Ansell expands street light range with Asuri Pro

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has expanded its specialist range of street lights with the launch of the Asuri Pro, a modern luminaire suitable for outdoor hospitality, commercial, and residential area applications. Designed for ease of installation, the Asuri Pro includes a hinged 90° opening, providing instant access to the terminals, CCT, and wattage selecting switch. The luminaire is also supplied with an AFIX connector, enabling a quick IP rated connection. Constructed from die-cast aluminium, the post top lantern features an electrostatic paint finish for enhanced corrosion resistance up to C4M. With a rated lifetime of L80 100,000 h, the luminaire offers long-term performance, making it suited to urban amenities and parks where durability is essential. From an aesthetic perspective, the Asuri Pro features a striped diffuser, which provides softened light and improved visual comfort. It is CCT selectable between 3000K and 4000K and power selectable, offering a choice of outputs in one luminaire. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, comments, “The Asuri Pro has been developed in response to customer demand for a street light that offers quick, straightforward installation and maintenance, while also delivering durability. "We’re proud to introduce another reliable product to our range that we believe performs exceptionally well at every level.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Scolmore Group earns EcoVadis Silver status

EcoVadis has awarded electrical products provider Scolmore Group a Silver Sustainability Medal, recognising an improvement from its previous Bronze rating first achieved in 2022. The company is now placed within the top 15% of more than 150,000 organisations assessed worldwide. Scolmore Group’s overall sustainability score increased from 66 in 2024 to 78 this year, surpassing the EcoVadis threshold for Silver recognition. The EcoVadis assessment criteria The assessment covers four themes: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. EcoVadis ratings draw on international standards, including the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, conventions of the International Labour Organisation, the Global Reporting Initiative, and the ISO 26000 guidance standard. Medals are awarded based on percentile rankings: Platinum for the top 1%, Gold for the top 5%, Silver for the top 15%, and Bronze for the top 30%. The updated rating reflects Scolmore Group’s efforts to embed environmental, social, and governance considerations into its operations and strategy. Improvements across key sustainability themes Manuela Rubino Courtney, Group Legal and Compliance Manager, who leads the EcoVadis initiative at Scolmore Group, comments, “Achieving the Silver Medal is a significant milestone for Scolmore Group. "This reflects the continued hard work and dedication of our teams across the Group to strengthen our environmental, social, and ethical practices while continuing to deliver high-quality products and services. "We view this not as a final destination, but as an important step on our sustainability journey - one that motivates us to aim even higher in the years ahead. “With our Silver Medal, Scolmore Group reinforces its position as a trusted partner for customers and suppliers who prioritise sustainability. "The company’s improved rating provides transparent evidence of responsible business practices, helping stakeholders make informed decisions when selecting supply-chain partners.” EcoVadis recorded progress for Scolmore Group across all four assessment themes. The company notes that the rating supports its long-term plans to advance sustainability throughout its value chain. Scolmore Group comprises several brands, including Click wiring accessories, the Elucian consumer unit and circuit protection range, Ovia lighting and controls, ESP security and fire products, the Sangamo heating controls and time switches range, and Unicrimp cable accessories. For more from Scolmore Group, click here.

