WED Autumn 2024 by Purple Media Solutions Ltd

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Purchase any selected Schneider Electric offer from a participating wholesaler

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Scan the QR code and enter your details

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Baxi becomes principal partner to championship newcomers

Kingﬁsher report reveals shortage of up to 250,000 tradespeople Business

FOCUS ON: CABLING

Univolt is preparing for even for further expansion in 2024

FOCUS ON: LIGHTING

Luceco launches ePortal for electrical wholesalers

Preparing for the electrician of tomorrow

EDITORIAL

Editor Lisa Peake lisa.peake@purplems.com Tel: 01732 371 579

PRODUCTION

Production designer Lorna Reekie lorna.reekie@purplems.com

Production designer Rob Tremain rob.tremain@purplems.com

ADVERTISING

Sales manager Haydon Rainsford haydon.rainsford@purplems.com Tel: 01732 371 572

MANAGEMENT

Managing director Ed Hunt ed.hunt@purplems.com

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PP Flexible Conduit & Accessories

LEICESTER COLLEGE

STUDENTS CELEBRATE

SECOND T LEVEL RESULTS

Results revealed on 15 August for the second cohort of students to complete T levels at Leicester College. Leicester College welcomed students who have completed T levels to collect their results on Thursday 15 August 2024. T levels are a new type of technical-focused qualiﬁcation for students who want a vocationallybased qualiﬁcation and are equivalent to three A levels. This is the second results day for T level students and many Leicester College students have already secured job offers or a place on a university course since completing their courses in June

As one of the institutions selected for the government’s pilot launch of T levels, Leicester College began offering these innovative technical qualiﬁcations in September 2021, with students enrolled in four distinct subject areas. The subjects of Education and Childcare, Construction, Digital and IT, or Health and Science, and since then Engineering and Manufacturing, Legal, Finance and Accounting and Management and Administration are also available at the College.

Students from these subject areas collected their results from the College’s Abbey Park Campus following the two-year courses.

Debi Donnarumma Vice Principal – Curriculum, study programme and apprenticeship at Leicester College said: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ exceptional achievements in this year’s T Level results. Their dedication, resilience, and hard work have truly paid off, and these results are a testament to their commitment to learning.

“Congratulations to all our students on their fantastic achievements. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in their chosen ﬁelds.” www.leicestercollege.ac.uk/t-levels

UPDATE

The projects, people and trade issues making the news

New UK consumer survey from ShipStation reveals: Millennials and Gen Z propel the recommerce revolution

A new ShipStation survey reveals the growing dominance of the recommerce market in the UK. The survey shows that over a third of UK consumers embrace second-hand shopping on a monthly basis, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge. Driven primarily by signiﬁcant cost savings and the desire for quality items at a lower price, recommerce has become more than a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour.

Delving deeper into the £7 billion UK recommerce market (according to Barclay’s Bank), ShipStation’s ﬁndings highlight the pivotal role second-hand items play in today’s retail market. With high-street foot trafﬁc declining, retailers must adapt to these evolving preferences to thrive in the current and future economic climate.

Across all age groups, lower cost is the primary reason for purchasing pre-owned items, followed by the desire for higher quality at a lower price. Notably, over a quarter (27 per cent) of British consumers also cite environmental concerns as a factor in their second-hand purchases. To capitalise on

this trend, SMEs should consider expanding their inventory to include pre-owned goods, emphasising cost savings and unique ﬁnds to attract a broader customer base. While recommerce appeals to a wide range of consumers, a generational divide exists. Millennials and Gen Z are the driving force, with 58 per cent of Gen Z and 50 per cent of Millennial respondents stating that they purchase pre-owned items weekly or monthly. On the other hand, over a quarter (27 per cent) of Boomers say they never buy second-hand. Whilst recommerce thrives, some factors hinder repeat purchases. High shipping costs (71 per cent) are the top reason consumers avoid returning to a retailer. From here, the generations are then divided in two, with Gen Z (46.2 per cent) and Boomers (48.3 per cent) saying that late deliveries will impede them from purchasing again, while Millennials (35.7 per cent) and Gen X (35.4 per cent) say that poor packaging will deter them from buying from a brand again.

Read the full ﬁndings of the ShipStation survey at shipstation.com

Kingﬁsher report reveals shortage of up to 250,000 tradespeople

According to recent research commissioned by Kingﬁsher, the company that owns Screwﬁx and B&Q, and in collaboration with economic consultancy Cebr, the UK may see a shortage of up to 250,000 tradespeople by 2030, with electricians likely to be in shorter supply than any other trade. By the end of the decade, it is estimated that there will be approximately 54,387 fewer electricians in the country than are required to meet demand, and the reasons behind this drastic shortfall appear to be deep-rooted within several areas of the country’s psyche. Meanwhile, a different survey has revealed more than a third (37 per cent) of respondents believe that the government, schools, or parents discourage young people from pursuing careers in trades. On top of that, 61 per cent of parents believe that schools’ emphasis on academic rather than vocational career choices is discouraging kids from pursuing trade careers. That might be a big issue for a number

of reasons, not the least of which is that the national attitude and approach are gradually becoming greener. Energy management systems, renewable energy sources like solar panels and solar water heaters, and energy-efﬁcient lighting systems are increasingly popular house upgrades. And the nation’s shift to greener energy and cheaper bills will continue to be postponed as long as no one is available to do the work. The study also showed that there might be a fairly simple solution to close this huge supply-and-demand discrepancy. When it comes to professions in the various trades, there is a signiﬁcant gender gap: just 35 per cent of young women said they had thought about a future in the trades compared to 60 per cent of young males. In addition to that alarming statistic, only 2 per cent of the UK’s 900,000 tradespeople are women at this moment in time, but if the number of female tradespeople increased to just one-third of the current number of men, it would solve the UK’s projected 2030 tradesperson shortage.

Next generation of Exeter tradespeople get builders merchant insight

Selco Builders Warehouse has donated thousands of pounds of materials to college students carrying out trade and construction courses around the country.

Amongst the beneﬁciaries have been students of Exeter College who have also been invited to Selco’s branch in the city, based on Filmer Way in Marsh Barton, to learn more about how a builders merchant operates and the relationship it has with tradespeople. Each college has also received £3,000 worth of materials to use in the classroom as part of the studies.

West London College, Leeds College of Building, Bournemouth and Poole College and Birmingham Metropolitan College are amongst the education establishments partnering with Selco on the scheme.

Andrew Legge, a construction tutor at Exeter College said: “The Selco partnership is proving a fantastic initiative and an absolutely invaluable experience for our learners.

“A builders merchant plays such a signiﬁcant role in the life of a tradesperson so introducing

our learners to them so early in their careers will stand them in really good stead.

“The materials and tools that Selco has kindly donated has also been an incredible help. We want our learners to carry out as much practical work as possible and the products and materials Selco has donated has enabled us to do that.

“We can’t thank Selco enough for the work it is doing with our college and others around the UK and the signiﬁcant difference it is making to the future of the industry.”

Barry Price, branch manager of Selco Exeter, said: “We are committed to supporting tradespeople at every level so this is an extremely exciting project for us to be involved with. We are delighted to be playing a small part in the educational journey of the next generation of tradespeople, whether that be through the donation of materials and tools or the insight visiting one of our branches provides.

“It was great to see the students so receptive to learning about what the future might hold for them in their day-to-day working lives.”

With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 75 UK branches are ﬁrmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.

As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver and Click & Collect services and a new app - as well as a ‘Dial & Deliver’ telephone service - to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople.

For more information, visit: selcobw.com

Baxi has announced a record sponsorship deal with EFL Championship newcomers Oxford United Football Club, which will see the company become the Men’s and Women’s Teams’ principal partner from the start of the 2024/25 season.

As part of the new deal between Baxi and the newly-promoted club, Baxi branding will feature across the front of Oxford United’s men’s and women’s ﬁrst team kits, along with replica shirts for both adults and juniors. In addition, as principal partner, Baxi branding will also have visibility across the Kassam Stadium, and its hospitality areas, as well as the Club’s website. Baxi will also work with Oxford United to deliver marketing campaigns across social and digital platforms to engage with the Club’s growing fanbase, including those featuring the Club’s and Baxi’s mascots, Ox and Baxter.

The Baxi logo was seen on the front of the men’s team shirts for the ﬁrst time during

Saturday’s victory against Norwich in the opening home game of the new Championship season. With a rich footballing history, this is the ﬁrst season the club has competed in the second tier of English football in 25 years.

Baxi’s partnership with the club will also see the heating and hot water specialist increase its engagement with homeowners, heating professionals and businesses in the region.

Nick Platt, Sales & Marketing Director at Baxi, said: “Our new partnership with Oxford United Football Club is an exciting development for the Baxi brand and one that feels like the perfect match on a number of levels. We have shared ambitions for growth and a mutual commitment to sustainability; both of which we expect to unlock a number of new opportunities over the coming season.”

For more information about Baxi’s heating and hot water expertise, visit: www.baxi.co.uk

MORE RETAILERS AND LOGISTICS FIRMS

ARE ‘DYING’ AND FEWER ARE ‘BORN’

It’s been a turbulent six months for retail and transportation and storage sector companies, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. A new Ofﬁce for National Statistics (ONS) report, ‘Business Demography’, reveals 13,390 new retail sector companies were ‘born’ in the ﬁrst half of 2024.

However, 14,500 retailers ‘died’ in the first half of this year. That’s a net loss of 1,110 retail businesses. Likewise, 10,595 transportation & storage sector firms, including couriers and postal companies, were born in the first half of this year but 13,150 failed – leaving a net loss of 2,555 companies.

Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says:

“Over a thousand more retailers have ‘died’ than been ‘born’ during the ﬁrst half of this year and over two and a half thousand more transportation & storage companies have failed than been created.

“These figures are even more alarming when we compare them to the same period in 2019, before the UK was hit by the pandemic. In the first half of 2019, 17,670 retailers were born. That’s 4,280 more new retailers registered than in the first half of this year. Likewise, 15,325 transportation & storage companies were born in the first six months of 2019, which was 4,730 more than this year.

“It also looks like far fewer companies failed in the first half of 2019 than this year. A total of 13,885 retailers failed in the first half of 2019, which was 615 fewer than in 2024. Similarly, 10,560 transportation & storage firms died in the first six months of 2019, which was 2,590 fewer than the first half of this year.

“Now the election is out of the way and inﬂation continues to fall, will consumers choose to believe that things can only get better under the new government? Or will consumer sentiment continue to remain cautious as everyone waits to see how the economy fares?

“One certainty is that it will be those retailers with strong in-store and online sales that will ultimately triumph in a post-Covid world.”

Parcelhero’s inﬂuential report ‘2030: Death of the High Street’ has been discussed in Parliament. It reveals that retailers must develop an omnichannel approach, embracing both online and physical store sales. Full report at: parcelhero.com/ contentdownloads/pdfs/

Baxi becomes principal partner to championship newcomers

THANK YOU

for Making a Difference!

AT&T GB Ltd extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Charity Golf Day.

Thanks to your generosity and participation, we raised over £10,000 to support the incredible work of the Brentford Penguins. Your contributions will help empower this inspiring charity, and together, we’ve made a meaningful impact.

Thank you for your support, enthusiasm, and commitment to this cause. Here's to more successful events and the continued support of Brentford Penguins!

EMBRACE THE FUTURE

Introducing The Brace System by WISKA

Introducing the Brace System by WISKA : a range of ﬂexible conduit ﬁ ttings, conduit and accessories that offer users superior protection and ease of use

With over 100 years of experience, WISKA know a thing or two about cable protection. The Brace System range is extensive and includes polyamide and brass nickel-plated ﬁttings, a wide range of sizes and ﬂexible conduit options, product variations and accessories, including clips and junction boxes. At the core of the range is the polyamide IP69 rated BraceFITTING.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE BRACEFITTING?

First, it’s a single-piece design, eliminating the need for assembly. It’s crafted from high-grade polyamide plastic, offering UV resistance and IP69 protection, making it exceptionally reliable and durable. The BraceFITTING also features a directly injected seal (the red part), which remains ﬁxed and visible even after installation. This ensures the seal won’t break or get misplaced during installation.

The streamlined design reduces installation time signiﬁcantly, taking just 6 seconds compared to the average 30 seconds required for other ﬁttings on the market. Additionally, the BraceFITTING’s unique clasping system is the only one of its kind, providing a 360˚grip on the conduit. This offers superior strain relief

while maintaining its IP69 rating, effectively preventing the ingress of water and dirt.

BraceFITTING is compatible with most brands of ﬂexible conduit but delivers the highest level of protection when used with BraceCONDUIT, ensuring maximum safety and durability.

DOES IT COME IN A CONTRACTOR PACK?

Yes, our BraceCONTRACTOR Packs offer a complete ready-to-go solution, each kit comes complete with 10 m ﬂexible conduit, 10 x BraceFITTINGS and 10 x locknuts.

Contractor Kits are available in both polyamide and polypropylene ﬂexible conduit types in either black or white, so you can decide what is most appropriate for your installation. The kits comes in a range of sizes M20, M25, and M32.

a higher grade of plastic (PA6) and ultimate offers a superior ﬁnish. The two options offer end users’ greater choice depending on their requirements and needs.

WHAT ELSE DOES THE RANGE HAVE TO OFFER?

With over 300 different types and sizes of BraceFITTING available, we have the perfect conduit ﬁtting for your needs. Our polyamide BraceFITTING’s have a wide range of solutions including standard, branch, Y, 45° angle, 90° angle, swivel connecting threads, adaptors and a wide variety of cable gland connections.

Our ﬂexible conduit range (BraceCONDUIT) compliments the ﬁttings perfectly, available in over 155 options including PA6, PA12, heavyweight and split conduit.

Completing the range is the metallic options, these include galvanised PVC coated contractors’ packs, brass-nickel plated ﬁttings, swivel ﬁttings as well as a wide range of conduit including smooth, high-temp, steel wire over-braided and more.

So, there you have it, the Brace System from WISKA. Have you embraced the future? The BraceCONTRACTOR Packs are available now from all good electrical wholesalers.

If you’d like to know about the Brace System or any other WISKA products please visit www. wiska.co.uk or contact WISKA via email: info@ wiska.co.uk. WISKA, Make Power Smile.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLYAMIDE

AND POLYPROPYLENE?

Both offer a high level of durability, UV protection and of course work seamlessly with our BraceFITTING. The polyamide conduit is

Contractor Kits

Introducing WISKA’s Brace Contractor kits.

Offering IP68 protection our Contractor Kits have everything you need for your installation.

Superior protection, easy-to-use and work seamlessly with our iconic COMBI Junction Boxes.

Available in black or white in sizes M20, M25 and M32*.

IP69 PA

Brace Contractor Packs

EDA State of the Sector Survey for Q3 2024 EDA UPDATE

The latest EDA State of the Sector Survey reveals some of the issues affecting the sector today, including tight margins, downturn in demand and increasing competition

One of the highly valued services offered by the EDA to its members is the feedback from its Quarterly State of the Sector Surveys. Two versions of the surveys are conducted each quarter: one aimed at wholesalers and a second at manufacturers, and the EDA works hard to achieve very high response rates each time. Results are presented by EDA’s Head of Marketing and Communcations, Anne Vessey, at the Association’s virtual Talking Shop Dialogues in January, April, July and October after which they are made freely available at www.eda.org.uk

These quarterly surveys are anonymous and, alongside the regular questions about turnover and sector performance, there is always a mix of new questions reﬂecting current issues in the supply chain. The latter are composed with the help of a panel of industry experts, manufacturers, wholesalers and trade association representatives, who come together to formulate and test the survey. The July survey asked wholesalers and manufacturers for their views on which sectors are showing growth potential, whether contractor customers are asking for carbon/ sustainability/Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) information, wholesaler

stock levels, and what 2024 will deliver in like-for-like sales.

Let’s take a look at some of the issues affecting the electrotechnical sector as revealed in the latest survey.

TURNOVER

Turnover is a straightforward barometer of what’s happening in the sector, and 18 per cent of wholesalers said turnover was up by 11 per cent or more in Q2 2024 compared with the same period last year. However, 49 per cent said turnover was down. The corresponding

ﬁgures revealed in the April survey were 21per cent and 30 per cent respectively.

Wholesalers were also asked to report on turnover for Q2 2024 compared to Q1 2024: 12.5 per cent reported turnover was up by 11 per cent or more and 57 per cent said turnover was down. The corresponding ﬁgures from the April survey were 19 per cent and 22 per cent respectively. Clear evidence that it had been a difﬁcult few months.

OPERATIONAL

HEADACHES: ARE YOU EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES?

In July 2024, Wholesalers reported their top three current challenges as:

1. online prices making margins tight; 2. a general downturn in demand; and 3. increasing competition for work

STOCK HOLDING

Wholesalers reported on their levels of stock holding, with the graph (ﬁg: 2) showing 24 per cent are reducing stock levels, 12 per cent are increasing stock levels, and 64 per cent reporting no change.

Some wholesalers commented on the seasonal nature of some of their products and said they would be increasing stocks of lighting

Fig: 1

Fig: 2

and heating products with the onset of the darker and colder nights.

GROWTH OR DECLINE?

Wholesalers shared their experiences on the sectors delivering business growth opportunities. The graph (Fig: 1) represents the ﬁndings, ranked by the grey (growth) band: Commercial is top for growth, with Private Housing RM&I in the doldrums.

DEMAND

AND AVAILABILITY OF CARBON AND SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION

In Q3 this topic was explored through a number of questions presented to both Wholesalers and Manufacturers. There isn’t space to show all the ﬁndings here, but you can download the full report from www.eda.org.uk in the Support and Resources menu.

We’ve selected a couple of charts to show you (right): as you see 27 per cent of wholesalers are already being asked by contractors for carbon/ sustainability/ESG information relating to the products sold, and 26 per cent are being asked for this type of information about their business. As this is a major topic for the supply chain, let’s see how the picture changes in future surveys. In a couple of year’s time will it be unremarkable for wholesalers to supply this type of information to contractors?

WILL 2024 OUTSELL 2023?

At the halfway point, most Wholesalers are predicting a lower or similar volume of like-forlike sales (Fig: 3.) Will conﬁdence return in the second half of the year?

BENCHMARK YOUR BUSINESS ON KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

If you work in an EDA business and haven’t joined us virtually for a Talking Shop, you’re missing out on valuable sector insights. Join our next Talking Shops Teams Dialogue for the reveal of our Q4 Survey results, plus hear from subject matter experts on the latest sector developments. Register for our Q4 Talking Shop Teams Dialogue, 11am – 12.30pm, Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

Q: Wholesalers – are your customers asking you for third-party assessments that evaluate the carbon/sustainability/Environmental, Social and Governance credentials of the products you sell?

Q: Wholesalers – are your customers asking you for third-party assessments that evaluate the carbon/sustainability/Environmental, Social and Governance credentials of your business?

