Metway enters employee ownership

Metway Electrical Industries, a UK manufacturer of electrical connectors and lighting control systems, has announced the successful transition of its business into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), effective 1 November 2025. The move marks a defining moment in the company’s history, seeking to ensure Metway’s continued independence and "reinforcing [its] commitment to long-term stability and customer service." A shift of ownership The EOT structure means Metway’s employees now hold a controlling interest in the business, aligning ownership directly with the people responsible for its operations. Metway says the transition was planned to preserve its core values of "quality, innovation, and reliability". Managing Director Steve Chessell comments, “Our people are at the heart of Metway’s success and moving to employee ownership reflects that reality. "This transition safeguards Metway’s independence, strengthens our collaborative culture, and ensures that our customers and partners continue to receive the consistent service and support they expect from us.” Metway continues to design, manufacture, and supply a range of electrical connectors, lighting connection systems, and lighting controls from its Brighton headquarters.

BSI publishes revised standard on emergency lighting systems

Revised guidance on the design, installation, and application of emergency lighting systems has been published by BSI, the UK’s national standards body. The updated, fully revised standard, Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises (BS 5266-1:2025), aims to promote wider understanding of the different types of emergency lighting systems that may be used and to offer clear guidance on their correct application in different types of buildings. It is intended to support the provision of fire safety across the UK. Updates to the standard The full revision of BS 5266-1, last revised in 2016, expands the scope to cover local area lighting and standby lighting, in addition to emergency escape lighting, providing a more comprehensive framework for modern building safety needs. The standard recognises that, beyond ensuring safe and unobstructed escape routes at all times, emergency lighting serves additional key purposes, including enabling the immediate identification and use of fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment, as well as reducing the risk of panic in lifts or other enclosed or high-occupancy areas. Recommendations within the standard encourage a uniform, consistent approach to keeping people safe in the event of interruption to normal lighting, taking into account the hazard level and degree of familiarity with the premises. Anthony Burd, Director of Built Environment, BSI, comments, “The revised standard on emergency lighting, BS 5266-1:2025, marks a significant advancement in building safety, expanding its guidance to cover emergency escape, local area, and standby lighting. "This updated, modernised standard should help organisations enhance safety, demonstrate best practice, and ensure consistent protection for people across all types of premises. We are pleased to publish it as part of BSI’s continued commitment to public safety and resilience in the built environment. “By adopting this standard, organisations will have the opportunity to ensure their emergency lighting systems meet the latest best practice guidance, support compliance with safety regulations, and reinforce public trust in the safety of the built environment.”

SELECT honours ECA with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has been recognised for more than a century of "exceptional service to the electrotechnical industry" after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from SELECT at its 125th Anniversary Grand Ball. Scotland’s largest construction trade association used its celebrations to reward the ECA for its "unwavering commitment to the industry since 1901", one year after its counterpart was formed north of the border. The award ceremony The award was presented in front of 300 guests at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on Friday 14 November, at an event hosted by TV and radio personality Fred MacAulay and sponsored by the Scolmore Group. Introducing the winner, SELECT President Mike Stark said, “As well as being a great supporter and ally of SELECT over the years, tonight’s winner has worked tirelessly to improve standards in the electrical industry. “They are patient, knowledgeable, always eager to help, and go the extra mile to ensure that electrical contractors of all sizes have the help and support they need to carry out their work safely and to the highest standards. “SELECT is proud to call our winner a close friend, and a younger sister. So I am delighted to present the 2025 SELECT Lifetime Achievement Award to the ECA.” The award was accepted on behalf of the ECA by Steve Bratt, Group CEO, and Ruth Devine MBE, who is the body’s President. Industry reactions Steve Bratt, comments, “Everyone likes a prize, especially from an elder sibling, but we’ve just won a prize from an organisation that is 125 years old and has done amazing things for the Scottish electrical contracting industry and knows us very well. So, the fact they have chosen us for this award is a real honour. “On behalf of our President, all the staff at ECA, and all of our members, a real big thank you for such an honour and we look forward to working with you for another 125 years.” Ruth Devine adds, “This award is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges the long-standing collaboration between our two associations. Together, we have championed apprenticeships, strengthened competence, and supported businesses to deliver safe, high-quality work in a fast-changing industry. "On behalf of our members, staff, and volunteers, I want to thank SELECT for this exceptional recognition.” SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, notes, “The ECA has been a steadfast partner and a vital force for good in our industry for more than 120 years. Its expertise, leadership, and commitment to raising standards have benefited not just its members but the entire electrotechnical sector across the UK. “We are delighted to honour its remarkable contribution with our Lifetime Achievement Award. It is an accolade richly deserved.” The 125th Anniversary Grand Ball gathered SELECT members, political leaders, senior decision-makers, and industry partners to celebrate the founding of the world’s first electrical trade association. The event also recognised the ongoing support of sponsors and associate members including CEF, Edmundson Electrical, Wylex, Morton Fraser MacRoberts, Schneider Electric, OCS, and ECIS. The Lifetime Achievement Award remains SELECT’s most prestigious honour, previously presented to figures including Past Presidents John Noble and Alick Smith, and industry payment specialist Len Bunton. For more from SELECT, click here.

