Advanced launches smoke control CPD course

Fire protection systems manufacturer Advanced has added a new smoke control systems course to its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. The free module - titled "Smoke Control Systems: Principles, Pitfalls and Protection" - has been developed for installers, specifiers, fire engineers, consultants, and facilities managers involved in fire safety and building design. According to Advanced, the course is intended to provide practical guidance on smoke control strategies, system types, and regulatory requirements linked to life safety and property protection. The CPD covers smoke movement principles and examines the role smoke control systems play in supporting safe evacuation and firefighting access. It also includes information on natural and mechanical smoke ventilation, smoke exhaust systems, pressurisation methods, and key system components. Course examines standards and compliance risks In addition, the module explores the standards and regulations associated with smoke control system design and maintenance, including Approved Document B, BS EN 12101, BS 7346-8, BS 9991, and BS 9999. Advanced says the course highlights common design, installation, and maintenance issues, with a focus on improving understanding of compliance responsibilities and long-term system performance. The CPD is delivered online by Shaun Scott, Applications Engineer at Advanced. Shaun says, “Smoke control systems play a critical role in modern fire safety strategies, particularly in complex and high-rise buildings where maintaining clear escape routes is essential. "This CPD has been designed to provide practical, real-world guidance on the principles behind smoke control systems, the challenges involved in their design and maintenance, and the standards that govern them. “By helping industry professionals strengthen their understanding of smoke control, we can support them in designing better systems and delivering improved compliance, ultimately creating safer buildings.” Advanced says all of its CPDs are certified by the CPD Certification Service, with attendees receiving a certificate upon completion. The new module joins the company’s existing CPD portfolio, which includes courses covering fire detection and alarm systems, false fire alarm management, and BS 8629 compliance. For more from Advanced, click here.

Rexel UK opens new Lincoln branch

Electrical wholesaler Rexel UK has opened a new branch in Lincoln, expanding its regional presence with a facility focused on technical support, electrical supplies, and contractor services. The branch, located at Bishops Trade Park in Lincoln, officially opened on 18 May 2026. Rexel says the site has been designed to support local electricians and contractors through extended opening hours, local delivery services, and specialist technical expertise. According to the company, the branch team has been recruited locally, including staff with previous experience working in the electrical trade. Andrew Rowley, Business Manager at Rexel Lincoln, comments, “We're thrilled to open our doors in Lincoln and bring a new level of service to the local electrical trade. "This branch has been designed with our customers at the heart of everything we do, from our 7am opening, to support those early-start jobs, to our specialist design services for more complex projects. “We understand that time is money, which is why we’ve invested heavily in stock availability, rapid delivery options, and a team that has the hands-on knowledge to support customers efficiently. Being a local team, we’re proud to serve our community.” Branch combines wholesale and technical services Rexel says the branch will stock more than 2,500 products on-site, alongside next-day ordering services for additional items. Manufacturers available through the branch include Aico, Hager, Schneider Electric, Scolmore, and Wylex. The company also says the site will provide support for renewable energy and solar projects, lighting design services, EV charging infrastructure, and prefabrication work. Key features of the branch include: • Opening hours from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday • Local delivery services for stocked products • Next-day collection for pre-ordered items • Technical support from trade-experienced staff • Lighting surveys and design services Rexel will also host a trade open day at the branch on 30 June, featuring supplier demonstrations and product showcases. For more from Rexel, click here.

CEF receives SBTi validation for net zero targets

Electrical distributor CEF has received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its near- and long-term net zero emissions targets. The company says the validation confirms its carbon reduction plans align with climate science and the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. CEF has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and wider value chain by 2040, using 2023 as its baseline year. Its near-term targets include a 63% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions, alongside a 63% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, by 2033. The company’s long-term target is to achieve net zero Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2040. Connor Dalton, Director of Sustainability, Health & Safety at CEF, says, “Validating our net zero targets through the SBTi is about more than just numbers; it’s about accountability. "This achievement sits at the heart of our SSV strategy, converting ambition into action. We are committed to inspiring positive change across the electrical industry and creating a brighter future for everyone.” Carbon reduction plans extend across operations CEF says the validation forms part of its Sustainability & Social Value strategy, which includes projects focused on reducing emissions across its operations and supply chain. Measures introduced by the company include: • Installation of LED lighting across its estate • Use of telematics to reduce fuel consumption across its vehicle fleet • Electrification of fleet and material handling equipment • Installation of solar PV systems • Transition to renewable electricity supply contracts Paul Thomas, Head of Environmental Sustainability at CEF, comments, “Securing SBTi validation is the ‘gold standard’ for corporate climate action. "It provides our customers and partners with the transparency they deserve, proving our net zero plan is rooted in science rather than just ambition. "We are holding ourselves accountable for driving reductions across our entire value chain.” CEF also says it has achieved an EcoVadis Silver rating and is targeting EcoVadis Gold status by the end of 2026. Under SBTi criteria, net zero requires a 90% reduction in emissions across operations and the wider value chain, with remaining emissions balanced through permanent carbon removal and storage. For more from CEF, click here.

