Martindale Electric renews ‘STOP. No Check. No Contact!’ safety campaign

Martindale Electric is refreshing its ‘STOP. No Check. No Contact!’ awareness campaign, reminding electrical professionals of the dangers posed by unexpectedly live metalwork. Safe isolation remains the cornerstone of electrical safety, but Martindale warns that other potential hazards can still be present when working on electrical systems. A recent survey conducted by the company across the electrical industry found that 44% of respondents had encountered metalwork that was unexpectedly live, while 29% said they do not use a tester to check for live metalwork. The danger can be present in environments ranging from domestic properties to commercial and industrial installations. Metal casings on equipment and appliances, pipework and other metalwork can become live when they should be earthed. As part of the renewed campaign, Martindale has released a new video demonstrating checks on exposed metal parts, screws and enclosures using a VT7 single-pole indicator on an AC system. [embed]https://martindale-electric.co.uk/dangers-of-live-metal-work/[/embed]   “Standard industry-wide safe isolation procedures safely disconnect the supply from the circuit to allow safe rework, maintenance or installation to take place,” says Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric. “They do not, however, cover checking for live metal parts, so incorporating this discipline into established work processes will further minimise risk and help ensure safer working practices.” Martindale recommends performing a touch test on potentially live metallic items. Single-pole contact indicators, such as the Martindale VT7, can be incorporated into touch-test safety procedures but should be thoroughly checked for correct operation before each use. The company also warns that non-contact voltage devices require particular caution. These battery-powered devices can be affected by other signals, including static electricity, and cannot reliably be used to prove dead. Martindale’s message is simple: if metalwork has not been checked for being live, don’t touch it. STOP. No Check. No Contact!

KNIPEX introduces new Digital Product Assistant

With such a wide range of connectors, wire-end ferrules, and industrial applications, choosing the right crimping tool for the job isn't always straightforward. As such, hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has launched its Digital Product Assistant, designed to take the guesswork out of finding the correct crimping pliers. Rather than working through catalogues or guessing which crimping pliers will suit a particular connector, users answer a short series of questions about their project specifications and, in just a few clicks, the Digital Product Assistant will provide the tool best suited to the job. The assistant is aimed at anyone working with crimped connections, from professionals crimping daily to those tackling a one-off project who may be less familiar with the KNIPEX crimping range. By narrowing down the multitude of options to the one tool that actually fits the job, the assistant helps users save time, avoid buying the wrong tool, and ensure a properly made connection. The Digital Product Assistant is accessible from the KNIPEX website and can be used on a phone or tablet just as easily as on a desktop, making sure installers can check they've got the right tool while standing in front of a shelf of options in store or before ordering online. As crimped connections continue to turn up in more areas of electrical, automotive, HVAC, and industrial work, KNIPEX's Digital Product Assistant gives users a quick way to be confident they're reaching for the right pliers before they start. To find the right crimping pliers for you, visit the KNIPEX website. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Essentials wiring accessories from Click Scolmore

Wiring accessories manufacturer Click Scolmore’s Essentials wiring accessories range offers reliable, versatile solutions for a wide variety of installations. The range includes galvanised steel and dry lining back boxes, IP66-rated weatherproof switches and sockets, and robust Metal Clad accessories. Essentials Back Boxes are available in durable polycarbonate or galvanised steel, including standard, dry lining, and FlameGuard versions. FlameGuard back boxes offer enhanced fire protection and meet both fire and acoustic BS EN standards. The Aquip66 range features IP66-rated 10AX and 20AX outdoor switches and sockets. Made from heavy-duty polycarbonate, they are ideal for sheds, hot tubs, and workspaces. Unfurnished enclosures support Click’s MiniGrid and GridPro modules for added flexibility. Metal Clad and Metal Clad Pro ranges are built for demanding environments, with tough, electrophoretically coated plates and back boxes. Metal Clad Pro adds a modern, curved profile and is available in Polar White, Metal Clad Grey, and Matt Black - perfect for stylish and high-specification installations. Click Scolmore’s Fused Mains Switches provide vital protection and control for residential and commercial circuits. With a lockable switch and extended cable shroud, they help prevent accidental energisation and ensure maximum safety. The Essentials range showcases Click Scolmore’s commitment to high-quality, reliable products for professionals, combining innovative designs with trusted solutions. To view the full Essentials range, visit Click Scolmore's website. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Powered Now Receptionist 'Missed calls cost you money' now available