Weev to roll out EV charging across Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, Liz Kimmins (Minister for Infrastructure) and Niree McMorris (The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane Alderman) have welcomed the appointment of a contractor to deliver over 250 EV charge points across nine local councils. The councils include Derry City and Strabane District Council, and the roll-out forms part of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On Street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS). Local EV infrastructure company Weev will supply, connect, and operate the charge points, which will be located in a mix of on-street and council-owned car park locations, notably within residential areas that lack driveways / off-street parking. ORCS is led by Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The ORCS project is an investment of over £2 million part funded by OZEV, the Department for Infrastructure, and Weev. Industry reactions Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed the contractor announcement, stating, “I am delighted my Department has been able assist in the funding of over 250 charge points, which will widen the electric vehicle charge point offering across nine local council areas for the public and local businesses. "This shows my ongoing commitment for my Department to support, where possible, the expansion of EV charging facilities across the north, as the adoption of electric vehicles gathers pace as we move towards net zero.” Concurring, Ald. Niree says, “Improving access to charge points is another positive step in progressing the move towards sustainable, cleaner travel. "It will make electric charging more accessible and convenient for users and encourage the switch to electric vehicles. “Council has been taking an active role as lead of the consortium and, along with our partner councils, we will continue to lobby for more support for the improvement of local EV infrastructure.” The chosen locations for the EV charge points are within residential areas in a range of towns and cities, with work set to commence in the coming weeks. Thomas O'Hagan, Weev CCO, comments, “We are delighted to be awarded the ORCS Contract and play our part in growing Northern Ireland’s EV infrastructure. "The growth of EV charger installations and EV car uptake is vital if we are going to reach the net-zero targets set by the Government. "Initiatives like ORCS, driven by local councils will have a huge role to play.” Mark McCall, Chair of Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland, adds, “Weev secured the top spot as the most reliable EV charger in our annual EVANI survey, where we polled electric vehicle owners across Northern Ireland for their opinion. "It was a well-deserved accolade for Weev to be ranked number one against a growing number of Charge Point Operators, as their dedication to the service doesn’t go unnoticed.”

UKATA announces new partnership with CAI

UKATA (UK Asbestos Training Association), a nationwide authority in asbestos training, has announced a new partnership with CAI (The Confederation of Aerial Industries), noting a shared aim of enhancing asbestos-related education and training opportunities. The organisations say this partnership highlights their shared commitment to collaboratively promoting asbestos awareness and enhancing safety protocols within the industry. By leveraging their combined experience, resources, and industry insights, UKATA and CAI aim to reinforce efforts in preventing asbestos-related illnesses while upholding high standards in asbestos management. UKATA's Operations Manager Sasha Brailsford has shared her enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, "It's a pleasure to officially join forces with CAI and I look forward to supporting our collective mission to raise awareness around asbestos hazards." CAI Chair Peter Sealey adds, “CAI has always strived to ensure our members work as safely and responsibly as possible, and we are very pleased to join with UKATA in spreading their important message around asbestos awareness. "This partnership supports our ongoing mission to promote best practice and protect the health and safety of everyone working within our industry.” Both UKATA and CAI say they share a common commitment to asbestos awareness, training, and safety.

