Signify, Pineapple, Schn​e​ider launch ​Pineapple ​CoRE

Signify, a Dutch multinational lighting corporation; Pineapple Partnerships, a consultancy and venture builder; and Schneider Electric, a multinational corporation specialising in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, have announced Pineapple CoRE, a collaboration designed to accelerate decarbonisation across the the commercial and industrial property sector. Initially focusing on the UK, the collaboration is intended to be scalable for global deployment. The initiative unites consultancy by Schneider Electric that helps organisations map their critical infrastructure and seeks to unlock the opportunities available to them around efficiency, sustainability, and modernisation, Signify’s connected lighting solutions, and Pineapple Partnerships’ systems-change consultancy. Jointly, they hope to offer a pathway for property owners and operators to overcome common barriers to decarbonisation—such as access to finance, fragmented supply chains, and skills shortages. Edwards Vacuum, part of the Atlas Copco Group, is the first organisation to adopt the CoRE model. At its Clevedon manufacturing site (Somerset), a suite of energy interventions is being implemented, including: • Deployment of a digital twin by Schneider Electric for real-time energy performance modelling. • A new solar PV installation. • LED lighting upgrades and IoT-based controls by Signify. • Financing by Pineapple Partnerships. These measures target a 35% reduction in energy consumption and over 80% reduction in emissions at the site. The initiative supports Edwards Vacuum's broader sustainability goals, including 46% cuts in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and 28% in Scope 3 by 2030. The current site served as a pilot, with CoRE now rolling out to other locations in the UK and the rest of the world. Chris Adams, Site Manager at Edwards in Clevedon, comments, “Working with Pineapple Partnerships has been a game-changer in accelerating our factory’s carbon reduction efforts. Their expert assessment of our energy performance has enabled data-driven decisions, including the transition from gas heating to air source heat pumps and the installation of solar panels across our factory roof. The collaboration they’ve facilitated with experts such as Signify and Schneider Electric has significantly shortened our learning curve, allowing us to explore and implement best-in-class solutions with confidence. This integrated approach has increased the pace of implementation and reduced risk, helping us move towards a truly sustainable and future-ready energy system. The interventions currently being installed aim to reduce energy usage by up to 35% and emissions by over 80%.” Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader, Europe West, says, “Signify thrives on partnerships, and CoRE is a powerful example of how collaborations can unlock decarbonisation at scale. As a global leader in lighting and sustainability, we know that upgrading to LED and connected lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective, and impactful actions building owners can take to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Through occupancy-based controls and remote monitoring, connected lighting drives efficiency and enhances operational visibility. CoRE combines these proven technologies with financial and delivery innovation – enabling our clients to act now, at pace and scale. We’re proud to be working alongside Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric to help organisations like Atlas Copco accelerate towards net zero and build a more resilient, sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.” Rupert Snuggs, Managing Director, CoRE, adds, “We are delighted to work with our world-leading collaborators Signify, Schneider Electric, and Atlas Copco as we take the first step on our journey to accelerating the decarbonisation of the built environment by rapidly decarbonising more than 1 million buildings in the coming years.” Andrew McKenzie, Commercial Leader, Consultancy UK&I, Schneider Electric, concludes, “This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to support commercial and industrial clients in boosting operational resilience and achieving net zero goals. We will provide a clear roadmap for those facing ageing infrastructure, rising energy costs, and the need to modernise, helping them build a more efficient, optimised, and safer estate.” For more from Signify, click here.

