ECN December 2025

FEATURE: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

AUDIO SOLUTIONS FROM ADI | SNAP ONE

Episode Business Music Solution (EBMS) brings the Episode sound trusted by professionals worldwide to even more projects, with an extensive catalogue of professional-grade audio solutions for restaurants, gyms, retail spaces, and beyond. Designed for both small and large commercial projects, EBMS delivers flexible inputs, scalable amplification, and networked control, making it easy for contractors to provide consistent, highquality sound experiences.

Alongside EBMS, Triad and Episode products offer powerful indoor and outdoor solutions, from discreet in-ceiling speakers to weatherproof, highperformance outdoor systems, giving contractors the tools to deliver professional audio in virtually any environment. You can learn more about EBMS and other solutions offered by ADI | Snap One by becoming one of the company’s partners.

Turn to page 12 for the full story.

With EBMS, you get a streamlined, scalable setup that’s easy to install, control, and manage, all backed by the ADI | Snap One ecosystem you trust.

48 HOUR LEAD TIME

Your

A FOND FAREWELL TO 2025

Iwrite this month’s editorial sat in the empty Birchley Suite at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre just hours before this year’s ECN Awards –undoubtedly the calm before the storm – and it’s been an incredible journey piecing together this year’s event with Kelly over the past few months. Looking around the room, it’s heartwarming to see the scale of it and just how much the event continues to grow, so thank you to absolutely everyone for your support, your award entries, and for joining us on the night! Stay tuned for our full review in next month’s issue.

The biggest news to impact the industry since we last went to press was the annual Budget at the end of November, which made waves across the industry due to the proposed EV ‘pay-per-mile’ tax that’s set to come into force at the end of 2028. Industry faces have, as predicted, been swift to react to the news, with several expressing concern.

In particular, Kelly Becker of Schneider Electric noted: “We appreciate the need to replace the revenue lost by fuel duty, but introducing a tax on EVs at this stage risks slowing the growth of both the EV and electric charging markets while both are still very much finding their feet. It also sends mixed messages to motorists looking to make the switch to electric and could even make EVs less financially attractive.

“We welcome the subsidies and the additional investment in charging infrastructure, but any slowdown in EV sales would create uncertainty for the automotive, EV charging, electricity network, and low carbon supply chain industries, reducing the ability to plan for future demand.”

We’ll have more on this developing story throughout the coming months.

With this being the final issue of 2025, I’d like to thank you, our readers, for another excellent year here at ECN. The entire ECN team wishes you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year, and we’ll see you back here for 2026!

GROUP EDITOR: SIMON ROWLEY

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E: simon@allthingsmedialtd.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR: JOE PECK

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SALES DIRECTOR: KELLY BYNE

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E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO: MARK WELLER

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01634 673173

Simon Rowley, Group Editor

CEO: DAVID KITCHENER

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E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR: IAN KITCHENER

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E: ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

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E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

23-24 SEPTEMBER 2026

Covering everything from Lighting and Wiring Accessories to EV and Renewables.

ECN Live! 2026 is an industry game changing trade show for electrical contractors, electricians, buyers, specifiers, and key stakeholders in the electrical contracting sector. Gain valuable insights into the most valuable aspects of electrical contracting, such as lighting, circuit protection, cable management, HVAC, fire safety, EV, renewables, solar and more! ECN Live! will be co-locating with EI Live!, the UK’s only dedicated smart home show, an already established show, now in its 15th year. Given the synergy between these two markets, electrical contractors and electricians will gain valuable knowledge about the world of smart home integration and add another string to their bow as an installer. Don’t miss this innovative co-located event that defines the standard for connection, knowledge sharing, and solutions tailored for today’s electrical professionals.

INTRODUCING ECN LIVE!

The successful team behind Electrical Contracting News (ECN) is proud to announce the launch of ECN Live! a brand-new, dedicated trade event for the electrical contracting sector and all electrical professionals.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 23-24 September 2026, ECN Live! brings the power and reach of ECN into a live, face-to-face format, offering a dynamic platform for product discovery, learning, and networking at the very heart of the UK’s electrical industry.

Hosting ECN Live! at the NEC, Birmingham – the UK’s most prestigious and well connected venue for trade and business events – underlines the scale, ambition, and professionalism behind the launch.

After 45 years of success, ECN is established as the go-to source for news, insight, and innovation within the electrical trade. With the launch of ECN Live!, the brand extends its influence beyond the page, screen, and awards, creating a vibrant meeting place where manufacturers, suppliers, and electrical professionals can connect directly.

David Kitchener, founder & CEO of All Things Media (the parent company of ECN), explains, “ECN Live! is designed to meet the exact needs of today’s electrical contracting sector, an industry that’s evolving rapidly through digitalisation and smart technology.

“This is more than just another trade show; it’s a live extension of everything ECN stands for: information, innovation, and industry connection.”

ECN Live! will be co-located with EI Live!, the UK’s only dedicated smart home and AV technology show, now in its 15th year. The co-location recognises the increasing synergy between the electrical contracting and smart home markets, from integrated lighting to whole-home automation.

SCHNEIDER LAUNCHES ‘BUILD MY BUSINESS’ TRAINING FOR ELECTRICIANS

Energy management and industrial automation company

Schneider Electric has unveiled ‘Build My Business’, a new training programme designed to help electricians start, manage, and grow their own businesses.

This flexible eLearning series provides skills and practical guidance for both newcomers and experienced professionals in the electrical industry.

The ‘Build My Business’ programme features five modules covering everything from business planning and financial management to digital marketing, customer relations, and leadership.

Electricians can choose the modules most relevant to their needs and business including: Start My Business, Finance My Business, Promote My Business, Run and Grow My Business, and Lead My Business.

David Williams, Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Transactional Business, explains, “Our Build My Business training combines presentations, videos, templates, and expert suggestions to support electricians at every stage of their business journey.

“Schneider Electric’s goal is to equip electricians with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in a competitive market.” Schneider Electric, se.com

Exhibitors and visitors alike will benefit from shared access and crossover audiences, opening new business opportunities and collaborative possibilities.

For exhibiting or sponsorship enquiries, visit the show’s website or contact the ECN Live! team today.

ECN Live!, ecnliveshow.com

SELECT HONOURS ECA WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has been recognised for more than a century of “exceptional service to the electrotechnical industry” after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from SELECT at its 125th Anniversary Grand Ball.

Scotland’s largest construction trade association used its celebrations to reward the ECA for its “unwavering commitment to the industry since 1901”, one year after its counterpart was formed north of the border.

The award was presented in front of 300 guests at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on Friday 14 November, at an event hosted by TV personality Fred MacAulay and sponsored by the Scolmore Group.

Introducing the winner, SELECT President Mike Stark said, “As well as being a great supporter and ally of SELECT over the years, tonight’s winner has worked tirelessly to improve standards in the electrical industry.

“They are patient, knowledgeable, always eager to help, and go the extra mile to ensure that electrical contractors of all sizes have the help and support they need to carry out their work safely and to the highest standards.

“I am delighted to present the 2025 SELECT Lifetime Achievement Award to the ECA.”

The award was accepted on behalf of the ECA by Steve Bratt, Group CEO, and Ruth Devine MBE, who is the body’s President.

Ruth comments, “This award is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges the long-standing collaboration between our two associations. Together, we have championed apprenticeships, strengthened competence, and supported businesses to deliver safe, high-quality work in a fast-changing industry.

“On behalf of our members, staff, and volunteers, I want to thank SELECT for this exceptional recognition.” SELECT, select.org.uk

Ruth Devine, Mike Stark and Steve Bratt at the SELECT 125th Anniversary Grand Ball

Ready, Set, Charge!

Half day in person course

• Practical, hands-on learning with charge points

• Commercial EVCP installations focus

• Hardware installation & software configuration

• Load balancing and connectivity

• Back-office management

SALKO OPENS NEW ELECTRICAL PLANT HIRE DEPOT IN BALKHOLME

Mechanical and electrical engineering specialist Salko UK has announced the opening of its new electric plant hire warehouse in Balkholme, near Goole.

The company says the investment marks a step forward in its commitment to sustainability and innovation across multiple sectors and disciplines.

Brett Dainton (pictured), previously Technical Engineer at Clarks Vehicle Conversions in Doncaster, has been appointed Stores Manager for the depot, managing the facility’s inventory alongside Pete Myers, Facilities Supervisor.

The new bricks and mortar facility will enable M&E contractors to hire sustainable lighting and electrical plant equipment, including small transformers, extension leads, and fully electric LED lighting systems.

All products are 100% electric, aiming to deliver improved reliability, safety, and energy efficiency whilst reducing environmental impact. As well as electrical plant hire, the depot is equipped with specialist welding tools and facilities. Clients can utilise the welding expertise on site with Salko’s team.

Georgina Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer at Salko UK, explains, “Customer feedback has been central to this investment. While electrification of the vehicle fleet has been a big priority, more widely, the market has been calling for more modern, efficient electric plant hire options, and we’ve listened.

“Our new Balkholme site will provide M&E specialists with easy access to the latest equipment – all designed

to reduce power consumption and support our clients’ decarbonisation goals.”

Located close to the high-profile industrial sites on the Yorkshire coastline, Salko has invested significantly

ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2026 DALI ALLIANCE LIGHTING AWARDS

The DALI Alliance, a global industry organisation for DALI (an internationally standardised protocol for digital communication between lighting control devices), has announced that entries are now open for the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards.

The annual awards remain free to enter and are an opportunity to be recognised for excellence and innovation in DALI-based lighting controls from across the global lighting industry.

Awards will be given for both ‘Application’ and ‘Innovation’ categories.

Following last year’s feedback, participants will no longer be required to select a specific category when submitting their entries. Instead, the Awards judging panel will review each submission and assign it to the most appropriate primary category.

Judges may also consider entries for additional categories where relevant, giving projects the opportunity to receive multiple forms of recognition.

Paul Drosihn, General Manager of the DALI Alliance, comments, “We are very excited to launch the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards. The simplified entry process that we adopted last year provides greater opportunities for organisations and their projects to be recognised.

“The awards are already highly respected and we anticipate that the 2026 edition will see a further increase in entrants showcasing the possibilities and benefits of DALI.”

Award winners will gain international exposure through promotion by the DALI Alliance, receiving visibility and association with the certified global lighting protocol standard.

Submissions will be accepted until 19 December 2025. DALI Alliance, dali-alliance.org

in brand-new electrical packages, ensuring every item undergoes rigorous in-house testing and quality checks before being made available to customers.

Salko, salko.co.uk

NAPIT WELCOMES EXTRA TECH INCLUDED IN BOILER UPGRADE SCHEME

NAPIT, one of the UK’s largest Government-approved UKAS accredited certification bodies in the building services and fabric sector, has welcomed an announcement by the Government that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is being expanded to offer a £2,500 discount off the cost of installing an air-to-air heat pump, which can provide both heat in winter and cooling in summer.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers grants of £7,500 off the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump, which can keep homes warm during the winter.

Stephen Melton, NAPIT Commercial & Compliance Director, comments, “We welcome

this announcement which will mean householders can benefit from help with installing additional low-carbon technologies. It will help provide alternative solutions to the varying types of housing stock across the UK as we all move towards the electrification of heating.

“NAPIT members are at the forefront of this transition so this latest move could add further benefits to their growth and expansion. Hopefully the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will continue and we look forward to greater clarity and certainty around the scheme, which is something our members, UK homeowners, and the wider industry need.”

NAPIT, napit.org.uk

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BSI PUBLISHES REVISED STANDARD ON EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Revised guidance on the design, installation, and application of emergency lighting systems has been published by BSI, the UK’s national standards body.

The updated, fully revised standard, Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises (BS 5266-1:2025), aims to promote wider understanding of the different types of emergency lighting systems that may be used and to offer clear guidance on their correct application in different types of buildings. It is intended to support the provision of fire safety across the UK.

The full revision of BS 5266-1, last revised in 2016, expands the scope to cover local area lighting and standby lighting,

in addition to emergency escape lighting, providing a more comprehensive framework for modern building safety needs.

The standard recognises that, beyond ensuring safe and unobstructed escape routes at all times, emergency lighting serves additional key purposes, including enabling the immediate identification and use of fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment, as well as reducing the risk of panic in lifts or other enclosed or high-occupancy areas.

Recommendations within the standard encourage a uniform, consistent approach to keeping people safe in the event of interruption to normal lighting, taking into account the hazard level and degree of familiarity with the premises.

NEW GUIDE HELPING COUNCILS ACCELERATE EV CHARGEPOINT ROLLOUT

Local authorities across England can now speed up their electric vehicle (EV) charging programmes with a new guide that highlights how evidence-based planning tools improve funding success.

Councils using ChargePoint Navigator, a digital planning tool developed by distribution network operator UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO), achieved a 100% first-time success rate in Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding applications, compared with an average rate of 37%.

ChargePoint Navigator combines data on network capacity, pavement widths, residential characteristics, and projected EV demand to help councils identify viable sites earlier in the planning process.

Authorities including Kent and Brighton & Hove have used the tool to coordinate planning, identify priority sites, support chargepoint operator engagement, strengthen procurement decisions, and track progress.

The findings are set out in Powering Local EV Infrastructure: A Guide for Councils, published by UK100 in partnership with UK Power Networks’ DSO and Cenex.

The guide was launched at the Transport + Energy Forum in Warwick and offers a practical roadmap covering strategic planning, business case development, procurement, network connections, and equitable access for residents without off-street parking.

The guide arrives as the Government’s LEVI fund releases almost £400 million to support 100,000 new chargepoints across England.

The publication outlines how councils can match charging types to travel patterns, structure long-term partnerships with chargepoint operators, reduce connection costs through early engagement with electricity networks, and take a portfolio approach that balances higher- and lower-demand areas.

The guide is available now to all local authorities in England. UK Power Networks, dso.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

Anthony Burd, Director of Built Environment, BSI, comments, “The revised standard on emergency lighting, BS 5266-1:2025, marks a significant advancement in building safety, expanding its guidance to cover emergency escape, local area, and standby lighting.

“This updated, modernised standard should help organisations enhance safety, demonstrate best practice, and ensure consistent protection for people across all types of premises.”

BSI, knowledge.bsigroup.com

RECOLIGHT LAUNCHES USED LUMINAIRE CERTIFICATE SERVICE

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has announced the introduction of its Used Luminaire Certification service, designed to encourage and support the reuse of lighting products across the industry.

With sustainability and embodied carbon at the forefront of project priorities, this certification offers reassurance to developers, consulting engineers, and lighting designers seeking to specify second-life luminaires.

Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, explains, “Many projects generate unnecessary waste by replacing relatively recent lighting products with brand new fittings. Reuse is the easiest mechanism to prevent this, extending product lifespans and lowering embodied carbon.”

The Used Luminaire Certificate, developed and operated in partnership with Simon Fisher, will include an opinion report on the likely remaining burn hours and lifetime of the fitting, as well as an estimate of the embodied carbon saving associated with reusing the fitting.

This independent assessment helps address uncertainty about the product’s remaining lifespan and embodied carbon.

The certificate is not a substitute for a warranty or CE marking, which may be supplied by a qualified contractor undertaking any necessary reconditioning – be it the original manufacturer or a specialist lighting remanufacturer.

Recolight’s initiative responds to increasing interest from building owners and specifiers eager to integrate circular economy principles into their projects.

The company will be piloting the certificate with several major projects in the coming months, with the intention of rolling out the service more broadly across the UK lighting market in due course.

Recolight, recolight.co.uk

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

B.E.G., the provider of intelligent lighting solutions, has announced the appointment of Daniel Glynn as the new Sales Director for the UK and Ireland. Daniel, who brings over 15 years of experience in the lighting industry, steps up from his role as Regional Director at the German manufacturer and takes over from Paul Jones.

Ovia has announced the appointment of Barnaby Chapman as Area Sales Manager, covering South Wales, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. In his new role, Barnaby will be instrumental in driving the growth, awareness, and continued success of the Ovia brand across the region.

Lucy Electric has named Tom Goodman as the new General Manager of Lucy Electric EV Infrastructure. Tom brings a wealth of experience in operational management and EV infrastructure roll out, and most recently served as Energy Director at Ground Control.

Schneider Electric has chosen Alice Williams as its VP Digital Energy UK&I. Alice’s role will be to drive growth and impact across the UK and Ireland Digital Energy business. She succeeds Kasim Mohammed, who took on the role of VP for Services UK&I earlier this summer.

CATEGORY SPONSORS

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PROFESSIONAL AUDIO

SOLUTIONS

FOR EVERY SPACE

In this month’s cover story, ECN looks at how ADI | Snap One equips electrical contractors with innovative solutions for great sound in any environment –inside and outside the home, as well as for commercial spaces.

The opportunity to deliver great sounding audio into a customer’s home presents a great business opportunity for electrical contractors. Consumers can be provided with music in every room of the house, with a professionally installed sound solution giving significant benefits in terms of performance and aesthetics for dedicated cinema or media rooms, living spaces, bathrooms, and even outdoors.

ADI | Snap One continues to expand its premium install-ready audio lines to help electrical contractors plug straight into these new revenue streams with loudspeaker options from its Triad and Episode brands.

Pristine sound quality with Triad speakers

For contractors seeking flexible, high-performance audio solutions, the latest Triad InWall Surround, InWall LCR and InCeiling LCR speakers deliver pristine sound quality with a sleek, nearly invisible design. Perfect for home cinemas and whole-home audio applications, these architectural speakers are designed for installation within the wall or ceiling to provide immersive sound while seamlessly blending into any space.

They include aluminium cone woofers and tweeters for crystal-clear audio and exceptional sound performance with the MDF construction and internal bracing reducing resonance. A patent-pending spring dog system offers quick, easy and secure installation, and the speakers are available in custom grille colours so that they can blend perfectly with any home interior design.

Triad creates products that work in harmony for seamless, high-performance installations, and these latest speakers are no exception. They deliver outstanding audio when paired with Triad Passive Slim Subwoofers or Passive Cinema Subwoofers soundbars with subwoofers.

For those looking to elevate their offerings in home entertainment, the Triad brand from ADI | Snap One continues to push the boundaries of performance and innovation.

Entertainment in outdoor environments

Outdoor entertainment spaces are becoming a must-have for consumers and businesses alike, and with the Episode brand from ADI | Snap One, contractors can take advantage of this market trend. The Episode Surroundscape Series replaces the highly successful Episode Landscape Series, incorporating over a decade of customer feedback to deliver a more

durable, high-performance system for outdoor applications.

This comprehensive speaker line-up includes satellite speakers (4”, 6”, 8”), burial subwoofers (8”, 10”, 12”), a hardscape subwoofer (12”), and mounting accessories for flexible installations.