SURVEY CONTEXT AND POST-ELECTION KICKSTART

The latest survey launched on Monday 8 July, only days after the General Election. In June, Reuters reported that “Election uncertainty

pushes UK business growth to a 7-month low”. With a mission to kickstart economic growth and get Britain building again Sarah Jones MP has been appointed the new Minister of State at the Departments of Business and Trade, and Energy Security and Net Zero. The Minister has also joined the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Board as Co-Chair alongside Mark Reynolds, Chair and CEO of Mace Group. Of her appointment, Sarah Jones MP said: “The construction sector is vital to our economy, supporting thousands of jobs in every part of the UK, and will be at the heart of our mission to deliver growth and get Britain building again.

“I look forward to working closely with the Construction Leadership Council to champion the sector as it builds the infrastructure we need, and ensure its net zero ambitions deliver for both the workforce and our economy.”

The EDA publishes the results of each survey on www.eda.org.uk where it can be downloaded from the Support & Resources section.

Fig: 3

Preparing for the electrician of tomorrow BUSINESS

The role of electricians and the nature of their work is evolving rapidly. Smart home technology, sustainable retroﬁts, and the rise of ‘energy prosumers’ (who both produce and consume energy) alongside shifting regulations and standards have made working in the industry more complex. This in turn provides plenty of new business for electrical distributors.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Opportunities for electricians grow at an unprecedented pace, not least due to the increasing focus on sustainability. The digitisation of energy will continue to be a focus as consumers and businesses demand more visibility of their energy consumption to reduce costs and emissions. The electrical industry underpins a move to a greener future, less reliant on fossil fuels as a source of energy. From the installation of smart home technology, EV charging, and electric heat pumps to the rise of energy prosumers and renewable energy at home, electricians are a key part of creating more energy-efﬁcient homes and electrical wholesalers are best placed to support them.

UPSELLING

Simple enquiries often turn into great opportunities. For instance, installing a circuit to supply an external socket may require upgrading of earthing and bonding, even a new consumer unit. However, it is possible to go even further and upsell new products or services to customers that may be beneficial. Educating customers on new technology available to them, including energy efficiency solutions, is a great way to upsell. Customers ordering EV chargers may not have considered the benefits of onsite battery storage making use of cheap rate electricity through the night. Also, they may not be aware that adding a solar PV system could provide them with further long-term economic benefits.

Remember: It’s important that electrical distributors are aware of these upselling opportunities, not just electricians!

EXPANDING BUSINESS PROFILE

The cornerstone of marketing success is a business’ website. Approximately 90 per cent of people only look at the ﬁrst page of online search results, so it is vital to rank highly in local

Stay ahead of the curve and unearth opportunities for business growth with Schneider Electric to future-proof the electrical industry

searches and boost your online visibility. This is particularly important for smaller, localised businesses. One tip for a website that has multiple pages, is to use different keywords so that the pages are not competing against one another in rankings.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a great tool to connect with customers. By sharing experiences and showing the work of the business, electricians can highlight successful projects, answer questions publicly, and showcase customer reviews. Similarly, electrical wholesalers can also beneﬁt from an increased social media presence For instance, Facebook allows businesses to target audiences, with posts helping them to appear higher in Google search results.

CONCLUSION

The boom in work for electricians has only just begun. Business opportunities for electricians, and the distributors they rely on, are set to grow even further alongside initiatives for a smarter and more sustainable future. The time is now to capitalise on these opportunities, but businesses must ensure that they are ready and able to go beyond the competition to win new projects.

To ﬁnd out more about exclusive content and beneﬁts, information on products, useful tools, and practical resources for electricians why not register on mySchneider – the online tool for distributors that creates a personalised digital experience for each user.

For more information and to register, visit: www.se.com/uk/en/work/support/ myschneider

Why should you use polypropylene ﬂexible conduit?

Deligo is excited to announce the launch of its new range of Polypropylene (PP) Flexible Conduit products, the economical alternative to PVC ﬂexible conduit

Deligo’s new offerings provide cost-effective and reliable solutions with added beneﬁts.

Polypropylene (PP) Flexible Conduit is UV and abrasionresistant, free of sulphur, halogen, and cadmium, and boasts UL 94 HB ﬂame retardant properties. Known for its elasticity, toughness, lightweight, and fatigue resistance, PP is also 100 per cent recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It can be ground, melted, and reused in multiple applications, ensuring sustainability.

NEW

CONDUIT COILS

Deligo’s PP Conduit Coils offer durability and ﬂexibility, perfect for various environments.

Available in 50-metre coils, these conduits come in black or white at the same price. Their UV and abrasion-resistant properties ensure long-lasting performance.

NEW PP HINGED GLANDS AND CLIPS

Introducing Deligo’s innovative PP Hinged Glands and Clips, designed for easy installation and secure fastening. The Hinged Clip conduit ﬁttings feature a unique linking mechanism for

seamless interconnection, providing a neat and organized solution for managing conduits.

NEW PP FLEXIBLE CONDUIT CONTRACTOR PACKS

Deligo’s PP Flexible Conduit Contractor Packs include 10 metres of high-quality conduit in either black or white, along with 10 glands and locknuts. These packs offer the same UV and abrasion resistance, ﬂame retardant properties, and environmental beneﬁts.

These new products provide a robust, costeffective alternative to traditional PVC ﬂexible conduits, ensuring quality and affordability for any project.

To learn more about these products, visit: https://www.deligo.co.uk/

NEW FIRE RATED DOWNLIGHTS

By MERIDIAN LIGHTING

GU10 FIRE RATED DOWNLIGHTS

IP20 or IP65 with 3 years warranty

Steel body with aluminium alloy trim

Matt White, Satin Chrome & Chrome Finishes

Easy installation - fast ﬁx connectors with twist & lock bezels.

INTEGRATED FIRE RATED DOWNLIGHT

Dual voltage - 5 or 8 watts & Dimmable

IP65 below & IP44 above with 5yrs warranty

CCT3 with manual switch - 3000k, 4000k and 6500k, White steel body and bezel ﬁnish

Replacement bezels in black, chrome or satin chrome

Easy Installation - plug & play system and push in terminals

Dual Wattage

Workforce management pitfalls and how to avoid them BUSINESS

Damien McKenna at BORIS Software Ltd has highlighted some of the most common pitfalls business face, and some of the top ways to combat these utilising the correct software and processes

No matter the industry, workforce management can prove difﬁcult without the correct processes and structures in place, and this isn’t just reserved for start-ups. Even the most established businesses can be hindered by common pitfalls.

The advancement of workplace management software however, has meant businesses can now have a clearer view of their operations and any issues, no matter the size, can be identiﬁed and acted upon.

Here, workforce management specialist, Damien McKenna, from BORIS Software Ltd has highlighted some of the most common pitfalls business face, and some of the top ways to combat these utilising the correct software and processes.

LACK OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is fundamental to ensure businesses function effectively. A lack of clear communication can result in not only confusion and errors, but lower levels of productivity and a less cohesive team.

A smooth communication process is vital to ensuring that information is interpreted correctly and actioned smoothly. Implementing workplace management software allows leaders to assign tasks and distribute information, while also providing a seamless way to notify employees of any updates or remote tasks. Employees can also use the software to collaborate and raise any concerns to leadership.

A further beneﬁt is the ability to communicate with clients, offering progress updates on

“Workforce

projects in real time, and reports to effectively communicate results.

ABSENCE OF STRUCTURE

Businesses are dynamic, with tasks changing on a day-to-day basis, staff holidays, absences and diaries to contend with. An absence of structure which offers both task and people management can ultimately be the downfall of an organisation.

A software management system which allows enterprises to track everything from holiday requests to clock cards along with providing an easy way to create and follow up on tasks can support an organisation's structure and provide both employers and employees ease of mind.

SCHEDULE AND RESOURCE INFLEXIBILITY

It’s common for workplaces to become overwhelmed with busy schedules that cause

staff members to burnout and struggle to ﬁnd a healthy work-life balance. One way to avoid this is by appropriately managing tasks and keeping track of an individual's workload.

Workforce management software can provide users with clear schedules, and offer the opportunity for employers to review workloads and ﬂexibly amend tasks and assigned jobs.

STAFF SAFETY

Trade industries often have a series of health and safety risks, making it paramount to have measures in place to minimise these risks.

Workforce management software can act as a deterrent with the use of GPS tracking to identify the location of lone workers should their means for communication be lost.

Any errors encountered can also be logged using mobile forms and safety procedures can be communicated to staff which allows them to adhere to any safety regulations. The software can also be used to house certificates and qualifications for employees to ensure they’re qualified to complete a role, and the right information can be provided to key personnel on site.

“Workforce management software provides a host of beneﬁts for a multitude of different industries, making it easier to streamline processes and provide clear concise information to both employers and employees. It’s vital for not only day to day management, but to help with company growth, setting structures and values in place” McKenna adds.

To ﬁnd out more about how BORIS Software can help your workforce, visit: https://borissoftware.com

management software provides a host of beneﬁts for a multitude of different industries, making it easier to streamline processes and provide clear concise information to both employers and employees. It’s vital for not only day to day management, but to help with company growth, setting structures and values in place. ”

Site Survey’s for Surge Protection BUSINESS

Surge Protection Devices discusses the beneﬁ ts of remote site visits and answers the most common questions asked when it comes to how online sites visits can work and what is required from a surge protection installation

As a company we have always offered site surveys for complex electrical installations, but during the pandemic, when we couldn’t travel, we also found that we can offer an excellent service remotely, which helps us get to site faster. There as some situations, where an in-person site visit is still recommended, but for the majority of sites, a remote site visit is preferable and quicker!

Q. WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST USING AN ON-SITE VISIT, RATHER THAN A REMOTE ASSESSMENT?

We can specify the surge protection required for the majority of sites with a simple phone call to our ofﬁce. In person on-site visits would be recommended for very complex electrical installations, installations where internet connectivity may be an issue and also installations where data protection and safe guarding mean that video calling is prohibited.

