TRILUX brings sustainable lighting to Schiphol Trade Park

TRILUX, a manufacturer of professional lighting systems, has delivered a complete lighting installation at Rapid Logistics' new distribution centre at Schiphol Trade Park, designed to maximise performance, comfort, and energy efficiency across the 26,000 m² facility. A tailored lighting plan for every area The distribution hub comprises of 19,923 m² of warehouse space, 3,428 m² of office area, 3,220 m² of mezzanine floor, and an integrated parking facility. The company says the goal was clear: develop a lighting scheme that balances operational efficiency with user comfort while helping the building achieve top sustainability credentials. TRILUX provided what it describes as a "full LED solution," including E-Line continuous line systems for uniform illumination in the warehouse, and Siella LED panels, Sonnos, and Ambiella downlights in the office spaces. Smart control for smarter energy use A key element of the system is the implementation of a sensor-based lighting management system, ensuring luminaires are only activated when needed. This on-demand approach typically significantly reduces unnecessary energy use. To further support connectivity and future flexibility, TRILUX integrated Polymer Optical Fibre (POF) as part of the lighting infrastructure. This digital-ready system opens the door for future data applications and optimisation opportunities across the logistics operation. For more from TRILUX, click here.

Ovia launches new Evo Orb LED Bulkhead

Ovia, a lighting brand part of the Scolmore Group, is expanding its utility range of luminaires to now include the new Evo Orb LED bulkhead. Designed to adapt to any environment, it delivers flexibility, longevity, and energy efficiency in one compact unit. Distinguished by its sleek 78mm depth, the Evo Orb combines a contemporary design with robust engineering. With an IK08 impact rating and IP65 ingress protection, it offers resistance to dust, water, and mechanical impact – making it ideal for demanding environments. Offering an efficacy of 120lm/W, the Evo Orb features power-selectable outputs of 10W, 13W, or 15W, and CCT selectable options of 3000K, 4000K, or 6000K, providing customisable lighting solutions to suit a wide range of applications. It is available in four versions – standard, microwave, emergency, and microwave & emergency - ensuring both energy efficiency and full compliance with the BS 5266-1 emergency lighting standards. It also comes with a five-year warranty. Designed with the installer in mind, Evo Orb offers quick and easy installation, with clever features to ensure a smooth install every time: • Quick connections – The fast-fit terminal block allows tool-free wiring for a quicker install, while the integrated Molex style connector ensures a secure, plug-and-play connection, saving time on every job. • Quick-release clip – The gear tray comes pre-attached to the diffuser, streamlining installation. When needed, it can be easily disconnected from the base using the quick release clip. A suspension wire allows the diffuser to be removed for easy installation and access, without it being separated from the base. • Secure and quick entry – The diffuser easily twists off the base for quick access during installation or maintenance. For added peace of mind, a security screw is included to firmly lock the diffuser in place once fitted. • BESA mountable base - It is designed to align with standard BESA box spacing for quick and secure mounting, with no need for additional brackets or adaptors. • M20 Gland entry points – It features four M20 gland entry points for flexible wiring options. The bezel also includes knockouts to accommodate glands. Featuring step dim corridor function, the microwave sensor version activates on motion and steps down to 10% or 30% when no movement is detected, delivering energy savings without compromising safety and making it ideal for corridors, stairwells, and low-traffic areas. Optional self-testing is offered with the Evo Orb emergency versions, allowing you to choose between Standard and Self-Test Emergency modes by selecting the position of the switch. This allows flexibility, enabling the Evo Orb to be retro fit into existing systems without compromising the test schedule. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fr_eHNhIuc[/embed] More information can be found on the Ovia website and on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