Enhanced durability is a key highlight of this range with the newly designed aluminium satellite speakers and stake mounts three times stronger than their predecessors, ensuring longevity in harsh conditions. High-excursion subwoofers offer 300W-500W RMS power handling to deliver deep, immersive bass and better audio performance, while a quick-connect mounting system with an integrated wiring block streamlines the setup and installation process. Contractors can also pair Surroundscape with an Episode Hybrid Amplifier to optimise performance, making system design and installation seamless.

The Triad brand from ADI | Snap One continues to push the boundaries of performance and innovation

Episode Radiance is somewhat of a gamechanger, providing both audio and lighting in a single system for outdoor environments. The dual functionality of Episode Radiance is a big time-saver for installers as it only requires one, easy-tofit two-conductor burial wire to produce high-quality audio and the perfect ambient lighting for entertainment. As customers increasingly want a simple solution with minimal impact on landscaped gardens, Episode Radiance ticks multiple boxes.

Installation is further simplified as the full range of bollards within Radiance are designed for 70v amplification. Selectable 70v tap settings allow for detailed tuning and balancing of the sound at each bollard, which means the individual volume can be set while the entire system is adjusted as a whole. This simplicity doesn’t mean the units lack power, however. The bollard speaker delivers 360-degree sound, while the subwoofer features a 10” long-throw woofer in a sealed, UV-protected, IP66-rated cabinet for lasting performance.

Braving the elements with Episode Extreme

In tougher conditions, Episode Extreme Speakers are the answer. These marine-grade, in-ceiling speakers are purpose-built for spaces exposed to moisture, heat, or salt air – such as steam rooms, saunas, pool areas, coastal balconies, and even boats – where durability is essential and performance is often compromised.

What sets Episode Extreme apart is robust engineering. Each speaker features a sealed rear enclosure with an IP67 rating, hydrophobic PCB coating, and a rustproof aluminium grille. This ensures the speakers withstand direct water exposure, high humidity, salt air, and temperatures up to 90°C.

Installation is straightforward and efficient. Compatible with existing Episode brackets and cutouts, both new installations and retrofits are hassle-free.

A flush-mount design delivers a discreet, seamless appearance in any ceiling. This installer-friendly approach allows contractors to provide premium sound solutions in locations previously considered too challenging.

By installing Triad and Episode solutions from the ADI | Snap One portfolio, contractors are well positioned

to deliver versatile, high-performance audio experiences across a wide range of residential projects.

New Episode Business Music Solution: Versatile commercial audio platform

Beyond the home, the Episode Business Music Solution (EBMS) from ADI | Snap One is designed to transform how electrical contractors can approach the demand from the commercial sector for music.

At its core, EBMS is a modular platform that includes digital signal processors (DSPs), amplifiers, mix-amps, and a suite of wall plates and accessories. This system is purpose-built for spaces where reliable, flexible audio is increasingly in demand. What sets EBMS apart is its ability to be tailored to any project size, including retail outlets, cafes and restaurants to co-working spaces and even offices, thanks to its scalable architecture and network-enabled design.

EBMS offers significant practical advantages:

• Easy installation: All wall plates and accessories are PoE-powered and IP54-rated for durability, with a user-friendly zone controller.

• Flexible inputs: EBMS accommodates Bluetooth, microphone/XLR, RCA/3.5mm, and SPL sensor wall plates, supporting varied audio sources and control points.

• Professional performance: Featuring robust amplification, built-in DSP, and advanced matrixing, EBMS ensures reliable, clear sound across multiple zones for music, speech, and paging.

A key benefit is the system’s remote management capability which allows for easy configuration and monitoring of multiple devices from a single interface. This not only streamlines installation and maintenance, but also supports ongoing service contracts and reduces site visits. EBMS is well-suited to the evolving needs of the commercial sector, where businesses are prioritising customer experience and operational efficiency. It’s a versatile audio solution that can provide best-in-class commercial sound efficiently, reliably, and with the adaptability to meet tomorrow’s demands.

Expanded choices, enhanced opportunities

ADI | Snap One offers a comprehensive ecosystem of installation-ready solutions that empower electricians to deliver more, increase their earning potential, and allow them to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

With Triad, contractors can offer discreet yet powerful indoor audio solutions to enhance the lifestyle and the interior of their customers. Episode Surroundscape and Extreme provide unrivalled durability and performance for outdoor installations and environments where water, temperature and humidity have been barriers to audio installation in the past. New innovations, such as the Episode Business Music Solution, demonstrate how the brand can bring the power of audio with significant benefits for customers in new market areas.

ADI | Snap One goes beyond simply supplying hardware. The company also offers training and support for contractors keen to move into audio. Existing ADI | Snap One customers can find out more about the Triad and Episode range at https://dealer-emea.control4.com. Additional information about ADI | Snap One can be found at adiglobal. com/snap-one/emea. To apply to be a customer, visit NewPartnerApplication (control4.my.site.com/SnapOne/s/ newpartnerapplication).

ADI | Snap One, snapav.com

The latest Triad Inwall speakers are ideal for home cinemas and whole-home audio applications

Episode Extreme Speakers are purpose-built for spaces exposed to moisture, heat, or salt air

EBMS is a modular platform that includes digital signal processors (DSPs)

WEEV TO ROLL OUT EV CHARGING ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND

In Northern Ireland, Liz Kimmins (Minister for Infrastructure) and Niree McMorris (The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane Alderman) have welcomed the appointment of a contractor to deliver over 250 EV charge points across nine local councils.

The councils include Derry City and Strabane District Council, and the roll-out forms part of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On Street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS).

Local EV infrastructure company Weev will supply, connect, and operate the charge points, which will be located in a mix of on-street and council-owned

car park locations, notably within residential areas that lack driveways / off-street parking.

ORCS is led by Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The ORCS project is an investment of over £2 million part funded by OZEV, the Department for Infrastructure, and Weev.

Ald. Niree comments, “Improving access to charge points is another positive step in progressing the move towards sustainable, cleaner travel. It will make electric charging more accessible and convenient for users and encourage the switch to electric vehicles.

ADVANCED’S FIRE PROTECTION INSTALLED IN CANTERBURY STUDENT VILLAGE

Fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has supplied new intelligent fire panels for student accommodation in Kent as part of a £3.5 million project to upgrade fire safety systems at Cloud Student Homes’ Canterbury Student Village.

The installation replaces existing panels across several occupied buildings, requiring the previous system to remain active throughout the work to maintain constant protection for residents.

Cloud Student Homes provides accommodation close to Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, UCA, and Canterbury College.

As part of a wider safety improvement programme, existing fire alarm systems in Kentish House, Behn Hall, and Tallis Court were replaced with Advanced’s MxPro 5 analogue addressable panels.

Fire engineering consultants Endeavour Group appointed fire safety specialists CSS to deliver the design, installation, and handover. Five networked four-loop

“Council has been taking an active role as lead of the consortium and, along with our partner councils, we will continue to lobby for more support for the improvement of local EV infrastructure.”

panels were installed and connected to the alarm receiving centre for fire and rescue monitoring. All devices are Hochiki, with input and output units linked to the existing automatic opening vents. The new networked system integrates with access control, lift, and ventilation systems.

Paul Almond, MD at DataCentre UK, comments, “Advanced was specified since it supports an open protocol and offers a powerful solution for the student accommodation.

“We also find it an easy system for customers to navigate and use. The panels are proven in the field with CSS and Endeavour Group using them for a number of years.

“Advanced MxPro 5 panels are about the best on the market along with the tech support received by Advanced on installations.”

Cloud Student Homes operates around 3,500 student rooms across 21 UK sites and plans to introduce Advanced fire panels across all properties as part of its future upgrades.

Advanced, advancedco.com

The chosen locations for the EV charge points are within residential areas in a range of towns and cities, with work set to commence in the coming weeks.

TRIDONIC PROVIDES LIGHTING UPGRADE FOR HEALTHCARE AUDITORIUM

Tridonic UK, a supplier of lighting technology, has supported an upgrade of the main teaching auditorium at the North London Healthcare Project, replacing fluorescent and halogen fittings with an LED system designed to improve energy efficiency and provide more flexible lighting control.

Working with Light Projects Evolve and contractor EPS Site Solutions, Tridonic supplied LED boards, drivers, downlights, emergency exit signs, and DALI-2 touch panels.

The installation is centred on the company’s sceneCOM S DALI lighting controller, which allows staff to adjust lighting scenes and manage individual or grouped luminaires as required for training and presentations.

The updated system uses a 4000K colour temperature for general working light, with 3000K wall lighting introduced to create a more balanced visual environment. The changes are intended to support concentration, reduce visual fatigue, and improve comfort for those using the space.

John Bowden of Light Projects Evolve says, “Tridonic’s sceneCOM S DALI is an impressive solution. It is a fantastic way to introduce DALI-2 lighting control into individual rooms, and the auditorium is a standalone space that needs this controllability and flexibility over the lighting.

“The auditorium is now offering a much-improved environment for wellbeing, allowing for a better learning experience. From reducing eye fatigue and headaches [to] improving productivity, sceneCOM is enabling lighting control that meets the needs of the learners while also reducing wasted and unnecessary energy.”

James Huntington, OEM Controls and Solutions Manager at Tridonic UK, adds, “This installation demonstrates how innovative lighting control can deliver measurable energy savings while improving comfort, wellbeing and usability for everyone who relies on the space.”

The upgrade has delivered a more adaptable auditorium environment while supporting long-term energy efficiency objectives.

Tridonic, tridonic.com

Weev, weev.ie

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MARSHALL-TUFFLEX SUPPLIES TRUNKING TO APPRENTICE CENTRE

Marshall-Tufflex , a UK manufacturer of cable management products, has supplied its Sterling Curve Dado trunking to Darke & Taylor’s new apprentice training centre, Elevate, based in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire.

Darke & Taylor is a specialist mechanical and electrical contractor delivering projects across commercial, education, residential, public sector, and retail. Its new facility, which opened in October 2025, is designed as a practical workshop to provide hands-on training for the next generation of electrical and engineering apprentices.

Sterling Curve Dado is, according to the company, one of Marshall-Tufflex’s best-selling trunking systems, offering high

cable capacity, smooth curved aesthetics, and Cat 7a compliancy. The product is also manufactured using 55% recycled content.

With the intent of supporting the development of future electricians, Marshall-Tufflex supplied its Sterling Curve Dado to equip the centre. The system was chosen for its reliability and design benefits, with sustainability considered an added advantage that aligns with Darke & Taylor’s own environmental commitments.

Mark Swadling, Contracts Director at Darke & Taylor, comments, “We chose Marshall-Tufflex not only for the quality of their products, but also for the availability of spares, the ongoing evolution of design, and their wider industry innovation. As a British manufacturer, they set a

benchmark for reliability and forward thinking in our sector.”

Adrian Murphy, Area Sales Manager at Marshall-Tufflex, adds, “We are proud to

LIGHTING RETROFIT CUTS STREET LIGHTING ENERGY IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Lincolnshire County Council is working with TRT Lighting on a countywide retrofit programme that is cutting street lighting energy use by more than 65%. The project upgrades existing lanterns with new LED technology, delivering major carbon and cost savings while extending the lifespan of assets across one of England’s largest rural counties.

Lincolnshire’s street lighting network plays a vital role in connecting communities and keeping roads safe. As a result, rather than replacing entire lanterns, the Council chose to retrofit existing fittings – a decision that reduces waste, lowers costs, and maximises long-term sustainability.

TRT designed and supplied 5,400 bespoke retrofit kits, upgrading lantern models including Arc 80, Iridium, Evolo 2, Sapphire 1 and Sapphire 2. Each retrofit tray was developed and tested at TRT’s LIA-accredited laboratory to ensure compliance with lighting performance, uniformity, and thermal standards.

The retrofit solution allows existing lantern housings to remain in service for a further 10–20 years, significantly reducing embodied carbon and capital expenditure. Installation has also been streamlined, with each retrofit completed in under 10 minutes, minimising disruption to road users and local communities.

To date, the retrofit programme, delivered in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, has already achieved more than 65% reduction in energy consumption compared with a 2016 baseline, through the introduction of LED technology, dimming, and part-night operation.

Nathan Poundall, Principal Engineer –Street Lighting at Lincolnshire County Council, comments, “By reusing existing lantern bodies and introducing advanced LED retrofit technology, we are cutting energy use by over 65% while avoiding unnecessary waste. This project is a clear example of how innovation and partnership can help us reduce carbon emissions, save money, and extend the life of our assets.”

TRT Lighting, trtlighting.co.uk

play a part in supporting training and skills development for the next generation of electricians entering the industry.”

Marshall-Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com

LUCY ZODION’S KI. CMS ADOPTED BY BOLTON COUNCIL

Bolton Council has upgraded more than 120 school crossing locations, becoming one of the first UK authorities to adopt Ki., street lighting control manufacturer Lucy Zodion’s smart city management platform, allowing control of school crossing beacons remotely.

The move aims to improve safety, reduce operational costs, and remove the need for routine manual maintenance.

Previously, beacon timings were managed manually, requiring staff to visit each site to switch units on and off with a key. This process was time-consuming, left limited scope for scheduling changes, and occasionally resulted in beacons operating outside school hours.

A local news report in June 2025, which highlighted several inaccurate timings, prompted the council to accelerate its plans to modernise the system.

Already experienced with Lucy Zodion’s central management system (CMS) for street lighting, Bolton Council piloted the Ki. Gen3 NB-IoT node, which uses a self-seeking roaming SIM to avoid the need for fixed collectors.

After successful testing, the technology was deployed across the borough during the summer break, with the full rollout completed within one week.

Paul Worthington, Lighting Manager at Bolton Council, says, “Switching our school crossing beacons to the Ki. platform has made a real difference. We’ve eliminated the need for manual site visits, improved accuracy, and ensured our flashing lights operate exactly when they should.

“It’s a simple change, but one that’s helped us improve safety for pupils and reduce operational costs at the same time.”

Lucy Zodion supported the installation through training, mapping, and schedule configuration, enabling the council to manage beacon timings centrally via the Ki. dashboard.

Lucy Zodion, lucyzodion.com

Take a break and learn with our 30 minute bitesize introductions:

10th Dec 5pm - https://bit.ly/Yubii-HVAC

12th Dec 4pm - https://bit.ly/Yubii-Lighting

17th Dec 5pm - https://bit.ly/Yubii-Shading

UK POWER NETWORKS INVESTS IN CRAFT APPRENTICESHIPS

UK Power Networks is investing £6 million in craft apprenticeships this year, including hiring 55 newcomers to support local communities and advance Britain’s clean energy goals.

The 55 appointments are part of a future-ready workforce that will keep power flowing to 20 million people and connect the low-carbon future to the grid, enabling increasing renewable energy, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. The positions received 2,052 applications.

Based in London, the South East and East of England, the recruits will follow the Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeship programme and specialise as either underground cable jointers, substation fitters, or overhead linespeople. These trades enable reliable electricity supplies to homes and businesses and support transition to low-carbon power.

School or college leavers are ‘foundation apprentices’ and complete Outward Bound Trust training and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme during three years’ technical training. Career changers are ‘experienced apprentices’ who also complete an Outward Bound programme and follow condensed two-year training.

Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “Our apprenticeships nurture local talent and prepare the technical energy experts of tomorrow to power our regions’ future.

“We are building a strong, skilled workforce drawn from the very communities we serve, enabling recruits to play a vital role in maintaining, connecting and upgrading the electricity network for homes and businesses and helping power Britain’s low-carbon future.”

Once they qualify, most apprentices will work on maintenance, connections and

CONTRACTORS IN NORTH WALES OFFERED LOW-CARBON TRAINING DISCOUNT

Electrical contractors across North Wales have the opportunity to futureproof their businesses with 50% funded training in electric vehicle (EV) charging, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and battery storage technologies through the Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme (FSP).

The initiative is led by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and delivered by NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification and training body for the electrical contracting industry. It is designed to help businesses diversify their services, futureproof their workforce, and stay compliant with upcoming regulatory changes.

From October 2026, new Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) rules will require electricians and qualified supervisors (QSs) working on EV charging, solar PV, or battery storage installations to hold specific Level 3 qualifications. This training offer provides a cost-effective route to compliance while enabling businesses to expand their services and improve customer satisfaction.

Courses will be delivered during January and March 2026 at Vulcana Training, a leading training centre in Wrexham. They will include:

• Installation of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Level 3 Award

• Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points, Level 3 Award

• Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS), Level 3 Award

All qualifications are aligned with the Electrician Plus model and recognised by MCS and NICEIC.

Businesses must apply individually and complete their training by 31 March 2026. NICEIC will support applicants with pre-filled templates, MERIT self-assessment guidance, and coordination of training dates. For enquiries and bookings, email traininginfo@niceic.com. NICEIC, niceic.com

upgrades across London, the South East and East of England. Seven will join UK Power Networks Services, serving privately owned power infrastructure for clients in aviation, rail, defence, and industry.

The apprenticeship programme has won several awards, including regional and national recognition from the Department

for Education’s apprenticeship awards, gold at the Learning Excellence Awards, and top honours from Energy and Utility Skills Awards. Applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2026 are open now via the link below.

UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk/careers

CONNECT AND COLLABORATE AT D-CARBONISE WITH DAIKIN LIVE

Daikin, a global provider of HVAC solutions, has launched D-Carbonise With Daikin Live, a nationwide series of evening networking events designed to connect, inspire and empower the professionals that are shaping the future of low-carbon buildings across the commercial HVAC sector.

Taking place in major cities throughout the UK, including London, Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle, the events will bring together HVAC professionals, building designers, developers and construction industry leaders to explore how smarter design and innovative technology can drive meaningful carbon reduction.

D-Carbonise With Daikin Live offers guests the opportunity to network with peers, share practical solutions for decarbonising heating, cooling and hot water systems, and gain valuable insight into emerging technologies that are transforming the way buildings are designed, delivered and operated.

Each event will feature expert-led sessions on the technologies and trends shaping low-carbon commercial buildings. Participants will be offered fresh insight into

emerging low-carbon HVAC technologies, evidence-based data to strengthen design and investment decisions, practical guidance to reduce installation time and operating costs, and valuable new connections across the HVAC, construction and development network.

The programme will showcase Daikin’s updated VRV5 systems, featuring lower GWP refrigerants and smart controls that integrate seamlessly into modern projects.

Collective housing solutions also take centre stage, with insights into next-generation water-source heat pumps for ambient loops, geothermal integration and multi-tenant buildings. Attendees will also discover practical approaches to domestic hot water at scale for hotels, healthcare and PBSA projects, including Legionella control and ESG compliance.

