NAPIT welcomes Future Homes Standards announcement

Certification body and training provider NAPIT has welcomed the Government’s Future Homes Standard, which could create significant opportunities for its members involved in installing solar panels, heat pumps, batteries, and electric vehicle chargers. The Government says that, from March 2028, new homes will be built with solar panels and heat pumps. The Future Homes Standard will mean that new homes, with some exceptions (including high-rise buildings), are built with on-site renewable electricity generation, which will mainly be solar panels. Homes will also be built with low-carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks. Additionally, the Government notes that plug-in solar panels, which can be run into the home network and which are common in places such as Germany (where people already hang them on balconies, in gardens, or on terraces), will be available in shops “within months” for existing homeowners. Building on the Warm Homes Plan Earlier this year, the Government published its Warm Homes Plan, which gave details of how existing homes could be retrofitted with low-carbon energy sources. Stephen Melton, NAPIT Director of Commercial and Compliance, comments, “The new standards have been a long time coming, but it makes total sense for all new homes to be built with solar panels and alternatives to gas heating installed as standard. "Coming on the back of the Warm Homes Plan, it should offer further clarity and opportunity to our members involved in the low-carbon energy sector and provide significant growth strands for their businesses. “The ease of installation and adoption of these technologies at [the] new-build stage compared to retrofitting an existing home are much more cost effective, efficient, and attractive to homeowners. “This will also act as a shop window for existing homeowners considering switching to low-carbon technologies, providing they are installed correctly by certified, competent installers.” “Whilst we welcome any initiative that promotes the wider use of solar PV systems, the announcement around plug-in solar panels without the need for a qualified electrician does raise concerns over safety. "We look forward to working with the relevant industry organisations to ensure the safe roll out of these products.” Wider industry comments In addition to NAPIT, other industry figures have also commented on the announcement, including Neal Herbert, Managing Director for GTC, who says, “GTC welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s Future Homes Standard, which sets a clear direction of travel towards low-carbon heating and signals the end of fossil fuel heating in new homes. “We have been planning for this moment for many years. The decarbonisation of heat has long been on the political agenda, which is why we proactively designed and delivered not one but two scalable renewable heat network solutions for our house-builder partners. “While the Future Homes Standard represents a major step forward, we recognise it will also present real challenges for house-builders as they adapt to new requirements, supply chains, and delivery models. The key now is moving from policy to delivery - quickly, confidently, and without disruption." For more from NAPIT, click here.

Vent-Axia backs BEAMA’s Climate Commitment

Market-leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is strengthening its net zero commitments by supporting the BEAMA 2050 Connected Climate Commitment. Vent-Axia has joined organisations across the UK’s energy, transport, and built environment supply chains that have signed up to a new Climate Commitment aimed at strengthening alignment, accountability, and measurable progress towards net zero. Developed by BEAMA, under its BEAMA 2050 Connected platform, the Climate Commitment provides a shared framework for science-based targets, governance integration, circular economy principles, and value chain collaboration. For Vent-Axia, signing the Climate Commitment builds on long-standing work to reduce its environmental impact and support more sustainable manufacturing. The company aims to achieve net zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK Government’s target, with sustainability embedded across its business strategy and governance. A sustainable strategy Vent-Axia’s strategy is built around three pillars: Product – Engineer Sustainable Solutions; Planet – Improve Environmental Performance; and People – Connect People Together, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Vent-Axia’s Group’s sustainability targets include a goal of reaching 75% of sales revenue from low-carbon products, and 90% of the plastic it uses in its own manufacturing to be from recycled sources. In 2025, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) assessed and approved its Group's near-term and net zero targets. As Scope 3 emissions become increasingly central to corporate climate strategies, supply chain organisations face growing regulatory scrutiny, customer expectations, and reporting complexity. The BEAMA 2050 Connected Climate Commitment has therefore been developed to help businesses move from ambition to coordinated delivery through a structured, industry-led mechanism. Signatories commit to: reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions; setting science-based targets aligned to 1.5°C; embedding sustainability into governance; integrating circular economy principles; engaging responsibly in policy development; and collaborating to strengthen value chain alignment. Joseph Brawn (pictured above), Product and Marketing Director at Vent-Axia, and a member of BEAMA’s ventilation committee, says, “At Vent-Axia, we are proud to be signatories to BEAMA’s Climate Commitment, which closely aligns with the sustainability direction our business has been progressing towards for many years. "We fully support BEAMA, its members, and the initiative, and we are pleased to play our part in driving meaningful progress towards net zero.” Yselkla Farmer, CEO at BEAMA, notes, “Achieving net zero and a circular economy is a shared responsibility - either we succeed together, or we don’t succeed at all. "Through the BEAMA 2050 Connected Climate Commitment, companies across the electrical supply chain for energy, transport, and the built environment are coming together to move beyond ambition and deliver coordinated, real-world climate action. "By working across the value chain, we can turn commitments into practical, scalable solutions that support decarbonisation, circularity, and long-term industry resilience.” Cross-sector collaboration Endorsed by both CEF and Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the initiative reflects growing cross-sector momentum towards collaborative climate leadership. Vent-Axia has already demonstrated this approach in practice through its groundbreaking shift, transitioning from virgin to recycled plastic in its manufacturing. Overcoming industry challenges, the company invested heavily in R&D, developed strong supplier partnerships, and created an industry-first materials database for recycled plastics, facilitating third-party product certification. This work has already received industry recognition. Vent-Axia won the BEAMA Net Zero Collaboration Award for its partnership with AO, transforming recycled fridge plastic into ventilation products, and also received the Low Carbon Impact Award at the 2024 H&V News Awards. Circular economy principles are already embedded in the company’s manufacturing approach. Manufacturing with recycled plastic has reduced the carbon footprint of Vent-Axia’s products by up to 40%, while AO has successfully kept its recycled materials within the circular economy in the UK, further contributing to a reduction in both resources used and carbon emissions. To read the full BEAMA 2050 Connected Climate Commitment, click here to visit the website. To enquire about joining BEAMA 2050 Connected, contact: 2050Connected@beama.org.uk For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia, telephone +44 (0)344 856 0590 or visit the company's website. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Urban Fox wins Suffolk EV charging contract

Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured a contract with Suffolk County Council to deliver an on-street electric vehicle charging network across the county. The programme will see more than 1,000 charging sockets installed, using retractable charge points designed to sit flush with the pavement when not in use. The rollout forms part of the council’s 'Plug In Suffolk' initiative, which aims to expand access to EV charging, particularly for residents without off-street parking. The retractable charge points are intended to reduce street clutter and maintain pavement accessibility, including for wheelchair users and those with prams, while supporting installations in residential and heritage areas. Expanding access to on-street EV charging Urban Fox says it will work with the council and local stakeholders to identify suitable locations for installations, with the aim of minimising disruption during deployment and aligning with local requirements. Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, comments, “This is another important step forward for Urban Fox as we continue to support local authorities in delivering accessible, future-ready EV infrastructure. “By deploying our retractable UEone charge points, we’re able to provide a solution that not only meets the growing demand for EV charging but does so in a way that respects the local environment and improves the experience for residents. "We’re excited to be working with Suffolk County Council to help accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.” Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs at Suffolk County Council, adds, “We’re excited to be working with Urban Fox, to ensure that those living in conservation areas can access EV charging, alongside those living in more urban settings. “For many years, the county council’s Plug In Suffolk programme has recognised the importance of offering a variety of EV charging solutions, particularly to those who are unable to charge easily at home. “This is not only to support the ever-growing number of Suffolk drivers who are switching to EVs, but also to benefit the county’s visitors and the tourism economy.” The contract adds to Urban Fox’s portfolio of local authority projects, as demand for accessible on-street EV charging continues to increase across the UK. For more from Urban Fox, click here.

Ansell adds XPRESS compatibility to Tornado Evo

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has introduced XPRESS compatibility to its Tornado Evo linear lighting range, aimed at simplifying installation and retrofit upgrades. The XPRESS system is a clip-in design that allows emergency and microwave sensor functionality to be added to standard luminaires without the need for tools. The updated fittings include labelled gear trays with dedicated connection points for XPRESS Emergency Packs and XPRESS Microwave Sensors. The approach enables components to be installed quickly by pushing them into place and connecting wiring, reducing installation time and supporting on-site flexibility. Simplifying installation and stock management The XPRESS system is also intended to support wholesalers by reducing the number of product variations they need to hold in stock. Standard Tornado Evo XPRESS fittings can be supplied alongside separate clip-in modules, allowing additional functionality to be added when required. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, notes, “XPRESS has been designed to make life easier for everyone in the supply chain. Installers benefit from faster installation and simpler upgrades, whilst wholesalers can reduce stock commitments without limiting customer choice. “Tornado Evo is one of our most popular and widely specified products, which made it the ideal choice for introducing this new system. We are sure that customers will love the many benefits and added flexibility the new XPRESS versions offer.” The company states that XPRESS capability will be introduced to additional product ranges in the coming months. For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Penn Elcom illuminates historic Yarnton Manor library

