MP visits JTL Eastbourne to meet apprentices and employers

Josh Babarinde MP visited JTL’s training centre in Eastbourne to meet apprentices, employers, and industry partners, as well as to discuss how apprenticeship opportunities can be strengthened 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 says it trains more apprentices in the building services engineering sector than any other provider. The visit coincided with a trade morning event hosted at the centre in partnership with City Electrical Factors (CEF), bringing together local employers and suppliers to showcase tools, equipment, and to share industry knowledge. The event highlighted the collaboration between training providers and industry in supporting the next generation of skilled workers. Alongside CEF, other exhibitors included Milwaukee, Megger, MTi Instruments, Cefco, Luceco, other industry suppliers and the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). During his visit, Josh Babarinde MP toured the centre’s facilities and met with electrical apprentices, including first year apprentices employed with UK Power Networks and Southern Housing. He spoke directly with learners about their experiences and career pathways and engaged with employers on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Discussions focused on the growing demand for skilled electricians both locally and nationally, as well as the importance of promoting apprenticeships as a high-quality alternative to traditional academic routes. The MP emphasised the need for a broader shift in mindset to ensure technical careers are recognised and valued alongside university pathways. In discussion with the next generation Following his visit, Josh Babarinde MP said, “It was a pleasure to visit JTL Eastbourne and meet apprentices, employers, and industry partners. "Apprenticeships provide a vital route into skilled employment and are key to meeting the growing demand for electricians and other trades, both locally and across the UK. “I was particularly impressed by the quality of the facilities and the enthusiasm of the apprentices. It’s clear that centres like this play an important role in equipping people with the skills needed for rewarding careers and in supporting local economic growth.” Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, comments, “We were delighted to welcome Josh Babarinde MP to our Eastbourne training centre to demonstrate the high-quality training we deliver in partnership with local employers. "JTL Eastbourne has a significant economic impact across the region, supporting employers and developing skilled talent to help address critical skills shortages that underpin growth across the area. "High-quality apprenticeships are essential to meeting the UK’s infrastructure, housing, and net zero ambitions. "To boost starts and improve completion rates, we must continue to remove barriers for employers, particularly small and micro businesses who dominate engineering and building services, and to ensure apprenticeships are promoted as a first-choice route for young people. "We appreciate Josh taking the time to engage so positively with apprentices and employers, and we look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the skills pipeline.” For more from JTL, click here.

MESH7, the new wireless lighting control system from flex7

The latest addition to the flex7 range of plug-together lighting connection and control products, MESH7, is incredibly quick to install, easy to retrofit, secure, and offers a huge range of energy-saving control possibilities. The wireless lighting control system is made in Britain and uses mesh technology to configure and control luminaires. Whether you want to control a single room or a whole building, it’s effortlessly scalable. flex7 chose to develop its wireless system around an OpenThread-based topology so MESH7 would offer more and perform better than comparable systems. Utilising IPv6 over the older IPv4 protocol means there are around 340 trillion, trillion, trillion unique addresses at MESH7’s disposal. This means enhanced system security as well as more efficient routing of network messages. When it comes to installing MESH7, the process really couldn’t be simpler. Starting with a standard flex7 Lighting Distribution Box, you simply need to connect the Permanent Live, Neutral, and Earth. Once that’s done, the rest of the system just plugs together. You can find out more about MESH7 by clicking here. For more from flex7, click here.

