Shocking Energy launches AI RAMS platform

Shocking Energy, a UK provider of field service software and compliance automation for renewable energy installers, has launched an AI-based RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) platform designed to automate risk assessments and method statements for electrical contractors. The system is intended to help contractors keep safety documentation aligned with changing site conditions and regulations, while reducing the time required to produce compliant records. Site data is captured once and reused across projects, allowing teams to standardise documentation without recreating it for repeat work. The platform generates structured drafts for review and produces controlled PDF packs for handover and compliance purposes. Automation and compliance tracking The software includes templates, reusable hazard libraries, version control, and approval tracking to record what has changed and which documents are active onsite. It supports multiple sectors including power, water, drainage, telecoms, highways, and civil engineering. Mobile data capture enables updates from site so documentation reflects current working conditions. Kevin Bird, CEO of Shocking Energy, says, “As regulations continue to change, keeping safety documentation accurate and compliant has become more demanding than ever. "Our platform uses AI to remove that pressure. By capturing site data once and automatically generating structured, controlled documents, teams can stay aligned with current standards, speed up approvals, and remain audit-ready without being buried in paperwork. "Because updates happen in real time from the field, the documentation always reflects what’s actually happening on site - not an outdated version saved in a folder.”

Ansell Lighting launches Reveal undercabinet range

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has introduced Reveal, a new undercabinet lighting range designed for kitchens, wardrobes, and similar applications. The collection comprises five luminaires with plug-and-play installation and a four-way splitter that can power up to four fittings from a 12V system. Five luminaires for residential use The range includes: • Reveal L – an L-shaped undercabinet light in a polished silver finish with touch-free wave control • Reveal R – a circular 120mm luminaire available in black or silver • Reveal P – an undercabinet light with touch-free wave sensor and integrated USB-C and USB-A charging ports, available in silver or black • Reveal H – a baton-style luminaire in silver, available in 450mm, 600mm, and 900mm lengths, with a dimmable option • Reveal T – a triangular luminaire with touch-free wave sensor and dimmable option, available in silver or black The Reveal L also features an additional push switch and is CCT selectable between 2900K and 6500K, while the Reveal P, R, and T are supplied as kits including three lights, a driver, and a four-way splitter. Mark Abott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “Undercabinet lighting is always in demand due to its versatility and functionality. "We believe the Reveal range is the complete package - functional, installer-aware, and reliable - while meeting illumination requirements and with a design to meet every residential application.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Lombard Shipping installs SolarEdge ecosystem

Lombard Shipping, a domestic and international logistics provider, plans to cut electricity costs by around 50% at its Ipswich logistics hub after installing a combined solar, battery storage, and EV charging setup. The site, near the Port of Felixstowe, is the company’s headquarters and largest of five locations. The project follows the introduction of two electric HGVs, which increased onsite energy demand. The SolarEdge installation, from the provider of smart energy technology, is expected to generate about 118MWh of electricity annually. Lombard Shipping estimates savings of around £1 million over 20 years, with a payback period of roughly 5.3 years. Peter Fraser, Director at Lombard Shipping, says, “Rising energy demand across our operations made it essential for us to take a more strategic approach to managing our power use. "With our EV chargers alone consuming around 7MWh of electricity each month, we needed a solution that could maximise clean energy generation on site and ensure it is used as efficiently as possible - and this system delivers exactly that.” Integrated onsite energy management Installer Insight Energy deployed rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and six EV chargers managed through a single control platform coordinating generation, storage, and charging. The system allows approximately 83% of generated solar electricity to be used onsite. Excess energy can be stored in the battery or used to charge fleet vehicles depending on schedules, solar forecasts, and electricity pricing. Kristian Day, Managing Director at Insight Energy, says, “By leveraging SolarEdge’s unified technology platform, we have delivered a smart, scalable clean energy solution that enables Lombard Shipping to use almost all of the energy generated on site, which is a key factor in achieving a rapid return on investment.” For more from SolarEdge, click here.

