Fuel costs emerge as biggest stress for self-employed electricians

Fuel and operating costs are the leading source of work-related stress for self-employed van users, according to research by Tempcover, a temporary business van insurance company. The insurance provider surveyed 500 self-employed people across the UK who rely on vans for work, including drivers, tradespeople, and mobile service providers. The research found that 91% experience some level of work-related stress, with 21% reporting high levels. More than half (59%) say they feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing every aspect of their work independently. Fuel and operating costs are the most commonly cited source of day-to-day stress, at 26%, followed by general financial pressure (23%) and vehicle issues or breakdowns (17%). Managing workloads and deadlines accounts for 11% of responses, whilst finding consistent work accounts for 10%. Financial pressures drive longer working hours Disruptions also contribute to stress, with 71% of respondents saying delays, cancellations, and vehicle breakdowns significantly increase their stress levels. Moreover, financial concerns affect workload decisions. More than six in 10 (62%) worry about covering basic expenses, including fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance, while 64% feel pressured to take on more work than is sustainable to cover costs. Meanwhile, 61% find it difficult to switch off from work-related stress. Two thirds (66%) feel overlooked by existing support structures, and around one in six say they receive inadequate financial support (16%), mental health support (15%), or operational support (14%). Friends and family are the most commonly relied-on source of support, cited by 40% of respondents, followed by online forums and driver communities (30%). Insurance providers are a source of support for 27%, whilst 24% turn to trade associations or unions. Vehicle costs top demand for practical support Affordable vehicle maintenance or repair schemes are the most commonly requested form of support, cited by 40% of respondents. Fuel cost support or discounts follow at 37%, while 29% want better access to consistent work and 28% would welcome a financial safety net or income protection. Mental health or wellbeing support is a priority for 17%, whilst 10% want access to replacement vehicles during downtime. Claire Wills-McKissick, Temporary Business Van Insurance Expert at Tempcover, says, “These results highlight the pressures many self-employed van users face as they balance rising operating costs, unpredictable workloads, and the responsibility of running their work independently. "While many are managing day to day, the data suggests a clear gap between the support people feel they need and how that support is accessed in practice. "For many, informal networks such as friends, family, or peer communities are acting as a makeshift safety net, but it’s crucial to look towards a broader package of support when dealing with ongoing financial pressure, workload demands, and unexpected disruption. “Our research shows many self-employed van users feel their specific challenges are being missed, so we urge van users to check they’re getting the full support available. "By ensuring they have access to practical guidance and resources available through trade bodies and industry networks, solo operators can ensure they have the best possible support structure in place when it is needed most.” For more from Tempcover, click here.

'Support starts with being heard': NAPIT marks World Mental Health Day

NAPIT is supporting World Mental Health Day (10 October) by calling on people across the trades to help create a space where everyone can speak openly and feel heard This year's theme is 'Support Starts with Being Heard', and the certification body and training provider says a colleague who checks in and listens without judgement can make it easier to talk, while friends and family can remind someone outside of work that they do not have to face difficulties alone. The organisation highlights the pressures many tradespeople face, including demanding workloads, time away from home, financial concerns, changing work patterns and the responsibility of keeping others safe. It adds that mental health should be a priority whether someone is employed, self-employed or running a business. NAPIT is encouraging businesses, teams and individuals to build simple habits that make supportive conversations part of the working day. To help, it shared guidance from Mental Health UK on making these conversations feel safer and more supportive: Choose the right time and place: Give the person your full attention somewhere they feel comfortable and free from distractions. Listen to understand: Let them share as much or as little as they want without judgement, and show you are listening by reflecting back what they have said. Ask open questions: Give them space to explore their thoughts and feelings, and avoid rushing in with lots of questions or solutions. Validate their experience: Avoid assumptions or comparisons. You don't need to have the answers, as simply acknowledging how someone feels can help them feel understood. Show empathy: Focus on their perspective rather than trying to make things better straight away, as sometimes feeling listened to is more powerful than advice. Help them find their own next steps: Listen first, then encourage them to consider what might help, for example by asking, "What do you think would help right now?" Stephen Melton, Managing Director at NAPIT, says: "NAPIT is proud to support World Mental Health Day. A conversation at work, with a colleague, or with friends and family can help someone feel less isolated and more able to seek support. "Speaking up can feel difficult but being there to listen and make someone feel heard can help break down stigma." For more from NAPIT, click here.