Scolmore Group donates products to Telford College

Scolmore Group, a provider of wiring accessories, circuit protection, lighting, fire and security systems, and cable accessory products, has donated of a range of electrical accessory products to Telford College to support students pursuing careers in electrical and engineering fields. The donation includes an assortment of products from across the Scolmore Group of companies including Click switches and sockets, Elucian distribution boards, and Unicrimp cable accessories. These products will be integrated into the college's practical training programmes, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard materials. “We are passionate about investing in the future of the electrical industry,” says Neil McManus, Technical Engagement Engineer, Scolmore Group. “By providing these essential products to Telford College, we hope to inspire and equip the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and excellence in our sector. "As the industry constantly develops, with different emerging technologies available to generate electricity, there will always be a constant demand for electricians in every sector.” Luke Foster, Environmental Technology Lecturer at Telford College, comments, “We are incredibly thankful for this support from Scolmore Group. "Access to up-to-date and industry-standard equipment is vital for our students, and this generous donation will make a real difference in their training and readiness for the workforce. "It will be used by our current electrical installation students, our electrical installation and maintenance apprentices, and our introduction to basic electronics adult course, keeping their studies as up to date as possible. “Some of the equipment we’ve been given, such as the Ovia Click Flow system for lighting, introduces new installation methods and will give students a huge advantage when starting their careers in the electrical industry. “Studying electrical installations is so important - our courses cover a vast range of topics including sockets and systems, all the way up to distribution boards. It’s one of the most evolving areas in construction, with so much innovation, and it’s going to keep expanding. "Making ties with local companies such as Scolmore Group is fundamental to the progression of our courses and the college as a whole. "The donation will be used immediately in practical classes and workshops, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.” For more from Scolmore Group, click here.

NICEIC celebrates World Youth Skills Day

NICEIC, a certification and training body for the electrical industry in the UK, says it was "delighted" to join the global celebration of World Youth Skills Day, which recognises the transformative power of skills in shaping futures, building confidence, and opening doors to lifelong opportunities. With this year’s theme being “Skills Change Lives,” NICEIC highlighted the integral role of technical training and apprenticeships in the electrotechnical industry. At the forefront of NICEIC’s commitment to skills development is Mitchel Smith, Technical Training Developer and recently appointed WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Electrical Installation. In his role, Mitchel is leading a squad of some talented UK apprentice electricians as they prepare to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Mitchel has seen first-hand how skills can empower young people, commenting, “In my role, I have been privileged to see apprentice electricians grow from beginners into confident professionals. "Their commitment to learning their trade doesn’t just set them up for a job, it sets them up for life. Learning new skills undoubtedly open doors and creates new opportunities, but often it also gives people new choices that they may never have even considered.” NICEIC’s Student Membership programme offers access to technical webinars, a digital library, Connections Magazine, and tailored support to those in training, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and on-site experience. In addition, through a partnership with the Electrical Industries Charity, NICEIC provides apprentices with free access to mental health resources and wellbeing support via an online learning portal. For young people considering a career in the industry, the message from NICEIC is clear: there has never been a better time to get started. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Valtria adopts Trimble’s Stabicad for Revit

Valtria has adopted US-based technology company Trimble’s Stabicad for Revit with the intention of streamlining its MEP system designs and calculations, delivering - according to the company - "up to 40% time savings, improved productivity, and enhanced collaboration with clients." Valtria designs and installs custom cleanroom systems for a range of clients across the world. This includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), air treatment systems, specialist fluid and gas supplies, electrical systems, and the integration of specialist medical and scientific equipment. Since 2013, the business has delivered more than 900 projects, totalling over 300,000m² of cleanroom space. Valtria has been using Trimble’s Stabicad for Revit for four years. Previously, its designers were using a standard version of Revit for the 3D design, with calculations completed manually by the engineers using a separate system. Stabicad integrates into the Revit platform allowing 3D design and engineering calculations to be completed within the one design environment. It also provides mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP)-specific functionality. Elena Gonzalez, Global Manager of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at Valtria, comments, “We have used Stabicad on major projects across Europe, including in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. "It is very user friendly and, when compared with other software, is much quicker for our designers to learn to use, many of whom do not have an advanced engineering background. "This means that our designers can become productive using the software in half or even a third of the time required for similar software packages.” For more from Trimble, click here.