Employment Minister visits JTL Hull to meet apprentices

Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Employment and MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, visited training provider JTL’s training centre in Hull to mark National Apprenticeship Week and meet apprentices and local employers to discuss how the Government can strengthen apprenticeship opportunities across the region. Established over 30 years ago by the Electrical Contractors’ Association and Unite the Union, JTL is a not-for-profit Independent Training Provider delivering Level 3 electrical and plumbing apprenticeships across England and Wales. Working with thousands of employers and training thousands of learners at any one time, JTL reportedly trains more apprentices in the building services engineering sector than any other provider. The Hull training centre plays an important role for JTL in supporting skills development across the Humber region, helping to address local skills shortages while contributing to wider national priorities, including housebuilding and clean energy ambitions. Tour details During her visit, the Minister toured the centre’s training facilities and met with electrical and plumbing apprentices to hear about their experiences. Accompanied by JTL’s Chief Executive, Chris Claydon; Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Gillian Day; the North East Head of Delivery, Roosevelt Alexander; and others in the operations team, she spoke with learners about their routes into the sector. The Employment Minister then sat down with a group of 11 local electrical and plumbing employers - the majority SMEs - to hear first hand their business priorities and the challenges they face both in the current economic climate and with the skills system. Employers raised particular challenges around the rising cost of employment and how to improve apprenticeship completion rates. The importance of promoting apprenticeships in schools was also highlighted, with attendees noting the need to ensure technical routes are given equal recognition and visibility. Comments Following her visit, Dame Diana Johnson MP said, “It was a real pleasure to visit JTL Hull and meet apprentices and employers from across the region. "Apprenticeships offer a strong route into skilled, secure jobs and are vital to building the workforce our economy needs. “It was particularly valuable to hear directly from apprentices about their experiences, and from employers about both the opportunities and the challenges they face. Conversations like these are essential as we continue working to ensure the employment system supports businesses and creates genuine opportunities for young people.” Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, adds, “We were delighted to welcome Dame Diana Johnson to our Hull training centre and to facilitate constructive discussions with apprentices and employers from across the region. “High-quality apprenticeships are essential to meeting the UK’s infrastructure, housing, and net zero ambitions. However, to boost starts and improve completion rates, we must continue to remove barriers for [employers], particularly small and micro businesses, and ensure apprenticeships are promoted as a first-choice route for young people. “We appreciate the Minister taking the time to listen to the experiences of both apprentices and employers and look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the skills pipeline.” For more from JTL, click here.

Click Scolmore introduces new Twin Type C USB Socket Outlets

Click Scolmore, one of UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories for the professional electrical industry, has announced the launch of its latest innovation: 13A 1 and 2 Gang Safety Shutter Socket Outlets featuring twin USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) fast-charge ports. Designed to meet the demands of today’s connected environments, the new socket outlets combine reliable 13A power with advanced USB-C PD technology, allowing fast and efficient charging of modern devices - such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops - without the need for additional adapters. With USB-C now the global standard for power delivery, Click Scolmore has fully integrated USB-PD fast-charging technology into its socket outlets, offering contractors and installers a future-proof solution that delivers performance, safety, and convenience in one product. Safety and compliance remain central to the Click Scolmore product philosophy. Both the 1 Gang and 2 Gang variants incorporate integral safety shutters to help prevent accidental contact with live components, making them suitable for residential and commercial installations. The sockets are fully compliant with relevant UK standards and reflect Click Scolmore’s commitment to quality, durability, and installer confidence. Benefits of USB-C power delivery USB Power Delivery (PD) is an advanced fast-charging technology, supporting devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. USB-PD can charge smartphones/tablets up to 70% faster than a standard USB charger that only offers 5 watts of power. The USB-C PD specification is universally adopted, making it easy for users to connect a wide range of devices without worrying about compatibility. Key features and benefits include: • PD20W - fast-charging 20W USB Power Delivery • 3A independent charging per port • 4.2A Shared Output - an intelligent chip that adjusts output based on connected device load • Twin Type C Ports - two ports, ideal for the increasing the number of devices using the USB-C interface • Three Pin Safety Shutters - standard safety shutters for enhanced protection • Easy retro fit - easily replaces any standard or USB socket without the need for a deeper back box The new Twin Type C USB Sockets are available across Click Scolmore’s extensive wiring accessory portfolio, including Deco, Deco Plus, Define, Definity, Mode, Part M, Polar, Metal Clad, and Metal Clad Pro, ensuring a consistent solution for every installation style and environment. For more information, visit Click Scolmore’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

