YESSS Electrical expands rapid delivery with TradeKart

UK electrical wholesaler YESSS Electrical has expanded its rapid and same-day delivery offering through a national partnership with TradeKart, giving electricians wider access to fast delivery from local branches. Electricians across the UK can now order products through YESSS Rapid in branch, as well as via the TradeKart marketplace app, with delivery available directly to site. TradeKart connects tradespeople with local merchants, enabling rapid ordering and delivery from participating suppliers. Through the partnership, TradeKart supports the YESSS Rapid service and also provides access to the YESSS Electrical product range via the TradeKart app. Orders placed through the TradeKart app can be tracked in real time, with a flat delivery charge of £5. Supporting urgent site requirements The partnership is aimed at electricians who need fast access to materials while working on site, reducing the need to leave jobs to collect supplies and helping to limit project delays. The service is available from more than 75 YESSS Electrical branches across the UK. Electricians can place orders either directly with YESSS Electrical for YESSS Rapid, or through the TradeKart app. Sam Hall, Head of Marketing at YESSS Electrical, says, “This rapid delivery service will enable us to go even further to meet the needs of our customers. "We know how busy they are and the challenges they face when working on site, and no one wants to down tools and spend time battling traffic to pick up a specific product. "Partnering with TradeKart means that we can provide customers with the ultimate convenience that will keep them on the job.” Alistair McAuley, founder and CEO of TradeKart, comments, “We’re delighted to partner with the team at YESSS to power their rapid delivery service and also to offer electricians across the UK access to the extensive range of YESSS products on the TradeKart app from leading brands. "Over 300 million hours are lost every year by tradespeople collecting materials, and this partnership will help give some of this valuable time back.” For more from YESSS Electrical, click here.

Sync Energy launches installer rewards scheme, Connect

Sync Energy, a UK manufacturer of EV charging equipment and part of the Luceco Group, has launched a new installer reward scheme, Sync Energy Connect, aimed at encouraging best-practice commissioning and connected handover for domestic EV charger installations. The scheme runs from January to the end of April and offers installers £50 for every two verified, fully connected EV charger installations. To qualify, chargers must be handed over to the homeowner, with the end user completing their first charge using the Sync Energy app. Sync Energy says the scheme is designed to support proper setup and app connection, helping ensure that smart charging features are available and used as intended from the outset. Smart chargers are increasingly expected to integrate with variable energy tariffs, rooftop solar, and demand flexibility programmes. Sync Energy says that without correct commissioning and app setup, many of these features may remain unused, limiting potential benefits for homeowners and overall system performance. Connected handover and demand flexibility For installers, a full app handover is intended to help reduce common call-backs linked to scheduling, connectivity, and tariff-related issues. Sync Energy notes that this can support smoother installations and improved customer understanding of charging behaviour and energy monitoring. The Sync Energy app also supports demand flexibility participation. Eligible homeowners can earn £5 per month by allowing charging to be briefly paused during periods of peak grid demand. These pauses are managed automatically and can be opted out of at any time. The company says this approach is intended to support grid balancing while allowing customers to earn a small monthly reward. The reward scheme is open to Sync Energy installers in mainland Great Britain. Eligible domestic installations completed from 1 October 2025 onwards can be included, provided the homeowner completes their first charge via the Sync Energy app between 20 January and the end of April. Rewards are available as digital vouchers at a range of outlets or, for higher earners, as cashback by invoice, subject to minimum thresholds and supplier setup requirements. Gareth Yeomans, Installer Training and Engagement Team Manager at Sync Energy, comments, “EV charging is no longer just about installing hardware; the real value comes from correct commissioning, connection, and a proper handover to the homeowner. "This scheme recognises installers who make sure customers can use the app confidently and benefit from smart charging features from day one.” For more from Sync Energy, click here.

