Luceco provides lighting for regenerated Piano Building

When West Midlands-based electrical contractors Barrie Beard were looking for a lighting manufacturer for their latest project at Kidderminster’s Piano Building, they chose Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, to provide a complete lighting and controls system that would meet the brief. Purchased by Wyre Forest District Council in 2024, the Piano Building project is part of the town’s wider regeneration programme, supported by the Government’s £17.9 million Levelling Up Fund grant for Kidderminster. The Grade II-listed building is being transformed and repurposed into a modern, mixed-use facility which includes co-working and hybrid working spaces, an entertainment space, and restaurants. From design through to hands-on support, Luceco says it worked closely with Barrie Beard to deliver its upgrade of a new, high-performance lighting and controls system for the building, ready for it to be occupied in Autumn 2025. Jay Taylor, Account Manager at Luceco, comments, “We are delighted to have been able to provide comprehensive support that went beyond initial product supply, achieving both a scheme that would reflect and enhance the character of the building and also delivering a system that would maximise on energy savings with reliable performance.” Product selection Prior to the start of the project, Luceco carried out a controls demonstration to explain the controls offering and potential savings the client could achieve. The company was then able to recommend a range of high-performance luminaires to meet the various lighting requirements of the building. Luceco’s Climate Extra IP66 linear luminaire was chosen for its "durability and efficiency", being appropriate for areas needing low-maintenance lighting. Platinum Downlights were selected to provide a clean light in communal areas, complemented by Celeste backlit panels, selected for their "uniform light distribution and contemporary finish". Presence and daylight sensors were also integrated to allow the system to adapt automatically, reducing energy use in unoccupied areas and enhancing the building’s sustainability credentials. Zach Beesley, Contracts Manager at Barrie Beard, comments, "We saw real energy-saving potential during the controls demonstration, and the support the Luceco team gave us from design to installation was outstanding. "The products performed exactly as promised, making the process straightforward and stress-free." Jay Taylor, concludes, "We’re proud to have contributed to a project that celebrates heritage while creating modern spaces that people want to use." For more from Luceco, click here.

Makita launches new 40VMax XGT vacuum and dust extractor

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has expanded its 40VMax XGT cordless platform with the launch of a new L-Class vacuum and dust extractor designed for site cleaning and low-hazard dust applications. The new cordless unit is positioned as a portable option for professional users, combining dust extraction and site vacuum functions with automatic operation and battery-powered flexibility. The vacuum delivers a maximum sealed suction of 15 kilopascals and an airflow volume of up to 2.0 cubic metres per minute. According to Makita, this represents an increase in performance compared with previous 18V platforms, without an increase in overall size. Noise levels are stated at up to 75 dB(A), supported by the design of the motor housing and internal supports. A pre-filter and HEPA filter are also included to support dust capture and air quality. Designed for site use and dust control As an L-Class dust extractor, the vacuum is suitable for tasks producing low-hazard dust, including cutting or sanding softwood and gypsum plasterboard. It also supports Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System, which uses Bluetooth connectivity to link compatible tools and automatically activate extraction when a tool is in use. The unit uses a brushless motor, intended to improve energy efficiency and runtime compared with brushed alternatives. Runtime is stated as between 22 and 120 minutes using a 5.0Ah battery, depending on the selected power setting, with compatibility for higher-capacity 8.0Ah batteries for extended operation. Additional features include adjustable suction control, wet cleaning capability with a dedicated filter, and a built-in blower function. The vacuum has a wet capacity of 4.5 litres and a dry capacity of 7.5 litres, with options to operate with or without cloth filters or paper dust bags. Accessories, including hose extensions and a telescopic pipe, allow configuration to suit different tasks. For mobility on site, the vacuum includes an integrated carry handle and removable shoulder strap. Optional casters can also be fitted to the base to allow easier movement during use. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, says, “Its portability means simple dust extraction can be achieved in a wide range of locations and, as part of the 40VMax XGT platform, it delivers the power that professionals require.” For more from Makita, click here.