Aico in top 1% with EcoVadis Platinum rating

Home life safety expert, Aico, has achieved the prestigious Platinum rating from EcoVadis, the trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Aico is now ranked in the top 1% of more than 150,000 companies assessed globally, an exceptional milestone that highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability. EcoVadis assesses companies on 21 sustainability criteria across four core themes: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Aico’s rating is a testament to its comprehensive and values-driven approach to sustainable practices. The platinum rating marks a significant progression from Aico’s previous silver medal standing, which had already placed the company in the top 13% of global businesses. This achievement reflects the company's continued commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through a range of impactful initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and promoting greener practices. These include the installation of 10 electric vehicle charging points to encourage low-emission transportation, the addition of 406 solar panels to generate renewable energy on-site, and the planting of over 4,000 plants and shrubs to enhance biodiversity and improve local air quality. Further initiatives include the elimination of single-use plastics in dispatch operations since 2019 as well as Aico's eco-fit range, plastic packaging and cutting paper and cardboard use by 58%. Aico has also signed the Zero Carbon Shropshire pledge, reinforcing its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through a focused Measure Reduce Balance strategy. Together, these actions showcase the company's ongoing dedication to building a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Daniel Rivers, Facilities & Compliance Lead, comments, "Contributing to Aico’s achievement of a Platinum EcoVadis rating has been a rewarding experience. In my role, I’ve helped ensure the right processes and support are in place, while collaborating with colleagues to maintain our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of our people and communities." As the company celebrates this accomplishment, it also views the recognition as a stepping stone towards even greater progress in its sustainability journey. Ryan Evans, CRM Support and Sustainability Lead, notes, “It’s a special achievement - not only for myself, but the whole team at Aico. “It’s a real testament to the hard work and commitment every day that makes Aico a great place to work. Sustainability is so important to us, and this is great recognition for our efforts. However, the work hasn’t finished, we are always looking at how we can improve even further and continue to be the best we can be”. To learn more about Aico's commitment to sustainability, click here. For more from Aico, click here.

ESP adds new Sounder Strobe to Espire accessories range

Following the successful launch of its Espire collection of domestic fire and CO alarms earlier this year, ESP, a UK fire and security product specialist, has bolstered the Espire accessories range with the addition of a new Sounder Strobe with Clear Lens. This high-visibility warning device features a transparent diffuser and white LED and it will sit alongside the existing red lens option, providing installers with more choice when it comes to providing dependable fire alarm components that are compliant with industry standards. Designed for reliability and performance, the IP65-rated Sounder Strobe is powered by a mains supply and offers four selectable tones. Its white LED strobe provides a clear visual alert when a property’s alarm system is activated, with an optional audible sounder for enhanced notification. Its IP65 ingress protection rating makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, including industrial, commercial, and harsh environmental settings. The unit is engineered for flexible installation, featuring 2x20mm side-entry and 2x10mm rear-entry knockouts for easy wiring. With an output of up to 83dB, the Sounder Strobe delivers both power and adaptability for comprehensive fire safety solutions. The Espire accessories range now includes RF modules, relay bases, clear lens/red IP65 strobe with selectable sounder, remote control switches, multi-tool (RF pairing and lock-in base release tool), and flame-retardant alarm masking plate. For the full Espire Fire Alarm range, visit the website or download the brochure. For more from Espire, click here.

Ovia launches Inceptor Slate Backlit LED panels with PIR sensor

Ovia, a lighting brand part of the Scolmore Group, has expanded its Inceptor Slate Backlit LED panels range with the addition of a new version that offers an energy-saving PIR motion detector function. Designed to offer improved specification on the existing Inceptor Slate Backlit range, the new panel with integrated PIR sensor delivers an impressive 140Lm/w efficacy and is power selectable between 22W and 30W, as well as CCT selectable between 4000k, 5000k, and 6500k. Ideal for commercial environments, these panels offer a UGR rating of <19 for reduced glare, making them suitable for offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. The built-in PIR sensor (optimal up to 4m install height) ensures that lights are only activated when motion is detected - reducing energy use and operating costs, as well as boosting sustainability. Available to order separately is an advanced remote control - with a 15m range - which allows users to tailor every aspect of the lighting configuration, adjusting lumen output, motion detection range, hold time, and stand-by settings. To ensure a simple installation process and easy retrofitting with existing Ovia panels, the new range of Inceptor Slate Backlit Panels come supplied with an LED driver and pre-wired with a CT101M Male Connector & a CT105-F Fast Fit Female Connector. The Inceptor Slate PIR Backlit Panel offers up to 50,000 hours of use and is backed by a five-year warranty. More information can be found on the Ovia website and on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

Ansell launches new outdoor lighting range

Design and manufacturer of luminaires Ansell Lighting’s brand-new outdoor lighting range designed for high-end residential lighting projects, Foliar Connect, has been released. Consisting of three contemporary, spike-mounted luminaires and a centralised control hub, the 24V, low-voltage lighting system is available in either black or natural green finishes. Foliar’s Planter Spike is designed for flower beds and other planting areas, providing low-level lighting, whilst the Mini Flood Spike delivers a wider spread of light in larger areas. The Spot Light Spike has been manufactured to provide more targeted illumination, drawing attention to specific features or architectural details. One attraction of the Foliar Connect range is its plug-and-play setup and centralised control. The hub includes a mounting bracket with a built-in spirit level, whilst the spike fittings can be pushed into the ground and connected to the hub using quick-fit connectors. Two- and four-way splitters are also available, enabling the system to be configured to suit different outdoor layouts. The central hub enables control across all connected luminaires and allows for CCT selection between 3000K and 4000K. An OCTO-enabled version is also available, offering remote access to dimming, scheduling, and other adjustments via smartphone or tablet. All luminaires in the Foliar Connect range are IP66-rated. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “As its name suggests, the new Foliar Connect range has been specifically designed to complement landscaped environments, and is perfect for subtly lighting up features such as foliage, pathways, and architectural details without disrupting the natural aesthetic. It is also incredibly easy to install and operate, offering users the freedom to change installation layouts and operative settings as required for enhanced functionality.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

