ESR cautiously welcomes Tenant Satisfaction Measures plans

The Regulator of Social Housing’s plans to introduce Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) on electrical safety have been given a cautious welcome by the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR). The ESR is a cross-industry body with over a decade promoting electrical safety in the home, social housing, and workplace. The Regulator has asked stakeholders if they agree or disagree that the proposed TSM will provide an appropriate level of information about landlord performance in carrying out required electrical safety checks. The Social Housing Sub-Group of the ESR has responded to the RSH’s consultation, saying they partially agree, but there are concerns about whether routinely providing full electrical safety certificates directly to tenants will significantly improve residents’ understanding of landlord performance, which is the primary aim of the TSM. Martin Simmonds, Chair of the ESR Social Housing Sub-Group, comments, “The ESR supports the intention behind the TSM and its role in strengthening resident safety and confidence, and we welcome any initiative that will improve electrical safety for tenants and their families. “The proposed TSM should provide a useful level of information regarding landlord performance in carrying out required electrical safety checks, supporting greater transparency and accountability, helping ensure landlords remain focused on meeting their statutory safety obligations. “However, we do have concerns about whether routinely providing full electrical safety certificates directly to tenants will significantly improve residents’ understanding of landlord performance, which is the primary aim of the TSM.” Concerns about risks The ESR response to the consultation also warns about the risk of unintended consequences. While certificates demonstrate technical compliance, they are often complex documents that can be difficult for residents to interpret and may lead to confusion or misinterpretation of findings. The ESR has already seen examples of unintended consequences where measures intended to improve electrical safety have added additional costs and admin to social housing providers. New electrical safety regulations came into force in England, requiring social landlords to inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years and carry out necessary works. These changes took effect in November 2025 for new tenancies and will come into force in May 2026 for existing tenancies. These requirements are already in place in Scotland and Wales, and there is support to see them extended to the social rented sector in Northern Ireland to ensure consistent safety standards across the UK. Social landlords will also be required to inspect and test any electrical appliance they provide as part of a tenancy. Martin continues, “There are notable administrative and cost implications associated with distributing certificates, alongside the likelihood of increased customer contact relating to technical queries that may not provide additional assurance. This could divert resources away from delivering safety improvements and remedial works, ultimately reducing the effectiveness of the measure’s intended outcomes.” The ESR has called for the introduction of an annual compliance summary issued to residents which would present key safety information in a clear and accessible format and could incorporate all relevant compliance areas, including electrical safety, gas safety, and fire risk assessments (where applicable within blocks), as well as other statutory checks. Awareness campaigns The ESR has previously published guidance documents aimed at landlords and social housing tenants to explain electrical safety legislation and how they will be impacted. Earlier this year, the ESR launched a new campaign to promote electrical safety for social housing tenants. The 'Let Me In!' campaign aims to engage social housing providers and tenants to ensure the safety of electrical installations and equipment within their properties. This tenant-focused campaign aims to educate and allow access for essential safety checks across the UK. The campaign media pack promotes its key message, ‘Safety Starts at Your Door Let Me In!’. It includes free resources such as posters and leaflets, accessible documents, and social media images and captions. The campaign materials include statistics and information explaining the dangers of electricity, why electrical checks must be carried out, and what happens during an electrical inspection. The ESR also launched guidance on how to find a Competent & Qualified Person for Landlord Electrical Safety Checks with a summary of what is contained in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which could be amended to explain TSMs in an easy-to-understand format. For more from the ESR, click here.