Urban Fox to deploy new Kent EV chargepoints

Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured a 20-year deal with Kent County Council to deploy a large-scale programme of on-street electric vehicle chargers across Kent. Forming part of Kent County Council’s strategy to modernise transport and support innovation across the county, Urban Fox will install up to 10,000 new on‑street electric vehicle chargers, prioritising areas where residents have limited access to off‑street parking. Working closely with Kent County Council, as well as district and borough councils, Urban Fox says it will ensure chargers are installed in the most suitable locations, drawing on a range of on‑street solutions designed to "integrate sensitively" into residential neighbourhoods. Expanding Kent's charging infrastructure Ion Appuhamy, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Investments, comments, “We are delighted to partner with Kent County Council to deliver cutting-edge electric vehicle charging infrastructure that meets the needs of local communities. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating a cleaner, greener future by making electric vehicle charging accessible and convenient for everyone. "By working together, we are helping to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport and supporting Kent’s ambition to lead the way in low-carbon mobility." Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO for Urban Fox, adds, “This programme represents a significant step forward for electric vehicle charging in Kent and is a vote of confidence in Urban Fox’s ability to deliver at scale while keeping communities at the heart of every project.” Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Kent County Council, explains, “We’re pleased to support this programme because it offers practical help for residents and prepares Kent for the future. "It will deliver reliable and affordable charging within walking distance of their homes, which is particularly important for people who do not have off-road parking, and it’s being delivered at no extra cost to Kent’s Council Tax payers.” Residents have already shared over 700 locations where they would like to see electric vehicle chargers, and these will be assessed over the coming months as the roll-out begins. For more from Urban Fox, click here.

Click Scolmore expands New Media range

Click Scolmore, a designer and manufacturer of electrical accessories, has expanded its New Media wiring accessories portfolio with the introduction of a new eight aperture front plate for its screwless Definity collection, alongside two additional finishes for its existing New Media eight aperture plates. The unfurnished eight aperture front plate has been added to the Definity range to support installations requiring a single, centralised connection point for multiple media outlets. The design allows installers to combine different media modules within one plate, reducing the need for multiple accessories and supporting a more consistent wall finish. New finishes and wider range availability The company has also extended its New Media eight aperture plate range with two new finishes: Matt Bronze and Matt Black. These finishes are intended to support projects where visual consistency is a consideration, including both residential and commercial environments. The New Media range is available across several Click Scolmore collections, including Deco, Deco Plus, Definity, and Mode, allowing specifiers and installers to select accessories that align with individual project requirements. New Media modules are available in black, white, or grey, and are designed to fit into unfurnished plates across selected ranges. The wider portfolio includes half semi-modular part-furnished plates within the New Media and Mode ranges; semi-modular part-furnished plates across Deco, Deco Plus, Definity, and Mode; and unfurnished eight aperture front plates in the New Media and Mode collections. The addition of the screwless Definity option, alongside the new finishes, expands the available configuration and design choices. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Ovia highlights its Inceptor Milli downlight range

The compact yet powerful Inceptor Milli Adjustable is the latest addition to lighting brand Ovia’s growing Milli family of fire-rated domestic downlights. Designed with the same innovation, fire-rated safety, and ease of installation as the standard Milli, the adjustable version offers a seamless 360° rotation and 20° tilt capability to deliver total directional lighting control. Complementing the Inceptor Milli Fixed and Inceptor Milli Baffle versions, Inceptor Milli Adjustable brings unparalleled flexibility, performance, and aesthetic appeal for domestic applications. Offering 360° rotation and 20° tilt capability, the light output can be positioned exactly where it is needed. Ideal for new installations and retrofit projects, it has been designed with a cut-out range of 68mm to 75mm, ensuring compatibility with a variety of ceiling apertures. The broader range allows easier replacement of existing downlight without the need for additional adjustments. Switch it up A key feature of the Inceptor Milli downlight range is the option to seamlessly switch between 6.4W and 4W power outputs using a single switch to offer unprecedented control over lighting environments. There is also the ability to easily switch the colour temperatures between 2700K (Warm White), 4000K (Cool White), and 6500K (Daylight). Setting the Milli apart is the rotatable insulation cover which allows you to install the downlights safely under insulation but also adjust the cover, allowing for 5mm extra clearance. On the adjustable and standard/fixed Milli downlight, the insulation cover can be twisted to the up and down position and still fit in a 60mm void. The baffle version fits in a 60mm void when the insulation cover is down and the plasterboard is a minimum thickness of 12.5cm. All three versions – Standard, Baffle, and now Adjustable – are IP65-rated. With a broad cut-out range of 64mm to 75mm, the Milli can be installed in a wide range of existing ceiling downlight cut-outs. The fittings are supplied pre-wired with a Fast-Fit, 3-Pole & Loop Flow connector. A loose push-fit Flow connector is also supplied in the box which ensures a quick and easy installation process. Five bezel finishes are available, with a choice of White, Black, Chrome, Satin Chrome, and Antique Brass finishes offered. For more from Ovia, click here.