RAW opens Bagshot EV charging hub

RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator, has opened a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub at Bagshot Retail Park in Surrey. The installation includes eight ultra-rapid charging bays capable of delivering up to 300kW charging speeds. According to the company, the chargers are intended to support customers visiting nearby retail and leisure facilities, including Waitrose and PureGym. Located close to the A30 and the M3 motorway, the site is designed to serve both local visitors and drivers travelling through the area. RAW Charging says the project forms part of its wider rollout of rapid charging infrastructure across UK retail and leisure destinations. Expansion of retail charging network The Bagshot installation was delivered in partnership with Aberdeen Investments, which manages the retail park on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council Pension Fund. According to RAW Charging, the latest deployment builds on an existing partnership between the two companies, which has delivered more than 130 charging bays across multiple retail sites. Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, says, “We are thrilled to bring our market-leading EV charging solutions to Bagshot Shopping Park and Waitrose customers. "This location is perfectly positioned to serve both local shoppers and drivers travelling along the busy M3 corridor. “By installing our chargers here, we are not only supporting the transition to electric vehicles, but also enhancing the shopping experience for visitors to the park, particularly those visiting the large Waitrose store.” Michael Clements of Aberdeen Investments adds, “We are delighted to see our continued partnership with RAW Charging deliver another high-quality EV charging hub, this time at Bagshot Retail Park. “This latest installation is a fantastic example of how we are working together to provide essential infrastructure in key locations, supporting the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.” RAW Charging states that the chargers support contactless payment functionality and integration with its RAW Rewards platform. For more from RAW Charging, click here.

Propeller adds postal service for compliance documents

Software provider Propeller has launched an integrated postal service within its job management platform, allowing electrical contractors to bulk-send housing compliance documents with automated tracking and audit records. The service has been introduced as social housing regulations require Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to be issued to tenants within 28 days of inspection. According to Propeller, the platform can be used to distribute EICRs, gas safety certificates, servicing appointment letters, and other compliance documentation without relying on third-party mailing houses or manual processing. The company has partnered with Postworks to provide the service, with documents generated inside the Propeller platform sent directly for printing, fulfilment, and dispatch. Production and delivery information is then returned to the platform, giving contractors visibility over what was sent, when it was dispatched, and who received it. Audit trail and delivery tracking Propeller says the system is designed to simplify compliance administration for contractors operating within the social housing sector. Dave Carr, Managing Director of Propeller, explains, “Staying compliant with evolving housing safety regulations is becoming more demanding for M&E contractors, especially those working in the social housing sector. "The need to send EICRs to existing tenants within 28 days of inspection is just one example of the growing administrative burden contractors face. “Although digital communication is increasing, post remains widely used for sending housing safety documentation. Many organisations rely on mailing houses, which requires someone to physically transfer documents and often leaves no internal record of what was sent. "Integrating postal services directly into our platform automates the entire process and consolidates tracking, providing a robust audit trail from dispatch to delivery.” Propeller also states that the postal service aligns with its environmental commitments. It notes that Postworks operates as a carbon-neutral platform and plants 11 trees for every 10 used, while Propeller itself has held carbon-neutral certification since 2020.

Scolmore team completes Snowdon night climb

Employees Audra Fellows and Kevin Beech of Scolmore Group, a UK manufacturer and distributor of electrical products, have completed the Snowdon by Night Challenge in support of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The fundraising event involved a night-time ascent of Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa, in Snowdonia National Park. Participants began the climb from Llanberis before reaching the 1,085m summit during the overnight challenge. According to Scolmore, the initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing support for the Electrical Industries Charity, which provides financial, wellbeing, and practical support for people working across the electrical and energy sectors. A fundraising challenge for an industry charity Audra Fellows previously completed a fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro and took part in the Snowdon challenge alongside Kevin Beech, Managing Director of Scolmore Group. Kevin says, “It’s probably one of the most challenging things I’ve ever experienced. The climb itself was difficult enough, especially in the dark, but the descent was even harder! "Fantastic views from the top [and] great to have achieved it with such a dedicated group of people for our very own electrical industry charity.” Audra adds, “It was a privilege to be part of such a fantastic event, bringing together an incredible group of people to raise money for our industry. “It was inspiring to see just how much everyone genuinely cares, and full credit goes to all those who took part and supported us through sponsorship. "A special thank you to Kate Adamczyk and Liva Ivanova from the EIC for organising the climb, and to the guides who led us safely to the summit and back down again.” Scolmore says the fundraising effort helped raise awareness and support for the charity’s ongoing work within the electrical industry. For more from Scolmore Group, click here.

