NAPIT announced as Entertainment Sponsor for 2026 ECN Awards

NAPIT, one of the UK’s largest certification bodies in the building services and fabric sector, is proud to return as sponsor of the entertainment at the ECN Awards for the second consecutive year. Last year’s ECN Awards featured fantastic entertainment, with Rule the World - the UK’s number one Take That tribute band - delivering a memorable performance alongside aerial performers, magicians, and more. This year’s entertainment promises to be even bigger and better, with NAPIT once again supporting this key part of the evening. Hannah Thompson, Head of Communications at NAPIT, comments, “The ECN Awards are a fantastic platform for celebrating the very best of our industry, and what better way to make the night truly memorable than by sponsoring the entertainment at the end of the awards.” The 2026 ECN Awards take place on 3 December at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre in Coventry. Award entries are officially open, and you can submit entries and find out further information about this year's Awards by clicking here. For more from NAPIT, click here.

KNIPEX expands electrical tool range for installers

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has launched several new additions to its electrical range, giving installers practical new options for faster PV work, cleaner cable preparation, and improved handling in tight or demanding working environments. As solar installations continue to grow, installers are looking for ways to complete jobs quickly, safely, but without carrying unnecessary kit. KNIPEX has introduced five new tools designed to support PV installation work alongside cutting, stripping, and cable preparation tasks across wider electrical applications. Mounting tools The KNIPEX Set of Mounting Tools (97 49 66 3) has been designed for MC4 and MC4 Evo 2 connectors. It’s a compact set that combines two functions in one: tightening housing screw connections and unlocking plug-type connectors. The kit includes two compact wrenches made from glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, so they are lightweight but durable enough for everyday site use. Integrated magnets hold the two tools together so they can be separated easily but help installers avoid losing individual parts when moving between jobs. PreciForce SAC Another addition aimed at PV installers is the PreciForce SAC (97 52 42 6), developed specifically for installation, maintenance, and repair work. Combining cutting, stripping, and crimping functions in one tool, it cuts down on tool changes so jobs can be completed more quickly. The lever transmission system delivers high crimping force with minimal effort, while an integrated release lock compliant with IEC 60352 ensures the crimp cycle only completes once the correct pressure has been reached. Crimping pressure is factory set and locked in so users can be confident of consistency across repeated connections. Diagonal cutters Not brand new, but completely updated are the VDE-insulated KNIPEX 200 mm High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (74 06 200). These cutters have a redesigned power joint that improves leverage by positioning the cutting edges closer to the pivot point. This reduces effort by around 20% compared to the previous model, making repeated cuts through tougher materials less demanding over the course of the day. As well as the VDE model, the cutters are available in a range of versions, including burnished or chrome-plated finishes, the new three-component comfort handles, and straight or angled designs. The three-component comfort handles are designed to reduce fatigue and improve grip, and the KNIPEXTEND interface allows users to personalise the tool with ColourCode Clips or a tether attachment and add a name label. Slim Knips For installers working in cramped spaces or with intricate setups, the new Slim Knips (78 03/61 150) are a compact option for precision cutting. They have a slender, asymmetrical design, making access in awkward spaces easier. The micro-offset cutting edge cleanly cuts fine-stranded and solid copper conductors, and a transport lock keeps the cutting edges safely closed during storage while also acting as a stop when tightening cable ties to avoid accidental cutting. The Slim Knips can be paired with the optional holster (78 09 LE) so they can be safely stored close to hand. STX60 cable stripping tool Completing the latest additions is the KNIPEX STX60 cable stripping tool, designed for larger diameter power cables between 30 and 60 mm. Intended for industrial installations, renewable energy projects, and heavy-duty applications, the STX60 handles materials including PVC, rubber, and PUR insulation. A quick-adjust mechanism and fine adjustment dial help deliver controlled cuts without damaging inner conductors, while guide rollers support smooth circumferential and longitudinal cutting. For tougher materials, the integrated ratchet function reduces strain during repeated use. Together, these five new additions give installers a practical range of options for everything from PV connector work and precision cutting through to heavy-duty cable preparation. Whether reducing the number of tools needed on site, improving access in tighter spaces, or cutting down on fatigue during repetitive tasks, the latest KNIPEX range has been developed with the realities of day-to-day installation work firmly in mind. To find out more about the KNIPEX new product range, click here to visit the website. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

