Cornwall upgrades heritage street lighting network

Cornwall Council has completed a major upgrade of heritage street lighting across the county, installing new LED lanterns in locations including Penzance, St Ives, Charlestown Harbour, and Penryn. The project forms part of an £18.5 million programme to modernise Cornwall's street lighting infrastructure, replacing ageing equipment with LED technology to improve energy efficiency, enhance operational control, and support long-term reliability. The wider programme was driven by a combination of factors, including difficulties sourcing replacement components for existing systems, the end of life of the council's central management system (CMS), and the need to reduce energy consumption as part of Cornwall's carbon reduction objectives. Heritage locations required a tailored approach, with the council seeking to retain the character of historic streets, harbours, and promenades whilst improving lighting performance. "The move to LED supports Cornwall Council's aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2030," says Mandy Langdon, Project Manager at Cornwall Council. "It allows us to reduce energy consumption and gives us greater flexibility through dimming and part-night operation." British LED lighting manufacturer Acrospire supplied a range of heritage lanterns for the project, including the Muirfield, Birkdale, and Cornet ranges, which were selected as replacements for existing fittings. LED upgrade aligns efficiency and heritage character All lanterns were specified with a 3000K colour temperature to provide a warm lighting appearance, suited to heritage environments, while maintaining visibility and public safety. Different power outputs, ranging from 14W to 64W, were used to meet the varying requirements of locations across the county. Most lanterns were finished in 'jet black', with selected installations supplied in 'moss green' or 'red wine' to complement local surroundings. Given Cornwall's coastal environment, marine-grade finishes were specified to help protect the lanterns from corrosion caused by salt air exposure. The new lighting supports dimming and part-night operation, enabling the council to reduce energy use when appropriate. Dark Sky-compliant lanterns were also installed where possible to help minimise light pollution. The installation required adaptations to accommodate a mix of existing column sizes and mounting arrangements. Acrospire supplied adaptor sleeves and bracket adaptors to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and minimise disruption during deployment. "We've been working with Acrospire for a few years now and have developed a great working relationship," continues Mandy. "They were keen to keep things simple when it came to ordering and provided designs with a very short turnaround, which helped us stay on track with the timeframe we had. "They've also supported us in finding solutions to make our varied existing infrastructure work with the new lanterns, supplying adaptors and additional parts quickly where needed. "We consulted with them early in the planning stages around CMS compatibility, and that input was really valuable in helping us make the right decisions for the project." Delivered in partnership with Enerveo, the scheme sought to provide a more efficient and resilient street lighting network whilst preserving the appearance of Cornwall's historic and coastal locations. According to the council, the upgrade is expected to reduce maintenance requirements, lower energy consumption, and support long-term asset management across the county. For more from Acrospire, click here.

Ariston donates heat pump to university for research

Heating systems manufacturer Ariston has donated an air source heat pump (ASHP) to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to support engineering education and research into low-carbon heating technologies. The Nimbus Pocket 50 air source heat pump has been installed at the University's Chelmsford campus and will be used by students across a range of engineering courses, including mechanical engineering, mechatronics and robotic engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering. According to ARU, the heat pump will provide students with practical experience of renewable heating technology and support research into energy efficiency and sustainable building systems. The unit is located within the university's Marconi building and will form part of both teaching and research activities. Supporting heat pump education and research The Nimbus Pocket 50 uses R32 refrigerant and has a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 5.1. Ariston says the system was selected to help students better understand heat pump operation, efficiency, and the role of low-carbon heating technologies in the transition to net zero. Representatives from Ariston recently visited the campus to view the installation and meet students involved in related research projects. Discussions included areas such as thermodynamic cycles and heat recovery systems for preheating water supplies. Edoardo Pauletta, Country Manager at Ariston, comments, "We’re pleased to donate one of our Nimbus Pocket air source heat pumps to Anglia Ruskin University. "As the UK makes swift strides towards achieving net zero goals, it is vital that the next generation of students looking to work in the renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental sectors have access to these new technologies. “We hope this heat pump will give students a better understanding into sustainable heating technology as well as hands-on learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career as the UK transitions to a greener future.” Ahad Ramezanpour, Associate Professor of Computational Fluid Dynamics at Anglia Ruskin University, adds, "Ariston’s generous donation gives our students invaluable real-world insight into heat pump technology, supports our research in this area, and helps prepare our graduates to lead the transition to low-carbon heating and cooling." For more from Ariston, click here.