Q. HOW DOES A SITE VISIT GENERALLY WORK?

Before arranging the appointment, whether in person or online, we will usually have an in-depth conversation with the electrician in charge, many sites we can specify without the need to actually come to site, so this is where we will usually establish the need for the site visit. Once the need has been established, we will work with the electrician to work out which method of survey will be the most beneficial. Once on site, either in person or remotely, we will usually start the survey at the main incomer (or each main incomer individually, if it is a very large site) and assess the needs, while having discussions with the electrician regarding installation and location of devices. We will then proceed to look at sub distribution boards and finally specific equipment which may require individual protection. At this point we will have a discussion with the electrician to assess whether there are any additional things to consider for the installation, such as PV systems and EV chargers. At the end of the visit, we will go away and produce a report with our

ﬁndings and recommendations according to the latest regulations, which will be sent to the electrician as soon as possible.

Q. WHAT TENDS TO BE THE MOST COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS AROUND THE REQUIREMENTS OF SURGE PROTECTION THAT YOU GENERALLY COME ACROSS?

One of the most common misunderstandings is that surge protection can be installed at the main incomer to protect the entire installation, surge protection needs to be considered for the main incomer and then every distribution board over 10 meters from the incomer, to provide protection for the installation. If there is an external lightning protection system installed, this is even more important. This will mean that every cable that enters or leaves the installation requires a type 1 SPD installed to meet the requirements outlines in BS EN 62305.

Q. ARE YOU FINDING THERE ARE COMMON THEMES WITH THE TYPES OF RECOMMENDATIONS YOU ARE MAKING (MORE SURGE PROTECTION REQUIRED, FOR EXAMPLE)

I am finding that more thought is now being given to the protection of specific equipment pieces, such as fire alarms and data racks within installations. This is usually the sensitive equipment that is vital to the installation, in terms of safety and reliability.

If you have any further questions, or would like to discuss a potential site visit, please do not hesitate to get in touch. info@surgedevices.co.uk www.surgedevices.co.uk

Five beneﬁts of integrated product and pricing info BUSINESS

Trimble Luckins runs through ﬁ ve reasons why electrical wholesalers should choose Luckins to integrate their product and pricing information

In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, wholesalers need accurate, reliable, and comprehensive product and pricing data to stay ahead.

Offering a wealth of enriched information that integrates seamlessly into existing ERP, trading and e-commerce systems, it is no surprise that Trimble Luckins has been the go-to source for distributors for over 50 years. Here are ﬁve reasons why wholesalers trust Luckins for their integrated content.

1. SEAMLESS PRICING INTEGRATION INTO ERP SYSTEMS

One of the key advantages of using Luckins is the seamless integration of pricing data into ERP systems such as Agathos, Intact and Mace. The data provided by Luckins comes directly from manufacturers, veriﬁed by a team of experts who ensure it is accurate, standardised, and ready to be integrated into your system. For electrical wholesalers, this means access to the most up-to-date pricing information, which can be quickly retrieved when an electrical contractor visits a branch. Instead of manually updating pricing data or worrying about inconsistencies, electrical wholesalers can rely on Luckins to keep their systems current. This not only improves customer service by enabling staff to provide accurate quotes on the spot but also streamlines operations, allowing for quicker turnaround times. By simply

applying their discount structure to the latest prices, wholesalers can efﬁciently generate quotes without the need to manually adjust for price changes.

The team at Luckins also takes on the burden of maintaining and updating this data. With information sourced from over 800 manufacturers, managing this data manually would be a monumental task.

Luckins’ expert team ensures that all data is up-to-date and accurate, freeing your team to focus on other critical business areas.

2. REAL-TIME PRICING FOR ACCURATE QUOTES

In an industry where pricing is constantly changing, having up-to-date information is crucial. Luckins provides automatic updates to pricing data, ensuring that your system always reﬂects the latest information in real time. This allows wholesalers to quote accurately and quickly, without the risk of quoting outdated prices.

This capability is particularly important in a fast-moving market where even slight discrepancies in pricing can lead to signiﬁcant losses or missed opportunities. As one example alone, think of the volatility of the copper market during the COVID 19 pandemic; Imagine the team that you’d need to have dedicated to keeping on top of pricing alongside the ordeals of running

your day-to-day business during that time. Outsourcing this to Luckins means wholesalers can rest assured that their pricing is always accurate, allowing them to stay competitive and responsive to market changes.

3. ENRICHED PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR BETTER DECISION-MAKING

Beyond just pricing, Luckins offers enriched product information that includes images, technical details, and PDFs such as datasheets. This detailed information is invaluable when choosing between similar products, like different types of sockets, as one example. Having access to comprehensive product

details ensures that what is specified by an engineer onsite gets supplied. It helps branch staff interpret vague specifications and make informed decisions when advising customers, with enriched information such as dimensions, finish etc. at their fingertips. This level of detail can be the difference between a successful order and supply-to-site and costly errors, with order queries which take wasted time to solve.

4. ENHANCED E-COMMERCE CAPABILITIES

For wholesalers looking to compete in the online market, Luckins provides the data necessary to power e-commerce sites effectively. In a landscape where traditional

Luckins’ enriched product data helps wholesalers offer a competitive online shopping experience, providing their customers with the detailed information they need to make informed purchasing decisions. This capability not only helps retain existing customers but also attracts new ones who are looking for a reliable and detailed online shopping experience.

5. CONTRIBUTING TO THE GOLDEN THREAD IN CONSTRUCTION

One of the unique selling points of Luckins is its contribution to the “golden thread” in construction. This concept refers to the seamless ﬂow of accurate information throughout the supply chain, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage. Luckins helps contractor customers maintain a digital twin, proving exactly what was purchased and installed. By using the TSI code as a unique identiﬁer, Luckins enables the entire supply chain to work together, creating a transparent and fully traceable process from manufacturer to installation and maintenance. This level of traceability is essential for meeting modern construction standards and regulations, making Luckins an invaluable partner for wholesalers.

IN CONCLUSION

trade wholesalers are up against discount retailers and B2C DIY shops, having a robust online presence is crucial.

Luckins offers wholesalers a comprehensive solution for integrating enriched product information and pricing data into their systems. With the knowledge all information is accurate, up to date and reliable, significant time efficiencies are made allowing teams to focus on the business, rather than get held up checking details. Moreover, its APIs which map the data into existing business systems allow seamless workflows and avoid duplication of efforts. From improving customer service to enhancing e-commerce capabilities and ensuring transparency in the supply chain, Luckins provides the tools wholesalers need to stay competitive and efficient in today’s market. For more information, visit LUCKINSlive.com or email luckinssales@trimble.com

“Luckins offers wholesalers a comprehensive solution for integrating enriched product information and pricing data into their systems. With the knowledge all information is accurate, up to date and reliable, signiﬁcant time efﬁciencies are made allowing teams to focus on the business, rather than get held up checking details. ”

Univolt is preparing for even for further expansion in 2024

OA move to a new 26,000sq ft, state-of-the-art warehouse and ofﬁ ce facility was completed at the end of last year, providing almost three times the warehouse and ofﬁ ce space compared to the previous headquarters. David Mattin , Managing Director of Univolt UK discusses what’s next

ur move has been our biggest step forward to date and will ultimately allow us to maximise and leverage the capabilities of our factories in Austria, China and Slovakia. Our customers will begin to realise the beneﬁts of these major changes in the year ahead, when they will be able to access larger quantities of in-stock products.

“We’ll continue to retain our focus on core products, however, Univolt’s ground breaking safety driven HFT range has been gathering momentum globally in 2023, having been speciﬁed across major schemes including the new Australian metro upgrade programme. More and more speciﬁers are exploring the potential of this unique product and the business expects to see an increasing demand as the year continues.

“The year ahead will also see the business focus on strengthening existing ranges, adapting products to suit changing needs and introducing supporting accessorises to enhance the potential of these ranges further still. Univolt will also begin to modify the proﬁle of some of its core products in a move that reﬂects a demand for a changing design aesthetic.

“2023 saw considerable changes within the team including the senior appointment of industry expert, Neil Crook, and we are set to make further announcements in the year ahead. Building the team and making the right appointments using a considered and long term view is critical as Univolt grows.

“Looking further afield, Univolt has its sights firmly set on further penetrating the Irish market, forging a dynamic new partnership with leading distributor, Atex. The long established firm supplies over 200 wholesaler brands across the Republic of Ireland and is now the country’s exclusive supplier of Univolt’s complete cable containment range.

“Univolt has held a presence in Ireland for some time, and recognise the scope

and potential of the country, however, we haven’t had the right distributor to make the right impact. The collaboration with Atex will undoubtedly change this, and the union marks the beginning of a fantastic partnership for both parties and a strong shift into new territories.

“Back in the UK, our commitment to the buying groups of which we’ve largely been part of for many years, remains as strong as ever. The networks that we have built and the relationships we’ve established have played a leading role in the evolution and growth of the business and we recognise the continued importance of buying groups moving forward. Alongside business opportunities, these groups provide a platform from which we can engage with like-minded businesses, share ideas, challenges and solutions!

“Sustainability is an issue that remains on everyone lips as we all explore ways in which to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise the effect our operation has on the environment. We have set ourselves strong targets internally as a business and are also part of national initiatives such as Ecovadis and Sedex that help us benchmark our efforts and strive for continual improvement. In the UK, we are currently piloting the concept of utilising paper packaging for all products and are working to develop this idea further in the future.