Penn Elcom, a UK manufacturer of LED lighting solutions, has completed a custom LED lighting installation at the Lanier Theological Library, located within the historic Yarnton Manor in Oxford. The library is housed in a converted 17th-century tithe barn, requiring a lighting approach that supports day-to-day use while respecting the building’s architectural character. Working with the project’s lead electrician and the appointed joinery contractor, Penn Elcom developed a tailored LED lighting system designed for the library’s shelving. The company produced more than 1,000 custom lengths of LED tape and aluminium extrusion to meet the requirements of the installation. All components were pre-cut, pre-wired, and labelled before delivery, allowing them to be installed without additional modification on site. This approach was intended to support installation efficiency and reduce disruption to the build programme. Lighting designed for heritage environments Rob Platt, Marketing Director at Penn Elcom, comments, “We are incredibly proud to have played a role in bringing the Lanier Theological Library to life. “This project at Yarnton Manor perfectly highlights our capability to deliver large-scale, tailored lighting solutions that integrate flawlessly into complex, custom architectural and joinery designs.” The project required careful coordination between lighting design and the building’s existing structure, ensuring that illumination levels met the needs of a working library without impacting the visual character of the space. Penn Elcom says its involvement reflects ongoing demand for lighting systems that can be adapted to heritage and architectural settings, particularly where custom joinery and specialist installation methods are required. For more from Penn Elcom, click here.

'Climate Commitment' launched for supply chain decarbonisation

Today, nearly 30 organisations across the UK’s energy, transport, and built environment sectors have launched a new 'Climate Commitment' aimed at strengthening aligned, measurable, and accountable progress towards net zero. Signatories include Schneider Electric, Wilson Transformers, Legrand, and Fundamentals, supported by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and City Electrical Factors (CEF). Developed by BEAMA, a UK trade association representing manufacturers of electrical infrastructure and energy technologies, the 2050 Connected Climate Commitment provides a shared framework for science-based targets, governance integration, circular economy principles, and value chain collaboration. As Scope 3 emissions move to the centre of corporate climate strategies, businesses are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny, rising customer expectations, and increasing reporting complexity. The Commitment aims to establish a structured, industry-led mechanism to help organisations move from ambition to coordinated delivery and make measurable progress across their supply chains. A unified supply chain approach Every Commitment signatory commits to: · Reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions · Setting science-based targets aligned to 1.5°C · Embedding sustainability into governance · Integrating circular economy principles · Engaging responsibly in policy development · Collaborating to strengthen value chain alignment Endorsed by some of the largest companies across key areas of the UK economy, the initiative reflects growing cross-sector momentum towards collaborative climate leadership. Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, says, “Supply chains sit at the heart of the net zero transition. With Scope 3 emissions now central to corporate climate strategies, collaboration across sectors has never been more important. “Achieving net zero and a circular economy is a shared responsibility: either we succeed together or we don’t succeed at all. "Through the BEAMA 2050 Connected Climate Commitment, companies across the electrical supply chain for energy, transport, and the built environment are coming together to move beyond ambition and deliver coordinated, real-world climate action. "By working across the value chain, we can turn commitments into practical, scalable solutions that support decarbonisation, circularity, and long-term industry resilience.” For more from BEAMA, click here.

