CMP Products raises vital funds for Anxious Minds

Cable management products provider, CMP Products, has raised more than £20,000 for a North East mental health charity dedicated to providing both lifesaving and life-changing support. Based in Northumberland, the company – which specialises in designing and manufacturing cable glands, cleats and accessories – has carried out a series of fundraising activities throughout the course of 18 months to raise money for Anxious Minds, with the team also dedicating their own time to support the local community. Since its formation in 2015 – which stemmed from the CEO’s personal experiences with PTSD, anxiety and depression – Anxious Minds has delivered well over 120,000 counselling and support group sessions supporting children, adults and veterans. Its services include support groups, therapy sessions, helplines, workshops and recovery centres, as well as online resources for anyone with anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions. Fundraising for Anxious Minds was led by CMP’s Culture Champions – a dedicated team committed to championing initiatives that promote positive health and wellbeing in the workplace. The campaign brought together hundreds of colleagues through a diverse programme of fundraising activities, including a non‑stop 36‑hour cycle challenge, popular bake sales featuring homemade cakes and pastries, as well as competitions and a car wash fundraiser. CMP employees also donated their time to support the charity, volunteering on projects such as woodland clearance and canoe maintenance. These initiatives helped create a welcoming outdoor environment for therapy sessions, group walks, and mental health support activities, the company reports. In addition, CMP staff supported Anxious Minds’ festive celebrations, helping to serve Christmas dinners to people supported by the charity at a local community centre. Leanne Branfoot, CMP’s Human Resources Advisor and Culture Champion, says, “We are delighted to have raised an incredible amount for such a worthy cause, while also helping to raise awareness of the vital support services provided by Anxious Minds. The work the charity delivers across the region is greatly needed, and it has been fantastic to see the collective effort and strong sense of community across CMP in supporting Anxious Minds.” The momentum generated from CMP’s fundraising activities did not go unnoticed, the company notes, with the business being shortlisted for a Corporate Charity Partnership award at the North East Charity Awards 2025. Edward Dean, CEO at Anxious Minds, comments, “CMP has been nothing short of amazing. The support, kindness and generosity from their team have been second to none. Their volunteers, advice and encouragement over the year inspired me to keep pushing forward in our mission, to ensure that anyone facing their darkest hours can find the help they need to move toward a brighter, better future.” For more from CMP Products, click here.

Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition returns for 2026

Entries for this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition are officially open. Returning for its twelfth year, Screwfix, a UK retailer of trade tools, accessories, and hardware products, is searching to uncover the very best in emerging trade talent across the UK and Ireland. The annual competition provides a national platform for trade apprentices to showcase their skills, share their views, and reinforce the important role apprentices play in addressing the trade skills gap. This year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion will receive a career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget, and £2,000 worth of technology. Meanwhile, the champion’s college will also receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on new workshop equipment to further develop the next generation of trade professionals. Building on past success Dan O’Shea, an apprentice electrician from Longford in Ireland, was crowned Trade Apprentice 2025. At 20 years old, Dan impressed judges with his passion for renewable technologies and his hope to encourage even more young people to enter the industry. Commenting on his win, Dan says, “Winning Screwfix Trade Apprentice was such an honour, but it was really only the start. “My entry took no more than 15 minutes, and never in a million years did I think it would lead to this. "I look forward to keeping a close eye on the competition to see who will be crowned the next Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion.” Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, explains, “As a retailer to the trade, we are committed to championing tradespeople across the UK and Ireland. "The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition recognises and celebrates apprentices while also highlighting the crucial contribution they make to the trade industry. “Over recent years, we’ve seen the number of applications grow year-on-year, which makes selecting one overall champion an exciting challenge for our judges. "Today’s trade apprentices are the next generation for the industry, bringing with them fresh ideas and skills which will be vital for the future. "So, whether you’re an apprentice electrician, plumber, painter and decorator, or roofer, what's stopping you? Like Dan O’Shea, you could be the one taking home the national title and a fantastic prize.” How to enter Free to enter, Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 is now open to all trade apprentices who are currently enrolled at college, either on a part-time placement with an employer or as a full-time college student. Apprentices can apply themselves or be nominated by their college or employer, and all applicants must be over the age of 16. You can apply on the Screwfix website and entries are open until midnight on Sunday, 15 February. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Martindale safety hub supports electrical apprentices