“We pride ourselves on our agile approach in terms of customer service, processing and products. We are able to develop bespoke products internally, adapting to a speciﬁc need focusing on design, colour, proﬁle etc. Modular design is gathering pace as well as prefab and we are working with customers who want to see the cable management element form part of that wider approach.”

David continued: “Since our inception in the UK some years ago, we have built a brilliant business, forging excellent relationships and supplying quality products as part of growing

range. We cannot undervalue the role that the wholesaler plays in our business model. We remain committed to the wholesaler and value each and every one of those businesses, including the independents as well as the national chains. Collaboration and partnership with the wholesaler sector will always be a critical component within our business.

“We’ve seen so much growth and change –it’s been quite phenomenal. For the year ahead, we are now looking to consolidate our products and services and utilise the considerable resources we have in place to take the business to the next level.”

Premature collapse of wiring systems

By Jake Green , Technical Engagement Manager

with

Scolmore

Group , considers the

After several tragedies, Regulation 521.11.201 (AMD 3 BS 7671: 2008) was introduced; its purpose being to limit the risk to firefighters from entanglement by cables when they entered or exited a premises. This regulation has now been renumbered as 521.10.202 but is essentially the same except for the removal of any reference to escape routes. It now reads: “Wiring systems shall be supported such that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of a fire.”

This requirement should not be confused with the recommendations of standards like BS 5266-1 (emergency lighting) and BS 5839-1 (fire detection and fire alarm systems), which recommend methods of cable support to maintain circuit integrity during a fire.

ESCAPE

ROUTES

AND BS 7671

The original regulation referred to escape routes, and this generated a level of confusion: ‘How should escape route be deﬁned?’ BS 7671 deﬁned escape routes differently to that used in other guides, regulations, and legislation. For example:

• BS 7671 – ‘Path to follow for access to a safe area in the event of an emergency’.

• Building standards technical handbook…means a route by which a person may reach a place of safety…’.

• Approved Document B in England and Wales -…that part which a person has to traverse before reaching either the safety of a ﬁnal exit or the comparative safety of a protected escape route….

The removal of ‘escape routes’ from the regulation now means that it applies to all areas of the installation.

PREMATURE COLLAPSE

There is no specific definition of ‘premature collapse’ to be found in Part 2 of BS 7671. One dictionary definition of ‘premature’ is, ‘occurring or done before the usual or proper time; too early.’ Since the purpose of Regulation 521.10.202 is not to maintain the critical signal path, rather to limit the risk to firefighters; premature collapse should be considered in relation to that single purpose.

Electrical contractors, network installers and the like are not best able to judge how fires behave, the likely temperatures that will be attained, nor how firefighters will carry out their role within a premises that is on fire. It is important therefore, that electrical contractors and other installers give due consideration to the support given to wiring systems to provide maximum reasonable application of Regulation 521.10.202.

Scolmore group company, Unicrimp, offers a comprehensive range of cable accessories within its Q-Fire ﬁre-rated range that are designed to provide the necessary protection from premature collapse.

There is a great deal of responsibility placed on contractors to apply Regulation 521.10.202, not because they want to meet minimum expectations, rather because they want to

protect ﬁreﬁghters who are working under extremely dangerous conditions.

An electrical contractor should consider, as a minimum, the following:

Wall ﬁxings:

• Careful consideration should be given to the mass of the wiring system that is to be supported (including the trunking, cable tray, etc. with the cables in situ).

• Will the structure of the building maintain sufficient fire resistance to permit cables to avoid the need for metallic supports? Will such supports be sufficient if firefighters damage ceilings when applying water?

• Cable clips – metallic clips are essential as indicated by Note 3 and 4 of Regulation 521.10.202.

• Brackets or internal clips for PVC trunking – to keep the lid or cables in place (see Note 3 of Regulation 521.10.202).

CONCLUSION

Electrical contractors should carefully consider their responsibilities when installing wiring systems. Under ﬁre conditions, failure to make the right installation choices may lead to serious consequences.

UK lighting market £2.3b by 2028 LIGHTING FOCUS ON

Mike Collins , Managing Director at Ovia , looks at the details of the report and what is behind the projected UK lighting market growth

The 17th edition of the UK Lighting Market Report 2024-2028 from AMA Research provides a comprehensive review of the rapidly evolving lighting industry. Signiﬁcant changes have impacted the market in the last two to three years. The most signiﬁcant of these are new regulatory requirements, the wider adoption of LED solutions, as well as the strong growth in smart and connected lighting technologies.

The UK lighting market is reported to be a mature market that has undergone significant changes in recent years. The most important of these being the withdrawal from production of incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lighting. These products are progressively being replaced by energy efficient LED lighting; however, with higher levels of competition, this technology has seen a sharp fall in price over the last decade, impacting on market value growth.

The focus of the report is on the main types of lighting products and systems used in residential and non-residential applications and covers the key product categories – lamps, luminaires and lighting controls. Although these have been relatively separated in the past, the market is now witnessing an increasing overlap between these categories. Much of this can be attributed to the development of connected lighting systems, such as equipment combining luminaires with lighting controls, and also the growth in the number of luminaires supplied with integrated LED lamps.

The UK lighting industry is facing a number of challenges in 2024, including a decline in construction new orders, increasing competition, high production costs, changing legislation, stricter health and safety regulations, and environmental issues.

As such, the market is expected to remain ﬂat in 2024 and be supported primarily by RMI activity. The market is then forecast to return to steady growth in 2025 to the end of the forecast period. Although market demand is highly inﬂuenced by construction output, the market is expected to also be sustained by many of the recent technological advances in LED lighting, as well as the growth in demand for smart lighting devices and connected systems and controls.

RAPID EVOLUTION OF LED TECHNOLOGY

As the drive towards improving sustainability and energy efﬁciencies endures, so the rapid evolution of LED technology continues. According to The Climate Group: “LED lighting has been recognized as one of the most actionable and ready-to-implement technologies for cities to transition to a low carbon economy and peak emissions in the next decade.” It also states that lighting accounts for nearly 6 per cent of global CO2 emissions, and a global switch to LEDs could save over 1,400 million tons of CO2 and avoid the construction of 1,250 power stations.

Switching to LEDs is an easy win – something as minor as a 20 per cent reduction in energy costs can add the same beneﬁt as a 5 per cent increase in sales for business. Upgrading from conventional lighting to LED technology can deliver signiﬁcant cost savings of up to 80 per cent for a business. This is according to the Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. By replacing incandescent lamps with LED lamps there is the potential to reduce electricity consumption by 50 per cent to 80 per cent. If you add in controls and IoT devices like motion sensors, building owners will be able to further manage lighting use and electricity consumption.

TM66 CERTIFIED LED LUMINAIRES

As a company Ovia has focused its efforts on contributing to the lighting industry’s transition

to a circular economy and working towards making sure all of its Inceptor LED luminaires meet the requirements of the TM66 Assured Product Veriﬁcation Scheme. This scheme is an innovative initiative developed and fulﬁlled by the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and endorsed by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) and its aim is to advance circular economy practices within the lighting industry.

Having been accepted as founding partners for TM66 last year, Ovia has become more involved in discussions with the LIA on the importance of the circular economy and to highlight the company’s plans to support the TM66 verification scheme. Last year LIA Chief Executive Officer, Ayca Donaghy and Head of Policy and Sustainability, Bob Bohannon, visited Scolmore Group head office to meet with the Ovia team for discussions on the whole subject of the circular economy and the efforts being made by Ovia to drive its sustainability policies throughout the entire business operation.

Almost the entire range of Ovia’s Inceptor luminaires have now been tested and scored very well on the TM66 Circularity Report. Testing involves the gathering of thorough evidence to support the speciﬁcations of the product range. The LIA veriﬁes the TM66 results to ensure they have a consistent and accurate rating. Ovia will continue with its promise that every one of its Inceptor lighting products will get to the standards set by the TM66 report.

CORROSION RESISTANCE UP TO 150 lm/W

75 000 h LIFETIME

UP TO 150 lm/W

75 000 h

ENHANCED FEATURES, ENDURING PERFORMANCE: THE NEXT GENERATION OF FLOODLIGHTS

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B UI LT TO LAS T, LIGHTING THE WAY

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The new standard for demanding outdoor applications: The FLOODLIGHT GEN 4 range is extremely efﬁcient and very durable. Thanks to MULTI LUMEN, the brightness can be adapted to requirements. Sensor and Photocell versions add a further layer of versatility. Reliable even in the harshest conditions thanks to the waterproof cable gland, breather membrane, C4 corrosion resistance and up to IP66 and IK08. FLOODLIGHT GEN 4 are easy to install and come with a comprehensive 5-year guarantee.

Discover more! www.ledvance.co .uk

LIGHTING FOCUS ON

LUCECO LAUNCHES ePORTAL FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

In its latest step towards an ever more seamless and straightforward customer experience, leading lighting and electrical accessories company, Luceco Group has launched an online ordering portal for wholesalers and independent retailers

Simply called the ePortal, it provides easy self-service ordering across the full Luceco product portfolio, enabling customers to review all brands through one site, check stock availability and purchase quickly.

Created for wholesaler / independent resellers, this great new ‘all in one’ ordering site allows account customers to check stock availability of any Luceco, BG, MP or D-Line product, see their unique dedicated pricing and place orders at any time of day or night.

ePortal was designed with the customer at the forefront; aiming to give customers an alternative to phoning in orders and a broader range of information at their ﬁngertips to support any ordering or tenders, where up-todate, accessible information is critical.

“Ability to view the full range of lighting, wiring accessories, portable power and cable accessories within one site is hugely beneficial to customers and having all the relevant information to hand makes life much less stressful; from product availability and dedicated price file to detailed product specifications and downloadable datasheets,” said Lyndsey Martin, Head of Operations.

ePortal has included some additional time-saving features, which are already being utilised by many customers who buy similar products regularly, such as the ability to repeat previous orders, or to bulk upload a parts list which can create a basket of products.