Powered Now has launched Powered Now Receptionist, a new service designed to help tradespeople capture potential jobs when they are unable to answer the phone. Available on iOS, Android and the web, Powered Now Receptionist engages with customers, holds a natural conversation, asks relevant questions about the job and books appointments directly into the tradesperson's diary. The idea is to tackle a familiar problem for tradespeople who may be on a ladder, under a boiler or otherwise unable to stop work to answer an incoming call. Instead of returning a missed call later, users can find that the enquiry has already been handled and an appointment confirmed. The launch follows Powered Now's NOW Report, research into the working lives of UK tradespeople. According to the company, the research identified missed calls and slow administration as significant causes of lost work, with tradespeople potentially missing jobs they were unaware of because they could not answer the phone. Powered Now also points to research suggesting that 33% of small businesses fail to answer incoming calls and 69% of people reaching voicemail hang up without leaving a message. With the company estimating that a single call to a trade business can be worth between £200 and £600, the potential cost of unanswered calls can quickly mount. Robert Brown of RB Electrical Services has been using Powered Now Receptionist since its launch. "Within the first week of using the receptionist, it answered six calls that would previously have gone to voicemail and four of those turned into booked jobs. That's a 66% conversion rate on work I'd have simply missed otherwise." Benjamin Dyer, CEO and Co-Founder of Powered Now, says, "We built Powered Now Receptionist to address one of the clearest gaps our research uncovered, the moment a phone rings and nobody's free to answer it. Now, no job needs to be missed due to a lost call. There's no excuse for it to happen." Powered Now Receptionist forms part of the wider Powered Now software offering for trade businesses, providing another way for users to manage customer enquiries and administration while working on site. More information is available from the company.

Stellantis &You Preston transformed with TRILUX lighting solution

TRILUX has delivered a lighting solution for the refurbishment of Stellantis &You Preston, supporting the dealership’s transformation into a modern multi-brand retail environment.  Designed by Scaramanga Design, the project introduced dedicated showroom spaces for Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and Abarth alongside new customer and aftersales areas.  Combining B.Veo spotlights with Lightpanel luminaires, the lighting concept balances accent and ambient illumination to enhance vehicle presentation, improve visual consistency and create a clear, customer-focused showroom experience aligned with Stellantis corporate identity standards. In its transition from traditional car retailer to ‘brand house’, Stellantis &You Preston underwent a major refurbishment. The refurbishment created a contemporary multi-brand dealership bringing together Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and Abarth within a single integrated retail environment. Scaramanga Design was appointed as lead design consultant for the redesign, which included new showroom spaces, customer areas, service reception facilities and refurbished workshops. Lighting played an important role in shaping the overall customer experience. Alongside meeting Stellantis corporate identity requirements, the scheme needed to create a consistent visual approach across multiple vehicle brands while remaining flexible throughout the dealership. The project was delivered through close collaboration between TRILUX, Scaramanga Design and Quay Contracts.  The lighting concept moves beyond traditional spotlight-only showroom schemes by combining black B.Veo spotlights with Lightpanel luminaires to create a more balanced retail environment. Grado and Amatris luminaires also complement the scheme. B.Veo spotlights introduce focused accents to the vehicle displays, highlighting surfaces, contours and finishes throughout the space. Lightpanel luminaires provide a softer layer of ambient illumination, improving horizontal uniformity and helping create a brighter, more visually consistent environment. This layered approach avoids the darker zones and uneven appearance often associated with spotlight-only showroom schemes. Vehicles remain clearly visible from all areas of the showroom while the overall environment feels open, comfortable and visually balanced. TRILUX also supplied the emergency lighting throughout the showroom. Stellantis’ retail design guide places strong emphasis on customer experience, visual clarity and contemporary showroom presentation. This scheme delivers exactly that through careful coordination between accent and ambient lighting, helping create a cleaner and more cohesive environment throughout the dealership while supporting both vehicle presentation and customer interaction. Mike Strain, Director at Scaramanga Design, comments: “One of the key considerations was avoiding the uneven appearance that can happen in large showroom environments when accent lighting is overused. Introducing a softer layer of ambient illumination helped create a more balanced visual experience across the different vehicle brands while maintaining the flexibility needed within the showroom. TRILUX worked closely with us throughout the project to ensure the lighting aligned with both the architectural vision and the practical requirements of the dealership.”

