SELECT says rising apprentice costs are crippling employers

At a time when Scotland desperately needs electricians to fulfil housing demand and net zero targets, the head of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, has accused the UK and Scottish governments of undermining the electrical workforce of the future. Speaking ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2–6 March 2026), SELECT's Managing Director Alan Wilson says a combination of rising wages and decreasing financial support for taking on apprentices is causing serious concern in the sector. He notes that the electrotechnical industry had been the biggest single trade employer of apprentices for some time, but recent financial decisions by the UK and Scottish governments are beginning to deter employers from taking on young learners. He says, “We constantly hear from government at all levels about the importance of apprenticeships in our sector. But like some clever table magician, they show [...] on one hand what they want you to hear, while, on the other hand, they are more often than not doing the complete opposite. “The increase in the Apprentice National Minimum Wage to £8 per hour, announced by the UK Government at last year's Budget, is a huge cost to many small firms, especially when the apprentice spends a great deal of the first stage at college. “On top of that, the financial support which the Scottish Government gives to the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to run the electrical apprenticeship scheme on behalf of the industry has not increased for more than eight years. In fact, when inflation is taken into account, it has decreased by over 30%.” Too little, too late Recent reports suggest that the UK Government is considering slowing down its plans to increase the youth minimum wage, but Alan insists that it's already too late for the many Scottish SMEs who are now counting the rising cost of apprenticeships. He continues, “Small and micro-sized concerns recruit the most apprentices and are the very type of firms who need government support, but the short-sightedness of politicians is rolling the skills shortage forward, not back. “Technical apprenticeships in Scotland’s electrotechnical sector are an investment in our society. They create skilled, high-tax-paying workers earlier; reduce youth unemployment; and generate long-term returns through higher productivity and sustained tax income. “By backing electrotechnical apprenticeships, Scotland strengthens its skills pipeline where it matters most: in high-demand, future-focused roles that support net zero, infrastructure growth, and a resilient domestic workforce. “I have always been extremely proud of the number of apprentices our industry recruits year on year, and it is clear that electrical installation apprenticeships give young people a chance to earn while they learn, gaining respected qualifications and building a clear, well-paid career without the burden of student debt. “Doing nothing is not an option, but it does seem that those who make decisions on these issues need to visit their optician, as their short-sighted views are going to end up affecting our whole economy. One day, they will maybe come to their senses, but there's no evidence of that so far.” A growing skills shortage Alan’s remarks follow a prediction by an industry expert last year that Scotland would soon need double the number of electricians to implement the “unprecedented pathway of work” which was coming their way. Speaking on the Sparks’ Remarks podcast last June, Professor Sean Smith, Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at the University of Edinburgh, said, “Never before in the history of this sector has there been such a pathway of work to come. “Do we need more electricians? Yes, probably double the number, really. The fastest fully-filled courses in engineering currently are electrical and mechanical engineering. You could probably fill them twice with the number of applications that all universities and colleges are receiving.” For more from SELECT, click here.

Tridonic supports connected lighting installation at Reed Smith HQ

Tridonic UK, a supplier of lighting technology, has supported the redevelopment of Reed Smith’s London headquarters at 1 Blossom Yard, delivering a connected lighting system in partnership with Artech Lighting. The 126,000ft² office combines a refurbished warehouse structure with contemporary design. The project required a lighting scheme capable of supporting flexible working patterns and multiple workspace configurations within a global law firm environment. Reed Smith’s relocation involved a full interior transformation. Artech Lighting worked with Troup Bywaters + Anders, Bancroft, and Overbury to provide the lighting and control package, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. DALI-based system supports flexible workspace The architectural complexity of the building required bespoke luminaires tailored to a range of interior finishes. The scheme also needed to manage daylight integration, individual user preferences, and adaptable office layouts. Artech supplied bespoke linear and square luminaires using Tridonic DALI drivers. The installation included 240 luminaires with EXC4 DALI drivers, LLE24 LED boards, EM ConverterLED PRO emergency inverters with LiFePO₄ battery systems, and constant-voltage drivers for LED strip lighting. More than 2,000m of Flowline and Chicane luminaires were installed across 250 bespoke systems, integrated with the DALI controls platform. According to the companies, the lighting system is designed to provide uniform light distribution, long operational life, and DALI-2 compliant emergency lighting with automatic testing. Building managers can control lighting scenes via smartphone or tablet, enabling adjustments as workspace needs change. The project also achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. Alec Fielding, UK Key Accounts Manager at Tridonic, says, “Our goal was to support Artech in delivering a lighting system that feels effortless for end users while offering the depth of control expected in a modern legal workspace. "The result is a connected, adaptable solution that will continue to evolve with Reed Smith’s needs.” For more from Tridonic, click here.