Developing safe working practices from the outset is a priority for electrical apprentices, particularly when working with or around live electrical systems. A clear understanding of electrical safety procedures can help reduce risk and support safer behaviour on site from day one. Access to practical guidance early in a career can play an important role in building knowledge, reinforcing correct processes, and supporting compliance as apprentices progress through training and into the workplace. Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, running from 9 to 15 February, Martindale Electric, a manufacturer of electrical test equipment, has highlighted its online knowledge hub, which brings together a range of free safety resources aimed at supporting apprentices and early-career electricians. The hub includes downloadable guides, checklists, and reference material focused on electrical safety and testing practices. All resources are available in one location on the Martindale website and are intended to support those involved in the installation, maintenance, and inspection of electrical plant and equipment, while also helping simplify compliance with health and safety guidance. Online safety resources for apprentices Among the available materials are checklists covering electrical safety compliance, electrical safety audits, and formal visual inspections. These are designed as practical reference tools that can be used during training or on site. The electrical safety compliance checklist focuses on six key areas: equipment compliance, safety procedures, training and education, maintenance and inspection, documentation and reporting, and communication and culture. Martindale states that apprentices can use simple audits as part of their learning to understand how safety processes are applied in real working environments. Formal visual inspection is identified as the first step in PAT and electrical equipment testing. The checklist outlines a structured and recorded inspection of an appliance, its plug, and flexible cable. Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric, says, “Apprentices are the future of our industry and thankfully we see a lot of skilled and diligent individuals coming through, so it’s crucial that safe isolation and safety procedures are ingrained in working practices. "Making this as straightforward and visible as possible is essential. It’s about getting into good habits, sooner rather than later.” The knowledge hub also references Martindale’s ALIVE and STOP safe isolation procedures, which are intended to reinforce correct practice when working on or near electrical systems. Additional guidance, posters, and documentation are available through the safe isolation section of the website. The site also includes a wider resource centre linking to industry information related to electrical measurement and safety. These materials are aimed at supporting ongoing learning and reinforcing safe working practices throughout an electrician’s career. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

Vent-Axia introduces Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse dMEV unit

British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has introduced a decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) unit with an integrated indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor, which the company describes as the first continuous-running dMEV of its kind. The Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse combines continuous extract ventilation with humidity control and indoor air quality monitoring. The unit is designed to detect and respond to total volatile organic compounds, adjusting extraction rates when pollutant levels increase. According to Vent-Axia, the fan operates with sound levels as low as 7.4 dB(A) and is intended for continuous use in domestic wet rooms, including bathrooms, toilets, and utility spaces. The product is positioned for use in PAS 2035 energy-efficiency retrofit projects, providing whole-house extract ventilation in line with the airflow requirements set out in Approved Document F (2021). A revised control platform allows airflow to be adjusted during installation and commissioning, with a speed adjustment dial used to set operating levels to meet Building Regulations. Intelligent sensing and installation features The integrated air quality sensor enables the unit to increase extraction automatically when elevated levels of pollutants or odours are detected. Vent-Axia states that the system responds proportionately to changes in indoor air quality and is designed to meet recognised benchmarks, including UBA air quality standards. Humidity sensing is also built in, with gradual speed increases at higher relative humidity levels intended to avoid unnecessary noise or energy use. Ashley Smith, Product Manager at Vent-Axia, says, “As homes become more energy efficient and airtight, indoor air quality has become a critical consideration with growing concerns around indoor air pollution, condensation, mould, and occupant health. "At the same time, Building Regulations are driving higher ventilation rates, placing greater emphasis on noise and occupant comfort. "The new Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse marks the next generation of dMEV, combining an integrated indoor air quality sensor with ultra-quiet, energy-efficient performance in a solution that is easy to install and commission.” The unit includes a delayed start comfort control option, allowing boost operation to be postponed for up to 20 minutes. If the light switch is turned on and off within three minutes, boost mode will not activate. The fan uses an EC/DC motor and has a specific fan power as low as 0.08 W/ls. It is IPX5-rated and can be wall or ceiling mounted within Zones 1, 2, and 3. Installation is supported by a 56mm ceiling void requirement and a 100mm spigot, intended to simplify replacement of existing extractor fans in refurbishment projects. According to the manufacturer, the mixed flow impeller and pressure performance allow the unit to meet the requirements of a range of domestic applications without the need for a centrifugal fan. The Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse is supplied with a seven year warranty and is listed on SAP PCDB. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Ansell unveils 'market-first' modular LED downlight