Coming together to take action on mental health

During Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, is urging all those working in the electrotechnical sector to take time to prioritise mental wellbeing and take action to support colleagues in need of support. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on the theme of 'Action', emphasising that while awareness is important, real change comes from practical steps to support mental health in our workplaces, communities, and daily lives. For those working in the electrical sector and wider trades, the need for action is especially important. Research shows that 62% of tradespeople feel mental health isn’t discussed enough, highlighting a persistent stigma that prevents many from seeking help. The Tools to Talk To help tackle these challenges, NICEIC says it has developed The Tools to Talk, a dedicated mental health and wellbeing support toolkit for NICEIC-certified businesses, created in partnership with the Electrical Industries Charity. Designed specifically for the needs of electricians and their teams, the initiative provides practical and accessible support, including: • Resources to help recognise early signs of mental health challenges • Conversation starters to make it easier to talk about mental wellbeing • A quarterly mental wellbeing e-newsletter with expert advice and guidance • Regular webinars exploring key issues and sharing lived experiences • Signposting to professional support services, including charities and helplines The toolkit aims to break down stigma and empower businesses to create open, supportive environments where people feel confident to speak up and seek help. Driving change in the trade Mental health challenges remain widespread across many industries, particularly in construction and the trades, where long hours, high pressure and job insecurity can take a toll. Creating a culture where individuals feel able to talk openly is, NICEIC believes, a crucial step towards improving outcomes. Danny Mouskovias, Learning and Wellbeing Manager at NICEIC, comments, “Tradespeople play an essential role in keeping our homes, businesses, and infrastructure running safely, but the realities of the job can bring long hours, high pressure, and isolation. "Despite this, mental health is still too often something that isn’t openly discussed. We need to make it easier for people to start those conversations earlier, before issues escalate. "The Tools to Talk is about giving individuals and teams the confidence, language, and support to look out for themselves and each other.” Taking action As Mental Health Awareness Week highlights, even small actions - from checking in with a colleague to accessing support resources - can make a meaningful difference. NICEIC-certified businesses can access the toolkit at niceic.com/toolstotalk. NICEIC says it encourages all certified businesses to explore the toolkit and prioritise mental wellbeing, not just during this week, but throughout the year. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Luceco installs LED lighting at Cambridge hub

Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, has completed a lighting and controls installation at 5 Journey Campus, a life sciences development in Cambridge. Delivered in partnership with KRB Installations, the project involved the refurbishment of a four-storey building within the wider Journey Campus development, which supports life sciences and technology organisations. The lighting scheme covered laboratories, meeting rooms, breakout areas, circulation spaces, a café, external areas, and emergency lighting systems. The installation also incorporated Luceco's wireless Platform lighting controls system, alongside energy monitoring, which, according to the company, is designed to support compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. Wireless controls for energy monitoring The project included a range of LED luminaires and lighting controls tailored to different areas of the building. Products installed included LuxPanel Extra LED panels, Contour suspended linear luminaires, track lighting for café spaces, IK10-rated Climate Extra fittings for laboratories, and Tempus emergency lighting connected to remote monitoring systems. The Platform controls system incorporates PIR sensors, occupancy and absence detection, daylight harvesting, energy monitoring, and emergency lighting monitoring. Craig Wren, Director of KRB Installations, says, “5 Journey Campus was a large and technically challenging project. "The design process took several months, so there were many amendments to the scope and functionality of the lighting. “Luceco worked closely with us to ensure that the client's vision for the space was realised and that they had all the functionality required from the lighting control system. "We are very impressed with Luceco's service and dedication to finishing the project successfully and would certainly work with them again.” Ben Smith, Regional Sales Manager - Southern Projects at Luceco, adds, “This was a truly exciting project to be involved in. "It was great to combine delivery of the architect's vision for how the finished spaces should look and feel with a technically compliant installation. “Deploying the Platform system across this large building - utilising energy monitoring, remote emergency monitoring, occupancy/absence detection, daylight harvesting, and heat-mapping - was both challenging and rewarding. "We look forward to working with Journey Campus and KRB Installations again soon.” For more from Luceco, click here.