Advanced expands University of West London's fire monitoring

The University of West London (UWL) has expanded its fire safety infrastructure through the deployment of AdvancedLive remote monitoring technology across multiple campuses. The project forms part of a wider programme to modernise the university's fire protection systems, which has seen legacy fire panels replaced with Advanced MxPro 5 systems across sites in West London and Oxford. Over the past three years, UWL has upgraded fire detection infrastructure across its estate, including at Ruskin College in Oxford, which became part of the University in 2021. The campus includes several historic buildings, including the Rookery, originally constructed in 1913. According to the university, the upgrades were completed without disruption despite the complexities of integrating fire systems across both historic and more recently developed buildings. More than 27 fire panels have now been installed across educational, office, and residential buildings, with three major campuses connected to the AdvancedLive platform. Centralised monitoring across multiple campuses AdvancedLive provides facilities and security teams with real-time visibility of fire systems through a centralised dashboard and map-based interface. The platform allows users to monitor alarms, faults, disablements, and system status remotely, helping to reduce the need for site visits and improve response times. The University's St Mary's Road Campus operates 13 fire panels, while the Ruskin College campus has six panels configured with site-specific cause-and-effect strategies. At Paragon House, four panels support phased evacuation procedures across the 12-storey building. Additional sites, including Cavendish & Century and Drama Studio London, use tailored configurations designed to meet their individual operational requirements. Jason Bennett, Division Manager at Alarm Communication, says, "From both an admin and engineering perspective, AdvancedLive has been extremely positive. "The live system view and detailed log make daily management much simpler, while remote access means the facilities team can react quickly and efficiently to any issue. "The installation was straightforward, and Advanced’s support throughout the process was excellent." Salvy Vittozzi, Sales Manager for UK South East at Advanced, comments, "The University of West London is a great example of how AdvancedLive can transform fire system oversight across a complex estate. "By combining the proven reliability of the MxPro 5 panels with the real-time visibility of AdvancedLive, the university now benefits from a solution that’s not only robust today, but also scalable for the future. "It’s fantastic to see how this investment is already saving time, reducing unnecessary travel, and strengthening fire safety management." UWL says it plans to extend AdvancedLive connectivity across the remainder of its estate as part of its ongoing fire safety management strategy. For more from Advanced, click here.

ESP launches new Espire Fire Alarm Input Module

Fire and security solutions supplier ESP, part of the Scolmore Group, has expanded its Espire domestic fire detection range with the launch of the new Espire Fire Alarm Input Module, delivering a practical and reliable solution for seamless third-party system integration across a wide range of applications including HMOs and social housing. Designed to operate as part of the Espire alarm system using ESP’s RF-Link wire-free technology, the new input module is powered by a sealed, non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery, providing long-term reliability whilst significantly simplifying installation. The wire-free design removes the need for mains wiring to the device, making it suitable for projects where cable installation is difficult, disruptive, or cost prohibitive. This allows contractors and installers to complete installations quickly and efficiently, particularly in retrofit environments. The Espire Fire Alarm Input Module enables compatible third-party devices, including fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, to trigger connected Espire alarm sounders and deliver a clear, audible warning throughout the property. This enhanced level of integration provides greater flexibility for specifiers and installers working across a wide range of domestic settings. Ideally suited for HMOs, social housing schemes, and standard residential properties, the module offers a compact footprint that fits within a standard 1-gang back box, supplied as standard, enabling discreet installation. A clear, front-facing LED indicator provides simple visual confirmation of operational status for both installers and maintenance. Key features and benefits include: • Compatible with RF-Link Enabled Espire Alarms • Volt-free input switch to sound alarms • 10-year sealed battery • Standard 1-gang installation surface box included For more information, visit the ESP website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.