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has introduced a new modular LED downlight, Prism Pro XM, marking the replacement of the existing Prism Pro range. The new downlight is designed around a modular format, with a replaceable driver and light engine. These components can be changed individually in the event of failure or upgrade, extending product life and reducing the need for full luminaire replacement. Prism Pro XM is available in standard, gimbal, and anti-glare formats. It is fully fire rated for 30, 60, and 90 minutes, supporting compliance with Part B of the Building Regulations across all ceiling types. The downlight has also been tested to meet the requirements of Part C for moisture, Part E for acoustics, and Part L for energy efficiency. Power and correlated colour temperature are selectable, with options of 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K. Two output levels are available within a single luminaire. The product features a sloped bezel and a low-profile design - allowing installation in shallow ceiling voids - alongside a 60° beam angle for wider light distribution. The LED lifespan is rated at L80 60,000 hours. Modular design and regulatory compliance Installation has been revised with the introduction of a lever-style connector, designed to support quicker placement and removal. According to the company, this is intended to reduce strain during installation and help minimise the risk of damage to ceiling plasterboard. Fast-fit connectors also enable tool-free wiring. Prism Pro XM delivers up to 100 lm/W and is supplied with a seven year warranty. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “We are always striving to improve the performance and benefits of our products and Prism Pro XM is set to revolutionise the downlight category. "Putting sustainability and longevity at the forefront of its design, it has been developed to give installers and specifiers a smarter, more cost-effective and future-proof solution - one that reduces waste, simplifies maintenance, and delivers long-term performance without compromise.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

On The Tools warns 2026 will be a 'pressure cooker'

Construction might look busy, but UK tradespeople say the pressure is piling up. New data from TradeBrain, powered by construction community On The Tools, reveals a growing gap between how the industry is talked about and how it actually feels to work in it. Jobs are coming in, day rates haven’t collapsed, yet financial uncertainty and mental strain are rising fast. Report findings The TradeBrain Q4 report for 2025, based on responses from 2,080 UK tradespeople, shows an industry running flat out while confidence in security, margins, and wellbeing slips. Almost four in 10 tradespeople say stress or difficulty switching off is likely to affect them in the next year. Nearly a third are worried about low mood or mental health issues. Both figures are higher than last quarter. That pressure isn’t coming from a lack of work; it’s coming from uncertainty over money. Almost 30% of tradespeople don’t know what their next job will actually be worth, making it harder to plan, invest, or say no to risky work. Day rates are holding steady (most charge between £150 and £249 a day), but rising costs of materials and irregular workloads mean annual incomes remain flat. Material and tool costs are now squeezing nearly two thirds of the trade, while late payments, tool theft, and being undercut are eating away at already thin margins. Shifts in behaviour and attitudes Lee Wilcox, co-founder and CEO of On The Tools, says, “On paper, construction looks busy; on site, it feels very different. There’s still work coming through, but fewer jobs are paying what they used to - and that’s hitting people hard, when everything from fuel to food has gone up again. "The wider economy’s still putting pressure on household budgets and trades are caught in the middle: facing higher material costs, tighter margins, and record levels of stress. They’re grafting hard just to stay steady, but the gap between the headlines and what’s actually happening on site is where the real pressure sits.” The data also shows behaviour shifting. Tradespeople are being extra careful with spending, spreading purchases across multiple merchants and placing more weight on quality, guarantees, and service, not just price. In short, the sector isn’t collapsing, but it is under strain. TradeBrain’s latest Pulse report suggests that growth on paper doesn’t automatically translate into confidence within the trade. Without better margins, clearer visibility of job values, and stronger support for mental health, “busy” risks becoming the new normal, without the security tradespeople need to sustain it. For more from On The Tools, click here.