The first event took place in Nottingham on 27 November, with the second event scheduled in Manchester on 15 January 2026. To secure your place, visit daikin.co.uk/en_gb/ commercial/D-carbonise/live.html.

Daikin, daikin.co.uk

FESTIVE PRESSURES ‘TAKING A TOLL’ ON TRADESPEOPLE’S MENTAL HEALTH

As Christmas approaches, new research from Jackson Woodturners reveals that a worrying number of tradespeople in the UK are dealing with stress, burnout, and anxiety. ECN provides details of this pivotal report and explains where contractors can turn to for help.

Many tradespeople report that the festive period is the toughest time of year for their mental health.

According to the latest industry data in UK manufacturer Jackson Woodturners’ recently launched UK State of The Trades Report, over a third (37%) admit feeling more stressed at this time of year, whilst over a quarter (27%) report higher levels of burnout.

The publishers of the report note that this is concerning, given that a high proportion already deal with mental health challenges throughout the rest of the year.

Additionally, nearly a quarter (23%) feel pressured to take on extra work to make more money for the festive season, a pattern that often leads to exhaustion and longer hours.

Lucie Levesley, Director at Jackson Woodturners, comments, “The end of the year can be especially tough for tradespeople. They’re juggling a heavy workload, tight deadlines, and customers eager to get jobs finished before Christmas, all while managing their own personal and business challenges.

“It’s easy for mental health to take a back seat, but it’s vital people take a step back, rest, and reach out if they’re struggling.”

Nine in 10 tradespeople have felt stressed at some point this year, with many also reporting burnout, anxiety, and loneliness

Nigel Sanderson, Director and Lived Experience Expert at Men’s Minds Matter, adds, “Generally, it’s a difficult time of year for everyone. Grey days and harsh weather affects us – working outdoors or in unlit, unheated spaces can make things even tougher.

“Before joining Men’s Minds Matter, I worked as a joiner myself for a few years and remember this only too well! Coupled with this are financial pressures and unrealistic expectations that everything has to be perfect for Christmas.”

Widespread mental health strain across the trades

The research highlights how widespread mental strain has become across the trades. Nine in 10 tradespeople have felt stressed at some point this year, with many also reporting burnout, anxiety, and loneliness.

A quarter experience anxiety weekly, and two thirds have battled symptoms of depression during 2025.

This echoes national findings showing that those working in the construction space are four times more likely to suffer mental health issues than the UK average, according to charity Mates in Mind. Despite all this, nearly 70% of tradespeople say they’ve never accessed therapy or formal mental health support.

Men make up the majority of the UK’s skilled trades workforce (women are only around 2-4% of this and only 15% across the broader sector, according to ElecTraining), so despite these concerning figures in the report, it’s unsurprising that poor mental health is so prevalent in the industry.

Three out of four deaths by suicide are male (76%), with suicide being the biggest killer of men in the UK. This is at a rate of 14 men per day and, whilst gendered, these deaths affect everyone as they are not just men; they are husbands, partners, dads, brothers, sons, and more, leaving families wondering “Why did this happen.”

Guidance and support

Dr Luke Sullivan, Clinical Psychologist and founder at Men’s Minds Matter, has shared guidance on how all tradespeople can look after their mental health during the festive season:

1. Learn to spot early warning signals

Take the time to know yourself and notice any physical and emotional cues that might be a result of stress. Irritability, tension, fatigue, difficulty switching off are all common indicators to act and make changes. They’re your body telling you something is off, not signs of weakness.

2. Assess your load, not your limits

Stress often reflects excessive demands, not a lack of resilience. Examine what’s on your plate both personally and professionally and adjust the weight before questioning your capacity or capabilities. It’s a good idea to review your new year plans now, too, so you’re not struggling into the new year.

3. Redistribute, don’t internalise

You don’t have to carry everything alone. Delegate, share, or ask for help in finding another way. Whether that’s at work, at home, or with friends. Even small redistributions of responsibility or calling in additional resources can release a lot of pressure.

4. Protect your boundaries

Protect your personal time, family time, and rest. Boundaries are essential; they’re not selfish, they’re protective. Make space for the things that replenish you and treat that time as non-negotiable. Deciding what you are willing to give creates boundaries and helps you recognise when you have crossed them.

5. Talk before you tip

You don’t have to wait until things fall apart to speak up. Talk early and openly about how you’re feeling. Sharing takes the weight off and gives others the chance to step in before the load becomes too heavy. If you’re not sure where to start, visit the Men’s Minds Matter website at mensmindsmatter.org for self-help resources, guides, and training opportunities. You may also find support through organisations like Band of Builders, accessible via bandofbuilders.org.

Jackson Woodturners, jacksonwoodturners.co.uk

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SUSTAINABILITY TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT

In collaboration with B.E.G., the National Theatre Green Store in London is utilising innovative smart building technology – such as B.E.G.’s DALI-LINK technology – to drive sustainability and reduce energy usage considerably. ECN looks at what the project involved.

Leading lighting controls specialist B.E.G. has helped the National Theatre Green Store take a major step towards sustainability by supplying an advanced lighting controls system at its new Bermondsey facility.

The German manufacturer consulted on the large store facility switching to a DALI-LINK dimming solution which can be maintained by the theatre’s in-house team via a free downloadable B.E.G. app following training which could reduce its energy usage by up to 60%.

The project at the National Theatre Green Store, which houses all props, costumes and technical storage, showcases how smart building technologies can deliver measurable energy savings in line with the UK’s growing net zero ambitions.

A new facility with sustainability in mind

The theatre decided in 2024 to move from its old home in Kennington to a new space in Bermondsey. The aim was to consolidate its extensive props and costume collections under one roof and create a facility that reflects the creative industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. Now with the integration of B.E.G.’s DALI-LINK system, this has helped bring that ambition to life.

The Bermondsey Green Store is now home to over 130,000 costumes and, for the first time, all 21,942 props are housed under the same roof. The 1,260m² facility serves the theatre’s internal needs but it can now act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for hire for designers and creatives across the sector.

With materials and resources now more accessible at its central London location, it will lead to an increased reuse of materials across productions. This directly supports the principles set out in the Theatre Green Book, an industry-wide framework encouraging more sustainable theatre production.

Paul Handley, Director of Production and Technical at the National Theatre, says, “This game-changing facility has been developed to inspire designers at the early stages of the production process to reuse existing materials, while encouraging them to achieve their creative goals and adhere to the standards of the Theatre Green Book.

“Reuse is at the heart of achieving the Basic Standard, with 50% of materials needing to have had a previous life, and 65% needing to be repurposed at the end. By encouraging reuse we can create a circular economy and reduce our carbon footprint.

“In May 2021, we started working towards the Basic Standard of the Theatre Green Book and all productions staged at the South Bank in 2024 met these requirements – with further progress being made to reach intermediate and advanced levels of sustainability.

“As well as storage, the building provides office, laundry, and workspace for the National Theatre’s on-site team. This includes new lighting, heating, and ventilation systems to reduce energy use, and electric charging for lorries. Initiatives like the Green Store will drive forward our ambition to reach net zero by 2030. This success could not be achieved without immense collaboration between all the skilled makers, designers and creatives involved.”

The DALI-LINK lighting control system

A key part of the energy efficiency strategy was the implementation of B.E.G.’s DALI-LINK lighting control system. This standalone, app-programmable system uses presence and absence detection to ensure lighting is only active when needed – ideal for dynamic working environments like workshops, storage areas, and office spaces. The system was programmed and commissioned using the BEG One app, available from the App Store, which offers installers and facilities teams a simple, intuitive way to set up and adjust controls without the need for complex infrastructure.

Dan Glynn, Director at B.E.G. UK, comments, “We’re proud to support the National Theatre Green Store in its sustainability journey. DALI-LINK is a versatile system that now allows them to take control of their energy usage with minimal disruption. It’s perfectly suited for a facility like this, where operational flexibility and efficiency are both critical.”

The design and coordination of the building services were led by Skelly & Couch, an environmental engineering practice, which ensured B.E.G.’s systems integrated seamlessly with other energy-saving technologies such as upgraded heating and ventilation systems at the National Theatre Green Store.

Installation of the lighting controls and associated infrastructure was carried out by CES Electrical, which specialises in industrial and commercial electrical installations, based in Enfield. The CES Electrical team worked closely with B.E.G.’s engineers throughout the process, delivering a “compliant and efficient installation that met sustainability targets while leaving room for future system expansion,” according to Dan Glynn.

Steve White, Lead Consultant at Skelly & Couch, notes, “Having B.E.G. systems integrated into the heart of the new site gave us an effective, easy-to-maintain solution that fits perfectly within the National Theatre’s wider sustainability objectives.”

Energy efficient upgrades

The National Theatre Green Store also extended its energy efficiency upgrades by installing the B.E.G. DACO system, which provides daylight and occupancy-responsive lighting control across rehearsal and back-of-house areas, designed to provide consistent, automated energy savings across both key sites.

With further steps such as the donation of a fully electric DAF truck for transporting production materials, the National Theatre Green Store continues to reduce its operational carbon footprint, setting a strong example of how environmental responsibility can be embedded into every part of an organisation.

Dan concludes, “This project proves that with the right collaboration between consultants, manufacturers, and electrical contractors, buildings can be both smart and sustainable – without compromising on performance.”

B.E.G. UK, beg-luxomat.com

The new National Theatre Green Store in London has been designed with sustainability in mind

Q&A: SIMPLIFYING THE ENERGY TRANSITION

In this month’s interview, ECN is speaking with Kevin Bird, CEO & co-founder of Shocking Energy, about the company’s origins, the evolving role of the electrical contractor, how he’s helping contractors to run more efficient operations, and more.

ECN: Can you tell us a little about yourself, along with how your career started?

Kevin: I’ve spent more than four decades working across the energy, electrical, and technology sectors. My early career began hands-on in electrical contracting and metering, long before the industry became as digital and data-driven as it is today. Over the years I moved into leadership roles in software, field-service operations, and energy data, helping some of the UK’s largest installers and utilities modernise their workflows.

That blend of engineering, compliance, and innovation has shaped everything I do today, particularly my drive to simplify industry processes that have become unnecessarily complex for contractors.

ECN: How and when did Shocking Energy’s creation come about, and what were some of its original aims?

Kevin: Shocking Energy was formed two years ago by a small team of industry specialists who had spent 20+ years building software, data systems, and field-service technology for the energy sector. We kept seeing the same problems: installers buried in admin, contractors struggling with accreditation, and compliance rules that were designed for legacy systems.

We realised we could build something far better: an AI-driven field service platform coupled with a specialist accreditation service to help contractors operate safely, efficiently, and independently. Our aim from day one has been simple: make compliance easier, make operations smarter, and help installers grow without bottlenecks.

ECN: What does your day-to-day role involve at present?

Kevin: My typical day spans strategic leadership, overseeing product development, and supporting our customers who are navigating complex regulations such as SIP and EMO accreditation. I spend a lot of time with customers, from small electrical firms to national renewables installers, ensuring our technology and services genuinely make their lives easier.

What I’m most passionate about is seeing contractors unlock new revenue streams because barriers have been removed. Whether that’s through SIP accreditation, automated market messages, or digital job flows, I love helping teams transition from ‘firefighting’ to running efficient, confident operations.

ECN: How has Shocking Energy evolved over the years, and what were its main projects or areas of activity in 2025?

Electricians are no longer just ‘installers’, Kevin says – they’re becoming energy transition specialists

Kevin: In 2025 we delivered three major areas of growth:

1. SIP & EMO Accreditation Services

– We now support half of the UK’s SIP operators, guiding them through CoMCoP, BSA submissions, market scenario testing, and role-code activation. The modular approach we created has made accreditation faster, clearer, and far more predictable.

2. JobWay.AI Platform – Our AI-powered field-service platform grew rapidly, which automates job creation, market messages (D-flows, RGMA), RAMS, asset tracking and invoicing for installers and asset owners.

3. Solar & EV Workflows – We expanded our solar installation journey tools, including MCS ready workflows, automated documentation, and on-site evidence capture.

For 2026, our focus is: expanding JobWay’s modules; helping more contractors achieve SIP status as demand for self-delivered work accelerates; supporting the growth of EV, solar, and battery installers as the energy transition intensifies; and enhancing mobile tools to make engineering roles more appealing to the next generation.

ECN: How has the role of the electrical contractor evolved, and what should they be focusing on outside traditional areas of business?

Kevin: The biggest shift is that electricians are no longer just ‘installers’ – they’re becoming energy transition specialists. Today’s contractor is expected to understand the full ecosystem: electrical safety, renewables, storage, EV charging, networking, compliance, and data. The opportunities are huge, but they require upskilling, accreditation, and digital

capability. Contractors should focus on: renewables (solar, battery, EV); energy data and smart systems; SIP accreditation for independence; digital workflows to improve efficiency; and offering full-service packages, not just installations.

The firms that diversify now will lead the market for the next decade.

ECN: How do you assess the ongoing skills gap in the electrical sector, and what could be done to address this?

Kevin: The skills gap is one of the biggest threats to the energy transition. We have unprecedented demand for EV charging, solar, heat pumps, and storage, but not enough qualified engineers to deliver it.

To close the gap, we need to: modernise training with real-world digital tools; promote accreditation pathways like SIP, which create higher-skilled roles; make engineering careers more accessible and appealing to young people; support existing electricians to upskill in renewables; and digitise workflows so engineers spend more time on the tools, not admin.

Technology won’t replace skilled engineers, but it will help us use their time far more effectively.

ECN: Lastly, what do you most enjoy doing in your spare time when you’re looking to unwind or recharge?

Kevin: I’m happiest when I’m outdoors –walking, exploring, or spending time with my family. I also enjoy keeping up with new technology outside the workplace; I’ve always believed curiosity keeps you young. And like many people in this sector, I often end up tinkering with gadgets or home energy tech for fun! As well as travelling, exploring and seeing the world.

Shocking Energy, shocking.energy

CONFIDENCE IN LIGHTING STARTS WITH THE LIA

ECN investigates how and why working with The Lighting Industry Association (LIA’s) Members brings clarity, confidence, and added value to lighting projects.

Anyone who works with lighting day in, day out, knows the industry has grown more complex over the years. There are more product types, more regulations, and more expectations around sustainability and performance than ever before. For contractors, that can make it harder to feel confident in the products you choose, and the suppliers you rely on.

Working with an LIA member means that the business has participated in the LIA’s quality process assessment and ongoing audit framework. It’s one way to strengthen confidence in the systems behind the products you choose.

A membership badge with substance

The LIA badge isn’t something companies simply display after paying a fee. Every member goes through a structured assessment before joining, followed by regular audits to ensure they continue to meet the standards expected of them. Some join as provisional members while they work towards full compliance, and others reach that level immediately after their initial audit.

For contractors, the value is simple; the badge tells you the supplier has been independently checked, in the way they manage quality, testing, documentation, and traceability as well as market compliance checks on randomly selected products. It’s a small visual cue that your chosen supplier is committed to doing things properly.

How The LIA supports behind the scenes

The assessment processes look at the full ecosystem behind a product, at things like:

• How well quality management systems work

• How supply chains are managed, and components verified

• Their approach to product testing and paperwork

• How production and assembly are controlled

• How issues are handled and resolved

It’s a holistic approach rather than a simple product sample check, and for life-safety categories such as emergency lighting, The LIA’s specialist division, ICEL (Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting), applies ever closer scrutiny. All of which means the suppliers you choose have already been through a process designed to support good practice and make compliance more straightforward.

Access to independent testing and certification

The LIA Laboratory is one of the largest lighting-focused testing facilities in Europe, and is UKAS and IECEE-accredited, giving members and the wider industry access to reliable, robust testing, from safety to photometry to international certification. For contractors, this translates into clearer, more dependable documentation, including services such as The LIA Safety Certificate (LIASC) which verifies that products meet their stated safety and performance claims.

While the detail sits with the manufacturer, the benefits come to you in the form of dependable information and less ambiguity when checking compliance.

Developing skills and competence across the sector

The industry changes on a daily basis, with new regulations, new technologies, digitally connected systems, and greater emphasis on sustainability all placing new demands on those specifying, installing, and maintaining lighting.

The LIA supports these changes through its Learning Hub, industry Profession Map, and a growing suite of competency frameworks and schemes. Together, they help ensure the people designing, supplying, and supporting lighting systems have access to the right learning, at the right time.

Tech-X (Technical Excellence Conference), a brand new lighting conference born from member feedback. The 2026 event is set to take place on 2 July at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre

A collective effort to raise standards

The LIA works with government and industry bodies, such as the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), to strengthen market confidence and through market surveillance, helping to identify areas where products may not meet the required expectations. It’s important to create a more reliable market for everyone involved – manufacturers, distributors, and end-users – and while most of the industry is working hard to get things right, collaboration helps reinforce that message.

Technical expertise that helps the whole chain

LIA members can tap into specialist technical advice covering everything from product standards and legislation to sustainability, and emergency lighting. That support often translates into clearer documentation, better product guidance, and more confidence for contractors choosing solutions for their projects.

The Association already represents industry perspectives globally through IEC, CENELEC, BSI, LightingEurope, and a broader network of alliances. The practical benefit for contractors is subtle, but meaningful; the companies you work with are better informed, better supported, and more aligned with emerging requirements.

At the heart of lighting

Choosing an LIA member isn’t about creating exclusivity in the market or suggesting that others fall short. It’s simply about giving contractors a straightforward way to add assurance to their decision-making.

With an LIA member you know:

• Their systems have been independently reviewed

• They have access to high-quality, recognised testing

• Their documentation is supported by robust evidence

• They’re kept up to date with regulatory and technical changes

• They’re part of a network focused on raising standards

• Their approach to quality and compliance is actively monitored

Lighting will always remain a blend of performance, practicality, and trust, and by working with LIA members, you’ll get a level of clarity that can make everyday decisions a little bit easier. Be part of it!

The Lighting Industry Association, thelia.org.uk

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The Lighting Industry Association

FROM COMPLIANCE TO COMPETITIVE EDGE

Colin Dean, Managing Director of Socomec UK, assesses how energy efficiency comes to life in today’s smart buildings.

Buildings sit at the centre of Europe’s energy challenge.

Accounting for about 40% of the continent’s energy consumption and a third of greenhouse gas emissions, they continue to be a major focus for both cost control and sustainability. Building operators face a dual challenge: climbing electricity prices and energy shortages on the one hand, and compliance on the other.

