Regions still lacking EV charging infrastructure

The number of electric vehicle charging points has declined in some parts of northern England since the beginning of 2025, Department of Transport figures have revealed. Now, experts from LeaseLoco.com are calling for more to be done to upgrade EV infrastructure across the country. The number of charging points per 100,000 of population has fallen slightly in the North East region since the beginning of January and now stands at 95. Other northern regions are even less well-served, with the North West being equipped with only 69 charging points per 100,000 people and Yorkshire and the Humber region just 66. The figures contrast starkly with London which enjoys 263 public charging points per 100,000 people. Northern Ireland is lagging far behind the rest of the UK with the latest Department of Transport figures showing there are a meagre 35 charging points per 100,000. In Scotland, the number of charging points per 100,000 is 123, and in Wales it is 104. The average across England is 115, but that number is massively concentrated in Greater London. The new figures showed that the number of chargers has fallen in both the north east of England and Northern Ireland during the first three months of 2025, although across the UK as a whole it rose by 4%, adding an additional 3,173 chargers - many in London. However, the capital is less well-served than other parts of the country when it comes to fast charging points rated 50kW and above. The government data shows there are only 15 of these per 100,000 people in London - lower than anywhere else in the country apart from Northern Ireland, where it is just 10. The lack of fast chargers in London could be because most of the charging stations there are devices rated 3kW up to 8kW, which are located on residential streets. A spokesman for Glasgow-based LeaseLoco says more should be done to standardise EV public charging provision across the entire UK. He states, “The latest figures show some major discrepancies around the UK when it comes to EV infrastructure. “London is far ahead of the rest of the country for the sheer number of public charging points available, this needs to be addressed because until provision is more standardised drivers will remain hesitant about making the switch to EVs. “It’s concerning to see the number of charging points actually falling in both the north east of England and Northern Ireland during the first quarter of 2025. Clearly these areas need more investment, along with other parts of the north of England, to give EV drivers confidence. “Unless drivers feel assured that the provision will be there when they travel to different corners of the UK in their cars the adoption of electric vehicles will be impacted. “Uncertainty in infrastructure acts as a dampener on demand when it comes to electric vehicles so policy makers need to take a UK-wide view when it comes to planning new public charging points.”

Raven Housing Trust collaborates with Aico to enhance fire safety

Raven Housing Trust, a registered social housing provider, is partnering with Aico, a European market leader in home life safety, to upgrade fire protection systems in 432 dwellings across its sheltered and temporary accommodation. Recognising the importance of robust fire safety measures in sheltered and temporary accommodation, Raven Housing Trust says it is committed to installing systems to the highest specification, compliant with BS 5839-6 standards. This three-year programme will see AJS, an electrical contractor outsourced by Raven Housing Trust, install Aico’s fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. This installation will take place across 432 individual temporary dwellings, ensuring that residents receive the earliest possible warning of a fire or CO event. Separately, Raven Housing Trust’s Direct Labour Organisation will be undertaking upgrades to sheltered accommodation sites and general needs properties to LD1 and LD2 specifications during change of tenancy or rewiring works. The sheltered accommodation upgrade will also integrate the existing Warden Call systems, providing enhanced safety and rapid response capabilities within these facilities. Aico’s Relationship Manager for the South East, Paul Barrett, will work closely with Christian Hirschfield from Raven Housing Trust, alongside other teams involved in this project, providing product expertise and guidance. “We have chosen Aico as our manufacturer for this project due to their reputation for high-quality products and innovative technology,” states Christian Hirschfield, Electrical Manager at Raven Housing Trust. “Aico's commitment to safety and reliability makes them an ideal partner for our homes, ensuring that we provide the best possible protection for our residents.” The upgrade will involve the installation of specific Aico alarms tailored to different areas within the temporary dwellings: · The Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat and CO Alarm will be installed in kitchens where boilers are present. · The Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm will be used in kitchens without boilers. · The Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm will provide coverage in circulation areas, living areas, and bedrooms. All alarms will be interconnected using the Ei3000MRF module, which allows for wireless interconnection via radio frequency. This means that if one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound, providing full-circle protection and allowing for an immediate response. At each of the sheltered accommodation sites, Aico’s Ei414 RadioLINK+ Fire/CO Alarm Interface will be implemented to connect the new fire alarm system with the existing Warden Call setup, enabling prompt alerts and assistance for residents in the event of a fire or CO emergency. Paul Barrett comments on the project, “Christian and his team are taking the lead in installing Aico products to comply with BS 5839-6 using our Grade D1 Ei3000 Series alarms and LD1 specification. It has been a pleasure getting to know Raven Housing Trust over the years, and I am sure our trusted partnership will continue long into the future.” For more from Aico, click here.

