RAW Charging Opens 32-Bay EV Charging Hub at Xscape Milton Keynes

RAW Charging has opened a new 32-bay EV charging hub at Xscape Milton Keynes, described as the largest EV charging installation in the region. The new ultra-rapid charging hub is now available to visitors and has been designed to support the growing number of EV drivers using the leisure and retail destination. The installation includes eight rapid bays and eight ultra-rapid chargers, providing options for both longer stays and quicker visits. Xscape Milton Keynes attracts millions of visitors each year with attractions including Cineworld, Volcano Falls, iFLY and Snozone, alongside a range of retail and dining facilities. RAW Charging says the new infrastructure will allow drivers to recharge while making use of the destination. The chargers support contactless payment and major EV charging apps. To mark the launch, drivers can also take advantage of free charging at the hub between August 11–13, 2026, by signing up to RAW Rewards. The installation forms part of a £24.5 million programme between RAW Charging and property company Landsec to deliver more than 1,000 new EV charging bays across 28 UK retail and leisure destinations. More than 150 bays have been delivered so far, with further sites scheduled to launch during 2026. Neil Broadbank, CCO at RAW Charging, says: "We are exceptionally proud to launch one of our largest charging hubs to date at Xscape Milton Keynes, in partnership with Landsec. "This is a destination where people come to experience something special and our mission is to ensure that EV charging is just as memorable, seamless, reliable and future-proof. By connecting EV drivers to amazing places like Xscape, we're not only supporting the UK's transition to electric vehicles but also enhancing the experience at every touchpoint." Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, adds: "We're delighted to be working with RAW to install 32 brand new electric vehicle charging bays at Xscape Milton Keynes. "Our goal is to make it easy for visitors to enjoy all that we have to offer, with the peace of mind that their electric vehicles can be charged safely and conveniently while they shop, dine or take part in the array of leisure activities here at Xscape." RAW Charging was recently recognised with the Zapmap Best Destination Network Award for 2026 and has also achieved ICC Gold accreditation. The company is continuing to invest in charging infrastructure at retail, leisure and hospitality destinations as demand for convenient EV charging facilities grows across the UK.

Knightsbridge Unveils Complete Downlighter Family

Knightsbridge has introduced a comprehensive fire-rated downlighter portfolio, with RenuLED, CyroLED and SpektroLED EVO designed to address different project, performance and budget requirements across residential and commercial installations. At the top of the range, SpektroLED EVO offers what Knightsbridge describes as a ‘108-downlights-in-one’ solution. It combines selectable 5W/7W outputs with four CCT options – 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K – and multiple bezel finishes. This flexibility is designed to reduce the number of individual products installers need to specify and the stockholding requirements for distributors. Available in fixed, tilt and smart variants, SpektroLED EVO includes a 90° tilt option for directional lighting. The range is IP65 rated, fire-rated and IC compatible, while smart versions integrate with the Smart Life app for remote control of colour temperature, brightness and on/off functions. Installation features include first and second fix connectors with loop-in/loop-out capability and magnetic bezels for rapid customisation. SpektroLED EVO has a stated lifespan of 50,000 hours. Sitting below SpektroLED EVO, CyroLED provides fixed, tilt and anti-glare options. Quad-CCT selection – 3000K, 4000K, 5000K and 6500K – combines with selectable 4W/6W output to give installers flexibility over lighting appearance and performance. All CyroLED models are IP65, fire-rated, IC rated and acoustic rated. Twist-and-lock interchangeable bezels are available in several finishes, while a remote driver provides accessible wattage and CCT switching. Knightsbridge quotes efficiency of 120 to 130 lm/W and provides a five-year warranty. RenuLED completes the family as the entry-level option for everyday domestic installations. Available in fixed and tilt versions, it features TRI-CCT technology, with fixed models carrying an IP65 rating. The tilt version provides a 20° adjustment for directional lighting. Push-fit loop-in/loop-out terminals are designed to simplify installation, while interchangeable clip-on bezels are offered in five finishes. RenuLED is fire-rated for up to 90 minutes and carries a three-year warranty. Together, the three ranges give electrical contractors a choice of downlighter solutions spanning cost-conscious residential work through to more flexible and feature-rich commercial and residential lighting schemes.