Lyndsey continued: “The quick ordering functions are straightforward to use and save precious time for customers. For anyone who may be slightly nervous about this, there are several quick checks in place before any orders are submitted, so it is difﬁcult to go wrong.”

In addition to the ordering functionality, Luceco placed a lot of importance on the management tools as well. Luceco customers can see account history and track deliveries, invoices or POD’s. Even more impressive is that the site can offer tailored user experience

We value our customer relationships so the ePortal is just another channel to give customers greater ﬂexibility in ordering; it will support the strong relationships we have today, not replace them.

by customer, depending on requirements. For example, access can be personalised to different users within a business, so elements such as pricing or credit limits can be visible to some users and not others.

Lyndsey added: “We value our customer relationships so the ePortal is just another channel to give customers greater ﬂexibility in ordering; it will support the strong relationships we have today, not replace them. The customer services team are still available by phone as usual, but they can also be reached via the Chat Function during working hours so customers who ﬁnd this method of communication easier whilst dealing with a busy customer counter, can rely on someone being close to hand.

“We’ve invested a lot of time in ensuring that working with Luceco is both efficient and super-easy. The new ePortal has been trialled successfully with a wide selection of electrical wholesalers and retailers over the last six months and we’re confident that this is a system that our customers will find convenient, intelligent, and enjoyable to use.”

SIMPLICITY, EFFICIENCY, AND INNOVATION

The Luceco Group, which includes SyncEV, Luceco Lighting, BG Electrical, Masterplug and D-Line brands has over eighty years of industry experience and is internationally recognised as a market leader across all key electrical products. Luceco says that the market is not just about future-proofed product, but also the reassurance of long-term support for customers, installers, and end users. The Luceco Group not only supplies electrical products from lighting and wiring accessories to EV but has over seventy years’ experience at being the best of the best. ePortal is Luceco’s latest forward step towards an ever more seamless and straightforward customer experience, ensuring customer service innovation matches its overall track record for innovation.

The ePortal is open to existing account customers, but wholesalers and independent retailers who do not currently have an account can register for ePortal access. The set up process will be around creating a credit account and assigning a dedicated area sales manager to get in touch. As part of the account step up, there are user guides as well as onboarding training. Luceco’s dedicated ePortal manager is also happy to run 1-2-1 or team training for new and existing customers. Wholesalers and independent retailers can view and sign up to the new service via: https://eportal.luceco.com/, or if they want more information they can speak to their customer services contact or their local ASM.

CONTROLS THAT PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF LIGHTING

Lighting control can lead to signiﬁ cant energy savings and enhanced sustainability. Wireless lighting controls further contribute by eliminating the need for physical wiring, reducing both installation costs and labour while minimising resource use and waste. In this context, Cosmicnode ’s CEO & founder, Sharan Avati , delves into these advancements

At the heart of any good control system is technology that helps to manage energy usage and reduce both installation and operating costs. Advanced control systems provide real-time data and insights into building performance, enabling building owners and facility managers to make informed decisions and optimize operations.

Wireless lighting control systems provide enhanced ﬂexibility and scalability, facilitating the optimization of energy usage and further reducing environmental impact. These systems enable precise control of lighting based on occupancy and natural light levels, signiﬁcantly cutting energy consumption. Additionally, they allow for the control and monitoring of other building systems, including HVAC, air quality, security, and occupancy monitoring.

LIGHTING CONTROL IN SITU

As experts in developing scalable, reliable wireless lighting controls for buildings and industries, Cosmicnode has many examples of where this approach has delivered successful outcomes.

One recent project that demonstrates this was the installation of Cosmicnode’s wireless controls into a volleyball sports hall in Genk, Belgium. The owner of the sports hall commissioned the project to modernise the outdated and inﬂexible lighting installation. The purpose of the upgrade was to introduce a user-friendly, adaptable system to enhance

the experience for both players and spectators. Additionally, the new controls also needed to deliver a reduction in the sports hall’s energy consumption.

Cosmicnode’s wireless lighting control were selected by the electrical installer for the project, Werner Van Genechten of VGL Elektro for a number of reasons. Firstly, the system is simple, and the commissioning process is straightforward. In addition, the wireless controls could be seamlessly integrated with minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure, offering cost-effectiveness and a sturdy solution.

BENEFITS

The Cosmicnode wireless controls bring numerous advantages to the volleyball sports hall. With the introduction of the ability to create scenes, the hall operators can now produce dynamic lighting effects during games and events.

Additionally, the group control function enables the creation of a more visually engaging environment for spectators. During matches, the volleyball court is brightly illuminated while the viewing and seating areas are dimmed to an optimal level, resulting in an overall enhanced gaming experience.

The energy-saving and sustainability beneﬁts are evident too. The implementation of Cosmicnode wireless controls has introduced dimming capabilities to the hall, allowing for the adjustment of lighting levels to match speciﬁc activities, such as matchdays, practice

sessions, and tournaments. This not only promotes energy savings but also reduces unnecessary energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, as opposed to the previous binary on/off option.

The ﬂexibility of control is guaranteed as the lights can be managed through a mobile app, iPad, or tablet. Additionally, energyharvesting wireless switches are deployed for manual control.

The client has welcomed the improvements; most notably the greater ﬂexibility that the control system has provided, enabling them to adapt the lighting to suit their changing needs and preferences.

THE FUTURE OF LIGHTING CONTROL

While new buildings can be built with smart technology as standard, there is a huge amount of existing building stock that needs to be upgraded. Wireless controls can support this, with little disruption and no costly construction required for buildings to reap the beneﬁts of lighting control.

Lighting control is essential for creating a more sustainable future. The integration of smart technologies is transforming building management, bringing signiﬁcant beneﬁts like reducing waste and optimizing system usage to align with occupancy needs.

By choosing controls that deliver great beneﬁts, while offering simple and straightforward operation, the best outcomes can be secured.

“

Watts Up EV FOCUS ON

Unless you’ve been living on Jupiter these past few years, you can’t have failed to have noticed the rise in electric cars on our roads. Now accounting for 16.8 per cent of all new cars leaving showrooms, EVs are growing in popularity due to the attraction of their substantial running cost savings, reduced company car tax and environmental benefits. However, that same appetite for electric vehicles has yet to be matched in the van world. Sales of electric vans under 3.5 tonnes are currently sitting around five per cent, leaving huge potential for anyone running an electric fleet to save money.

Ironically, the challenges to help shift the van market towards electric are much the same as those that the car market has been through; that’s in terms of the customer experience and also the education processes that need to happen on local and national levels. There is a need to educate customers, improve the customer experience overall with the transition to EVs and also the numerous charging solutions available.

So where to start? First there’s the range. According to GoCompare, the average van driver covers around 12,500 miles a year which, discounting weekends and bank holidays equates to less than 50 miles per day. Yes, there will always be those doing higher mileages, but the reality is that while the majority of electric vans are yet to boast similar ranges to their electric car counterparts, even the least efﬁcient van can easily manage those 50 miles without a problem.

So actually switching a van ﬂeet to electric might be easier than you ﬁrst think when it comes to the potential ranges of the vehicles and their real-world needs.

Plus, public chargers are becoming more plentiful and, despite the scaremongering stories that you might see, rarely that congested in reality. The good news is that there are more of the faster rapid and ultrarapid charging locations, so access to public charging is becoming easier – and faster.

But that transition to EVs also requires ﬂeet managers to think about home charging as well. Providing home chargers such as those

Run a van for less than £300 a year? It might sound too good to be true, but it’s a tempting reality for those running electric vans for their businesses

from Ohme to drivers might look expensive at ﬁrst, but when you consider that even charging on the standard variable tariff at home is well over half the cost of a public rapid charger, that cost will soon be recovered.

Charging an EV at home will always be the cheapest option. The price per kWh of a typical rapid public charger is, on average, more than treble the current domestic standard variable tariff of 22.4p. On a smart tariff from Octopus or OVO, a driver might pay as little as 7p/kWh for their electricity – a tenth of what you could easily pay on a public charger.

If the driver chooses to switch to a smart electricity tariff, then those savings are considerably bigger. Might it need a change of policy if currently vans are required to return to their depot each night? Yes. But again those savings and the lack of staff downtime from public charging is easily worth the effort of making those changes.

So if your drivers can charge an electric van at home and start their working days with a full battery then you’re already making savings. The same goes at the end of the day. If a driver knows they can charge at home and aren’t having to hunt for a charging station at the

end of a shift, it adds valuable time to their day. Even one extra job or delivery each day as a result of those saved hours will soon add up. Plus, it’s not just the cost of charging or the actual time spent at public chargers, it’s also the loss of time driving, and looking for, those chargers too. It’s no exaggeration to say that the gain in employee time alone by having a home charger, could easily even be greater than the charging savings.

If you’re still not convinced by going electric, then let’s take a look at the maths. Those 12,500 miles equate to an annual cost of roughly £1877 with a traditional diesel van. The same mileage in an electric van could set you back £3126 if you use public charging, but that drops to £934 if you allow your drivers to charge their vans at home on the standard electricity rate, so half the cost of a diesel van. The really big savings however come if your driver is on one of those smart tariffs from Octopus or OVO. Then those same 12,500 miles could cost you just £292 for the entire year. And no, that’s not a misprint…

And if those ﬁgures don’t mean you’d consider going electric for your next van, then not much else will.

ELECTRIC vs HYDROGEN VEHICLES

Is a combination the best route to net zero?

