Metal Clad Pro wiring accessories from Click Scolmore

Metal Clad Pro from Click Scolmore is a robust range of premium, durable wiring accessories that combine a modern aesthetic with Click’s latest innovations to offer stylish, long-lasting performance for any environment. Designed with a contemporary, curved profile and matching surface boxes, the Metal Clad Pro range comprises switches, socket outlets, modular plates, fused connection units, and blank boxes. The entire range is available in three striking finishes: Metal Clad Grey, Polar White, and Matt Black. Premium upgrades Sitting alongside the existing Metal Clad product portfolio, Metal Clad Pro provides installers and designers with a more modern wiring accessories solution. The modular construction allows for easy modifications and custom switching solutions, ensuring total flexibility on site. The products are packed with features that incorporate Click’s most recent product improvements as standard to create a premium, surface-mountable range. These include: • Contemporary curved profile with matching back box profile — This achieves a neat and precise fit for an unobtrusive aesthetic and to eliminate uneven surfaces. • LED indicator — This results in a brighter, more modern method of indication, replacing traditional neon indicators and located on the rocker switch. • Ingot-style socket pins — All Metal Clad Pro socket outlets (round pin excluded) contain the new ‘Ingot’ style socket pins as opposed to the traditional T-shaped versions. • New insert shapes — FCUs and 20A switches now feature a stylish, modern insert shape that reduces the amount of exposed white plastic around the inserts. • Three-pin safety shutters — These ensure that all three socket outlet pins are engaged correctly before the shutters open, providing added protection. • Customisable configurations — The range is compatible with Click’s MiniGrid range, allowing flexible module interchanges. Fused connection units Every Metal Clad Pro FCU contains all the features from Click’s FCU redesign and also includes a host of features to achieve a premium, robust product: • Fuse orientation — in a vertical position to improve the aesthetic of the product • Lockable fuse drawer — providing an additional security step to prevent unauthorised access • Angled terminals — all in the same upwards orientation to allow for ease of termination / installation • Strip length marking — added to the rear housing to show the perfect termination length • Enhanced fuse ventilation — provides improved airflow, allowing the fuse to operate at a cooler temperature Featuring electrophoretically coated plates and back boxes, these products are built to withstand the toughest environments, ensuring a long-lasting finish. Perfect for demanding installations in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings, Metal Clad Pro offers peace of mind with a 20-year warranty, guaranteeing durability and reliability. The Metal Clad Pro socket outlets and FCUs are tested and approved to BS 1363 regulations and have been added to Click Scolmore’s long-standing Kitemark Licence. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewrpWjY0zOA[/embed] For more information, download the full brochure and explore the new Metal Clad Pro range on the Scolmore Group website or via the Scolmore Group app. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

NICEIC celebrates 2026 SkillELECTRIC finalists

NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, has said it is pleased to celebrate the 2026 SkillELECTRIC finalists, as the eight competitors who scored most highly across the national qualifying heats have now been named. NICEIC is a delivery partner of SkillELECTRIC, which is organised by industry charity National Electrotechnical Training (NET). The SkillELECTRIC competition is part of the WorldSkills UK competition framework and showcases the best emerging talent in the electrotechnical sector. This year’s finalists will compete in the national finals, which will take place at Bridgend College across the week of 16 November. Emerging talent recognised The 2026 finalists are: • Jessica Lott — UCS College Group (Bridgwater) / Jowett & Jowett • Lee McLean — SECTT / Adlib • Rhys Howey — SECTT / WPP Electrical • Ryan Whitford — SECTT / NG Bailey • Sam Chadderton — Hopwood Hall College / Isolate Electrical • Scott Drew — HM Royal Engineers • Tanvir Singh — Leicester College / C&B Electrical • Will Boyer — Blackburn College / Paul Wilson Electrical and Renewable Energy Solutions At this year’s final, competitors will have to excel in a complicated two-day practical installation task - including a complex electrical circuit and EV charging unit - set to a strict timescale and against a rigorous marking criteria. Those who perform well enough and are age-eligible could be in with a chance of representing the UK in the Electrical Installation competition at WorldSkills 2028 in Aichi, Japan. Alex Robinson, Head of Training at NICEIC, comments, “The standard on display has been outstanding this year. "We are delighted to champion initiatives like SkillELECTRIC that showcase the technical ability, drive, and commitment of emerging talent, while shining a spotlight on the value of vocational learning and apprenticeships.” NICEIC adds that it extends its congratulations to all the finalists and wishes them the very best as they prepare for the national stage. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Bunker expands secure van storage range

