KNIPEX shares guidance on maintaining VDE tools

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has outlined practical steps for maintaining VDE-rated tools, highlighting the importance of regular checks to support performance and safety on site. The guidance focuses on simple maintenance tasks that can help extend tool lifespan and ensure compliance when working on electrical systems. For this, KNIPEX has produced a short video demonstrating how to care for VDE pliers in everyday use: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dXgvxIQLpUw[/embed] The example shown is the KNIPEX Diagonal Cutter VDE, designed for electrical work in confined spaces such as junction boxes and distribution boards. The tool features a narrow head and extended cutting edges for precision work, alongside induction-hardened blades and insulated grips tested to IEC 60900 standards. Simple maintenance steps for safe use KNIPEX highlights that regular maintenance is particularly important for VDE tools, where insulation integrity is critical for safe operation. Basic steps include wiping tools clean after use, drying them thoroughly, and applying a light layer of oil to protect against moisture and corrosion. Adding lubricant to moving parts can help maintain smooth operation and reduce wear over time. The company also recommends routinely checking handle insulation to ensure it remains intact and suitable for electrical work. KNIPEX states that consistent upkeep can help maintain performance, extend tool life, and support safe working practices for electricians. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Powered Now announces April event for Cardiff electricians

A free pop-up event for tradespeople will open at Cardiff’s Par 59 for one day only on 30 April. The ‘Advice on Tap’ event, hosted by job management software Powered Now, promises to bring together tradespeople from across the city. The event is designed to create a community for tradespeople, including installers, who often work in isolation or rely on social media for communication with others in their industry. Attendees will be able to enjoy a free game of mini golf, a goody bag giveaway, and drinks, as well as free tool marking by SelectaDNA for the first 30 sign-ups. The Powered Now team will be on hand to provide advice and actionable tips on how to streamline admin, digitalise business, and get on top of tax, particularly following the arrival of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. There are 50 free tickets available to people working in the trades. Tradespeople can register for a free ticket to Advice on Tap Cardiff online at the company's website. Bringing the trades together Benjamin Dyer, founder and CEO of Powered Now, comments, “We work with so many tradespeople who are now under more pressure than ever before. "With the trades often working solo, it can at times be a lonely job. Add to this a growing pile of admin, invoices, and paperwork, and it’s no surprise that many tradespeople are feeling stretched. “Advice on Tap is our way of bringing the trades together in Cardiff, with a proper evening out that’s worth them turning up for. "It’s about offering practical advice, a few laughs, and reminding tradespeople that they’re not alone with real talk on running a trade business.” Powered Now is a job management software designed specifically for trade businesses. With a UK-based support team, the company explains that the app allows businesses to invoice, quote, and schedule jobs and teams. For more from Powered Now, click here.

Celebrating 70 years of innovation: Doepke at Light + Building 2026

2026 marks a significant milestone for Doepke, as the company celebrates 70 years of expertise in electrical safety and protection. Since its founding in 1956, Doepke has established itself as a specialist in residual current protection, consistently delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for the electrical industry. Over the decades, the company has evolved alongside the sector - supporting everything from traditional installations to modern applications such as EV charging and heat pump systems. This anniversary year was proudly celebrated at Light + Building 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, one of the industry’s most important global events. The exhibition provided the ideal platform to reflect on Doepke’s journey while showcasing its latest innovations. Visitors to the Doepke stand were taken through a dedicated exhibition highlighting key milestones from the past 70 years. From early developments in protective devices to today’s advanced technologies, the display demonstrated how Doepke has remained at the forefront of electrical protection. The celebration at Light + Building was not only a look back at Doepke’s heritage, but a clear statement of intent for the future. As the industry continues to evolve, Doepke remains committed to supporting installers, contractors, and engineers with trusted expertise and innovative solutions. 70 years of protection, with the future firmly in focus. For more from Doepke, click here.

