Charity launches new bursary to help stimulate job market

National construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) has launched a new bursary scheme to provide the next generation of tradespeople with the tools, PPE and workwear needed to kickstart their careers The charity unveiled the BoB Bursary at its annual fundraising ball in Birmingham, with Leeds College of Building, Bedford College, and South Staffordshire College being selected to launch the scheme to existing students. BoB projects that students from more than 250 UK colleges could also benefit from the bursary. The new bursary comes amid the government's plan to train 40,000 construction learners through Construction Technical Excellence Colleges by 2029 as part of efforts to amass the skilled workforce needed to deliver 1.5 million new homes alongside major infrastructure projects. Eligible applicants to the BoB Bursary will be able to apply for support towards essential items including tools and equipment, PPE and workwear, as well as other items needed to support their training and development. 'Construction needs the next generation' The bursary is part of the charity’s Next Generation agenda, which aims to encourage more young people to consider construction and help develop the pipeline of skilled people in the industry. Band of Builders CEO Gavin Crane says: “Construction needs the next generation, but we cannot simply tell young people that this is a fantastic industry and then leave them to overcome the practical barriers of getting started on their own. “Through our work with colleges and learners, we’ve seen that the cost of tools, PPE and workwear can be a very real obstacle. For a young person at the beginning of their career, those costs can mean the difference between taking an opportunity and having to walk away from it. “If we are serious about tackling the skills shortage and bringing tens of thousands of new people into construction, we have to remove those barriers." For more from Band of Builders, click here.

SELECT honours former MD Wilson with Lifetime Achievement Award

Former SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has been presented with the trade body’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than 40 years of service to the Scottish construction industry The award, sponsored by energy technology company Schneider Electric, was presented to the industry veteran by association President Darren Crockett at the 2026 SELECT President’s Lunch at The Balmoral in Edinburgh last month. Wilson retired in August after 12 years with SELECT. Presenting the award at the lunch, sponsored by Luceco Group, Crockett paid tribute to Wilson's longstanding commitment to the sector and his leadership during some of the industry’s most challenging periods. He says: “Alan has been a tireless advocate for our industry throughout an exceptional career spanning more than 40 years. His knowledge, integrity and leadership have earned him enormous respect not only across Scotland but throughout the wider construction sector. “His contribution during the COVID pandemic was particularly significant. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, Alan brought organisations together to establish the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, creating a single voice for the industry and ensuring contractors’ concerns were heard at the highest levels of government." Wilson adds: “I am genuinely honoured and humbled to receive this award. While my name may be on the trophy, it really reflects the support, commitment and hard work of the many colleagues, members, presidents and industry partners I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. “The construction industry has given me tremendous opportunities and I have always believed in the importance of standing up for contractors, improving standards and ensuring our industry has a strong and respected voice. Seeing the sector come together during difficult times and continue to innovate and adapt has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career." For more from SELECT, click here.

Brits turn to tradespeople for help tackling rising energy costs

UK consumers are turning to tradespeople for advice on cutting their energy bills as rising prices continue to put pressure on household incomes New research from trade tool retailer Screwfix revealed that 91 per cent of tradespeople surveyed have dealt with a customer enquiry relating to an energy-saving product or solution over the last year. More than three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents said their customers seem more worried about their household energy bills now than they were last year. Nearly half (47 per cent) predict demand for energy-efficient products will be higher during the winter months ahead than in the previous year, with only 3 per cent thinking it will be lower. Despite a growing appetite for energy-saving improvements, the research also identified several barriers preventing households from acting, with more than four in ten (42 per cent) tradespeople identifying upfront cost as the biggest barrier to customers adopting energy-saving measures. Other factors holding consumers back include uncertainty over the level of savings that could be achieved (13 per cent) and a perceived lack of government support and incentives (12 per cent). However, the findings also demonstrate that consumers are actively seeking solutions. LED lighting, solar panels, smart thermostats/smart heating and loft insulation, were cited as the most enquired about solutions from the last 12 months. Max Britten, Managing Director at Screwfix, said: “Once again, the day-to-day experiences of the UK's tradespeople provide a valuable insight into how households are thinking about the energy efficiency challenge and the steps they are taking to address it. "They are at the forefront of helping homeowners understand the changes they can make to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. We're committed to helping tradespeople get every job done quickly, affordably and right first time. That support matters more than ever as they help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce energy costs." For more from Screwfix, click here.

