MSP adds support for SELECT's electrician campaign

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, continues to draw cross-party support for its activities in its 125th year, with another prominent MSP publicly supporting its campaign for protection of title for electricians. Lorna Slater, Scottish Green Party co-leader and former Minister for Green Skills, the Circular Economy and Biodiversity is the latest politician to add her name to the campaigning trade body’s Wall of Support. Showing her support with a virtual ‘brick’, the MSP for Lothian Region says, “Currently within Scotland, due to a lack of regulation anyone can claim to be an electrician and carry out electrical work without proper qualification or oversight. “The installation of electrical work by unqualified or inadequately trained individuals is a major safety concern and risks potential harm to people and businesses. “I therefore welcome SELECT’s campaign for the regulation of the electrical industry and to make electrician a protected title to aid the protection of the people and the profession.” Lorna – who was born in Canada and worked in Scotland as an engineer in the renewables sector – has also joined 25 MSPs from across the political divide who have backed the recent tabling of a special motion in the Scottish Parliament, congratulating SELECT on representing the electrical industry since 1900. The motion was lodged by Monica Lennon, Labour MSP for Central Scotland, who also singled out the ongoing contribution of SELECT and its members to renewable technology and apprenticeships and training. SELECT Managing Director, Alan Wilson, comments, “As we celebrate our 125th anniversary as the world’s oldest electrical trade body, it is gratifying to see our ongoing work being supported by such a large cross-section of politicians. “We very much welcome Ms Slater’s expression of solidarity for our campaign for regulation of the electrical industry. It has been a long, hard road but we will continue to focus all our efforts in bringing it to a successful conclusion. “We are also very grateful to the MSPs who have backed Ms Lennon’s special motion highlighting just how much SELECT has done to promote the cause of public safety and the contribution the electrical sector makes to it.” As well as a number of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the Wall of Support include the Scottish Joint Industry Board, Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust. SELECT has been campaigning for years with other leading industry bodies, such as the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and the SJIB, to make sure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. For more from SELECT, click here.

Solar Pavilion returning to InstallerSHOW 2025

InstallerSHOW, which is taking place at the NEC Birmingham this coming June, has announced the return of the Solar Pavilion for the 2025 event - and it will once again be supported by Solar Energy UK. Building on the success of the Solar Pavilion following its debut at InstallerSHOW 2023, this year's pavilion will see a renewed focus on providing visitors the information and tools they need to succeed in the growing solar sector, which is vital for decarbonising UK homes and businesses. It will also incorporate interactive demonstration sessions to boost knowledge in the solar space. Solar Energy UK is a non-profit trade association which works for and represents the entire solar and energy storage value chain, encompassing a member-led community of more than 400 businesses and associates. Its mission is to help lead the transition to a clean and resilient energy system for the UK. Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, comments, “Britain’s solar energy sector is growing at remarkable pace, from home rooftops and commercial premises to solar farms, driving down bills and carbon emissions together. So I am delighted to confirm we will be showcasing the best of the industry again, by bringing the Solar Pavilion back to InstallerSHOW this summer.” Michael Costain, Managing Director of InstallerSHOW organiser Lyrical Communications, part of Nineteen Group, adds, “The buzz that the Solar Pavilion has generated over the past two years is clear for all to see, and we’re delighted that Solar Energy UK is continuing to lend its support as we enhance our offering to drive the net zero agenda in conjunction with key industry stakeholders.” InstallerSHOW takes place on 24-26 June at the NEC Birmingham. To register for a free ticket, click here. Car parking at the show will also be free of charge. For more from InstallerSHOW, click here.