AI is coming to electrical estimating

What if your estimating software could answer questions about products – in plain English? That is exactly what Electrika is building. Later this year, the UK's free electrical estimating software platform will launch Al-powered product assistants, allowing contractors to search, compare, and specify products using natural language instead of scrolling through catalogue pages. A contractor will be able to ask something like, "What Schneider MCBs are available for a three-phase board?" and get an accurate, contextual answer – drawn directly from the manufacturer's own technical documentation, datasheets, and catalogues. It is a significant step for an industry where product information is typically scattered across hundreds of PDFs and brochures. Experienced estimators carry much of this knowledge in their heads, built up over years on the job. But when they retire or move on, that expertise leaves with them. AI assistants can bridge that gap, making product knowledge accessible to every contractor on the platform. Why it matters for manufacturers For the brands whose products appear on Electrika – including Schneider Electric, Hager, Ansell Lighting, MK Electric, and more than 25 others – the AI tools create a new channel. Their technical documentation becomes fully searchable and integrated directly into the quoting process, adding value at the point of specification rather than sitting unused in a downloads folder. Manufacturers invest heavily in producing detailed catalogues, installation guides, and technical manuals. AI makes that investment work harder by putting the right information in front of the right person at the right moment. Still free, still shareable The AI launch builds on a major platform upgrade completed earlier this year, which introduced a fully mobile-responsive interface and redesigned user experience. Contractors can now build, review, and amend quotes on any device – desktop, tablet, or phone – directly in the browser, with no app required. Electrika remains entirely free – no subscription, no per-seat licence, and no limits on sharing. Contractors can share quotes with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors without anyone needing to purchase software. A freelance estimator can serve multiple clients from a single account. A growing firm can give every team member access at no cost. With more than 14,000 registered users and manufacturer partnerships including Schneider Electric, Hager, Ansell Lighting, and MK Electric, Electrika is one of the most widely used estimating platforms in the UK electrical contracting industry. The platform gives contractors access to manufacturer trade prices, professional quote reports, kits and templates for repeat work, and the ability to build detailed estimates complete with labour rates, equipment markups, and preliminaries. The output is a professional report that can go straight to a client or quantity surveyor. Getting started Registering takes less than a minute. Visit electrika.com to start quoting – and be ready for AI when it arrives. Electrika – free electrical estimating software that's been trusted since 1996. For more from Electrika, click here.

ECA hosts special event to mark 125th anniversary

Senior industry figures gathered at London’s Science Museum for ECA's National Business Day to explore AI, electrification, clean energy, and business growth as ECA marked its 125th anniversary. The Electrical Contractors’ Association brought together Members from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry for its National Business Day, showcasing the ideas, technologies and strategies that will help future-proof businesses in a fast-changing market. Held at London’s iconic Science Museum on 18 June, the event welcomed senior leaders from across the sector for a day of insight, discussion and celebration as ECA marked its 125th anniversary. ECN also had the pleasure of being in attendance for this special event, with Editor Simon Rowley enjoying being present for the panel discussions and other anniversary festivities. The day opened with Rob Smith, BBC broadcaster, alongside recently-appointed ECA President and Director of Drax360 (part of Obsequio group), Glenn Grant - setting the scene for a programme focused on innovation, business growth, and the opportunities ahead. Tech journalist, TV presenter, and AI keynote speaker, Georgie Barrat, explored how AI and the electrification of everything will reshape both the industry and the wider UK economy; while Julie Beaufils, Secretary General of EuropeOn, shared a continental perspective, highlighting similar opportunities and challenges across Europe. Panel discussions explored the scale of the opportunities ahead, including in data infrastructure and clean energy. Georgie Barrat and Julie Beaufils were joined by data centre expert Simona Capparella, Chris Sadler of ECA Member Kimbletech on solar power, and Chris Catterick of ECA Member SES Engineering on the role of gigafactories in building the batteries needed for electric vehicles. A second panel discussion focused on what ECA Members need to do now to seize these opportunities. Wider industry perspectives came from Yselkla Farmer, CEO of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA), and Luke Osborne, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, while ECA Members Chris Wright of Powercor and Chris Jenkins of RDM/EFT Consult shared practical insights from the frontline. The final session brought together Ruth Devine MBE, ECA’s Immediate Past President and Managing Director of SJD Associates, and leading experts in business growth, Professor Paula Whitehouse of Aston University, and Professor Mark Hart of Warwick Business School. Together, they shared practical strategies for scaling up and building long-term success. During the interactive lunch break, attendees also had the chance to meet exhibitors and look at their displays of products both from the past and present. There was also an interview with Cranfield University’s humanoid, as well as a demonstration from its robodog. Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Managing Director, closed the day with his reflections on the event, reiterating ECA’s increasingly important role in supporting Members to overcome challenges, grasp opportunities, and build strong, successful businesses that last. A celebratory drinks reception concluded the day, which marked ECA’s milestone anniversary. Steve Bratt, Group CEO at ECA, says, “Our National Business Day showed exactly why our sector has such a vital role to play in the UK’s future. From AI and electrification to clean energy, digitalisation and new business models, the opportunities for ECA Members are significant. “By bringing together expert insight, practical examples and forward-looking discussion, we wanted to give businesses the knowledge and confidence to take the next step, invest in growth and position themselves for long-term success.” For more from ECA, click here.