Spennymoor Market Place revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s projectors

Thorn Lighting, a global supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls, has had its Thor lanterns and bespoke gobo projectors selected to help revitalise Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street, aiming to draw more visitors, support local businesses, and promote community pride. Town centre regeneration is essential for boosting local economies and fostering vibrant communities. In line with its ongoing county-wide improvement efforts, Durham County Council has delivered projects to transform the town centres of Spennymoor and Consett. The council’s vision is to create spaces that attract more shoppers, businesses, and community gatherings. Lighting can dramatically change how a space is perceived, especially in town centres. Thorn’s Thor lanterns, combined with gobo projectors mounted on bespoke columns, aim to provide a blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality, allowing for tailored lighting themes that change with the seasons and significant events. The adaptive lighting has helped to create welcoming hubs in Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street, where people can gather for local events like Christmas festivities and Remembrance Sunday commemorations. The lanterns are LED, smart urban lanterns, offering compatibility with existing management control systems via ZHAGA sockets. Paul Gleadow, Durham County Council’s Street Lighting and Operational Support Manager, says, “As part of our ongoing regeneration of County Durham’s towns and villages, we wanted to create spaces that were not only welcoming and functional but also felt unique to the community. This partnership has allowed us to commemorate key events in a way which engages with residents, creating a strong sense of pride and belonging. Seeing people enjoy these areas since we have made these enhancements has been incredibly rewarding.” Implementing the schemes in Spennymoor and Consett required precision to ensure the lighting solution fitted both the aesthetic and functional needs of the spaces. In Spennymoor, aligning the gobo projections to cover the intended floor space necessitated multiple site visits and careful adjustments to the positioning and angles of the columns. For Consett, illuminating specific building facades meant careful spacing and placement to achieve consistent coverage without overpowering the area. Through on-site adjustments, the team was able to optimise the positioning of the columns and projectors, ensuring the lighting scenes landed where intended. The final arrangement enables residents to enjoy the vibrant gobo scenes, which draw attention without distracting from the area’s natural beauty. The projects in Spennymoor and Consett demonstrate how lighting can help revitalise a community. Residents have reportedly responded enthusiastically, with many expressing appreciation for the attention to detail and the focus on creating a space that reflects the town’s character. As footfall increases, the council’s investment in a sustainable, community-focused lighting solution is expected to benefit local businesses and foster an enduring sense of pride. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

Ovia introduces new Power Switchable Linear Batten

Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has introduced E-Lite, a new Power Switchable Linear Batten that is designed to deliver superior performance, flexibility, and ease of installation. A premium performing luminaire, the E-Lite is available in Microwave Sensor, Emergency, and Microwave Sensor & Emergency versions. Operating at an impressive 120lm/W, the E-Lite is available in two varied sizes and wattage combinations – 1200mm (15-30W) and 1500mm (23-40W). Built for convenience and durability, this luminaire offers a range of features and benefits to enhance the installation process and its performance: • Piano key terminal for easy wiring and quick installation • 600mm fixing centres across the full range, allowing retrofit of many batten brands • Power switchable to allow the installer to change the wattage to suit the environment • Adjustable CCT to suit any environment (3000k, 4000k, 6000k) • Option to be surface mounted, mounted with a BESA box, or suspended • IP44 Rating (ceiling mounted) • Self-Test Emergency to remove the need of manual testing • Security screw caps (3mm allen key) • Optional microwave sensor available, offering variable detection area adjustment, hold time, daylight threshold, and a corridor function • Optional emergency converter pack with three-hour lifespan. The modular design enhances product sustainability, as microwave sensors and emergency packs can be retrofitted in-house by distributors or contractors without the need for tools. Clear markings on the gear tray guide installation, with easy wiring via colour-coded connectors. Designed to offer strong value for electrical contractors and wholesalers, the E-Lite is compatible with a wide range of environments, including schools, gyms, sports halls, commercial spaces, and more. With a focus on performance and adaptability, Ovia believes that the E-Lite is set to become the go-to solution for projects requiring high-quality, energy-efficient lighting. The E-Lite comes with a five-year warranty. More information can be found on the Ovia website and via the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here. [embed]https://youtu.be/MIzNoH5Vu-0[/embed]  

