SELECT elects its new President

SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, has elected Darren Crockett, Managing Director of Dundee-based electrical contractor RAS Crockett and Partners, as the association's 68th President. The appointment was confirmed at the organisation's AGM, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Queensferry on 4 June. Darren succeeds Mike Stark, who has completed a two-year term as President and will now serve as Immediate Past President. Also elected at the AGM were David Harris, Managing Director of DMH Electrical Services, as Vice President, and Mike Campbell, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at RSE, as Deputy Vice President. Darren leads RAS Crockett and Partners, a family-owned electrical engineering business that has operated in Dundee since 1964. Founded by his grandfather, Bert Crockett, the company was later run by Darren's father, Sinclair, before Darren joined the business in 1986. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Yjqwt-LnBw[/embed] Speaking following his election, Darren comments, "I’m extremely honoured and excited to be taking over as the new President of SELECT, and it’s a privilege to be representing the Members of this historic and well-respected association. "It’s a great honour to take up this role at a time when SELECT is campaigning on a number of vitally important issues for the electrotechnical industry and wider construction sector." Supporting skills and industry standards During his presidency, Darren says he intends to focus on issues including industry regulation and apprenticeship funding. He explains, "I’m now looking forward to raising awareness of regulation and promoting the importance of protection of title for the electrical industry, while at the same time helping to lobby the Scottish Government to secure more funding for apprenticeships." Darren has previously served as Chair of SELECT's Tayside branch, before becoming Deputy Vice President in 2020 and Vice President in 2024. RAS Crockett and Partners employs nine people and has been a member of SELECT throughout its 62-year history. The company received the Best Small Contractor award at the SELECT Awards in 2014. Reflecting on his time working alongside his predecessor, Darren says, "It’s been a great privilege to work alongside outgoing President Mike Stark during my time as Vice President. "I’d like to thank him for the invaluable insights and knowledge that he’s passed on to me and which I hope to use to equally good effect throughout my Presidency. "Being a Member of SELECT means we have business credibility, guaranteed customer confidence, and vital access to industry experts whenever we need it." For more from SELECT, click here.

Milwaukee partners with JTL to address skills shortage

Milwaukee Tools, a US manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools and accessories, has partnered with electrical training provider JTL to support apprentices entering the construction and building services engineering sectors. The partnership will initially be rolled out through a pilot programme at JTL's Birmingham and Thames Valley training centres, providing apprentices with access to professional-grade equipment, practical training, and industry-focused learning opportunities. JTL supports around 8,000 electrical and plumbing apprentices through its network of 17 training centres, as well as partnerships with colleges and other training providers across England. According to the organisations, the initiative is intended to help apprentices develop skills that reflect the requirements of modern construction sites while addressing wider skills shortages across the industry. As part of the programme, Milwaukee's Job Site Solution Specialists will deliver practical sessions at selected training centres and colleges. The sessions will complement training already provided by JTL's tutors and training officers. The programme will give apprentices experience using the types of tools and equipment commonly found on construction sites, while also covering safety and practical working methods. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit Milwaukee's UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, where they can take part in training sessions and learn more about developments in construction technology. The partnership will expose learners to technologies including Milwaukee's MX FUEL battery platform, alongside its M18 and M12 cordless tool ranges. Industry training and hands-on experience Dan Abley, College Programme Manager at Milwaukee Tools, says, "The skills gap in construction isn't just a recruitment problem; it's a perception problem. "Young people need to see that the trades offer genuine career progression, with powerful technology and career paths that rival any office-based role. "This partnership puts professional-grade equipment in learners' hands from day one, proving that construction is as innovative and technology-driven as any other sector. "When you learn on the tools you'll actually use in the field, you build the right habits and standards from the beginning, and that shapes your entire career." JTL says the collaboration will also help training providers broaden access to equipment despite ongoing funding pressures. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive Officer of JTL, notes, "The construction sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tools reshaping how we work. "This partnership with Milwaukee ensures our apprentices continue to learn using first-class, industry-leading equipment. "JTL’s training expertise, combined with the innovative solutions Milwaukee brings, will support our apprentices to develop the skills electrical employers need now and in the future." Following a visit to Milwaukee's UK Experience Centre, Kirstine Ginger, Delivery Team Manager for JTL's Western region, comments, "It was fantastic for our delivery team to visit Milwaukee’s Experience Centre in Aylesbury and see first hand the breadth of innovation shaping the electrical industry. "Experiences like this really bring learning to life, giving staff greater knowledge and confidence with new tools and technologies to pass on to the next generation of apprentices, while reinforcing the practical skills they are learning in training with JTL." The organisations say there are plans to expand the programme to additional colleges and training partners in the future. For more from Milwaukee, click here.

