Luceco installs LED lighting at Cambridge hub

Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, has completed a lighting and controls installation at 5 Journey Campus, a life sciences development in Cambridge. Delivered in partnership with KRB Installations, the project involved the refurbishment of a four-storey building within the wider Journey Campus development, which supports life sciences and technology organisations. The lighting scheme covered laboratories, meeting rooms, breakout areas, circulation spaces, a café, external areas, and emergency lighting systems. The installation also incorporated Luceco's wireless Platform lighting controls system, alongside energy monitoring, which, according to the company, is designed to support compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. Wireless controls for energy monitoring The project included a range of LED luminaires and lighting controls tailored to different areas of the building. Products installed included LuxPanel Extra LED panels, Contour suspended linear luminaires, track lighting for café spaces, IK10-rated Climate Extra fittings for laboratories, and Tempus emergency lighting connected to remote monitoring systems. The Platform controls system incorporates PIR sensors, occupancy and absence detection, daylight harvesting, energy monitoring, and emergency lighting monitoring. Craig Wren, Director of KRB Installations, says, “5 Journey Campus was a large and technically challenging project. "The design process took several months, so there were many amendments to the scope and functionality of the lighting. “Luceco worked closely with us to ensure that the client's vision for the space was realised and that they had all the functionality required from the lighting control system. "We are very impressed with Luceco's service and dedication to finishing the project successfully and would certainly work with them again.” Ben Smith, Regional Sales Manager - Southern Projects at Luceco, adds, “This was a truly exciting project to be involved in. "It was great to combine delivery of the architect's vision for how the finished spaces should look and feel with a technically compliant installation. “Deploying the Platform system across this large building - utilising energy monitoring, remote emergency monitoring, occupancy/absence detection, daylight harvesting, and heat-mapping - was both challenging and rewarding. "We look forward to working with Journey Campus and KRB Installations again soon.” For more from Luceco, click here.

'Buy, Spin, Win' with BG's new promotion

British General (BG), a UK manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories, is giving installers the chance to win unforgettable travel experiences with the new 'Buy, Spin, Win' promotion, running across selected promotional BG Consumer Units. Through this promotion, there's the possibility to win a VIP trip to Las Vegas, Oktoberfest in Munich, or New York City, plus hundreds of instant prizes. Getting involved is quick and easy. Simply pick up a promotional BG Consumer Unit - just look for the sticker on the outside of the box. Inside, you’ll find a flyer containing a unique code. Enter the code online at bgwin.co.uk and spin the digital wheel for your chance to win instantly. There are hundreds of instant prizes available throughout the promotion, including BG products, KNIPEX tools, and retail vouchers. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Every valid entry is also automatically entered into one of three major prize draws, giving installers the chance to win: • A VIP Oktoberfest getaway to Munich, Germany • A New Year’s trip to New York City • An unforgettable Las Vegas experience Each prize includes flights, accommodation, transfers, and exclusive experiences. You can click here to enter. The promotion is open to residents of the UK and Northern Ireland aged 18 and over and runs from 00:01 GMT on 1 May 2026 to 23:59 GMT on 31 October 2026. Full terms and conditions, exclusions, and prize details are available by clicking here. For more from BG, click here.