Actemium delivers Scotland EV charging hubs

Actemium UK, a provider of engineered electrical, automation, and mechanical services, has completed two ultra-rapid EV charging hubs for IONITY in Glasgow and Fort William, expanding high-power charging infrastructure across Scotland. The installations include IONITY’s 700th ultra-rapid charging point in the UK and one of the few public charging hubs in the Scottish Highlands capable of delivering 350kW or more. The projects form part of an ongoing partnership between Actemium UK and IONITY, which has delivered more than 160 high-power charging points across the UK since 2023. IONITY now operates around one third of the UK’s public ultra-rapid charging network. The Glasgow site, located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Strathclyde, is Actemium UK’s first IONITY project in the city. The hub includes six Alpitronic HYC chargers, supporting up to 12 vehicles charging at the same time. The Fort William hub is situated just off the A82 and includes three Alpitronic HYC chargers, providing six charging bays for simultaneous use. The site is positioned along a key transport and tourism route through the Highlands. Infrastructure delivery across complex sites Actemium UK acted as principal contractor for both developments, carrying out civil engineering works, low-voltage electrical installation, testing, commissioning, and final handover. The Fort William project also included design work. Both sites were completed with layouts designed to support ease of use while minimising disruption to the surrounding area. At Fort William, the installation involved complex groundworks, including drilling through rock and installing 20-metre-deep earth electrodes. Grant Murray, Rollout Manager at IONITY, comments, "These two new Scottish hubs are important additions to IONITY’s expanding network in the UK, which has doubled the number of ultra-rapid chargers in less than a year. "We value our partnership with Actemium UK, which continues to deliver the high-quality, turnkey e-mobility infrastructure we need to expand access to ultra-rapid charging across the UK." Ross Jones, Business Unit General Manager at Actemium E-Mobility, adds, "We’re proud of the strong partnership we’ve built with the IONITY team, which continues to go from strength to strength as demand for high-power charging expands."

Ansell Lighting challenges college students

Lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting has taken its support partnership with Warrington & Vale Royal College further by challenging students with real-life projects, designed to enhance learning, develop practical skills, and support future careers. The tasks - set by Ansell’s Lighting Design Manager, Ken Chua - required the students to create lighting schemes for different environments using Relux, an application used by manufacturers to establish the number and placement of light fittings in a space. The students, who are currently undertaking the Level 1 City and Guild certification in Electrical Installation, worked collaboratively to design a lighting scheme for a sports hall. The assessment considered the placement of light fittings and emergency fitments, as well as their ability to factor in sustainability (such as the replacement of old halogens with energy-efficient LEDs). Level 3 students working towards the Advanced Technical Diploma in Electrical Installation, on the other hand, were tasked with creating a lighting scheme for a large open office space, which featured additional rooms such as a reception, canteen, and toilets. Their work will be assessed based on their research of appropriate lighting levels and will contribute to their final qualification. Developing practical skills for electrical careers Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, explains, “We have worked with the college extensively in recent years - providing support and resources for electrical apprentices and full-time students, as well as team members undertaking regular talks, and presentations on the latest lighting technology and products - but this is the first time we have worked with them on a lighting project. “We’re proud to be able to support local future talent and are looking forward to seeing what solutions the students come up with. Hopefully this experience will give them the skills they need to progress their studies and careers.” Karl Hill, Subject Leader for Electrical Installation at Warrington & Vale Royal College, notes, “It’s fantastic to work with Ansell Lighting again and [to] welcome the staff into the college to talk with the students and help them develop the practical skills they will need in a work environment. "As a local manufacturer, it’s excellent for the students to see the types of roles they can progress to after completing their qualifications.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Seaward adds IV curve tracing to PV:1525 range

Seaward Electronic, a UK manufacturer of electrical safety test equipment, has expanded its photovoltaic testing range with the introduction of the PV:1525-IV, adding IV curve tracing capability to its PV:1525 Series. The series is designed for commissioning and testing rooftop solar installations, supporting systems up to 1500V. It combines electrical commissioning tests with performance analysis within a single platform. The PV:1525 Series supports open-circuit voltage measurements up to 1500V DC, short-circuit current up to 25A, insulation resistance testing, and continuity checks. This aligns with the requirements of higher-voltage residential and commercial solar systems. The addition of IV curve tracing allows installers and operations and maintenance teams to assess module and string performance during commissioning, alongside standard safety testing. Integrated testing improving commissioning workflow The platform is designed to follow a consistent testing process, helping to reduce errors and support repeatable commissioning across installations. Nathan Barwell, Head of Product Management at Seaward, notes, “Installers need tools that work the way they do on site. "With the PV:1525 Series, our focus has been on simplifying PV commissioning, reducing the number of tools required, and giving installers confidence that their testing is complete, compliant, and ready for handover. “With IV curve tracing integrated, the PV:1525-IV allows installers to assess module and string performance directly during commissioning. This makes it possible to identify deviations from expected performance at an early stage, without the need for additional test equipment.” The tester also includes a Dynamic Surge Suppression System to manage inrush current during short-circuit testing, reducing stress on equipment when working with high-capacity arrays. Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity for recording test results and over-the-air updates to maintain software functionality. The PV:1525 Series, including the PV:1525-IV, is available now. For more from Seaward, click here.