UK Power Networks adds heat pumps to flexibility market

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DNO) has integrated heat pumps into its Localflex flexibility trading platform, allowing households to support electricity grid balancing. More than 6,000 heat pumps are now connected across London, the East, and the South East. The systems can respond to grid signals, enabling homes to pre-heat when renewable electricity is plentiful and reduce consumption during peak demand. The company has simplified payment rules and reduced registration approval times to one day. It also aligns services with National Energy System Operator timelines so participants can support both local and national balancing. Heat networks trialled in flexibility project In addition, UK Power Networks is testing heat network participation through its 'Heatropolis' project. The four-year trial covers three network types, with King’s Cross used as a benchmark site, and examines how heat and electricity networks can operate together. The project aims to show how flexibility services can reduce costs and relieve grid pressure as more homes move to electric heating. Alex Howard, Head of Flexibility Markets at UK Power Networks, says, “Flexibility from heat pumps, storage heaters, and heat networks will be vital as the UK transitions to clean, affordable energy. "We’re working on making it easier for households and flexibility providers to get involved - cutting wait times, automating payments, and making it easier to participate in both local and national services without any hassle. "This is all about making heating smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. With heat pumps joining EVs and batteries in providing flexibility, we are driving innovation in clean energy, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the future.” TJ Root, Heat Flexibility Manager at Octopus Energy, says, “UK Power Networks’ innovation will help unlock the huge potential of flexible heating. "Without lifting a finger, people will be able to save money, stay warm, and help make Britain’s energy greener by using heat pumps smartly.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Circular Lighting Live 2026 programme announced

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has announced the programme for Circular Lighting Live 2026, a one-day conference focused on circular economy principles in the lighting sector. The event will take place on 8 October 2026 at the Minster Building in the City of London and will include a conference, exhibition, and the Build Back Better Awards 2026 presentation ceremony. The central theme, 'Vision 2040: Restructuring the lighting sector', will explore alternatives to traditional product lifecycles and examine long-term approaches to low carbon lighting design. Sessions focused on circular design Delegates can choose from six sessions covering reuse, environmental product declarations, materials, fit-outs, product innovation, and sustainable project design: • Real world reuse — practical case studies on large-scale luminaire reuse • EPDs on trial — examining the role of Environmental Product Declarations • Materials masterclass — materials and supply chain considerations • Confronting Cat A — alternatives to standard fit-outs • Future lights — sustainable luminaire technologies • Disruptive design — case studies of recent lighting schemes The conference is free to attend for specifiers, including lighting designers, consulting engineers, end users, and architects. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more from Recolight, click here.

ESP offers reliable fire detection with Espire heat alarms

Security products supplier ESP is setting high standards in specialist fire detection with its Espire Heat Alarm range. Designed for kitchens, garages, and dusty environments, these provide essential protection where traditional smoke alarms may be prone to false triggering. These alarms utilise a thermistor, which acts as a heat sensor, capable of detecting temperature fluctuations. The Espire Heat Alarm activates at 58°C and offers optimal performance in spaces where smoke or particles from cooking or work machinery might interfere with optical detection. A compact and contemporary design with a secure lock-in base ensures a streamlined installation and tamper protection. Product features Key features across the range include auto sensor testing, a 24-hour memory function, and RF-link compatibility for wireless alarm integration. Installers can choose from three power options to suit varying project requirements: • Powered by mains with a sealed, tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery • Powered by mains with 9v replaceable battery • Powered by a sealed, tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery The Espire Heat Alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS 5839-6. All models are tested to BS 5446-2 and certified by LPCB (mains powered options) and TUV (battery option) for safety assurance. In keeping with the Scolmore Group’s sustainability goals, ESP has also committed to recyclable packaging and low-energy designs throughout the Espire collection. More information can be found on the Espire website and the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.