Celebrating 17 Years of Chaz at Doepke UK

After an incredible 17 years with Doepke UK, the residual current specialist is saying a very fond farewell to its Technical Officer, Chaz Andrews, as he heads into retirement Chaz joined the Doepke UK team in August 2009, and over the years he has become a familiar and much-valued part of the business. Although Chaz is now best known for his technical knowledge and support, his role at Doepke UK has covered quite a bit over the years. In fact, Chaz was once responsible for Doepke UK’s marketing, helping to shape how we communicated with customers and the wider electrical industry. He was also behind our very first technical article, something that feels particularly fitting given the wealth of technical knowledge he has gone on to share throughout his career. From explaining complex electrical protection topics to supporting customers with technical queries, Chaz has always had a real talent for making technical information easier to understand. Over the years, Chaz has supported countless customers, installers and colleagues, sharing his experience and knowledge whenever it was needed. His understanding of Doepke products and the electrical industry has made him an important source of advice and support for the team. And, of course, 17 years is a long time. Chaz has seen plenty of changes during his time at Doepke UK, from the products we offer and the way we communicate with customers, to the growth and development of the business itself. Simon Cranton, Managing Director of Doepke UK, says: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Chaz for the past 17 years. During that time, he has brought an incredible wealth of technical and commercial knowledge, playing a significant role in helping guide Doepke to the position of technical excellence we find ourselves in today. "Over the years, I have personally learned so much from Chaz, both professionally and personally, and I am incredibly grateful for his knowledge, support and guidance. Working alongside Chaz has genuinely been a privilege, and his contribution to Doepke has been invaluable. He leaves behind an impressive legacy and will be greatly missed by colleagues and clients alike." Doepke notes that while it will certainly miss having Chaz around, the company is incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed to Doepke UK over the past 17 years. From marketing and technical articles to customer support and technical expertise, Chaz has left his mark on the business in more ways than one. "Thank you, Chaz, for 17 fantastic years. We wish you all the very best for your retirement!" For more from Doepke UK, click here This article is sponsored by Doepke UK

Tradespeople urge van makers to bolster security as tool theft spikes

Tradespeople are urging van manufacturers to improve security as nearly two-thirds of tool theft victims claim none of their stolen goods have ever been recovered According to new data from trade broadcaster Fix Radio, nearly three-quarters of tradespeople have had professional tools stolen, with victims reporting disruption to their work and equipment that was never recovered. The survey of 500 UK tradespeople also found 73% had personally experienced tool theft with four in five of those affected saying it caused at least moderate disruption to their ability to work, while two in five reported losing more than £1,000 worth of equipment. Almost two-thirds of victims (65%) said none of their stolen tools had been recovered. The findings come after Fix Radio's September report, which found more than 80% of tradespeople wanted van makers to improve security, alongside strong support for tighter controls on second-hand tool sales and tougher penalties for convicted thieves. The survey also found that 85% of respondents felt authorities did not take tool theft seriously enough. Just one in three believed the government was doing enough to tackle it. In its March 2026 consultation response on equipment theft, the Home Office said it was working with police and industry on making tools identifiable and traceable. It also said it would consider alternative approaches to preventing power-tool theft rather than including tools in the proposed secondary legislation. Fix Radio Broadcaster Clive Holland, says: "A stolen tool can mean a cancelled job, not just a replacement bill. A tradesperson can have customers booked in and work ready to go, but still be unable to earn because the equipment they need has disappeared."