Michael Smith Switchgear presented King's Award

Michael Smith Switchgear (MSSL), a UK manufacturer of low voltage switchgear and control panels, received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development during an afternoon of celebration at its Leicester facility. The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire presented the award, on behalf of King Charles III, to Managing Director Sean Smith and Operations and Finance Director Emily Smith. Team members and company partners gathered on the shopfloor at the carbon neutral facility to celebrate the handing over of the award - the UK’s highest accolade for business. MSSL was one of only 27 businesses nationwide to receive the King’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2025 - and one of just two East Midlands-based recipients. Celebrations all round Confirmation of the award came as the company celebrated a milestone anniversary. “Being told as we marked our 40th year that we were also to receive the King’s Award was a huge moment for the team,” says Emily, who met the King after being invited to Windsor Castle last year. “It shows that you can grow a manufacturing business, invest in skilled jobs, and still cut your environmental impact year after year.” The award recognises MSSL’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into operations. It was presented by Lord Lieutenant Michael Kapur OBE CStJ, who used his address to summarise MSSL’s sustainability leadership and company growth over the last 13 years. Alongside him, Deputy Lieutenant Rob Nixon CBE QPM DL assisted the Lord Lieutenant by reading the grant of appointment during the presentation. Sustainability at the core MSSL achieved carbon neutral status in 2022 and is currently seven years ahead of the Make UK Net Zero carbon reduction roadmap, alongside doubling its revenue and workforce. Future initiatives include acting on a recent water audit, exploring rainwater harvesting at the Leicester site, and implementing further energy‑saving measures. Emily began leading the company’s sustainability journey in 2013, ultimately introducing a series of measures that have reduced carbon emissions by 60% since 2018. Actions include installing rooftop solar panels that generate more than 35% of the company’s electricity and diverting more than 17 tonnes of waste from landfill since 2021. The company’s full Scope 1-3 emissions tracking is ahead of the Make UK Net Zero standard. Growth and investment Sean Smith, Managing Director at MSSL, comments, “Engineering quality and safety have always been non-negotiable for us. “The King’s Award shows that the same discipline and agility we show in building reliable switchgear can also deliver real progress on carbon, waste, and resource reduction across the whole business.” Founded in 1985, MSSL grew from a small yard behind a Leicester terrace to a purpose-built site that supplies low voltage switchgear and control panels to hospitals, logistics hubs, universities, and other critical infrastructure across the UK. The King’s Award presentation highlights how long-term investment in skills, safety, and engineering standards underpins its sustainability success. Alongside the King’s Award, MSSL holds multiple RoSPA Gold Medal Awards and ISO certifications, including ISO 14001 for environmental management. For more from Michael Smith Switchgear, click here.

Powered Now launches AI features on its platform

Powered Now, a leading job management software for the trades, has announced the launch of brand new AI-powered features on the platform, designed to help electrical businesses spend less time on admin. With Powered Now, users will now be able to proofread existing text, build on what has already been written, and generate brand new text from a simple prompt. Better still, the AI can be customised to match each user’s tone and style, so everything sounds like you – just written faster. The software update has also improved invoicing capabilities, with users now able to split quotes into sections and turn them into multiple invoices in just a few clicks – ideal for a staged job or part-payments. Every invoice clearly shows what is due, whilst the online version updates live to show what’s been paid and what’s still outstanding, allowing for easier cash flow management. The other improvements to the software include: • The ability to create documents straight from appointments – users can jump from the scheduled job to paperwork in seconds, with no need to re-enter details • Fully customisable templates – millions of configuration options across 28 templates to match each business’s branding and workflow • Electrical forms, simplified (EIC, EICR) – mass generate circuits, re-order, and pre-fill protective devices, allowing for up to 8,000 circuits to be documented on a single certificate • Upgraded text editor – further formatting options across all text boxes for cleaner, on-brand documents Preparing for 'Making Tax Digital' The latest software upgrade comes as the electrical sector gears up for the arrival of Making Tax Digital, with self-employed electricians having to digitally record income and expenses from 1 April 2026. On the launch of its latest update, Benjamin Dyer, founder and CEO of Powered Now, comments, “With electricians facing more admin than ever before, it is crucial that businesses can easily keep their records accurate and accessible – particularly with Making Tax Digital on the horizon. "Our new AI-powered features are all about giving electricians back more time, ensuring admin doesn’t get in the day-to-day business running. “We are continuously listening to feedback from our customers, whose changing needs have guided the latest developments of our software. We’re looking forward to working with existing and new customers to help them get the most out of our latest software update and to unlock the true power that Powered Now has to offer.” Powered Now is an all-in-one job management software designed specifically for trade businesses. With a dedicated, UK-based support team, the app allows businesses to invoice, quote, and schedule jobs and teams – all from one app. Electricians can begin a 14-day free trial now. To find out more about Powered Now, visit the company's website.