Kiwa introduces world’s first certified 180-minute fire resistance cables test

Kiwa has responded to evolving requirements for fire safety in high-rise residential buildings with the introduction of what it is calling the world’s first certified 180-minute fire resistance test for cables. The new 180-minute test, as part of BASEC Certificate of Assessed Design (CAD058),  goes beyond the 30, 60 and 120-minute benchmarks which form the basis of current standards for fire-resistant cables. The prolonged burn test is set to drive standards as the construction of high-occupancy high-rise buildings continues to gather pace, posing ever more complex challenges for those responsible for fire safety.  Kiwa’s BASEC business unit conducts independent tests at its own laboratories, with the CAD providing assurance to all those involved in fire systems specification and management that the product still performs as expected even after 180 minutes’ exposure to fire. James Daniels, Business Unit Manager at Kiwa, explains, “The current standards for 30, 60 and 120-minute fire-resistant cables have underpinned the design of life safety systems for many years. They still govern the design of systems such as fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, emergency voice communication, smoke extraction and pressurisation systems and firefighting infrastructure. “However, these standards date from times when occupancy levels in high-rise buildings were generally lower, rather than being the densely populated hubs of both working and residential life which they have nowadays become. Meanwhile, the quantity of buildings exceeding 150 metres in height is rising rapidly, meaning more intense requirements around safety and evacuation, with more people needing to exit the building and having to cover more distance to do so. These greater physical heights and higher occupancy rates place greater demands on the systems designed to protect occupants against the risks posed by fire.”  James continues, “All of this means the role of interconnected active fire safety systems has never been more prominent. Should a fire break out, the integrity of circuits – and therefore the cables that connect critical fire safety elements - is vital. The longer these cables remain functional, the longer the time available for evacuation and emergency response. In short, the specification and installation of cables possessing the maximum level of resistance performance has the potential to save many, many lives.” While the minimum fire resistance standards for cables have not yet been altered to reflect these changing building risk profiles, Kiwa believes it is only a matter of time given ever greater stringency in legislation and sector-specific regulation. “Enacted in 2022 in light of the Grenfell disaster, the Building Safety Act has heightened the role of ‘Accountable Persons’ when it comes to the specification, installation, maintenance and performance of fire mitigation systems within high-rise buildings in the UK,” continues James. “Cables are a particular challenge as they are hidden away, making maintenance and replacement far more difficult - increasing the pressure for best-practice decision-making in this area from the very outset.” Regulation 38 now mandates that detailed, evidence-based fire safety information, such as photographs and commissioning records, must be supplied at project completion. At the same time, BS 9991:2024 significantly revised the UK’s fire safety code of practice for residential buildings, optimising evacuation procedures and enhancing structural protection, while minimising fire risks in modern residential buildings. “Given the tightening regulations, building owners, managers and specifiers are increasingly going beyond current levels of compliance and seeking systems that are proven to perform at the highest level. Sooner rather than later, performance standards in fire resistance for cables will be tightened in line with this,” adds James. If adopted into BSI standards, CAD058 will be the force behind an effective tripling of circuit integrity performance, providing even greater resilience in buildings where firefighting may take place over an extended period, and evacuation may also need to be staged. “The development of the 180-minute test further demonstrates how Kiwa is driving industry standards forward through rigorous testing and certification – providing greater resilience and peace of mind for owners, managers and building users that in the event of a fire, the specified cables will provide the fire resistance needed to keep occupants safe,” concludes James.

KNIPEX launches Ratchet Cable Cutters

New from KNIPEX are the Ratchet Cable Cutters – the 95 36 250 and 95 36 and 280 – which are built for fast, controlled cutting without the weight or bulk usually associated with cutting capacity of this size. Both cutters share the same design principles. An innovative three-stage ratchet drive delivers high leverage for easy cutting in either one-handed or two-handed operation, so installers aren't forced to use excessive force to get through a conductor.  Hardened, precisely ground cutting edges produce a smooth, neat cut without crushing the cable and a manual open and emergency release can be triggered in any position, giving installers a way out if the tool needs to be stopped mid-cut. Both models are VDE-tested and when the job is done they lock closed for transport, saving space in a tool bag and protecting the cutting edges from damage. The difference between the two models comes down to capacity and handle length. The 95 36 250 has a 250 mm long handle and is built for cables with single and multi-wire conductors up to 32 mm in diameter (240 mm²), while the slightly larger 95 36 280 extends that range to 52 mm (380 mm²), covering the heavier copper and aluminium cables found on larger installations.  Despite their different cutting capacity, both cutters are designed to be light and manageable so they can be used in confined areas where a larger cutting tool would struggle to fit. A pinch guard is fitted to both models to help prevent operators' fingers being caught during use. Between the 95 36 250 and 95 36 280, installers can choose a ratchet cutter that takes the effort out of a clean, controlled cut on a range of cable sizes.