National Ventilation relaunches popular multi-function fan

National Ventilation, a leading UK-based ventilation manufacturer and supplier, has launched its popular Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 fan in a sleek, black design. The seven-in-one IntelliSense i7 is a clever multi-function fan and, as black interiors continue to grow in popularity, the choice of black or white offers a stylish and intelligent choice for wholesalers, electricians, and households alike. With a choice of intermittent or continuous running, this ultra-quiet, ultra-modern, smart bathroom fan runs extremely quietly at low speed, at just 17dB(A). The ingenious fan also offers an intelligent humidity sensor, a useful overrun timer, and presence sensor, as well as an airing function to avoid stuffy odours in the bathroom, while simultaneously offering a high performance of up to 110m³/hr. Offering the versatility to ventilate bathrooms, toilets, and utility areas, the seven-in-one IntelliSense i7 boasts six core ventilation modes including: three continuous ventilation modes, three intermittent modes, and one heat mover mode, allowing the fan to transfer any surplus heat to an adjacent room. Suitable for installation in wet areas (IP44) such as WCs and bathrooms, the fan offers further installation flexibility since it is suitable for both wall or ceiling mounting. This makes IntelliSense i7 the ideal choice for electrical wholesalers, who can offer this intelligent fan to their customers confident that, with its seven-in-one options, the fan’s versatility means it will fit the majority of bathroom installations. Plus, the new black option makes the fan even more adaptable for customers. With one fan suitable for most installations, wholesalers can hold less stock in their warehouses. Furthermore, electricians can keep the fan in their van knowing they will always have the right solution for their customers to hand and that they can also expect happy customers thanks to all of its intelligent features. “The Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 in black is an exciting new addition to the range, offering customers looking for a more contemporary look even greater choice alongside the fan’s versatile seven-in-one options”, says Robin Francis, Managing Director at National Ventilation. “Wholesalers and electricians can also be confident that they are selecting the right fan for customers since it offers reduced energy consumption due to a low-voltage motor, a third less than conventional bathroom fans, all in all making the IntelliSense i7 fan the intelligent choice.” Selecting the right fan The IntelliSense i7 is backed up with a five-year warranty. It's stylish yet great value and packed with clever features, including the fan’s intelligent self-adjusting humidity sensor, which continuously measures the humidity level in the room, protecting the home from condensation and mould. When a sharp rise in humidity is sensed (e.g. when taking a shower), or if the relative humidity (RH) exceeds 70%, it starts up automatically, and once the level is restored, the fan will return to basic flow or will stop. Meanwhile, a useful presence sensor is activated by motion (IR) or when the light is switched on to ensure the fan operates when the room is in use. The overrun time is 15 minutes, with the fan switching to a medium speed, 60 m³/h, and, depending on the choice of mode, it starts up immediately after 2.5 minutes. If the humidity control or presence sensor has not been active for 24 hours, the airing function will start up with the fan operating at medium speed for 30 minutes every 12 hours, avoiding stuffy, musty odours in the bathroom when the room is unoccupied for a while. The IntelliSense i7 offers excellent performance with high capacity and very good pressure capability, featuring a unique self-calibrating motor that senses and compensates its speed if, for example, wind resistance increases in the ventilation duct. This can be compared to a built-in cruise control that automatically ensures an optimal ventilation flow and avoids backdraughts even when the fan is running at low speed. Suitable for both wall and ceiling mounting, once the wall frame is installed, the fan is simply fixed to the wall frame, phase and neutral are connected, and the job is done, making installation easy for electricians. The fan offers plenty of space for electrical connection: it has a liftable terminal block, integrated seals around the back side of the wall frame, cable and screw entries, and a built-in multi-pole switch. Changing the function is easy too: simply lift the cover plate, select the desired mode with a screwdriver, and close the cover. It is also possible to change mode when the motor unit has been removed from the wall frame. For further information on the IntelliSense i7, click here to view the product on the company's website. For further information on all products and services offered by National Ventilation, telephone 01823 690 290 or visit the company's website. For more from National Ventilation, click here.

