Ovia's new modular Beelo Bollard range

Renowned for its commitment to safety and security across its range of products, Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, has announced the latest addition to its successful Amenity range, the modular Beelo Bollard. Joining Ovia’s versatile and robust collection of exterior lighting solutions, the Beelo Bollard is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, long-lasting durability, and adaptable functionality across a wide range of commercial and residential applications. The Beelo Bollard range sets a new standard for outdoor lighting by combining modular interchangeable design, impact resistance, and energy efficiency in one elegant, high-performance system. Modular design for ultimate flexibility At the heart of the Beelo range is its innovative modular concept which incorporates interchangeable head options. Each bollard head is supplied separately from the standard post, enabling quick and easy installation or replacement. Users can easily interchange Flat, Domed, Cone, or Louvered bollard heads, offered in both Black and Anthracite Grey finishes to suit the desired aesthetic or lighting requirement. Each Beelo bollard head is prewired with a Unicrimp Q-Nect IP68 connector and supplied with 150mm of cable and four, three-port lever connectors, providing a quick, safe, and waterproof connection. This prewired system enables the head to be removed and replaced in seconds: simply unscrew three screws, wire up the new head, align it, and reattach, reducing maintenance time and supporting sustainability by replacing only the head rather than the whole fitting. Each model is available as standard or as an emergency version which features a built-in test button that activates the emergency function when pressed and held - ideal for environments such as warehouses. Intelligent accessory engineering The Beelo bollard is supplied with a standard base, with an impact absorbing base available as an optional accessory. Designed to enhance the durability and functionality of the bollards, the impact-absorbing base features a built-in spring mechanism that enables 360° impact absorption, allowing the bollard to tilt up to 30° upon impact and then return to its original, upright position. This innovative design helps minimise damage to both the bollard and vehicles, making it ideal for office complexes, retail environments, and car parks. Another optional accessory is the 180° shield guard that can effectively block unwanted light spillage, for example, when installed near office windows or residential properties. The shield guard can be retrofitted easily with four screws, securing both halves around the diffuser. Performance without compromise Engineered for performance and endurance in all conditions, the IP65- and IK08-rated Beelo Bollard has a beam angle of 360° and delivers a maximum lumen output of 3600Lm and an impressive efficacy of up to 144Lm/W - outperforming many competitors in its class. It also offers CCT switchability of 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K, and power switchability of 14W, 19W, and 24W. This ensures adaptability to a wide range of outdoor settings, from gardens and driveways to airport drop off zones and commercial car parks. Lighting the way forward With its blend of smart engineering, superior materials, and thoughtful design, Ovia’s Beelo Bollard Modular range demonstrates the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the evolving needs of modern lighting design. All models are backed by Ovia’s comprehensive five-year warranty, reinforcing confidence in quality and performance. For more information, visit Ovia’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

NVC Lighting wins Smart Buildings/Sustainability award

CAT-R, the innovative sustainable range by lighting manufacturer, NVC Lighting, was named Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year at the prestigious ECN Awards. New to the market, the CAT-R range has already received its first accolade thanks to its revolutionary design that eliminates CAT-A / B fit-out waste in tenanted commercial spaces. CAT-R was designed with efficiency at the core with lighting modules that can be easily reused, replaced and redeployed, to potentially last the entire lifetime of a building. This means it can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50%, making it the go-to luminaire of choice for offices, schools and universities, and healthcare facilities. CAT-R is built on the NVC adaptable plug-and-play platform and is available in a variety of options, offering flexibility for future tenants. Adaptable, efficient and pushing the limits of sustainability, CAT-R is already becoming a popular choice for commercial spaces. Find out how you can make your next lighting project even more sustainable by clicking here. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

