we recognise the importance of providing certainty in an environment filled with technical complexities. Our focus on outcome-driven communication, visual clarity, proactive transparency, and relatable explanations sets us apart as a trusted partner.
We are committed to guiding our clients through the maze of technical data, ensuring that they get the power they need when they need it, without losing sight of their broader project objectives. By mastering the balance between technical expertise and empathetic communication, we provide the clarity and certainty that developers, consultants and contractors need to succeed.
eSmart Networks is here to help navigate the end-to-end process of getting connected and provide certainty on grid connections for all types of development across the UK. With the combined capability of our Grid Consultancy team, Electrical & Civil design teams, and Operational delivery teams, no one is better placed to ensure your grid connection needs are met.
Happy #NationalApprenticeshipWeek! At eSmart Networks, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators through our apprenticeship scheme. This scheme provides hands-on experience through tailored training and mentorship to develop the skills required for a successful career. Our apprentices are exposed to various activities, ensuring they receive a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
Maks joined eSmart Networks in September 2023 as part of our apprentice intake. Let’s get to know Maks better…
How are you finding the apprenticeship?
Starting my Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship at eSmart networks has been a dynamic journey. I’ve seamlessly joined the team, enjoyed the supportive environment and collaborative culture as well as being guided by a mentor, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The company’s commitment to professional development ensures that I stay current with industry trends, and I am excited about contributing to meaningful projects and my continued growth throughout my apprenticeship.
What have you learned so far?
I’ve already absorbed a wealth of knowledge. From practical applications of quantity surveying to navigating real-world challenges, every project has been a learning opportunity. The mentorship program has provided valuable insights, enhancing my understanding of the field. I’ve been lucky enough to already gain a well-rounded skill set and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of quantity surveying, all which is contributing to my continuous growth in the role.
What has been your favourite part of your apprenticeship so far?
The most enjoyable aspect of my apprenticeship has been the hands-on involvement in projects. Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios has not only deepened my understanding of quantity surveying but also fuelled my passion for the field. Contributing to the team’s success and witnessing the tangible impact of our work has been incredibly fulfilling.
Would you recommend an Apprenticeship scheme?
I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship scheme to others. The hands-on experience, along with a supportive team and mentorship program, creates a dynamic learning environment. This apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The focus on professional development ensures continuous growth, and the collaborative culture fosters a sense of teamwork.
Marcel Okoro, Senior Quantity Surveyor – Maks’ line manager said:
Maks has proven to be an exceptional addition to the team, showcasing a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a quick grasp of complex concepts within the commercial team. His dedication to learning and proactive approach to tasks combined with his soft skills have significantly contributed to the team’s efficiency and positive working relationships.
Maks has also shown commitment to his professional development, coupled with his willingness to take on additional responsibilities, has made him a key contributor. Overall, Maks’s contributions to the team has not gone unnoticed and we are pleased to have him onboard.
Last week, Senior Civil Design Engineer, Orla Bell, recently participated in an Interview Skills Day at Antrim Grammar School NI. The event provided Year 14 students with invaluable experience in honing their interview techniques, gaining confidence, and understanding the key skills and behaviours needed to excel in their future careers.
Orla shared her experience, saying:
“I had the pleasure of interviewing some incredibly talented young people from AGS during their mock interviews. I met four students: two aspiring electrical engineers, one future mechanical engineer, and one meticulous future accountant. They all showcased the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique brilliantly, though I did have to give a gentle nudge to ensure they didn’t forget the all-important ‘R’—a common oversight in interviews.
I also emphasised the importance of researching the company they’re interviewing with and always having a question ready for the end of their interview. The students seemed to enjoy the experience and left with smiles on their faces—perhaps because the mock interview was finally over. Overall, it was a rewarding day helping these young people move from school to further education, work, or a mix of both.”
Over 750 young people, with a passion for innovation, took part in Catalyst’s free work experience programme, Generation Innovation, the highest number of participants since the programme was established in 2018.
Running across three locations in Northern Ireland, the programme for 17-18-year-olds empowers, enables and upskills young people for the workplace of tomorrow and giving them a real-world working experience by pairing them with 41 of Northern Ireland’s most exciting businesses such as headline partners EY, Bank of Ireland and AVEVA.
Throughout the four- or five-day programmes in Derry~Londonderry, Belfast and Dungannon, participants worked together to solve a real-life company challenge, develop a solution and pitch the final idea to the company and their peers, allowing for constructive feedback and potential future employment introductions.
eSmart Networks worked with a brilliant team of young people who were presented with a challenge statement on the lack of EV hubs within Northern Ireland and shared their findings with the eSmart Networks team at the end of the week. Our team made it through to the final five and pitched to 500 young people in the GI marquee, ultimately winning the competition!
It’s fantastic to see an interest in electrical engineering ⚡