Kentec receives King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade

Life safety solutions manufacturer Kentec Electronics has officially received the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, at an event held at the company’s Dartford headquarters The event was attended by local dignitaries, the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson, and CEO of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Tudor Price. More than 250 Kentec employees joined the event, which took place in Kentec’s factory facility, where more than 180,000 products are manufactured onsite every year. The award was accepted on behalf of Kentec by MD Kevin Swann, who said: “It is a great honour to receive a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise today. We have plans to grow the business further, expanding on our work in international trade. “Kentec has been a significant employer in Dartford for more than 40 years, and to now be recognised for our outstanding export growth is a huge achievement for the whole Kentec team.” The Lord Lieutenant added: "Kentec has grown to become one of the world's leading manufacturers of life-safety solutions, yet has remained firmly rooted here in Dartford. It is a wonderful example of specialist British engineering and manufacturing expertise developed here in Kent and successfully taken to markets across the world." The King’s Award for Enterprise recognises Kentec’s export growth over the last three years, in which time overseas sales have risen by 69%, with exports now responsible for over two-thirds (67%) of the firm’s turnover. For more from Kentec, click here

Construction 'must do more' to support neurodiverse tradespeople

With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, Patricia Gardiner, Trades Expert for Trade Direct Insurance, outlines the barriers neurodiverse tradespeople still face and how the sector can adapt to better support them Tradies are significantly more likely to be neurodiverse than the general population. Research has found that whilst an estimated 15-20% of Brits are neurodiverse, over half (52%) of tradespeople consider themselves to have a neurodiverse condition For many people with neurodiversity, a practical career as a tradesperson offers many significant benefits over other career options that may lead them to pursue a career on the tools," Gardiner continues. Independence and flexibility, the nature of hands-on practical work, and individual learning in the form of apprenticeships and mentor schemes, are all positive factors that many people on the neurodiverse spectrum find appealing. However, the environment that attracts neurodiverse talent can also present challenges. If the sector wants to expand its current talent pool and secure a healthy future by growing the workforce, it must go further to accommodate the needs of all tradespeople. The hidden obstacles facing neurodiverse tradies It’s true that the trades play to many of the strengths associated with neurodiversity, but the day-to-day realities of working on-site also present unique challenges, particularly for those with ADHD. For a self-employed tradie, their job extends beyond practical work. Invoicing, communication, managing quotes, tracking inventories, and scheduling demands high levels of organisation and effective time management. For a tradesperson with ADHD, tackling these tasks can be overwhelming, and could lead to forgotten admin or even friction with clients, due to communication challenges or missed deadlines. These administrative problems are not usually an indicator of a tradie’s ability to do their job to a high standard, but can cause doubt or a loss of confidence for customers. Insurance, that can be vital for tradies but can be complex and difficult to understand, also presents challenges for neurodiverse tradespeople. Fully understanding the details of a policy can be daunting and can leave tradies under protected if they do not possess the right public liability insurance, their tools insurance does not cover the full value of their inventory, or if they plan to take on an apprentice but do not have the correct employer’s liability insurance policy. On-site communication is another hurdle. Many people with neurodiversity find it easier to follow written instructions or may need to clarify key points before they understand what is being asked of them, but asking for instructions to be written down or repeated can be perceived negatively. This could cause a tradie to choose not to ask for clarification in future, resulting in misunderstandings that could be avoided. Unlocking the overlooked potential for the industry Addressing these challenges is vital for solving the construction skills shortage the UK is facing. Younger generations have a much greater awareness of their neurodiversity than previous generations. Combined with this, a perceived lack of attractive career options is driving many into unemployment, as individuals feel uninspired and unsuited to the world of work. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims for young people aged 16–24 with ADHD and autism have tripled in recent years2, an issue which is contributing to increasing numbers of young people being out of work, education or training, commonly known as NEETs (Not in Employment Education or Training). The construction industry should recognise this as a significant recruitment opportunity. If the sector can become more accessible to neurodiverse individuals, and if we can successfully highlight the many perks and benefits that make it a genuinely attractive career for young people, we can address youth unemployment and the skills shortage crisis at the same time. Many young people claiming PIP or seeking adjustments are doing so because office jobs are not suited to their ways of working. Construction offers an environment that ticks many of the boxes that motivate neurodiverse individuals, such as variety and visible progress towards goals. By positioning the trades as a natural and rewarding path for young people, the industry can tap into a motivated pool of talent currently overlooked by office-based sectors. What’s more, many of the required adjustments are universally beneficial to all tradespeople, as well as being particularly helpful for those who are neurodiverse. We can adjust regulatory and insurance language to ensure that it’s clear, to the point, and easy to understand. We can change apprenticeship curriculums to make them focused on practical learning, digital management and organisation. Changing how we promote the trades as a career choice for young people will allow us to appeal to talented individuals who are struggling to find direction, by giving them greater awareness of an option that might just be a perfect match for them. Patricia Gardiner is Trades Expert for Trade Direct Insurance

