Airzone joins £5.5m Ofgem cooling energy research project

HVAC design and installation firm Airzone has joined equiwatt to deliver CoolDown, a £5.5 million Ofgem-funded UK research project designed to manage cooling demand and enable smarter flexible energy system Working in partnership with climate technology company equiwatt, the initiative aims to better understand how increasing air conditioning usage could impact the UK electrical grid as temperatures continue to rise and electrification accelerates across heating and transport. The project, led by SP Electricity North West and National Grid, in collaboration with University College London and Guidehouse Europe, centres around demand-response events, where users voluntarily reduce or temporarily pause air conditioning usage during periods of high electricity demand, typically weekday evenings for one or two hours. CoolDown events are triggered when periods of peak electricity usage are forecast using factors such as weather conditions, renewable energy generation and expected electricity consumption to anticipate when the network could come under pressure. Customers signed up to the trial will then be notified via the equiwatt app and can choose to reduce their cooling usage by manually switching off their equipment. Airzone sees gradual increase in demand for air conditioning Through the new partnership, Airzone will introduce automated control through Airzone Cloud, which can intelligently respond to peak demand periods by adjusting cooling and automating energy-saving actions. CoolDown is conducting two UK-based summer trials: trial one was completed in September, having initially prioritised the Northwest region, before expanding in size and scope for trial two in 2027 with the integration of National Grid’s licence areas. Fernando de la Cruz Quintanilla, New Markets EMEA Director at Airzone, adds, “Demand for air conditioning in the UK has gradually increased in recent years until the hottest summer on record this year, when it dramatically skyrocketed to the point where demand overtook supply. "We therefore anticipate Brits to plan ahead for next year by installing AC in their home or business facilities. As temperatures continue to rise due to the ongoing climate crisis, growing demand for cooling will put increasing pressure on the electricity system during summer peaks. By using intelligent controls to manage when and how cooling systems operate, we can help reduce pressure on the network while keeping customers comfortable." Joanne Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at equiwatt, says, “Airzone has been a valuable partner in helping us reach households for the first government-funded CoolDown trial. There has been consistently high engagement from participants, with people receptive to the concept of flexible cooling and many keen to take part in return for rewards." For more from Airzone, click here.

Why winter call-outs can throw entire schedules off track

Richard Skelson, Managing Director at field service management software Field Ascend, on how emergency call-outs in the winter can disrupt planned maintenance, increase engineer travel times and lead to higher overtime costs if businesses fail to manage their schedules effectively When colder weather brings a rise in emergency call-outs, maintenance businesses can quickly find themselves juggling urgent repairs alongside appointments that have already been booked. Moving one engineer to deal with an emergency might seem straightforward, but it can leave other jobs uncovered, delay existing appointments and create additional overtime if the rest of the schedule isn't adjusted carefully. The mistake that could be driving up fuel costs One of the most common scheduling mistakes is assigning engineers based purely on who's available, without considering where they're working or whether they have the right skills for the job. Sending an engineer across a large service area when someone qualified is already nearby wastes time and fuel. During busy winter periods, these unnecessary journeys can quickly add to operating costs and reduce the number of jobs a business can complete Why treating every call-out as urgent can backfire When a business is dealing with a high volume of requests, there's a temptation to treat every new job as an emergency. However, this can make it harder to respond quickly to customers who genuinely need immediate assistance. Having a clear system for assessing urgency helps businesses decide which jobs need attention straight away and which can be scheduled around existing commitments. This prevents teams from constantly rearranging appointments unnecessarily. How maintenance firms can keep costs under control this winter Businesses should plan for unexpected call-outs by leaving some flexibility in engineer schedules, particularly during periods when demand is likely to increase. Allocating jobs based on location, qualifications and urgency can help reduce unnecessary travel, while keeping customers informed about appointment changes can prevent further disruption. The aim should be to handle emergencies without allowing them to derail the rest of the working day. For more on Field Ascend, click here.