'Buy, Spin, Win' with BG's new promotion

British General (BG), a UK manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories, is giving installers the chance to win unforgettable travel experiences with the new 'Buy, Spin, Win' promotion, running across selected promotional BG Consumer Units. Through this promotion, there's the possibility to win a VIP trip to Las Vegas, Oktoberfest in Munich, or New York City, plus hundreds of instant prizes. Getting involved is quick and easy. Simply pick up a promotional BG Consumer Unit - just look for the sticker on the outside of the box. Inside, you’ll find a flyer containing a unique code. Enter the code online at bgwin.co.uk and spin the digital wheel for your chance to win instantly. There are hundreds of instant prizes available throughout the promotion, including BG products, KNIPEX tools, and retail vouchers. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Every valid entry is also automatically entered into one of three major prize draws, giving installers the chance to win: • A VIP Oktoberfest getaway to Munich, Germany • A New Year’s trip to New York City • An unforgettable Las Vegas experience Each prize includes flights, accommodation, transfers, and exclusive experiences. You can click here to enter. The promotion is open to residents of the UK and Northern Ireland aged 18 and over and runs from 00:01 GMT on 1 May 2026 to 23:59 GMT on 31 October 2026. Full terms and conditions, exclusions, and prize details are available by clicking here. For more from BG, click here.

Who's Who - The number one junction box for UK installers

Built on performance and installer trust, GEWISS is recognised for reliable, high-quality products that are engineered for efficiency, consistency, and real-world installation demands. In this special Who's Who feature, the company explains why its junction boxes are the perfect choice for electrical contractors. Leadership in the UK electrical sector is not built on claims, but on site performance, installer trust, and consistency over thousands of real installations. When reliability is non‑negotiable and efficiency is essential, installers across the UK turn to one name above all others: GEWISS. The box that built the category, reborn for today With a heritage rooted in engineering excellence and innovation driven by installers, GEWISS has become the benchmark for junction boxes in the UK. At the core of this leadership is the APTA 44 CE junction box range, a product family that does not simply meet market expectations – it raises them. Designed to perform across domestic, commercial, and industrial applications, APTA is the clearest example of why GEWISS stands as one of the finest options for junction boxes in the UK today. Market leaders don’t guess – they listen APTA was developed from direct installer feedback, addressing the real pressures faced on UK sites, like time constraints, demanding environments, and the need for products that work first time, every time. Derived from the Latin ‘Aptus’, meaning suitable and adaptable, APTA embodies GEWISS’ installer‑first philosophy. Every feature exists for a reason. Soft‑touch membrane entries enable fast, accurate cable insertion while maintaining full ingress protection. Pre‑threaded M20 side entries allow immediate cable gland installation without drilling. IP‑safe rear entries provide added flexibility without compromising standards. The result is a junction box that reduces installation time, eliminates modification, and delivers confidence from box to box. One range, every environment, zero compromise The 44 CE APTA range delivers IP66/IP67 protection as standard, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor installations across domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. From residential gardens and retail spaces to factories and infrastructure projects, installers can standardise on one trusted solution. UV‑resistant materials ensure long-term outdoor durability in the UK climate, while halogen‑free construction supports safer installations in sensitive environments. Crucially, GEWISS backs up these specifications with substance; every APTA box is individually inspected through advanced quality control processes, ensuring seals, membranes, and performance meet exacting standards. This commitment to verified quality is a defining reason why GEWISS continues to lead where others follow. Installer efficiency isn’t a feature. It’s a philosophy. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, the APTA range offers total flexibility without sacrificing familiarity. Installers benefit from consistent features across all formats, enabling faster work and confident specification. The flat lid design maximises internal space, simplifying wiring, accessory mounting, and labelling. Quarter‑turn captive screws eliminate stripped threads and lost fixings. Captive lids improve safety during overhead installations. Security seal slots add reassurance in public or controlled spaces. These are not marketing extras; they’re productivity tools refined for everyday use. Six fixing methods No two installations are the same, and GEWISS understands this better than most. APTA delivers up to six fixing methods, including internal screw fixing, external bracket mounting, knock‑in and rod fixing, nail gun installation, panel mounting, and cable tie fixing to trays. This level of flexibility allows installers to adapt instantly on site without compromising IP protection or structural integrity. Patented alignment ribs ensure clean, precise fixing every time, providing proof that speed and precision can, and should, go hand in hand. True leadership built on systems GEWISS reinforces its market leadership with purpose‑designed accessories that enhance the entire installation. Supports for the Wago 221 series terminals integrate seamlessly into APTA boxes, improving organisation and accessibility. The innovative earthing clamp for SWA cable glands redefines best practice, delivering secure, space‑saving earthing while accommodating thermal movement. This system‑based approach is a clear differentiator, and a key reason GEWISS remains the first choice for professionals who demand more. Over 40 years of expertise Since the early 1980s, GEWISS has invested in advanced plastics technology, precision moulding, and electrotechnical design. Supported by an in‑house certified laboratory and total quality control, this depth of expertise allows GEWISS to deliver products that are robust, compliant, and built to last. - This Who's Who feature first appeared in the May 2026 issue of ECN, which is available in its entirety in our archives. For more from GEWISS, click here.