New guidance tackles hidden fire safety risk in cable management

BEAMA has published new guidance setting out best practice for the design, installation and inspection of cable management systems to help the electrical industry meet BS 7671 requirements around the prevention of premature cable collapse in the event of a fire Marshall-Tufflex, a UK manufacturer of cable management products, which contributed to the guidance through its involvement with the BEAMA Cable Management Technical Committee, has welcomed the publication and is encouraging contractors, specifiers and installers to consider its recommendations in future projects. Prevention of Premature Collapse: A Guide to the Design, Installation and Inspection of Cable Management Systems highlights the importance of adequately supporting wiring systems so they remain secure under fire conditions, reducing the risk of cables collapsing and creating hazards for firefighters and building occupants. It also provides guidance on design considerations, installation practices and inspection requirements to help ensure compliance with current regulations. "Preventing the premature collapse of wiring systems is a critical aspect of building and life safety. As buildings become more complex and electrification continues to increase, it is essential that designers and installers have access to clear, practical guidance that supports safe and compliant installations," says Martin Russell, Marshall-Tufflex Group Product and Technical Services Manager and BEAMA Chair of the Premature Collapse Working Group. To coincide with the launch of the guide, BEAMA released a podcast where Nick Hayler, Director of Member Services and Head of Building Electrical Systems and Russell discuss the importance of preventing premature collapse of wiring systems and the role that compliant cable management solutions play in protecting building occupants.  For more from Marshall-Tufflex, click here.

What's driving the mental health crisis among business owners?

Nearly all tradespeople who run their own businesses are struggling with stress or anxiety, according to new research published ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October The NOW Report 2026, produced by job management software firm Powered Now, found that 93 per cent of business owners and self-employed tradespeople feel stressed or anxious as a result of running their company, with 45 per cent experiencing the mental health problems regularly. The research found that admin and money concerns are the main causes, rather than the work itself. Tradespeople who handle their own admin spend an average of 5 hours 20 minutes a week on it, with 29 per cent setting aside more than seven hours for it. Nearly two thirds (62 per cent), meanwhile, complete admin tasks in the evenings and 43 per cent at weekends. More than a third (37 per cent) regularly do admin late at night or at weekends that they "wish they could avoid". More than half (55 per cent) believe they have "definitely or probably" lost a job because a quote went out too slowly. On average, tradespeople are owed £5,901 in unpaid invoices, and 26 per cent are owed more than £10,000. Two thirds (67 per cent) claimed to have had a customer deliberately delay payment, dispute an invoice unfairly or try to avoid paying. Half have been ignored by a customer after finishing a job, and 60 per cent have written off money because chasing it felt like too much hassle. The report also found that only 48 per cent of business owners surveyed had taken a week's holiday in the past year where they "fully switched off". Benjamin Dyer, CEO and co-founder of Powered Now, said: "Tradespeople aren't stressed about the work. They're stressed about everything around it. You finish on site, get home, and then the other shift starts: quotes, invoices and chasing money. We can't keep treating that as just part of being self-employed." Despite the pressure, 84 per cent of those surveyed would still recommend the trades as a career to a young person. Powered Now is encouraging tradespeople to check in on each other this week, and to point anyone who is struggling towards support. Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123 at any time, and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity supports people working in the trades. For more from Powered Now, click here.

UK electrical manufacturers report sharp sales slowdown as four in 10 operate at 70% capacity or below