Who's Who - The number one junction box for UK installers

Built on performance and installer trust, GEWISS is recognised for reliable, high-quality products that are engineered for efficiency, consistency, and real-world installation demands. In this special Who's Who feature, the company explains why its junction boxes are the perfect choice for electrical contractors. Leadership in the UK electrical sector is not built on claims, but on site performance, installer trust, and consistency over thousands of real installations. When reliability is non‑negotiable and efficiency is essential, installers across the UK turn to one name above all others: GEWISS. The box that built the category, reborn for today With a heritage rooted in engineering excellence and innovation driven by installers, GEWISS has become the benchmark for junction boxes in the UK. At the core of this leadership is the APTA 44 CE junction box range, a product family that does not simply meet market expectations – it raises them. Designed to perform across domestic, commercial, and industrial applications, APTA is the clearest example of why GEWISS stands as one of the finest options for junction boxes in the UK today. Market leaders don’t guess – they listen APTA was developed from direct installer feedback, addressing the real pressures faced on UK sites, like time constraints, demanding environments, and the need for products that work first time, every time. Derived from the Latin ‘Aptus’, meaning suitable and adaptable, APTA embodies GEWISS’ installer‑first philosophy. Every feature exists for a reason. Soft‑touch membrane entries enable fast, accurate cable insertion while maintaining full ingress protection. Pre‑threaded M20 side entries allow immediate cable gland installation without drilling. IP‑safe rear entries provide added flexibility without compromising standards. The result is a junction box that reduces installation time, eliminates modification, and delivers confidence from box to box. One range, every environment, zero compromise The 44 CE APTA range delivers IP66/IP67 protection as standard, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor installations across domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. From residential gardens and retail spaces to factories and infrastructure projects, installers can standardise on one trusted solution. UV‑resistant materials ensure long-term outdoor durability in the UK climate, while halogen‑free construction supports safer installations in sensitive environments. Crucially, GEWISS backs up these specifications with substance; every APTA box is individually inspected through advanced quality control processes, ensuring seals, membranes, and performance meet exacting standards. This commitment to verified quality is a defining reason why GEWISS continues to lead where others follow. Installer efficiency isn’t a feature. It’s a philosophy. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, the APTA range offers total flexibility without sacrificing familiarity. Installers benefit from consistent features across all formats, enabling faster work and confident specification. The flat lid design maximises internal space, simplifying wiring, accessory mounting, and labelling. Quarter‑turn captive screws eliminate stripped threads and lost fixings. Captive lids improve safety during overhead installations. Security seal slots add reassurance in public or controlled spaces. These are not marketing extras; they’re productivity tools refined for everyday use. Six fixing methods No two installations are the same, and GEWISS understands this better than most. APTA delivers up to six fixing methods, including internal screw fixing, external bracket mounting, knock‑in and rod fixing, nail gun installation, panel mounting, and cable tie fixing to trays. This level of flexibility allows installers to adapt instantly on site without compromising IP protection or structural integrity. Patented alignment ribs ensure clean, precise fixing every time, providing proof that speed and precision can, and should, go hand in hand. True leadership built on systems GEWISS reinforces its market leadership with purpose‑designed accessories that enhance the entire installation. Supports for the Wago 221 series terminals integrate seamlessly into APTA boxes, improving organisation and accessibility. The innovative earthing clamp for SWA cable glands redefines best practice, delivering secure, space‑saving earthing while accommodating thermal movement. This system‑based approach is a clear differentiator, and a key reason GEWISS remains the first choice for professionals who demand more. Over 40 years of expertise Since the early 1980s, GEWISS has invested in advanced plastics technology, precision moulding, and electrotechnical design. Supported by an in‑house certified laboratory and total quality control, this depth of expertise allows GEWISS to deliver products that are robust, compliant, and built to last. - This Who's Who feature first appeared in the May 2026 issue of ECN, which is available in its entirety in our archives. For more from GEWISS, click here.

B.E.G. installs lighting controls at Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal

B.E.G., a German manufacturer of occupancy sensors, motion detectors, and lighting control products, has delivered a lighting controls system at the Ocean Terminal residential development in Edinburgh, supporting energy efficiency and reduced operational power consumption across the site. The 338-apartment development has been built on previously unused land and includes four residential buildings ranging from 10 to 14 storeys, alongside shared amenities including a gym, rooftop garden, and communal spaces. The project focused on reducing operational energy use through improved lighting management across communal and shared areas, where lighting typically represents a significant proportion of ongoing electricity consumption in residential buildings. B.E.G. installed a layered lighting control system across selected areas of the development, using standalone controls in back-of-house spaces, DALI Broadcast systems in landlord corridors and circulation areas, DALI-SYS in communal amenity spaces, and networked systems in tenant-facing zones. The system automatically adjusts lighting according to occupancy and usage conditions, helping reduce unnecessary energy consumption and lowering demand across shared areas of the building. Lighting controls aiding energy reduction According to B.E.G., the installation is designed to improve operational efficiency while also reducing maintenance requirements through more controlled usage patterns. Paddy McGlone, Specification Sales Manager Scotland & Northern Ireland at B.E.G., explains, “This project was driven by a clear sustainability agenda, with a strong focus on reducing energy consumption across a large and complex residential development. "Lighting is one of the most consistent energy draws in schemes like this, so improving how it is controlled delivers immediate and long-term benefits. “By matching the right control technology to each area of the building, we’ve been able to significantly cut unnecessary energy use, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency without compromising safety or comfort. “This project is a strong example of how intelligent lighting control can directly support carbon reduction goals in residential developments. "The B.E.G. system delivers measurable energy savings today, while also providing a flexible platform to optimise performance further in the future.” The project was delivered in collaboration with PMK Electrical and forms part of B.E.G.’s wider residential lighting controls work across the UK. For more from B.E.G., click here.