At the end of 2023, the House of Commons passed the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate into law, meaning that by 2030, 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold in Great Britain must be zero-emission, with a goal of achieving 100 per cent zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Simon Farnﬁeld, event director at Advanced Engineering believes a a dual approach is needed, with electric and hydrogen both serving distinct, yet signiﬁcant, purposes across a variety of sectors and applications.

The electric versus hydrogen debate has been ongoing for some time. In fact, it is often oversimpliﬁed with suggestions that it’s a choice between one or the other, despite the reality being that both technologies are equally essential for a sustainable future, with each having its strengths and ideal applications.

EV’S ROLE

Electrification is one of the key strategies for coping with increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs), also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are a viable option because they’re highly energy efficient and reduce local air and noise pollution, as well as GHG emissions. However, the full environmental benefits of EVs can only be achieved when electricity is generated from emission-free sources, like renewables. Plus, there are limitations in electrification at the time of writing.

The Clean Air Task Force state that class 8 long-haul trucks, which require batteries of about 1-2MWh, can take several hours to charge completely, increasing trip durations by up to 35 per cent. For businesses reliant on transportation efﬁciency and timely deliveries, longer charging times reduces the overall operational efﬁciency, requiring additional vehicles to maintain service levels.

EVs are considered better suited for commercial use, due to their versatility and efﬁciency. They are ideal for short to mediumrange transportation needs, particularly in urban settings where distances are relatively short and charging infrastructure is gradually being integrated, with legislation such as the 60 km rule being implemented across Europe.

In addition, when championed against hydrogen, one argument favouring EVs is the question of whether hydrogen is as

By Simon Farnﬁeld , event director, Advanced Engineering

environmentally friendly as its supporters like to claim. Although hydrogen vehicles emit no emissions during operation, the process of extracting and compressing hydrogen into fuel tanks incurs signiﬁcant efﬁciency losses.

HYDROGEN FOR HEAVY-DUTY

With that said, there are leading manufacturers, namely Toyota, Honda and Hyundai, who are prioritising fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which are powered by hydrogen. These manufacturers are expecting that hydrogen will play a prominent role in our energy needs across future decades.

Countering EVs’ argument against hydrogen’s environmental impact, there are greener practices of extraction being developed, such as obtaining hydrogen from biomass. This method involves using organic materials, such as agricultural waste, wood chips or other plant-based matter, to produce hydrogen. What’s more, the Cleantech Group revealed that heavy-duty hydrogen trucks can be refuelled in just 10-15 minutes. FCEVs are, therefore, seen as more suitable for heavy-duty applications like long-haul trucks, buses and industrial machinery, and agricultural combine

harvesters. All of these require high energy density and rapid refuelling for demanding operations, where extended range and quick turnaround times are critical.

EVs currently have the upper hand in terms of cost, mainly because of FCEVs not being manufactured at a large scale. Nevertheless, electricity is less expensive than hydrogen on a per-mile basis and EVs are currently more energy efﬁcient and have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Despite this, it’s believed that FCEVs will be cheaper to run than BEVs within a decade, as stated in a report from Ballard and Deloitte China.

STAY UP TO DATE

These insights prove that the debate between BEVs and FCEVs should not be seen as an either-or proposition, but rather as developing green options that will contribute to a sustainable future — just in different ways. There’s no better way to keep up to date on the latest of electriﬁcation and hydrogen by attending Advanced Engineering UK. The event is returning to the NEC, Birmingham, on October 30 and 31, 2024, so register online today at https://bit.ly/3WVFUuE

How transformative thinking is accelerating the EV infrastructure BUSINESS

There needs to be more than conversation around accelerating the EV charging infrastructure. Ben Croxford , Delivery Director at Eclipse Power Networks looks at how fresh thinking IDNOs can bring EV transition closer

The recent change of government has put the spotlight on clean energy and the decarbonisation of our economy. It has also put the transition to electric vehicles back on track by reinstating the 2030 timeline for phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles.

EVs are a key part of the decarbonisation solution, but they can also be seen as part of the problem. As demand for EVs grows, there’s a related growth to an equal demand for EV charging infrastructure.

The growth in EV numbers has seen a disproportionate growth in demand for power. Driver behaviour has sparked demand for rapid (50-149kW) and ultra-rapid (150kW) chargers on public networks. This puts more pressure on grid connections as Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and commercial and industrial ﬂeet

operators want to ensure their applications for power connections from Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and National Energy System Operator (NESO) are granted quickly so their projects can be up and running, returning value in a timely fashion.

The result of the demand for the electriﬁcation of transport in the UK is, inevitably, a lengthy queue for connections. DNOs and NESO do not currently prioritise or discriminate by projects – so EV connections are in the same queue as new residential and commercial and industrial connections and renewable generation projects. Connection dates of 10-15 years in the future are not uncommon with the connection queue approaching terawatt territory.

Investment in the UK’s EV charging infrastructure is currently high. A public EV charging hub presents an attractive revenue

opportunity for landowners and retail/business site operators. It’s also an operational necessity for industrial and commercial business ﬂeets. However, when the timeframe is extended due to delays in accessing power from the grid, the investment looks a lot less attractive.

I IS FOR INNOVATION AND INDEPENDENT

We need an innovative way to address the connection challenge; one that means stepping away from the traditional way of working with a DNO – with all its limitations – and working with an Independent

Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) to get EV connections for new residential and commercial developments, and for ﬂeet and depot charging for electric last-mile deliveries, LCVs, HGVs, taxis, buses, and emergency vehicles. Introduced in 2004 to increase competition in connections for electricity distribution, IDNOs, like DNOs, design, own, operate and maintain electricity networks

happen. The right IDNO partner works with charging infrastructure developers to reduce the risk for investors looking for a three to ﬁve-year payback, by enabling faster and more cost-effective grid connections for installations

NO ONE SAID EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE WAS SIMPLE

Importantly, IDNOs understand the complexity

in the UK. Also, like DNOs, they are licensed by Ofgem. However, their ‘independence’ differentiates IDNOs from DNOs as they aren’t restricted to a geographical part of the UK. They can operate nationwide and be more ﬂexible about how they interpret the standards set by DNOs, which vary from region to region. Operating in a competitive market means that IDNOs can adapt and adjust to market challenges in a way that DNOs aren’t incentivised to do. They are more customercentric, focusing on the customer’s broader needs rather than just making a connection

Similarly, with project delivery, legals and streetworks, the IDNO takes away the complexity of sometimes unclear process requirements, again often by knowing who to speak to. They help make large power connection agreements accessible and handle MPAN data ﬂow issues on behalf of the customer. Importantly, they can assist with the timescales for design reviews and legal completion – handling the legal changes that arise from design changes as ‘as-built’ sometimes doesn’t match approved designs. This leads on to adding value to the project’s build assurance – getting completion certiﬁcates for phased projects can be complex. Land rights are a massive bottleneck. These and planning barriers, which are hopefully being addressed by the new government. Discussions around land rights, ownership and wayleaves involve multiple parties, and not everyone understands the language that is being used. You have to cut through a lot of technical electrical jargon when dealing with DNOs, which is why it pays to work with an IDNO who can help translate and put it in simple language.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGEMENT

At a recent EV Solution Workshop, Eclipse Power presented its EV energisation customer journey to people from across the EV charging ecosystem. The journey focuses on engaging authoritative expertise you can trust – Eclipse Power has a long track record of successfully designing, owning, operating and maintaining licensed electricity distribution networks across the UK. We have direct experience of compliance with EV charging regulations and of reducing risk for investors.

and work that goes into meeting EV regulations. For any EV charging infrastructure project there are a lot of moving parts, a lot of obstacles to overcome and a lot of stakeholders to engage with.

Dealing with the DNO to get a connection involves liaising with the right person and in the right way. It requires an understanding of the processes involved and the timescales for network reinforcement where it’s needed. It also means handling the likelihood and scale of unexpected costs, without throwing enormous curveballs at the project.

The workshop and development of our customer journey was prompted by questions asked by people who have faced the realworld challenges of connecting EV charging projects. Most of which came down to the central question; “How can we improve energisation timescales.” The answer lies in communication, improving processes for sure, but keeping all stakeholders informed with dates and progress at every stage.

Ultimately, accelerating the build out of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure comes down to putting people at the centre of what you want to achieve, which is what transforming the sector should be all about. There needs to be more conversation and more action around accelerating EV charging infrastructure. With a fresh government looking to unblock planning restrictions and investment in the green transition, the most transformative time is now. For mor infomation, visit: eclipsepower.co.uk/ sectors-and-case-studies/electric-vehicles/

Click’s new wiring accessory additions

Click Scolmore has introduced a variety of new products to its comprehensive wiring accessories portfolio.This includes the Deco and Deco Plus Decorative Unswitched Socket Outlets, the 50A Deﬁnity Control Switch Inserts and the Mode In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers.

The new Deco and Deco Plus 2 gang unswitched socket outlets have been added to Click’s extensive decorative wiring accessories range. Designed with the consumer in mind, the socket outlets come offered with a safety shutter feature to increase security and overall reassurance.The safety shutters are designed to exceed BS 1363 requirements, where a standard BS 1363 Shutter only requires an engaging earth pin to open the shutter.These are available in satin chrome or stainless steel ﬁnishes and black or white inserts.

wiring range.This allows for a non-ingot solution for Polar White, Metal White, Matt Black and Metal Black cover plate ﬁnishes.

New to the Click Mode range, is the 1 gang and 2 gang In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers. Compatible with most Oral-B toothbrush models, these products offer a wireless charging point for electric toothbrushes as well as additional space for a spare/replacement toothbrush head. The design allows them to be ﬁtted directly onto the bathroom wall, offering easy access to charging without messy cables, and ensuring the electric toothbrushes are always charged ready to go.They are also antibacterial and antiviral certiﬁed.