Why circuit protection costs what it does

Alan Broom is an 18th-Edition–certified specialist in surge protection and wiring accessories and has been with electrical supplier Contactum since the summer of 2014, bringing over a decade of hands-on expertise to the industry. Here, Alan shares his years of experience and insights as to why investing in good-quality circuit protection shouldn’t be undervalued: Circuit protection should actually cost more At a recent trade show, a contractor told me that MCBs were “a bit expensive.” The irony was that he was holding a large coffee from a well-known coffee chain that cost more than the MCB he was referring to. That coffee was gone in the duration of our conversation. Circuit protection products are built to last decades, comply with stringent safety regulations, and could very well prevent a fire in the home or workplace. It got me thinking: where does the real value lie? When we talk about circuit protection, we’re not dealing with luxury items or passing fads. We’re talking about Consumer Units, RCBOs, MCBs, and AFDDs that must meet strict requirements set out in BS EN 61439-3, BS EN 61009, BS EN 60898, IEC EN 62606, and BS 7671. These aren’t optional standards; they’re the backbone of electrical safety in the UK. Meeting them properly doesn’t happen cheaply. It demands high-grade materials, rigorous testing, quality control, and continuous development to keep up with evolving safety expectations. Commitment and pride in standards come from years spent learning the trade from my father - often accompanying him on jobs during the weekends and school holidays. Those experiences instilled a respect for good tools, safe practice, and the importance of doing things properly - lessons just as relevant in circuit protection manufacturing as on-site installation. Contractors understand the importance of doing a job right the first time, and it’s the same with circuit protection. Choosing products purely on price might save a few pounds upfront, but the potential cost of failure - in time, call-backs, or even safety - is far higher. Those who work on the tools appreciate this instinctively. The name of the game is to do the job properly, safely, and with a smile on your face. It’s not about chasing the cheapest component, but selecting equipment that delivers safety and reliability. There’s also the matter of longevity. A compliant, well-made protective device is designed to perform consistently for years, if not decades. You don’t have to recharge it every night or swap it out every 18 months. Viewed over its lifetime, the cost is not only reasonable, but also excellent value. The upfront price might look higher, but spread across years of protection, it comes out at pennies a week - less than your streaming subscription or, dare I say it, your daily caffeine fix. So, the next time someone says circuit protection devices are too expensive, ask them how much they value reliability, reputation, and their customers’ safety compared with their morning cappuccino. One may last ten minutes; the other could last a lifetime. I can only hope that future generations will carry that approach forward. One where quality workmanship and appreciation for properly engineered circuit protection helps ensure the industry remains professional, safe, and sustainable. As professionals, we all have a role to play in raising standards and ensuring safety isn’t compromised for the sake of a lower price tag. Every quality installation contributes to a safer, more reliable industry - one that clients can trust and respect. By investing in proven, compliant circuit protection, you’re not only protecting the end user; you’re helping set the benchmark for what 'good' looks like in electrical work. It’s about more than components; it’s about craftsmanship, accountability, and pride in delivering work that stands the test of time. For more from Contactum, click here.

myenergi launches winter reward for EV charger installations

Under a new initiative launched by British smart home energy technology manufacturer myenergi, electrical installers can earn seasonal rewards for fitting the zappi GLO home charger. The scheme applies to units installed and commissioned between now and the end of December. Installers can claim £40 for each device, with an additional £100 awarded for every 10 units fitted per month. During December, this could equate to £1,000 for 20 completed installations. Those who share a photograph of their work on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn using the hashtag #goforglo will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 voucher for Milwaukee tools and a free charger. David Nicholl, Managing Director of myenergi GB, explains, “Increasing adoption of home EV charging is vital for enabling the smooth transition to electrification, supporting the journey towards net zero and saving on energy bills. "The winter installer reward from myenergi directly supports these goals.” Incentives tied to home energy management The zappi GLO charger forms part of myenergi’s wider home energy management system, which links devices to help households control and optimise electricity use. The system provides installers with opportunities to expand installations into integrated smart-energy setups. David continues, “Each GLO installed contributes to a smarter, more sustainable energy ecosystem. "By working more closely with trusted electrical professionals across the country, we’re helping make EVs the practical choice for millions of drivers nationwide. "Ultimately, the scheme is our way of recognising the vital role installers play in unlocking EV readiness for all and paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more energy independent Britain.” For more from myenergi, click here.