Bunker, a maker of modular tool and workshop storage systems, has expanded its van storage range with three new secure storage products designed to help tradespeople protect tools and equipment from theft whilst improving van organisation. The new additions all carry 'Secured by Design' accreditation and a 'Sold Secure Silver' rating. Like the existing range, each product also includes a concealed holder for an Apple AirTag or similar Bluetooth tracker. The launch follows ongoing concerns around tool theft, with Bunker citing research showing that 86% of tradespeople consider theft a major concern. Three new storage products introduced The new range includes the T2 Outback, a large, lockable storage box designed for vans or use on site. It features two keyed-alike disc locks, a reinforced lid, a shear-off handle, a gas strut for controlled opening, and adjustable levelling feet. Also joining the range is the T3 Tipper, intended for tipper trucks and site storage. Designed for storing larger equipment, such as chainsaws and strimmers, it shares many of the T2's security features, including twin disc locks, adjustable levelling feet, and a gas strut. Completing the launch is the S2 Slim Slider, a slimline drawer designed to fit alongside a van's sliding or rear doors. It incorporates a 70mm stainless steel disc lock, full-extension ball-bearing drawer slides, and a top surface with a 1,000kg load rating, allowing heavy equipment or pallets to be placed on top. Alongside security, Bunker says the range is intended to improve organisation inside work vans. Company research found that 77% of tradespeople are dissatisfied with how organised their van is, with respondents reporting they lose more than 40 hours each year searching for tools and equipment. Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing at Bunker, comments, "Since its launch, the van storage range has been really well received, picking up multiple industry awards and earning praise from van fit-out professionals and the wider trade community. "We wanted to build on that initial success and offer the trades greater versatility and the option to securely store larger pieces of equipment. "With these new lines, we're confident we've got something to suit a wide range of vans and solutions that will help bring peace of mind to all trades." The new products are available now from Bunker stockists. For more from Bunker, click here.

ESP spotlights Aperta IP multi-way door entry system

Fire and security solutions supplier ESP's Aperta IP PoE access control range offers installers high-spec door entry solutions that are quick and easy to install and suitable for a wide range of projects. From large apartment blocks to small commercial properties and domestic dwellings, the range has been designed to offer more flexible installation and improved performance compared with traditional ‘two-wire’ and ‘four-wire’ systems. At the top end of the range is the Aperta IP Multi Way Outdoor Station which offers a range of features and benefits, including simple PoE installation, HD video, IP65 ingress protection, and a user-friendly 4” GUI display. The system is powered by a PoE switch and includes proximity fob and keypad functions to release connected door locks, making it an ideal system for buildings housing multiple apartments or offices - particularly as up to 200 individual apartments or offices can be accommodated per outdoor station. For larger projects than this, contractors and specifiers are encouraged to contact ESP’s dedicated technical team for further information (design@espuk.com). App integration The Aperta IP system is powered by the ClickSmart+ app, which gives control of the whole Aperta IP range. App functions include receiving calls from the outdoor station, with clear, two-way audio and video; lock release to allow access to the property; snapshot to mobile phone; and monitor playback for missed events (which requires a microSD card installation). The outdoor station is manufactured from an aluminium alloy offering a robust housing design solution with a high impact rating. It features a high-definition camera and full duplex audio to provide clear communication during a visitor call. Wider features The Aperta IP range includes 7” monitors, available in a black or white housing option and featuring a slimline, contemporary design. They offer Wi-Fi and LAN connection to support the various functions of the ClickSmart+ app, including the ‘Call Divert’ feature, which transfers calls to the app when a visitor calls from the outdoor station. The monitors incorporate a user-friendly touchscreen GUI monitor and offer a full, high-definition live view from the out station’s camera, as well as duplex audio. They also include a record function (microSD card required). All devices are connected together via PoE switches, making installations convenient by removing the requirement to have a power supply per device. Unlike other options on the market, the Aperta IP door entry system does not require programming software to configure the system. A brochure showcasing the Aperta IP range can be downloaded from the ESP website, as well as from the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.