Aico reveals Community Awards 2026 shortlist

Aico, a manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide detection products, has announced the official shortlist for the Community Awards 2026, celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication demonstrated across the social housing and fire safety sectors. This year saw a large volume of entries, with judges commenting on both the quality and breadth of submissions received. The standard of entries reportedly made the shortlisting process particularly challenging. The judging panel for the 2026 Awards includes: •​ Alexa Scrivener, Transformation Lead, Stirling • ​Georgina Homer, Fire Safety Advisor, Wolverhampton Homes •​ Dr Matt Home, CEO, Willowdene • ​Neal Hooper, Managing Director, Aico • ​Yetunde Dania, Partner and Head of Office, Trowers & Hamlins Below are the shortlisted organisations for each category: Apprentice of the Year Following the close of entries for this category in January, the shortlisted candidates were invited to attend an assessment day at JTL. After completing both written and practical examinations, the finalists selected for this category are: • ​Emily-Jane Simmons from Focus Training Group - Bristol •​ Jack Brammer from JTL Rotherham •​ Oliver Astrand from North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) •​ Jessica Johnson from Abingdon and Witney College •​ Jack Daily from West College Scotland • ​Chris Parnell from JTL Training - Norwich Best Distributer Community Initiative This award is dedicated to distributors who have gone the extra mile and have been committed to supporting the wider communities they serve. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Medlocks Thatcham •​ Edmundson Electrical Irvine •​ City Electrical Factors NW London • ​YESSS Electrical Trafford Park •​ Service Electrical Distributors Ltd • ​LEW Electrical Distributors Collaborative Partnership This award category highlights the organisations that have shown examples of strong partnerships across the industry and local communities. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Birmingham City Council •​ Fortem •​ Insite Specialist Services •​ Glasgow City Region • ​Equans •​ Bromford Flagship College Initiative of the Year This award celebrates the best and most innovative initiatives among the UK further education and sixth form colleges to promote the best practices and support student development. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Hull College •​ University College Birmingham • ​Yeovil College •​ South Eastern Regional College •​ Arena Training Centre • ​Cheshire College South and West Corporate Social Responsibility This award recognises suppliers in the social housing industry or social housing providers who have gone the extra mile and have shown commitment to supporting the wider communities they serve. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Ongo •​ Falkirk Council •​ Equans UK & Ireland • ​Leeds City Council •​ Smith & Byford •​ Torus Foundation Electrical Contractor of the Year This category recognises an electrical contractor who has completed the Expert Installer Training and engaged with Aico's Installer Community, has provided exceptional support, and has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, innovation, or service contribution to a project or contract. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Clarkson Evans •​ Hewer Facilities Management Ltd •​ Magnus Electrical Services •​ AB Building and Electrical Ltd •​ McIntyre Compliance Services •​ Barlows Uk Ltd Inspirational Colleague of the Year This award recognises an individual who goes above and beyond to deliver a high quality of work that exceeds the call of duty. This could be someone who has put innovation or creativity at the heart of what they do, or someone who has shown unstoppable determination. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Olivia Greenhalgh from First Choice Homes •​ Peter Taylor from Loreburn Housing Association •​ Graham Hart from South Essex Homes •​ Kieran Docherty from Midlothian Council DLO •​ Mitchell Rose from Alphatrack Systems •​ Steve Messenger from Booker & Best Lifetime Achievement Award The chosen winner will have lived and breathed social housing or fire safety throughout their career. They will have driven change both in the organisation in which they have worked and in their sector. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Ross Webb from Sureserve •​ Joe Cryans from City of York Council •​ Adam Watts from EFT Systems •​ Mark Churcher from VIVID •​ June Anderson from Monument Contract & Maintenance Ltd •​ Keith Smith from The Ferry Project Neighbourhood Transformation This award recognises a social housing provider that has completed or has an ongoing project to transform and regenerate their local community to make their area a better place to live. The shortlists for this category are: •​ ZED PODS LTD •​ Rykneld Homes •​ WPS/Wates •​ Perth & Kinross Council •​ Central Bedfordshire Council •​ Amplius People's Choice Award This brand-new category recognises excellence and celebrates work that truly connects with the audience, which will be voted live on the night. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Barrhead Housing •​ Dacorum •​ Poplar HARCA •​ Wolverhampton Homes Resident Engagement This award recognises the best engagement with residents in the housing sector and puts communication and residents’ views at the forefront of their decision-making. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Housing 21 •​ ClwydAlyn Housing •​ Riverside Scotland •​ Magenta Living •​ Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service •​ Selwood Housing Rising Star The chosen winner will be a special newcomer or junior team member who is making a difference in their organisation, bringing improvements and working towards positive change in the industry. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Alfie Squirell from Wiggett Group •​ Amy Williams from Alpha Housing •​ Lynsey Stead from North Yorkshire Council •​ Joe Henshaw from Platform Housing Group •​ George Temple from Vico Homes •​ Mel Bennett from Cambridge Housing Society Sustainability Project of the Year This category rewards organisations and collaborators who are working on or implementing sustainable solutions for a greener future in social housing. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Nottingham City Council Housing Services • ​West Dunbartonshire Council •​ River Clyde Homes •​ H&A Group •​ RE:GEN Group • ​CG Fry Women in Fire Safety This category is all about celebrating the contribution of women to the fire industry in the UK. The winner will be a woman working within the fire industry who has gone above and beyond in her role to make a difference over the last 12 months. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Liz Sharples from Progress Housing •​ Laura Dougan from St Leger Homes •​ Kirsty Stott from Kingdom Housing Association •​ Michelle Alexis from L&Q •​ Martina Lydon from WHG •​ Emma Meredith from North Wales Housing Getting involved Congratulations to all shortlisted organisations and individuals. Aico comments that it would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit an entry for this year’s awards. The winners will be announced at the Community Awards evening on 16 April 2026. To book a seat at the awards ceremony, you can contact events@aico.co.uk by 20 March 2026. For more from Aico, click here.