Eddie Embleton appointed CEO Designate of the Electrical Distributors' Association

The Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA), a leading body in the UK’s electrotechnical supply chain, has announced the appointment of Eddie Embleton as CEO Designate from 1 October 2026. Eddie brings over a decade of senior-level experience within the electrical industry, most recently as Managing Director of Voltimum, where he led and grew its digital media and data business.  He has already built strong working relationships with many wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across the sector, which he will draw on in his new role. The appointment follows a highly successful 12-year tenure by Margaret Fitzsimons as Chief Executive and includes a structured transition period as she steps back into a part-time strategic role, ensuring continuity and a smooth handover of responsibilities. In his new role, Eddie will lead the EDA's next phase of development, working with the Board, the EDA team and the Association's 260 wholesaler members and 130 affiliated companies to strengthen the EDA's position at the heart of the industry and further develop its work across training and education, digital innovation through EDATA and ETIM, market insight and events. EDA President, David Moore, says, “I am delighted to welcome Eddie to the EDA. He brings a strong understanding of our industry together with a proven track record of building partnerships across the sector. We look forward to working closely with Eddie to develop and deliver services that add real value for our members.” Commenting on his appointment, Eddie Embleton adds, "It's a real privilege to be joining the EDA. This is an organisation with a fantastic reputation, built over many years, and I'm looking forward to working with the Board, the team and our members to build on that success. I've spent much of my career working alongside wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across this sector, and I can't wait to bring that experience to the EDA as we move into its next phase of development."

Luceco appoints Dr Thorsten Müller as Chief Executive Officer

Luceco Group, a designer and manufacturer of residential and commercial electrification products and systems, has announced the appointment of Dr Thorsten Müller as Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 1 September 2026. Thorsten brings extensive experience leading global industrial technology businesses, across lighting, electrification and energy management sectors. Most recently, he was Divisional Chief Executive in the Safety Sector at Halma plc. Before joining Halma in 2022, he held senior leadership roles at ABB, Osram and Bosch. Giles Brand, Chair of Luceco, says: "We are thrilled that Thorsten will be joining Luceco as Chief Executive Officer. Thorsten has a proven track record of delivering growth and innovation at industry-leading technology companies serving the lighting, electrification and energy management segments. He brings all the necessary skills and experience to drive the continued execution of our strategy." Thorsten comments: "I am truly excited to be joining Luceco as Chief Executive. Luceco is a business of real quality, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundations that the Luceco team have built. Luceco's premier brands, market-leading positions and exceptional people give me firm confidence in the core of the business, while the energy transition offers significant further upside that Luceco is exceptionally well placed to capture." The appointment comes at a time of continued positive momentum for Luceco, with the Group reporting a strong performance for H1 2026.

Ansell Extends XPRESS Capability

Ansell Lighting has extended its XPRESS capability to two further product ranges, bringing the installation system to its Disco EVO bulkhead and Nouline LED batten. Designed to speed up installation and simplify retrofit upgrades, XPRESS allows emergency and microwave sensor functionality to be added to standard luminaires using clip-in packs. The updated Disco EVO and Nouline products feature clearly labelled gear trays with dedicated press-and-clip connection points. This enables installers to fit XPRESS Emergency Packs and XPRESS Microwave Sensors without tools, with the packs pushed into position before the wires are connected. Ansell says the approach also offers benefits for wholesalers by reducing the number of SKUs they need to hold while maintaining customer choice. Wholesalers can stock the standard XPRESS-compatible luminaires alongside the separate emergency and sensor packs, allowing functionality to be added when required. Nouline XPRESS is a high-performance LED batten designed for indoor applications. Available in three lengths, it offers CCT and power selectability, multiple conduit entry points and BESA fixing points. A high-transmittance polycarbonate diffuser is designed to provide consistent illumination and reduced glare. Disco EVO XPRESS is a slim bulkhead suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications, as well as ancillary areas. It delivers up to 145lm/W, offers selectable colour temperatures of 3000K, 4000K and 6500K and provides a choice of three outputs from a single luminaire. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, "Since launch, the XPRESS capability has gone down really well with wholesalers and installers alike and, in response, we are gradually extending it across a range of our most in-demand products. "Disco EVO and Nouline are two of our most popular and widely specified products, which made them the ideal choice to benefit from the XPRESS system." More information is available from Ansell Lighting.