CEF partners with WellChild to support families

Electrical distributor CEF has announced a new charity partnership with WellChild aimed at supporting children with complex medical needs and their families across the UK. The partnership will focus on fundraising, volunteering, and practical support projects, including improvements to homes and outdoor spaces through WellChild’s Helping Hands programme. WellChild provides specialist nursing services, family support programmes, and practical initiatives designed to help children with complex health conditions receive care at home. As part of the partnership, CEF employees will take part in Helping Hands projects that create safer and more accessible outdoor spaces for children and their families. The projects are designed to be completed within a short period to minimise disruption while delivering long-term improvements. The company says it has already completed three Helping Hands projects, with further work planned across the UK, including in Northern Ireland and at a respite centre in Basingstoke. One recent project involved adapting a garden to improve accessibility for two brothers who use wheelchairs, enabling them to access the outdoor space safely. Volunteers contribute to home and garden projects Alongside volunteering activities, CEF employees will raise funds for wider WellChild programmes, including Better at Home, which helps children leave hospital sooner and receive care in their own homes. According to WellChild, the programme provides training facilities and resources that help parents and carers develop skills required to support children with complex medical needs. Connor Dalton, Director of Sustainability, Health & Safety at CEF, says, “We’re proud to support WellChild and the incredible work they do for seriously ill children and their families across the UK. "Giving back to our communities is part of who we are, and partnering with WellChild allows us to contribute with real and lasting impact.” Matt James, CEO at WellChild, adds, “We are so excited about our new partnership with CEF. "Our shared values, commitment, and passion is going to have a profound impact on the lives of so many children and families across the UK and will create a legacy of care for many years to come.” CEF selected WellChild as its new charity partner following consultation with employees across the business. The partnership launches as the company marks its 75th anniversary and follows its previous fundraising activities for Macmillan Cancer Support, which raised more than £1.25 million. The company says it will also continue supporting the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). For more from CEF, click here.

NICEIC research highlights homeowner electrical knowledge gap

NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, has released new research raising awareness of the importance of electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) amongst homeowners. The findings highlight a significant gap in understanding of electrical safety, underlining the need for continued, industry-wide efforts to improve awareness and encourage regular inspection and testing. A poll of 2,000 UK homeowners, carried out by OnePoll, found one in seven have ignored potentially dangerous electrical faults such as constant tripping, broken switches, and flickering lights. More than one in five (22%) admit they take an “I’ll worry about it tomorrow” approach to these issues. The research also points to low levels of engagement with electrical checks (EICRs). More than a fifth (22%) have not had their electrics inspected and tested in over a decade, if at all, while 16% are unsure whether their property has ever been assessed by a qualified electrician. Crucially, the findings highlight widespread low awareness of EICRs. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) homeowners do not know what an EICR is, and almost half (48%) of those who are aware do not realise inspections are recommended at least every 10 years in owner-occupied homes. For the industry, the findings reinforce the importance of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of electrical safety and the role regular inspection plays in maintaining safe installations. Efforts to improve public knowledge NICEIC says it is promoting the findings to national consumer media outlets as part of a wider effort to help improve understanding of electrical safety. As part of this activity, NICEIC is signposting homeowners to clear, consumer-friendly guidance on EICRs, while also highlighting its 'Find a Trusted Tradesperson' tool, which, the company explains, enables homeowners to locate NICEIC-certified businesses in their area. Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, says, “These findings highlight a clear gap in awareness when it comes to electrical installation condition reports and their role in maintaining safe electrical installations. "As electrification accelerates, regular inspection and testing is becoming increasingly important, and improving understanding of EICRs is vital.” For more from NICEIC, click here.

Marshall-Tufflex cable tray installed at Bay Queen

Marshall-Tufflex PVC cable tray systems, from the UK manufacturer of cable management products, have been installed at the Bay Queen residential development in Port St Mary as part of a redevelopment project on the Isle of Man. The Bay Queen scheme has transformed the site of a former seaside hotel into a collection of apartments overlooking the Irish Sea. As part of the redevelopment, contractors constructed a new underground car park for residents. According to the project team, the coastal location created challenges for the electrical installation due to exposure to moisture, salt air, and fluctuating temperatures, all of which can contribute to corrosion in metallic containment systems. The installation was carried out by Gough Electrical, with products supplied by Edmundson Electrical in Douglas. Marshall-Tufflex says its Basor PVC cable tray system was selected because the non-metallic material is resistant to corrosion and suitable for exposed environments. The company adds that the lightweight design of the tray system also helped reduce installation time during the project. Tony Kelly of Gough Electrical says, “With the car park exposed to the elements and salt air, we needed a system that wouldn’t corrode over time. “Marshall-Tufflex offers cable tray in metal, GRP, or PVC, so in this case the Basor PVC cable tray was the obvious choice: durable, easy to install, and built to last in this type of environment.” For more from Marshall-Tufflex, click here.