Aldous Systems partners with Alta Labs

Aldous Systems, a UK trade-only distributor of networking and structured cabling products, has entered into a distribution agreement with Alta Labs, a US networking hardware company, to supply data networking products to the UK market. The partnership expands Aldous Systems’ networking portfolio, adding a range of wireless access points, switching equipment, and cloud-based management tools aimed at professional installers. To mark the agreement, Aldous Systems will host an installer event on 30 April at The Harrow at Bishopstone in Aylesbury. The event will provide an opportunity to view the Alta Labs product range and discuss integration into projects. Alta Labs’ portfolio includes networking hardware and a cloud management platform designed to support remote configuration and monitoring across multiple sites. The system is intended to simplify deployment and ongoing management for both residential and commercial applications. Networking range targets installer requirements The platform focuses on usability and operational efficiency, with hardware designed for typical installation environments and network demands. Damien Winters, Managing Director at Aldous Systems, says, “We are delighted to be partnering with Alta Labs. Their approach to networking aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering high-quality, installer-friendly solutions. "Increasing demand for reliable network infrastructure at competitive price points with installer margin and technical support, Alta Labs provides a compelling new option for our customers.” The full Alta Labs product range is now available through Aldous Systems. The company is also offering not-for-resale starter kits to allow installers to test the platform before wider deployment. The agreement, the companies note, reflects ongoing demand for scalable networking infrastructure across a range of sectors, including commercial and residential installations.

Passiv launches installer heat pump monitoring portal

Passiv UK, a developer of smart thermostats and energy management systems, has introduced a free web-based monitoring portal designed to help installers manage heat pump systems remotely. The Passiv Portal allows installers to track multiple installations through a single dashboard, supporting systems from 16 different manufacturers. The platform is intended to reduce the need to switch between separate monitoring tools for different brands. In addition to individual installers, the system can be used by organisations managing larger deployments, such as housing providers, housebuilders, and energy suppliers. The portal provides access to both live and historical performance data, including flow temperatures, energy usage, and user settings. This information can be used to identify issues, support maintenance, and reduce the need for on-site visits. Remote monitoring of system performance By centralising system data, the platform is designed to support faster diagnostics and ongoing system optimisation. It also enables remote support, which can improve response times and reduce operational costs. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, says, “Heat pumps are a critical part of the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating, but installers and housing providers often lack visibility once systems are installed. "Our new monitoring portal gives installers a simple way to see how their systems are performing, identify issues early, and support customers remotely. "By bringing all installations into a single dashboard, it reduces the need for site visits and makes ongoing support much easier.” The portal is available alongside the Passiv Smart Thermostat, which is designed specifically for heat pump systems. The device controls flow temperature to support system efficiency and maintain consistent indoor conditions. According to the company, the thermostat can reduce heating costs and improve efficiency while also supporting integration with time-of-use tariffs and on-site renewable generation. For more from Passiv UK, click here.

Power On completes Stansted grid connection

Utilities connections provider Power On has delivered the extra high-voltage (EHV) and high-voltage (HV) electrical infrastructure for the Stansted North Site development. The 170-acre commercial scheme, located north of Stansted Airport’s runway, is being developed as a hub for sectors including e-commerce, life sciences, technology, and logistics. Power On was appointed as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, overseeing the project from initial feasibility through to construction, energisation, and ongoing operation. The work included a new 33kV grid connection from UK Power Networks’ Bishop’s Stortford substation, alongside the design and construction of a 33/11kV primary substation to support the development. A substation designed for future expansion The infrastructure has been designed to accommodate phased growth across the site, supporting long-term development plans and increasing power demand as additional units are built. Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director at Power On, says, “Our integrated delivery model combined immediate technical expertise with long-term strategic value. "The Stansted North project is a clear example of this approach in action, supporting both the immediate delivery of the scheme and its long-term ambitions.” The development will include commercial units ranging from 30,000ft² to 1,000,000ft², forming a large-scale business location in the South East. Matt Burgin, Stoford Developments, on behalf of Columbia Threadneedle, notes, “Power On’s early feasibility work gave us a clear understanding of risk and cost, providing commercial certainty at a critical stage of the project.” The project forms part of a wider energy strategy for the site, focusing on efficient energy use, material selection, and the integration of lower-carbon technologies. For more from Power On, click here.

