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.
Discover our current career opportunities here.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover our current career opportunities here.
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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.”
Discover our current career opportunities here.
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This is big…it will directly or indirectly impact anyone seeking to connect to the Grid and will significantly change how many projects get connected. In this two-part episode Brian and David walk through what the current proposals are for the new system, what are the big unknowns and what should investors/developers be aware of at this stage.
Links to useful reference materials:
6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/download
NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reform
Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q
Listen to the podcast here:
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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 ⚡