UK data centre lighting market to reach £130m

The UK data centre lighting market is projected to reach around £130 million by 2030, more than doubling from approximately £54 million in 2024, according to UK commercial lighting manufacturer Whitecroft Lighting. As the UK has become a major location for European data centre development, the company notes there has been an increasing demand for lighting and mechanical and electrical (M&E) infrastructure. Data centre lighting currently represents around 6% of the UK commercial lighting market. Based on the projected 2030 market value, this could rise to around 14%, exceeding the shares attributed to commercial offices and entertainment and leisure lighting (both at 13%) and education lighting (at 11%). Whitecroft estimates that the wider market will grow from £13 billion to £32 billion over the next four years, with the expansion of AI contributing to demand. “The unprecedented growth of the UK data centre market presents both big opportunities and challenges to lighting manufacturers,” says Richard Williams, Head of Strategic Projects at Whitecroft Lighting. “It’s impossible to ignore a growing £32 billion market on your doorstep. To put that in perspective, the entire capital investment budget for NHS estates is around £10 billion this year. “However, data centres present a unique environment, both in their complexity and scale, with developers facing systemic challenges, such as access to the grid and renewable energy, technical resilience, and access to water for cooling all taking precedence over more traditional construction and M&E.” Data centre projects create larger lighting contracts Richard explains that the value of data centre lighting relative to construction costs is lower than in typical commercial buildings. He continues, “As a result, Whitecroft’s Strategic Projects team have calculated that the value of data centre lighting, when compared to the overall cost of construction, is 60% lower than for a typical commercial building. “However, such is the size of the latest multi-billion-pound hyperscale data centres that larger manufacturers, such as Whitecroft Lighting, can offset this by fulfilling big, varied contracts.” Whitecroft says it has increasingly focused on large infrastructure projects where security and resilience are key considerations. In 2022, it secured a contract to design and manufacture LED lighting for Hinkley Point C, supplying 40,000 luminaires. The company also supplied £3 million of lighting for Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 redevelopment, providing 25,000 lights. Whitecroft has since secured contracts to supply lighting for two data centres, one in Portugal and another near Frankfurt, Germany. The company is one of 13 specialist lighting brands within the European Fagerhult Group. Several brands within the group are collaborating on data centre projects across Europe, including Veko Lightsystems in the Netherlands.

How students can get extra industry support through free NAPIT foundation membership

As young people across the UK receive their GCSE, T Level and A Level results, NAPIT Foundation is offering free membership to students and apprentices, giving young people access to expert technical guidance, educational resources, CPD and regular industry updates. Results day is an important milestone, and for those aiming to become electricians, it is also a great opportunity to look at the support available to help them build confidence, develop technical understanding and prepare for employment. For young people considering an electrical apprenticeship or moving onto further education, staying informed of the latest industry information can make a positive difference. This support is especially valuable in a year of significant industry change. Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018, the IET Wiring Regulations, introduces important updates for electricians. Understanding changes like these early can help learners enhance their knowledge and develop their understanding. NAPIT hosts monthly technical webinars led by industry experts, giving students and apprentices the chance to learn about current topics, ask questions and gain insight into the standards and technologies shaping the sector. These webinars provide a way for young people to keep learning, build confidence and stay informed. NAPIT supports learners on their journey into the electrical industry and to celebrate their achievements on GCSE, T Level and A Level results day. The free NAPIT Foundation membership aims to help the next generation of electricians strengthen their knowledge and get extra support. Brett Forster, Technical and Commercial Director says, “Learners should be proud of their efforts this results day and NAPIT congratulates all NAPIT Foundation students and colleges for their efforts this academic year. “Through NAPIT Foundation, we are pleased to offer free membership that supports learners with technical resources, expert guidance and opportunities to enhance their knowledge as they begin their journey into the industry. Congratulations to the students who received their A Level or T Level results last week, and good luck to those receiving their GCSE results this week.”