Vent-Axia leads the way at H&V News Awards

Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has scooped the ‘Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year’ award at the prestigious H&V News Awards. The Sussex-based company secured the accolade for its Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). The win demonstrates Vent-Axia’s design leadership, providing a range of effective, whole-house ventilation solutions to help overcome the challenges the new-build residential sector faces. Designed to provide effective, energy-efficient ventilation to meet the demands of net zero homes, the Sentinel Econiq range also tackles one of the fastest-growing challenges for housebuilders: overheating. The awards ceremony The winners of the H&V News Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony held on 26 November at London’s Grosvenor House. The H&V News Awards celebrates outstanding achievements within the HVAC sector, honouring the organisations, projects, and individuals driving net zero progress and technical excellence across the built environment. Judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, the company was praised for its impact, expertise, and commitment to excellence. The judges described the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Range as a “versatile and well-designed product with wide applicability,” adding that the high efficiency range “offers strong performance and ease of integration.” Steve Pearce, Product Manager at Vent-Axia, comments, “We are thrilled to be recognised by the industry for our design innovation and commitment to improving indoor air sustainably. For the new-build residential sector, this means helping housebuilders deliver net zero homes with low-carbon ventilation while also considering performance demands, such as quiet operation and thermal comfort. "As homes become more thermally efficient and external temperatures rise, housebuilders are finding it more challenging to achieve the requirements set out to mitigate overheating risk in Part O and TM59 standards. To meet these evolving demands, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq MVHR series delivers a comprehensive choice of solutions, from Passivhaus certified units to models offering additional cooling.” The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range Designed to help housebuilders tackle the challenges of designing net zero housing, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range delivers good indoor air quality (IAQ), energy-efficient performance, and year-round thermal comfort, aiding compliance with Part O of the Building Regulations. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range includes four core models: the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq, Passivhaus-certified units, the Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow, and the Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS). Offering coolth or heat recovery efficiencies up to 93% and best-in-class Specific Fan Powers (SFPs), the range also boasts near-silent operation. The Passivhaus models similarly boast excellent coolth or heat recovery and a specific electric power as low as 0.22 Wh/m3. Meanwhile, the whole Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range offers an intelligent summer bypass to enable nighttime cooling. When additional cooling is needed, the Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow integrates DX cooling for automatic active cooling, featuring intelligent controls that automatically switch between heat recovery, summer bypass, and active cooling. Moreover, the Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) model combines an MVHR unit with a KERS Coolboost air source heat pump. When conditions exceed defined comfort thresholds and passive cooling is no longer viable, the MVHR unit automatically signals the heat pump to activate cooling. This smart integration enables mechanical cooling and renewable hot water, offering a two-in-one solution with minimal energy use. With best-in-class SFPs as low as 0.39w/ls, with up to 93% heat recovery, hand-in-hand with near-silent operation with sound levels as low as 15.5 dB(A) (independently tested by SRL), the Sentinel Econiq is designed and developed in the UK to offer the highest levels of comfort and functionality all year round. Maximised airflows and minimised noise and energy are achieved through cutting-edge EC motors and highly sculpted interiors. Providing exceptional IAQ, the new Sentinel-X wireless control platform delivers complete control of the home environment, provided through a full range of wired/wireless sensors and a smartphone app. Designed to improve IAQ and occupant health, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq’s Sentinel-X control platform features a wide array of sensors and controls, ensuring the highest levels of IAQ. The Sentinel control logic built within the MVHR ensures the Sentinel Econiq system operates optimally with automated functions such as its built-in intelligent humidistat, frost protection, and summer bypass, providing home comfort. With a rise in thermally efficient homes, overheating can be a challenge, so the Sentinel Econiq’s automatic summer bypass is designed to provide free cooling when available and eliminate performance loss. To further improve IAQ, the Sentinel Econiq offers ISO ePM 10 (M5) and ePM2.5 (F7) filtration options. The MVHR filters provide numerous benefits, including improving IAQ by removing allergens and particulate matter. They also maintain the system’s energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and enhance the longevity of the system. Meanwhile, to ensure the Sentinel Econiq operates efficiently to its design intent and to help housebuilders comply with Part F (Means of Ventilation) of the Building Regulations, Vent-Axia has developed its pioneering Commissioning Wizard for the Sentinel Econiq, making it the easiest system on the market to commission. Available online and via a smartphone app, the Commissioning Wizard makes it very simple to comply with Part F, allowing the ventilation installer to input all the necessary information that Part F requires for compliance. It will then output a complete, detailed report for building control to sign off. Offering market-leading connectivity, the Sentinel Econiq is controlled by the innovative Vent-Axia Connect smartphone app as standard. This provides households with year-round control of their ventilation from the comfort of their sofas and allows a multitude of functions to be adjusted. With smart-phone-compatible controls, homeowners have the flexibility to increase the ventilation rate during hot periods in the summer or reduce the speed to minimise running costs while away. The app is available for free on iOS and Android. For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia, telephone +44 (0)344 856 0590 or visit the company’s website. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Winner of SkillELECTRIC gold announced