Schneider Electric expands Samsung SmartThings integration

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology company, has announced expanded integration between its SpaceLogic KNX platform and Samsung SmartThings systems for residential and commercial buildings. The integration allows SpaceLogic KNX devices to connect with Samsung SmartThings for homes and SmartThings Pro for commercial and multi-site environments. According to Schneider Electric, the integration enables users to manage lighting, blinds, temperature controls, sensors, HVAC systems, and energy monitoring through a single interface. The company says Samsung has simplified its certification process, allowing Schneider Electric to bring a wider range of SpaceLogic KNX devices into the SmartThings ecosystem. Laurent Roussel, SVP Commercial & Channel at Schneider Electric, says, “Interoperability has become increasingly important in both residential and commercial environments, where customers expect connected systems to work together seamlessly. “Integrating SpaceLogic KNX with Samsung SmartThings expands how customers can manage their connected devices, personalise their automation experience, and gain greater visibility into energy usage across homes and buildings.” Building management and smart home systems brought together Schneider Electric says the SmartThings Pro integration is designed to help facility managers oversee multiple commercial sites through centralised dashboards. The system enables monitoring and management of lighting, occupancy, HVAC, blinds, and energy consumption across connected buildings. For residential users, the integration allows SpaceLogic KNX products and other smart home devices to be managed within the SmartThings application, reducing the need for multiple control platforms. According to Schneider Electric, this gives contractors, housebuilders, and homeowners a more centralised way to manage connected appliances, entertainment systems, lighting, and household energy use. Schneider Electric was one of the founding companies behind the KNX standard and notes that the protocol has been deployed globally for more than 35 years, with support from more than 500 manufacturers. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 winner revealed

Apprentice electrician Gracie Donaghy has been named joint winner of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 after competing against more than 3,000 entrants from across the UK and Ireland. The 22-year-old from Bridgwater, Somerset, shares the title with apprentice stonemason Petra O’Flaherty, marking the first time in the competition’s history that two winners have been selected. Gracie is a third-year electrical apprentice studying at Weston College. According to Screwfix, she was encouraged to consider a hands-on career after discussing trade opportunities with her father. Alongside her apprenticeship, Gracie has taken part in apprentice open days organised by her employer and runs a TikTok channel where she answers questions and shares advice about apprenticeships and electrical work. As one of the two winners, she receives a prize package worth £10,000, including tools, training, and technology. Screwfix will also provide £2,000 in vouchers to Weston College. The final took place over two days at Google HQ in London, with judging carried out by representatives from Screwfix, NICEIC, CIPHE, and the Federation of Master Builders. Apprentice electrician recognised for industry outreach Gracie comments, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been named Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026. Having started my apprenticeship only a few years ago, it’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside so many talented apprentices. “Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve seen first hand how important role models are, and I love sharing my experience and helping others to explore their options via my TikTok channel. I honestly believe there’s an apprenticeship out there for everyone.” Sarah Howell, Director of Marketing Communications at Screwfix, says, “Gracie’s enthusiasm for her trade is infectious, and I’m sure it will inspire others thinking of starting their apprenticeship journey. “Gracie’s commitment to going the extra mile is already clear to see, including how she approached the task set for the finalists, where she went above and beyond to make a working prototype of her tool idea.” The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is designed to recognise emerging talent across the trades sector and received more than 3,000 entries this year. For more from Screwfix, click here.