YESSS Electrical expands rapid delivery with TradeKart

UK electrical wholesaler YESSS Electrical has expanded its rapid and same-day delivery offering through a national partnership with TradeKart, giving electricians wider access to fast delivery from local branches. Electricians across the UK can now order products through YESSS Rapid in branch, as well as via the TradeKart marketplace app, with delivery available directly to site. TradeKart connects tradespeople with local merchants, enabling rapid ordering and delivery from participating suppliers. Through the partnership, TradeKart supports the YESSS Rapid service and also provides access to the YESSS Electrical product range via the TradeKart app. Orders placed through the TradeKart app can be tracked in real time, with a flat delivery charge of £5. Supporting urgent site requirements The partnership is aimed at electricians who need fast access to materials while working on site, reducing the need to leave jobs to collect supplies and helping to limit project delays. The service is available from more than 75 YESSS Electrical branches across the UK. Electricians can place orders either directly with YESSS Electrical for YESSS Rapid, or through the TradeKart app. Sam Hall, Head of Marketing at YESSS Electrical, says, “This rapid delivery service will enable us to go even further to meet the needs of our customers. "We know how busy they are and the challenges they face when working on site, and no one wants to down tools and spend time battling traffic to pick up a specific product. "Partnering with TradeKart means that we can provide customers with the ultimate convenience that will keep them on the job.” Alistair McAuley, founder and CEO of TradeKart, comments, “We’re delighted to partner with the team at YESSS to power their rapid delivery service and also to offer electricians across the UK access to the extensive range of YESSS products on the TradeKart app from leading brands. "Over 300 million hours are lost every year by tradespeople collecting materials, and this partnership will help give some of this valuable time back.” For more from YESSS Electrical, click here.

Sync Energy launches installer rewards scheme, Connect

Sync Energy, a UK manufacturer of EV charging equipment and part of the Luceco Group, has launched a new installer reward scheme, Sync Energy Connect, aimed at encouraging best-practice commissioning and connected handover for domestic EV charger installations. The scheme runs from January to the end of April and offers installers £50 for every two verified, fully connected EV charger installations. To qualify, chargers must be handed over to the homeowner, with the end user completing their first charge using the Sync Energy app. Sync Energy says the scheme is designed to support proper setup and app connection, helping ensure that smart charging features are available and used as intended from the outset. Smart chargers are increasingly expected to integrate with variable energy tariffs, rooftop solar, and demand flexibility programmes. Sync Energy says that without correct commissioning and app setup, many of these features may remain unused, limiting potential benefits for homeowners and overall system performance. Connected handover and demand flexibility For installers, a full app handover is intended to help reduce common call-backs linked to scheduling, connectivity, and tariff-related issues. Sync Energy notes that this can support smoother installations and improved customer understanding of charging behaviour and energy monitoring. The Sync Energy app also supports demand flexibility participation. Eligible homeowners can earn £5 per month by allowing charging to be briefly paused during periods of peak grid demand. These pauses are managed automatically and can be opted out of at any time. The company says this approach is intended to support grid balancing while allowing customers to earn a small monthly reward. The reward scheme is open to Sync Energy installers in mainland Great Britain. Eligible domestic installations completed from 1 October 2025 onwards can be included, provided the homeowner completes their first charge via the Sync Energy app between 20 January and the end of April. Rewards are available as digital vouchers at a range of outlets or, for higher earners, as cashback by invoice, subject to minimum thresholds and supplier setup requirements. Gareth Yeomans, Installer Training and Engagement Team Manager at Sync Energy, comments, “EV charging is no longer just about installing hardware; the real value comes from correct commissioning, connection, and a proper handover to the homeowner. "This scheme recognises installers who make sure customers can use the app confidently and benefit from smart charging features from day one.” For more from Sync Energy, click here.