Passiv to supply smart controls for Ample heat pump installations

Smart thermostats and energy management systems developer Passiv UK has been selected by Ample as its preferred smart controls provider for heat pump installations, with its technology set to help optimise systems and remotely monitor performance As part of the partnership, heat pump installation and finance specialist Ample will use the Passiv Smart Thermostat as its smart provider for all its heat pump installations. Passiv’s technology will enable ​compatible ​heat pumps to be optimised, including making use of time-of-use electricity tariffs and rooftop solar generation where available. Ample will also use Passiv’s remote monitoring capabilities, the Passiv Portal, across its heat pump installations, providing visibility of system performance after installation and helping ensure systems continue to operate as expected. Ian Rose, Managing Director at Passiv UK, says: “Ample’s approach is about giving homeowners and installers greater support throughout the ​whole ​life of a​ system, ​n​ot just the​ installation​.​​ "T​hat makes this partnership a natural fit. Ongoing support with Passiv’s smart controls and remote monitoring will help ensure every installation is set up​ correctly and continues​ to perform at its best.” ​​Alex Godsell, Co-founder​ ​of​ Ample, adds: “We want to ensure the transition to a heat pump is as straightforward as possible for both homeowners and installers. Passiv stood out to us because of its ability to ​intelligently ​optimise heat pumps for the home and for its ​powerful ​remote monitoring capabilities. Bringing those smart controls together gives ​us the tools we need to guarantee ​homeowners ​a truly delightful experience with their heat pump ​​long after ​installation.” The Passiv Smart Thermostat's ecoHeat function has been verified by the Energy Saving Trust to improve heat pump efficiency by 17% and can reduce household heating bills by up to 30%. For more from Passiv UK, click here

Amendment 4: are electricians ready for more connected installations?

From solar and batteries to EV chargers and smart technology, modern installs are converging fast. Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions at CEF explores what Amendment 4 to BS 7671 means for contractors As solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and smart systems become standard features in modern properties, electricians are increasingly working on installations which are increasingly interconnected. Decisions made around one piece of kit now directly impact how the rest of the board and overall system perform. Amendment 4 to BS 7671, published in April this year, reflects this industry shift. It introduces clearer requirements designed to keep multi-technology installations safe and resilient as properties accommodate higher electrical loads, on-site generation, and smart controls. The update introduces significant changes, including a dedicated chapter on stationary secondary batteries, fresh requirements for Power over Ethernet (PoE), and updated rules for functional earthing and equipotential bonding for ICT systems. Where these may have once been treated as separate elements of a project, modern domestic and commercial jobs are blending them into a single, connected environment. Solar is a prime example of this crossover. The UK passed two million solar installations in March 2026, driven by 27,000 new installs that month alone. As generation becomes more common, electricians are regularly dealing with set-ups where solar sits alongside battery storage and heavy EV charging loads. That means choices made on site carry wider knock-on effects, from the capacity available for EV chargers to how stored energy is managed and how the overall installation is protected. Navigating battery storage, PoE, and site complexities The new chapter on stationary secondary batteries sets out much clearer rules for storage systems, whether fitted alongside solar PV or as standalone units. Once storage is introduced, contractors need to evaluate how it interacts with the incoming supply, any on-site generation, and the loads it supports, rather than treating the battery as a simple add-on. While experienced installers understand the fundamentals, the overall complexity of these jobs is stepping up. A similar trend is driving the Amendment’s PoE coverage, where cabling primarily used for data is increasingly supplying power to hardware like security cameras. Amendment 4 introduces specific requirements for PoE, highlighting the need to look at power and communications infrastructure together. For electricians, this means selecting the correct equipment requires looking at the bigger picture. Products can no longer be chosen in isolation; they must fit the context of the entire installation, particularly when renewables and energy management are involved. Darren Staniforth is Head of Technical Solutions for CEF For more from CEF, click here.