Screwfix crowns Trade Apprentice 2025

Apprentice electrician, Dan O’Shea, has beaten over 2,700 apprentices from across the UK and Ireland to be named this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion. Dan, aged 20, from Longford, Ireland is currently completing Phase 2 of his electrical apprenticeship with F White Electrical, located in Ballymahon, and takes home a prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth €10,000 – while also receiving €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for his college. During the two-day final, which took place in London, Dan impressed the panel of industry judges, including representatives - from Screwfix, NICEIC, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) - with his passion for the electrical industry. Dan did well in school, achieving a high score on his Leavers Certificate Examination, and was therefore encouraged to pursue a university degree. However, he quickly realised that a career in the trade industry was where he wanted to be. With his Dad and uncle both in the trades, Dan was inspired to explore an apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back. Since starting his electrical apprenticeship, Dan has not only unlocked a passion for renewable energy and sustainability, but he’s also become an advocate for making the trade more inclusive for others thinking of following in his footsteps. Screwfix tells us that it was this dedication to wanting to play his role in changing the perception around apprenticeships and shifting the stigma around vocational paths that really shone through in the final. Taking a proactive approach, Dan has already created a trade skills workshop for secondary school students in Ireland to participate in as part of their transition year. As part of this, Dan also approached local politicians to champion trade careers being more visible in secondary school education. This, together with Dan’s strong response to the pre-final task – to design a tool that would make a tradesperson’s life easier – impressed the judges. Dan devised and prototyped his proposal for a product called the Multi Marker, which showcased a practical solution for measuring, marking and scribing. Commenting on the announcement, Dan says, “To hear my name called out was unbelievable. Having met with the other finalists, I knew the competition would be a tough one, and honestly anyone of us would have been worthy winners. This award is going to be such a boost to my career and will really take me to the next level. I still can’t believe I’ve won! “From learning new skills, meeting new people and working with the most advanced tools, there’s nothing I don’t love about the electrical trade. In Ireland, renewable energy is so important, and it was great to be able to share my passion about playing my part in helping unlock a sustainable future to the judges. Trades are always in demand, and I’d recommend apprenticeships to anyone, even those who are already at college or have gone done the university route. It’s never too late to change direction, and I’m proof of that.” Simon O’Mahony, Director of Marketing Communications for Screwfix, adds, “Dan is an incredible example of what the next generation of tradespeople can achieve. His passion for sustainability and his drive to make a difference in the industry are inspirational. The entire judging panel was moved by his ambition and talent, particularly in how he is already igniting an interest for the trades in young people at critical moments in their education. His trade is lucky to have him, and we are excited to see where this accolade takes him. Congratulations, Dan.” The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition celebrates the best new talent in the trade industry, and this year’s competition received more than 2,700 entries. To learn more about the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, click here. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Elucian AFDD+MCB Combination Unit from Click Scolmore

Part of Click Scolmore’s growing Elucian consumer unit and protective devices range is the AFDD+MCB Combination Unit, which is designed to deliver superior protection against electrical fires, overloads and short circuits in one compact, efficient device. AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Device) detect and interrupt dangerous arc faults that could lead to electrical fires, providing essential protection in residential, commercial, and public buildings. MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) offer standard protection against overcurrent and short circuits with high reliability and quick response. The integration of these two critical protection functions in a single modular device saves valuable space in the distribution board. Available in 6kA and 10kA breaking capacities, the range comprises: • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 10A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 16A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 20A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 32A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 40A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 6A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 6kA B Curve 32A AFDD & MCB Ideal for applications where residual current protection is already managed, the AFDD+MCB range ensures safety and compliance with the latest standards. It offers Overcurrent protection, Series Arc Fault protection, and Parallel Arc fault protection. Combining cutting-edge arc fault detection with trusted overcurrent protection, this product significantly enhances electrical safety with minimal installation complexity. For more from Scolmore, click here.