UKPS to deliver Cardiff ground source heat network

UK Power Solutions (UKPS), a UK provider of multi-utility connections for residential, industrial, and commercial projects, has been appointed by Wates Residential to deliver a ground source heat network at the former Michaelston Community College site in Cardiff. The scheme is expected to be the first of its kind in the city. It forms part of the Cardiff Living partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council, creating 235 homes across a 27-acre site, including 115 open-market properties, 120 council homes, and a community hub with a café and medical centre. UKPS, alongside subcontractor Rendesco, will install a central energy centre, 47 boreholes to harness geothermal energy, and heat interface units in each home. Once complete, Last Mile Heat will adopt and operate the network. Heat network aims to cut emissions by 80% Rachael Grierson-Gillespie, Senior Business Development Executive at UKPS, says, “Our ground source heat network is projected to reduce carbon emissions for the development by up to 80% compared to traditional gas heating, and 54% compared to air source heat pumps. "It will also deliver lower running costs and bills for residents, supporting regional goals to tackle fuel poverty. “Solutions like this are crucial to delivering the affordable and sustainable housing the UK needs, and we’re proud to be involved with a project that demonstrates to councils and developers everywhere what’s possible with the right technology and financing.” UKPS states that its asset value model will enable Wates Residential to recover nearly half of the capital cost through forward-funded rebate payments. Since 27 January 2026, heat networks in the UK have fallen under Ofgem regulation, aligning consumer protections with other utilities. Last Mile Heat has enrolled its 2,000 connections across 13 networks under the Heat Trust scheme.

Elucian expands consumer unit range with IP65 EV boards

Elucian, a UK manufacturer of circuit protection devices and consumer units under the Click Scolmore brand, has recently added new IP65-rated EV boards to its popular consumer unit range, providing electricians with a robust solution tailored for the growing demand in electric vehicle charging installations. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the UK, the role of dedicated EV boards has never been more critical. These specialist consumer units are designed to manage the unique electrical requirements of EV chargers, including high current loads, isolation, surge protection, and compliance with the latest wiring regulations. A purpose-built EV board not only ensures safety for homeowners and installers but also simplifies installation, reducing the risk of errors and downtime. Product details The Elucian EV Boards, from Click Scolmore, are available in multiple configurations, with protective devices - RCDs or RCBOs, and surge protection devices (SPDs) - pre-fitted, allowing installers to complete projects faster while ensuring full compliance with UK wiring regulations. The units also include a free way for additional circuits, offering flexibility for future upgrades. The full range comprises: • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 100A Mains Switch, SPD and 32A B Curve RCBO • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 100A Mains Switch, SPD and 40A B Curve RCBO • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 63A 30mA Type A RCD, SPD and 40A B Curve MCB • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 63A 30mA Type B RCD and 40A B Curve MCB Available in a white or anthracite grey finish, the EV units feature multiple gland knockouts and come with a pre-fitted lock that provides safety from interference. The new IP65 EV board extends the trusted Elucian range, combining Click Scolmore’s reputation for high-quality, installer-friendly consumer units with the performance and protection demanded by modern EV installations. For more information, visit Elucian’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Elucian, click here.

Advanced introduces SmokeGo smoke control system

Smoke control remains a critical life safety measure in commercial and public buildings, with most fire-related fatalities linked to smoke inhalation rather than flame exposure. Effective systems are designed to keep escape routes clear, limit smoke spread, and support firefighting operations. In the UK, smoke control must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 9991:2024, and the BS EN 12101 series. Internationally, standards such as NFPA 92 also apply. With this in mind, fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has introduced SmokeGo, a smoke control system developed for both dedicated and non-dedicated applications. The system integrates with the company’s MxPro 5 fire panels, enabling automatic and manual control of fans and dampers. SmokeGo supports both smoke containment - such as stairwell pressurisation - and smoke management through mechanical or natural extract systems. The platform is EN 54 Parts 2 and 4 approved and designed to align with ISO 21927-9 and BS 7346-8. Additional product details Key features include a four-step configuration process, matrix-based programming, and support for up to 15 fan and damper switch cards per P-Bus, with additional expansion via peripheral network nodes or further panels. The system also offers cascade operation, post-alarm purge, scheduled automatic testing, and manual override options. Remote monitoring is available through the AdvancedLive management platform, supporting ongoing maintenance and functional testing. Advanced states that SmokeGo is intended to simplify design, commissioning, and lifecycle management of smoke control systems in line with current regulatory requirements. For more from Advanced, click here.