Rexel boosts delivery services with Podfather software

Rexel UK, a distributor of electrical products, is using Podfather fleet planning, route optimisation and electronic proof of delivery software to strengthen its supply chain. With some 250 locations across the UK, Rexel offers a next-day delivery service for most of the UK and a same-day delivery service in major towns and cities. Podfather is helping Rexel ensure the highest standards of fleet management and improved customer service. Operating a mixed fleet of nearly 400 vehicles, ranging from 3.5 tonne vans to 18 tonne trucks, Rexel makes around 5,000 deliveries a day. The roll-out of Podfather across Rexel UK, which also includes the Denmans brand, has been described by Chris Davey, Supply Chain Director at Rexel, as, “The best digital implementation we have done – simple, straightforward and it works!” Rexel serves a broad range of sectors including contractors, commercial and industrial organisations with electrical products, site supplies, and solutions. It carries wide product ranges from the UK’s leading suppliers, from lighting and circuit protection to electrical wiring, industrial controls, safety and workwear, as well as power tools and site equipment. Rexel uses Podfather to manage overnight deliveries from its hubs, including a newly opened multi-million-pound distribution centre in Aylesbury, to branches across the UK. The logistics solution is also used at a regional level for ‘last mile’ deliveries from branches to customer sites or home locations. At the start of each shift, all Rexel drivers are guided through a series of customised vehicle checks to ensure both driver and vehicle are roadworthy and ready for the day, or night, ahead. These checks include welfare questions in accordance with Rexel’s FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) accreditation, as well as routine safety checks, and all responses are recorded using the Podfather app, making them easy to access for fleet management and compliance reporting. For ‘last mile’ deliveries, Podfather is used to plan routes and optimise vehicle journeys ensuring customer time windows are met, unnecessary mileage is reduced and vehicle capacities are maximised. Details of the route are sent directly to the driver’s mobile device, removing the need for paper tickets and delivery manifests, and ETA notifications are sent by email and text. This has transformed Rexel’s customer facing interactions and removed the disconnect between sales and warehouse operations. Podfather’s electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) app is used to capture date, time and location stamped photographs and signatures as evidence of where, when and to whom a delivery was made. This information is available to branch and support staff, in real time, to answer queries - and it can also be accessed via the Rexel hub, allowing customers to self-serve delivery information. “Using Podfather, we have professionalised our delivery service from the start of each driver’s shift right through to the point of delivery,” Chris Davey continues. “We know that our drivers and vehicles are fit for purpose, we know our operation is as efficient as possible, and we have real-time visibility of schedules as they unfold. “This information is easy to access and easy to share, meaning that our warehouse and branch operations are better connected and that our customers are well-informed. This has reduced unnecessary interactions, as customers and branch managers know what is being delivered and when to expect it, and it means we can answer queries relating to what was delivered, when it was delivered and where it was delivered at the touch of a button.” For more from Rexel, click here.

Vent-Axia hosts charity football tournament

Ventilation specialist, Vent-Axia, brought together building design professionals for a charity five-a-side football tournament on Thursday 20 March in Shoreditch, London, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Hosted by Vent-Axia at the Powerleague in Shoreditch, the tournament saw eight teams battle it out over the course of five hours, and a total of £1,625 was for Cancer Research UK - which is Vent-Axia's charity of the year for 2025. The event welcomed 70 industry professionals comprising eight teams featuring players from the following companies: Chapmanbdsp, XCO2, WSP, WP3, Etch Associates, Cudd Bentley, Bryden Wood, and lastly Vent-Axia. The final was contested between Cudd Bentley and XCO2, with Cudd Bentley ultimately lifting the trophy. Meanwhile, Chapmanbdsp secured the Plate after a hard-fought match against runners-up Vent-Axia. Every player who took part generously donated to Cancer Research UK. Shaan Patel, Cudd Bentley’s team captain, says, “We were thrilled to win the tournament. It was a fantastic day, bringing together industry colleagues in a fun and competitive setting while raising money for Cancer Research UK, such an important cause. A huge thank you to Vent-Axia for organising this brilliant event.” In addition to the tournament, Vent-Axia also ran an exclusive charity auction, featuring a raft of prizes to further support Cancer Research UK. Among the standout items were VIP tickets to Brands Hatch for the British GT Championships, offering an exclusive SRO Club experience including gourmet hospitality and behind-the-scenes access. Meanwhile, football fans had a chance to bid for a Premium Matchday Experience at Tottenham Hotspur offering unlimited food, a complimentary half-time bar, and premium lounge access. Also, up for grabs was the Vent-Axia PureAir Room 500X air purifier with CodiKoat, a seven-stage air purification system designed to improve indoor air quality at home or in the workplace. Plus, a powerful JBL Flip Essential 2 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, generously donated by Lindab, and an Eco Show 5 (newest Gen), kindly donated by Diffusion, which features a 5.5 inch display allowing users to stream music, programmes, podcast and much more. Cancer Research UK fundraising spokesperson, Sharon Baldwin, says, “Thanks to the dedication and generosity of supporters like Vent-Axia, for over 120 years we’ve been making discoveries that have saved countless lives, and which benefit millions of people around the world. “We can’t thank Vent-Axia enough for organising this Powerleague five-a-side football event and everyone who is taking part enough for helping us to fight over 200 types of cancer. Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.” The money raised will help Cancer Research UK carry out research into the prevention, detection and treatment of more than 200 types of cancer. For those who would like to support Cancer Research UK, donations can be made to Vent-Axia's fundraiser by clicking here. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