Surge Protection Devices to sponsor awards at 2026 ECN Awards

Surge Protection Devices has been announced as a sponsor for two of this year's ECN Awards - namely, the Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year and Contractor of the Year (turnover over £5m) Awards. Surge Protection Devices continually strives for excellence in its field - which is why the company is thrilled to support the ECN Awards, an event dedicated to highlighting the innovation, safety, and brilliance of the electrical contracting community. The lightning and surge protection specialist is proud to stand alongside the industry's best and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the professionals who keep our industry powered and protected. Surge Protection Devices and its partner companies have been solving problems in lightning and surge protection for over 50 years. ISO 9001 European designed and manufactured, the company’s renowned, state of the art products exceed the requirements of the latest standards and its competitors’ specifications. Entries for the 2026 ECN Awards are now open. To enter, and for more information about the Awards taking place on 3 December in Coventry, click here. For more from Surge Protection Devices, click here.

Supplies4Heat launches Cornel Electric radiator

Supplies4Heat, a designer of radiators and heated towel rails, has introduced the Cornel Electric radiator, a new steel multi-column electric radiator designed for residential heating applications. Manufactured in Italy, the radiator is available in two-column and three-column configurations, with two height options and eight fixed widths. It is offered in either a White RAL 9016 powder-coated finish or a clear lacquer finish, which exposes the texture of the raw steel and its manufacturing marks. The Cornel Electric incorporates a range of smart heating controls designed to help users manage energy consumption while maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. Each unit is supplied with an infra-red remote control, allowing users to adjust settings and access a variety of operating modes. These include a weekly scheduling programme, comfort mode, eco mode, antifreeze protection, holiday mode, standby mode, and open window detection. Smart controls and flexible heating options Additional control features include adaptive start-up functionality, which pre-heats a room ahead of scheduled heating periods, alongside a child lock and pilot wire compatibility. The radiator is designed to provide precise temperature control across a range of living spaces whilst offering a choice of sizes and finishes to suit different interior styles. Supplies4Heat states that the Cornel Electric includes a two-year guarantee on the heating element and a 10-year guarantee on the radiator body. Richard Lister, National Sales Manager at IRSAP, says, "The new Cornel Electric radiator combines high-quality design with reliable performance to meet the needs of modern homes. "In addition, next-day delivery options are available on orders placed by 11:00am, and orders made after this time will be delivered in just two working days. This means customers can get their hands on a contemporary and efficient radiator fast."