New College Durham teams up with DEWALT to grow the trades

New College Durham (NCD), a further and higher education college in County Durham, and DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and American power tool manufacturer, have announced their partnership to support growing skills for tradespeople in the United Kingdom. This partnership is part of DEWALT’s 'Grow the Trades' initiative — a $5 million (£3.65 million) commitment to close the skilled trades gap in Europe by helping provide greater accessibility and resources for trades training. As part of the Grow the Trades partnership with DEWALT, NCD is the first of 10 colleges in the UK to partner with the newly-formed DEWALT Academy, a group of DEWALT product experts who provide hands-on guidance on how to use tools on the jobsite with a focus on trade education, including mechanical maintenance and joinery. The DEWALT Academy is supporting the school’s vocational courses and apprenticeships by providing additional training and free tools for its aspiring trade professionals. “The construction industry alone in the UK is expected to lose 500,000 skilled workers over the course of the next decade due to retirement,” says David Osborne, Vice President of Commercial Excellence at Stanley Black & Decker. “To help fill these critical roles and inspire the next generation of tradespeople, DEWALT, through our Grow The Trades initiative and partnership with NCD, is focused on providing students access to training, high-quality tools, and equipment to empower them with the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in their future careers.” Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham Andy Broadbent shares, “It’s a privilege to be involved in such an amazing new initiative and to lead the way in its launch across the country. We’re honoured to be the sole partner in the North East of England, and to lead the way in bringing this national programme to life at New College Durham. This partnership represents not just an investment in tools, but in people, education, and the future workforce. I am especially excited about the broader benefits this collaboration will bring—from enhanced curriculum development to further opportunities for student and trainee support”. Head of the School Simon Muschamp concludes, “We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to DEWALT for choosing New College Durham to launch this ambitious project. Your commitment to investing in the next generation of joiners, carpenters, mechanics, and engineers is truly appreciated. Our students will gain so much from this programme, and we’re confident it will leave a lasting impact on their learning journey and future careers.” For more from DEWALT, click here.

BRUSH to be acquired by energy investor Greenbelt

BRUSH Group, an engineering solutions provider for UK electrical infrastructure projects, today announced that funds managed by Greenbelt Capital Management have signed a definitive agreement to acquire the company from funds managed by OEP Capital Advisors. A 'true UK success story,' BRUSH has contributed to the UK’s electrical energy infrastructure for almost 150 years and operates from multiple locations across the UK as well as in Italy. BRUSH is a provider of power transformers, electrical switchgear, and engineering solutions for the transition to net zero, and this transaction hopes to see the firm build on the growth it has seen in recent years, with reported revenue of circa £150 million annually. Through its range of engineered products and engineering solutions, BRUSH supports both grid resilience and grid extension, helping to enable infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy integration, and capacity expansion to meet increasing demand. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH, comments, “This deal represents a brilliant opportunity for BRUSH. From the outset, Greenbelt has liked what we do and they are committed to supporting us as we continue to build on our enviable reputation for engineering excellence and technical know-how. What makes this deal genuinely exciting is that Greenbelt has a wealth of expertise in the energy sector and are experts on growing businesses operating within the energy transition. “On behalf of the BRUSH team, I would like to thank One Equity, who have been transformative for BRUSH over the last four years. We now look to the future with a new partner who are primed and ready to take us to the next level as we continue to deliver ever-more innovative and customer-focused solutions.” Andy Hopping, Partner at Greenbelt, says, “Grid enablement and energy resilience are core themes at Greenbelt. We believe BRUSH plays a vital role in enabling the UK’s evolving electricity infrastructure—providing the equipment and engineering expertise needed to integrate renewables, upgrade aging assets, and meet rising demand. We are excited to partner with BRUSH’s seasoned leadership team and bring our sector experience to help support the company’s next phase of growth.” Speaking on behalf of One Equity, Ori Birnboim, Partner, adds, “One Equity is proud to have supported BRUSH through a remarkable journey of strategic growth since 2021. We thank Nicolas, the entire management team, and all of BRUSH’s employees for their unrelenting commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions for customers while keeping to their core values of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.” For more from BRUSH, click here.