ECN Awards 2025 Winners revealed

Last Thursday (27 November), the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre played host to the third annual ECN Awards – our biggest and most successful event to date. In front of a packed house, the night celebrated the very best the electrical contracting industry has to offer, with winners from a wide and varied range of categories stepping into the spotlight to collect their coveted trophies in front of their peers. ECN would like to thank absolutely every one of you for your support, and a huge congratulations to each and every one of this year's winners! Stay tuned for details of the 2026 ECN Awards in the coming weeks. Without further ado, the winners of the 2025 ECN Awards are as follows: Products Category Cable Product of the Year Winner – Amokabel Flexishield – Flexishield-Cca Highly Commended - Securi-Flex LTD – Securi-Flex Eco-Flex EV & Modbus Cable   Circuit Protection Product of the Year Winner: Electrium Sales Limited – Wylex 10ka AFDDRCBO Highly Commended: Proteus Switchgear – Proteus Consumer Unit   Fire Safety Product of the Year Winner: Aico – Ei3030 Highly Commended: Advanced – Next-Generation MxPro 5   HVAC Product of the Year Winner: Rointe Heating – Eoniq Inverter Smart Adaptive Energy-Efficient Radiator with Wi-Fi & AI Highly Commended: Airflow Developments – DV245 Adroit (Integral CO2 Sensor)   Lighting Product of the Year Winner: Aurora Lighting – ChromaFlex Highly Commended: Ansell Lighting – C-Cell RGBW Pixel, part of the LED Cell Strip range   Software/App of the Year Winner: Modecsoft – ElectricalOM Highly Commended: Volta Compliance – EcaaS   Test Equipment Product of the Year Winner: Chauvin Arnoux UK – PEL 113 Power and Energy Logger Highly Commended: Di-LOG – ALVA Series MFT Highly Commended: Super Rod – Super Rod IR Link   Trade Tool of the Year Winner: Beech Innovations Limited – FusePry Pro Highly Commended: Luceco – 5W UV Inspection Torch   Wiring Accessories Product of the Year Winner: M2 Electrical – 65W Dual Type-C USB Charger Socket Highly Commended: Retrotouch Switches & Sockets – Retrotouch Aura Switches & Sockets   Sustainable Products Category EV Charging Product of the Year Winner: Myenergi – zappi GLO Highly Commended: Lewden – SIENA -7.4kW AC smart EV Charger Highly Commended: ROLEC – EVO   Power Product of the Year Winner: Luceco – Sync Energy Flow Highly Commended: Sensata Technologies – Next-Gen SIM200 Insulation Monitoring Device   Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year Winner: NVC Lighting – CAT-R Highly Commended: Luceco – LuxPanel Connect Highly Commended: Prefect Controls – Irus+ControlSensor   Projects Category EV Project of the Year Winner: InstaVolt – Winchester Superhub Highly Commended: Aylesford Electrical Contractors – Aylesford Electrical Royal Mail and Currys Fleet EV Charging Installations for BP Pulse   Lighting Project of the Year Winner: Ansell Lighting – Ansell Lighting transforms Aintree Racecourse Golden Miller & Papillon Suites Highly Commended: Acrospire – Newport Millennium Bridge: LED Handrail Lighting Retrofit Highly Commended: Powercor – Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium   Sustainable Project of the Year Winner: Volta Compliance – York Minster Highly Commended: Starkey Electrical – WCCP and Starkey Electrical   Training Category Apprentice of the Year: Jay Bamford   Training Provider/Initiative of the Year Winner: A121 Training Highly Commended: NICEIC   Companies Category Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Winner: Yesss Electrical Highly Commended: LEW Electrical Distributors   Contractor of the Year (turnover under £5M) Winner: Burgess Electrical Services Limited Highly Commended: KDM Electrical   Contractor of the Year (turnover over £5M) Winner: Powercor Highly Commended: Brook & Mayo   Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Winner: Moss Technical Services Highly Commended: CleanTech Wholesale   Manufacturer of the Year Winner: Marshall-Tufflex Highly Commended: Luceco   For more from the ECN Awards, click here.