Electricians 'face new tax headache' on top of rising costs

New research from Tradesman Saver reveals that thousands of self-employed electricians will need to introduce new processes under the government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) reforms, adding to growing pressure from rising day-to-day costs. Six in 10 (61%) tradespeople currently manage their accounts themselves, while only one in five (21%) use an accountant or bookkeeper. A further 17% rely on a partner or spouse to handle their finances. The research highlights how unprepared many in the sector may be for the shift, which will require many sole traders to keep digital records and submit quarterly tax updates. The changes come during a period of wider financial pressures. Tradesman Saver’s data shows that rising fuel and transport costs (45%), household inflation (39%), and energy bills (34%) are the biggest financial pressures facing tradespeople today. Meanwhile, one in five (20%) say late or missed payments from customers are impacting their cashflow. Alongside everyday expenses, tradespeople are also dealing with rising tool and equipment costs (29%) and income tax (26%). Early digital adopters likely to win Dean Laming, Managing Director of Tradesman Saver, comments, “Making Tax Digital comes at a time when many tradespeople are already stretched, facing rising costs and ongoing cashflow challenges and fitting admin into evenings and weekends. “There are around 700,000 self-employed workers across construction. Our data shows that for many, the shift won’t just be a process change; it will mean adding another layer of financial responsibility, increasing the pressure on them in the short term. "However, those who adopt the right digital tools early are likely to benefit from greater visibility over invoices, payments, and business expenses like insurance, which could ultimately put them in a stronger position.” The research from Tradesman Saver was carried out in March 2026 and surveyed over 650 tradespeople.

VCHRGD partners with Kelvelec on EV charging

VCHRGD, a British EV chargepoint manufacturer, has partnered with Kelvelec, a UK-based electrical distributor serving the wholesale trade, to expand distribution of its EV charging products across the UK wholesale market. Under the agreement, Kelvelec will stock and supply VCHRGD’s range of smart EV chargers to its network of wholesale customers, improving access for electrical contractors and installers. The move reflects VCHRGD’s focus on the wholesale channel as a route to market, supporting engagement with installers and trade partners. The partnership follows VCHRGD’s existing collaborations with energy suppliers including Octopus Energy and So Energy. These arrangements allow installers to offer EV charging systems alongside time-of-use tariffs. Kelvelec customers will have access to VCHRGD’s charging range, which is supported by a UK-based technical team. The company reports a low return rate for its hardware, with fewer than 0.54% of units requiring replacement. Wider access for contractors and installers Phil McDermott, Chairman at VCHRGD, says, “Wholesale is a critical channel for us, and partnering with Kelvelec is an important step in expanding our reach across the UK. "They have a strong understanding of the electrical trade and share our focus on service, reliability, and supporting wholesalers and installers on the ground. "For our partners, this means easier access to chargers that are simple to install, competitively priced, and fully supported, alongside integrations with energy providers like Octopus and So Energy that are helping customers reduce charging costs.” Matt Gooding, Director at Kelvelec, adds, “VCHRGD share the same ethos and values as Kelvelec, prioritising the customer experience and delivery of exceptional service, so partnering with them was a no-brainer for us. "Meeting the passionate people within their team gave us huge confidence in the partnership, and we are proud to be working together with them to promote the products for exponential growth throughout 2026 and beyond.” Founded in 2021, VCHRGD operates across wholesale, installer, and fleet channels. The partnership with Kelvelec forms part of ongoing efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure across the UK. For more from VCHRGD, click here.