Tickets selling fast as ECN Awards 2026 approaches

The countdown is on to the ECN Awards 2026, which will bring together some of the biggest names in the electrical contracting industry to celebrate the companies, products, projects and individuals making a difference across the sector Taking place on 3 December at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry, this year's awards will recognise excellence, innovation and achievement across a wide range of categories, highlighting the people and businesses helping to shape the future of the electrical industry.  Tickets for the evening are still available, but be quick, as they're selling fast. The awards span four key areas: Products, Projects, Training and Companies. Product categories include Cable/Cable Management, Circuit Protection, EV Charging, Fire Safety, HVAC, Lighting, Power (including Solar PV), Security, Software/App, Sustainability, Test Equipment, Trade Tools and Wiring Accessories Product of the Year. Meanwhile, the Projects categories will recognise outstanding work in EV charging, lighting and sustainability, while the Training awards will celebrate the next generation of electrical talent through Apprentice of the Year, alongside organisations making a difference through training provision and initiatives. The Company categories will recognise achievements across the supply chain, with awards for Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and Contractor of the Year in both the under and over £5m turnover categories. ECN Awards gears up for another memorable evening Following an extensive judging process, an independent panel of industry experts has selected this year's finalists, with competition particularly strong across several categories. The awards provide an opportunity to recognise the commitment, expertise and innovation that continue to drive the electrical contracting industry forward. On the night, attendees will enjoy a three-course meal, a chance to network with the best and brightest in the industry and dance the night away with one of the UK's best ABBA tribute bands, ABBA Dream. With the finalists now confirmed, anticipation is building ahead of what promises to be another memorable evening celebrating the very best of the electrical industry. Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist, and best of luck to all those hoping to take home an ECN Award. For more on the ECN Awards, click here.

C-TEC's free CPD event hailed a 'huge success'

C-TEC's free CPD event "proved a huge success" with delegates from schools, colleges, councils and fire specialist companies who gathered at the life safety systems manufacturer's Wigan facility on Wednesday (4 November) Worth four hours of CPD points, the event covered lockdown procedures, low-cost fire system upgrades and Equality Act compliance through three seminars: •     An overview of Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025): What you need to know, the solutions available and how to comply. •     Equality and Accessibility legislation in the UK, the solutions available and how to ensure you comply. •     How to upgrade an old fire system to a state-of-the-art addressable system capable of lockdown functionality, internet connectivity, powerful false alarm reduction and more. The day ran from 10am to 4pm with registration starting at 9.30am. As well as the seminars, delegates enjoyed lunch and a tour of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The day ended with a Q&A session with C-TEC’s MD and standards expert, Andrew Foster. Factory tour 'a real highlight', says C-TEC marketing lead Said Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Director, says; “We were delighted with the response to our Education Day. Feedback from delegates has been excellent. "Many told us they came away with a much clearer understanding of the legislation and practical, cost-effective ways to comply. The factory tour and Andrew’s Q&A session were real highlights. Given the level of interest, we will definitely be running more events like this in the future.”  For more from C-TEC, click here.

ESR launches plug-in solar safety guidance for consumers

The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) has published new guidance to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing plug-in solar devices With plug-in solar devices becoming an option for households looking to generate renewable energy and reduce electricity bills, the ESR is warning that consumers need to consider more than simply buying a product from a supermarket, DIY store or online retailer. The guidance outlines the steps needed to ensure devices are compliant, suitable for the property and installed safely. Compliant plug-in solar devices should meet the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification and be clearly labelled with a statement confirming compliance. Product labelling should also identify the manufacturer, model or serial number, voltage, frequency, current, rated power, IP rating and protection class. The ESR advises consumers to purchase devices from reputable suppliers, follow the manufacturer's instructions and never modify any supplied components, including plugs, cables, inverters, panels and connectors. Where possible, devices should be connected to a suitably located and protected external socket-outlet nearby. Cables should never be trapped in doors or windows, as this can cause damage, while poorly routed or secured wiring can create trip hazards. Before purchasing a device, consumers are strongly advised to arrange for a qualified and competent electrician to carry out the necessary checks on their electrical installation. ESR supports renewable energy innovation The ESR also recommends contacting insurers before buying a system. Those living in flats or apartments may need approval from the building owner, while tenants should seek permission from their landlord. Managing agents, planning authorities and other relevant parties may also need to be informed. Following installation, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must be notified within 28 days. Instructions supplied with a compliant system should explain how to complete this process. The ESR says the guidance is intended to support not only consumers but also organisations and professionals helping people consider plug-in solar. Letting agents and landlords can share the resource with tenants and residents to explain the permissions and safety checks that may be required. Organisations can use it to raise awareness and direct consumers towards consistent information, while electricians can share it with potential customers to highlight the importance of professional electrical checks before installation. Nick Hayler, Chair of the Electrical Safety in the Home group, says, “We support innovation that can help households embrace renewable energy and reduce their bills, but it has to be done safely. Consumers should follow the guidance and use a competent and qualified person to help ensure their plug-in solar device is suitable and installed correctly.” For more from ESR, click here.