myenergi takes home gold at the 2025 ECN Awards

Last week (27 November), the myenergi zappi GLO was named EV Charging Product of the Year at the 2025 ECN Awards. The prestigious event, which took place at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, celebrated innovation, accomplishment and excellence from across the electrical contracting industry. Designed and manufactured in the UK, zappi GLO sets the standards in next-generation design, smart integration and intelligent control. Users can simply plug-and-go, or explore toggle options to adjust settings, set timers and optimise device performance for greener, cheaper, smarter charging. The judges commended myenergi for GLO’s performance, functionality and compact size. Thanks to the all-new Installer Assistant app, contractors were deemed to benefit significantly from a step-by-step solution to optimise fitting speed and guarantee replicability, which streamlines efficiencies and maximises productivity. Matt Hemmings, Product Manager for EV at myenergi, says, “zappi GLO was designed to disrupt the EV charging industry. Out-of-the-box tariff integration, automated solar compatibility and seamless app control allows users to manage charging sessions, adjust settings and monitor performance from anywhere in the world. “When it comes to installation, every element has been carefully considered to make it quick, simple and hassle-free for contractors. It’s an excellent product that can be installed faster than many other devices on the market. “Taking home gold as EV Charging Product of the Year is testament to the team’s collective hard work. We’re delighted with the judges’ feedback and we’re proud to be taking home such a prestigious award for our newest product.” The zappi range, which includes the OG zappi and zappi GLO, forms part of myenergi’s home energy management system (HEMS), an integrated network of eco-smart solutions that ensures households are given total control over their energy use, alongside the flexibility to switch to the best smart tariff. For more from myenergi, click here.  

Tattooed electrician triumphs at On The Tools Awards

Electrician Gina York has been named Electrician of the Year at the 2025 On The Tools Awards, following a year marked by both tool theft and an unexpectedly personal tribute to the trade. Gina, who had the On The Tools logo tattooed on her arm after a tool theft incident, was recognised at the ceremony for her contribution to the electrical sector and wider trades community. Gina experienced the theft while attending a tool theft rally in London, an event supported by On The Tools. Shortly afterwards, she chose to have the 'Barry Head' logo tattooed on her right arm, which she sees as a symbol of solidarity with the trades community. Reflecting on the experience, Gina says, “I got it in March 2025. It was done at Cross My Heart Collective in Sherwood, Nottingham. I had it done after Lee insisted on helping me when my van was broken into. “I guess I’ll be forever grateful for Lee and On The Tools for their help. I probably wouldn’t be back on my feet right now or even still in the trade if it weren’t for their kindness. I love what OTT does for tradespeople.” Celebrating the UK’s trade community The 2025 On The Tools Awards brought together more than 450 people from across the UK’s trade sectors. The event celebrated craftsmanship, community contributions, and professional excellence, with winners receiving a Barry Head trophy and £1,000 in prize money. Gina was recognised for her professionalism, dedication, and positive impact across the electrical community. Lee Wilcox, CEO and co-founder of On The Tools, comments, "I can’t believe people do this - it blows my mind! But honestly, I love it. Gina’s dedication, creativity, and passion for her trade perfectly capture what On The Tools is all about. "Congratulations on your win, and thank you for everything you do for the trades community!" Gina’s story resonated with attendees, highlighting both the challenges faced by tradesworkers and the strong sense of community across the sector. Looking ahead, Gina says she hopes to become more involved with On The Tools and raise awareness of The Lost City Charity. She also aims to continue growing her business in the new year and collaborate with more tradeswomen on future projects. For more from On The Tools, click here.

Introducing Espire’s Optical Smoke Alarms from ESP

ESP, a UK fire and security product specialist and part of the Scolmore Group, continues to lead the way in fire and safety technology with its Espire Optical Smoke Alarm. Designed to deliver fast and reliable detection of slow, smouldering fires, the Optical Smoke Alarm is part of the comprehensive range of Espire high performance Fire and CO Alarms launched earlier this year, reinforcing ESP’s reputation for innovation, quality, and compliance in life safety solutions. Featuring a compact and discreet design, the Espire Optical Alarms are equipped with advanced infrared sensor technology that excels in detecting early sign of combustion particles. Designed and manufactured in ESP’s dedicated production facility, each unit undergoes rigorous testing - including multiple sensor and functional checks - to ensure total reliability. Key features and options Features include a 24-hour memory function, auto-dimming LED, dust compensation, and stainless-steel insect mesh barrier, designed to reduce nuisance alarms and improve accuracy over time. Installers can choose from three power options to suit varying project requirements: • Powered by mains with a sealed, tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery • Powered by mains with a 9V replaceable battery • Powered by a sealed, tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery The Espire Optical Smoke Alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS 5839-6. All models are tested and certified to BS EN 140604 and are LPCB (mains powered options) and TUV (battery option) certified. With eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging, the Espire Optical Smoke Alarm range offers sustainable protection with no compromise of performance. More information can be found on the Espire website and the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.