Sync Energy's Wall Charger 2 gets an upgrade

If you've installed a Sync Energy Wall Charger 2, you already know what this unit can do. The new Sync Energy EV Charger keeps everything you trust - the smart functionality, the reliable 7.4kW and 22kW output, the clean finish homeowners expect - but improves the things that could slow you down on site. This isn't a rebrand; it's a round of targeted, installer-led improvements that make the job quicker from first fix to final commissioning. Less faffing, faster finish The redesigned fixing bracket now supports a fully sealed installation, reducing the risk of water ingress, whilst the pre-fitted CT connectors that are integrated into the base cut down the loose components you're juggling on site. Colour-coded push-lever terminals make wiring faster and tool-free, with laser strip-length markings helping deliver a consistent, tidy finish every time, whilst upgraded pin power connectors complete an installation experience that's been cleverly thought through. Commissioning gets a boost too, with a new front-mounted anti-tamper and smart function button giving one-touch access to RCD testing and Wi-Fi reset. The compliance box? Fully ticked For installers, compliance is non-negotiable, and the Sync Energy EV Charger doesn't cut corners. It's fully compliant with The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, including Schedule 1, and runs on OCPP 1.6J with free lifetime over-the-air updates. Integrated RDC-PD protection covers 30mA AC Type A and 6mA DC detection, meeting BS EN 62955 and BS EN 61008. Open PEN Detection is built in to IET01:2024, meaning no earth rod required. IP65 and IK10 ratings, a three-year on-site warranty, and UK-based technical support round out a specification designed to give you and your customers confidence long after handover. Smart functionality that sells itself to homeowners Available in socketed and tethered formats across Wi-Fi and 4G variants, the charger connects to the Sync Energy App, giving end users Smart Charging, Tariff Sense, and Auto Solar Charging as standard. It's also compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go, an increasingly important conversation to be having as homeowners get savvier about off-peak tariffs and long-term running costs. But the smart ecosystem doesn't stop at the charger. The Sync Energy EV Charger sits within the broader Sync Energy whole home system alongside hybrid inverters, modular battery storage, and solar diverters, all managed through a single app. For contractors, that's a genuine upsell opportunity as more domestic customers move beyond standalone EV charging and into whole-home electrification. Robert Stuart-Walker, Head of Product at Sync Energy, says, "The new Sync Energy EV Charger builds on everything installers already value in Wall Charger 2, but with upgrades that make installation quicker, simpler, and more intuitive. "We've focused on practical changes that help on site, from reducing loose components to improving access, wiring, and commissioning, all while keeping the smart functionality and reliable charging performance contractors and homeowners expect." A proven product, refined where it counts In a market moving fast, the Sync Energy EV Charger gives contractors a familiar, trusted unit that's been sharpened for the realities of day-to-day installation work. Less friction on site, more confidence at handover, and a platform that grows with your customers' needs. For more from Sync Energy, click here.

Ventilux launches Waylite bollard lighting product

Ventilux, a provider of emergency lighting products, has introduced the Waylite Bollard, an exterior lighting product designed for use across commercial, public, and residential environments. The bollard is constructed from die-cast aluminium and rated to IP65, supporting operation in outdoor conditions. It is designed for applications including pathways, landscaped areas, and building perimeters, where consistent illumination is required. The unit has a 20W output and is intended to provide reliable lighting performance in settings such as urban spaces, education campuses, healthcare facilities, and hospitality environments. Its design aims to integrate with a range of architectural styles, supporting both functional lighting requirements and visual consistency across external schemes. Extended warranty for lifecycle performance Alongside the product launch, Ventilux has increased its standard warranty period from six to eight years. The change, the company says, reflects a wider focus on long-term performance and maintenance considerations within the lighting sector. Ian Murphy, R&D Manager at Ventilux, notes, “There is a clear shift in the market towards solutions that deliver sustained performance over time, not just compliance on day one. "With the Waylite Bollard, we’ve focused on creating a product that is not only robust and reliable in demanding outdoor environments, but also designed to integrate seamlessly into modern schemes. "Extending our warranties to eight years is a natural step in supporting our customers with greater confidence in the longevity and performance of our products.” Ventilux says the Waylite Bollard forms part of its wider portfolio of exterior lighting products aimed at supporting durability, efficiency, and long-term use. For more from Ventilux, click here.