Makita introduces new LXT combo kits

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has added two new cordless kits to its LXT 18V range: the three-piece DLX3193TJ and the four-piece DLX4195JX1. Both kits are aimed at trade professionals seeking versatility and reliable runtimes, being supplied in carry cases and including high-capacity 5.0Ah batteries with rapid chargers. Kit options for trade applications The DLX3193TJ includes a DHP490 Combi Drill, DKP181 Planer, and DRT50 Router Trimmer. The drill offers variable speed and 65Nm torque, while the planer has an 82mm planing width and up to 3mm cutting depth. The router trimmer provides speed control from 10,000–30,000 rpm with a soft start. The DLX4195JX1, meanwhile, adds a DHP489 Combi Drill, DTD173 Impact Driver, DGA504 Angle Grinder, and DHR243 Rotary Hammer. The company says the drill can drive a one-inch ship auger bit through two pieces of lumber in high-speed mode and has a keyless drill chuck with a single metal sleeve and a metal gear housing "for added strength." It adds that the impact driver features an electronic four stage impact power selector, providing "versatile performance and straightforward operation." The grinder maintains a constant speed under load, automatically adjusting the cutting speed according to the load conditions. Lastly, the rotary hammer features three operator modes for hammering, rotation, and a combination of the two, and uses unique joint construction to supress the transmission of vibrations to protect the battery terminals. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, says, “We are pleased to announce the addition of our two new combo kits to the range. "Since both of these kits also include the 5.0Ah LXT batteries, each tool provides longer runtimes, making them ideal for high-load operations.” For more from Makita, click here.

Rexel UK opens new Watford branch

Electrical wholesaler Rexel UK has opened a new branch in Watford, aimed at supporting electrical contractors, tradespeople, and commercial customers across London. Located at Unit 16, Colonial Way, the site will hold more than 2,000 products in stock, with access to next-day delivery from the company’s wider UK network. The investment, Rexel states, is intended to strengthen support for small and medium-sized businesses in the region. The branch operates from 6am to 5pm and includes services such as secure collection lockers, delivery options, and logistics support for larger site requirements. Facilities and technical support services In addition to standard wholesale operations, the site will function as a technical hub, offering services including solar PV system design, lighting design, and fire and security system specification. It also provides access to pre-fabrication and custom build capabilities, alongside project coordination for larger installations. An on-site training space will be used for product demonstrations and continuing professional development (CPD) sessions. Hakki Gurtunc, Business Manager at Rexel Watford, comments, “This branch has been designed with our customers at the heart of everything we do, from our early 6am 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 and delivery options. "Whether you’re a sole trader or managing larger projects, we’re here to support you with the products and expertise you need.” The branch officially opened on 19 March 2026, with a trade open day scheduled for 21 April. For more from Rexel, click here.

Enerveo to deliver South Coast LED upgrades

Enerveo, the current street lighting provider for Southampton City Council, as well as Hampshire County Council and West Sussex County Council, has been appointed to deliver a large-scale LED street lighting upgrade across three South Coast local authorities. The company has signed Deeds of Variation with Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council, and West Sussex County Council, expanding its existing private finance initiative (PFI) contracts. Enerveo has been the incumbent street lighting provider for the three councils for 16 years. The updated agreements follow a design and consultation process and extend the scope of current arrangements. The programme will see 83,000 streetlights replaced with LED units over the next four years. The councils expect the upgrade to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, alongside enhanced visibility for road users. Rollout, timelines, and smart controls The project includes replacing 65,249 lights in West Sussex over 48 months, 9,395 in Hampshire over 12 months, and 8,366 in Southampton over 12 months. Enerveo will also deploy its Mayflower central management system across West Sussex, installing more than 65,000 control nodes to enable monitoring and management of individual lighting units. The overall programme is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 60% once completed. On-site works are scheduled to begin in March 2026, delivered in partnership with Equitix, which provides management services across the projects. Patrick Rooney, Director of Highways Electrical at Enerveo, comments, “The South Coast LED upgrade project has the capability to significantly reduce carbon output in the region and have a positive sustainability impact on local communities through the deployment of technological innovations such as Mayflower. "We look forward to the opportunity to expand on our current responsibilities and respond to the increasing demand for greener, decarbonised public lighting.”

Elucian introduces upgraded premium accessory packs

Click Scolmore has upgraded the accessory packs supplied with its Elucian Domestic Consumer Units and Dual Row Boards to deliver improved performance, compliance, and overall installation quality. As part of the upgrade, every Elucian Domestic Consumer Unit and Dual Row Board will now be supplied with a premium grommet strip. This premium solution replaces the previously supplied standard grommet strip and will be accompanied by an appropriately sized meter tail cable gland. Together, these enhancements provide a more secure and refined finish, while also supporting faster and more compliant installations for contractors and installers. The upgraded accessory pack supplied with each unit includes a comprehensive range of components designed to support efficient and high-quality installation. Each pack contains CU1BLANK blanks, premium grommet strips, full instruction sets, a live bus bar with caps, meter tail glands, and a complete sticker set. For more information, visit the Elucian website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Elucian, click here.