TRT Lighting modernises Frenchgate Tunnel with LED Retrofit

TRT Lighting has helped modernise the lighting installation within Doncaster’s Frenchgate Tunnel, delivering significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions while retaining the existing luminaire infrastructure. Located beneath Trafford Way in Doncaster, the Frenchgate Tunnel forms part of the wider Frenchgate Interchange development, connecting road, rail and bus infrastructure within the town centre. By 2023, the tunnel’s existing lighting installation had become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. The original system used high-pressure sodium (HPS) and fluorescent lighting technology housed within WRTL Metis tunnel luminaires and controlled via an ageing lighting control system. The lighting design had originally been developed in line with the now-superseded BS 5489-7 standard for tunnel lighting. Compared with modern LED tunnel lighting systems, the installation was operating with significantly higher energy consumption while offering limited flexibility in lighting control and performance management. A survey identified that while the luminaire housings remained in serviceable condition, the lighting technology and controls no longer reflected current tunnel lighting requirements. Doncaster Council therefore sought a complete upgrade package through competitive tender, with key objectives including improved energy efficiency, compliant lighting performance and the reuse of existing infrastructure where possible. P Ducker Systems Ltd (PDS) was appointed as principal contractor, working alongside TRT Lighting to deliver an LED retrofit solution. Instead of removing and replacing the complete luminaires, the retrofit system replaced the original HPS and fluorescent lamp gear assemblies while retaining the existing housings. This reduced installation complexity, material waste and project cost while extending the usable life of the existing infrastructure. The retrofit trays were purpose-designed for the Metis luminaires rather than adapted from alternative products. Dedicated aluminium heatsinks were developed to manage thermal performance within the enclosed tunnel environment, helping to maximise LED lifetime and long-term reliability where maintenance access is difficult and tunnel closures are costly. Separate retrofit trays were supplied for the HPS and fluorescent lighting elements, with DALI drivers integrated to work alongside the new PDS Scanlight Eco+ lighting control system. The retrofit system was engineered as a plug-and-play solution. Existing mounting arrangements, communication connections and luminaire carcasses were retained, allowing installation without structural modifications to the luminaires themselves. The retrofit trays were also lighter than the original lamp and gear assemblies, removing the need for additional structural testing or infrastructure alterations. Tim Whiteley, Senior Solutions Manager at P Ducker Systems Ltd, explains, “The Frenchgate Tunnel project required a solution that could modernise the lighting installation while minimising disruption and making best use of the existing infrastructure. TRT’s retrofit approach provided a practical and efficient way to achieve this, combining proven tunnel lighting performance with the benefits of reduced installation time, lower material usage and improved long-term maintainability.” The completed retrofit delivered improvements in energy efficiency, lighting performance and long-term maintainability while avoiding the need for a full luminaire replacement scheme. By reusing the existing tunnel luminaires, the project reduced material waste and retained infrastructure that still had substantial operational life remaining. This circular approach also helped minimise embodied carbon and installation disruption compared with a traditional full replacement solution. Lighting calculations for the upgraded installation estimated that annual energy consumption would fall from approximately 657,769kWh to 168,086kWh, representing a reduction of around 74%. Estimated CO₂ emissions were also reduced from 153.27 tonnes to 39.16 tonnes per annum, while the scheme was expected to deliver annual energy cost savings of more than £53,800. The cost-saving figure is considered conservative as it does not account for the increasing maintenance costs associated with the previous HPS installation. Craig Morris, Street Lighting Manager at Doncaster Council, concludes, “Retaining the existing tunnel luminaires while upgrading the lighting technology allowed us to improve efficiency and lighting performance without the cost and disruption of a full replacement scheme. The retrofit approach aligned well with the project objectives and minimised installation difficulties due to the council not owning the tunnel structure, delivering a more sustainable long-term solution for the tunnel infrastructure.”