Breathing Buildings marks 20 years

Breathing Buildings, a UK provider of controlled hybrid and natural ventilation systems, is marking its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of hybrid and low-energy ventilation development. Founded in 2006 as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, the company was established following research into its E-stack mixing ventilation system, developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and funded by BP. The intellectual property was patented by the University of Cambridge, with Breathing Buildings securing exclusive rights. Over the past 20 years, the company has received 47 industry awards and contributed to projects across the education, commercial, and public sectors. These include the James Dyson Building at the University of Cambridge, the East Anglian Air Ambulance headquarters, the Costa Coffee Eco Pod at Wrekin Business Park, and Bloomberg’s European headquarters in London. Its systems have also been referenced within the Priority Schools Building Programme and BB101 guidance. Investment in manufacturing and people To support growth, Breathing Buildings has expanded its Dudley manufacturing facility, increasing production capacity and adding a new showroom space. In addition, Huw Poppy has rejoined the business as Business Operations Director. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in low-energy ventilation and serves as Secretary of the CIBSE Natural Ventilation Group. James Hammick has also returned as Specification Sales Manager, South East, with the company further expanding its design and sales teams. Huw Poppy comments, “Breathing Buildings has grown from a research-led start-up into one of the most respected names in low-energy ventilation. "Over the past 20 years, we’ve continued to invest in innovation, people, and manufacturing, while maintaining a strong technical focus. "It’s an exciting time for the business as we continue to expand our capabilities and support customers in delivering high-performing, low-carbon buildings.” The company’s portfolio includes its Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling range, which combines natural and mechanical ventilation, as well as the NVHRe system incorporating heat recovery. It also offers an MVHRe commercial heat recovery range for spaces requiring fully mechanical ventilation. For more from Breathing Buildings, click here.

NAPIT welcomes new Certification and Standards Director

Certification body and training provider NAPIT says it is pleased to announce that Andrew Parkin has joined the business as Certification and Standards Director. Andrew joins NAPIT from his role as Technical Development Director at fellow Phenna Group company Elmhurst Energy. His experience in this technical role within the building certification and energy efficiency sectors will complement the ongoing growth of the NAPIT business, the company adds. Long-term experience With over 20 years of industry insight into government initiatives, policies, and regulation changes, Andrew is well placed to bolster NAPIT's reputation within the committees and working groups that shape our sector. Andrew leaves Elmhurst Energy with glowing praise from Managing Director Stuart Fairlie, with him commenting that, “Andrew has made an outstanding contribution to Elmhurst. "He helped shape a unified culture with real energy and innovation. His leadership has strengthened the support we provide to our members.” Stephen Melton, Commercial & Compliance Director at NAPIT, says of Andrew’s appointment, “We are excited to be adding someone with Andrew’s knowledge [and] reputation to the NAPIT senior leadership team. "His wide experience of certification, standards, and innovation in the building fabric sector will further strengthen our position and complement our existing teams. “There are many synergies between the NAPIT and Elmhurst Energy businesses, with which Andrew brings a wealth of insight to allow for future growth and collaboration.” Andrew joins NAPIT at a busy time with the launch of the BS 7671:2018 amendment 4 to the wiring regulations and the redeveloped Microgeneration Certification Scheme. The company says he will be a key figure in the transition and adoption of its members into these new standards and will drive the focus both internally with the NAPIT teams and within the wider external working groups and committees. For more from NAPIT, click here.

Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex specified for Carmarthen project

British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia's Sentinel Apex ventilation units have been installed at the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb project, a 245,000ft² redevelopment of the former Debenhams building in Carmarthen, Wales. The multi-million-pound scheme is transforming the site into a mixed-use health and leisure hub, including public healthcare services, a customer service centre, a 24-hour gym, and family entertainment facilities. The project is part-funded by the Welsh Government’s IRCF Fund and additional UK-government support. 20 Sentinel Apex commercial heat recovery units have been installed across three floors, including four HR21 units serving the gym area. HR15 units are used in office spaces on the upper floors. The project team includes main contractor Bouygues, M&E consultant Hoare Lea, sub-contractor FP Hurley & Sons (Crosshands), and distributor Ventilation Warehouse. Heat recovery and low SFP performance The Sentinel Apex units were specified to meet energy efficiency, acoustic, and Specific Fan Power (SFP) requirements, while supporting indoor air quality. The system offers up to 93% heat recovery efficiency, tested to EN308, and is designed for demand-led ventilation using compatible sensors. Neil Higgins, Contracts Manager at FP Hurley & Sons, says, “We chose the Sentinel Apex units because they deliver exceptionally quiet operation and low Specific Fan Power, ensuring they met all Building Regulation requirements. "The units were also available in a wide range of airflows, allowing us to specify the correct units for each space. In short, they offered the ideal balance of airflow, low noise, and energy efficiency.” Adam Bullon of Ventilation Warehouse adds, “I have worked with Vent-Axia for a long time. The Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb was an interesting job, with the Sentinel Apex ticking all the right boxes for the project, including energy efficiency, noise, and ease of maintenance.” The units are available in five sizes, delivering airflows up to 4,000m3/hr. Vent-Axia notes that embodied carbon data for Sentinel Apex has been compiled using the CIBSE TM65 methodology to support low-carbon building design. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

HDM Solar opens renewables product training centres

HDM Solar, a UK wholesaler of solar panels, batteries, and renewable energy equipment, has launched a series of Renewables Training Centres of Excellence at its UK branches, providing on-site training facilities for installers. The purpose-built centres are located within existing branches and are designed to offer hands-on product training and technical sessions delivered in collaboration with manufacturing partners. According to the company, the facilities are being introduced nationwide to support installers seeking to expand their technical knowledge and product understanding in the renewables sector. The centres include commissioning areas where participants can work with live equipment, alongside demonstration systems and breakout spaces for focused study. Manufacturer-led training and certifications Training sessions are delivered by HDM Solar specialists and supplier partners, including GSE Intégration, EcoFlow, and Sungrow. Initial sessions have covered GSE Intégration’s portrait system and landscape Evolution system. Installers who complete the course become GSE Intégration Trained Installers. Ed Scott, Commercial Manager at HDM Solar, says, “The Renewables Training Centres of Excellence have been designed to support installers in their growth and development in the market. "It's all about keeping our customers at the forefront of new industry developments and bringing our customers closer to our manufacturing partners so they feel valued and up to date with the newest products and innovations. "It's a commitment from HDM to installers across the length and breadth of Britain to make a difference and to continue our goal to be the installer's wholesaler.” Training is currently taking place at the company’s Sheffield and Port Talbot branches, with Livingston scheduled to begin hosting sessions in the coming weeks. For more from HDM Solar, click here.

Legrand launches new lighting control busbar system

Legrand UK & Ireland, a manufacturer of electrical and digital building infrastructure equipment, has introduced a new power and lighting control busbar system, combining its Zucchini and CP Electronics brands into a single platform. The system integrates Zucchini LB Plus Data busbar technology with lighting controls from CP Electronics. It distributes power from 25A to 63A and incorporates two additional data conductors, enabling the busbar to function as a lighting management bus. The data conductors allow direct connection to CP Electronics’ addressable lighting control range, supporting networked control through graphical interfaces. This approach enables power distribution and lighting control to operate on the same infrastructure. Integrated DALI-2 lighting control When used with DALI-2 detectors, lighting control devices can be plugged directly into the busbar, removing the need for separate DALI cabling and containment. According to Legrand, this can reduce installation time and associated costs. The system also supports multi-way lighting control modules, presence detectors, area controllers, plug-in switches, and key switches for emergency testing. Steve Marr, Marketing Director at Legrand UK & Ireland, explains, “We expect Legrand’s new power and lighting busbar system will have a big impact for those operating and working in commercial and industrial environments. "By taking Zucchini LB Plus Data and combining it with CP Electronics lighting control, not only will buildings be optimised for the best lighting conditions, but they will be able to run more efficiently – a critical consideration as facilities managers continue to look for ways to reduce energy usage in large buildings. “The launch of this new product is yet another example of how we are bringing together our widespread expertise to deliver solutions to our customers. "The knowledge and sector expertise of our team means we are well positioned to develop intuitive solutions and bring them to any market, plus the customer has the benefit of working with a single manufacturer.” Legrand reiterates that the system is intended for commercial and industrial buildings seeking to integrate power distribution with lighting control. For more from Legrand, click here.