Who's Who - Future-proof your business with City Plumbing

City Plumbing, one of the most prominent and highly-regarded suppliers in the UK, is offering a one-stop solution for the electrified trades. Here, ECN looks at ElecStore, its dedicated brand for electricals, and explains why the supplier should be considered a trusted electrical partner. The market is changing. Are you? The drive towards net zero is fundamentally reshaping the trade industry. Plumbers, heating engineers, and electricians are increasingly required to work across disciplines to meet the growing demand for technologies like heat pumps, solar PV, and EV charging. Recent research* shows installers spend over three hours a week just sourcing products. That’s nearly 10% of a working week, or over £150 in potentially chargeable time, lost to shopping around. City Plumbing has evolved to meet this challenge by fully bridging the gap between plumbing, heating, and electrical supply, providing a simple, one-stop solution for increasingly integrated projects. Introducing ElecStore: Your electrical trade partner To support this shift, City Plumbing has launched ElecStore – its dedicated brand for electricals – putting the power and expertise you need right where you work: More than 14,000 products: A comprehensive range of electrical products, supporting projects no matter the size and including all the brands you trust. Nationwide expertise: Available across City Plumbing’s branches (over 350 in total), with in-brand expert advice. Dedicated support: City Plumbing has established 30 dedicated ElecStore electrical trade counters, each supported by an experienced electrical manager to give you in-depth product guidance. “Increasingly, tradespeople are offering a wider range of services, especially as low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and electrical heating, such as electrical radiators or storage heating, become more commonplace,” says Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director for Heating, Renewables, Electrical at City Plumbing. “ElecStore ensures multi-skilled trades have access to the products and advice they need, all under one roof.” Introducing the ElecStore branded range Described by City Plumbing as “Your trusted electrical partner”, ElecStore is expanding its offering to bring you a new line of own-branded products designed to deliver exceptional value without compromising on performance or reliability. This range is specifically curated to provide cost-effective solutions across key trade categories, helping you maximise profitability on every job. The range has launched with electric heating – convector, oil-filled radiators and space heaters, LED downlights, first fix accessories, plus a range of dehumidifiers. Plus, even more ElecStore branded products are arriving soon. Innovation and support that drives growth City Plumbing understands that saving time and building confidence are critical. Its investments go beyond stock to streamline your complex installations and upskill your team. Digital Innovation: The supplier’s suite of online Kit-Builder tools simplifies complex, integrated projects: Heat Pump Kit Builder Solar PV Kit Builder Underfloor Heating Kit Builder In easy steps, these tools allow you to plan and source a complete, compatible system with real-time stock and pricing visibility, ensuring accuracy and speeding up quoting. By evolving its offer, City Plumbing is supporting businesses at every stage through a time of rapid change. Choose City Plumbing and ElecStore to simplify your projects and help grow your business. For more from City Plumbing, click here.

Jefferson Tools launches new Tundra impact bit sets

Jefferson Tools, a tools supplier across the UK and Ireland, has introduced a new range of Tundra impact bit sets, available in 32-, 46-, and 54-piece configurations. The sets are designed for use with impact drivers and high-torque tools across construction, electrical, agricultural, and automotive work. Each kit includes a selection of Phillips, Pozi, Torx, Hex, and security bits, along with magnetic accessories and adaptors. Manufactured from S2 impact steel, the bits feature a torsion zone intended to absorb torque shocks and reduce wear. A magnetic quick-lock holder is also included for faster bit changes. Storage and compatibility features Each set is supplied in an interlocking case designed to keep components visible and organised. The cases can be stacked together for transport or storage in vans and workshops. Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools, says, “These new Tundra Impact Bit Sets are the result of listening to our customers. "We wanted to create a range that truly matches the needs of today’s tradespeople - not just strong bits, but smart organisation, flexibility, and performance that can stand up to the toughest torque applications. “Every trade environment brings its own challenges. The Tundra sets are built to meet them head-on, offering strength, precision, and the reliability professionals count on.” The range is intended to support fastening accuracy and reduce downtime associated with worn or slipping bits. For more from Jefferson Tools, click here.