ECA comments on Government’s construction skills announcement

In response to the Government’s announced skills programme to deliver 1.5 million homes, Andrew Eldred, COO of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), issues the following remarks: “We’re pleased to see the Government taking significant steps to address the construction skills crisis, which remains one of the biggest blockers to building homes, upgrading infrastructure and delivering net zero. Today’s announcement recognises the scale of the challenge and the vital role that electricians and the electrical sector will play in meeting it. “Funding for new Technical Excellence Colleges and construction training is a positive step, but this must be matched by a sharper focus on quality and relevance. Too often, existing electrical training provision produces classroom-based learners without the practical experience or competence employers need. We must prioritise pathways that lead to becoming a qualified, competent electricians - via apprenticeship, NVQ or Experienced Worker Assessment. “Government’s ambition to offer placements to all Level 2 and 3 learners is laudable, but risks being unworkable without a more targeted, locally brokered approach. SMEs simply don’t have the capacity to absorb tens of thousands of placements unless those learners are genuinely committed to a career in the sector. This investment must now be paired with strategic reform: better industry involvement in training design, smarter use of the Growth and Skills Levy, and firm guarantees that these reforms will deliver for electrical and other construction trades - not just in volume, but in quality. The Electrical Contractors’ Association stands ready to support the Government with this next phase of this work.” For more from ECA, click here.

Zumtobel celebrates its 75-year anniversary

The Zumtobel Group is celebrating the 75-year anniversary of its core brand, Zumtobel. Initially started as a family business, the company was founded as 'Elektrogeräte und Kunstharzpresswerk W. Zumtobel KG' by Dr. Walter Zumtobel in Dornbirn in 1950 and started producing ballasts for the newly introduced fluorescent light fitting technology. Back then, the replacement of incandescent lamps by fluorescent lamps marked the beginning of a new era in lighting technology and prompted Dr. Zumtobel to start producing luminaires only two years later. Listed on the stock exchange since 2006, the lighting group bundles its strong brands – Zumtobel, Thorn and Tridonic – and operates globally today. The headquarters is still firmly anchored in Dornbirn. Karin Zumtobel, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Zumtobel Group, comments, “Celebrating Zumtobel’s 75th anniversary fills me with immense pride and joy, accompanied by a deep personal responsibility. Growing up in Dornbirn, I became acquainted with the company through my grandfather and father. Throughout our journey, we’ve not only celebrated numerous successes but have also navigated significant changes. Our continued presence and progress testify to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.” Alfred Felder, CEO of the Zumtobel Group, adds, “What has made the company successful is still valid; namely, the unconditional aspiration to design innovative lighting solutions for tomorrow. 75 years of Zumtobel of course also entails the responsibility to remain successful going forward.” At the very beginning, the company pressed small plastic parts - for example buttons, or lids for toothpaste tubes. Production also included clamps, connectors, plugs as well as starterholders and sockets for fluorescent lamps. Today, the group develops state-of-the-art lighting technology and provides comprehensive lighting expertise across each of its brands. Now, as then, the headquarters in Dornbirn is the central hub for innovation within the Zumtobel Group. Alfred continues, “The company’s innovative culture was significantly shaped by founder Dr. Walter Zumtobel back then – he was a gifted inventor. Attributes like openness, curiosity and courage are associated with this culture in our company. Having the courage to embark on new paths, while at the same accepting that we are not always alone in this effort, being open to getting external partners on board.” Karin Zumtobel concludes, “We are celebrating our anniversary year under the motto ‘perspectives of light’. This underlines our open culture and our curiosity. It is exactly these characteristics that have shaped the Zumtobel brand since its beginnings.” For more from Zumtobel, click here.