Ovia presents upgraded Emergency IP65 Exit Box

Lighting brand Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to strengthen its Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting range, a portfolio that has undergone significant investment to elevate innovation, performance, and compliance. Among the hero products of the upgraded portfolio is the Calvip 65, a slimline IP65-rated exit box. The Calvip 65 combines robust performance with a slim, contemporary design. Featuring an IP65 ingress protection rating, the unit is well suited to damp or humid environments such as changing rooms and shower areas, where reliability is essential. In addition to Calvip 65, every product within the Orbik by Ovia range benefits from a number of key technical and functional upgrades including enhanced self-test functionality, long-life LiFePO4 battery technology, a five-year warranty, and refined designs to meet the evolving demands of modern emergency lighting applications. The expanded Orbik portfolio The Orbik range is broken down into the following categories: exit signs, ‘Five in One’ exit sign, hanging exit signs, exit boxes, twin spots, circular and square spots, bulkheads, pin spots, and control gear and accessories - encompassing a comprehensive selection of emergency lighting solutions designed to meet diverse commercial and industrial requirements. Bespoke emergency lighting designs Ovia also offers bespoke emergency lighting design schemes engineered to comply with the latest BS5266 code of practice, incorporating all design objectives for optimal performance. Ovia’s highly skilled specialists produce detailed, accurate lighting layouts tailored to project requirements, ensuring comprehensive solutions that are perfectly engineered for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. For more information on the Orbik emergency lighting range, visit Ovia’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

Unicrimp expands Q-Crimp range with White Grommet Strips

Unicrimp, a Scolmore Group company, has announced the expansion of its Q-Crimp fixings range with the introduction of a new White Grommet Strip, further strengthening its offering for professional installers. Following the successful launch of the product in black, the addition of a white option responds directly to market demand and provides greater flexibility for a wider range of installation environments. Available in 3m, 5m, and 10m lengths, this new product reflects Unicrimp’s ongoing commitment to developing practical, installer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of the electrical sector. An essential component for consumer unit installations, the premium white grommet strips have been engineered for both durability and ease of use. Manufactured from a flexible yet hard-wearing material, they are designed to protect cables from sharp and abrasive metal edges, helping to ensure a safe and compliant installation. This makes them particularly suited to rewires and consumer unit replacements, where reliable cable protection is critical. The heavy-duty white grommet strip can be easily cut to the required length, offering installers a convenient and efficient solution on site. Retaining the same performance characteristics as the original black version, the new white variant allows for improved aesthetic integration where required, without compromising on quality or protection. For more information, visit Unicrimp’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