UK electrical manufacturers reported a sharp sales slowdown in Q2 2026, with the balance falling 19 points from +23 in Q1 to +4, according to BEAMA's latest Market Pulse.   Four in 10 (40.7%) manufacturers reported operating at 70% capacity or below, while average capacity utilisation fell from 75% to 73%, its joint-lowest post-pandemic level. Investment and hiring intentions nevertheless remained positive, indicating that manufacturers retain the capacity and appetite to grow if demand improves.  Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, says, “The growth we should be seeing from electrification is not reaching manufacturers. Businesses can produce more, but weak sales and unused capacity make it harder to invest with confidence.   “Construction is an immediate concern. The Construction Products Association forecasts a 3.3% fall in construction output this year, including a 10% fall in private housing and an 8% fall in private repair, maintenance and improvement. Together, these form a substantial market for the heat sector. Housebuilders have land, but planning and connection delays are still holding projects up. Warm Homes initiatives have yet to create the consumer demand the heat market needs.   “Manufacturers cannot invest on policy ambition alone. Government now needs to turn its electrification commitments into demand. That means addressing the imbalance between electricity and gas prices and giving consumers a proposition that works for them. With more certainty about future orders, businesses will be better placed to follow through on their investment and hiring plans.”   The sales balance has fallen for two consecutive quarters, from +29 in Q4 2025 to +4 in Q2 2026. Manufacturers of Heating & Ventilation products reported a sales balance of -22.2, following a neutral result in Q1. Building Electrical Systems manufacturers recorded a positive balance of +33.3.  Building Electrical Systems members reported slowdowns and cancelled projects across new-build construction and the repair, maintenance and improvement market. Business optimism among manufacturers supplying construction-linked markets remained negative, with Heating & Ventilation recording a balance of -25 and Building Electrical Systems -8.3.   Across BEAMA’s membership, business optimism improved from -28 in Q1 to -12 in Q2 but remained below every quarterly reading recorded in 2024 and 2025.  Nearly three in 10 (29.6%) manufacturers reported capacity utilisation of between 51% and 70%, while around one in 10 (11.1%) were operating at 50% or below. Only around one in 10 (11.1%) reported operating above 90% capacity. Existing capacity would allow manufacturers to respond if demand recovers. In the meantime, underuse can weaken returns on previous investment and make further expansion harder to justify.  Manufacturers still plan to invest despite weak sales and unused capacity. The balance expected to increase capital investment over the next 12 months rose from +47 in Q1 to +51 in Q2. Product improvement was the most frequently cited priority at 70%, followed by plant and equipment at 65% and e-business, including AI, at 57.9%.  Hiring intentions remained positive at +39, showing manufacturers continue to plan job growth despite weak sales and unused capacity. Members continue to report difficulty fulfilling their recruitment plans because of shortages of skilled engineers and high labour costs. The five-year investment balance slipped from +68 to +66 but remained positive.  Manufacturers also reported higher raw material costs and renewed supply-chain concerns. Copper was the most frequently cited material, followed by steel, brass, aluminium and PVC resin. While availability caused fewer problems than price, some respondents again reported difficulty sourcing chips, semiconductors and microprocessors.  Some members linked price increases to conflict in the Middle East and shipping disruptions. BEAMA also warned that new UK steel tariffs could add to costs for domestic product manufacturers. 

Electrical Industries Charity Supports Worker Facing Workplace Harassment and Coercive Control

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has highlighted the importance of confidential support and early intervention through the case of an industry professional who experienced workplace harassment and coercive control. Marie approached the charity in acute distress after experiencing ongoing harassment from a senior colleague following the breakdown of their personal relationship. The imbalance of power within the relationship had created a coercive dynamic that extended into the workplace. Following their separation, persistent harassment from her former partner created a hostile working environment, leaving Marie experiencing severe anxiety and emotional exhaustion. As her mental health deteriorated, Marie was signed off work on sick leave and began planning her resignation, placing her career and financial stability at risk. From her first conversation with the EIC, Marie received assurances that all support would remain strictly confidential, allowing her to discuss her experiences without fear of repercussions. Recognising the impact of the abuse, the charity arranged specialist face-to-face counselling with a therapist experienced in supporting survivors of abuse. Alongside this emotional support, the EIC worked with Marie to develop a practical plan for her future, helping her navigate a potential career transition and understand her options. Through specialist counselling and practical guidance, Marie gradually rebuilt her confidence, protected her employment rights and successfully transitioned into a healthier and more supportive working environment. Her experience demonstrates the serious impact that workplace harassment and coercive control can have on mental health, employment and financial security. It also highlights the importance of confidential assistance in helping individuals regain control of their lives. Anyone working within the electrical industry who is experiencing similar difficulties can contact the Electrical Industries Charity for support. For further information, contact the EIC Fundraising Team on 020 3696 1710 or email fundraising@electricalcharity.org.

RAW Charging Launches New Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Hub in Huntingdon

RAW Charging has opened a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Hinchingbrooke Business Park in Huntingdon, providing additional charging infrastructure for local businesses, commuters and visitors. Located on Kingfisher Way, close to the A141 and A1307 junction, the new hub features eight charging bays, comprising two 50kW and six 150kW chargers. All chargers support contactless and app-free payment, offering convenient access for drivers of all major EV models. To celebrate the launch, RAW Charging is offering free charging on September 30 and October 1 to drivers who register for its RAW Rewards programme. The promotional offer is available exclusively through the ChargePoint App and cannot be accessed using contactless payment. The Huntingdon installation forms part of RAW Charging's wider investment in high-speed EV charging infrastructure across the UK. The company works with major commercial property owners, including Aviva Investors, Landsec, Hammerson and Aberdeen, providing a turnkey service covering planning, grid connections, installation, operation and ongoing maintenance. For commercial landlords, the approach offers an opportunity to generate value from existing property assets while supporting sustainability objectives and the growing demand for accessible EV charging. Jason Simpson, CEO at RAW Charging, says, "We are delighted to bring our latest rapid charging hub to Huntingdon, at Hinchingbrooke Business Park, to support the needs of local businesses, employees and visitors. The convenient location just off a major A road makes this site an ideal stop for locals, commuters and holidaymakers to access quick and reliable charging." The new installation follows RAW Charging's recognition with the 2026 Zapmap Best Network Award and ICC Gold accreditation as the company continues to expand its UK charging network.

