Local partnership opens new pathways into electrical careers

West Nottinghamshire College and certification body and training provider NAPIT have formed a partnership to support entry into electrical and low-carbon careers across North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The collaboration aims to create clearer progression routes into qualifications within building services, renewable energy, and low-carbon sectors. It will provide access to work placements, apprenticeships, and structured pathways for both full-time learners and those already working in the industry. NAPIT operates from Pleasley Vale Business Park, where it delivers electrical training alongside courses covering heat pumps, battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and solar PV. The college also provides air conditioning and refrigeration training at the same site, which functions as an end-point assessment centre for plumbing, heating, and refrigeration apprentices. The agreement is intended to support both new entrants and experienced electricians seeking to expand their skills. It will also offer opportunities for local businesses to develop their workforce in response to growing demand for low-carbon technologies. Training routes for low-carbon technologies The partnership includes access to learning resources such as NAPIT’s CPD platform and the NAPIT Foundation, which provides technical guidance, best practice materials, and webinars. West Nottinghamshire College aims to strengthen its provision in areas including renewable energy systems, retrofit, and energy efficiency, supporting learners to meet changing industry requirements. Andrew Cropley MBE, Principal and Chief Executive at West Nottinghamshire College, says, “I'm delighted to celebrate yet another exciting partnership for our college. "Working with NAPIT will help us engage with a number of local and regional businesses, many of them at the forefront of clean and low-carbon energy, and support them in recruiting and developing their workforce. “It will also enable us to equip our students with the skills, knowledge, and industry insight needed to become highly employable by NAPIT's member businesses. “Crucially, this collaboration strengthens the link between education and industry, helping to bridge the gap between training and employment while ensuring our courses remain up to date and relevant as the sector continues to evolve.” Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT, adds, “NAPIT and West Nottinghamshire College both provide training in the same building where we have our headquarters in Pleasley Vale, so it makes perfect sense for us to collaborate and work together to benefit learners and employers in the local area. “We are keen to promote the benefits of employing apprentices and the opportunities available to electricians and installers of low-carbon technology, especially given the drive towards heat pumps and solar PV in recent government announcements, such as the Warm Homes Plan and the Future Homes Standard. “The partnership agreement between NAPIT and the college will help to create a stronger, more effective pathway into qualifications within the building services, renewable energy, and low-carbon sectors. “Combining the resource and expertise of both organisations will help to offer a wide range of enhanced opportunities for learners, employers, and NAPIT members in the area. "It will support employers and businesses in the East Midlands, strengthen employability, and upskill the industry to make the most of the growth opportunities available to electricians, heating engineers, and installers of heat pumps, solar panels, and batteries.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

Chameleon launches wireless energy monitoring clamp

Chameleon Technology, a UK smart energy technology company, has introduced a wireless energy monitoring clamp designed to provide real-time visibility of electricity use at appliance level. The device is intended to support businesses and engineers in tracking consumption from individual appliances and high-demand equipment. This comes as changes in energy usage, including the growth of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and battery storage, place new demands on the UK’s electricity network. Traditional monitoring methods often lack the ability to isolate individual loads, making it more difficult to assess usage patterns or identify potential efficiencies. Wireless clamp-based systems offer an alternative approach, allowing real-time data collection without complex installation. The battery-powered clamp can be fitted without additional wiring or external power. It is designed for use in diagnostics, commissioning, and ongoing monitoring, enabling quicker site assessments and temporary or long-term measurement. Wireless monitoring supporting appliance-level insights The clamp attaches directly to an appliance’s input or live cable and connects wirelessly via Zigbee-enabled platforms. It can also be used with Chameleon’s Gateway Business device to enable real-time data visualisation without requiring a dedicated power supply. The system is designed to measure current draw from high-usage devices, supporting improved understanding of energy consumption. It offers measurement accuracy within 1% and a granularity of 0.01 amp. Kyle Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at Chameleon Technology, says, “As the UK continues to push forward with electrification and [as] energy systems become more decentralised, understanding device-level electricity demand is becoming essential. "EV charging, electrified heating, and distributed generation are changing how and when power is used. Tools that make this data accessible in real time can help households and organisations optimise usage, automate energy decisions, and reduce costs.”