These pressures are compounded by standards such as the EU’s latest Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Under the revised directive, non-residential buildings are required to meet stricter energy standards by 2033, while new buildings must hit zero fossil-fuel emissions by 2030. The directive also introduces a Smart Readiness Indicator, which rates a building’s ‘smartness’ based on its ability to optimise energy efficiency, responds to changing grid conditions, and meets the demands of occupants.

This means that today, smart buildings are no longer just defined by the tech on display – their true intelligence lies in how well their energy systems perform to deliver efficiency and sustainability.

The path to sustainable, high-performing buildings runs through energy efficiency, Colin tells us

The role of intelligent power monitoring and metering

The first step to optimising a building’s energy efficiency is getting clear insights into how and where power is being consumed. By closely monitoring usage, operators can identify inefficiencies, track anomalies and audit the performance of individual systems. This level of visibility supports smarter operational decision-making and establishes baselines against which energy-saving and cost-saving measures can be defined and tracked.

The same need for clarity applies to metering – particularly in multi-tenant buildings, where operators must bill consumption in a way that is fair and transparent. With energy costs rising, everyone involved needs confidence in the figures and trust in the reliability of energy insights.

To guarantee the highest levels of trust, meters used for billing must meet recognised standards such as the EU Measuring Instrument Directive. Today, the highest performing MID-certified devices reach 0.5% accuracy across a broad operating range, meaning that even if conditions shift, total measurement error stays within half a percent of actual use.

With dependable data at this level of granularity, operators can not only improve their own energy operations but also give sub-tenants the assurance they need to meet environmental and commercial KPIs.

Turning energy performance into financial advantages

Accurate energy insights do more than support operational efficiency and fair billing –they create a foundation for tangible financial gains. In smart buildings, where systems are increasingly connected and responsive, energy efficiency directly influences costs and long-term business performance. For many operators, the challenge is that energy infrastructure still sits on the sidelines of strategic planning – viewed as a complicated overhead rather than a place where meaningful value can be created.

Modern energy management tools help shift that view. Modular solutions allow operators to deploy monitoring and metering systems incrementally, focusing on the areas with the highest impact first. This flexibility means that buildings can gradually become smarter without breaking the bank or requiring a full infrastructure overhaul.

By combining these systems with energy storage, operators can unlock additional financial benefits. Batteries can store electricity when it is cheaper or more abundant and release it during periods of high demand – a strategy known as peak shaving – helping operators to avoid costly grid charges and protect revenue.

Together, these tools provide building operators with actionable insight and precise control over energy use – bringing them closer to energy autonomy without adding complexity.

The future of smart buildings is green and resilient

The path to sustainable, high-performing buildings runs through energy efficiency. Operators who understand how their buildings use power and invest in modular, responsive systems can make targeted improvements that reduce costs, cut carbon emissions and uncover new operational efficiencies.

When energy performance is managed intelligently, buildings become not just smarter, but also more sustainable, agile and overall better equipped to thrive under economic fluctuations, tightening regulations and commercial pressures.

Socomec, socomec.co.uk

WHY THE DEMAND FOR CERTIFIED SOLAR PV INSTALLERS IS GREATER THAN EVER

Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), looks at why rooftop solar is having a record-breaking year, how upcoming policy changes are likely to drive uptake further, and the important role of MCS certification for growth.

MCS is the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable technology like solar panels. It sets standards for how renewable technologies should be manufactured, tested, and installed in homes and small businesses.

More people than ever before in the UK are putting their trust in home-grown energy. MCS data shows that 2025 is the best year in our history for rooftop solar installations. By mid-November, we had beaten the previous record set in 2011. We also passed the previous record of 270,000 installations across all technology types in a single year in October.

The future is bright

Confidence in home-grown energy is clearly increasing across the UK. We’re expecting to see demand for solar increase even further with the introduction of the new Future Homes Standard, which will effectively mandate solar panels on new homes. The Standard positions the newbuild sector as a major driver of future growth in the solar industry and represents a significant business opportunity for those working in the sector.

As the demand for home-grown energy accelerates, it’s crucial that installations continue to be of a high quality.

Our priority at MCS is that consumers have access to quality installers who maintain high standards and prioritise customer protection. This is why certification is so important – it’s a mark of quality for installers and gives

Solar success in the West Midlands

Craig Michael Renewables upgraded Stephen and Zoe’s Telford home by installing MCS certified solar panels and a battery storage system.

Craig originally managed his own business for 13 years as an electrical engineer, but after seeing the growth in demand for renewable energy, he enrolled on a solar PV course and began installing solar panels.

consumers peace of mind that they are working to high standards.

The market is clearly changing for the better – and so is MCS. To ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our rapidly growing industry, keep raising the bar on quality and support installers to grow their business, MCS has worked with the small-scale renewables industry to redevelop our Installer Certification Scheme. With most installers set to move over throughout 2026, our redeveloped Scheme will make certification simpler and more rewarding – but just as robust. We’re putting quality and consumer protection first to help your business and our industry build lasting confidence in home-grown energy.

Looking ahead

With solar panel installations rising across the UK, safety, quality, and consumer outcomes remain priorities for the small-scale renewables industry.

Craig says, “We chose to become MCS certified for both solar PV and battery storage installations, knowing that MCS certification, as a mark of quality, would provide assurance to our customers and ultimately strengthen our business’s reputation. The renewables industry is a growing industry with plenty of work around, and my sales have increased tenfold since I became certified.”

At MCS, our aim is to give everyone confidence in home-grown energy and help to drive this demand even further. This is why we work with the industry, hearing from installers, manufacturers, certification bodies, and trade bodies to help develop MCS Standards so that they work for everyone. It is also why we have redeveloped our Installer Scheme: to build a more direct relationship between MCS and our installer community.

Achieving and maintaining MCS certification is a sign of trust for consumers who are considering making the switch to renewable energy, and stories like Craig’s demonstrate just how your business can benefit by becoming MCS certified. I hope to see you join us on this next, exciting stage of growth.

To learn more about becoming an MCS certified solar PV installer, visit www.mcscertified.com/installers/ becoming-certified.

MCS Certified, mcscertified.com

MCS data shows that 2025 is the best year in its history for rooftop solar installations

Audible & Visual Alarms

• Multi Function LED Beacons

• Multi Tone Alarms

• Xenon Flashing Beacons

• Combined Sounder & Xenon Beacons

• STX LED Continuous or Flashing Beacons

• Panel Mount LED Beacons

• Fire Alarm Bells

• Motor Driven Sirens

• Surface or Panel Wall mount

• UKCA & CE approved

•

•

•

• 24VAC/DC & 240VAC versions

• Available with sounder module

• IP65 / 66 Ingress Protection

• Continuously rated

• High impact & self extinguishing PC body

• -30 to +50°C Operating temperature

• UL type 4X, PCT, UKCA & CE approved

• Super bright LED technology

• Continuous, Flashing, Strobe & Random

• Red, Green, Amber, Blue & White

• Multi Voltage 12-24VAC/DC or 120-240VAC

• IP65 / 66 Ingress Protection

• Continuously rated

• High impact & self extinguishing PC body

• -40 to +55°C Operating temperature

• UL type 4X, EAC, UKCA & CE approved

• Supplied as a kit or components

As

WIN A VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAY COURTESY OF MARSHALL-TUFFLEX

Marshall-Tufflex, the UK’s leading cable management manufacturer, has recently added its Bench Trunking to the range of products manufactured from antimicrobial Bio PVC-U.

To mark the occasion, the company is offering one lucky reader the chance to with a Virgin Experience Day.

Commonly utilised in schools, hospitals, laboratories, and other environments where high standards of hygiene must be maintained, Bench Trunking is robust angled trunking ideal for installation with desks or work benches.

By incorporating the antimicrobial Bio material as standard, Marshall-Tufflex has enhanced its offering to deliver the ideal solution. Independently verified to ISO 22196:2011, the Bio range uses silver

ion technology to reduce bacterial counts by more than 99.9%, with effectiveness against harmful organisms.

To celebrate the launch of this improved product, MarshallTufflex is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Magenta Virgin Experience Day worth £200.

To learn more about Marshall-Tufflex’s range of Bench Trunking, visit the company’s official website.

Marshall-Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com

To be in with a chance of winning the Virgin Experience Day, simply answer the following questions correctly:

1. Where do the antimicrobial properties of Marshall-Tufflex’s Bio Bench Trunking come from?

a) Silver and iron technology

b) Silver bacteria technology

c) Silver ion technology

2. True or false – Marshall-Tufflex’s Bench Bio Trunking is tested to comply with ISO 22196:2011.

a) True

b) False

3. Bench Trunking is ideal for installation with which of the following?

a) Desks

b) Work benches

c) Both

October competition

The winner of the October competition – a Sangamo Round Pattern Time Switch, courtesy of ESP – is Eric Sheard of SET Training.

Closing date

All entries must be returned by 31 December 2025. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms.

The name of the winner will be published in the February 2026 issue of ECN.

*Prize not exchangeable

Contact Preferences

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

A BRIGHT YEAR FOR NVC LIGHTING

As 2025 draws to a close, ECN looks back on the many milestones achieved by lighting specialist, NVC Lighting – which include innovative product launches, special projects with schools and the NHS, ECN Awards nominations, and so much more.

2025 has been a year of progress and excitement across the board for the lighting industry.

The drive to meet sustainability targets, support diverse user needs and embed lighting into smart building systems is reshaping both product design and specification.

As a result, manufacturers and installers in the UK are now viewing lighting not just as a fixture, but as a platform for performance and experience.

NVC Lighting has made a lot of progress this year, ranging from innovative sustainability focused product launches to exciting customer competitions and industry recognition.

The lighting specialist has also supported countless projects across the UK, helping to ensure that the lighting specified and installed is efficient, effective and perfectly suited to its environment.

PROe Range –A sustainable step forward

NVC started 2025 with a significant step forward in its journey towards sustainability transparency with the launch of the new PROe range, bringing together products which meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Products within the PROe range offer customers insight into the environmental footprint of each product, thanks to Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification.

The range is tailored for forward-thinking, sustainability-driven projects, ensuring that innovation meets accountability at every level.

Bradford Grammar School

2025 was also a positive year for NVC’s education offering, including its work with Bradford Grammar School (BGS), a high-performing independent grammar school.

NVC worked with the BGS team to transform its estate and achieve savings of over £65,000 annually on energy costs through a major lighting upgrade, which included replacing its outdated and inefficient fluorescent and incandescent lighting with high-performance LED solutions.

This extensive project involved installing commercial LED lighting throughout the school, from the historic Price Hall to a range of traditional and modern classrooms, cutting-edge sports facilities, and the theatre. The upgrade has also encompassed all corridors, stairwells, kitchens, workshops, laboratories, and outdoor areas such as pathways and car parks.

Any colour you like with DALLAS PRO

In April, NVC launched DALLAS PRO, a stylish and robust surface/suspended luminaire suited for residential, education, office and commercial settings, with a sleek and modern design complemented by technical features to improve productivity, efficiency and focus.

Uniquely, NVC offered a RAL colour matching service, allowing customers to choose from over 2,500 colours or choose their own custom finish to perfectly coordinate with any setting.

NVC’s major lighting upgrade at Bradford Grammar School has led to annual savings of £65,000 on energy costs

DALLAS PRO is a product that ticks all of the right boxes – it’s high quality, high performance, easy to install and looks the part. With customers now able to choose any colour of choice thanks to NVC’s colour matching system, the design possibilities are endless.

Oasis promotion

Away from the world of lighting and electrical contracting, the big story of the summer played out in stadiums across the UK with the return of Oasis for some of the biggest concerts ever seen.

Tickets were a hot commodity, and NVC offered up the ultimate prize for one of its customers with four tickets to the band’s sold-out Wembley show.

The ‘Don’t Look Back In Hunger’ campaign also offered up Greggs vouchers and Amazon gift cards as prizes.

Calztec – The contractor’s choice

A truly exciting project for NVC this year came from working with commercial design and fit-out company Calztec to help create a contemporary aesthetic at a new commercial office premises for modern businesses.

A long-standing NVC Lighting customer, Calztec had recently moved to a new home in Romsley Point Workspace, Bromsgrove and was also principle contractor on the design and fit out of the building, which houses a number of local businesses as well as its own team.

The new business premises offers an innovative approach to flexible working and shared space, so Calztec needed to work with a lighting partner who understood the importance of creating a strong first impression.

As a fit-out specialist working across retail, leisure, commercial, office, and industrial sectors, the Calztec team has a keen eye for the importance of aesthetics and sought to match this up with NVC Lighting’s expert understanding of how lighting can contribute to this.

NVC offered a complete end-toend service, from site surveys and assessments, right through to technical support and design services. The results were fantastic and gathered much industry attention through media coverage.

NHS Trust

Another key project for the year was NVC’s work with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

The NHS Trust, which delivers vital services to thousands of patients across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, was supported in its continued drive towards running a more energy efficient estate by NVC.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust provides a range of mental health, community, and learning disability services across the region, including community hospitals, minor injury units, sexual health services, and specialist dental services.

Over recent years, the Trust has been actively working on improving energy efficiency across its facilities, backed by financial support from the NHS Energy Efficiency Fund (NEEF), which started in 2018 and has now completed its third phase. This included being awarded £90,000 from the NEEF to upgrade lighting across the whole Trust, in line with the NHS’s goal of becoming net zero by 2040.

The project focused on seven older buildings from the Trust’s estate, offering a range of services across mental health, nursing, child development, and more.

2025 also saw the launch of CAT-R, a new range of innovative recessed LED panels

CAT-R

NVC also introduced a new range of innovative recessed LED panels – the CAT-R. Designed with efficiency and longevity at its core, CAT-R eliminates CAT-A / B fit-out waste in tenanted commercial spaces.

Using TM66 principles, its modules can easily be replaced, reused and redeployed, potentially lasting the entire lifetime of a building and making it the go-to luminaire of choice for offices, schools and universities, and healthcare facilities.

Among the many highlights in 2025 was NVC’s project with commercial design and fit-out company, Calztec

This means that when installed at the CAT-A phase of installation, using an NVC Lighting CAT-R can eliminate product waste and the need for strip-out and CAT-B fit-out.

CAT-R is built on the NVC adaptable plug-and-play platform and is available in a variety of options, offering flexibility for future tenants. Installers can choose from four different bodies – basic, winged, square or acoustic – and an LED cassette which is available in opal or UGR<19 options.

CAT-R’s innovative design means it can make a substantial contribution to waste elimination and reducing energy consumption, supporting organisations in taking a real step towards hitting both personal and company sustainability goals, as well as the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

ECN Awards nominations

In October, NVC Lighting was delighted to announce that it had been shortlisted as finalists for four Electrical Contracting News (ECN) awards.

NVC received nominations for Lighting Product of the Year, Sustainable Project of the Year, Lighting Project of the Year, and Sustainability Product of the Year –recognition that highlights its commitment to sustainable innovation and high-quality lighting products.

This is a real testament to the hard work, creativity and passion of NVC’s entire team, and the company is proud to be leading the way in delivering lighting solutions that make a real difference for all the customers who put their trust in the lighting specialist.

Lighting the way beyond walls

NVC Lighting also offers a range of outdoor lighting, ideal for walkways, building perimeters and car parks. Built for robust and reliable performance in all weather conditions, NVC’s outdoor lights enhance security, improve ambience and offer an excellent efficiency rating.

The BELFRY PRO is die-cast aluminium streetlight, ideal for use on private roads, car parks and the approaches to buildings. Stylish and efficient, it is available in a wide range of lumen packages and has an adjustable tilt of +/–15º, offering an elevated level of flexibility.

For ease of operation, it has a toolless latch for access for the gear compartment and is 100,000 hours rated with a Philips long life, fully programmable driver, LEDs and built-in surge protection.

A fitted breather valve maintains pressure for a reliable, long-term performance and condensation reduction and with an IP65 rating and up to 165 luminaire lumens per circuit watt, the BELFRY PRO is eco-efficient and can contribute to energy cost savings.

For commercial exterior use on building entrances, perimeters and along walkways, the BALTIMORE bulkhead offers optimal lighting with asymmetric light distribution. With rugged durability, this polycarbonate bulkhead offers superb, reliable performance in all weather conditions.

It is CCT and wattage selectable, with 3000K, 4000K and 6000K, and 16W and 24W options available to offer an enhanced level of flexibility for all commercial and industrial projects.

The BALTIMORE bulkhead is IP65 and IK10 rated and is covered by a five-year warranty to give users peace of mind. Combining high efficiency with robust construction, it elevates exterior security while reducing energy consumption and costs.

NVC Lighting combines advanced optics with energy-efficient technologies and durable construction to deliver results for both interior and exterior lighting. With lighting products and solutions designed to perform seamlessly from dusk to dawn, it creates spaces that are secure, inviting and efficient, lighting the way for better, brighter environments.

THE WAYS TO MASTER OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting projects can be complex, and with a plethora of design decisions to navigate, careful planning is the key to success. In this article, Dominic Harkness, Lighting Designer at Ansell Lighting, shares insights on how to approach exterior lighting schemes effectively and explores the benefits of integrating the latest smart and solar-powered innovations. Planning an outdoor lighting project goes beyond simply choosing a fitting and a place to install it, Dominic explains

Exterior lighting plays a multi-faceted role in today’s world. Essential for enhancing visibility during hours of darkness, it provides safety and security around building perimeters, ensuring safe access and deterring would-be criminals. It is also an important design element, enhancing buildings and outdoor spaces to create ambience and visual appeal.

It’s all in the planning

Planning an outdoor lighting project goes beyond simply choosing a fitting and a place to install it. Successful design requires many considerations, from product styling and durability to CCT and brightness settings. Positioning, mounting heights and spacing are also key considerations, as are issues such as light pollution avoidance.

Contractors embarking on an outdoor lighting project should start by looking at the space and considering its use. Is lighting needed to enhance user safety or provide security? Is ambience important? Will the space be used for leisure or just access purposes? Is visual impact important? Is constant illumination required? Defining the purpose of the lighting required will help to guide both the design and product specification.

Contractors should also consider whether to incorporate any lighting effects into their designs at this stage. Those most commonly used are uplighting, downlighting, wall washing, grazing, cross-lighting and mirroring. These advanced lighting techniques help to add depth and dimension, creating atmosphere within the space.

Product specification considerations

Attention should then turn to product specification. Different areas will require different types of products. For example,

wall-mounted luminaires are ideal for building façades and wall areas, floodlights for car parks and large open spaces, and bollards are ideal for pathways or landscaped zones.

Contractors should opt for robust products with a high IP and IK rating. Those that are constructed from materials such as die-cast aluminium, polycarbonate or stainless-steel will offer the best performance against the elements for longevity.