Supporting the next generation of electricians

Today is World Youth Skills Day - celebrated annually on 15 July - intending to empower young people with the skills they need to step into employment. NAPIT, a Bolsover-based company developing green skills and compliance, is one organisation recognising this event, saying it aims to give young people a "foundation for success" so they can "thrive at every step of their career journey." NAPIT works with a number of colleges and organisations in the UK through its initiative called 'NAPIT Foundation,' supporting apprentices, students, and lecturers. NAPIT Foundation is a free membership that seeks to provide a foundation to both students and lecturers with expert technical support and resources. The initiative also aims to assist with both the practical and theoretical aspects of training. NAPIT Foundation members can access educational resources, technical guidance, CPD opportunities, and regular industry updates. Every month, NAPIT releases a new technical webinar by its experts on industry topics where students can join in the live events. There are also opportunities for exclusive NAPIT Technical Workshops at colleges and training centres. The company says it recognises the importance of World Youth Skills Day and hope to encourage more young people to seek learning opportunities to grow their skills. NAPIT Managing Director Frank Bertie comments, “NAPIT are proud to support World Youth Skills Day 2025. We are pleased to be able to support the next generation of electricians who are entering the industry and eager to learn and develop their skills.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

Vent-Axia tackles overheating in new builds

British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has launched the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) in partnership with KERS, introducing what it describes as a "2-in-1 solution that provides renewable hot water and free cooling." The system combines Vent-Axia’s latest Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit with a KERS Coolboost Heat Pump, marking the latest addition to Vent-Axia’s growing cooling range. Designed to help housebuilders manage overheating in new build homes, the energy-efficient MVHR unit features new integrated controls that enable communication with the hot water air source heat pump. As a result, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) intends to improve indoor air quality for households while delivering higher levels of comfort by "intelligently" heating hot water and cooling habitable spaces. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) seeks to provide housebuilders with a compliant and effective cooling solution that meets the requirements of Part O of the Building Regulations and CIBSE TM59. The system monitors comfort temperatures defined by the user, and when cooler outdoor air is insufficient to reduce internal temperatures via the 100% summer bypass, it automatically signals the heat pump to activate cooling. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) then combines the airflow from the MVHR with the cool exhaust air from the heat pump via built-in dampers. “New-build homes are increasingly overheating as they become more thermally efficient to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. As a result, housebuilders are keen to find cooling solutions that comply with Part O and CIBSE TM59," says Steve Pearce, Product Manager at Vent-Axia. "The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) is therefore ideal since it offers year-round comfort, combining all the benefits of our market-leading mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, with free cooling, and renewable hot water.” During the cooler months, households could see the MVHR providing up to 93% heat recovery. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS), according to the company, also offers quiet operation with sound levels as low as 15.5dB(A) (independently tested and verified sound data by SRL). To further minimise noise, the unit is developed with an integral acoustic enclosure, made of steel, foam, and expanded polypropylene (EPP). Additionally, its motors are positioned on anti-vibration mounts to mitigate vibration transmission. It also has a new Sentinel-X Control platform that features an array of sensors and controls, including Sentinel-X Wireless Temperature Sensors. The Sentinel control logic built within the MVHR has a built-in intelligent humidistat, frost protection, and summer bypass. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq-Cool (KERS) is controlled by the Vent-Axia Connect smartphone app as standard, and the app is available for free on iOS and Android. The product's MHVR filter options provide features such as improving IAQ by removing allergens and particulate matter, maintaining the system’s energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs, and enhancing longevity of the system. An ISO 60% Coarse (G4) filter is supplied as standard. To further improve IAQ ISO ePM 10 50% (M5) and ePM2.5 70% (F7) filtration options are available. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Rexel and Denmans form 'electrifying' partnership with EFL