Royal Marine Hotel upgraded with Advanced fire system

The Royal Marine Hotel in County Dublin, Ireland, has upgraded its fire alarm infrastructure with the installation of Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels. The hotel includes guest accommodation, bar and restaurant areas, a pool and spa, an underground car park, kitchens, and plant rooms. Its previous system was replaced following reliability issues and frequent false alarms, which had caused disruption for both guests and staff. As such, a networked system was required to improve performance and control. TEE Fire Safety Solutions was appointed to carry out the installation and, because the system operates across multiple networked panels, all five units were replaced on the same day to maintain continuity and reduce disruption. The new system is based on analogue, addressable MxPro 5 fire panels. The installation includes a mix of eight-loop, four-loop, and two-loop panels, alongside a repeater panel. These are connected via standard network cards across seven network nodes, with a total of 1,813 devices installed throughout the site. False alarm reduction and staged response Reducing false alarms was a key requirement of the project. The system has been configured with a tailored approach, including verification and hold times suited to hotel operations. Heat detectors, manual call points, and linear detection systems are excluded from these settings to ensure immediate response to genuine incidents. A staged alarm process has also been introduced. Initial alerts are directed to reception, management, and maintenance teams, with a full evacuation triggered if the alarm is not addressed by trained staff. The installation also allows for future expansion, with plans to add an additional single-loop panel to support a forthcoming extension. Timmy England, Managing Director at TEE Fire Safety Solutions, comments, “This was a live hotel environment where reliability and minimal disruption were essential. "The MxPro 5 allowed us to implement effective false alarm management while maintaining high safety standards, and replacing all networked panels in one day was a major advantage.” Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced for UK North, Northern Ireland, and ROI, adds, “Hotels present unique fire safety challenges, particularly when it comes to managing false alarms while protecting guests and staff. "This project demonstrates how MxPro 5 delivers reliable, intelligent fire protection that meets those demands and supports future growth.” Advanced says the upgraded system now supports fire safety operations across the site with improved reliability and capacity for future development. For more from Advanced, click here.

Ansell launches new Tephra streetlight

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has introduced Tephra, a new streetlight designed for outdoor applications including car parks and large open areas. The luminaire features a die-cast aluminium construction, intended to support long-term use in demanding environments. It is rated to IP66 and IK08 standards and has an L80 lifespan of 54,000 hours. The company says Tephra has been developed with installation in mind. It includes an integrated spirit level to assist with alignment and can be mounted using either post-top or side-entry options. The unit is pre-wired with a 600mm rubber insulated cable and supplied with an AFIX connector to support a secure, IP-rated connection. In operation, the streetlight includes a 30° adjustable head tilt, allowing the light distribution to be directed as required. The lens design provides a wide beam angle while limiting glare, supporting controlled illumination across outdoor spaces. Installation features and lighting control The combination of adjustable positioning and optical design allows the luminaire to be adapted to different site requirements, including wider or more focused light distribution. Mark Abott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “Tephra is a fantastic addition to our streetlight range. "It showcases our commitment to designing products that are innovative, versatile, and - most importantly - easy to install. "We believe this product delivers on every front, providing enhanced visibility, functionality, and visual appeal.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

KNIPEX launches 200mm diagonal cutter upgrade

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has introduced an updated version of its High Leverage Diagonal Cutter in a 200mm length, with changes focused on cutting performance, durability, and user comfort. The revised tool features inductively hardened cutting edges designed for extended service life, including when working with demanding materials such as piano wire. With a cutting-edge hardness of around 64 HRC, and edges positioned close to the pivot, force is transferred more efficiently during use. This allows the cutter to handle medium-hard wire up to 4.2mm, hard wire up to 3.0mm, and piano wire up to 2.5mm. A redesigned power joint aims to reduce the effort required by around 20% compared to the previous version. This change is intended to reduce hand strain during repeated use, particularly in applications involving frequent cutting. The handle design has also been updated to improve grip and comfort. Users can position their hand closer to the joint, reducing the opening width of the handles and easing operation over extended periods. Updated handle design and safety options Additional handle variants are now available, including comfort handles. These incorporate the KNIPEXtend interface, which supports accessories such as tethering clips for working at height and colour-coded clips for easier tool identification. For electrical applications, VDE-tested versions are also offered, rated for work on systems up to 1,000V. The cutter is manufactured from chrome vanadium steel and oil-hardened to support long-term use across electrical, plumbing, industrial, and general trade environments. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