Avoiding light pollution is a major consideration when designing an outdoor lighting installation and must not be overlooked. Clever placement, low level lighting and the specification of fittings that hold the DarkSky Fixture Seal of Approval accreditation are all recommended, helping to keep light spill to a minimum.

A huge part of product specification is energy efficiency. Outdoor lighting can be left on for many hours – especially during winter months – so fixtures need to be efficient and cost-effective to run. The use of photocell or motion sensors are a great option for some projects, providing both cost and energy savings.

Solar lighting is another brilliant option which has seen significant advances in recent years. More efficient solar panels, improved LED performance, and better battery storage capabilities mean

Avoiding light pollution is a major consideration when designing an outdoor lighting installation, and should not be overlooked

solar-powered lighting is now a reliable and high-performing choice, even in the UK’s less predictable climate. It is also completely free to operate and doesn’t add to household or business running costs. Installation is quick and straightforward, with no need for disruptive outdoor cabling or electrical wiring work.

The role of smart lighting

Smart technology is another game-changer in terms of energy-efficiency. Allowing users to control, customise and automate lighting to an exceptional degree, smart systems help optimise energy use and enhance functionality. They are great for domestic and commercial projects alike where lighting can be scheduled to operate only when areas are in use or programmed to activate at specific times as required.

Smart lighting can also be used to enhance design and ambience. The technology allows users to select different colours and colour temperatures to transform the look and feel of a space. Whether they want a warm, welcoming white tone or a decorative colour for seasonal events, smart technology allows users to create a custom environment.

Although there are many factors to consider with outdoor lighting projects, achieving an effective installation is easily achievable. Dedicating time to planning, design and product selection will ensure all project goals are achieved.

Ansell Lighting, ansell-lighting.com

NVC Lighting provides durable, high-performance outdoor lighting built to boost security, cut energy costs and withstand all weather conditions. The BELFRY PRO streetlight combines flexible tilt adjustment, multiple lumen options and long-life components for reliable, low-maintenance operation, while the BALTIMORE bulkhead delivers tough, efficient illumination with selectable wattage and colour temperatures. Together, they offer versatile, eco-efficient solutions that create safer, brighter and more welcoming exterior spaces.

HONESTY TO IMPACT: HOW SOLAR LIGHTING IS EVOLVING IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Tim Barker, Managing Director at Acrospire, reflects on the 18 months since launching the Solar Honesty campaign and explores how evolving solar technologies, smarter system design, and real-world applications are shaping a more practical and effective future for solar lighting – and what this means for electrical contractors.

When Acrospire launched its Solar Honesty campaign in March 2024, we set out to offer clear, unbiased guidance on where solar-powered lighting works and where it doesn’t.

Eighteen months later, the conversation around solar is far more grounded, and we’re seeing an increasing number of

clients and contractors turn to it for the right reasons.

What’s changed? Solar lighting is no longer seen as niche or unreliable. Thanks to technical improvements, smarter control options and a more informed market, we’re seeing solar deployed in a broader range of projects from public transport and housing to schools and emergency infrastructure. But one thing hasn’t changed: solar still works best when it’s used appropriately and designed as a complete system, not just a bolt-on.

Why ‘solar honesty’ matters

When we began our campaign, it was in response to growing industry frustration with underperforming solar installations. Projects where the wrong product, or the wrong expectations, led to disappointment. Whether it was mismatched components, unsuitable locations or poor system design, the result was the same: solar lighting getting a bad name.

That’s why we’ve always prioritised transparency. Not just what a system can do, but how it’s configured, how it’s

Every Evofire downlight is independently fire tested and powered by UK patented technology, exclusive to Integral LED.

From large-scale architectural builds to compact residential spaces, Evofire delivers fire protection with a premium, seamless look. Choose from a complete range of fire-rated glass downlights, with colour and tilt options to suit any interior design. Evofire. Engineered for protection. Designed for perfection.

Traditionally, solar lighting found its home in off-grid areas – parks, pathways and other low-use spaces

Acrospire’s MSL-50 modular solar lighting system continues to gain traction, having been installed in 150 bus shelters

maintained, and how its performance can be realistically expected to hold up over time. That honesty has built trust and led to smarter specifications.

From street lanterns to specialist projects

Traditionally, solar lighting found its home in off-grid areas – parks, pathways and other low-use spaces where trenching for mains cabling wasn’t viable. That’s still a great fit. But today, we’re seeing solar solutions being used in more demanding environments.

One recent example is a bespoke off-grid lighting system we delivered to illuminate an emergency ship berth. The project involved powering LED handrails using four Aeromax units – a challenging application given the exposure to harsh

weather conditions and the importance of visibility and resilience. It’s a first for us in terms of solar-powered handrails, and a milestone in proving what can be achieved when you take a full-system approach.

Elsewhere, our MSL-50 modular solar lighting system continues to gain traction, having been installed in 150 bus shelters as part of a Department for Transport-funded upgrade programme. Designed to deliver robust, cost-effective lighting with a compact stainless-steel body and integrated battery, MSL-50 has proven ideal for sectors like education and transport where durability and safety matter as much as efficiency.

Solar is also playing a growing role in road safety. A solar version of our aGlow hazard warning lights have been deployed in school zones to improve visibility and encourage safer travel behaviours without the need for mains connections or civil works. These small, simple units are helping local authorities make meaningful improvements to public safety, quickly and affordably.

Smarter systems, cleaner light

The beauty of modern solar lighting lies in its controllability. PIR sensors, time-based dimming, and adaptive light profiles all contribute to systems that are efficient not just in energy terms, but in environmental impact and user experience.

It’s also why we design with optics and light quality in mind. A well-specified solar luminaire should deliver precisely

the right light, where it’s needed, when it’s needed without unnecessary overspill or upward light. That means careful consideration of beam angles, colour temperature and mounting, particularly in sensitive locations.

And while we occasionally receive requests to retrofit solar onto existing lighting columns, a notoriously complex challenge, we’re upfront about the feasibility. Retrofitting can work in certain scenarios, but does it make financial sense when a location is already connected to mains? Probably not. That’s why we’ve published guidance to help contractors assess retrofitting options before investing in unsuitable equipment.

For contractors: a specialist role

As solar becomes more viable, the role of the contractor is evolving. No longer limited to cabling and installation, solar lighting opens up new areas of expertise, from commissioning and control programming to system diagnostics and long-term maintenance.

This shift brings opportunity. Contractors who can understand and communicate the principles of solar lighting – including irradiance, and sensor integration, are already adding more value to their clients. Many of the systems we supply can be installed and configured by a single engineer, and Acrospire offers training and support to ensure confidence on site.

For those willing to upskill, solar lighting isn’t a passing trend, it’s a growing area of specialism that directly supports net zero goals and local authority mandates.

Lighting with purpose

At Acrospire, we believe that solar should never be sold as a silver bullet. It’s a tool, a powerful one for the right context. That’s why we continue to focus on education, guidance, and practical, real-world solutions that work.

We’ve come a long way since launching the Solar Honesty campaign. But the principle remains the same: when used responsibly, solar lighting doesn’t just offer environmental benefits; it unlocks smart, cost-effective ways to solve long-standing public realm challenges.

For contractors and clients alike, that’s a future worth investing in.

Acrospire, acrospire.co

FITS RIGHT IN. FITS YOUR STANDARDS, EXCEEDS YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

FITS RIGHT IN. FITS YOUR STANDARDS, EXCEEDS YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

FITS RIGHT IN. FITS YOUR STANDARDS, EXCEEDS YOUR

FITS RIGHT IN. FITS YOUR STANDARDS, EXCEEDS YOUR

Our new dedicated UK range is tailored to meet British installation requirements. Every product is designed to make every installers job easier. A complete range that fits right into your daily work – because that‘s exactly what we built it for. For more information on this range visit www.ledvance.co.uk

Our new dedicated UK range is tailored to meet British installation requirements. Every product is designed to make every installers job easier. A complete range that fits right into your daily work – because that‘s exactly what we built it for. For more information on this range visit www.ledvance.co.uk

Our new dedicated UK range is tailored to meet British installation requirements. Every product is designed to make every installers job easier. A complete range that fits right into your daily work – because that‘s exactly what we built it for. For more information on this range visit www.ledvance.co.uk

Our new dedicated UK range is tailored to meet British installation requirements. Every product is designed to make every installers job easier. A complete range that fits right into your daily work – because that‘s exactly what we built it for. For more information on this range visit www.ledvance.co.uk

A NEW ERA FOR EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Neil Raithatha, Head of Marketing, Zumtobel Group, explores the latest developments in exterior lighting and looks at how recent projects by Thorn Lighting are being approached in a more sophisticated and sustainable way than ever before.

Exterior lighting is undergoing a noticeable shift. For a long time, specifications have been largely driven by lumens per watt, cost-per-luminaire and basic compliance with lighting standards. Those fundamentals still matter, but the priorities are widening. Comfort, ecology and adaptability are fast becoming just as important, fuelled by planning constraints, biodiversity and net zero targets, and public expectations of safer, more welcoming outdoor spaces. For electrical contractors, these developments represent an opportunity to deliver solutions that are smarter, more sustainable and more in tune with the way people now use external environments.

A move towards softer lighting

A clear trend emerging across the UK is the move away from cooler, harsh white light. Warmer colour temperatures such as 3000K and 2700K are increasingly being specified in public realm and infrastructure lighting; CCTs that feel more natural and more comfortable to the eye at night. Crucially, they are also far less disruptive to wildlife, particularly bats and insects. With biodiversity protection becoming a standard consideration for local authorities, choosing warmer light is not simply a design preference – it is increasingly a compliance requirement.

Technology that has been available for years is now being used more intelligently. Presence detection and adaptive lighting controls are becoming a standard part of exterior strategies, not simply an optional upgrade. This shift means lighting is only present when needed, rising and falling based on real-time activity, which delivers a step-change in energy efficiency for asset owners without compromising safety. Exterior lighting has historically been cautious about controls, largely due to budget worries, but modern systems are more cost-effective, quicker to commission, and easier to manage than ever before.

Pricing and control

However, for many clients, price still dominates the conversation. In a market shaped by budget constraints, there is a temptation to view all luminaires as equal and simply select the lowest upfront cost. This often leads to installations that technically meet the specification but fail to deliver comfort, light quality or long-term value. A poorly controlled luminaire may use little energy but still create glare, light spill and complaints, all of which have a cost of their own. The reality is that the cheapest install today can become the most expensive tomorrow when maintenance, replacements and reputational impacts are factored in.

Better optical control is another area where progress is accelerating. Lighting is no longer expected to ‘flood’ an area. Instead, precise direction ensures light reaches only the surfaces that require illumination, reducing spill light and skyglow which is central to good exterior lighting practice and supports wider moves towards dark-sky compliance.

Outdoor lighting control in action

A recent award-winning scheme at Aykley Heads footpath in Durham shows these trends working at their best. Thorn’s Urba NightTune lanterns were installed to improve safety and comfort on an important Active Travel route near Durham Police Headquarters. With adjustable colour temperatures, smart dimming regimes and careful optical control, the lighting enhances visibility for pedestrians and cyclists while protecting wildlife and minimising light pollution. The council has created a route that people feel confident using, one that respects its surrounding environment and supports a shift towards healthier, low-carbon transport choices. This project demonstrates that ‘value’ in exterior lighting is no longer simply a question of price or lumens. It is about delivering spaces people want to use and doing so responsibly. Electrical contractors have a vital role in helping clients recognise the difference.

Exterior lighting may have taken longer than interior to embrace change, but that is rapidly shifting. The projects being delivered today are demonstrating that with the right technologies and thoughtful design, we can create safer, more efficient and more environmentally sensitive outdoor places for everyone.

Contractors who stay ahead of these developments won’t just be installing lighting – they’ll be shaping the nighttime experience of our built environment for years to come.

The lighting at Aykley Heads footpath in Durham now benefits from adjustable colour temperatures, smart dimming regimes and optical control

Another recently completed project at the Lost Shore Surf Park in Edinburgh

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EXTERIOR LIGHTING: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Sustainability, smart technology, and design-led solutions are redefining exterior lighting and creating new opportunities for contractors. Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia Lighting – part of the Scolmore Group – sheds some light on the latest developments for the sector.

As demand for safer, smarter and more energy-efficient environments continues to rise, exterior lighting has become a fast-evolving sector in the electrical industry. For electrical contractors, staying ahead of trends in outdoor illumination isn’t just an added value, it’s now a competitive necessity. From public spaces and commercial developments to residential exteriors, clients increasingly expect lighting systems that combine performance, longevity, intelligence and sustainability.

Exterior lighting has moved far beyond its traditional role of simply illuminating pathways or highlighting architecture. Today, it is a critical component of safety, compliance, and sustainability, and it represents a fast-growing opportunity for electrical contractors. With advances in LED technology, smart controls, and regulatory pressures, exterior lighting is becoming a sector where contractors can differentiate themselves and add real value for clients.

The technological landscape of exterior lighting has changed dramatically in the past decade. LEDs now dominate, offering long life, low energy consumption, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional lamps. Their versatility allows contractors to specify solutions ranging from high-output floodlights to subtle pathway markers.

Inceptor Ace, an adjustable asymmetric floodlight

Although LED lighting is well-established and often viewed as a mature technology, the market is far from static and innovation in this space is far from over. While improving efficacy remains important, the conversation is increasingly shifting towards visual comfort, application-specific beam control, and lighting that enhances the character of exterior spaces.

High-quality lighting components that minimise glare are now considered standard in many projects, especially in residential areas, mixed-use developments, and hospitality outdoor spaces. Likewise, improved colour rendering is allowing designers and contractors

to achieve better visual clarity and more appealing night time environments without compromising energy efficiency. Adjustable white and warm-dimming exterior luminaires, once a niche offering, are becoming mainstream in architectural and amenity lighting schemes. These allow contractors to offer highly tailored solutions, ensuring spaces feel both safe and visually appealing while also meeting planning requirements around light pollution.

Control systems are another area of rapid development. Timers, photocells, and motion sensors are widely used, but smart systems are taking things further. Connected lighting is transforming the way exterior installations are commissioned and maintained. What was once considered an optional upgrade is rapidly becoming an expected component of modern lighting schemes.

Sustainability

Sustainability is increasingly at the forefront. High-efficacy luminaires reduce operational costs, while shielded fixtures and directional lighting help minimise skyglow and light pollution. Many councils now include light pollution reduction in their planning requirements, making it a competitive advantage for contractors who can deliver compliant designs.

For residential clients, sustainability often translates into stylish yet efficient solutions. Homeowners are increasingly requesting LED garden lighting, solar-powered pathway lights, and smart systems that can be controlled via mobile apps. Contractors who can advise on these technologies position themselves as trusted partners rather than just installers.

As a lighting supplier working closely with contractors across the UK, we see firsthand how the right exterior lighting solutions can streamline installation, simplify maintenance and deliver measurable benefits for end-users.

Designed to deliver exceptional performance, long-lasting durability, and adaptable functionality across a wide range of commercial and residential applications

is the latest addition to Ovia’s exterior lighting range – the Beelo Bollard. It sets a new standard for outdoor lighting by combining modular interchangeable design, impact resistance, and energy efficiency in one elegant, high-performance system.

Engineered for performance and endurance in all conditions, the IP65 and IK08 rated Beelo Bollard has a beam angle of 360° and delivers a maximum lumen output of 3600Lm and efficacy of up to 144Lm/W. It also offers CCT switchability of 3000K, 4000K and 6000K, and power switchability of 14W, 19W and 24W. This ensures adaptability to a wide range of outdoor settings – from gardens and driveways to airport drop off zones, and commercial car parks.

Lighting the way forward

Exterior lighting is undergoing rapid transformation. Contractors who embrace smart controls, sustainable technologies and high-quality luminaires will find abundant opportunities in retrofit, commercial, municipal, and industrial markets.

From a supplier’s perspective, our mission is to provide solutions that simplify installation, maximise efficiency, ensure compliance and give contractors confidence, today and into the future.

Ovia, oviauk.com

The Beelo

range demonstrates Ovia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the evolving needs of modern lighting design

Bollard Modular

NAVIGATING THE LUMINOUS REVOLUTION

Forum Lighting Solutions, a designer and distributor of high quality, energy saving light fittings and lamps based in the North West of England, looks at the latest innovations and legislation changes in the exterior lighting sector.

Forum Lighting Solutions is witnessing a transformative era for the exterior lighting sector, driven by stringent legislative mandates and groundbreaking product innovations. Sustainability and intelligent control are no longer just desirable features; they are the new benchmarks for compliance and efficiency.

The regulatory landscape, both in the UK and the EU, is rapidly evolving to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets. The UK government’s plan for lighting in 2025 and beyond aims to cut energy consumption significantly, making energy efficiency a mandatory requirement rather than an optional extra. These mandates are accelerating the move towards a more sustainable, circular economy within the industry.

Key legislative drivers

The most significant legislative changes centre on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact:

• Mandatory LED adoption: The era of traditional, inefficient lighting is over.

Updated Building Regulations in the UK necessitate the use of LED technology across all sectors, including commercial and public exterior spaces. This shift is expected to deliver substantial energy savings and reduced operational costs.

• Stricter standards and the circular economy: New guidance from the BSI (British Standards Institution), such as the BS 8887-221:2024 standard, provides a clear framework for remanufacturing and extending the lifespan of luminaires. This encourages a ‘design for end-oflife’ approach (manufacture, assembly, disassembly and end-of-life processing), aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and conserve resources.

• Light pollution mitigation: There is an increasing focus on the environmental and health impacts of light pollution (sky

glare or sky glow). Government guidance and planning conditions increasingly require the use of ‘dark sky compliant’ lighting, which ensures light is directed precisely where needed, minimising spillage into the night sky and protecting wildlife and human well-being.

• UKCA marking: Following Brexit, the UKCA marking regime is operational. While CE-marked products can still be placed on the GB market under certain conditions, manufacturers must stay informed about the evolving product safety and metrology regulations that may require specific UK conformity assessments in the future.

Product developments

Legislation is a key driver, but innovation is the engine of progress.

Steve Kaye, Sales and Marketing Manager at Forum Lighting Solutions, comments, “Our in-house design team is continuously developing products that not only meet these new standards, but also exceed customer expectations for performance and design.”

• Intelligent controls and IoT integration: Smart lighting systems are transforming urban and commercial landscapes. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), AI and 5G connectivity enables systems to adapt autonomously to real-time conditions like traffic flow, weather and occupancy patterns. Features such as motion sensors, dimmers and remote monitoring via apps are now standard, ensuring lights are only on when needed and saving up to 70% in energy use.