ONYX: Rointe's next-generation storage heaters

As energy efficiency and intelligent control continue to reshape electric heating, Rointe introduces ONYX, a new generation of high heat retention (HHR) storage heaters combining advanced design, connectivity, and real energy savings. Developed for the next era of efficient home heating, ONYX features 60% heat retention and up to 37% energy savings compared to conventional storage systems. Its unique magnetite stone cells store heat efficiently for up to 16 hours, providing steady warmth throughout the day and lower energy consumption. Comfort, efficiency, and total control For installers, ONYX represents a reliable, future-ready upgrade that not only helps improve EPC ratings, but also complies with SAP requirements, LOT20, and Part L regulations, supporting the Future Homes Standard and the UK’s Net Zero 2050 goals. For end users, it delivers smarter comfort, consistent warmth, and visible energy savings - the perfect balance between performance and simplicity. Smart charging that really works Unlike traditional storage heaters that release energy too quickly, ONYX uses Smart Charging to optimise when and how heat is stored and released. The heater learns usage habits and intelligently adapts charging cycles to ensure energy is used only when needed - providing comfort, consistency, and lower bills for end users. Inside, the advanced Inverter Smart Adaptive Technology automatically regulates the heater’s power to meet real heating demand, dynamically adjusting energy use for maximum efficiency. This intelligent modulation enhances energy performance and maintains a stable, even temperature, ensuring consistent warmth throughout the day with reduced energy consumption. Smarter connectivity without gateways With WiFi Direct built in, ONYX connects straight to the user’s home router - no external hubs or gateways required. Once paired with the Rointe NEXA app, users gain full control from their smartphone, meaning they can set schedules, monitor consumption in real time, activate boost or night-saving modes, and even automate heating using GPS routines. Bluetooth pairing, voice-assistant compatibility, and AI-based automation complete the user experience, offering seamless smart-home integration. Engineered for installers and modern living The ONYX range includes five models with rated outputs from 500 W to 1,500 W, all with a depth of just 190 mm and a robust steel body finished in White RAL 9016. Installation is simple, with two sets of floor supports included - standard (60 mm) and tall (140 mm) - plus a top-mounted TFT touch display for intuitive setup. Inside, an innovative ceramic fan rotor offers greater resistance and durability than conventional designs, ensuring smoother operation, quieter performance, and long-lasting reliability. Safety is built in through dual overheat protection, IPX4 classification, and full compliance with LOT20, UKCA, and CE standards, with every unit backed by a three-year electronics warranty and a ten-year body warranty upon registration. With ONYX, Rointe reaffirms its position at the forefront of intelligent electric heating, combining true performance, simplified installation, and connected control in one elegant solution.

Unicrimp highlights its comprehensive resealable Trade Tubs

Unicrimp, a UK manufacturer of cable accessories and electrical fittings, and part of the Scolmore Group, continues to strengthen its reputation for providing practical, high-quality solutions for electrical professionals with its comprehensive Trade Tub range. Part of Unicrimp’s extensive Q-Crimp range of cable accessories, and designed with the trade in mind, these robust tubs offer a convenient and reliable supply of commonly used fixings and accessories, helping to improve efficiency. Product details Each Trade Tub contains a selection of essential components, supplied in durable containers, ideal for transportation, storage, and quick access during installation work. They feature a resealable plastic lid and carry handle, and the tub itself is manufactured from recycled material. The Red Wall Plugs & Countersunk Screws Tub offers a practical combination of 400 x red wall plugs and 400 x 8 x 1.5” countersunk screws, ideal for general-purpose masonry fixings. The contents are precision-matched to provide strong, secure fixing performance across a variety of applications. Optimised for use in plasterboard applications, the Metal Self Drive Plugs & Panhead Screws Tub contains 200 x metal self-drive plugs and 200 x 8 x 35mm panhead screws that eliminate the need for pre-drilling. The self-drive design ensures fast and secure installation, while the panhead screws offer a clean, flush finish. The T&E Cable Clips Tub contains 400 x 1mm and 400 x 2.5mm T&E clips that have been manufactured with tough, impact-resistant plastic and pre-fitted with hardened steel nails, to ensure cables remain firmly fixed in position. Suitable for use in masonry and breezeblock, the First Fix Kit Tub comprises 100 x 20mm open quick fit cable grommets, 100 x red wall plugs, and 400 x 8 x 1.5” countersunk screws - bringing together all the elements in one handy tub to make back box essential installs that much easier for the contractor. The Unicrimp catalogue which showcases the entire range of Q-Crimp accessories can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website as well as from the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Makita launches new 18V LXT twin kit