Hampshire launches ECA electrical skills alliance

Businesses, education providers, and local authorities have launched a new Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA) for Hampshire and Solent, with the aim of addressing regional skills shortages across the electrical sector. Developed by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), ETCAs are intended to strengthen collaboration between employers, education providers, and the wider skills sector to improve access to training and support future workforce development. Representatives met at Solent University on 14 July 2026 to establish the alliance's initial priorities, focusing on skills shortages identified in the Hampshire & Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). The launch follows continued concerns over skills shortages across the construction, engineering, and building services sectors. ECA recently contributed to a Fabian Society report highlighting workforce pressures and the role of apprenticeships in helping to develop a skilled workforce. Priorities for regional workforce development The Hampshire and Solent ETCA has agreed to focus on strengthening collaboration between employers, training providers, and manufacturers; increasing awareness of the alliance; and providing clearer guidance on training routes and pathways to competence. The alliance says these measures are intended to improve access to electrotechnical training, raise awareness of careers in the sector, and help more people progress into qualified roles. It also aims to support Hampshire's future housing, infrastructure, clean energy, and wider economic growth. Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at ECA, comments, "We are pleased to introduce this new ETCA covering the Hampshire and Solent region, where strengthening the local skills system is a key priority, as set out in the recently published 2026–2029 LSIP. "ECA's Electrical Skills Index 2026 revealed [that] many areas of Hampshire and Solent experienced low and very low apprentices starts for the 2024/2025 academic year, highlighting a key area of opportunity to enhance skills provision and support growth of the electrical industry across the region." Mandy Boughton, President and LSIP Partnership Consultant at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, adds, "Electrical apprentice starts in Hampshire and the Solent have nearly halved in recent years, whilst nationally we've lost almost 45,000 electricians since 2019. "This poses a significant risk to some of our key sectors such as defence, maritime, construction, and aerospace. "This new alliance between the Hampshire Chamber, ECA, and key regional stakeholders is an important collaboration, bringing everyone together to address a shortage our LSIP research has identified as critical." Organisations represented at the launch included electrical contractors, colleges, universities, industry bodies, manufacturers, the Ministry of Defence, NICEIC, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and Unite the Union. For more from ECA, click here.

Registration opens for LiGHT 26 exhibition

Registration has opened for LiGHT 26, a UK trade exhibition dedicated to lighting specification, which will take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 18–19 November 2026. The two-day event will bring together manufacturers, architects, lighting designers, interior designers, engineers, consultants, and specifiers to showcase new products, technologies, and developments in the lighting sector. LiGHT 26 will also be the first edition of the exhibition to take place under the ownership of Messe Frankfurt UK, following its acquisition of LiGHT Expo London. Exhibition to feature technical content and networking The exhibition will include hundreds of architectural and decorative lighting brands, alongside a programme of talks curated by [d]arc media. Speaker details for both the [d]arc thoughts theatre and the Associations Lounge are expected to be announced in the coming months. Returning for 2026, the Technical Zone will focus on lighting controls, emergency lighting, OEM components, lamps, gear, and connected technologies, reflecting the increasing integration of intelligent lighting systems into building design. The event will also feature a new art installation, networking opportunities throughout the exhibition, and a late-night drinks reception following the first day. Simon Albert, CEO of Messe Frankfurt UK, says, "LiGHT has become one of the most important meeting places for the UK lighting specification community, and we're delighted to welcome the industry back this November. "As the first edition under Messe Frankfurt UK, LiGHT 26 will continue to deliver what visitors and exhibitors value most - exceptional brands, inspiring content, and meaningful connections - while benefitting from the international reach and expertise of the wider Light + Building portfolio." Attendance is free, with registration now open for visitors.

Ovia highlights its five-in-one exit sign, Orbik Synex5

Lighting brand Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to strengthen its Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting range, a portfolio that has undergone significant investment to elevate innovation, performance, and compliance. A major part of the upgraded portfolio is the Synex5, a five-in-one exit sign. Designed for maximum flexibility, the Synex5 provides multiple mounting options within a single unit: ceiling and wall mount as standard, with additional accessories available for suspended, recessed, or side-mounted installations. This provides contractors and specifiers with a true five-in-one solution, adaptable to any application. In addition to Synex5, 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.