22-year-old Ellis Stevenson, a recently qualified apprentice from SECTT and UHI Moray, has been named the first-ever female SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in the intensive 2025 UK Final over three days at Bridgend College. Taking second place and the silver medal was Adam Souter, also from SECTT and UHI Moray. Third place and the bronze medal went to Fabian Maciejewski of East Goscote Electrics and Leicester College. Ewan Forsythe, who trained with Belfast Metropolitan College and is employed by Nugent, received a Highly Commended mention following an excellent performance. The competition Ellis, who is employed by Campbell & McHardy in Moray, Scotland, competed in SkillELECTRIC 2024 but did not make it past the heat stages. Determined to do even better this year, she returned for the 2025 event and won her heat in June before claiming gold in the final. SkillELECTRIC is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) in conjunction with WorldSkills UK and has Electric Center, NICEIC, and Scolmore Group as its delivery partners. The competition was one of over 40 WorldSkills UK national finals held last week across South Wales. The finalists faced a complicated electrical installation task which had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria including wiring and connection skills, inspecting and testing, and fault finding. Reflecting the fact that the core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in low carbon technologies, this year’s challenge also included a solar PV task led by the NICEIC and electric vehicle charging point technology, supported by Rolec. Speaking after her win, Ellis says, “I’m completely shocked; I didn’t expect to win so, when I heard my name, it took me a few moments to realise what was happening. "Everyone was watching from home and has been messaging to say well done. I’d like to say thank you to my tutor, Iain McBean; I wouldn’t be here without him and his support has been incredible.” Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC Project Manager for NET, comments, “Once again, this year we’ve not only witnessed an excellent standard of work; we’ve also been encouraged by returning competitors who clearly see the value of continuing their SkillELECTRIC journey and the personal development this brings. "Congratulations to all eight finalists and to Ellis on her win; she is a fantastic ambassador for female electricians and to young women considering a career in the sector.” The prizes All finalists that took part received a range of prizes including an iPad Air and protective case from the NICEIC, as well as the latest edition IET Code of Practices for EV Charging Equipment, Solar PV Systems, and Electrical Energy Storage Systems; a full set of workwear and safety shoes from Snickers Workwear; a Megger MET1000 Electrical Tester; and a Scolmore Group goodie bag containing an Elucian garage board and lock-off kit, various Click wiring accessory products and branded hoodie, an ESP Fort Smart Security Kit, Ovia downlights, a Unicrimp product bundle, and a range of Scolmore Group merchandise. In a joint prize from EAL and the NICEIC, once qualified, our competitors will be able to access training through the NICEIC’s Electrician Plus package to gain the EAL Level 3 Awards in the EV Charging Points, Solar PV, and Electrical Energy Storage Systems, free of charge. As second and third place winners, Adam and Fabian won a DeWalt cordless combi drill from Scolmore Group and a voucher for £100 and £50 respectively from Electric Center to spend in their local branch. As overall winner, Ellis won the new Megger MFT-X1 multifunction tester, a DeWalt brushless combi drill and brushless impact driver from the Scolmore Group, and a £250 voucher from Electric Center. For more from SkillELECTRIC, click here.