NICEIC-certified businesses gather for TechLive Surrey

NICEIC recently delivered its latest TechLive event, bringing together electrical contractors and industry experts for a day of practical insight, technical learning, and five hours of CPD. NICEIC TechLive Surrey, held at Mercedez-Benz World in Weybridge - which ECN had the pleasure of being in attendance for - drew a sell-out crowd, and covered everything contractors need to know from Amendment 4 of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, to renewable technology and recent updates to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS). The event opened with a welcome from new NICEIC CEO, Clair Mowbray, outlining the purpose of NICEIC’s TechLive event series – to help contractors navigate industry change, strengthen their businesses and working together to maintain standards across the sector. This was followed by a comprehensive review of key technical developments from NICEIC Technical Director Paul Collins, with Sam Donaghy, Head of Technical Advice and Practice who highlighted the latest updates impacting electrical work and compliance. Head of Training, Alex Robinson, then provided an overview of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), giving attendees valuable guidance on routes to qualification and workforce development. Looking ahead to wider industry change, Dani Putney, NICEIC’s Head of Standards, explored major policy developments affecting the sector, including the Future Homes Standard and evolving building regulations, with a particular focus on implications for renewables and energy efficiency. Alongside the technical programme, the event also placed a strong emphasis on business support and wellbeing. Representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shared practical advice to help contractors strengthen and grow their businesses, while the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) led sessions on mental health awareness and support, including ‘The Tools to Talk’, the mental health toolkit developed by NICEIC and EIC, designed to encourage open conversations and support for those who need it. The event attracted an engaged audience of contractors looking to progress their businesses and seek out new opportunities. Some 14 exhibitors played a vital role on the day, showcasing new products and services to NICEIC-certified businesses and themselves gaining first-hand insight into the priorities and challenges facing electricians. As 2026 also marks NICEIC’s 70th anniversary, NICEIC TechLive Surrey was also an opportunity to celebrate the businesses certified with NICEIC. This included three remarkable businesses continually NICEIC certified for 70 years: Crown House Technologies, T Clarke, and Paine Manwaring, who were presented their commemorative certificates by NICEIC CEO Clair Mowbray. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, comments, “NICEIC TechLive is designed to give attendees the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. It’s been fantastic to see such strong engagement here in Surrey. “In all of the talks I was either delivering or joined, there were interesting discussions and active contribution from NICEIC-certified businesses on how the industry is evolving and how that is impacting their daily operations. It really highlighted their commitment to both improving standards and developing their businesses.” Following the success of the Surrey event, NICEIC will continue its TechLive series later this year, with Sheffield set to host the next event on 30 September 2026. Contractors attending can expect another full day of expert-led sessions, practical guidance and opportunities to connect with industry peers and suppliers. For tickets, along with more information, click here. For more from NICEIC, click here.

SolarEdge to showcase energy management portfolio

SolarEdge Technologies, a smart energy technology company, will showcase a range of new residential and commercial energy technologies at Intersolar Europe 2026, highlighting its focus on integrated solar, battery storage, EV charging, and energy management platforms. The company says the latest developments are designed to simplify system design, installation, and commissioning for installers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors. Among the products on display will be the single-phase Nexis inverter and battery platform, which will make its European debut ahead of a wider regional rollout. The modular system is designed to support residential solar and battery storage installations, while providing backup power and energy management capabilities. The company will also showcase its three-phase Nexis inverter and battery system, launched in Germany earlier this year, alongside new energy management features scheduled for release during 2026. SolarEdge is additionally previewing an AI-powered energy management tool integrated into its mySolarEdge app. The platform is designed to analyse tariffs, solar generation forecasts, battery storage, EV charging behaviour, and household energy usage to optimise energy consumption and exports. New inverter approach aims to reduce product complexity A key feature of the company's Intersolar presentation is its new MultiRange Concept for residential and commercial inverters. The approach allows a wider range of inverter output capacities to be covered by fewer product variants, with output settings configured during commissioning. SolarEdge says this is intended to simplify system design, inventory management, and procurement processes for installers and distributors. For the commercial market, the company will highlight its CSS-OD 197kWh battery energy storage system, which was recently introduced for medium- and large-scale commercial installations. According to SolarEdge, the system is designed to support applications including self-consumption, peak shaving, and tariff optimisation. The company will also unveil a new version of the platform that includes backup power functionality and additional deployment options. Another focus will be SolarEdge ONE for C&I, the company's software platform for commercial energy management and optimisation. Pascal de Boer, General Manager Europe at SolarEdge, comments, "We have entered into a really exciting phase in the energy industry, where innovation in integration and software is unlocking new possibilities for both residential and commercial customers. "With advanced AI-powered tools and unified platforms, we're not just optimising how energy is produced and consumed; we're empowering customers to take full control of their energy usage in ways that were unimaginable even a few years ago." SolarEdge will also participate in several speaking sessions during Intersolar Europe, covering topics including multi-tenant photovoltaic (PV) installations and the role of module-level optimisation in commercial agrivoltaic projects. For more from SolarEdge, click here.