Overheating in social housing: Preparing for Awaab’s Law Phase 2

UK summers are becoming hotter. Following record-breaking temperatures and intense heatwaves, social housing providers face a growing challenge: managing overheating properties while navigating increasingly strict regulatory demands. The scale of the problem According to the UK Climate Change Committee, 50% of UK homes are currently at risk of overheating, a figure projected to rise to 92% by 2050. Data from Aico’s Dr Silviu Nistor reveals that, during recent heatwaves, average indoor temperatures across England, Wales, and parts of Scotland exceeded 25°C, with some southern areas surpassing 32°C. Understanding unsafe temperatures While there is no single legal threshold for unsafe indoor temperatures, landlords must be aware of several critical benchmarks: • 24°C: The WHO warns that temperatures above this can cause discomfort or harm to vulnerable groups. • 25°C: The BRE Guidance notes a visible increase in strokes and mortality. It is also the HHSRS ceiling for winter heating. • 28°C: CIBSE TM59 states temperatures should not exceed this for more than 1% of sleeping hours. Crucially, risk is context-dependent; the same high temperature poses a far greater threat to an elderly resident in a top-floor London flat than a healthy adult in a semi-detached home. Practical mitigation strategies Landlords can implement several measures to reduce indoor temperatures: • Insulation: Double glazing, draft sealing, and cavity insulation keep external heat out. For top-floor flats, reflective roof coatings are highly effective. • Purge ventilation: High insulation can trap heat at night. Opening windows and running fans when outside temperatures drop helps purge hot air. • Shading and appliances: Blinds, shutters, and awnings block solar gain on south- or west-facing windows. Using eco-friendly appliances and kitchen ventilation also reduces internal heat. Preparing for Awaab’s Law with HomeLINK The urgency for housing providers is mounting. This October, Awaab’s Law Phase 2 will introduce tight inspection and repair deadlines for seven new hazards, including extreme heat. To avoid an unmanageable wave of emergency complaints during future heatwaves, providers must transition from reactive fixes to proactive risk management. HomeLINK offers an efficient, preventative solution. Aico's smart sensors continuously monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and CO2. Through its dashboard, housing providers can identify high-risk properties at a glance, receive real-time hazard alerts, and conduct portfolio-wide risk assessments. Residents are also provided with live temperature data, empowering them to take action when necessary. By utilising these insights to prepare now, landlords can protect vulnerable residents and ensure full compliance before the new regulations take effect. To learn more about HomeLINK technology, click here to visit the website. For more from Aico, click here.

BEAMA publishes low-voltage switchgear specification guide

UK trade association BEAMA's Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems (LSBS) Group has published a new guide to help improve the specification and procurement of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. The publication, Specifying a Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assembly, has been developed to help specifiers and procurement teams ensure assemblies comply with relevant standards and are suitable for their intended operating conditions. Designed to complement the BS EN IEC 61439 series of standards, the guide covers key considerations including conformance, design verification, environmental conditions, and marking requirements. The guide aims to support informed specification decisions that contribute to the safety, performance, and reliability of electrical installations. It also builds on the BEAMA LSBS Group's ongoing work to promote best practice within the low-voltage switchboard sector, following last year's Consequence of Non-Compliance campaign. Supporting best practice in electrical specification Nick Hayler, Head of Building Electrical Systems at BEAMA, comments, "Correct specification is critical to the safety, performance, and efficiency of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. "Developed in close collaboration with technical experts from our Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems Group membership, the new Specifying a Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assembly guide sets out practical and safety-critical considerations to consider before selecting an assembly. "Too often, assembly specification is treated as a box-ticking exercise and there is a tendency for selections to be driven by price considerations rather than a full assessment of the appropriate specification, when it should be based on a clear understanding of conformance, design verification, and the environmental conditions an assembly will face in service. "Getting this wrong can have serious consequences. It can affect assembly performance and the safety of everyone who installs, operates, and maintains it. "By addressing marking requirements and other details that can be missed, we want to support the specification of robust, fit-for-purpose electrical distribution networks." For more from BEAMA, click here.

Circular Lighting Live 2026 speakers announced

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has announced the speaker line-up for Circular Lighting Live 2026, a one-day conference and exhibition focused on the circular economy in the lighting sector. Taking place on 8 October at the Minster Building in the City of London, the event will bring together designers, specifiers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and supply chain professionals to discuss topics including embodied carbon, material selection, product repairability, and end-of-life responsibility. The conference programme will run alongside an exhibition showcasing developments in sustainable lighting products and practices. Conference explores circular economy challenges The event opens with two keynote presentations: • John McRae, Director of Orms, will present Vision 2040, examining how the lighting industry could move beyond traditional linear manufacturing models. • Sabine De Schutter, Founder of Studio De Schutter, will deliver a keynote titled Beyond Fast Lighting, focusing on upcycling as a design approach. Delegates can then attend a range of themed sessions covering environmental product declarations (EPDs), emerging circular economy legislation, material innovation, AI-assisted design, lighting specification, remanufacturing projects, carbon literacy, and approaches to reducing waste from Cat A fit-outs. The programme will also include the Build Back Better Awards 2026, recognising projects and organisations contributing to environmental progress within the lighting industry. Attendance is free for eligible lighting specifiers, including independent lighting designers, architects, consulting engineers, wholesalers, and end users, while discounted early bird tickets for manufacturers are available until 31 July. The conference is sponsored by Light Projects Evolve, Albis, Fagerhult, Thorlux Lighting, and WAGO. For more from Recolight, click here.