Added to the Deﬁnity range, are the 50A Control Switch Inserts which have been introduced in ‘Polar White’ and ‘Black’ to match the other Deﬁnity inserts in the decorative

UK ventilation manufacturer Domus Ventilation has launched a new Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) fan, dMEV-NICO, to provide continuous background extract ventilation for new build properties.

Designed to remove waste and moist air from a single wet room, such as bathrooms and kitchens, dMEV fans continuously extract the waste air at both low trickle or boost speeds which, in the case of the new dMEV-NICO, is automatic thanks to a built in monitoring device which detects occupants’ operation.

The full range of wiring accessories can be found in the Click Issue 15 Catalogue and viewed on the Click website as well as on the Scolmore Group app. www.scolmore.com

For housebuilders, dMEV-NICO provides a cost effective extract solution that has been built to achieve the ventilation rates as set out in the latest edition of Part F and L Building Regulations. It also has low life cycle and maintenance costs, is

New Fire Rated Downlights from Meridian Lighting

Meridian Lighting announce the launch of new contemporary ranges of Fire Rated Downlights, all with 30, 60 and 90 minute Fire Ratings and average Lifespans of 50,000 hours. First come two ranges of GU10 FRDs available with varied Ingress Protection - an IP20 Range (touchable with fingers or objects) or IP65 Range (protected from dust and low pressure water jets). Both ranges offer finishes in Matt White, Satin Chrome and Chrome and are manufactured with a steel body and aluminium alloy trim. Ease of installation comes with Fast fix connectors and Twist and lock bezels whilst all fittings are coverable and backed with a three-year warranty.

Topping off this new FRD package is an Integrated Fire Rated Downlight with dual ingress protection – IP65 from below and IP44 above (protected from tools and water spray). Further benefits include ease of fitting, with a plug and play system and pushin terminals, but key, are in use features, which in turn minimise wholesaler sku levels. It’s Dimmable, has Dual Wattage operating on 5 or 8 watts, and is fitted with three-way CCT3 switching, giving 3,000k, 4,000k and 6,500k output options, whilst delivering 100 lumens per watt. Backed with a five-year warranty, this steel bodied fitting comes with a White Bezel but replacement options include black, chrome or satin chrome.

Further information please call 0208 503 8500 or visit the website below. www.cedelectrical.co.uk

virtually silent operation, and has a modern, unobtrusive aesthetic that makes it suitable for all styles of home.

Highly ﬂexible, dMEV-NICO is suitable for wall, ceiling and window mounting. Wall and in-room installation kits, which come with all the necessary parts to ﬁt the fan – including ducting and grilles – make for a swift, straightforward installation. Set up and commissioning have also been made simple through the provision of a digital control, which also ensures greater accuracy. dMEV-NICO is listed on the SAP PCDB database and comes with a 5 year warranty as standard. It is the latest addition to Domus Ventilation’s range of quality ventilation solutions for residential new build properties. Domus Ventilations’ products, can be found at: domusventilation.co.uk/catalog_products/dmev-nico/

C.K Tools has launched the shortest ﬂuted wood bits on the market. Fast4Access drill bits, just 80mm in length, will allow users to drill through wood to create clean and fast holes in limited space.

50 per cent shorter than the existing Fast4 range, and 30 per cent shorter than similar products on the market, Fast4Access is ideal when space is too tight to drill a hole head on, or accuracy is essential. Designed for tight corners, smaller joists, and jobs where a smooth run is critical – for example installing pipe through multiple joists – Fast4Access promises fast, tidy results when drilling into wood.

The high-performance drill bits boast a threaded screw tip for faster drilling speed, and four cutting faces, giving clean, accurate holes at speed. Its four-ﬂute design also ensures the rapid removal of wood chips and debris.

Crafted to C.K Tools’ trademark high standards, Fast4Access is made from high carbon steel with black oxide coating, making it jobsite ready and safe from corrosion. For added durability, it can also be sharpened by the user. Its 6.35mm hex shank and range of core sizes (16mm, 20mm, 22mm and 25mm) add to Fast4Access’ ease of use.

www.cedelectrical.co.uk

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, offers a comprehensive range of products in its growing Q-Fire ﬁre-rated collection, including All Round Banding products.

The All Round Banding range provides users with an expanded choice of ﬁxing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments –helping installers to satisfy the latest IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition.

The pre-punched steel banding is highly versatile and has multipurpose uses – to secure cables, pipes, ducts and conduits. It is easy to cut and bend and the pre-punched holes allow for easy ﬁxing using nail, screws, or bolts.

The All Round Banding range comprises a choice of a non-coated galvanized steel ﬁnish in 12mm and 17mm widths, LSF coated options in black (12mm and 17mm widths), plus red and white colour choices (available in 12mm widths). They are all supplied boxed in a 10 metre coil size. www.unicrimp.com

Unicrimp offers All-round Banding range

POINT OF SALE

Enhance sales with the ErgoStrip Counter Display

KNIPEX is introducing a counter display for the KNIPEX ErgoStrip. Designed to attract attention and increase sales, this visually striking display is ideal for electrical wholesalers aiming to enhance their tool offerings. This useful counter display for the KNIPEX ErgoStrip is engineered to stand out in any retail setting. Featuring bold graphics and detailed product information, the display captures the interest of both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts. Its sleek and compact design ensures it integrates seamlessly into any store layout, making it a valuable addition to your retail space.

The KNIPEX ErgoStrip display features highimpact visuals that showcase high-resolution images and comprehensive details about the KNIPEX ErgoStrip, emphasising its unique

ESP adds new Duceri Circular Bulkhead

Recent additions to ESP’s comprehensive range of Duceri Emergency Lighting products are the new Circular Bulkheads, which offer contractors independently tested products that combine high performance with ease of installation.

features and beneﬁts. Constructed from durable materials, the display is designed to withstand the rigours of a busy retail environment, ensuring it remains a prominent feature in your branch. Additionally, the efﬁcient layout of the display holds 10 units of the KNIPEX ErgoStrip®, allowing customers easy access to pick up and purchase the tool.

The KNIPEX ErgoStrip is designed for fast and precise stripping of all common round and damp-proof installation cables, such as NYM cable 3 x 1.5 mm² up to 5 x 2.5 mm², data cables e.g. twisted pair, and coax cables. Its innovative, ergonomic pistol grip design facilitates easy cutting, stripping and longitudinal cuts of the sheath.

The conical, slimmed-down tool ends ensure good access in conﬁned areas, while the

These new Bulkheads are available in slimmer designs and offer selectable colour temperature (CCT) modes ranging from 3,000K to 4,000K and 6,000K which ultimately improve overall lumen outputs. They are IP65 rated and come with three 20mm surface knockouts that allow ﬂexibility and convenience for the installer.

The range now comprises:

• 14W LED Emergency Circular Bulkhead

• 14W LED Emergency Circular Bulkhead with Microwave Sensor

• 14W LED Mains Only Circular Bulkhead

• 14W LED Mains Only Circular Bulkhead with Microwave Sensor

The Emergency models now include Lithium batteries to complement the recent Duceri revamps and offer three-hour duration periods.

The full Duceri Emergency Lighting brochure can be found on the ESP website – www.espuk.com - as well as on the Scolmore Group app. www.espuk.com

stripping device accommodates cross-sections of 0.2 / 0.3 / 0.8 / 1.5 / 2.5 / 4 mm². Single wires are easily inserted for stripping using location ridges and the tool features an opening spring and locking device for added convenience. Additionally, the opening aid simpliﬁes the insertion of coax and data cables. The multi-component design, including a soft plastic zone, provides comfortable use and a secure grip.

Featuring the KNIPEX ErgoStrip in a compelling counter display allows builders merchants to expand their product offerings and provide customers with a reliable, high-quality tool. The display not only boosts sales but also strengthens KNIPEX's reputation for producing innovative and dependable tools.

For more information, visit: knipex.com/en-uk

Inceptor U-Lite – the slimline LED luminaire from Ovia

Ovia’s Inceptor U-Lite is a highly successful U-Lite luminaire and is designed to bring even more beneﬁts to the installer. Inceptor U-Lite is a slimline, non-corrosive utility LED luminaire, designed to offer protection against the elements. With a removeable diffuser and gear tray, the Inceptor U-Lite ensures a hassle-free installation.

This Inceptor model includes switchable CCT: 4,000K, 5,000K and 6,500K and improved assembly.The gear tray and diffuser assembly can be disconnected and removed by disconnecting the suspension clips and Molex connector for lighter/simple installation of the base. Offering multiple positions for the terminal block allows greater ﬂexibility for retroﬁt installations.The luminaire also offers emergency self-test as standard.

With 60 variants in the Inceptor U-Lite range, Ovia is offering a product that is suitable for every market and for numerous applications, for example warehouses, manufacturing facilities and car parks. The Inceptor U-Lite is offered in dimmable and addressable variants in the form of SwitchDim, Corridor Function and DALI

which can cater for every application.

Inceptor U-Lite comes in three different lengths; 1,200mm, 1,500mm, 1,800mm and each length is available in a single lamp and a twin lamp equivalent output. It is suitable for wall, ceiling or suspension mounting with adjustable ﬁxing centres. Pre-ﬁtted Anti Tamper clips allow the installer to screw the retaining clips so that others cannot open the luminaire without the use of a tool.

The full range can be seen in the new Ovia Issue 5 catalogue which can be downloaded from the Ovia website – www. oviauk.com.

Watch the video here –www.youtube.com watch?v=Pld7osgI2N8 www.oviauk.com