NICEIC announces its 70th anniversary activities

NICEIC, the certification and training body for the building services industry, is marking its 70th anniversary in 2026. To celebrate, the organisation will shine a light on the dedicated businesses that have grown with it over the years in a series of features to be released throughout 2026. Since 1956, NICEIC has stood alongside certified businesses of every size, supporting them to build thriving companies. It has also trained generations of professionals and helped keep homes, workplaces and communities safe. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, comments, “Our 70th year is really about shining a light on the incredible contractors who have been certified with us over the years. They are the trusted experts who keep the country running. We’re proud to have been part of their journeys over the decades. “Look back over NICEIC's history and you'll see an industry transformed. New technologies, smart homes, and renewable energy have reshaped how we live, work, and travel. But when it comes to electrical installations, some things never change: strong technical skills and a commitment to safety remain as vital as ever. With certification remaining the anchor that keeps those to technical skills, alongside a commitment to safety at the heart of the trade.”   Looking ahead Throughout 2026, NICEIC will host a programme of activities designed to further support our certified businesses and celebrate their dedication. Two in-person CPD events across the UK: NICEIC TechLive Surrey (11 June)   NICEIC TechLive Sheffield (30 September) Special anniversary content and stories highlighting the businesses and individuals who have shaped the industry. Opportunities for contractors to share their journeys, celebrate milestones, and spotlight the people behind their success. Training, guidance, and industry insights to help businesses continue to grow in a rapidly evolving sector. These activities will celebrate the past while purposefully looking ahead to the future; a future that will continue to be defined by the skilled, certified professionals who remain essential to the UK’s safety, sustainability, and technological progress. Cameron Lister, Director at Edmiston Brown, an electrical contracting business certified by NICEIC since 1957, says, “We’ve seen huge changes in the world and on the job, with new tech, regulations, and ways of working. Through all of that, our core values have stayed the same: doing great work and maintaining high standards. Certification has always been part of that. No matter what the future brings, your name and your reputation is what the business lives or dies by - the fact people associate us with quality work is what’s helped us survive and thrive over so many years.” Celebrating the industry’s future As the industry enters 2026, contractors are navigating a period of accelerating change, from the publication of the Warm Homes Plan and rapid expansion of renewable technologies to the introduction of Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671:2018 (the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations), and the strengthening of electrical safety requirements in homes across the UK. Through every shift, certification has remained an anchor of continuity, giving businesses the confidence and credibility they need to adapt and grow. As we witness further innovation, electrification, and the transition to net zero, NICEIC says that it remains committed to supporting contractors attain the highest standards with training, technical guidance, and continued professional development. This commitment to technical integrity and professionalism amid accelerating change will continue to guide NICEIC’s work. “The next chapter of our industry will be shaped by the same people who have always driven it forward - committed and dedicated NICEIC-certified businesses on the ground,” adds Paul Collins. “Our role is to champion them, support them, and ensure they have the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.” For more from NICEIC, click here.