• Forum has smart lighting controls (Kinetic, Ikonect, wireless receivers, sensors) and IoT-capable solutions that enable scheduling, dimming and presence/daylight harvesting. This directly supports part-night/time-ofuse requirements.

• The company also has selectable warm colour temperatures. Many downlights and lamp SKUs have selectable CCT or warm (3000K) options. Warmer CCTs help reduce blue content that affects wildlife.

• Durable and sustainable materials: The move towards a circular economy is also evident in material innovation. Manufacturers are increasingly using sustainable and recycled materials and designing products for durability and easy maintenance in harsh weather conditions. This ‘design for sustainability’ philosophy ensures Forum’s products are built for longevity and minimal environmental impact.

• Forum’s COAST range is a great example of durable outdoor light fittings specifically engineered to resist corrosion in areas with high salt content in the air, such as coastal or marine locations.

• Stronger focus on obtrusive light reduction: Local authorities are enforcing stricter control over glare and trespass as part of planning conditions. This means manufacturers need to produce fixtures with better optics (e.g. shields, baffles), lower mounting options and more precise beam control so that illumination stays within the target area.

• Forum Breez rectangular surface LED brick light: this kind of brick light has been designed with tight beam control to avoid unnecessary spill.

• Forum Helix Up Down wall lights are often used in ecologically sensitive areas; with proper optics, they can minimise sky-glow.

• Forum pan drive over ground light: floor-mounted lights are useful for architectural illumination while reducing upward light.

• Forum Leto Up/Down wall light: this range gives flexibility in application, and with the right LED and shielding, could be tailored for dark-sky compliance.

Steve adds, “For Forum Lighting Solutions, the path forward is clear: to provide aesthetically pleasing, low-energy solutions that are at the forefront of this change.”

Forum Lighting Solutions, forumlightingsolutions.com

legislation and rapid technological advancement are combining to set a new benchmark for the

Rigorous

exterior lighting industry

The Arbo Outdoor Up and Down Wall Light with Tempered Glass (in Rust colour)

Forum’s Akuma

Ribbed Outdoor Wall Light

1 infrastructure 6 modules

Smart buildings, Smarter Control

SMART BUILDINGS, SMARTER CONTROL

As the smart building market accelerates, electrical contractors are increasingly expected to deliver solutions that don’t just power a building, but help it run efficiently, sustainably, and safely. Nowhere is this more critical than in multi-occupancy environments such as Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), hotels, Build-to-Rent (BTR) developments, and co-living schemes. These buildings house hundreds of residents and place heavy demands on energy, maintenance resources, and safety systems.

For contractors, the opportunity is clear: clients want smarter buildings, but only if the systems are cost-effective, easy to install, low-maintenance, and capable of delivering measurable ESG and operational gains.

That’s where Prefect Controls, the market leading UK-based specialist in energy-efficient control systems for multi-occupancy accommodation, has carved out an enviable niche. With close to 30 years’ experience, and products installed in hundreds of thousands of rooms, Prefect’s technology offers contractors a streamlined, modular portfolio that is simple to specify and deploy, while giving building operators the real-time control, visibility and intelligence that modern buildings demand.

At the heart of this is the Prefect Irus ecosystem which was crowned Industrial Commercial Product of the Year at the 2025 Electrical Industry Awards. Judges commented, “Prefect Control’s ability to integrate at a highly granular level ensures energy is saved in every corner of a building. This innovative approach sets Irus apart as a smart, future-focused solution for efficient building management.”

Irus was designed specifically for multi-occupancy properties. It enables centralised monitoring and data capture of environmental conditions, equipment functionality, and utility

usage, while critically, controlling energy consumption.

Unlike conventional BMS systems, which are often complex, expensive, and over-engineered for PBSA or BTR, Irus is modular, scalable, and built for simple installation. It uses Mains Borne Signalling (MBS) for communication. Once the infrastructure is in place, modules can easily be added to expand functionality as the client’s need grows.

The Irus ecosystem is built around six modules, each providing specific layers of intelligence and control.

1. SpaceHeat: Intelligent room heating control and environment monitoring

Heating represents the largest controllable energy cost in multi-unit buildings.

SpaceHeat connects to heat sources, either electric panels, fluid-filled heaters, or wet radiators, via a ControlSensor in each room, providing:

• Occupancy-responsive temperature control

• Automated setback functions

• Fully customisable heating profiles across an estate

• Holiday and end of year simple reset

• Real-time energy and performance data

For contractors, installation is straightforward: The individual room device, ControlSensor, connects to the Irus Portal using the building’s existing electrical wiring circuit. This requires minimal cabling and little network expertise.

2. SmartTank: Water heating monitoring and control

Hot water cylinders are notoriously energy intensive. SmartTank enables timed control, demand response, and monitoring of cylinder temperatures and electrical load. The cylinders leave the factory pre-plumbed and pre-wired with the integrated control and monitoring system on-board. On-site connection is simple: Mains electricity supply, cold water in, and hot water out and the job is done!

No cylinder has ever provided such insight to a water heating system. With 15 sensors, everything – from tank water temperature and leak detection, to pressure imbalance via the Tundish flow sensor – is reported back to the intuitive portal display. In the event of abnormal conditions, assigned personnel are alerted of issues arising.

SmartTank offers operators significant savings and gives contractors a clear upgrade path to enhance a client’s energy strategy without major mechanical alterations.

3. LeakDetect: Intelligent leak monitoring and shut-off

LeakDetect uses strategically placed sensors to identify leaks under sinks, in plant rooms, or around cylinders, sending instant alerts to operators. When integrated with Irus, it can automatically isolate water supplies to prevent damage.

Using the same Irus infrastructure, LeakDetect provides a simple, scalable way to help clients reduce insurance risk, maintenance costs, and downtime.

4. UtilityMeter: Accurate, real-time utilities data

UtilityMeter provides real-time monitoring of electricity and water across multi-occupancy buildings. Designed for simple installation and seamless integration with the Irus ecosystem, it delivers accurate usage data, sub-metering capability, and automated reporting from site, block, building, floor, flat, room or circuit level. Operators gain granular insight into energy performance, helping reduce waste, optimise loads, and support ESG compliance. For contractors, UtilityMeter offers a scalable, modular upgrade that adds measurable value and enhances clients’ smart-building strategies.

5.  WaterSense: Smart water-efficiency management

WaterSense consists of smart water-efficiency devices – PipeSense monitors water flow while ShowerSense detects when showering begins. PipeSense reads pipe and room temperatures and detects abnormal flow, helping to identify leaks, faulty toilet cisterns or excessive consumption. ShowerTime encourages shorter showers with gentle prompts and usage insights. WaterSense provides clear water-use data, supports sustainability goals, and helps contractors deliver an easy-to-install, scalable solution for efficient, environmentally responsible multi-occupancy buildings.

6. HobSensus: Hob safety control

Cooking equipment is one of the highest fire risks in multi-occupancy accommodation. HobSensus is an intelligent monitoring and shut-off system designed to prevent kitchen fires caused by cooking left unattended.

It offers:

• 64-zone temperature detection

• Adaptive, sensor-driven risk identification

• Audible and visual early warnings

• Automatic power isolation before flashpoint

• Real-time alerts

• Event logging for compliance

• Ability to manage hundreds of hobs from one dashboard

• Simple to install, HobSensus meets insurance and regulatory expectations and enhances overall resident safety.

Standalone solutions

While Irus provides a fully integrated control system, Prefect also delivers standalone products that fulfil similar energy saving and kitchen safety functions as Irus modules.

ecoStat: Intelligent thermostatic room heating control

Delivering similar individual heating load savings as Irus, each ecoStat intelligent thermostat is programmed and operates independently. It is a long-established favourite in student housing, hostels, leisure parks, and HMOs thanks to its reliability, tamper-proof design, and speed of installation. ecoStat benefits include:

• Occupancy-based temperature control

• Automatic pre-heat for an occupant’s arrivals

• Dedicated modes for holiday periods and vacant rooms

• Energy-efficient settings that reduce waste

ecoStat is the preferred solution for smaller applications or larger sites where central control and data collection is not a requirement.

Hob Safety: A priority for every accommodation provider

Cooking-related fires remain one of the leading causes of incidents in shared accommodation. With residents often inexperienced, distracted, or simply unfamiliar with the risks, electrical contractors are increasingly asked for solutions that actively prevent kitchen fires. Prefect offers two hob-safety solutions, designed to meet different property demands. HobSafe is a standalone device that is just as at home in HMOs, PBSA schemes, assisted living properties, care homes, and refurbishments as it is in domestic situations where cooking could pose a risk to residents. It provides: fixed cooking time limits, automatic power isolation, simple retrofit installation, and minimal wiring with no networking.

It’s a low-cost, high-impact upgrade for kitchen safety that offers reassurance to property owners and managers.

HobSensus: Award winning hob safety

This easy to use and simple to install device ‘watches’ the electric hob. When dangerous temperature levels are approached, warning lights and audible beeps alert those close by that there is an issue. If no action is taken, the power is cut well in advance of the flashpoint being reached.

Presented with the Safety Innovation Award from Electrical Safety First, the judges commented, “HobSensus is a robust, tamperproof solution, tested to BS EN50615 Category B. Affordable and retrofit-friendly, it integrates seamlessly

with other fire systems via Irus and excels at identifying risk patterns in higher-risk accommodation, such as student housing.”

HobSensus offers enhanced features with key capabilities that include: sensor-driven 64-zone temperature detection, audible and visual warnings – pre-alarm, and automatic power shut off when triggered.

HobSensus, although a standalone device, can be integrated with the Irus building management system to add several features that can be accessed remotely from the secure internet portal.

Why contractors choose Prefect: simplicity, modularity and long-term value

Prefect’s solutions are designed to be practical, profitable, and proven.

Quick, clean installation. Prefect products require minimal wiring, little or no invasive network infrastructure or specialist commissioning tools, and are ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects. They provide simple modular upgrades and additions – from a single ecoStat or HobSafe to full Irus integration, Prefect systems enable contractors to grow installations as client needs evolve, resulting in ongoing client relationships and repeat business.

Measurable ESG and operational gains. While Prefect solutions help building operators achieve reduced heating energy consumption, enhanced safety and resident comfort, and greater operational efficiency, these outcomes strengthen long-term contractor/client relationships.

A UK partner with deep multi-occupancy expertise. Prefect design systems specifically for residential multi-occupancy buildings, not adapted commercial BMS solutions. This provides better resident experience, reliable performance, and simpler maintenance.

Smart buildings need smart partners.

As the smart building market continues to expand, contractors who can deliver integrated, scalable, energy-efficient solutions will stand out. Prefect Controls offers a powerful, practical toolkit for every type of multi-occupancy project, from intelligent room control with ecoStat to full operational oversight with Irus, and comprehensive kitchen safety through HobSafe and HobSensus.

In a sector where efficiency, sustainability, and safety are essential, Prefect Controls enables contractors to provide clients with buildings that are not just connected, but truly intelligent.

Prefect Controls, prefectcontrols.com

A ControlSensor provides occupancy-responsive temperature control and fully customisable heating profiles across an estate

Smart heating control for individual rooms. Maximise comfort, cut energy waste, and simplify building management.

Track energy and water use, detect anomalies, and optimise efficiency with instant insights.

Real-time water temperature and consumption monitoring. Prevent overheating, save energy, ensure reliable supply.

Monitor water use and temperature, while identifying faulty cisterns and scald risks. Effortless safety, efficiency, and compliance.

Auto shut off for unattended hobs/empty kitchens. Tamperproof kitchen safety for highrisk accommodations.

Early leak detection in plant rooms, kitchens bathrooms etc. Minimise damage, reduce downtime, and protect property.

out how Irus halved the heating load at a student site in year 1.

Vacant Vacant

Intelligent thermostats

Safeness and wellbeing

Intelligent thermostatic heating control.

Occupancy detection, window-open technology, user adjustable within pre-programmed parameters and 100% tamperproof.

Keep kitchens safe from avoidable fire risk when cooking is left unattended due to the person preparing food becoming distracted or leaving the room.

HobSafe helps reduce the risk of kitchen fires by automatically switching off power when a pre-set time has elapsed, protecting residents and property.

THE FOUNDATION FOR A SMARTER GRID

Will Heinzelmann, Product Director at Passiv UK – an energy technology business with over a decade of experience developing smart solutions to decarbonise homes – explains how Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) is enabling Future Homes through flexible energy.

As the UK moves towards the upcoming Future Homes Standard, it will become a requirement for new housing developments to be fitted with EV chargers, low-carbon heating systems and their own renewable generation from rooftop solar panels. These measures are essential for meeting our net zero ambitions. But while they promise a greener future, they also bring a practical challenge – our electricity networks are already under pressure, and grid capacity constraints are fast becoming the biggest barrier to delivering new homes.

Waiting years for major upgrades from Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) isn’t a viable option if we want to keep up with housing demand. That’s where flexible grid technologies come in. By reducing After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD) – essentially smoothing out the peaks of household energy use – these solutions can help more homes get connected sooner and at a lower cost, without overloading the network.

The SSES programme

Led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme (SSES) forms a cornerstone of the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. This sets out

a targeted pathway for ensuring that by 2030, 100% of UK electricity demand is met through sources of clean generation – up from 56% today. This will require almost trebling renewable generation connected to the grid to 120GW, alongside 30GW of long-duration energy storage.

Under SSES, all heat pumps sold in the UK must be smart-enabled by default, and capable of responding dynamically to time-of-use tariffs and flexibility signals from the grid. This regulation represents a significant shift, embedding grid-interactive capabilities into the very fabric of domestic heating infrastructure.

SSES aligns closely with broader efforts to standardise Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs) and create a secure, interoperable environment where devices can respond safely and reliably to grid signals. By integrating this smart functionality, homes become active participants in the energy system rather than passive consumers.

Demand side response (DSR) made accessible

The SSES programme aims to make DSR more widely accessible, easier to use, and more effective. Through a combination of standardisation, regulation, and consumer protection measures, SSES ensures that participation in DSR is seamless and reliable for all households, removing the need for manual intervention or extra costs.

The intention behind SSES is for all high-power domestic appliances to function as ESAs from the point of installation. This includes electric vehicle charge points, battery energy storage systems and electric heating including heat pumps.

To achieve this, SSES sets requirements that go far beyond the capabilities of most heat pumps currently on the market. While some existing heat pumps offer internet connectivity and limited remote control, these features are rarely included as standard. Under SSES, all new heat pumps must be “smart by default,” meaning DSR functionality is available automatically to customers, without any extra action or cost.

Compliance made practical

While some heat pumps already offer connected features, they often fall short of meeting the level of smart functionality required under SSES. To comply, manufacturers must ensure appliances can operate in line with time-of-use tariffs and shift energy consumption automatically according to flexibility signals.

Practical routes to compliance exist, including the use of smart controls such as the Passiv Smart Thermostat, which is the only thermostat designed specifically for heat pumps that meets SSES requirements.

The Passiv Smart Thermostat is designed with simplicity in mind, and helps householders on the transition to low-carbon heating while offering a host of cost saving benefits. Users can control their heating using the in-home Programmer and Thermostat or with the Passiv app. With the ecoHeat function, householders’ comfort requirements are always met, while improving heat pump efficiency by 17%, as verified by the Energy Saving Trust. Additional cost saving benefits include optimisation to tariffs and solar generation. Users can also participate in DSR through Passiv’s flexibility service, Greener Grid Payments.

The regulations laid out in the SSES framework are expected to come into effect over the space of several years up to 2030. By embedding smart, flexible energy functionality into everyday appliances, the SSES programme empowers households to actively contribute to a low-carbon grid while enjoying tangible cost and comfort benefits.

Passiv UK, passivuk.com

Users can control their heating with the Passiv app

The Passiv Smart Thermostat is the only thermostat designed specifically for heat pumps that meets SSES requirements

Outdoor professional floodlights

GUELL

GUELL is a complete series of LED floodlights designed to offer high performance lighting solutions.

They can be installed in the most diverse contexts: small sports facilities, industrial and commercial exteriors. The versatile products fit perfectly into lighting projects.

The GUELL guarantees total cohesion of the range. The range offers different formats (GUELL ZERO / 1 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4), with 5 different optics, with several electrical connection options and numerous dedicated accessories.

EMS: THE NEXT BIG OPPORTUNITY

Energy efficiency pressures, advances in connectivity, and tougher sustainability targets are propelling growth in the global energy management systems (EMS) market. Mark Duxbury, iwell’s UK Country Director, explains further.

Energy management technologies have rapidly shifted from optional upgrades to essential elements of modern building infrastructure, as the need for intelligent systems that optimise how energy is used, stored, and managed is becoming more evident.

No longer is a building’s purpose to merely supply power and lighting. Occupiers and owners now expect spaces that respond dynamically to real-time energy demand, occupancy patterns, and environmental conditions – smart buildings that provide a technological showcase for battery storage, sub-metering, EV charging infrastructure, and digital monitoring platforms.

EMS act as the digital backbone that integrates these components. By collecting and analysing data from across the building, EMS platforms enable automated decision-making that improves efficiency and reduces waste. With real-time insight into consumption, generation, storage, and load behaviour, operators can optimise energy flows. When linked to hardware such as batteries and smart distribution boards, EMS allow buildings not just to monitor energy, but to actively manage it.

The role of electrical contractors

Electrical contractors are critical to delivering this new generation of smart buildings, bridging the gap between traditional electrical infrastructure and

modern intelligent energy systems, ensuring that technologies are designed, installed, and commissioned correctly.

They are the architects of smart energy systems, determining the optimal placement of sub-meters, sensors, EV chargers, and battery storage. Through installation of these EMS platforms, they configure panels, communication networks, and devices to ensure accurate and actionable data reaches the system.

As new energy technologies become mainstream, knowledge of evolving compliance and safety regulations are critical. From load management regulations and fire safety standards to battery systems, cyber-security requirements and grid connection rules, all these require specialist knowledge. Combined with the fact that contractors must also verify that installations meet current standards while also considering future changes, it’s an increasingly complex set of criteria that must be followed. In addition, there is effective commissioning, which is essential for EMS performance. Contractors must know how to integrate communication systems, wire equipment, configure devices, and confirm that real-time data is flowing correctly. Furthermore, there’s the provision of ongoing maintenance and technical support that needs to be factored in, to ensure systems continue operating efficiently throughout their lifespan. However, contractors willing to upskill and adapt to new technologies position themselves as long-term partners when it comes to managing a building’s energy strategy, and in doing so represents a major commercial opportunity.