Luceco Group partners with SELECT for £18k apprenticeship funding

Luceco Group, a designer and manufacturer of residential and commercial electrification products and systems, has partnered with Scottish construction trade association SELECT to launch a new £18,000 apprenticeship funding initiative  The Powering Potential scheme saw three SELECT member firms receive grants to help support the cost of employing a first-year electrical installation apprentice. Announced at the SELECT President’s Lunch on in September, the initiative responds to growing concerns around the cost of apprentice recruitment and training. A recent SELECT survey found that high wage costs and low levels of employer funding are among the biggest barriers businesses face when recruiting apprentices. The inaugural recipients, representing the east, west and north of Scotland, are: V C Electrical, Gullane, supporting apprentice Reece Michie; T Walsh Contracts Ltd, Ayr, supporting apprentice Thomas Shirkie; and A B Electrical Scotland Ltd, Aboyne, supporting apprentice Ritchie Pirie. Each company received its funding at The Balmoral in Edinburgh from SELECT President Darren Crockett and Ian Hunter, UK Trade Sales Director at Luceco. The apprentices will also receive a toolkit, workwear and a selection of electrical products supplied by Luceco. Hunter says: “As someone who started my own career as an apprentice, I know first-hand the opportunities that apprenticeship training can create. “Luceco is proud to support this initiative because we recognise the pressures many employers face when investing in new talent. Supporting apprentices is an investment in the future of our industry and a way of giving something back to the contractors who support our business every day." The three apprentices will also be invited to visit Luceco's headquarters in Telford, giving them an opportunity to learn more about the wider electrical industry and gain first-hand insight into manufacturing, product development and the electrical supply chain. V C apprentice Reece Michie adds: “I am looking forward to gaining practical experience on site, learning from qualified electricians, developing new skills and working towards becoming a fully qualified electrician.” For more from Luceco, click here, and for more from SELECT, click here.

Thorn Lighting cuts environmental impact of new Carlisle road

A new lighting scheme on the £259.4 million Southern Link Road in Carlisle is using changing light levels and colour temperatures to reduce energy use and limit the impact of artificial light on the environment Thorn Lighting, a global supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls, has supplied 379 R2L2 road luminaires with its NightTune technology for the 8km stretch, which connects Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West. The scheme was designed to meet the lighting requirements of a major new highway while taking into account the route’s rural setting and the needs of nocturnal wildlife. Rather than operating at a fixed colour temperature throughout the night, the NightTune system automatically adjusts both the intensity and colour temperature of the lighting according to the time. From dusk until 9pm, the luminaires operate at 2700K and 100% output. Between 9pm and midnight, output falls to 50% while the colour temperature drops to 2400K. From midnight until 5am, the lighting moves to 2200K before gradually returning to 2700K and full output ahead of dawn. According to Thorn, reducing light output and shifting towards warmer colour temperatures can reduce the amount of shorter-wavelength blue light introduced into the nocturnal environment. The approach was specified by Cumberland Council, which wanted to minimise the impact of artificial light on the surrounding landscape and ecology without compromising highway safety. 'Ecology was part of the brief from the start' Craig Lensky, Key Account Manager, Outdoor Lighting at Thorn Lighting, says: “What makes this project particularly interesting is that ecology wasn't treated as something to consider once the road lighting had been designed. It was part of the lighting brief from the beginning. We had to provide the right light for people using a major new road but also think very carefully about what that light was doing beyond it and throughout the night.” The project required Thorn to develop several customised optical variants of its R2L2 platform to achieve the required road lighting levels across the changing colour-temperature range. The installation also uses zero-tilt luminaires, while R2L2 is independently DarkSky Approved at colour temperatures of 3000K and below when installed within the relevant approval conditions. Thorn says the NightTune approach can also deliver energy savings by reducing light levels during periods when traffic and pedestrian activity is lower. Its comparative spectral analysis found that, against a fixed 3000K dimmable solution using an equivalent dimming programme, a NightTune cycle produces an average blue peak 13% lower and overall low-wavelength output 18% lower. The Carlisle Southern Link Road opened to traffic in June 2026. Alongside the new carriageway, the project includes walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, although part of the shared-use route across the Caldew Crossing has deliberately been left unlit for environmental reasons. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.