CU Phosco upgrades lighting at remote airfield

UK exterior lighting manufacturer CU Phosco has completed a high mast lighting upgrade at Ascension Island Airport, working with Gantech Solutions to replace ageing airfield infrastructure at one of the world’s most remote airports. Located in the South Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and Africa, Ascension Island Airport operates as a refuelling stop for flights travelling between the UK and the Falkland Islands. The airport is jointly operated by the UK Ministry of Defence and the United States Air Force. According to the companies, the existing apron lighting system had been in operation for more than 35 years and had become increasingly difficult to maintain due to corrosion and ageing components in the island’s coastal environment. Gantech Solutions was appointed to deliver the design and build programme, working with CU Phosco to develop a replacement lighting system designed for long-term reliability and reduced maintenance requirements. Initial plans involved refurbishing the existing high mast structures. However, structural assessments found that corrosion and long-term wear had affected the integrity of the original installations. Lionel Gapper, Director at Gantech Solutions, explains, “Although the original brief considered reusing the existing masts, our site investigations and further structural assessments showed that corrosion and long-term stress had significantly impacted their integrity. "Reuse was not a safe or reliable option.” The completed project retained the existing concrete foundations and cabling infrastructure while introducing new mast systems and LED lighting technology. The final installation includes: • Five 20m high masts fitted with 35 LED floodlights • Two 20m high masts and two 15m mid-hinge masts fitted with 16 LED floodlights LED upgrade cuts airport energy consumption The new mast systems were designed to match the existing foundation and bolt configurations, allowing installation without extensive civil engineering work. According to the companies, the upgraded lighting system includes modern winching systems, new lighting cradles, and updated control systems intended to improve maintenance access and operational reliability. Lionel continues, “We worked closely with CU Phosco to develop a solution that met the constraints of the site while delivering a significant improvement in performance.” The lighting design was developed to meet operational standards required by the Ministry of Defence, the USAF, and international aviation guidance. The project also included a transition from SON lighting technology to LED systems, reducing total power consumption from approximately 72kW to 22.96kW. According to Gantech Solutions, this delivers energy savings of more than 49kW per hour while improving light quality, visibility, and uniformity across the apron. The companies say the installation has also reduced maintenance requirements and improved long-term resilience in the island’s coastal and volcanic environment. For more from CU Phosco, click here.

Passiv expands smart thermostat heat pump compatibility

Passiv UK, a developer of smart thermostats and energy management systems, has expanded compatibility of its Passiv Smart Thermostat to 17 heat pump manufacturers as demand grows for intelligent heating controls in UK homes. The company says the expansion is intended to support wider adoption of smart heat pump controls as installers and manufacturers place greater emphasis on system optimisation and energy management. According to Passiv, the thermostat allows heat pumps to respond automatically to time-of-use electricity tariffs and wider grid demand signals. The system can temporarily reduce heat pump demand during peak periods while using preheating functions to maintain indoor temperatures. The company says the technology is aligned with the UK’s Smart and Secure Energy Systems framework and the Future Homes Standard, both of which are expected to increase the role of automated energy management in residential heating systems. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, says, “Smart controls and automated flexibility are the missing layer that allows today’s policies and technologies to work together effectively. “As heating systems evolve, households are becoming active participants in the energy system, with new opportunities to benefit financially through flexibility and time-of-use tariffs.” Smart controls support heat pump efficiency Passiv also provides a web-based monitoring platform designed to allow installers and housing providers to monitor and manage multiple systems remotely. The company says the Passiv Smart Thermostat’s ecoHeat function has been verified by the Energy Saving Trust to improve heat pump efficiency by 17%. Additional savings are available through tariff optimisation, solar integration, and participation in demand-side response programmes through Passiv’s Greener Grid Payments service, according to the company. The Passiv Smart Thermostat is available through plumbers’ merchants and renewable energy distributors in one-zone and two-zone configurations, with both wired and wireless thermostat options. For more from Passiv UK, click here.

myenergi zappi GLO gains CoP11 approval

British smart home energy technology manufacturer myenergi has announced that its zappi GLO EV charger has achieved Code of Practice (CoP) 11 approval. The certification confirms that the charger meets UK requirements for flexible energy use and behind-the-meter energy measurement. This enables users to participate in flexibility markets through myenergi’s Gridpay service, which rewards households and businesses for adjusting electricity usage during periods of peak demand. According to myenergi, Gridpay is an automated, demand-side response programme that allows users to set charging preferences through the myenergi app. Charging sessions can then be adjusted automatically to support grid balancing without requiring manual intervention. The company says zappi owners using the service can earn more than £100 per year through participation in flexibility schemes. Only a limited number of EV chargers currently hold CoP11 approval, including the myenergi zappi 2.1, which received certification in 2025. The company says zappi 2.1 was also the first EV charger to trade under the P415 regulation, allowing domestic properties to participate in national energy balancing programmes. Flexible energy management for EV charging David Nicholl, Managing Director of myenergi GB, comments, “We’re delighted to see zappi GLO achieve CoP11 approval which, in short, allows us to control when and how it pulls power from the grid, enabling participation in the flexibility markets. “GLO follows zappi 2.1 in being CoP11 certified, demonstrating the quality of our devices and their suitability for the flexible energy landscape of tomorrow.” zappi GLO forms part of myenergi’s home energy management system, which connects EV charging, energy monitoring, and other smart home technologies into a single platform designed to help manage household energy use. For more from myenergi, click here.