The paperwork mistake which could cost contractors thousands

With late payments estimated to cost the UK economy £11 billion annually, electrical contractors are being warned that cash-flow problems could start long before customers receive an invoice According to Richard Skelson, Managing Director at field service management software Field Ascend, missing job sheets, delayed engineer sign-offs and incomplete paperwork can leave completed work unbilled for days or even weeks. "When an engineer finishes a job, it's easy to assume the business is one step closer to getting paid. However, missing job sheets, unsigned paperwork or incomplete reports can leave completed work sitting in the system without an invoice ever being raised," he says. "For smaller trades businesses, even a few days of delay can put pressure on cash flow, particularly when wages, materials and fuel still need to be paid for. The problem with administrative delays is that they often go unnoticed until someone starts chasing an outstanding payment or reviewing the accounts." Skelson warns that if several engineers are completing multiple jobs each day, missing paperwork can quickly build up and businesses may have thousands of pounds' worth of completed work waiting to be invoiced without realising how much money is tied up in the process. Contractors advised to get head start on job reports "Relying on paper job sheets or engineers returning to the office to submit reports creates unnecessary delays, especially when teams are travelling between different customer sites," he continues. "When information is missing, office staff have to spend time contacting engineers, checking job details and requesting signatures before they can issue an invoice. That additional work can slow down the entire payment process." Skelson advises that one of the simplest changes businesses can make is requiring engineers to complete job reports and collect customer signatures before leaving the site. "Having job information available to the office as soon as work is finished makes it easier to raise invoices promptly. A daily review of completed but uninvoiced jobs can also help identify delays before they turn into bigger cash-flow problems," he says. For more from Field Ascend, click here.

EAS changes: electricians face new Level 3 requirements

As of October, electricians working for scheme-registered businesses may need to demonstrate individual Level 3 qualifications in several areas, with electrical distributor CEF highlighting the need for accessible training to help contractors meet the new requirements Changes to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) could leave some electrical contractors facing additional training and qualification requirements, as the industry adjusts to a greater emphasis on individual competency. Since October 2026, individuals working for companies registered with scheme providers, including NICEIC, NAPIT, ECA and SELECT, are required to demonstrate formal individual Level 3 qualifications in Solar PV, Electrical Energy Storage (EES), Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC), Micro Wind and Periodic Inspection and Testing. The changes represent a shift away from relying solely on the Qualified Supervisor model, towards more formal recognition of individual competency. However, while the move is intended to strengthen standards across the sector, awareness of the requirements has been inconsistent, leaving some businesses facing challenges in securing the necessary qualifications while maintaining their existing workloads. Electricians and contractors face training challenges Some businesses have taken steps to prepare for the changes, while others are only now becoming aware of the requirements through conversations on site, industry events and electrical wholesalers. For contractors already working to full capacity, finding the time to undertake additional training can be difficult. Taking electricians away from site can mean lost earnings, disrupted schedules and additional costs for travel and accommodation. For larger businesses, the challenge is multiplied across teams, with employers needing to balance operational demands against the need to upskill their workforce. Sole traders can face an even greater challenge, with training potentially requiring them to step away from their business entirely. For many electricians, the issue is not necessarily a lack of practical experience, but the need to formally demonstrate competency through the required qualifications. Finding training that accommodates existing workloads, while providing the necessary practical experience and assessment, is therefore becoming increasingly important. CEF expands access to Level 3 training CEF is highlighting its TechTraining programme as a way for electricians to access City & Guilds-approved Level 3 qualifications across the UK. The programme includes Wiring Regulations, Inspection and Testing, Solar PV installations, Electrical Energy Storage and Electric Vehicle Charge Points. To reduce the need for long-distance travel, CEF offers online learning and remote examinations for theory-based courses, including Wiring Regulations and EV charging. For practical disciplines, the company's mobile renewables workshop travels nationwide, providing an equipped training environment featuring a roof rig, inverters and batteries. Candidates can design, install and commission systems as part of their training, providing practical experience alongside the theoretical knowledge required for qualification. Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions at CEF, says, “We know it’s not easy for electricians to take time out for training, especially when they’re already busy. What we’ve focused on is making that process more convenient by making training more local, keeping it practical where it needs to be, and giving people flexibility where we can. “If we can make it easier for someone to access the training they need, that’s what matters.” Growing demand for CPD and qualifications The increased demand for training extends beyond the latest EAS changes, with new technologies, updated regulations and expectations around standards and safety contributing to the need for ongoing professional development. CEF says it has delivered more than 1,100 CPD-accredited sessions over the past year through its wider CPD programme, including CEF Live and TechTalks. For more from CEF, click here.