KNIPEX introduces its Pliers Wrench for electricians

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has introduced its Pliers Wrench, saying it combines the control of a wrench with the versatility of pliers, designed for gripping, pressing, and fitting tasks. The company suggests the tool can replace an entire set of metric and imperial spanners, adding that VDE insulation provides protection for work on live systems up to 1,000V AC. Laser-cut metric and imperial scales allow users to pre-set jaw width before reaching into live enclosures or confined spaces, enabling accurate adjustment away from the workpiece. This makes the tool suitable for switchgear, distribution boards, and control panels. Design and functionality The 250-millimetre version features high lever transmission, delivering gripping power through internal mechanics that reportedly amplify manual force by 10 times. The parallel jaws aim to distribute pressure evenly, allowing flat components to be held securely without marking or damaging surfaces. A push-button mechanism enables adjustment between different sizes, and the ratchet-style action allows bolted connections to be tightened or released without removing the tool. The VDE version forms part of the wider Pliers Wrench range, which includes the XS model at 100 millimetres for tight enclosures and precision work, through to the XL version at 400 millimetres for heavy-duty tasks requiring extra reach and leverage. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

HIKMICRO's thermal cameras discounted for Black Friday

Thermal imaging manufacturer HIKMICRO is offering discounts of up to 26% on its range of thermal imaging cameras during Amazon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday event, running from 20 November to 1 December. The range features AI-driven technology designed for tradespeople conducting property inspections, electrical diagnostics, and building surveys. Two key features include SuperIR, a neural-network-based algorithm that - the company claims - provides four times clearer real-time image enhancement, and SuperScene, a smart scene recognition algorithm that automatically identifies common issues such as insulation deficiencies and water leaks. Models and pricing The Mini2 V2 attaches directly to smartphones and offers a wide-angle, focus-free lens suitable for scanning underfloor heating systems, walls, circuit boards, and electrical panel connections. It is available at £199, a 20% reduction. The PocketE features a 3.5-inch HD touchscreen with 96x96 infrared resolution and supports SuperIR technology. Designed for users new to property inspection, it helps identify water and insulation abnormalities. The Black Friday price is £242.63, representing an 18% discount. The E01 is a handheld thermal imaging camera aimed at electricians, HVAC technicians, and building inspectors. It uses SuperIR technology to upscale images from 96x96 pixels to 240x240 pixels for enhanced clarity on air leaks and overheating components. With a 26% discount, it costs £132.99. The B10S features SuperScene functionality and is equipped with a 256x192 infrared resolution thermal detector and a two-megapixel optical detector. Designed for electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, it is available at £339.15, a 15% reduction. Each device is covered by a two- to three-year product warranty, extended to 10 years for the sensor, and includes lifetime software updates and technical support. For more from HIKMICRO, click here.

Tridonic provides lighting upgrade for healthcare auditorium

Tridonic UK, a supplier of lighting technology, has supported an upgrade of the main teaching auditorium at the North London Healthcare Project, replacing fluorescent and halogen fittings with an LED system designed to improve energy efficiency and provide more flexible lighting control. Working with Light Projects Evolve and contractor EPS Site Solutions, Tridonic supplied LED boards, drivers, downlights, emergency exit signs, and DALI-2 touch panels. The installation is centred on the company’s sceneCOM S DALI lighting controller, which allows staff to adjust lighting scenes and manage individual or grouped luminaires as required for training and presentations. Enhancing training environments with adaptable lighting The updated system uses a 4,000K colour temperature for general working light, with 3,000K wall lighting introduced to create a more balanced visual environment. The changes are intended to support concentration, reduce visual fatigue, and improve comfort for those using the space. John Bowden of Light Projects Evolve says, “Tridonic’s sceneCOM S DALI is an impressive solution. It is a fantastic way to introduce DALI-2 lighting control into individual rooms, and the auditorium is a standalone space that needs this controllability and flexibility over the lighting. "The auditorium is now offering a much-improved environment for wellbeing, allowing for a better learning experience. "From reducing eye fatigue and headaches [to] improving productivity, sceneCOM is enabling lighting control that meets the needs of the learners while also reducing wasted and unnecessary energy.” James Huntington, OEM Controls and Solutions Manager at Tridonic UK, adds, “We are proud to support the North London Healthcare Project in creating a dynamic, efficient, and intelligent learning environment. "This installation demonstrates how innovative lighting control can deliver measurable energy savings while improving comfort, wellbeing and usability for everyone who relies on the space.” Tridonic says the upgrade has delivered a more adaptable auditorium environment while supporting long-term energy efficiency objectives. It notes that by combining LED equipment with DALI-2 control, the project provides a lighting system designed to meet evolving training requirements and ongoing operational needs. For more from Tridonic, click here.