TECH-X 2026 releases programme ahead of July conference

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), a UK trade body for lighting manufacturers and suppliers, has announced the draft programme for TECH-X 2026: Technical Excellence Conference, taking place on Thursday 2 July 2026 at the Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre in Birmingham. TECH-X 2026 will deliver a day of discussions and knowledge-sharing, designed to support professionals across the lighting supply chain. The conference will feature four dedicated stages, enabling delegates to tailor their day around their technical priorities, be them: • Connected lighting • Lighting design • Technical updates • Sustainability Programme contents The draft programme (subject to change) highlights a strong focus on regulation, safety, sustainability, human-centric lighting, and the evolving role of connected systems. Sessions will explore topics including the Building Safety Act and fire safety accountability, changes to emergency lighting standards, flicker and temporal light artefacts, remanufacturing and compliance responsibilities, and European regulation and its implications for UK lighting companies. Across the design and standards-focused stages, attendees can expect sessions addressing lighting for human health and wellbeing, healthy homes and later-life living, designing lighting for retrofit, and integrating light with wider building performance considerations such as acoustics, air quality, and daylight. The connected lighting and sustainability content will examine whole-life carbon performance, net zero expectations, BREEAM 2026, digital product passports, and data transparency, alongside practical discussions on managing software-driven lighting systems over the life of a building. Neil McLean, Chair of the LIA’s Technical Management group, says, “TECHX was established to provide a specialised forum for advancing technical expertise in the lighting industry. "Releasing the draft programme allows the sector to preview the comprehensive, technical content we are developing, demonstrating our commitment to equipping members and the wider industry with knowledge-driven insights and good practice through technically-led events.” TECH-X 2026 is aimed at contractors, manufacturers, lighting designers, specifiers, consultants, and engineers. Delegate booking is now open. For more from the LIA, click here.

LIA and Recolight forge sustainable lighting partnership

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), the UK’s largest trade body for lighting manufacturers and suppliers, and Recolight, the UK’s leading WEEE compliance and circular economy champion for lighting, have announced a new strategic partnership designed to accelerate sustainability and compliance across the sector. Key elements of the partnership include: • Reciprocal online resources linking each others’ members to relevant services and support • Newsletter features to members of both organisations providing up to date guidance on WEEE, quality and compliance in the lighting sector • Cross-promotion of relevant training courses and webinars, aimed at encouraging greater action on the circular economy and decarbonisation in lighting, and closing skills gaps Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, says, “As The LIA, by formalising this strategic partnership with Recolight we can draw on their circular‑economy leadership, cross‑promote high‑quality training, and collectively speed the industry’s progress towards net zero.” Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, adds, “Recolight has had a pivotal role in supporting and encouraging action on the circular economy in the lighting sector. The new strategic partnership with The LIA will help both organisations to better support their members, and the supply chain, to act more sustainably and to continue to decarbonise. A partnership with these objectives is the right approach, for the environment, and for our members.” For more from Recolight, click here.

Aico launches 'Connected Home' training course

Aico, a manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide detection products, has introduced a new City & Guilds Assured training course focused on connected home technology for housing professionals and landlords. The free, full-day course - titled 'Connected Home' - is scheduled to launch in February. It is designed to explore how connected hardware and software can support compliance, property management, and data-led decision-making within the housing sector. The course content has been developed through pilot sessions involving housing professionals, industry stakeholders, and internal teams. According to Aico, feedback from these sessions has been used to shape the training around operational challenges faced by housing providers, while reflecting evolving legislation and technology adoption. Addressing compliance and property monitoring The training covers the role of connected home technology in supporting compliance and proactive property management, particularly as housing regulation continues to evolve across the UK. The course also references Awaab’s Law and its focus on indoor air quality, damp, mould, and maintenance responsibilities. Participants will receive guidance on legislative requirements across different UK regions and how connected monitoring systems can support early issue identification and compliance reporting. The programme includes an overview of Aico’s HomeLINK technology and its use of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to monitor property conditions and performance. The course also examines how data can be used to improve operational efficiency and compliance while maintaining responsible data management practices. Attendees will be introduced to the HomeLINK Portal, alongside demonstrations of system navigation and portfolio monitoring. The course also covers case management features intended to support proactive maintenance planning, technical guidance on installation and device compatibility, and an overview of future technology developments. The training provides City & Guilds Assured accreditation, which recognises professional development in connected home technology and housing compliance practices. The course is delivered on an invite-only basis, with registration available through Aico Relationship Managers on the company's website. For more from Aico, click here.

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.