At Kewtech, support is just part of the package

In this article, test equipment manufacturer Kewtech explains why its support offering is so important to the company's overall value to electrical contractors: Have you ever felt let down by a brand once the purchase is complete? Made to feel like your issues are an inconvenience? If that sounds familiar, it might be time to experience a company that genuinely values your custom - not just at the point of sale, but for the long term. At Kewtech, after-sales support isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core part of who we are. From the moment you choose Kewtech, you’re not just buying a product; you’re joining a community that’s built on trust, reliability, and ongoing support. We understand that when you invest in test equipment, you’re investing in your livelihood. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure your experience is as smooth, stress-free, and dependable as possible. Kewtech multifunction testers have earned a strong reputation for their longevity. Contractors across the UK choose them with confidence, knowing they’re purchasing equipment designed to stand the test of time. But great products are only part of the story. What truly sets Kewtech apart is what happens after the box is opened. We know that reliable backup matters. When your tester is central to your work, downtime isn’t just frustrating; it can be costly. Our team is always on hand to provide product support when you need it most. Whether it’s advice on using your tester, troubleshooting an issue, or calibration and repair, you’ll always speak to knowledgeable people who understand your challenges and genuinely care. We’re with you every step of the way, and our customers will tell you the same. Thousands of electricians and contractors across the UK trust Kewtech not only for the quality of our products, but for the consistency of our support. We might not claim to be the biggest name in the market, but we’re confident that we are the most valued by those who use us. Why? Because we don’t stop caring once you’ve made your purchase. At Kewtech, support is just part of the package. For more from Kewtech, click here.

Ovia launches LED sports floodlighting system

Lighting brand Ovia has introduced Pitch Finder, a modular LED floodlighting system designed for outdoor sports facilities. Part of the Scolmore Group, Ovia developed the system to provide configurable lighting for a range of applications, from training grounds to larger stadium environments. Pitch Finder is available in 600W, 1200W, and 1800W options, allowing installations to be matched to site requirements. The system supports different driver configurations, enabling either a single driver per unit or per LED module, depending on layout and performance needs. It also integrates with lighting control systems using 0–10V, DMX, and DALI protocols. Modular design supporting varied sports applications The system includes multiple optical configurations to suit different lighting requirements. A symmetrical wide lens provides broad coverage for general illumination, while a symmetrical narrow lens supports focused lighting for higher mounting positions. An asymmetrical wide lens directs light onto the playing surface, helping to reduce glare and spill light. Pitch Finder is designed for outdoor use, with an IP66 rating, C4 corrosion resistance, and IK08 impact protection. The LEDs have a rated lifetime of 100,000 hours, supporting long-term use with reduced maintenance requirements. The system can be installed using a range of mounting options and accessories, including spigots for different pole sizes, aiming tools for alignment, and visors to manage light distribution and minimise light pollution. Ovia also provides lighting design support, including site-specific calculations and guidance on system configuration to help meet project requirements. For more from Ovia, click here.

Unicrimp highlights its conduit accessories range

Unicrimp, a leading player in the cable accessories sector and a Scolmore Group company, continues to support professional electricians and installers with a comprehensive portfolio of Q-Crimp conduit accessories. The extensive Unicrimp conduit accessories range has been developed with the installer in mind, combining robust materials with practical design features to streamline on-site installation while delivering long-term reliability. The range includes more than 90 individual products, ensuring installers have the right accessory for virtually any application - whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Since the initial launch of the Q-Crimp conduit accessories range, Unicrimp has responded to market demand with significant size expansions, particularly in larger conduit applications. The size expansion applies across several core product lines, including: • Long pattern brass male bushes (32mm, 1.5”, and 2”) • Short pattern brass male bushes (32mm, 1.5”, and 2”) • Brass female bushes (32mm, 1.5”, and 2”) • Solid couplers (32mm, 1.5”, and 2”) • Flange couplers (32mm, 1.5”, and 2”) • Milled edge lock rings (32mm, 38mm, and 50mm) • Light gauge lock nuts (32mm, 38mm, and 50mm) In addition to size extensions, the Q-Crimp range now welcomes a completely new product type - Threaded Nipples - which are available in 20mm, 25mm, and 32mm sizes. This addition further strengthens the range’s position as a complete conduit accessory solution. Designed for secure conduit-to-enclosure connections and system extensions, threaded nipples provide reliable alignment and mechanical stability while maintaining electrical continuity. The introduction of this new category reflects Unicrimp’s continued commitment to evolving the range in line with installer needs. Other key product categories to highlight include Conduit Boxes, Light Gauge Saddles, Inspection Tees, Inspection Bends, and Metal Hooks. Key features and installer benefits Unicrimp’s conduit accessories deliver a range of benefits valued by professional installers: • Durable construction — Manufactured from galvanised steel to resist corrosion and environmental stress. • Heat resistance — The high-quality materials used means conduit accessories can handle high temperatures, making them suitable for industrial and commercial applications. • Flexibility — Available in multiple sizes to accommodate varying conduit diameters, with elbows, bends, and junction boxes supporting adaptable system design and expansion. • Versatility — Designed for use across a wide variety of installation environments, both indoors and outdoors. Assured quality and technical support As with all Unicrimp products, the Q-Crimp conduit accessories are manufactured in accordance with Scolmore Group’s stringent quality criteria and are designed to meet the requirements of their intended markets. Compliance is supported through independent third-party testing, routine inspection, and maintenance of manufacturing facilities, as well as batch coding for full product traceability. Installers also benefit from the technical backup of the Scolmore Group technical department, providing additional reassurance on specification and compliance matters. For more information on Unicrimp’s Q-Crimp portfolio, visit the company's website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