Exclusive: how to win more landlord and letting agent work

Andrew Heppinstall, founder of Leeds-based agency Unavoidable Marketing, offers ten practical ways electricians can secure more landlord and letting agent contracts Rented homes are one of the steadiest sources of work an electrician can have. In England, private landlords have had to get the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years since the Electrical Safety Standards came in for new tenancies in 2020. Social landlords now have the same duty: it applied to new social tenancies from 1 December 2025 and to existing ones from 1 May 2026, with the first round of checks due to be completed by 1 November 2026. Wales and Scotland have their own five-yearly rules too. That means a regular flow of EICRs, and the remedial work that follows them. Much of it is given out by letting agents, who manage properties for landlords and keep a short list of contractors they trust. Getting onto that list, and staying on it, is less about price than about making the agent's life easy. Here are ten practical ways to do it. 1. Know the rules better than the agent does Agents are busy, and many are not electrical specialists. If you can explain the regulations clearly, you become the person they ring for advice as well as for work. In England, the landlord must give the report to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the council within seven days if asked. Remedial or further investigation work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and the landlord must then send written confirmation to the tenant and the council within 28 days. Councils can fine private landlords up to £30,000. An agent who knows you understand all this will trust you with their portfolio. 2. Make your credentials easy to check Most agents want to see the same things before adding a contractor: membership of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, proof of public liability insurance, and evidence that the person doing the inspection is qualified to do so. Keep these in one short pack, as a PDF you can attach to an email, and update it when your insurance renews. Agents often have to show landlords, or their own compliance checks, that every contractor is properly qualified. Make that the easiest part of their week. 3. Code honestly, and explain your codes This is the single biggest thing agents talk about. Landlords worry that some EICRs are used to sell work, and an agent who gets complaints from landlords will drop a contractor quickly. Only C1, C2 and FI observations require action under the regulations, while C3 is a recommendation for improvement. Be clear about that difference in your report and in your quote. A contractor who codes fairly, and can explain why each item is coded as it is, is worth far more to an agent than one who is a few pounds cheaper. 4. Photograph everything A photo of each observation removes most of the arguments before they start. The agent can forward it to the landlord, the landlord can see why the work is needed, and approval comes faster. Photos also protect you if a finding is questioned later, or if a different contractor is brought in for a second opinion. Taking them as you go adds a few minutes to the job and saves hours of back and forth. 5. Quote remedials quickly and in plain English The 28-day clock starts when the landlord receives the report, so speed matters. Send the remedial quote with the report, or within a day of it, itemised against each code so the agent can see exactly what is mandatory and what is optional. Write each line so a landlord with no electrical knowledge can understand it. "Replace damaged socket in kitchen (C2, exposed live parts)" is far easier to approve than a list of regulation numbers. 6. Take tenant access off the agent's plate Arranging access is one of the hardest parts of rental work. If you contact the tenant directly, with the agent's permission, offer a choice of times and send a reminder the day before, you save the agent a lot of phone calls. Keep a simple record of every attempt to arrange access. If a tenant refuses or does not reply, that record helps the landlord show they took reasonable steps, and the agent will remember that you thought of it. 7. Send certificates the same day, in a format they can use Agents work from a compliance system, a spreadsheet or both. Send the report as a PDF on the day of the inspection, named clearly with the property address and date, so it can be filed without anyone retyping it. Once remedials are done, send the written confirmation promptly so the landlord can meet their own 28-day deadline. A contractor whose paperwork arrives complete and on time quickly becomes the default choice. 8. Offer simple, fixed prices Agents like knowing what a job will cost before they book it, because they often need landlord approval first. A clear fixed price for an EICR by property size, with the price for common remedials listed alongside, saves them a round of emails on every job. Be upfront about what is included and what would cost extra, such as further investigation or a return visit if access fails. 9. Remind them before the five years are up Every EICR you complete has a natural renewal date, and many landlords and agents lose track of them. Keep a list of the properties you have inspected and the date each report was issued, and contact the agent a couple of months before each one is due. It is a genuinely useful service, and it puts you first in line for the repeat work. If you are contacting private landlords directly, make sure you have their permission and give them an easy way to opt out. 10. Be easy to find and easy to recommend Agents check contractors online before they call, and landlords often search for an electrician themselves. Make sure your Google Business Profile lists landlord services such as EICRs and remedial work, and that your website has a page explaining your process for landlords and agents. Ask the agents and landlords you work for to leave a review. A few detailed reviews from people who manage rented property tell the next agent far more than a general rating ever could. The bottom line Letting agents are not just looking for the cheapest EICR. They want a contractor who codes fairly, sorts out access, gets the paperwork back quickly and helps them keep their landlords compliant. Get those basics right, keep in touch, and one agent can turn into dozens of properties, year after year. Andrew Heppinstall is the founder of Unavoidable Marketing For more from Unavoidable Marketing, click here.