Football legends helped officially launch the EFL (English Football League) and electrical wholesaler Rexel and Denmans two-year partnership at a colleague event last week. Sky Sports’ Michelle Owen led a fireside chat with John Barnes and Clinton Morrison around the importance of grassroots and community in football, as well as career highlights and how they can ‘power dreams’ of the next generation of footballers. Rexel and Denmans’ two-season deal will see the electrical wholesaler highlight its commitment to football across the EFL’s three divisions until the end of the 2026/27 season. The partnership with EFL is Rexel and Denmans’ first foray into English professional football and will see investment in grassroots football and strengthening of community ties. Initiatives planned for 2025/26 season include: • The Goal-den Ticket Giveaway — Hundreds of match day tickets and VIP hospitality experiences for Rexel and Denmans customers to games across all competitions and major finals. • Powering Dreams Football Kit Campaign — Rexel and Denmans will provide new kits to hundreds of grassroots football clubs. • Money-Can’t-Buy Experiences — Trophies and football legends visits to Rexel and Denmans branches throughout the season, offering the chance to win match balls and other experiences. Natalie Moss, Chief Digital Marketing & Transformation Officer, Rexel UK, comments, “We're incredibly proud to deepen our commitment to football through these significant partnerships. "This collaboration goes far beyond the pitch. It's about investing in the heart of our communities, nurturing talent, creating unforgettable experiences, and ultimately powering the dreams of individuals and families who live and breathe the game.” Ben Wright, Chief Commercial Officer, EFL, adds, "With Rexel and Denmans branches situated in the heart of EFL communities, the partnership demonstrates the League's ability to offer on-the-ground, local activation on a national scale. "We're proud to be Rexel and Denmans’ first-ever English football partner and look forward to helping build long-term engagement in our communities between customers, colleagues, clubs and supporters." As an 'Official Supporter' of the EFL, Rexel and Denmans will have a presence at the EFL’s five Wembley finals in addition to exposure on the EFL website and digital and social media channels. For more from Rexel, click here.

NICEIC urges certified businesses to check their records

This summer marks five years since the introduction of mandatory Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) for private rented homes in England. NICEIC, a certification and training body for the electrical industry in the UK, is encouraging contractors to check their records to confirm whether there are properties they conducted EICRs on in 2020 due for renewal. Under legislation introduced in June 2020, landlords must have electrical installations in privately rented properties inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person. With the fifth anniversary now here, many properties will require updated reports. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, says, “We’ve reached a key milestone, with five years now having passed since the introduction of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations. "Now is the time for contractors to check their records and support clients by identifying EICRs that are due for renewal. This is not only about compliance, but also ensuring ongoing safety for tenants and properties. “Contractors can play a vital role by reminding landlords of their legal responsibilities and offering timely support. This presents an opportunity for NICEIC-certified businesses to strengthen relationships with their customers and demonstrate leadership and commitment to safety and compliance. "Helping your customers stay compliant is a real value-add. NICEIC-certified businesses are ideally placed to lead the way in maintaining standards across the private rental sector.” NICEIC-certified businesses can check their records using the NICEIC Online Certification System. For more from NICEIC, click here.

National skills roadmap 'key to catalysing grid reform'

According to UK engineering consultancy Egis, the success of the government’s vision for a clean energy future hinges on its ability to address the growing skills gap. This follows the news that ‘shovel-ready’ wind and solar farms will be prioritised for grid connections, a move that replaces the longstanding first-come, first-served approach, which has led - Egis argues - to "unviable schemes holding up clean energy projects ready to plug in." The company says it has welcomed this decision, recognising it as a crucial step in unlocking the nation’s renewable energy process and accelerating towards net zero. Yet the business has also warned that for communities across Britain to ‘benefit from good jobs and investment in the clean energy economy,' the industry needs to see the short- to medium-term government initiatives that will be taken to close the estimated shortfall of 200,000 workers. As a recent investor in the sector through various acquisitions, Egis has similarly committed to supporting the rapid deployment of sustainable infrastructure that will power the energy transition. “We applaud the government’s commitment to accelerating clean energy development,” comments Joanne Moran, Director for Water, Environment, Energy Transition, and Nuclear at Egis UK & Ireland. “But the success of this vision depends on more than just expediency and infrastructure – it requires people. “While businesses like Egis are adopting various initiatives to attract and retain talent, such as apprenticeships and graduate programmes, we need a national roadmap to develop the specialist skills required to drive this transition forwards.” Egis believes that a coordinated approach will attract further private investment into the sector, helping the government meet its goal of almost fully powering the country with clean electricity by 2030. Joanne continues, “Clear directives from the government will not only help bridge the skills gap, but they will also signal that the UK is serious about delivering on its clean energy ambitions. This kind of certainty is essential to unlocking the scale of private investment required to do so. “When that happens, it’s not just the investors who win – communities will benefit from more jobs, better infrastructure, and long-term economic growth.”