New Vent-Axia whitepaper explores rising building overheating risk

With the UK experiencing four heatwaves so far this year and with heat-health warnings currently in place across parts of England, ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has sponsored a new white paper examining the growing challenge of overheating in UK buildings. The Solutions for Mitigating Overheating in Residential and Commercial Buildings report explores how architects are responding to the need to mitigate overheating in new-build properties, amid tightening regulations and rising temperatures, including highlighting the increasing role of ventilation as part of the overall mitigation strategy. With more than 2,800 excess deaths estimated during the May and June 2026 heatwaves, and the impact of July’s heatwaves yet to be assessed, overheating in our homes has become a serious public health issue. It is therefore no surprise that three-quarters of those surveyed in the white paper were actively considering ‘climate-responsive strategies’ that go beyond regulatory minimums when designing buildings.  However, there are a range of challenges in mitigating overheating. As new homes become more thermally efficient to reduce carbon emissions and help meet the UK’s Net-Zero 2050 target, the risk of overheating is increasing.  Some 77% of respondents believed that medium or high-rise residential buildings designed to Part L 2021 were at risk of overheating, with volume housebuilding not far behind at 68%. Education buildings were considered to be the third highest risk, with 66% of those surveyed identifying them as vulnerable to overheating.  When removing excess heat, Approved Document O of the Building Regulations 2021 prioritises passive measures to reduce overheating. However, findings suggest effective mechanical ventilation is becoming an increasingly important part of the overall strategy, particularly where passive design alone cannot adequately remove excess heat.  Some 69% of respondents cited Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) as the ventilation approach they use most frequently. In addition, almost six in 10 (59%) believe the Future Homes Standard will accelerate demand for intelligent ventilation systems capable of automatically responding to changing indoor and outdoor temperatures. “In the recent heatwaves, we have all experienced how overheating is becoming a challenge in our homes. With homes becoming more airtight to reduce carbon emissions, while global temperatures continue to rise, this challenge is only set to increase. As a result, architects are finding it more difficult to achieve the requirements set out to combat the overheating risk in Part O and TM59 standards,” says Steve Pearce, Product Manager at Vent-Axia.  “In line with Part O, passive design should always be considered first. However, where these measures alone cannot adequately mitigate overheating, effective ventilation has an important role to play in helping remove excess heat, improve indoor air quality and create healthier, more comfortable buildings. As the research shows, architects are increasingly recognising the importance of effective mechanical ventilation strategies in their buildings, with MVHR frequently the mechanical ventilation of choice in new-build properties.” When removing excess heat, Part O lists acceptable methods in order of preference, starting with opening windows, followed by ventilation louvres, mechanical ventilation and mechanical cooling.  When natural ventilation options are restricted, mechanical ventilation provides a valuable solution with a number of different types of technology available. With today’s developments demanding flexibility to meet building regulations, provide good thermal comfort, and good indoor air quality, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to ventilation. Instead, a range of adaptable solutions are needed to meet project-specific requirements. As a result, ventilation manufacturers have been developing a raft of future-ready and climate-responsive solutions. Vent-Axia’s latest range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq, delivers coolth or heat recovery efficiencies of up to 93%. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq comes with intelligent automatic 100% summer bypass capabilities, offering free cooling.  But when free cooling via an MVHR summer bypass alone is insufficient to mitigate overheating throughout the year, specifiers can consider MVHR systems with integrated DX cooling modules, such as Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow. This option features intelligent controls that switch automatically between heat recovery, summer bypass and active cooling via the DX cooling module.  One of the latest innovations available is a combined MVHR unit with a hot water air source heat pump. This type of system combines two technologies, offering 2-in-1 – renewable hot water and a free cooling solution. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS), Vent-Axia’s latest flagship MVHR system, features all-new controls allowing communication with the KERS Coolboost Heat Pump.  To download Solutions for Mitigating Overheating in Residential and Commercial Buildings’ visit: ADF White paper| Mitigating Overheating in Residential & Commercial Buildings | 1 Vent-Axia To find out more about Part O Vent-Axia has also published a useful eBook ‘A Guide to Meeting Part O with Confidence’ it is available for download by signing up for the eBook guide here Vent-Axia also runs a CIBSE-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course: ‘Overheating in Residential Properties: Part O - How ventilation can be part of the solution to remove excess heat'.  To book Vent-Axia’s CIBSE-approved CPDs with one of its experienced ventilation experts, email cpd@vent-axia.com. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Five Questions Every Electrical Contractor Should Ask Before Entering a Confined Space