Lucy Zodion's Ki. CMS adopted by Bolton Council

Bolton Council has upgraded more than 120 school crossing locations becoming one of the first UK authorities to adopt Ki., street lighting control manufacturer Lucy Zodion’s smart city management platform, allowing control of school crossing beacons remotely. The move aims to improve safety, reduce operational costs, and remove the need for routine manual maintenance. Replacing manual switching with remote scheduling Previously, beacon timings were managed manually, requiring staff to visit each site to switch units on and off with a key. This process was time-consuming, left limited scope for scheduling changes, and occasionally resulted in beacons operating outside school hours. A local news report in June 2025, which highlighted several inaccurate timings, prompted the council to accelerate its plans to modernise the system. Already experienced with Lucy Zodion’s central management system (CMS) for street lighting, Bolton Council piloted the Ki. Gen3 NB-IoT node, which uses a self-seeking roaming SIM to avoid the need for fixed collectors. After successful testing, the technology was deployed across the borough during the summer break, with the full rollout completed within one week. Paul Worthington, Lighting Manager at Bolton Council, says, “Switching our school crossing beacons to the Ki. platform has made a real difference. “We’ve eliminated the need for manual site visits, improved accuracy, and ensured our flashing lights operate exactly when they should. "It’s a simple change, but one that’s helped us improve safety for pupils and reduce operational costs at the same time.” Lucy Zodion supported the installation through training, mapping, and schedule configuration, enabling the council to manage beacon timings centrally via the Ki. dashboard. Victor Janecki, Area Sales Manager at Lucy Zodion, claims, “Bolton’s project shows the flexibility of Ki. in real-world applications beyond traditional street lighting. “It’s been a pleasure to support the council in delivering a smarter, safer, and more efficient solution - one that’s already inspiring interest from other local authorities.” Project outcomes • More than 120 crossings upgraded to Ki. Gen3 NB-IoT control • Remote scheduling of flashing beacon timings • Reduced site visits and lower operational costs • Real-time monitoring and visibility • Resilient to the future switch-off of 2G and 3G networks Lucy Zodion says Bolton Council’s adoption of remote control for school crossing beacons demonstrates how connected infrastructure can improve accuracy, reduce operational risks, and support wider smart city development. For more from Lucy Zodion, click here.

Recolight launches Used Luminaire Certificate service

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has announced the introduction of its Used Luminaire Certification service, designed to encourage and support the reuse of lighting products across the industry. With sustainability and embodied carbon at the forefront of project priorities, this certification offers reassurance to developers, consulting engineers, and lighting designers seeking to specify second-life luminaires. Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey explains that, “Many projects generate unnecessary waste by replacing relatively recent lighting products with brand new fittings. “Reuse is the easiest mechanism to prevent this, extending product lifespans and lowering embodied carbon.” Details of the certificate The Used Luminaire Certificate, developed and operated in partnership with Simon Fisher, will include an opinion report on the likely remaining burn hours and lifetime of the fitting, as well as an estimate of the embodied carbon saving associated with reusing the fitting. This independent assessment helps address uncertainty about the product’s remaining lifespan and embodied carbon. The certificate is not a substitute for a warranty or CE marking, which may be supplied by a qualified contractor undertaking any necessary reconditioning - be it the original manufacturer or a specialist lighting remanufacturer. Recolight’s initiative responds to increasing interest from building owners and specifiers eager to integrate circular economy principles into their projects. With approximately 40% of global carbon emissions attributable to the built environment, reducing embodied carbon in lighting is an urgent industry challenge. The new scheme aims to remove barriers to reuse, providing greater confidence to project teams and supporting compliance with sustainability targets. It also offers documentation to demonstrate adherence to corporate or public sector carbon reduction commitments. Nigel continues, “We’re seeing a real appetite across the industry to do more with what we already have. “This certification gives professionals a practical tool to support reuse at scale, helping to normalise second-life lighting as part of mainstream specification practice.” Simon Fisher adds, “This initiative helps provide confidence about the remaining life in pre-owned and pre-used luminaries and that their reuse will provide acceptable service life in new environments.” Recolight will be piloting the certificate with several major projects in the coming months, with the intention of rolling out the service more broadly across the UK lighting market in due course. For more from Recolight, click here.