NAPIT opens redeveloped MCS Installer Scheme

Certification body and training provider NAPIT has launched the MCS Redeveloped Installer Scheme and confirmed it is now open to new applicants. The updated scheme is intended to strengthen certification standards, consumer protection, and quality across the small-scale renewables sector. It also introduces changes aimed at simplifying processes for installers while maintaining compliance requirements. The scheme includes a revised structure for assessing installer operations. Appendix A of the MCS Installer Operating Requirements sets out different operating scenarios, reflecting varying levels of business processes and controls. NAPIT has also introduced an online calculator to help installers identify which scenario may apply to their organisation. Phased transition for existing installers NAPIT states that existing members will transition to the redeveloped scheme in stages, with most expected to move across during 2026. The process will begin from mid-April, aligned with annual renewals and surveillance activities. Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT, says, “The MCS Redeveloped Installer Scheme is a key step in enhancing quality and standards in the small-scale renewable sector. "NAPIT will continue to support members throughout the transition to the redeveloped MCS Installer Scheme.” Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, adds, “The rollout of the redeveloped installer scheme is a significant milestone for the small-scale renewable industry and its continued growth. "Our redeveloped scheme is simple, robust, and rewarding for installers, and will transform consumer protection in the UK, helping to build lasting confidence in home-grown energy. "Congratulations to NAPIT on this exciting achievement. We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership under the redeveloped scheme and welcoming many installers over in the weeks and months to come.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

RAW opens EV charging hub in Leeds

RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors, has opened a new public electric vehicle charging hub at Cardigan Fields, described as the "largest high-powered site of its kind in Yorkshire." The hub includes 32 charging bays, made up of 14 AC fast chargers, six DC rapid chargers, and 12 ultra-rapid units. It is accessible 24 hours a day, serving a site that sees around 29,000 vehicles pass daily. The installation forms part of a £24.5 million programme led by RAW Charging and Landsec to expand EV charging infrastructure across 25 retail and leisure destinations. Expansion of EV infrastructure across retail sites The Cardigan Fields site builds on an existing partnership between RAW Charging and Landsec, aimed at deploying charging infrastructure across high-footfall locations. It follows a similar installation at Xscape Yorkshire, also operated by RAW Charging. Cardigan Fields is a leisure and retail destination in Leeds, with a mix of entertainment venues, restaurants, and fitness facilities. The new charging hub is intended to support visitors travelling by electric vehicle, as adoption continues to increase across the UK. According to industry figures, electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for around one in four new car sales in 2025, contributing to rising demand for accessible charging facilities. Locations such as retail parks and leisure centres are increasingly being used to provide this infrastructure. Landsec’s portfolio attracts more than 20 million visitors each year. Its collaboration with RAW Charging includes sites such as Bluewater, Gunwharf Quays, White Rose Shopping Park, and Cardigan Fields. The Cardigan Fields chargers support contactless payment and are available at all times. A promotional period offering free charging is scheduled from 13–19 April for users who register with RAW Rewards. Neil Broadbank, Chief Commercial Officer at RAW Charging, says, “We are delighted to bring Yorkshire its largest high-powered public EV charging hub at Cardigan Fields. "This installation is a significant milestone in our partnership with Landsec and our mission to connect amazing places across the UK.” Mark Welsby, Centre Manager at Cardigan Fields, adds, “We are delighted our customers can now use the new ultra-rapid charging hub at Cardigan Fields. "As demand for electric vehicles in the local area continues to grow, it’s vital that our retail destinations offer the infrastructure and convenience that drivers need. "We look forward to continuing our work with RAW Charging to deliver more EV hubs across our portfolio, driving meaningful progress towards net zero and creating long-term value for our communities.” For more from RAW Charging, click here.

'Low-carbon heating to become significant revenue source'