Michael Smith Switchgear presented King's Award

Michael Smith Switchgear (MSSL), a UK manufacturer of low voltage switchgear and control panels, received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development during an afternoon of celebration at its Leicester facility. The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire presented the award, on behalf of King Charles III, to Managing Director Sean Smith and Operations and Finance Director Emily Smith. Team members and company partners gathered on the shopfloor at the carbon neutral facility to celebrate the handing over of the award - the UK’s highest accolade for business. MSSL was one of only 27 businesses nationwide to receive the King’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2025 - and one of just two East Midlands-based recipients. Celebrations all round Confirmation of the award came as the company celebrated a milestone anniversary. “Being told as we marked our 40th year that we were also to receive the King’s Award was a huge moment for the team,” says Emily, who met the King after being invited to Windsor Castle last year. “It shows that you can grow a manufacturing business, invest in skilled jobs, and still cut your environmental impact year after year.” The award recognises MSSL’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into operations. It was presented by Lord Lieutenant Michael Kapur OBE CStJ, who used his address to summarise MSSL’s sustainability leadership and company growth over the last 13 years. Alongside him, Deputy Lieutenant Rob Nixon CBE QPM DL assisted the Lord Lieutenant by reading the grant of appointment during the presentation. Sustainability at the core MSSL achieved carbon neutral status in 2022 and is currently seven years ahead of the Make UK Net Zero carbon reduction roadmap, alongside doubling its revenue and workforce. Future initiatives include acting on a recent water audit, exploring rainwater harvesting at the Leicester site, and implementing further energy‑saving measures. Emily began leading the company’s sustainability journey in 2013, ultimately introducing a series of measures that have reduced carbon emissions by 60% since 2018. Actions include installing rooftop solar panels that generate more than 35% of the company’s electricity and diverting more than 17 tonnes of waste from landfill since 2021. The company’s full Scope 1-3 emissions tracking is ahead of the Make UK Net Zero standard. Growth and investment Sean Smith, Managing Director at MSSL, comments, “Engineering quality and safety have always been non-negotiable for us. “The King’s Award shows that the same discipline and agility we show in building reliable switchgear can also deliver real progress on carbon, waste, and resource reduction across the whole business.” Founded in 1985, MSSL grew from a small yard behind a Leicester terrace to a purpose-built site that supplies low voltage switchgear and control panels to hospitals, logistics hubs, universities, and other critical infrastructure across the UK. The King’s Award presentation highlights how long-term investment in skills, safety, and engineering standards underpins its sustainability success. Alongside the King’s Award, MSSL holds multiple RoSPA Gold Medal Awards and ISO certifications, including ISO 14001 for environmental management. For more from Michael Smith Switchgear, click here.

Powered Now launches AI features on its platform

Powered Now, a leading job management software for the trades, has announced the launch of brand new AI-powered features on the platform, designed to help electrical businesses spend less time on admin. With Powered Now, users will now be able to proofread existing text, build on what has already been written, and generate brand new text from a simple prompt. Better still, the AI can be customised to match each user’s tone and style, so everything sounds like you – just written faster. The software update has also improved invoicing capabilities, with users now able to split quotes into sections and turn them into multiple invoices in just a few clicks – ideal for a staged job or part-payments. Every invoice clearly shows what is due, whilst the online version updates live to show what’s been paid and what’s still outstanding, allowing for easier cash flow management. The other improvements to the software include: • The ability to create documents straight from appointments – users can jump from the scheduled job to paperwork in seconds, with no need to re-enter details • Fully customisable templates – millions of configuration options across 28 templates to match each business’s branding and workflow • Electrical forms, simplified (EIC, EICR) – mass generate circuits, re-order, and pre-fill protective devices, allowing for up to 8,000 circuits to be documented on a single certificate • Upgraded text editor – further formatting options across all text boxes for cleaner, on-brand documents Preparing for 'Making Tax Digital' The latest software upgrade comes as the electrical sector gears up for the arrival of Making Tax Digital, with self-employed electricians having to digitally record income and expenses from 1 April 2026. On the launch of its latest update, Benjamin Dyer, founder and CEO of Powered Now, comments, “With electricians facing more admin than ever before, it is crucial that businesses can easily keep their records accurate and accessible – particularly with Making Tax Digital on the horizon. "Our new AI-powered features are all about giving electricians back more time, ensuring admin doesn’t get in the day-to-day business running. “We are continuously listening to feedback from our customers, whose changing needs have guided the latest developments of our software. We’re looking forward to working with existing and new customers to help them get the most out of our latest software update and to unlock the true power that Powered Now has to offer.” Powered Now is an all-in-one job management software designed specifically for trade businesses. With a dedicated, UK-based support team, the app allows businesses to invoice, quote, and schedule jobs and teams – all from one app. Electricians can begin a 14-day free trial now. To find out more about Powered Now, visit the company's website.