ISE 2026 to offer new opportunities for electrical contractors

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 returns to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, 3-6 February, with a forward-looking theme: Push Beyond. As buildings evolve into intelligent, connected environments, electrical professionals are increasingly at the centre of this transformation, and ISE is positioning them to take the lead. For electrical contractors, smart buildings represent more than a technological upgrade; they are a major commercial opportunity. Demand for integrated lighting, energy management, automation, security, and networked control systems continues to surge across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. ISE 2026, co-owned by CEDIA, The Association for Smart Home Professionals, will showcase how these technologies converge and how contractors can expand their skillsets, services, and revenue streams as a result. A look at the future of connected infrastructure A cornerstone of the event is the Smart Building Summit, taking place Wednesday 4 February, 08:30-12:30, where industry leaders will explore the realities of designing and delivering intelligent environments. Discussions will focus on systems interoperability, AI’s growing influence on building management, the long-term maintenance of connected infrastructure and how these changes will impact project workflows. For contractors, the Summit provides valuable context for aligning services with the evolving expectations of clients and building operators. Elevating residential expertise The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference is designed to broaden professional knowledge, sharpen practical skills, and drive business growth for electrical contractors and industry professionals. With a strong focus on actionable strategies and peer-driven insights, the conference will help delegates master project delivery, harness the latest advances in AI and emerging technologies, and foster a robust business culture. Attendees can expect practical takeaways and expert guidance from industry leaders, ensuring they return with real-world solutions and a competitive edge in the evolving smart home sector. Technology at the heart of the Residential & Smart Building Tech Zone ISE’s Residential & Smart Building Technology Zone, in Halls 1 and 2, brings together the technologies electrical professionals encounter more frequently on residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The zone showcases IoT-based building management platforms, advanced lighting and shading systems, energy monitoring tools, integrated security solutions, and multi-protocol control infrastructure. It’s an opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers, explore installation methods, and understand the integration requirements behind next-generation smart building systems. Integration and interoperability in action ISE 2026 will demonstrate how integrated systems can transform buildings into responsive, efficient ecosystems. Expect to see real-time demonstrations where lighting, power, audio, and security systems interact seamlessly. Key exhibitors at ISE 2026 include Technology Integration Partners (stand 2J500), who will be presenting design-focused technologies from brands such as Domotz, Russound, and D-Tools, with particular emphasis on smart power management and network monitoring. ADI / Snap One + Control4 (stand 2J150) will introduce robust platforms designed for networked control, automation, and remote management, supporting a wide range of connected devices and applications. Meanwhile, the KNX Association (stand 2J300) will showcase the latest advancements in building control standards, setting benchmarks for interoperability, automation, and personalisation. Megatrends – Smart spaces and sustainability One of ISE 2026’s defining megatrends is smart spaces, a concept describing buildings that react intelligently to occupants, integrate data from multiple systems and balance energy performance with user comfort. At the heart of these spaces lies robust electrical and low-voltage infrastructure. As buildings become increasingly software-driven, the contractor’s role expands accordingly – shaping not just the physical power distribution but the digital backbone on which automation, analytics, and optimisation depend. ISE also identified sustainability as a megatrend for 2026, where sessions will cover how sustainability presents opportunities to develop eco-friendly technologies, energy-efficient systems, and greener manufacturing processes - reducing environmental impact and attracting eco-conscious clients. AI Trailblazing keynote Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief AI Officer for enterprises, will headline ISE on Wednesday 5 February 2026. Her keynote, ‘The AI Reality Check: What It Takes to Scale and the Future of Leadership,’ will expose the realities of AI beyond the hype, offering practical frameworks and highlighting the importance of AI governance and cybersecurity for successful scaling. She will also share how to assess AI initiatives and protect data, staff, and competitive edge. Registration for ISE 2026 is open now - don’t miss your place at the forefront of connected living. Use our code ‘ecnews’ for free registration by clicking here. For more from CEDIA, click here.