Expanding opportunities

As building owners push to reduce emissions, cut energy bills, and gain better visibility of their energy use, demand for EMS and battery storage continues to grow. Contractors who can deliver these systems gain a competitive edge and position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly expanding market.

UK as a growth market

One aspect that is evident is how well the UK is primed as a growth market for EMS. Thanks to rising government targets for renewable capacity, mandated energy storage and the surge in climate-tech investment, alongside more private sector commitment, the potential for EMS is there for the taking. As EMS projects scale in both size and number, there will be demand not just for capacity but for intelligence: smart control, forecasting, optimisation and grid services. There is a strong case for the future of energy lying not only in generating clean power, but also in storing and managing it intelligently – which is why iwell has entered the UK market with a mission to support installers, EPCs, businesses and communities in building a more flexible, efficient and self-reliant energy system.

When EMS solutions are implemented in unison, they can greatly lower energy expenses, decrease carbon emissions, and improve grid stability. By introducing that established expertise to the UK, companies like iwell can aid in speeding up the transition to a net zero, decentralised power network, while also generating new opportunities for the installers and EPCs that enable it all.

EMS installations are more complex than traditional electrical projects and therefore offer higher-value work and new revenue streams. Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation create recurring income beyond the initial installation.

The ability to provide advanced energy solutions – covering load management, energy optimisation, and integration of storage and EV infrastructure – sets contractors apart from competitors focused solely on conventional electrical work. In addition, contractors specialising in EMS contribute directly to sustainability goals by enabling smarter, more efficient buildings.

Smart buildings are no longer a future concept but are today’s reality. EMS solutions are allowing buildings to learn, adapt, and optimise themselves. With proper installation and ongoing support, these systems deliver sustained value for building owners and long-term opportunities for contractors.

iwell, iwell.eu

Aleum Glow

HIGHLIGHT YOUR HOME THROUGH MOTION

 Timeless, clear design, high-quality technology

 Available in two colour variants

 ‘Glow’, selectable ambient lighting

 3 m to 16 m range

 Electronically and mechanically adjustable range

BUILDING REGULATIONS ARE CHANGING. ARE YOU READY?

Paul Foulkes, Country Manager at Theben Automation, a specialist in KNX building systems technology and smart home systems, looks at why smart control is fast becoming standard, and explains how electricians can stay ahead.

Over the next few years, the UK will see some of the biggest shifts in building performance and sustainability requirements in decades. Energy use, emissions, and efficiency are under the microscope, and that means one thing for the electrical trade: change is coming.

The question is, are we ready for it?

For electricians, the rise of smart control isn’t just about gadgets or luxury homes anymore. It’s becoming central to how new buildings meet regulation, and how existing homes get retrofitted to cut energy waste. Those who can install and integrate these systems won’t just stay compliant, they’ll lead the next phase of the sustainable housing revolution.

Smarter regulations, smarter expectations

The drive towards net zero and tighter building standards is already reshaping the electrical landscape. Regulations like Part L (conservation of fuel and power) are being updated to push for lower energy use and better control of heating and lighting. Meanwhile, the Future Homes Standard –due to come into force in 2026 – is set to make low-carbon, high-efficiency systems the norm in all new homes.

The message is clear: every circuit and sensor matters.

Automatic control of heating, lighting, and shading isn’t just a ‘nice extra’ anymore. It’s how homes will hit their energy targets. Occupancy sensors, time switches, and temperature regulation will all play a role in reducing waste – but it’s smart, connected systems that will bring them together into one efficient ecosystem.

That’s where Theben’s approach comes in.

LUXORliving – smart, simple, sustainable

LUXORliving is Theben’s KNX-based smart home solution, but it’s designed for everyday electricians, not just automation specialists. It puts lighting, heating, shading, and ventilation under intelligent control, helping buildings meet the latest sustainability targets without adding unnecessary complexity.

It features smart lighting that reacts to presence and daylight levels, heating control that balances comfort and efficiency, automatic shading that prevents overheating in summer and retains warmth in winter, and scene control that adjusts multiple systems with a single press.

All of this runs on a proven, open KNX foundation, giving electricians confidence that the system won’t become obsolete or tied to one manufacturer.

Importantly, LUXORliving isn’t just for new builds. Its radio-based version is perfect for retrofits and renovations, offering all the

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Protect Monitor Control

How hot is your Server Room?

Contact us for a FREE site survey or online demo to learn more about our industry leading environmental monitoring solutions with Ethernet and WiFi connectivity, over 20 sensor options for temperature, humidity, water leakage, airflow, AC and DC power, a 5 year warranty and automated email and SMS text alerts.

benefits of automation without disturbing existing walls or décor. This flexibility makes it ideal for homeowners upgrading to meet new energy standards, and for contractors working across both sectors.

As regulations tighten, these capabilities move from ‘nice-to-have’ to essential. A well-controlled home doesn’t just save carbon, it saves money. That’s a conversation every electrician can have with clients looking to future-proof their properties.

The opportunity for electricians

The shift towards smart, sustainable homes could feel like yet another industry challenge. But it’s also one of the biggest opportunities the trade has seen in years.

Electricians already hold the key skills: wiring, safety, control, and customer trust. Adding smart integration simply builds on that foundation. With the right training

and tools, you can go from fitting switches to delivering full-scale smart control –creating more value on every project.

Smart systems like LUXORliving make this step achievable. There’s no need to be a programmer or a full-time integrator. The setup software is intuitive, and the wiring layout is familiar. Once you’ve installed one system, the next job gets quicker and more profitable.

And because the system is KNX-based, it connects you to a global standard used in millions of buildings worldwide, from homes and schools to offices and hospitals. That means more career flexibility, more technical confidence, and more long-term business stability.

Training for the future: Theben Academy

Theben knows that new technology can only succeed if installers are confident using it. That’s why Theben Academy exists – a dedicated training hub designed to help electricians take the next step.

At Theben Academy, a dedicated training centre situated at the NSBRC (National SelfBuild and Renovation Centre) in Swindon, you can start with introductory sessions on LUXORliving, move on to hands-on KNX certification courses, or even take part in advanced CPD programmes focused on lighting control, energy management, and sustainable design. Courses combine classroom learning with real-world

application, so you leave ready to install systems on site – not just in theory.

Graduates often say the biggest benefit isn’t just new knowledge, but new opportunities. With smart control in your toolkit, you’re ready for the next wave of demand from developers, homeowners, and retrofit projects aiming for net zero compliance.

In short, Theben Academy turns what could feel like a regulatory headache into a business advantage.

Retrofit meets regulation

One of the biggest upcoming challenges is the existing housing stock. The UK has over 25 million homes that need to become more energy efficient. Upgrading every one of them will take years, and electricians will be at the heart of it.

That’s why LUXORliving’s hybrid approach matters. Its wireless version allows smart control to be added room by room, without rewiring. For new builds, its wired KNX backbone offers full scalability and integration with HVAC, EV charging, and renewables.

Both routes deliver measurable energy savings and compliance with the latest performance standards, giving you a solution for every type of client, from retrofit homeowners to large developers.

A changing trade –and a brighter future

As technology evolves, so does the role of the electrician. In the coming years, the best opportunities will come from being more than just an installer. Clients will look for advisors who can help them meet regulations, save energy, and create homes that adapt to their needs.

That doesn’t mean becoming an IT expert. It means using your electrical skills in smarter ways – installing controls that talk to each other, sensors that respond to real conditions, and systems that can evolve as standards change.

Theben’s mission is simple: make smart home technology accessible to every electrician. With LUXORliving and Theben Academy, you can stay ahead of the curve, offer your clients more value, and be part of a more sustainable future for the industry.

Because when regulations change, the best electricians don’t get left behind, they lead the way.

With Theben, smart homes are made simple, sustainable, and future-ready.

Theben Automation, theben.co.uk

Theben’s mission is to make smart home technology accessible to every electrician

Home Energy Management

A flexible and reliable solution for managing home energy needs

• Stackable or wall-mountable hybrid inverters (3.6kW or 6kW)

• Expandable, stackable battery storage

• Solar power diverters to reduce waste and boost efficiency

• Full eco system home energy, battery storage and EV charging all seamlessly controlled to maximise savings

Engineered for quick installation, and reliable performance.

Scan the QR code to view the complete range

THE COMPLETE HOME ENERGY SYSTEM

ECN takes an in-depth look at Sync Energy Flow from Luceco – a complete home energy ecosystem built for smarter, sustainable living.

UK homeowners and installers now have a next-generation solution to rising energy costs and the transition to low-carbon living with the introduction of Sync Energy Flow – a fully integrated, future-ready home energy management ecosystem. Developed by Sync Energy, part of the Luceco Group, the system brings together hybrid inverters, modular battery storage, solar power diverters, and advanced EV chargers, all coordinated through the intuitive Sync Energy app.

As energy prices fluctuate and households look for more sustainable long-term solutions, Sync Energy Flow offers a seamless, intelligent way to monitor, manage, and optimise power usage across the home. Suitable for both retrofitting existing properties and installation in new-build homes, the platform delivers professional performance, long-term reliability, and the flexibility to expand as a home’s energy needs evolve. Its modular architecture means homeowners can begin with a simple system and enhance it over time, ensuring the investment remains future-proof as energy trends, technologies, and household circumstances change.

One connected system for complete energy control

Robert Stuart-Walker, Sync Energy’s New Product Development Manager, explains, “Sync Energy Flow is designed as a connected energy lifestyle rather than a collection of separate products. By aligning hybrid inverters, scalable battery storage, intelligent EV charging and user-friendly app controls, we’re making whole-home optimisation simple and accessible.”

At the heart of Sync Energy Flow is the belief that modern households need a unified approach to energy management, not just separate devices working independently. The system’s modularity

means the entire setup can be customised for different types of homes, usage patterns, and budgets. Pre-configured kits simplify selection for installers and homeowners alike, while optional extra components can be added later without redesigning the core installation.

Solar generation, battery storage, and EV charging work in harmony to ensure that every available unit of energy is used efficiently, with minimal waste. This cohesive design allows households to make the most of their self-generated electricity, reduce grid dependency, and benefit from lower running costs.

Each battery module includes an integrated heater core, ensuring performance and safety even in extreme climates. With an IP65-rated enclosure, the system is suitable for installation indoors or outdoors and can operate reliably in temperatures ranging from – 20°C to 60°C. Such versatility allows installers to select the most practical and safest location for every home, ensuring long-term durability and system performance.

Core technologies powering Sync Energy Flow

Hybrid Inverters form the backbone of Sync Energy Flow. Available in 3.6kW and 6kW versions, they can be wall-mounted or stacked to meet varying household energy demands. These inverters enable real-time solar usage, battery integration, and grid import/export, optimising energy flow while storing surplus solar power efficiently.

Modular Battery Storage is supplied in 5.12kWh modules expandable up to 35.84kWh. Built using advanced LiFePO4 technology with fire-suppression, the batteries offer up to 90% depth of discharge and long lifespan. Modular design and individual battery management systems (BMS) make the system financially accessible while future-proofing the home’s energy capabilities.

Solar Power Diverters maximise self-consumption by redirecting surplus solar energy to water heating or other household applications. By reducing reliance on the grid, they make every

Whole Home Connectivity

From setup to daily use, the Sync Energy App unifies the entire home energy system in one intuitive platform

Sync Energy Flow offers a seamless, intelligent way to monitor, manage, and optimise power usage across the home

kilowatt of solar generation count, lowering bills and increasing household sustainability.

EV chargers include the ultra-slim Link Charger and the customisable Wall Charger 2, providing dynamic 7.4kW charging. Both are OCPP 1.6J compatible, require no earth rod, and integrate seamlessly with the system, allowing homeowners to charge electric vehicles cost-effectively using stored solar energy or optimised tariffs.

All components are managed through the Sync Energy app, a single interface for both homeowners and installers. The app enables real-time monitoring, automated energy management, tariff-based optimisation through Tariff Sense, and full remote control. Installers can commission and monitor installations efficiently, while homeowners can set schedules, priorities, and review historical usage, ensuring energy is used, stored, and exported optimally.

Designed with installers in mind, built with homeowners in focus

Sync Energy Flow’s hardware has been engineered for straightforward installation and long-term usability. Features such as hidden battery handles, plug-and-play connectors, dedicated cable management zones, and adjustable mounting feet ensure a clean, professional finish. These thoughtful design choices reduce installation complexity and streamline workflows, making the system attractive to installers seeking efficient and reliable products.

For households, the system offers a premium, modern aesthetic that blends seamlessly into contemporary living spaces. With IP65 and IK10 durability ratings, Sync Energy Flow is built to withstand harsh outdoor environments, while intelligent thermal management keeps the system running smoothly throughout the year. The result is a robust, low-maintenance energy system that operates quietly and efficiently, with minimal disturbance during and after installation.

Benefits for households and the UK’s energy transition

Sync Energy Flow empowers homeowners to take control of their energy future. By maximising self-consumption of solar generation, reducing peak-time grid reliance, and delivering optimised

EV charging, households can achieve significant long-term savings. The modular design means energy independence can increase over time as additional batteries or new energy technologies are added.

The Sync Energy app provides clarity and confidence, allowing users to analyse energy patterns and tailor their system’s behaviour to suit household routines. This results in measurable improvements including lower utility bills, improved system efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions.

At a national level, systems like Sync Energy Flow contribute to broader sustainability goals. As more households adopt smart, flexible energy technologies, grid pressures during peak times decrease, renewable uptake increases, and the UK advances towards its net zero commitments. Sync Energy Flow enables consumers to play an active role in this energy transition, turning individual homes into intelligent energy hubs.

Safe and smart: best-practice battery installation

Safety remains a central principle behind the Sync Energy Flow ecosystem, and correct battery placement is essential for ensuring long-term protection and system reliability. In line with PAS 63100 guidance, the preferred location for battery installation is outdoors. Positioning the system in a weather-rated enclosure, cabinet, or suitable outbuilding provides natural ventilation, additional physical separation from living spaces, and improved fire resilience. Any cable penetrations leading into the property should be properly sealed using fire-rated materials to maintain safety and structural integrity.

Indoor installation should only be considered when an appropriate outdoor option is not available. In these situations, the chosen space must provide direct ventilation to the outside and meet a minimum REI 30 fire resistance rating. Suitable locations include non-habitable areas such as utility rooms or garages where the system can be safely integrated without posing unnecessary risk to occupants.

Certain spaces, however, are not acceptable for battery installation under any circumstances. These include bedrooms or other sleeping areas, escape routes such as hallways and stairwells, lofts, basements without external access, and any area positioned within two metres of flammable storage. These restrictions

are in place to prevent increased risk to occupants in the unlikely event of a fault.

To further enhance overall safety, Sync Energy recommends integrating the system with interconnected smoke or multi-sensor detectors linked to a BS 5839-6 compliant fire alarm system. This approach ensures early detection and a coordinated response throughout the home, offering homeowners peace of mind and reinforcing the high safety standards expected within modern residential energy systems.

About Sync Energy

Sync Energy, part of the Luceco Group, is dedicated to making sustainable living simpler and more accessible. Its mission is to design connected, user-friendly energy systems that reduce carbon emissions and give homeowners control over their energy.

Backed by Luceco’s international expertise, Sync Energy combines technical innovation with practical design, creating solutions that are advanced yet easy to use. Sync Energy Flow embodies this approach, offering a complete, scalable home energy ecosystem that benefits homeowners, installers, and the environment alike. By making energy smarter, more flexible, and easier to manage, Sync Energy Flow sets a new standard for residential energy systems in the UK.

For more information on the Sync Energy Flow range, visit sync.energy/flow.

Luceco Group, luceco.com

Sync Energy Flow enables consumers to play an active role in the country’s energy transition, turning individual homes into intelligent energy hubs

Sync Energy Flow’s hardware has been engineered for straightforward installation and long-term usability

STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD OF REGULATION

Shocking Energy, a company delivering AI-driven field-service tools for the energy sector – helping installers and service teams install fast, cut costs and stay compliant – assesses the best compliance strategies for electrical contractors within the renewables sector.

For decades, electrical contractors have worked within an evolving but broadly familiar regulatory landscape.

Today, however, the picture looks very different. The rapid rise of solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and other renewable technologies has created both unprecedented opportunity and a compliance challenge that is becoming more complex with every passing month.

Where traditional electrical installations once required little more than a safe working approach and competent certification, modern renewable work demands a deep engagement with industry codes, market messaging systems and accreditation frameworks that many contractors have never had to encounter before.

SIP and EMO accreditation: the new essential gateways

Nowhere is this more visible than in the growing importance of Safe Isolation Provider (SIP) and Electricity Meter Operator (EMO) accreditation. For installers who want full control over the commissioning and energisation process –particularly those working at scale – these accreditations are quickly becoming the gateway to efficient, end-to-end delivery.

Yet their complexity is also a major barrier to entry. The documentation alone for EMO accreditation runs to hundreds of questions under the CoMCoP framework, followed by audits, market testing and extensive evidence packs. SIP accreditation then requires an entirely separate pathway through the Retail Energy Code and BSC testing. For a growing number of contractors, these requirements are not only unfamiliar, they are overwhelming.

But while the landscape can feel daunting, accreditation is fast becoming a strategic advantage. Only a small handful of UK organisations currently hold SIP

status, giving them the independence to manage de-energisation, re-energisation and commissioning without relying on suppliers or DNOs. Shocking Energy has already supported almost half of these operators, delivering the full end-to-end accreditation process for 18 of the UK’s 35 SIP-accredited companies.

The operational benefits are significant: no more missed appointments, fewer scheduling dependencies, and complete control over the installation journey. As a result, contractors who secure these accreditations are finding themselves in high demand from energy suppliers, major renewable brands and homeowners seeking faster, more coordinated services.

The real-world cost of getting it wrong

For those who fall behind, the risks multiply. Compliance failures rarely show up as dramatic events; instead, they appear as a slow erosion of efficiency. A missing photo here, an inconsistent test record there, or a market message

incorrectly generated in the background can create friction that quickly compounds. Jobs stall, revisits multiply, customers lose confidence and cashflow becomes unpredictable. For companies expanding into renewables without the right systems in place, the administrative burden alone can consume entire teams. And with suppliers increasingly demanding clear, auditable workflows, the cost of non-compliance is no longer limited to delays – it can mean losing access to high-value contracts altogether.

From 12 months to 6 months with embedded compliance

A recent example illustrates the challenge. A fast-growing heat pump and solar installer approached Shocking Energy after struggling with multi-party coordination that was slowing down even the most routine projects. Their operations involved constant hand-offs between engineering teams, subcontractors, and energy suppliers, each with their own documentation needs. Delays were

Home Energy Management

A flexible and reliable solution for managing home energy needs

• Stackable or wall-mountable hybrid inverters (3.6kW or 6kW)

• Expandable, stackable battery storage

• Solar power diverters to reduce waste and boost efficiency

• Full eco system home energy, battery storage and EV charging all seamlessly controlled to maximise savings

Engineered for quick installation, and reliable performance.