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has introduced a new 18V LXT twin kit designed for trade users who need compact cordless tools and reliable runtime on site. The kit includes a combi drill, an impact driver, two lithium-ion batteries, and a fast charger. Updated design for drilling and fastening tasks The combi drill is intended to offer high torque in a compact frame and is suited to general drilling and fastening work. It features an updated speed change mechanism aimed at preventing gear disengagement, as well as enhanced electronic protection to support sustained use. An integrated LED light improves visibility in confined areas, and its ergonomic build is designed to reduce fatigue during extended tasks. The accompanying impact driver provides four impact modes to support controlled fastening, along with an electric brake. A slim body design and stabilised internal structure aim to minimise vibration and improve grip. Two lithium-ion batteries and a fast charger are supplied, giving users extended runtime and reducing the likelihood of downtime. All items are supplied in a durable carry case for transport and storage. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, says, “We are thrilled to introduce our new DLX2549TJ 18V LXT Brushless Twin Kit to our Combo Kit range. "Furthermore, we are also able to offer the kit as part of our latest redemption promotion, which enables customers to claim an additional BL1850B LXT 5.0Ah battery for free, giving a total of three batteries in just one purchase.” For more from Makita, click here.

RAW powers up EV charging hub at shopping park

RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator, has announced the activation of a new ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Gallions Reach Shopping Park, Beckton, East London. RAW says this launch further expands its mission to connect the UK’s top retail destinations with high-speed EV charging. Highlights · New ultra-rapid EV hub — Gallions Reach now features 8 x 150kW ultra-rapid EV charging bays, delivering fast charging for visitors and commuters. · Temporary free charging — Customers can charge for free from Friday 28th November to Monday 1st December if they have signed up to the company's rewards scheme. · Strategically located shopping park — Located in Beckton, East London, Gallions Reach is one of the capital's largest shopping parks, home to retailers including Next, Boots, Matalan, JD, TK Maxx, Smyths Toys, McDonalds, and Tesco Extra. · Ample accessibility and parking — The site has over 2,000 free parking spaces, direct access from the A13, and good public transport links. · Driving sustainable transport — This new hub supports local and national sustainability goals by making zero-emission travel more accessible at one of London's busiest shopping destinations. The transition to EVs Gallions Reach Shopping Park welcomes millions of visitors annually, offering a range of high-street retailers, dining options, and family amenities. The addition of RAW’s ultra-rapid charging hub means EV drivers can now recharge their vehicles while enjoying a day out shopping, dining, or running errands. RAW’s new installation meets the growing demand for EV infrastructure in East London, helping both local residents and visitors embrace low-carbon travel. With ultra-rapid 150kW bays, drivers can top up their batteries in minutes, making sustainable travel an easier choice. RAW Charging’s project at Gallions Reach is part of a wider strategy to deliver EV infrastructure to the UK’s most popular retail, leisure, and hospitality destinations. Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, comments, “We are proud to bring our ultra-rapid charging solutions to Gallions Reach, one of East London’s premier shopping destinations. "By working in partnership with leading property owners, we are helping drive the shift to zero-emission travel and making sustainable journeys more convenient for everyone. "RAW will continue to expand its network, connecting even more amazing places across the country with reliable, high-speed EV charging.” Gary Sleator, Senior Asset Manager, Aberdeen, adds, "We are delighted to see RAW Charging’s new ultra-rapid hub go live at Gallions Reach Shopping Park. "This investment not only enhances the visitor experience, but also supports our commitment to sustainability. "By working with partners like RAW, we can ensure our destinations remain vibrant, accessible, and future-ready for the growing number of EV drivers." For more from RAW Charging, click here.