INDUSTRY NEWS 96% OF UK HOMEOWNERS INTERESTED IN SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Drayton, an expert manufacturer of heating controls, recently surveyed heating engineers, electricians, heat pump installers and plumbers about homeowner appetite for smart home technology. When asked about consumer interest in smart home technology, 96% of the surveyed installers revealed that their customers had demonstrated an interest in smart home technology. The demand for smart home technology now also expands past just heating controls. Survey respondents reported that outside of heating controls, smart lighting was the most popular element of smart technology, with 56% stating their customers currently have or would be interested in adding this to their home. When building a complete smart home, other devices such as smart alarms (36%) and a range of sensors, including water leak sensors (13%), window and door sensors (12%), and humidity sensors (11%), were also found to be of interest or already present in homes. As home technology evolves, the research reinforces that so do the desires of homeowners, with a majority
looking for a more comprehensive approach that integrates more than smart heating controls. This also demonstrates the importance for installers to have an awareness of a broader range of home technology. Nick Hunt, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Drayton, comments, “The results of our survey emphasise that the
needs of customers are continuing to change in line with the evolution of technology. Tradespeople need to be wellequipped to match these demands by offering a reliable system that simply incorporates a variety of smart home technologies as they become more prevalent in homes. Drayton Controls, draytoncontrols.co.uk
KNIPEX SHARES THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF ITS PLIERS Customers can now see at a glance the recycled steel content and greenhouse gas emissions linked to the production of every pair of forged pliers from KNIPEX, making it easy to factor sustainability into purchasing decisions. The information appears directly on product pages on the KNIPEX website, showing two clear values: the proportion of recycled steel used, and the product carbon footprint (PCF). By providing these values, KNIPEX gives customers a straightforward way to make informed, responsible choices. Steel, the main raw material in pliers production, plays a vital role in the circular economy as it can be recycled endlessly without losing its strength. KNIPEX is introducing low-emission steel across its range, cutting emissions by more than 80% compared with virgin steel made from iron ore while retaining the durability and wear resistance professionals depend on. The PCF, measuring the amount of CO2 generated during manufacture, is calculated using a ‘cradle-to-gate’ method that covers every stage from raw material extraction to dispatch from the factory. limate protection is firmly embedded in s strategy, and since 2020 the company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by almost 40%. By placing environmental indicators directly on its products, KNIPEX is now making sustainability visible for everyone while continuing to reduce its own footprint and conserve resources for the future. KNIPEX, knipex.com/en-uk
10 | November 2025
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LIGHT 25 TO RETURN WITH NEW TECHNICAL ZONE LiGHT 25, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high end lighting specification, is set to return to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London on 19-20 November 2025. Following its success in 2024, which welcomed over 5,500 visitors, the upcoming exhibition promises even more innovation, education, and networking opportunities, with a major highlight being the introduction of the brand-new Technical Zone. This year, exhibitors will have the chance to be part of the Technical Zone, a dedicated space for brands focused on shaping the future of urban lighting, commercial lighting, control systems, components and OEM, lamps and gear, and emergency lighting. As lighting controls, emergency systems, and advanced components continue to play an increasingly important role in sustainable and human-centric design, the Technical Zone will offer an invaluable platform for both exhibitors and visitors to connect with industry experts,
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explore the latest products, and gain insights into technical advancements. LiGHT 25 continues to attract thousands of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, and specifiers, all eager to see the latest product innovations and launches from hundreds of architectural and decorative lighting brands. Organised by [d]arc media, the event offers a rich programme of activities beyond the exhibition oor. The renowned [d]arc thoughts talks programme in collaboration with Lutron will once again take centre stage, bringing together leading voices from the industry to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and challenges in lighting design. Visitors can also network at the late-night drinks party on 19 November, engage in insightful conversations at the networking brunch, or collaborate in the dedicated co-working space. Visitor registration is free of charge, and you can sign up via the link below. LiGHT 25, lightexpo.london
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