Apprenticeship journey 'needs to be simpler' as demand ramps up

The Chair of Skills England has said the apprenticeship journey must be simpler for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK as demand for housebuilding, infrastructure and the transition to clean energy increases Phil Smith CBE shared his views during a visit of training provider JTL’s West Midlands centre in Aston last week to discuss how the skills system can better support employers and apprentices. During the visit, he said: “It was great to see JTL West Midlands’ training first-hand, and to hear directly from apprentices and the employers about what’s working well. We really value this local insight at Skills England. “Taking on an apprentice is one of the best investments a business can make, and the roundtable was a reminder of how much simpler that journey needs to be for small and medium-sized employers in particular.” The visit comes against a backdrop of growing employer demand for skilled electricians and plumbers, as JTL’s research shows the UK’s electrical workforce remains 25% smaller than in 2018 and on course to shrink by a further 32% by 2038 without intervention. Apprenticeship workforce 'shrinking' as skills demand spikes During the visit, Smith toured the centre’s facilities, talked with training staff and apprentices, and took part in an employer roundtable chaired by Chris Claydon MBE, JTL’s Chief Executive. Employers discussed how government policy could better support apprenticeship training, including employer incentives, simplifying the skills system, and removing barriers to creating apprenticeship places. Claydon added: "We were delighted to welcome Phil Smith to JTL West Midlands. Apprenticeships are the gold standard route into the electrical and plumbing trades, but the workforce is shrinking at a time when housebuilding, infrastructure and the transition to clean energy all depend on it. “Three in four of our employer partners are small and medium-sized businesses, so the system needs to work for them. That means a stronger hiring incentive, a simpler route in, and fair access to capital funding for independent training providers like JTL. "We were grateful for the chance to make that case directly to the Chair of Skills England, and to show him the quality of training happening here in Birmingham.” For more from JTL, click here.

One month until Awaab's Law Phase 2 comes into force, contractors warned

Electrical contractors working with social landlords in England have less than a month before Awaab's Law Phase 2 comes into force, extending rules on repair tracking to significant electrical hazards, field service management company Field Ascend has warned Under the legislation, landlords must investigate potential significant hazards within 10 working days, provide written findings within three working days where required and complete relevant safety work within five working days of the investigation. Emergency hazards remain subject to a 24-hour deadline for investigation and safety work. For electrical contractors working with social housing providers, this means tighter expectations around response times, allocating qualified engineers and documenting repairs. Businesses will need to track jobs from the initial report through to completion, making sure inspection findings are passed to landlords promptly and any outstanding remedial work is followed up within the required timeframes. Richard Skelson, Managing Director at Field Ascend, warns that the new requirements could put added pressure on electrical contractors managing multiple social housing repairs, with tighter timescales leaving less room for delays in engineer allocation, reporting and follow-up work. "With separate deadlines for investigations, written findings and repairs, contractors need to manage each stage of a job rather than treating it as a single appointment," he continues. "For emergency hazards, the 24-hour deadline starts when the landlord becomes aware of the problem, not when the contractor receives the job. Businesses should agree how urgent requests are passed over, record the original report time and flag approaching deadlines so managers can act before work falls behind." Landlords remain legally responsible for meeting Awaab's Law requirements Richard continues: "When electrical hazards are reported, contractors need to identify an appropriately qualified engineer who can attend within the required timeframe, without overlooking existing commitments. "Keeping engineer qualifications, availability and active jobs visible in one place helps dispatchers make informed decisions. If an appointment cannot go ahead or specialist support is needed, the job should be escalated promptly and the housing provider updated rather than allowing the deadline to approach without action. "Making an electrical hazard safe does not always mean the wider repair process is finished, particularly where temporary repairs or further preventative work are required. "Contractors should record outstanding defects, required parts and follow-up appointments with a clear person responsible for completing them. Closing the initial call-out must not remove these actions from view, especially when further work has its own deadline. "Landlords remain legally responsible for meeting Awaab's Law requirements, but they depend on accurate contractor records and progress updates. Being able to show what was investigated, what was repaired and what remains outstanding is just as important to managing the process as knowing when an engineer attended." For more on Awaab's Law, click here.