Click Scolmore enhances GridPro Modules with LED indication

Click Scolmore, a designer and manufacturer of electrical accessories, has upgraded its GridPro Modules, now featuring advanced LED indication. Featuring a modern design, the new LED indicators offer a brighter, more discreet method of visual notification, replacing the previous neon-based system. This enhancement brings a modern look to the GridPro range while maintaining its reputation for reliability and performance - delivering a cleaner, more efficient solution in line with evolving market demands. Inserts are available in Black, Polar White, and Grey, and can be paired with modules in a wide variety of high-quality finishes, including Antique Brass, Black Nickel, Polished Chrome, Stainless Steel, Satin Brass, Pearl Nickel, Polished Brass, Satin Chrome, Matt Black, Matt Bronze, Brushed Steel, Polar White, and Black. For more information on Click’s full range of GridPro Modules, visit the Scolmore Group website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Light Forms completes bespoke café lighting feature

Mouse Tail Coffee has opened a new site on Fenchurch Avenue in London, with lighting design playing a central role in shaping the interior. The brief focused on creating a welcoming environment for commuters and office workers, while maintaining the brand’s established visual identity. As the company’s fifth location, the space needed to balance consistency with a distinctive design element suited to the building’s curved architectural form. Light Forms, a UK designer and manufacturer of architectural lighting, worked with Inside Job Studio to deliver a bespoke lighting installation suspended above the main counter. The feature uses Light Forms’ Moonband 90 profile in a curved configuration, providing a focal point with controlled illumination and a timber veneer finish that aligns with the wider interior scheme. The project includes a range of Light Forms fixtures, such as Nova 62 track spotlights mounted on Powergear track. The Nova fitting offers a minimal design with an integral driver, while the Powergear system supports a subtle finish that places emphasis on the lighting effect rather than the hardware. Lighting design shaped around the building The interior incorporates floor-to-ceiling glazing, a spacious service counter, and varied seating options for customers. The lighting design complements these elements, creating a bright and inviting setting for visitors to enjoy Mouse Tail Coffee’s food and drink offer. Mirjam Haggi, Interior Designer at Inside Job Studio, says, “We had a wonderful time collaborating with Light Forms on the design for Mouse Tail Coffee’s City of London location. "The solutions from Light Forms align perfectly with our overall vision for the interiors, with curved, creative lighting which harmoniously follows the shape of the building and highlights the seating for customers to unwind and enjoy.” For more from Light Forms, click here.

BOXT and Passiv UK form heat pump partnership

BOXT, a UK-based installer, has teamed up with Passiv UK to exclusively offer the Passiv Smart Thermostat with every purchase of the Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump. This strategic collaboration is described by the companies as a "major step forward" in making advanced heat pump control technology widely accessible, providing homeowners across the UK with an intelligent, energy-efficient innovation to optimise their heating systems. The Passiv Smart Thermostat enhances heat pump performance without complex setup from a homeowner or installer. It cuts heating bills by up to 30% and improves heat pump efficiency by 17%, as verified by the Energy Saving Trust. Its intelligent controls can optimise energy use according to time-of-use tariffs and rooftop solar production, supporting decarbonisation efforts while future-proofing homes against rising energy demands. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, says, “Partnering with BOXT allows us to bring the Passiv Smart Thermostat to homes across the UK, helping more people take control of their energy usage, save on bills, and reduce carbon emissions. This collaboration represents a major step forward in making smart and sustainable heating accessible to everyone.” Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT, adds, “By including Passiv’s intelligent controls with our Worcester Bosch heat pump offering, we can provide our customers with a complete, high-performance heat pump solution. It’s easy to use and delivers tangible benefits in efficiency and cost savings across a range of property types.” The Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump is an all-in-one monobloc heat pump, designed for a straightforward installation experience. It’s suitable for a range of property types, and doesn’t require planning permission in most scenarios. The BOXT heat pump package includes the Passiv Smart Thermostat, and is available from £4,799. For more from Passiv, click here.