SkillELECTRIC 2026 set to open for entries

Talented electrotechnical students are being encouraged to register for this year’s SkillELECTRIC competition. The application window is open from 2 March and runs until 27 March 2026. The event, which is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) - a UK charity managing electrotechnical industry assessments - is part of the WorldSkills UK competition network and is designed to promote and showcase high standards and skills across the electrotechnical industry. During the competition, entrants will be judged on a series of challenging tests in a bid to be named the 2026 SkillELECTRIC champion. Competition details All those who register will take part in an online, interactive app-based task which tests skills around health and safety, inspection and testing, regulations, electrical principles, and installation practices and procedures. The top scoring competitors from this stage will be invited to complete a challenging practical task at a one of nine national qualifying heats around the UK between May and June. Those who score most highly at the live heats will progress to the SkillELECTRIC UK final in November, one of over 50 WorldSkills UK national finals taking place that month across South Wales. Beyond this, competitors may also have the chance of representing the UK in the Electrical Installation event at WorldSkills 2028 in Aichi, Japan. As well as winning a great range of prizes, the top two from each heat and the UK finalists will be invited to the prestigious NET Celebration of Skills in October, which congratulates current and past competitors who have excelled both at the UK and international levels. SkillELECTRIC has Electric Center, the NICEIC, and Scolmore Group as its delivery partners, and the competition is supported by Snickers Workwear, Megger, Rolec, and EAL. Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC Project Manager at NET, comments, “If you’ve got a shining star in your company or classroom, why not enter them into SkillELECTRIC? “The competition process brings so many skills back into the business such as working efficiently under pressure, time management, precision, and confidence. "It also contributes to an apprentice’s 20% off-the-job training requirement, which is a great benefit.” You can register for SkillELECTRIC before 27 March 2026 by clicking here to visit the website. For more from SkillELECTRIC, click here.

Thorn delivers LED floodlight upgrade at Nottingham Arnold

Luminaire manufacturer and supplier Thorn Lighting has completed a rapid LED retrofit at Powerleague’s Nottingham Arnold site, reportedly supplying luminaires within 15 working days to keep the new community venue on schedule. Working with SJB Floodlighting, Thorn provided Altis LED floodlights for the pitches and Areaflood Pro 2 for surrounding areas. The brief required 200 lx average with 0.60 uniformity on the full-size pitch, and 120 lx average with 0.60 uniformity on the five-a-side layouts, alongside a tight turnaround to meet the launch date. A community venue back in play The Arnold club features eight five-a-side pitches and a full-size pitch, convertible into four seven-a-side formats. By aligning product selection with stock and build schedules from the outset, Thorn says the team delivered a compliant scheme that met lux targets first time. The company notes that the upgrade reduces energy consumption by around 50% compared with the previous installation, while lowering ongoing maintenance requirements and supporting consistent playing conditions across all pitch configurations. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

Unicrimp introduces Q-Nect IP weatherproof junction box

The Q-Nect range of junction boxes and connectors from Unicrimp, a UK manufacturer of cable accessories and electrical fittings, and part of the Scolmore Group, provides installers with secure and efficient connections for a range of residential, commercial, and industrial environments. A key product in the range is the Q-Nect IP weatherproof junction box, which is designed to make installations quicker and more efficient. It can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360⁰ detachable cradle. The IP Box also utilises a curved lid which provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners, which allows for quick opening and closing. Key features • Enhanced protection — The IP66 rating and self-sealing membranes offer superior protection for electrical components from dust, dirt, and water. • 10 membrane entry points — The junction box features ten membrane entry points. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating. • Up to eight M20 glands — Installers have the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands with the junction box. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure that the IP rating is maintained without needing to use any tools or locknuts. • Multiple fixing options — The IP Box gives you the option to fix directly to a wall using four screws into the pre-moulded holes in the base or utilise the detachable wall clip, which requires just two screws. • Semi-transparent lids — The option of the semi-transparent lid takes the IP Box to the next level, allowing installers to see the inside connections without compromising the integrity of the enclosure. The boxes with semi-transparent lids are available in a black or anthracite grey finish. • Aesthetics — The anthracite grey and finish is designed to match the Click Scolmore Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semi-transparent lids. For further information, visit the Unicrimp website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Kensa partners with Passiv UK on heat pump controls