CES warns infrastructure gap continues to hold back commercial EV adoption

Renewables energy specialist CES says a two-fold infrastructure gap continues to hold back EV adoption across the UK’s commercial fleet sector. The Midlands-based company says a widening gap between the UK’s EV adoption ambitions and the availability of specialist charging infrastructure is continuing to deter businesses from making the switch to electric. The company – which delivers end-to-end commercial EV charging solutions for fleet depots, logistics operations and manufacturing sites – says a parallel gap in understanding how to fund and plan depot charging projects is further hampering progress. CES managing director Joe Collison says, “The number of electric commercial vehicles in the UK rose by 31 per cent from 2024 to 2025, showing that operators want to make the switch. “But research from Arval shows that 41 per cent of fleet decision-makers said the quality of the national charging infrastructure was still a big obstacle to pursuing those ambitions. “Meanwhile businesses are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape particularly when it comes to depot charging projects. The closure of the Depot Charging Scheme, rumours of planned changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) transition mandate and associated uncertainty over the timeline for commercial EV adoption all spread confusion among businesses. “It is essential that the new government moves quickly to bring real clarity to the area and help companies such as ours, which have a strong track record of helping businesses to make the switch to commercial EV.” Joe says that Shropshire-based CES continued to do everything it could to plug the infrastructure gap and support the transition. “We speak to operators every week who are ready to commit to electric vehicles but don’t yet have a viable charging strategy. The DCS has helped, but many businesses still need our expert guidance on what funding is still available, what timelines are involved and what they can do now to start future-proofing their operations. “We remain committed at CES to providing the technical expertise, the financial modelling and the end‑to‑end delivery that fleets need to make confident, informed decisions.” Joe adds that workplace charging demand was rising sharply, driven by both commercial fleets and businesses preparing for the upcoming phase‑out of new diesel vans and trucks. He points out that the industry must now focus on scalable, future‑proofed depot charging solutions that support real‑world operations rather than short‑term compliance. “The UK cannot meet its electrification targets without robust depot charging,” he says. “We expect further government support to follow the DCS, but businesses shouldn’t wait. Early planning is essential and the operators who act now will be the ones best placed to manage costs, secure capacity and keep their fleets moving.” CES has established itself as an expert in renewable energy systems and decarbonisation projects, completing several notable projects including flagship DAF dealerships in Leeds and Leicestershire and a recent BYD showroom conversion in Trench alongside Ample Power Ltd.

CU Phosco Supports Accessible Streetscape Project in Eastbourne

An accessibility-focused streetscape project in Eastbourne has seen CU Phosco supply specialist lighting columns designed to improve safety and independent navigation for blind and partially sighted pedestrians. The project, located along Victoria Place on Terminus Road, forms part of wider redevelopment works connecting Eastbourne railway station with the seafront. Funded by Eastbourne Borough Council using Levelling Up Funds, the scheme was delivered by East Sussex Highways, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Living Places and East Sussex County Council. Working closely with East Sussex Vision Support, CU Phosco supplied 21 lighting columns, comprising a mixture of 5m and 8m designs incorporating Heritage brackets to complement the surrounding streetscape. A key feature is the introduction of yellow banding at head, chest and waist height to improve column visibility for pedestrians with varying levels of sight impairment. Column positioning was also carefully considered to accommodate pedestrian movement and guide dog users. James Powis, Key Accounts Manager at CU Phosco, says, "This project was very different from a conventional column installation because accessibility considerations were central to the design process from the outset." Consultation included site walk-throughs, discussions about pedestrian movement and demonstrations illustrating how different visual impairments affect visibility. James adds, "The team carefully considered pathway widths, pedestrian pinch points and the movement of guide dog users to help create a route that felt safer and easier to navigate." The completed scheme aims to improve pedestrian safety and confidence while maintaining the visual character of Eastbourne's town centre. Steve Saunders, Campaigner Quality and Access Lead at East Sussex Vision Support, says, "You listened. It was important that this approach was carried through so that this seafront town is accessible to all. It makes a massive difference to visually impaired people and we hope to see similar schemes rolled out across East Sussex and beyond."