ECA welcomes 'Modern Industrial Strategy'

ECA, the Electrical Contractors' Association representing electrical contractors and companies across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has welcomed the publication of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The long-awaited strategic plan for the next decade, which promises to bring down industrial electricity costs, ensure projects receive timely connections to the grid, and support small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) by tackling late payments from large firms to SMEs. Rob Driscoll, ECA’s Director of Legal and Business, comments, “Tackling the culture and practice of late payments within the industry has been a cornerstone of ECA’s advocacy for a number of years. We welcome the Government’s commitment to unlock growth and go further, faster, solving this pernicious issue, and look forward to working in partnership with them to end poor payment practices.” ECA’s Blueprint for Electrification calls for improving grid connections and removing barriers to planning in order to speed up electrification. “The Industrial Strategy – Clean Energy Industry Sector Plan outlines a commitment to growing Britain’s electricity network supply chains, so clean power projects can connect to the grid,” says Jane Dawson, ECA’s Head of External Affairs. “We see this as a positive step to speeding up the energy transition, as outlined in the Blueprint for Electrification. ECA Member firms will also welcome the promise to remove planning barriers, an often-cited obstacle to new projects.” Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Deputy CEO, adds, “An electrical career provides high-quality jobs and good career progression opportunities. To match the demand of accelerating electrification outlined in the Industrial Strategy, the industry, just in England, needs 12,500 new entrants each year (5,000 more than current levels of apprentice recruitment). Procurement reforms need to prioritise growing the workforce by mandating apprentice ratios and other industry-endorsed skills targets in contracts.” While ECA says it welcomes the reduction in the price of industrial electricity for selected businesses, it continues to call for a review of historical taxation on electricity which would reduce the price of clean energy for everyone. For more from ECA, click here.

Espire Dual CO and Heat Alarms from ESP

ESP, a UK fire and security product specialist, is raising the bar in home safety with its Espire Dual CO and Heat Alarms – developed specifically for spaces where the risks of both fire and carbon monoxide are present. Ideal for kitchens, utility rooms, and garages, this multi-sensor unit simplifies protection with advanced, dual-threat detection in one compact device. The Espire CO and Heat Alarms incorporate independent sensors for carbon monoxide and heat detection, allowing each threat to be monitored and managed separately. Certified to BS EN 50291-1 and BS 5446-2, the alarms are third-party approved and backed by a five-year warranty. The Espire Dual CO and Heat Alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS EN 50292. Installers can choose from two power options to suit varying project requirements: • Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery. • Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery. Both models feature ESP’s signature lock-in base, hush function, auto sensor self-test, and 24-hour alarm memory. Installers can also benefit from optional RF-Link modules alarms for enhanced coverage. Supplied in ESP’s recyclable, eco-friendly packaging and built to last, the company says its Espire CO and Heat Alarms deliver on reliability, versatility, and sustainability – making it the ideal solution for today’s homes. More information can be found on the Espire website and on the Scolmore Group app.

Elucian Type B RCCB for enhanced electrical safety

Designed for maximum safety in an evolving energy landscape, the Elucian Type B RCCB offers comprehensive protection against all types of earth fault currents - AC, pulsating DC, and smooth DC - making it ideal for use in today's demanding applications. It provides high reliability and advanced protection for installations with equipment that may produce continuous DC currents, such as solar inverters, electric vehicle charging stations, and other specialised electronic systems. With the growing use of electronics that produce smooth DC residual currents, conventional Type A or AC RCCBs are no longer sufficient. The Elucian Type B RCCB ensures full-spectrum protection, safeguarding people and property in today’s increasingly complex electrical environments. The new Type B RCCB is available in multiple current ratings and sensitivities to meet diverse installation needs. 2 pole and 4 pole - 25A 30mA (Type B) RCCB 2 pole and 4 pole - 40A 30mA (Type B) RCCB 2 pole and 4 pole - 63 A 30mA (Type B) RCCB For the full range of Elucian single and three phase distribution boards and the comprehensive range of protective devices go to www.elucianuk.com. For more from Elucian, click here.