Kensa, a British heat pump manufacturer, has partnered with Passiv UK, a developer of smart thermostats and energy management systems, to offer the Passiv Smart Thermostat with its heat pump systems. Under the agreement, the thermostat will be supplied as a compatible control option for Kensa heat pumps, designed to optimise flow temperature automatically and remove the need for manual weather compensation settings. Kensa states that improved optimisation can reduce heating bills by up to 30%, depending on property type and tariff structure. Grid flexibility and energy optimisation Customers will also be able to access Passiv’s Greener Grid Payment scheme, which provides payments to households that adjust energy use during periods of grid constraint. The thermostat is designed to flex heat pump operation without affecting indoor comfort. Ned Lamb, Director of Commercial Strategy at Kensa, says, “Our mission is to deliver heating that’s better for everyone. For Kensa, that means offering a solution that offers the lowest bills with no sacrifices on comfort. "Being able to specify the Passiv Smart Thermostat with no extras needed means homeowners and residents can make the most of smarter tariffs and flexibility markets, helping them earn money back while enjoying year-round comfort.” The Passiv Smart Thermostat can be installed nationwide with Kensa heat pump systems and is controlled via a wall-mounted unit and mobile app. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, comments, “This is the future of home energy. With smart controls built in, heat pumps take care of themselves, keeping homes comfortable, cutting energy use, and even letting homeowners earn money when the grid needs them most.” For more from Kensa, click here.

Who’s Who – Aico: Bridging innovation and home life safety

Aico outlines how its connected alarms, hands-on training, and data-led HomeLINK platform are helping contractors deliver safer homes, stay compliant, and navigate a fast-changing fire safety landscape: Aico is the European market leader in home life safety, pioneering new technologies and delivering high-quality alarms developed and manufactured in Ireland. For over 35 years, Aico has been at the forefront of home life safety in the UK, earning a reputation as a trusted partner to both electrical contractors and housing providers. As the UK’s leading specialist in domestic fire and carbon monoxide detection, Aico has built its reputation on delivering proven technology that protects lives while supporting installers, developers, and homeowners at every stage of a project. In a sector shaped by evolving legislation, rising expectations, and increasing social responsibility, Aico has positioned itself not just as a product manufacturer, but as an industry innovator and educator. A complete approach to home life safety Aico’s strength lies in its integrated approach to fire and carbon monoxide protection. The company offers a comprehensive range of alarms, sensors, and accessories designed to meet the needs of both existing homes and new developments. From smoke and heat alarms to carbon monoxide detection and environmental sensors, Aico solutions are designed to work seamlessly together as part of a Connected Home Solution. Central to this offering is the 3000 Series, which combines advanced detection technology with the company’s ‘easi-fit’ base for simple installation and reliable performance over the product’s lifespan. When integrated with Aico’s HomeLINK technology, these devices provide valuable data insights that support better maintenance, compliance reporting, and resident wellbeing, including alarm activation and removal alerts, alarm replacement needs, and the date the device was last tested. This system-based approach ensures that safety is not treated as an afterthought, but as a fundamental part of building and property management strategies. Education that raises industry standards Aico’s commitment to safety extends well beyond its products. Through the Aico Expert training scheme, the company delivers a wide range of CPD-certified courses, webinars, and face-to-face training sessions tailored to electrical contractors, housing professionals, and fire safety specialists. These sessions cover everything from product installation, legislation, best practice, and emerging changes in home life safety. By empowering professionals with knowledge, Aico strengthens standards across the industry and reinforces the importance of correctly specified and installed safety systems. This educational focus has become a cornerstone of the brand, reinforcing Aico’s position as a trusted industry partner. Supporting compliance in a changing regulatory landscape With increased focus on fire safety standards across the UK – including updates to Building Regulations and the continued emphasis on damp and mould detection with the recent introduction of Awaab’s Law – compliance has become more complex and more critical than ever. Aico works closely with industry bodies, housing organisations, and installers to help navigate these changes with confidence. By designing products that meet and exceed regulatory requirements, as well as providing clear guidance on specification and installation, Aico helps reduce risk for both contractors and landlords. This commitment to compliance is matched by a proactive approach to education, ensuring that those responsible for installing and maintaining life safety systems have the knowledge they need to do so correctly. Innovation shaped by real-world insight Innovation at Aico is driven by collaboration and real-world feedback. By working closely with installers, housing providers, and residents, the company gains valuable insight into the challenges faced on site and in occupied homes. This ensures that new developments are practical, user-friendly, and aligned with real needs. HomeLINK is a prime example of this user-led innovation, delivering practical benefits without adding complexity. By providing actionable data, Aico ensures its Connected Home technology remains accessible and relevant to a wide range of residents and landlords. A commitment to social responsibility Beyond products and technology, Aico is deeply committed to making a positive social impact. The company’s long-standing involvement in community initiatives, including partnerships with charities and support for educational programmes, reflects a broader commitment to improving lives. Aico’s focus on social housing is particularly significant, helping to raise standards in environments where residents may be most at risk. By combining reliable technology with education and engagement, the company plays an active role in improving housing quality and safety. To put this approach into practice, Aico hosted several resident engagement days featuring fire safety and damp and mould prevention workshops, energy efficiency coaching, product and app demonstrations, and the opportunity for residents to provide feedback and ask questions. Looking to the future As the industry moves towards smarter buildings, increased accountability, and greater transparency, Aico is well positioned to lead the way. Continued investment in connected technology, education, and collaboration ensures Aico is not only responding to today’s requirements but actively helping to shape the future of the industry. Aico’s combination of expertise, innovation, and purpose ensures it remains a name the industry can rely on. For more from Aico, click here.