Fire protection installed at London residential development

Three next-generation Advanced MxPro 5 fire panels have been installed across a multi-building residential development on Westminster Bridge Road, London, delivering reliable protection for residents. Located in the heart of London, just minutes from Waterloo Station, the Westminster Bridge Road development comprises three residential buildings, each containing a mix of private flats and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs). The properties share some facilities and services, presenting specific fire safety challenges, particularly around retained gas infrastructure. As a result, carbon monoxide detection was also required to safeguard against potential leaks into occupied areas. Integrated Fire Safety Systems Ltd (IFSS) was responsible for all aspects of the fire alarm installation across the buildings. The team designed a Category L2 fire system using three Advanced MxPro 5 single-loop panels, each managing 24 devices including multi-sensors and detectors. To ensure the remote monitoring provider could identify which of the three buildings a fire signal originated from, IFSS configured the system to transmit clear, building-specific information via a GSM monitoring unit. As the panels were not networked, precise configuration was essential to ensure the fire service could respond quickly and accurately in the event of an alarm. Wayne Stanley, Project Manager at IFSS, says, “Advanced is my go-to for fire panels. They're user friendly, easy to install, and look great on the wall. The MxPro 5 is a durable and well-designed panel that gives us the flexibility we need on more complex installations like this one.” Salvy Vittozzi, Sales Manager for the South East at Advanced, adds, “This project highlights the strengths of our next-generation MxPro 5 panels in adapting to more complex residential layouts. With standalone configuration, CO detection and clear signal identification needed across three separate buildings, the panel’s flexible programming and wide device compatibility provided the ideal solution to meet both the installer’s and the client’s requirements.” The next-generation MxPro 5 panels installed at Westminster Bridge Road offer enhanced performance and flexibility. With a more powerful processor for faster response times, improved configuration options, and expanded protocol compatibility, the system was ideally suited to meet the project’s technical demands, particularly the need for precise, standalone panel configuration. The next-generation MxPro 5 is Advanced’s flagship multiprotocol fire panel, certified by FM Approvals to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4. Renowned for its performance, flexibility and ease of use, MxPro 5 supports up to 200 networked panels and is compatible with a wide range of wired and wireless devices. Its powerful AlarmCalm false alarm management options, makes it ideal for complex residential or commercial applications. The latest upgrades to the panel bring enhanced configuration capabilities, faster processing power, and built-in Ethernet for easy connection to the AdvancedLive smart management platform. This makes accessing real-time system information, managing incidents remotely, and supporting proactive maintenance simpler than ever – directly from any internet-enabled device. For more from Advanced, click here.  

Carhartt expands t-shirt range

Fresh for spring, Carhartt has added new styles to its t-shirt line-up, offering a mix of lightweight comfort, moisture-wicking tech and dependable durability. With options for both men and women, the new collection includes performance-driven work shirts and relaxed pieces designed to meet the demands of tradespeople on the move. For women, the standout addition is the introduction of the Tencel Fibre Series, which brings a softer, more breathable feel to the brand’s rugged workwear. Derived from wood pulp, Tencel wicks moisture away from the skin to keep the wearer cool, is lightweight and incredibly soft, washes well and is biodegradable too. Designed for long days, warm conditions and high mobility, these t-shirts offer lightweight layering without compromising on toughness. The Loose Fit Lightweight Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt offers the kind of comfort tradeswomen have been asking for – soft, breathable and easy to wear on repeat. Made from a cotton-Tencel blend, it’s ideal for summer work or as a base layer when the temperature drops. Also new is the Tencel Fibre Series Script Graphic T-Shirt, which offers the same lightweight, breathable softness. Designed to sit at the hip, this loose-fitting tee is finished with a bold Carhartt script logo across the front. On the men’s side, Carhartt continues to build on its trusted Force range, introducing the Carhartt Force Midweight Pocket T-Shirt. Designed for long shifts and hot days, this performance tee includes mesh ventilation panels, a drop-tail hem for added coverage and fast-drying jersey with built-in odour-fighting properties. Flatlock seams and raglan sleeves allow for a smoother fit and greater range of motion. For a more classic look, the Relaxed Fit Heavyweight Logo Graphic T-Shirt brings a durable cotton jersey feel to everyday workwear. With a rib knit crew neck, flat hem stitching and Carhartt’s signature logo across the chest, it’s built to go from jobsite to weekend without missing a beat. Also joining the range is the Midweight Pocket Polo, ideal for those who split their time between site work and client meetings. With a no-roll rib collar, three-button placket and left-chest contractor’s pocket, it strikes a balance between smart and practical. From advanced moisture management to lightweight, breathable fibres, Carhatt states the new t-shirts demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to producing reliable, performance-led workwear that’s ready for real-world use. For more from Carhartt, click here.