For many electrical contractors, working in confined spaces is simply part of the job. Whether carrying out maintenance in cable vaults, installing equipment in plant rooms or accessing underground service tunnels and chambers, these environments are encountered across a wide range of projects. Civil Safety provides some important guidance.  However, familiarity can sometimes lead to complacency. Confined spaces present hazards that may not be immediately obvious and even experienced contractors can underestimate the risks if work is not properly planned. The consequences can be severe, particularly if a hazardous atmosphere develops or an emergency occurs in a location where escape is difficult. Before anyone enters a confined space, asking the right questions can help ensure work is carried out safely, legally and efficiently. Is this actually a confined space? Not every enclosed area is a confined space under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, but neither is every confined space obvious. The Regulations define a confined space as one that is substantially enclosed and where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of serious injury from hazardous substances or conditions, such as a lack of oxygen, toxic gases, fire, flooding or excessive heat. Electrical contractors may encounter confined spaces in locations such as: • Cable vaults • Underground service tunnels • Utility chambers • Valve pits • Pumping stations • Certain plant rooms • Ducts and crawl spaces Understanding whether the Regulations apply is the first step towards implementing appropriate control measures. It also requires competent judgement, which is why ensuring those planning and supervising the work have the necessary knowledge is so important. Have all the hazards been identified? Every confined space is different and the risks can change depending on the work being carried out. Before entry, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment should consider not only the environment itself but also any hazards introduced by the task. For electrical contractors, this could include: • Oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichment • Toxic gases or vapours • Fire or explosion risks • Live electrical equipment • Hot works • Restricted access and egress • Flooding or water ingress • Poor visibility or communication It’s also important to understand that conditions can change during the course of the work. A space that appears safe when first entered may become hazardous if fumes build up, ventilation changes or another activity nearby affects the atmosphere. Recognising these risks requires more than simply completing a checklist. Those involved need to understand how hazards develop and how different risks can interact. Real-world scenario An electrical contractor enters an underground cable chamber to carry out routine maintenance. Initial gas monitoring confirms the atmosphere is safe and work begins. Part way through the task, nearby hot works introduce fumes into the chamber through connecting ductwork. Thanks to continuous monitoring of the atmosphere, the change is detected quickly. Work is stopped immediately, the chamber is evacuated and the area is made safe before anyone is harmed. Without ongoing monitoring or a clear emergency procedure, the situation could have developed very differently. The lesson? A confined space that appears safe when work begins may not remain safe throughout the task. Risk assessments, monitoring and rescue arrangements should take account of changing conditions, not just the initial environment. Can the work be carried out without entering the confined space? The Confined Spaces Regulations place a clear emphasis on avoiding entry wherever reasonably practicable. Before planning access, consider whether the work could instead be completed using alternative methods, such as: • Remote monitoring equipment • CCTV inspections • Extension tools • Isolation from outside the space • Alternative maintenance techniques Eliminating the need for entry removes the risks associated with working inside the confined space altogether. Where entry cannot be avoided, it should only take place after appropriate control measures have been implemented. Do we have the right competence, not just the right equipment? Having the correct equipment available is only one part of working safely in a confined space. Gas monitors, escape breathing apparatus, ventilation equipment and rescue systems are only effective if those using them understand how they operate, recognise their limitations and know what action to take if conditions change. Similarly, supervisors need the competence to assess whether planned control measures remain suitable throughout the work and whether it is safe for the task to continue. Training should not be viewed simply as a compliance exercise. Appropriate confined space training helps workers understand the risks they may encounter, use equipment correctly, follow safe systems of work and respond appropriately in an emergency. Regular refresher training can also help ensure knowledge remains current, particularly where confined space work is only undertaken occasionally. If something goes wrong, how will someone be rescued? One of the most common misconceptions is that calling the emergency services is, in itself, a rescue plan. In reality, rescue arrangements should be considered before work begins and be appropriate for the specific confined space and the risks involved. A rescue plan should consider: • How an injured or unconscious person would be reached • How they would be removed safely • The equipment required • Communication arrangements • The roles and responsibilities of everyone involved • How emergency services would be supported if required Just as importantly, everyone involved should understand the rescue arrangements before entry takes place. Regular practical exercises and emergency drills help ensure rescue plans can be implemented effectively if the worst happens. In an emergency, there is rarely time to work out what should have been done. Safe Entry Starts Before Anyone Goes Inside Confined space work should never become routine simply because it is carried out regularly. By asking these five questions before work begins, electrical contractors can ensure that risks are properly assessed, appropriate control measures are in place and emergency arrangements have been considered. Furthermore, the process highlights whether everyone involved has the knowledge and competence needed to carry out the work safely. Investing time in planning, maintaining competence through appropriate training and ensuring suitable rescue arrangements are in place not only helps organisations meet their legal duties but also reduces the likelihood of incidents, protects those carrying out the work and helps ensure projects are completed safely the first time.