HDM Solar opens first Scotland branch

HDM Solar, a UK wholesaler of solar panels, batteries, and renewable energy equipment, is opening its first Scottish branch in Livingston, marking an expansion of its presence across the UK. The new site, located on Brucefield Park West, is due to officially open on 8 May and forms part of a wider £10.2 million investment to build a nationwide network of 60 locations. The company now operates five sites across England, Wales, and Scotland. The 10,000ft² (929m²) facility includes a sales office and warehouse, supplying solar equipment to installers across Scotland and the North of England. Training centre supports installer development The Livingston branch will also house a Renewable Training Centre of Excellence, providing hands-on training for installers. The facility includes a roofing rig and is designed to support practical learning delivered in collaboration with manufacturers. The branch team has been operating since early 2026. Branch Manager Stevie Paton has almost 40 years of experience in the electrical sector, supported by Assistant Branch Manager Michael Robertson, who has 15 years of experience in solar distribution. An opening event is scheduled for 8 May, running from 10am to 2pm, with local representatives (including Livingston MP Gregor Poynton) expected to attend. Stevie Paton, Branch Manager, comments, “We’re thrilled to have the keys to our new branch and can’t wait to welcome customers. "Our team is excited to support local installers in providing clean energy solutions. We look forward to building strong community relationships, offering exclusive training, and giving access to leading solar products.” Adam Firth, Group CEO, adds, “Livingston is the ideal platform for our first branch in Scotland. It is another important step in building a nationwide network that truly supports installers. "Everything we do is built around putting the installer first, and that runs through every decision we make as a business. "Our incredible team that we have assembled provides installers with the speed, reliability, and confidence they need to keep projects moving and grow their businesses.” The expansion, the company notes, reflects increasing demand for solar installations and associated training across the UK installer base. For more from HDM Solar, click here.

Aico Community Awards 2026 winners announced

Aico, a manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide detection products, has announced the winners of its Community Awards 2026, recognising individuals and organisations across the social housing and fire safety sectors. The event brought together representatives from all over the industry, with awards presented across a range of categories highlighting community engagement, innovation, and professional development. The evening included speeches and entertainment, including Kevin Sinfield speaking about motor neurone disease and Aico’s support for the MND Association as its chosen charity for 2026. The awards were presented by a panel of judges, who selected winners from a wide array of entries. A new category, the People’s Choice Award, was also introduced this year, with attendees themselves voting during the event. All the awards were produced by students at Severndale Academy in Shropshire and Telford, using fused glass designs based on Aico’s community branding. The event concluded with closing remarks from Neal Hooper, Managing Director of Aico, who highlighted the role of the awards in recognising contributions across the sector. Recognising contributions across housing and fire safety The full list of winners is as follows: • Apprentice of the Year Award — Emily-Jane Simmons • Best Distributor Community Initiative Award — City Electrical Factors NW London • Collaborative Partnership Award — Equans • College Initiative of the Year Award — Cheshire College South and West • Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative Award — Smith & Byford • Electrical Contractor of the Year Award — Magnus Electrical Services • Inspirational Colleague of the Year Award — Steve Messenger, Booker & Best • Lifetime Achievement Award — June Anderson, Clackmannanshire Tenants & Residents Federation • Neighbourhood Transformation Award — Mid Devon District Council and Zed Pods Limited • People’s Choice Award — Wolverhampton Homes • Resident Engagement Award — Magenta Living • Rising Star Award — Alfie Squirrell, Wiggett Group • Sustainability Project of the Year Award — H&A Group • Woman in Fire Safety Award — Martina Lydon, WHG The Community Awards programme continues to highlight activity across the housing sector, with a focus on recognising practical contributions and sharing good practice. For more from Aico, click here.