Hanwha Vision cameras implemented to keep London safe

The busy London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is home to over 180,000 people living in high-density housing, along with many major public spaces including parks and the stadiums of Chelsea, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers football clubs. Maintaining surveillance coverage to ensure the safety of citizens and businesses was of paramount importance to the local authority. The council needed to upgrade its existing surveillance system with high-definition cameras that provided greater situational awareness and 360-views of busy public spaces. Smart technology solutions provider, North, designed a security system that comprises 60 Hanwha Vision PNM-C34404RQPZ and PNM-9322VQP multi-directional PTZ cameras, which replace analogue models across the borough. The 5-channel AI PNM-C34404RQPZ model provides operators with extensive coverage using a PTZ and four cameras in one combination, with a powerful suite of analytics and detailed image quality of up to 4K. Likewise, the PNM-9322VQP features five sensors that provide 360-degree views, giving the coverage of five separate cameras, without the need for additional cabling or server space. Equipped with intelligent analytics, the cameras enhance operators’ situational awareness and responsiveness. The surveillance system integrates with connected air quality sensors and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices that increase insights available to leadership. Proactive steps can be taken to improve air quality such as reducing traffic flow on smaller roads, near public outdoor spaces or schools, or during specific times such as commuting hours. Insights from the cameras are shared across departments in the borough and with the neighbouring Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea along with local police enforcement agencies, thereby improving the management of cross-borough events and boosting collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, says, “Hammersmith and Fulham is determined to deliver London’s most efficient, effective and forward-thinking video surveillance system. It is part of the proactive steps we’re taking to protect women and girls, reduce crime and make our streets safer for our residents, businesses and visitors.” Tony Oliver, Head of Physical Security at North, adds, “The investment H&F Council is making to enhance CCTV operations underlines its clear commitment to consistently improve the quality of the environment for people who live there.” The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, with the aid of Hanwha Vision, now has a video surveillance system that improves safety, offers scalability as needs evolve, and provides wide-area coverage across the borough. For more from Hanwha Vision, click here.

SolarEdge launches solar-powered EV charger

At Intersolar 2025, SolarEdge Technologies, a provider of smart energy technology, launched a solar-powered EV charging innovation for businesses. Available now, the new innovation includes a new EV charger for businesses, powered and controlled by an energy management system introduced following Wevo Energy’s acquisition last year. The innovation joins the SolarEdge C&I ecosystem for commercial-scale solar and storage solutions. Businesses with SolarEdge’s solar systems can now charge their EV fleet with ‘power-optimised’ solar energy to further reduce their energy bills – with one of the first beta customers reporting a reduction in EV charging costs of approximately 70%. Christoph Vogl, CEO of BV-comOffice, a German office retailer and one of the first customers to deploy the new SolarEdge EV charging solution, comments, “Since installing SolarEdge’s PV and EV charging solution, we have managed to cut our EV fleet charging costs by around 70% – a substantial saving on our energy bill. “I’ve also been impressed by how adaptable the system is – it allows us to prioritise different vehicles, so we can ensure our sales reps are always road-ready, while other employees can have their cars charged by the end of the day. Our employees are also really pleased to be charging their cars with clean energy – it’s been a hit across the board.” Designed to maximise solar self-consumption and use of excess solar, the SolarEdge ONE EV Charger is now available for commercial applications and is expected to be available for residential applications in Q3 2025. Featuring a new sleek, slim and compact design, the SolarEdge ONE EV Charger will be suitable for both single-phase and three-phase modes with automatic switching built-in. With snap-on wall mounting and multiple cable entry points, installation is faster, simpler and more flexible, taking just a few minutes. The EV charger is also supported by ‘Olivia’, a newly released AI phone support agent purpose-built for EV charging. The EV charging solution combines customer-specific EV charging schedules and solar generation patterns with real-time grid electricity prices to autonomously calculate the most economical energy source to charge a fleet of EVs – whether that’s with solar, battery or grid. Leveraging SolarEdge’s C&I Inverters ability to provide up to 175% oversizing, excess solar can be redirected to power EV fleets. The system also enables ‘tiered charging modes’, allowing priority users – such as sales reps who need their car throughout the day – to access grid power if needed; while other non-priority vehicles are set to charge only when solar is available. By dynamically boosting or throttling EV charging based on real-time energy loads, the new solution is also designed to allow scaling up to 20 times more chargers on existing infrastructure, while ensuring the building’s energy load is not exceeded. For more from SolarEdge, click here.