New polling from research foundation Nesta finds that heat pump installers and heating engineers across the UK are expecting low-carbon heating to quickly become a significant source of revenue, with one in four (25%) anticipating that between a quarter and a half of their income will come from low-carbon heating sources by winter. The survey of 200 gas heating engineers and heat pump installers, conducted by Censuswide in March, found that the majority (70%) of respondents expect heat pumps will deliver between 10% and 50% of their revenue by the winter. UK heat pump sales reached another record high in 2025 and interest in low-carbon technology has increased as fears of an energy crisis grow, with reports that sales for heat pumps have gone up by 30% since the start of the conflict in Iran and the Middle East. Nesta’s survey suggests heating engineers who seek hands-on training are best placed to diversify and grow their businesses as the transition to low-carbon heating sources, such as heat pumps, gathers pace. Six in 10 (60%) respondents say hands-on experience with new kit such as heat pumps - whether testing kit at a wholesaler (26%), seeing it in action in a customer’s home (20%), or trying it themselves (14%) - is the most effective way to learn before installation. A previous survey by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero revealed that only 27% of newly trained heat pump installers completed a heat pump installation within a year of training, due partly to a lack of confidence in the technology and the installation process. The skills gap continues Britain needs tens of thousands more trained engineers to hit 450,000 heat pump installations per year by 2030, part of the national drive to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach emission targets by 2050. By building confidence and know-how during the spring and summer, when heating engineers typically have more availability to upskill, they can expand the services they offer and future‑proof their businesses through access to reliable, well‑paid work in the long term. Madeleine Gabriel, Nesta’s Director of Sustainable Future, says, “Low-carbon heating is becoming central to how heating engineers make a living, so we need to make it easier for them to get hands-on with the technology, build skills that pay, and feel secure as demand grows. "Our existing heating workforce will help to drive a low-carbon future in homes across the UK, but we have to ensure they are well equipped in order for this to happen.” Matthew Kemp, installer at Leaping Hare Renewables in Norfolk, notes, “Heat pumps are a great example of where hands-on learning makes the difference. Once you’ve installed it and seen how it runs day to day, you understand the design and commissioning details in a way a course can’t replicate. "For experienced heating engineers like myself, as well as the next generation, including my daughter, Hope, it offers a great opportunity to upskill and get ready for the growing demand for low-carbon heating.”

Vent-Axia: 'Future Homes Standard puts ventilation in focus'

Ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has welcomed the Future Homes Standard - alongside the publication of updated Approved Document Part F (Means of Ventilation) and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations - as a step forward in reducing residential carbon emissions. The Future Homes Standard is expected to deliver homes that produce 75–80% less carbon emissions compared to 2013 standards. However, as buildings become increasingly airtight, Vent-Axia believes indoor air quality (IAQ) must also be considered to protect occupants' well-being. The company has highlighted the updated guidance's strengthened focus on competency, noting that well-designed, correctly installed, and effectively commissioned ventilation systems will be more important than ever as compliance becomes more complex for housebuilders. What the updated Building Regulations mean for installers Part F now states that greater care should be taken when installing mechanical ventilation systems, particularly centralised ones, and that the installer must be suitably competent - for example, a registered competent person - and that the work must meet Building Regulations requirements. Compliance can be demonstrated via self-certification by a registered competent person, or certification by a building control body. Part F also introduces guidance that those commissioning and testing mechanical ventilation systems should be trained and hold membership of an organisation that independently verifies their competence. There is also increased emphasis on system design, including airflow performance and ductwork resistance. The addition of maximum design system pressure for Mechanical Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems means designers must ensure pressure calculations are completed for each project. Part L introduces tighter specific fan power (SFP) targets across ventilation. Intermittent fans remain at 0.5W/l/s, while decentralised MEV (dMEV) is set at 0.3W/l/s and centralised MEV at 0.5W/l/s for new build. MVHR systems are reduced to 1.4W/l/s for new build. Part F also brings further changes to ducting, with a shift away from flexible ductwork. Rigid or smooth semi-rigid ducting is now required for continuous MEV or MVHR, while rigid ducting with duct lengths kept to a maximum of 2m is required for intermittent extract fans or dMEV where possible. Where duct runs exceed 2m, detailed design calculations and drawings must be provided to building control by a competent person. Joe Brawn, Product and Marketing Director at Vent-Axia, says, "We welcome the Future Homes Standard and the clarity it provides housebuilders. "As carbon targets rise and homes become more airtight, it will become even more important to ensure ventilation systems are correctly designed, installed, and commissioned to ensure good indoor air quality." In response to the changes, Vent-Axia is opening a new training facility at its Dudley manufacturing site in the coming months, adding to its existing NICEIC Domestic Ventilation Training Course at its Crawley training suite. The two-day course covers legal requirements, system design, installation, testing, commissioning, and fault-finding in line with the latest National Occupational Standards and Minimum Technical Competency documents. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.