Worcester Bosch partners with Passiv UK on heat pump controls

Heating manufacturer Worcester Bosch and Passiv UK, a developer of smart thermostats and energy management systems for heat pumps, have partnered to enable smart control for heat pump installations. The deal means that the Passiv Smart Thermostat is now compatible with the Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 air source heat pump range. The companies say the integration allows installers to add intelligent controls without additional hardware, noting the thermostat can be fitted to both new and existing Compress 2000 systems. The Passiv Smart Thermostat is designed to remove the need for manual setup of a weather compensation curve. Instead, it dynamically adjusts flow temperature, with the aim of improving heat pump performance and simplifying commissioning for installers. Installer setup and homeowner operation For homeowners, the thermostat is intended to support more automated control of heating. The system can optimise energy use in line with time-of-use tariffs and rooftop solar generation, which the companies say can support efficiency and lower running costs. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, comments, “This collaboration is a major step in giving both installers and homeowners a simple way to control and optimise heat pumps. "Whether a customer is installing a new system or upgrading an existing one, the Passiv Smart Thermostat helps enhance comfort, save on bills, and reduce carbon emissions.” Andrew Keyworth, Head of Business Development at Worcester Bosch, adds, “Partnering with Passiv UK allows us to offer our customers a smarter, more efficient heating experience. "It gives homeowners greater control, comfort, and energy savings, supporting the move towards low-carbon homes across the UK.” The Passiv Smart Thermostat is available nationwide through local plumbing merchants and selected online retailers. For more from Worcester Bosch, click here.

LEDVANCE launches Urban Wall Vario façade luminaire

LEDVANCE, a manufacturer of LED lighting products and smart lighting systems, has expanded its outdoor lighting portfolio with the Urban Wall Vario wall luminaire, designed for flexible façade lighting across residential, hospitality, and commercial buildings. The luminaire is intended to support architectural lighting schemes while meeting requirements for durability, efficiency, and installation flexibility. It is designed to allow on-site adjustment, enabling lighting effects to be adapted to suit different building styles and project needs. Urban Wall Vario supports upward, downward, or combined up-and-down light emission. Interchangeable reflectors are supplied as standard, offering beam angles of 30° for more focused lighting and 55° for wider light distribution. This allows specifiers and installers to tailor light output for applications such as highlighting entrances, accentuating façade textures, and adding visual depth to elevations. On-site controls allow adjustments to light direction, colour tone, and output without changing the external appearance of the fitting. This is intended to support fine-tuning during or after installation and help integrate lighting with different façade materials and architectural finishes. Durability, installation, and control options Urban Wall Vario is rated IP65 for protection against dust and water ingress and IK08 for impact resistance. The aluminium housing includes C4 corrosion protection, and the product is specified with a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours, which is intended to reduce maintenance requirements. For installation, the luminaire includes dual cable entries for through-wiring, snap-in connectors, and a mounting design that supports installation in either orientation. These features are intended to accommodate different wiring approaches and simplify installation on site. The range is also available with DALI-2 control gear, enabling digital dimming, individual addressing, and grouping for integration with building management and lighting control systems. David Goddard, Head of Project Sales at LEDVANCE UK, says, “Architectural lighting should enhance a building’s character while standing up to the realities of outdoor use. "Our aim with Urban Wall Vario was to create a solution that supports creative façade lighting while also addressing the practical challenges faced by designers and installers on site.” LEDVANCE says the Urban Wall Vario range is also supported by its technical guidance and project support services for exterior lighting applications. For more from LEDVANCE, click here.