Makita launches 40V reciprocating saw

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has introduced the JR003GZ 40V reciprocating saw to its XGT cordless tool range. Designed for heavy-duty cutting applications, the saw is intended for use on materials including wood, cast iron, and steel pipework. The tool features a newly developed chain vice designed to secure pipework during cutting operations. According to Makita, the system is intended to improve cutting stability, accuracy, and safety when working on large diameter pipes. The reciprocating saw offers a maximum cutting capacity of 220mm and includes adjustable stroke rate settings alongside constant speed control. Designed for pipe cutting applications Makita says the chain vice includes a built-in spring mechanism that allows the chain to be temporarily held in position while wrapped around a pipe. The company states that this helps operators achieve more accurate parallel cuts during applications such as pipe preparation for welding. The saw can also be configured for standard reciprocating saw operation using the supplied front grip accessory. Additional design features include a replaceable blade clamp system, allowing maintenance work to be carried out without removing the shoe assembly. Makita says the tool includes soft start functionality and an anti-vibration rating of 14.9m/s² during cutting operations to help reduce operator fatigue. The saw has also been designed with increased resistance to dust and water for use in demanding site conditions. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, explains, “If you take the example of a steel pipe with a diameter of 114mm, then our new recipro saw would have a cutting speed of just 28 seconds combined with the consistent accuracy professional results demand.” For more from Makita, click here.

YLEM signs energy installation agreement with Brown-Forman

YLEM Energy, a Salford-based independent onsite power generation specialist, has agreed to install a new energy management system at a Brown-Forman bottling plant and logistics hub in Newbridge near Edinburgh. According to the companies, the project is intended to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and support wider sustainability targets at the site. YLEM Energy says the installation will include refurbishment work and deployment of a modernised energy control platform following a technical assessment of the facility. The agreement follows a previous solar energy project delivered by YLEM at the same site in 2023. That installation included a 630kW solar panel system, which the companies say generates around 516,000kWp of renewable electricity annually and allows surplus energy to be exported to the National Grid. Energy management system planned for bottling plant Andy Battjes, Director of Global Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability at Brown-Forman, says, “Our new agreement with YLEM demonstrates the company’s long-term strategic commitment to renewable energy and harnessing the latest control technology to drive forward efficiencies and achieve our ambitious sustainability goals. “We’ve seen first hand the positive impact YLEM’s solar energy installation has had on our Newbridge bottling plant over the last three years.” The project also forms part of Brown-Forman’s wider sustainability programme and supports the Scotch Whisky Association ‘Race to Zero’ commitment targeting net zero emissions by 2040. Ian Gadsby, Managing Director of YLEM Energy, says, “Installing our 'Optimise' management platform also gives Brown-Forman much greater control over its energy usage at a time when firms across all sectors are coming under increasing pressure to reduce operating costs and emissions.”

Waltham Forest upgrades street lighting network

British LED lighting manufacturer Acrospire has worked with the London Borough of Waltham Forest to complete a borough-wide LED street lighting retrofit programme, upgrading around 500 lanterns across residential streets. The project used bespoke retrofit kits to upgrade existing luminaires with LED technology while retaining the original lantern housings. According to the council, the approach was selected to preserve the established appearance of residential streets while improving lighting efficiency and reducing maintenance requirements. Many of the borough’s existing lanterns feature curved architectural designs that differ from standard street lighting fittings. Leo Cole, Street Lighting & Responsive Maintenance Manager at the London Borough of Waltham Forest, says, “We were looking to move to LED to improve efficiency, but struggled to find a modern luminaire that matched the look and feel of what we already had. “We didn’t want to replace these lanterns with standard fittings. They’ve become part of the character of the area.” LED retrofit reduces energy use The programme was supported through funding from the Mayor of London’s Energy Efficiency Fund (MEEF). Contractor JB Riney managed planning and installation works, with the retrofit process involving the replacement of the existing optical system and control gear while retaining the external luminaire body. A trial phase was carried out before wider deployment to assess lighting levels, uniformity, and potential light spill into nearby properties, and Acrospire also developed a back shield to reduce light intrusion into residential windows. According to the project partners, the retrofit programme is expected to reduce circuit wattage by approximately 45% compared to the previous installation. The lanterns were specified at 3000K to provide warmer lighting suited to residential areas, and installation work was carried out in situ, with each retrofit taking around five minutes per lantern. For more from Acrospire, click here.