Scan the QR code to view the complete range

common, and compliance felt like an endless afterthought. Despite having talented engineers and strong market demand, they lacked the internal capability to progress through SIP and EMO accreditation at pace.

Working closely with their operations team, Shocking Energy guided them through the full accreditation journey, tidying documentation, preparing audit evidence, completing CoMCoP requirements, and handling complex market scenario testing. Crucially, this wasn’t delivered as a box-ticking exercise. Instead, the accreditation standards were woven into the company’s operational design.

Their on-site processes were rebuilt inside JobWay, Shocking Energy’s field-service automation platform, so that everything an engineer captured, photos, notes, tests, and signatures flowed naturally into the compliance

outputs required by suppliers, DNOs, and auditors. Market messages were generated automatically from completed jobs, ensuring everything from D-flows to commissioning updates reached the right parties without additional admin.

The result was transformational. Rather than a 12-month slog, they achieved SIP status in just six months. More importantly, the accreditation didn’t sit in a folder in the office, it lived inside their day-to-day workflows. Engineers captured what they always had to capture, but now within a structured, consistent process. The back office stopped chasing evidence. Audit readiness became the default, not a scramble. And with full independence to de-energise and re-energise properties, the business unlocked an entirely new rhythm of efficiency.

Compliance as a design principle, not an afterthought

Their experience highlights a broader truth: compliance is no longer an administrative obligation; it is a design principle. Contractors who thrive in renewables will be those who treat compliance as something built into every step of an installation – not applied afterwards in the hope everything lines up. That means regularly reviewing internal processes, ensuring evidence is captured once and captured clearly, and adopting tools that make audit trails a natural by-product of working efficiently.

Digital infrastructure is becoming central to this shift. In the same way that engineers rely on safe isolation procedures or testing instruments, modern renewable operations now rely on workflow tools that standardise job steps, remove ambiguity and automatically generate the outputs regulators expect.

Shocking Energy’s field-service platform provides a clear technological advantage. More than a job management tool, it is a high-precision data-capture engine built to automate complex, multi-party workflows, many of which are embedded in regulation. Powered by advanced AI, the system continuously updates itself to remain compliant (including automatic adoption of industry rule changes) and learns from every interaction to optimise workflow speed, accuracy and efficiency. This intelligence is the key differentiator: rather than simply providing automation, it enables contractors to run smarter, more compliant operations that get stronger over time.

Platforms like JobWay reflect this new reality. Instead of acting as a generic job management system, it provides a digital backbone purpose-built for electrical and renewable installations. When a job progresses, evidence is captured in real time; when it closes, all required compliance documents and market messages are produced instantly. It handles solar, battery, heat pump and electrical workflows, and offers a light-touch capability for EV where partnerships or third-party tools require sensitivity. The point is simple: if the engineer follows the workflow, compliance follows automatically.

Future-proofing your business in an evolving market

This approach also democratises accreditation. Many contractors believe SIP or EMO accreditation is reserved for large-scale operators, yet in practice it is often smaller, highly efficient firms that stand to gain the most. By pairing professional support for the accreditation journey with digital tools that maintain compliance day-to-day, even mid-sized contractors can achieve the independence, flexibility and operational control that previously felt out of reach.

The regulatory landscape will continue to evolve, CoMCoP updates, shifting scheme expectations, new supplier requirements, and the increasing interconnection between home energy systems mean today’s processes won’t be tomorrow’s. Contractors who rely on manual tools or informal processes will find themselves constantly playing catch-up. Those who invest early in compliance-centred workflows will not only meet the current bar – they will stay ahead of whatever comes next.

As renewables become a core part of the UK’s electrical contracting ecosystem, compliance isn’t a hurdle to overcome; it is the architecture on which efficient, profitable and scalable operations are built. Companies that embrace this now will shape the next decade of growth in the sector.

And for those ready to navigate SIP, EMO and the expanding world of renewable regulation with confidence, Shocking Energy stands ready to support – combining accreditation expertise, real industry experience and a digital-first platform that keeps contractors compliant from the first survey to the final energisation.

Shocking Energy, shocking.energy

MITIGATING NON-COMMODITY COSTS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

From 2021-2024, UK energy prices for non-domestic users have risen by over 90%, and are among the highest for countries in the IEA (International Energy Association). But the non-energy components of electricity bills, exacerbated by an ageing national grid infrastructure, are a somewhat murkier issue.

What makes up the bill?

There are two key components to a business’s energy bill:

1) Commodity Costs: Power and gas are among the largest commodities traded globally. The market has the unique challenge that electricity cannot be stored – so, supply and demand must be balanced in real time. Large energy users can select fixed or variable supply contracts, based risk appetite, and future views of this established market.

2) Non-commodity costs: NCC’s started increasing significantly around the year 2000 as competition and the complexity of the system required a new charging mechanism. They have continued to increase to date, and inflate bills for business’ across the country.

It’s important to note that the UK, like every other country, faces the ‘energy trilemma’.

The optimal energy system will be a) clean and green, b) affordable and available, and c) secure and reliable. To try to achieve that, governments have policy tools to fundamentally change the energy system’s make up.

Over time, various ‘carrots and sticks’ have been implemented successfully. Resultant headlines include: the “First coal-free day in Britain”, and the “Greenest day in UK energy”. This displays progress towards the current Government’s commitment to 100% clean power by 2030.

Governments are aiming for long-term results; expecting that as the UK’s renewables infrastructure matures, bills will come down. Labour has even

committed to lowering energy bills by £300 per year by 2030. Yet, when pushing for a green transition and that optimal energy system, governments will always need to implement additional charges.

Who knows how long we might need to sit-tight awaiting the Government and the market to fix the problem. Businesses should rather understand how to mitigate NCCs and bring costs down.

Cost elements

Specific non-commodity cost elements are set to increase. The UK government is looking to purchase many gigawatts of renewables via further Contract for Difference allocation rounds. The costs to balance the UK’s energy system will grow, and since these costs are largely out of a business’s control, this is leading forward-thinking organisations to look at dedicated power generation.

Avoiding NCCs behind the meter

Bills for large power users could rise by 20% due to an increase in NCCs, but with private wire, NCC’s are not payable. Private wire connects a renewables generation site (a solar farm, for example) directly to the user; bypassing the need to pay non-commodities. Offsite renewables can work out around 30% cheaper than grid electricity simply by bypassing NCCs – all whilst delivering immediate, traceable, and reliable green electricity at industrial scale. In the UK we face some of the highest energy prices in the world. Organisations like Xela

Energy fund, design, and build the near-site renewables infrastructure to deliver energy at 30-50% less than grid prices.

Traditional energy contracts are short, but with off-site renewable projects, like solar or wind assets, it’s a longer commitment. Xela Energy utilises long-term private wire PPAs which enable organisations to fix pricing for 15 years or more, inevitably shielding them from future energy price spikes. Long-term renewable energy supply agreements are significantly more cost-effective than grid electricity, and you gain a level of visibility into your energy mix that makes tracking decarbonisation efforts simpler than buying ‘green’ power through the grid.

Private wire renewables not only help obviate NCCs, but they help make large power users into better energy citizens; rather than drawing megawatts of energy from the already overstressed power grids, these sites can leverage large-scale private renewables to handle the bulk of their loads, even contributing excess power back to district heating systems and local homes.

For many facilities with high power demands, rooftop solar is an insufficient solution to decarbonisation needs. Connecting one or more dedicated generation assets, via a private wire, to your site can provide the necessary solution at scale.

Two paths forward

Whatever the next decade holds for our nation’s energy landscape, it’s clear that until major, generational work can be completed to update energy transference systems and cable networks, as well as prepare the grid for a new, fully-electrified Britain, it’s difficult to see a future where our energy bills trend anywhere but upwards.

There are two versions of that future: one, where British industry sees its margins shrink and disruptions worsen thanks to the unpredictabilities of the grid. Then there’s another, where businesses find ways to generate their own electricity behind the meter, securing their bottom lines and their futures.

TEWKE LAUNCHES ‘TAP’, A NEW SMART LIGHT SWITCH

UK smart energy company Tewke has unveiled Tap, a new smart light switch designed to simplify smart home adoption while creating new opportunities for electricians in the growing connected home market.

Tap combines beautiful design, smart functionality, and practical energy intelligence into a single, easy to install platform. Tap offers ‘one tap’ mood lighting for any occasion and provides real-time energy cost tracking to empower users to make efficient energy use choices – helping them to shift the use of energy heavy appliances, like the dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer or EV charger, to much lower cost times of the day. Paired with a variable energy tariff, Tap helps users to make informed decisions that could save them considerable money on their energy bills. Tap also includes sensors to measure temperature, air quality and humidity, all of which enable home health monitoring. Future OTA updates will expand Tap’s

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS WITH UNICRIMP’S TRADE TUBS

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to strengthen its reputation for providing practical, high-quality solutions for electrical professionals with its comprehensive Trade Tub range.

Part of Unicrimp’s extensive Q-Crimp range of cable accessories, these robust tubs offer a convenient and reliable supply of commonly used fixings and accessories, helping to improve efficiency.

Each Trade Tub contains a selection of essential components, supplied in durable containers, ideal for transportation, storage, and quick access during installation work.

The Red Wall Plugs & Countersunk Screws Tub offers a practical combination of 400 x red wall plugs and 400 x 8 x 1.5” countersunk screws; the Metal Self Drive Plugs & Panhead Screws Tub contains 200 x metal self-drive plugs and 200 x 8 x 35mm panhead screws that eliminate the need for pre-drilling; and the T&E Cable Clips Tub contains 400 x 1mm and 400 x 2.5mm T&E clips that have been manufactured with tough, impact-resistant plastic.

Unicrimp, unicrimp.com

CUSTOM CONSUMER UNIT BRANDING WITH ELUCIAN’S LASER ETCHING

Launched by the Scolmore Group in 2021, Elucian is a trusted name in circuit protection and has enhanced its product offering with a bespoke in-house laser etching service. This service is suitable for single phase consumer units in domestic and commercial applications that require personalised branding for electrical systems. This enables businesses to reinforce their brand identity and add a touch of professionalism to their electrical installations.

For over four years, Elucian has utilised state-of-the-art laser technology to create intricately detailed designs on the covers of consumer units – guaranteeing long-lasting clarity and durability. Once the logo is supplied to the Elucian team, a digital file is then created and uploaded onto the machine ready for etching. As well as producing precise, permanent etching of logos and branding, this service can also etch a variety of custom designs. This can include QR codes, technical specifications, and circuit identification. This specialised service stands out as one of the few in the market offering fully customised consumer units.

Elucian, elucianuk.com

capabilities further. Features such as automation, notifications and TewkeAI voice controlled home assistant are all imminent, all without additional hardware.

Installation has been engineered with the trade in mind. Tap is compatible with existing light fittings and pattress boxes, requiring no rewiring and no interruptions, while Tewke’s patented No Neutral technology means Tap can be installed even where a neutral cable isn’t present, making it suitable for almost any home.

Backed by UK engineering and local technical support, Tap bridges the gap between conventional switches and high-cost smart systems. With its competitive pricing, it offers contractors an accessible entry point into the premium smart lighting sector.

Tap makes smart energy simple. For homeowners, it delivers style, control, and savings. For electricians, it opens a new business stream in affordable, intelligent lighting.

For more information, and to register your interest, visit tewke.com/partners. Tewke, tewke.com

FAST AND RELIABLE FIRE DETECTION WITH ESPIRE’S OPTICAL SMOKE ALARMS

ESP, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to lead the way in fire and safety technology with its Espire Optical Smoke Alarm.

Designed to deliver fast and reliable detection of slow, smouldering fires, the Optical Smoke Alarm is part of the comprehensive range of Espire high performance Fire and CO Alarms launched earlier this year, reinforcing ESP’s reputation for innovation, quality, and compliance in life safety solutions.

Featuring a compact and discreet design, the Espire Optical Alarms are equipped with advanced infrared sensor technology that excels in detecting early sign of combustion particles. Designed and manufactured in ESP’s dedicated production facility, each unit undergoes rigorous testing – including multiple sensor and functional checks – to ensure total reliability.

Key features include a 24-hour memory function, auto-dimming LED, dust compensation, and stainless-steel insect mesh barrier, designed to reduce nuisance alarms and improve accuracy over time.

Installers can choose from three different power options to suit varying project requirements. ESP, espireuk.com

OVIA INTRODUCES NEW MODULAR BEELO BOLLARD RANGE

Renowned for its commitment to safety and security across its range of products, Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, has announced the latest addition to its successful Amenity range, the modular Beelo Bollard.

Joining Ovia’s versatile and robust collection of exterior lighting solutions, the Beelo Bollard is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, long-lasting durability, and adaptable functionality across a wide range of commercial and residential applications. The Beelo Bollard range sets a new standard for outdoor lighting by combining modular interchangeable design, impact resistance, and energy efficiency in one elegant, high-performance system.

At the heart of the Beelo range is its innovative modular concept which incorporates interchangeable head options. Each bollard head is supplied separately from the standard post, enabling quick and easy installation or replacement. Users can easily interchange Flat, Domed, Cone or Louvered bollard heads, offered in both Black and Anthracite Grey finishes, to suit the desired aesthetic or lighting requirement. Ovia, oviauk.com

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

ENTREPRENEURS JOIN FORCES TO RELAUNCH SWINDON ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

Three Wiltshire-based entrepreneurs – Rob Appleby, Cameron Carash and Andy Young – have each taken a third share of Swindon electrical wholesale store, New Edition Electrical Supplies

The company was previously called A&E Electrical Wholesalers and had been operating for over 10 years. Now under new management, it has undergone a complete rebrand to bring a fresh approach to electrical wholesale in West Swindon.

Cameron – whose other business, Hus & Home, made the news last year for supplying Netflix with furniture for its production sets – joins Co-Directors Rob and Andy in running the business.

Andy was previously the sole owner of the firm.

Each of the partners has different experience across the electrical industry – from domestic work to large-scale commercial projects. Together, the trio has taken what was a long-standing setup and given it a new direction, with a real focus on customer service, smart stock choices, and flexibility.

New Edition Electrical Supplies will be completely independent, which means it is not tied to any national suppliers – allowing the partners to focus on what’s best for local electricians, contractors, and even members of the public tackling their own home projects.

The shop is stocked with some of the best-known brands in the industry – including Fusebox, Wago, CK Tools, Knightsbridge, CTC, and more.

Additionally, a new online store will be launching soon to make ordering even easier and allow both collection and delivery of thousands of products which the firm has in stock.

Once the website goes live over the next couple of months, customers will be able to visit neweditionelectricalsupplies.co.uk.

In the meantime, the company is able to supply near enough any electrical installation component or part by contacting info@neweditionelectricalsupplies.co.uk or via telephone on 01793 619333.

New Edition Electrical Supplies, neweditionelectricalsupplies.co.uk

COMING SOON – THE AXENT WIRING ACCESSORY RANGE

Exclusive to the Axiom Brand, from the CED Electrical Group, the New Axent range of decorative wiring accessories will be available to the electrical wholesale trade in the first quarter of 2026.

Ultra-flat and ultra-matte, the comprehensive Axent range of switches and sockets redefines minimalism through precision engineering and flawless craftmanship – making it easier and faster to install. The range is meticulously conceived to adorn the most sophisticated interiors and will be available in two versions – a screwless option with soft curved corners and flush insets, plus a screw down option with more defined corners for a more contemporary look.

Available finishes for the Axent range include matt black, matt white, satin chrome and antique brass – the four most popular decorative options in the market today.

Quality is assured with the Axent range, complying with all relevant UKCA, BS, BSEN standards and CE approvals.

For more, contact your local CED Area Manager on 0208 503 8500. CED Electrical Group, cedelectrical.co.uk

CLICK SCOLMORE ENHANCES GRIDPRO MODULES WITH LED INDICATION

Click Scolmore has upgraded its GridPro Modules, now featuring advanced LED indication. Featuring a modern design, the new LED indicators offer a brighter, more discreet method of visual notification, replacing the previous neon-based system.

This enhancement brings a modern look to the GridPro range while maintaining its reputation for reliability and performance – delivering a cleaner, more efficient solution in line with evolving market demands.

Inserts are available in Black, Polar White, and Grey, and can be paired with modules in a wide variety of high-quality finishes, including Antique Brass, Black Nickel, Polished Chrome, Stainless Steel, Satin Brass, Pearl Nickel, Polished Brass, Satin Chrome, Matt Black, Matt Bronze, Brushed Steel, Polar White, and Black.

For more information on Click’s full range of GridPro Modules, visit the Scolmore Group website or download the Scolmore Group app. Click Scolmore, scolmore.com

AURO LUME LAUNCH IS A BREAKTHROUGH IN SELF-TESTING EMERGENCY LIGHTING

Auro by Harmony has launched its latest IoT (Internet of Things) life-safety product. Auro Lume is a plug and play self-testing emergency lighting system that eliminates the need for manual inspections, providing 24/7 auditable golden thread compliance data on the system’s operational readiness.

Launched as the newly updated BS 5266-1:2025 standard for emergency lighting comes into force, Auro Lume provides landlords with improved life-safety resilience and regulatory assurance in a pure plug and play range of luminaires informed through extensive housing and wider public sector testing experience.

Unlike aftermarket retrofitted self-testing luminaire modules, which can invalidate existing warranties and create risk around compatibility and compliance, Auro Lume requires no additional data or power cabling and is as simple and straightforward to install as a standard fitting, instantly self-validating with a golden thread of compliance data from day one of operation.

Using the secure Auro central compliance portal, with its highly configurable dashboard, landlords and facilities management teams have ultimate control over scheduling emergency lighting testing within their property assets. Automated regular testing can be carried out floor by floor, or by any pattern combination that is most effective for the specific property. Active system monitoring flags issues in real time for swift resolution.

Annual power down inspections no longer require manual monitoring, as Auro Lume’s array of sensors detect power, light levels and battery performance, instantly reporting data back to form a compliant golden thread of information. Auro Lume is constantly vigilant and in addition to monitoring the operational condition of luminaires, it also provides asset owners with predictive maintenance data on light levels and the charging status of the battery back-up.

Auro Lume is the latest ground-breaking connected life-safety product launched by Auro by Harmony, which earlier this year saw the unveiling of Auro Door, the world’s first fully integrated and certified IoT fire door.

Auro, aurosafe.com

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