Integral LED launches Evofire campaign

Integral LED, a UK manufacturer of LED lighting products for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, has launched a new marketing campaign for its Evofire downlight range, centred on its UK-patented fire-rated glass technology. The campaign includes a trade-focused video featuring Daniel Mahdavi, Head of Product Development, outlining the design approach behind Evofire. Daniel notes, “At its core, Evofire was designed to eliminate the need for bulky metal fire cans above the ceiling. “By integrating fire protection into the front of the fitting through our patented glass technology, we’ve created a safer, more refined and more installer-friendly solution.” Product features and campaign materials Integral LED states that, unlike conventional fire-rated fittings, Evofire maintains the fire barrier at ceiling level. The company says this supports a cleaner installation and improved heat dissipation. Key features include patented fire-rated glass technology, a 1mm steel bezel, an open-back design, modular compatibility, and a seven-year warranty. The campaign also includes a consumer-focused video and a new brochure aimed at trade, specification, and retail audiences. Ricky Johal, Marketing Manager at Integral LED, says, “This campaign is about clearly defining Evofire’s point of difference. "The patented fire-rated glass technology isn’t a cosmetic change; it fundamentally rethinks how fire protection is delivered within a downlight.” All campaign assets are available to Integral LED’s retail and wholesale partners for use across digital and in-store channels. For more from Integral LED, click here.

Marshall-Tufflex opens Manchester experience centre

Marshall-Tufflex, a UK manufacturer of cable management products, has opened a new Customer Experience Centre in Manchester, creating a dedicated space for meetings, training, and product demonstrations. The facility is designed to host customer visits, CPD sessions, and industry events, while providing access to the company’s cable management portfolio. Product displays and training facilities Visitors can view a range of systems including Basor metal cable management, PVC-U trunking and conduit, underfloor-to-desk power and data distribution, and GRP cable management for demanding environments. The centre includes a conference room seating 18 in boardroom layout or 35 in theatre style, alongside two breakout rooms accommodating four and eight people. The space can be used for product training, regional meetings, toolbox talks, and industry engagement sessions. A separate social area has also been incorporated for informal networking. Marshall-Tufflex states the new Manchester site is intended to provide a practical environment where contractors, wholesalers, and industry organisations can learn more about installation methods and applications. Enquiries about visits or room bookings can be made through local area sales managers or by contacting the company directly. For more from Marshall-Tufflex, click here.

Makita launches XGT battery promotion

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has announced a limited-time redemption offer across its XGT cordless range. From 1 March to 30 September 2026, customers who spend at least £390 excluding VAT on qualifying XGT products can claim a free BL4040F battery. The promotion applies to selected machines, batteries, chargers, torches, and power source kits purchased through authorised dealers. The XGT range operates on a 40VMax battery platform, with some tools able to use two batteries to deliver up to 80VMax output. Offer details and eligibility The BL4040F battery included in the promotion is rated at 4.0Ah and features tabless cell technology, an integrated charge indicator, and an average charging time of 45 minutes. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, says, “The new XGT redemption promotion allows customers to claim a new battery when purchasing selected XGT tools, helping them to get even more value from every purchase. "Receiving a free BL4040F battery offers customers longer runtime and real cost savings, as well as fundamentally improving productivity.” To qualify, purchases must total £390 excluding VAT on a single invoice and be registered online within 28 days. Claims are validated before the battery is dispatched, and multi-platform models are excluded from the offer. For more from Makita, click here.