Ovia spotlights its upgraded emergency exit box, Orbik Vipex5

Lighting brand Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to build on its Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting range - a portfolio that has benefitted from significant investment to enhance innovation, performance, and compliance. Significant to the upgraded portfolio is the Vipex5, a 4W polycarbonate exit box. Delivering outstanding performance, the Vipex5 boasts a 36-metre viewing distance for maximum visibility and safety. Its ultra-narrow frame creates a sleek, modern aesthetic, while the robust polycarbonate construction provides a durable upgrade from traditional metal exit boxes. Designed for versatility, this polycarbonate exit box can be easily retrofitted, making it an ideal, stylish solution for both new installations and refurbishment projects. In addition to Vipex5, every product within the Orbik by Ovia range benefits from a number of key technical and functional upgrades including enhanced self-test functionality, long-life LiFePO4 battery technology, a five-year warranty, and refined designs to meet the evolving demands of modern emergency lighting applications. The expanded Orbik portfolio The Orbik range is broken down into the following categories: exit signs, ‘Five in One’ exit signs, hanging exit signs, exit boxes, twin spots, circular and square spots, bulkheads, pin spots, and control gear and accessories - encompassing a comprehensive selection of emergency lighting solutions designed to meet diverse commercial and industrial requirements. Bespoke emergency lighting designs Ovia also offers bespoke emergency lighting design schemes engineered to comply with the latest BS5266 code of practice, incorporating all design objectives for optimal performance. Ovia’s highly skilled specialists produce detailed, accurate lighting layouts tailored to project requirements, ensuring comprehensive solutions that are perfectly engineered for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. For more information on the Orbik emergency lighting range, visit Ovia’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

Recolight announces new appointment to board of directors

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has appointed David Barnwell to its board of directors, where he will represent Holophane, a UK manufacturer of sustainable LED lighting. The appointment marks the first time Holophane has held a seat on the Recolight board. David has been Managing Director of Holophane since 2019 and has more than 30 years' experience in the lighting industry, including more than 26 years with the company. He also sits on the board of the Lighting Industry Association, having served as its President from 2024 to 2026. Reactions to the appointment Commenting on joining the Recolight board as Non-Executive Director, David says, "I'm delighted to join the Recolight board. "Having spent my career developing and marketing lighting products, I understand how important it is that our industry takes responsibility for the whole lifecycle of what we make. "I'm proud to represent Holophane on the board, and I look forward to supporting Recolight's work." Recolight Chief Executive Nigel Harvey adds, "We are delighted to welcome David to our board. His extensive experience in many different aspects of the lighting industry will be of real benefit as we develop our services for Producer Members. "I very much look forward to his insights and inputs as Recolight responds to the challenges of the coming years." He joins Andreas Adam, Senior Director at LEDVANCE and Board Chair; Cameron Wilson, Customer Resolution Manager at Signify; Andrew Clark, Financial Controller at Feilo Sylvania UK; and Steven Reed, Commercial Manager at Trilux. For more from Recolight, click here.

UK Power Networks completes £6.5m Brighton power upgrade

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks has completed a £6.5 million power upgrade to strengthen Brighton’s electricity network, working in collaboration with infrastructure contractor Clancy. The installation of 7km of new underground cables between substations in Brighton and Fishersgate is intended to bolster power supplies for 10,000 homes and businesses, investing in long-term network reliability for homes and businesses across the wide area. Cable ducts were first installed between the two substations, with the team then returning to install cable joint bays every 500 metres along the route, allowing the cables to be pulled through and connected in stages until the route was complete. Afterwards, the final connections were safely completed at both ends of the route. Future-proofing Brighton's electricity supplies Richard Plant, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, comments, "This investment is helping to future-proof electricity supplies across the city, maintaining safe and reliable power for thousands of customers. “This project forms part of our wider investment programme, which saw more than £800 million invested last year across the South East, London, and the East of England to keep power supplies safe, reliable, and ready for a lower-carbon future.” Andy Cherrett, Contract Manager at Clancy, adds, “This has been a challenging project, delivered through strong teamwork between Clancy and UK Power Networks. "Everyone has worked closely together to deliver the long-term benefits of this investment for homes, businesses, and the wider Brighton community.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.