WISKA awarded EcoVadis silver medal

WISKA has announced that the company has been awarded the silver medal by EcoVadis, a globally recognised provider of sustainability ratings. Founded in Hamburg over 100 years ago, WISKA states that sustainability is more than just a goal - and that it’s a core value that drives everything it does. The achievement places WISKA in the top 15% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally, a milestone which the company says reflects the hard work and dedication of its entire team. WISKA believes that businesses have a key role to play in shaping a more sustainable future, and the company is proud to be recognised for the progress it has made so far. EcoVadis measures companies on the following four themes: environment, ethics, labour and human rights, and sustainable procurement. This helps businesses to understand and improve their impact on the world. WISKA tell us that receiving the silver medal is not just an acknowledgement of its efforts, but a motivation to push even further. The company understands that sustainability is a journey, and this award reinforces its commitment to making a meaningful impact. “We’re honoured to receive this recognition from EcoVadis,” says Will Rich, Managing Director of WISKA. “Sustainability is a journey, and this award reflects the hard work of our entire team. From our employees to our partners and customers, everyone plays a role in making a real difference. This is a win for all of us.” As WISKA looks to the future, the company remains committed to developing innovative solutions and continuing to drive positive change for a more sustainable future. It believes that together, we can create a greener, brighter tomorrow. The company has also extended a huge thanks to its dedicated team for supporting WISKA on this ongoing journey - noting that the achievement wouldn’t have been possible without them. For more from WISKA, click here.

Heathrow shut down after electrical fire: the experts explain

More than 1,300 flights around the world have been affected when a fire at an electrical substation caused Heathrow Airport to close late yesterday evening (Thursday 20 March). The UK’s busiest airport shut after the blaze at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, west London. With the airport closed until at least midnight tonight (21 March), and passengers across the globe wondering what caused the disruption and how long it will persist for, engineering experts from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) help to explain the situation. What are substations? Professor John Loughhead CB OBE CEng, Fellow and electrical engineering expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), says, “An electrical substation is where high voltage electricity from the National Grid is transformed to lower voltages and distributed to users, and contains various switches and safety devices. It is therefore the supply point for users. It is surprising that, as a part of our national critical infrastructure, Heathrow does not have an alternative supply point in case of accidents like this.” Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, adds, “Electrical substations are a critical part of the electrical distribution system. Power stations generate electricity which is then distributed across the country at high voltage. Substations connect the power station to the distribution network and then, at the other end, substations connect the distribution network to where power is needed. “Substations are electro-mechanical installations. Transformers are used in substations to raise the voltage for distribution across long distances and then to lower the voltage to a more usable level for use in electrical installations in, for example, commercial buildings and homes.” Graham Kenyon, an electrical engineering expert at the IET, comments, “An electrical substation like this takes very high voltage power from the National Grid, and switches it to various transformers, distribution protection equipment, and other substations that eventually supplies end users such as homes, businesses and airports with power. “This particular substation is a major distribution centre for the National Grid, in a very populated area of the city. In addition to Heathrow Airport and local residences and businesses, there is a significant amount of commercial and industrial power use in that area.” Why has this fire happened? “Fires do occasionally, but not frequently, occur at substations and can have various causes - from electrical short circuits to failures in transformers,” explains Prof Loughhead. “It's not stated what caused this one and it may take a while for what happened to be determined. A fire within a substation area can damage switchgear, transformers, measurement and control equipment, and cables. Fires are not unprecedented, but also not frequent. If they damage equipment any user 'downstream' of the substation will lose all power. In this case, Heathrow just happens to be the key user, although it seems other users are also affected.” Mark adds, “The law, that is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, requires that all electrical installations are maintained in order to be safe for continued use. This applies to electrical substations which should be regularly checked. As part of this, records will have been kept of testing and inspection and, for example, thermal imaging cameras will have been used to make sure connections aren’t overheating. Maintenance work will look to diagnose possible failures of equipment and then any required repair work can be carried out. “For this situation, the investigation will look at the history of the equipment, such as the manufacturer’s data from when it was manufactured. The investigation will be far reaching, and every aspect will be looked at to ascertain what has happened. It is very unusual for one incident to cause the entire shut down of an entire site like Heathrow airport.” Graham notes, “It’s too early to provide a definite answer on what has happened here. Heathrow Airport has multiple supplies from the National Grid, and means of diverting power if it is safe to do so. Power in an airport is required for safety equipment for flight operations and safety and security of the public in and around airport terminals.” When will the power be back on? “To restore power, supply companies may be able to route power to Heathrow through an alternative circuit, although it seems this is not easily done or may not be possible, or any damaged equipment will need to be replaced to get the substation back into service,” Prof Loughhead comments. “To determine the original cause will mean examination of the damaged equipment and operating records to judge the sequence of events leading to the fire, which may be obvious or require some time to work out.” Graham concludes, “The Civil Aviation Authority has rules that govern the impact of power loss on airport operations, which includes consideration as to how long the loss of some, or all, power at an airport is expected to last. Airport operations can also be affected by the consequences of a major incident in the vicinity of the airfield or flight paths, for example smoke affecting flights.” For more from The IET, click here.