ISE unveils its 2026 content programme

Returning to Barcelona in February 2026, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), an annual trade show for audiovisual (AV) and systems integration professionals, unveils its most ambitious content programme yet, designed to maximise both learning and exploration. This year, the programme introduces a more flexible schedule, allowing attendees - including electricians adapting to a future shaped by smart spaces, cybersecurity, sustainability, and intelligent infrastructure - to take a deep dive into key industry topics in focused, intensive sessions, while still leaving ample time to experience the innovation and energy of the show floor. Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, explains, "ISE 2026 is about pushing beyond expectations. This year’s ISE content programme will drive innovation with our most expansive schedule to date. "As the industry’s trailblazer, we’ve reshaped our programme, introducing Megatrend sessions and a new CyberSecurity Summit to reflect our industry’s rapid transformation and unprecedented challenges. "By bringing these topics to the forefront, we’re equipping our community with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in a changing landscape.” Join the ISE 2026 Summits Immerse yourself in the Summit programme at ISE 2026 and elevate your experience with high-impact, sector-specific sessions designed to ignite innovation and drive strategic growth. These ticketed Summits, covering emerging topics such as Smart Home Technology, Cybersecurity, and Smart Buildings, are meticulously designed to deliver real-world case studies, forward-thinking strategies, and peer-led discussions that tackle today’s most pressing challenges and tomorrow’s greatest opportunities. New for 2026 is the CyberSecurity Summit, chaired by Pere Ferrer i Sastre, Senior Public Executive and Strategic Advisor, who served as Director General of Police for the Government of Catalonia from 2019 to 2024. Pere will lead the discussion on tackling the escalating digital threats to AV infrastructure, smart venues, and critical systems - turning cybersecurity from a technical afterthought into a strategic advantage. The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference at ISE 2026 is designed for professionals who are seeking relevance, depth, and inspiration for their careers and their business. For attendees, this is an opportunity to move beyond the noise and focus on what truly matters: actionable strategies, peer-driven insights, and the skills that will define the next phase of your professional journey. Every session is crafted to address real-world challenges and deliver practical takeaways. The aim is to help you navigate uncertainty, and build a roadmap for ongoing growth, supported by the guidance of industry leaders who have walked the path before you. The Megatrends driving tomorrow’s technology For those seeking flexibility and inspiration, the bite-size Megatrends programme offers a series of shorter, intensive sessions built around six defining topic areas: AI, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Smart Spaces, Sustainability, and Tradescape. Chaired by some of the industry’s big names, these sessions are crafted to spark new ideas and provide actionable takeaways on the trends shaping tomorrow’s technology - all within a format that fits seamlessly into a busy event schedule. Taking place from 3–5 February in CC5.3, the Megatrends sessions offer attendees a unique opportunity to gain actionable insights and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape, designed to provoke discussion and inspire innovation. For full access across the three days and for all six sessions, visitors can purchase a Megatrends Pass. Don’t miss your chance to be part of what’s next Attendees can tailor their experience with individual summit passes or opt for the ‘All Conferences’ pass, unlocking access to the full spectrum of content across the event. With this new approach, ISE 2026 ensures every participant can engage deeply, learn meaningfully, and make the most of their time at the world’s leading AV and systems integration show. See the full details of the inspiring content programme by clicking here. Registration for ISE 2026 is open, so take your place among the visionaries, trailblazers, and creative minds from every corner of the globe. Reserve your spot at the event where tomorrow’s innovations are unveiled, and let’s Push Beyond what’s possible, together: Click here to register for free using the code ‘ecnews’ to Push Beyond.

Screwfix reaches 1,000 stores across UK and Europe

Screwfix, a UK retailer of trade tools, accessories, and hardware products, has marked the opening of its 1,000th store across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and France, following continued expansion over the past two decades. The retailer opened its first store in Yeovil in 2005 and has since grown its physical and digital presence. Over the past decade, Screwfix has opened an average of one store per week, alongside international expansion. The company entered the Republic of Ireland in 2019 and has since opened more than 40 shops, creating close to 500 jobs. In 2022, Screwfix expanded into France, opening a distribution centre and its first stores. The French network now totals 35 stores. Store formats and omnichannel growth In 2024, Screwfix introduced its Screwfix City format, designed to support tradespeople in city centre locations. The smaller format provides access to more than 3,000 products via Click & Collect, with a wider range available online for next-day collection. Screwfix’s store network operates alongside its digital channels, offering services such as Click & Collect and rapid delivery through Screwfix Sprint, available via the Screwfix app. John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, comments, “We’re delighted to have opened our 1,000th Screwfix store. "Since our first opening in 2005, we’ve continued to provide the ultimate convenience for tradespeople and build on our success in the UK to expand into the Republic of Ireland and France. "I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our Screwfix and Kingfisher colleagues who have been instrumental in achieving this amazing milestone.” Screwfix now employs more than 14,000 people across the business and operates an in-house apprenticeship programme. The company says that 84% of retail colleagues complete the programme and go on to earn a promotion. Screwfix has stated its intention to continue expanding, with a target of more than 1,000 stores in the UK and Ireland and up to 600 stores in France. For more from Screwfix, click here.