Ratio launches new 'City' EV charger range

Ratio EV, a UK manufacturer of EV charging stations and power distribution systems, has launched its new City range of EV chargers, designed for public charging infrastructure including town centres, residential streets, and public car parks. The new io7 City and io8 City chargers are intended for use by chargepoint operators, local authorities, and electrical contractors delivering public EV charging projects. According to Ratio EV, the range has been developed with a focus on accessibility, durability, and connected charging infrastructure. The chargers feature PAS 1899-compliant accessible sockets and support dual charging of up to 22kW per socket, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously. Public charging design and connectivity The City range uses an IK10-rated aluminium enclosure with a marine-grade finish designed for use in exposed public environments. Ratio EV says the io8 City includes an integrated lighting system providing 360-degree illumination around the charging point to improve visibility and wayfinding in public areas. The io7 City includes a lower-output lighting system designed to limit upward light spill in residential locations. The chargers support OCPP 1.6J and are compatible with OCPP 2.0.1 standards for integration with charging management platforms. Connectivity options include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 4G, with a 36-month data package included as standard. The range also supports static and dynamic load management, alongside power sharing across multiple charging units to help manage available grid capacity. Tom Jennings, General Manager at Ratio EV, says, “Public charging infrastructure needs to do more than deliver power; it needs to be accessible, safe, and easy to use in everyday environments. “With the City range, we’ve focused on creating a solution that supports both operators and end users while improving the overall experience of charging in public spaces.” The io7 City and io8 City chargers are available now. For more from Ratio EV, click here.

NICEIC offering discount on e-learning courses

NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, is offering a 20% discount on selected e-learning courses until the end of May. The promotion covers online training courses related to Amendment 4 of BS 7671, including the 18th Edition (2382-26) Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671, Level 3 Award and 18th Edition Amendment 4 Workshop CPD-accredited course. According to NICEIC, the online learning modules are designed to allow electricians and electrotechnical businesses to complete training around existing work schedules. Alex Robinson, Head of Training at NICEIC, says, “We know how important it is for electrotechnical businesses to stay ahead in our industry, which is evolving at a rapid rate. “Our spring offer makes high-quality training more accessible, whether you're getting your team up to speed on Amendment 4 or upskilling in new areas.” The discounted courses are available through the NICEIC online shop until the end of May. For more from NICEIC, click here.

£2.6m power boost underway in Sheerness

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks is reportedly investing more than £2.6 million to future-proof electricity supplies in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. The company is delivering an upgrade at the Sheerness Primary Substation to connect a new customer to the network, increase capacity, and upgrade the network for more than 6,100 existing homes and businesses. The project will see the connection of a third transformer at the substation, boosting capacity to 32 megawatts. Once operational, the new transformer will receive electricity at 33,000 volts and reduce it to 6,600 volts for distribution across the area. The transformer, weighing 29 tonnes, was recently delivered to the site and installed on a custom-built bund using a 110-tonne crane. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlBUZNdAFBs[/embed] As part of the upgrade, a redundant storage building at the substation was reconstructed to make way for a new switchroom. This will house new switchgear to safely control and distribute power, and new underground cabling will connect it to the network. Increasing capacity, future-proofing the network Kaja Kacperska, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, comments, “While we provide a new customer connection to the network, we are taking the opportunity to increase capacity and future-proof the network, delivering long-term benefits for the area. "This investment will help us maintain safe and reliable power supplies for thousands of homes and businesses and support the transition to low-carbon technologies in line with the UK’s clean energy goals.” Steve Quinn, Project Manager at Manders Building Contractors, adds, “Delivering the transformer marked a significant milestone in this project. "We’ve successfully reconstructed the switchroom to house new switchgear and installed a new transformer bund. "Our team is proud to work with UK Power Networks to help safely deliver this project to high standards and support the lasting benefits for the wider community.” Logistics for the transformer delivery and installation were supported by global supply chain operator GEODIS. This included port collection, inspection, transport, providing specialist heavy-lift equipment and teams, on-site coordination, and waste handling. The investment forms part of UK Power Networks’ broader investment programme, with more than £800 million being invested last year across the South East, London, and the East of England. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.