Ashden welcomes Government's solar panel project

Climate change charity, Ashden, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the first major project for Great British Energy, which will see an investment of £80m to put rooftop solar panels on around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites and increased support for community energy. Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, the zero carbon schools campaign run by Ashden, says, “The huge potential of Great British Energy has always been about giving citizens and communities a real stake in - and direct benefit from - the clean growth story of the 21st century. It’s great to see the first steps in that vision taking shape in schools and hospitals, which sit at the heart of every community. “At Let’s Go Zero we know solar on schools is a success - cutting bills, inspiring young people, and strengthening vital public services. Schools often lead local clean energy initiatives but these efforts rely heavily on school fundraising, but with greater government support, they can scale more quickly and effectively.” Through Ashden’s Let’s Go Zero campaign, which over 5,600 schools have signed up to (representing two million students), schools can get free expert advice on how to decarbonise and save money on energy bills from local climate action advisors, including guidance on whether financing is available for retrofit and renewables. Multiple schools around the UK have already taken up the mantle of clean energy - some working with local schemes organised by community energy groups or local authorities. For instance, Leicestershire Solar Schools has just started a project with Green Fox Community Energy, a not-for-profit community benefit society, partnering with Leicestershire County Council to offer free community-funded solar panels and guidance on climate action planning, supported by the government's Community Energy Fund. Tudor Grange Academy Solihull are going to be connected to the Solihull Energy Town Centre Energy Network, and Bath & Wells Community Energy have installed solar into a raft of schools. Alex continues, “The support announced from Great British Energy will help schools across the country replicate these initiatives, helping the schools save much needed funds as well as being proactive on reducing carbon emissions.” Embedding behaviour change alongside renewable energy investments is also key to unlocking their full potential, Alex says: “When staff and students are actively involved in energy-saving habits and sustainability initiatives, schools maximise savings, deepen learning, and create a culture of climate action that extends beyond the school gates. Let’s Go Zero look forward to supporting the government to realise this potential.” Ashden also welcomed the move by government to provide support for local authorities and community energy groups, with nearly £12m to help build community-led clean energy projects which could generate profits that will then be reinvested into community projects including tackling fuel poverty. Support for community energy is a vital part of the country’s clean energy progress, shown by the success of community energy organisations like Low Carbon Hub, Repowering London, and Energise Barnsley, which show clearly how this sector is tackling fuel poverty, reinvesting revenues into local social programmes, and creating long-term benefits where they’re needed most. Many of these community energy organisations also partner with schools or are part of Ashden’s Energy Learning Network, which supports community energy organisations across the UK. Ashden’s UK Policy Lead, Will Walker, notes, “There is overwhelming public support for community energy - with 78% of people agreeing communities should own and benefit from local energy - so making sure the financial and regulatory barriers and capacity challenges are faced will be the next stage of the GB Energy journey. “Great British Energy’s announcement is the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to scale community and local energy. This isn’t just about generating power - it’s about generating resilience to energy price rises, local wealth and pride in the places people live, work and play. "We hope that this government will stop the previous start-stop policy changes and provide certainty on the full £3.3 billion Local Power Plan at the Spending Review. To unlock its full potential we need long-term funding, capacity support prioritised in low-income communities, and market and policy reforms that deliver fair returns and real community benefit.”

Data shows strong start to year for small-scale renewables

The latest data from MCS reveals a strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. Speaking about the data, Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments, “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this mark in scheme history. “It was another record month for battery storage with more than 2,500 certified installations, and heat pumps also had a strong month with over 5,000 certified installations – an 18% increase on February last year. There were almost 20,000 certified Solar PV installations – a 35% increase on February 2024 – demonstrating the ongoing strength of the solar market. “As MCS continues to support its certification bodies in preparing to offer the redeveloped scheme, it’s great to see that consumer appetite for small-scale renewables is growing. With more consumers turning to home-grown energy, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognised standards, backed by strong consumer protections. That is what the redeveloped MCS will deliver.” To view the MCS Data Dashboard for real-time dynamic visualisations of renewables uptake, click here. For more from MCS, click here.