ESR launches 'Let Me In!' campaign

The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR), an industry forum uniting electrical safety experts with the goal of improving electrical safety, has launched a new campaign to promote electrical safety for social housing tenants. The ESR Social Housing Sub-Group has launched the 'Let Me In!' campaign (on 26 January) to engage social housing providers and tenants to ensure the safety of electrical installations and equipment within their properties. This tenant-focused campaign aims to educate and allow access for essential safety checks across the UK. The campaign media pack promotes its key message, "Safety Starts at Your Door... Let Me In!", and includes free resources such as posters and leaflets, accessible documents, and social media images and captions. The materials include statistics and information explaining the dangers of electricity, why electrical checks must be carried out, and what happens during an electrical inspection. Responding to new regulations New electrical safety regulations have come into force in England, requiring social landlords to inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years and carry out necessary works. These changes took effect in November 2025 for new tenancies and will come into force in May 2026 for existing tenancies. The requirements are already in place in Scotland and Wales and there is support to see them extended to the social rented sector in Northern Ireland too, so to ensure consistent safety standards across the UK. Social landlords will also be required to inspect and test any electrical appliance they provide as part of a tenancy. Martin Simmonds, Chair of the ESR Social Housing Group, says, “The ESR welcomes the Government's commitment to enhance safety within the social rented sector. "We hope that the Let Me In! campaign can educate tenants, encourage access, and enhance electrical safety standards. “It’s key that clear and accessible information about safety checks is available, which will help contribute to ensuring all properties meet the highest safety standards through regular inspections.” For more from the ESR, click here.

'Rising demand for energy-saving products despite cost barrier'

By 2050, four in five homes that will exist in the UK have already been built today, but in order to reach the UK’s net zero goals, most will require retrofitting with low-carbon heating systems and energy-efficient improvements. As the Government’s Warm Homes Plan sets out to help households save up to £600 off energy bills (based on the installation of heat pumps and other technologies), new research from energy experts at Uswitch, a comparison website for home services switching, has uncovered which energy-saving and green upgrades are most in demand by consumers. To understand the popularity of technologies from heat pumps to solar panels, biomass boilers, and more, the data analyses online searches to see average monthly search volumes as well as year-on-year increases across search engine, retail, and social media channels. Key research findings 1. Solar panels had the highest online searches across Google, major social media channels, and Amazon. Despite their popularity and predicted annual savings of £600, survey data from Uswitch shows that only 38% of homeowners have or would consider adding solar panels to their homes. 2. Wind turbines came second overall in the research. While less popular than solar panels, off-grid power sources like turbines can be added to homes either through rooftop or standalone options. While generally more expensive than solar panels, the UK’s status as the windiest country in Europe means that retrofitting wind turbines can generate a significant amount of energy. 3. Underfloor heating-related searches have decreased across all major platforms; however, it remains the third most popular energy-saving installation. With high installation costs, underfloor heating can be the right option for new build homes or when building a new room or extension. 4. Smart thermostats are the fourth most popular energy-saving device, despite only 35% owning or considering installing them. With costs between £100 to £200 to install, smart thermostats don’t directly save money on energy bills; they provide an option to heat homes more efficiently, helping to manage consumption. 5. Biomass boilers are generally cheaper to run than gas or oil systems, costing around £400–600 per year. While a more energy-efficient and sustainable option, they can be expensive to install. Those living in rural areas and unconnected to the gas grid could be eligible for £5,000 off installation costs as part of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Barriers to wider adoption While the research shows increased interest in energy-saving retrofits, survey analysis also uncovers that two-thirds (61%) of homeowners believe upfront cost is the biggest barrier to retrofitting. Nearly two thirds (60%) feel they do not know enough about the financial support or grants available to retrofit, while nearly half (48%) feel that retrofitting feels too disruptive, confusing or complex. Ben Gallizzi, Energy Expert at Uswitch, says, “While interest in energy-saving technologies is still high, many households still feel unsure about where to start. “Retrofitting doesn’t have to mean a full home overhaul; even small steps can make a difference to your energy use and long-term savings. “The Government’s support schemes are an important opportunity, and we’d encourage homeowners to explore what funding they might be eligible for before ruling out improvements.”