Amendment 4 changes to testing in a medical location

The IET Wiring Regulations is the safety standard for fixed low-voltage (LV) electrical installations and are designated as British Standard 7671. The standard contains eight Parts and 14 Appendices. Parts 1 to 6 and Part 8 are known as the general requirements and they apply to all LV installations, where relevant. Part 7: Special installations or locations Part 7 supplements and modifies the general requirements set out in Parts 1 to 6 and Part 8 where there are additional risks to the safety of people using the installation. For example, 701 locations containing a bath or shower and 702 swimming pools and other basins have additional risks of shock to persons in those locations. This is due to the fact that they will be wet and have large areas of bare skin exposed, so additional measures have to be taken to prevent shock. Section 710: Medical locations This section applies to patient healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, private clinics, medical and dental practices, healthcare centres, and dedicated medical rooms in workplaces to provide for the safety of patients and medical staff. The risks to patients are enhanced as they will often be sick, injured, or anaesthetised. Of particular risk are operating theatres, which are known as Group 2 medical locations. In a Group 2 location, the patient may be directly connected to medical equipment (ME) which is usually connected to a 230V supply. This ME is intended for life support, surgical applications, and monitoring. ME equipment has a high level of separation from the equipment incoming supply. The highest risks are where surgical equipment is used inside the body for intracardiac and brain surgery. Additional protection is provided for the ME by providing special sockets for the supply of this equipment. These sockets have to be coloured blue, unswitched, and be supplied from a medical IT system. The medical IT system is in a cabinet situated close the operating theatre. The IT cabinet has a special isolating transformer to isolate the IT output from the supply earthing system. The output circuits are protected by an insulation monitoring system and double pole circuit breakers. The supply conductors, which should both be coloured brown as they do not have a neutral, supply the blue sockets. The supply conductors should be fire resistant for at least one hour. Earthing and supplementary equipotential bonding In addition to connections to the installation to reduce touch voltages, an earth bonding bus bar (EBB) has to be installed in, or adjacent to, the operating theatre. The EBB is connected to the IT cabinet earthing system. Supplementary bonding conductors are then run out to the blue sockets, supplementary equipotential bonding points, extraneous-conductive parts (unless they are intended to be isolated from earth), conductive floor grids, and mats. Changes to the IET Wiring Regulations On 15 April 2026, an updated edition of the IET Wiring Regulation, BS 7671:2018 +Amendment 4 :2026 was published. This new edition contains an extensive rewrite of Section 710. There is a new requirement in Regulation 710.643.1.201 (d). which says, "The resistance of each individual supplementary bonding conductor shall be recorded and included in the documentation set out in regulation 710.514.9.101." With this in mind, there is a model form provided at Annex B710 to record the test results. Critically, the test result must meet the requirement set out in Regulation 710.415.2.102 which is not to exceed 0.2Ω. There is an existing requirement in Regulation 710.415.2.102 which requires a test to be carried out between simultaneous accessible exposed conductive parts where the test resistance shall not exceed 0.2Ω. Carrying out the new test for supplementary equipotential bonding continuity Firstly, a good-quality, low-resistance test meter is needed that meets the requirements set out in Regulation 643.1, which sates the instrument must meet the requirements of the relevant sections of BS EN 61557. The Kewtech KT66DL meets that requirement for continuity testing together with a full range of other installation tests. The meter and test leads need to be inspected to ensure that they are undamaged and in good condition. Moreover, it should be verified before testing commences that the meter batteries are charged and the meter has a current calibration certificate. A long continuity test lead will be required to perform the test, the Kewtech ACC50MTL 50m R2 Test Lead is ideal for this purpose. Critically, the installation should not be in service or energised for this test, as the test is for safety reasons. In addition, to avoid breaking infection control seals on the blue IT sockets, a socket adaptor will be required. The KEWCHECK R2 socket adaptor provides a safe and convenient way of making the required test. Firstly, the meter should be switched on and the continuity test range should be connected. Secondly, the long lead should be connected to one test terminal and a short test lead to the other terminal. Following this, the combined lead resistances should then be nulled out before the testing commences. The long lead should then be connected to the incoming earth terminal of the EBB. The inspector can then set off around all the points connected to each of the individual supplementary bonding conductors connected to the EBB, recording the results as they go. If any test result exceeds 0.2Ω, it should be reported to the duty holder for the installation or the person ordering the work for further investigation and rectification. For more from Kewtech, click here.

Aico to sponsor Apprentice of the Year Award

ECN is delighted to announce Aico as the sponsor for the Apprentice of the Year Award at the upcoming 2026 ECN Awards. Aico's mission is to deliver innovative, reliable solutions that protect people in their homes while supporting the development of future talent within the electrical industry - and sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year Award at the ECN Awards reflects the company's long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of electricians and industry professionals. Apprentices are the backbone of our sector’s future. They bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn that drives innovation and raises standards across the board. By supporting this award, Aico aims to recognise not only technical excellence, but also dedication, professionalism, and a passion for continuous improvement. Qualities that Aico says align closely with the company's own values. The home life safety expert believes that investing in apprentices is essential to ensuring a safe, skilled, and sustainable industry. Through its educational initiatives, including Aico's Expert Installer programme and partnerships with training providers, the company actively supports learning and development at every stage of an electrician’s career. Sponsorship of this award is a natural extension of that commitment, Aico tells us. The ECN Awards provide an important platform to celebrate excellence and highlight the achievements of individuals who are shaping the future of our industry. For Aico, it is an opportunity to champion emerging talent and reinforce the importance of high standards in installation, safety, and professionalism. Aico is proud to be part of an event that recognises hard work and inspires others to strive for success, and extends its congratulations to all nominees, whose dedication is helping to build a stronger, safer future for our industry. Entries for the 2026 ECN Awards are now open. To enter, and for more information about the Awards taking place on 3 December in Coventry, click here. For more from Aico, click here.

'Homeowners overlook quickest energy-saving upgrades'

Homeowners are prioritising major energy-efficiency projects such as heat pumps and solar panels, despite many lower-cost improvements offering faster returns on investment, according to new research from Uswitch, a comparison website for home services switching. The research, based on a survey of 500 UK tradespeople, compared the energy-saving measures most commonly requested by homeowners with those most frequently recommended by installers and contractors. Heat pumps were the most requested upgrade, cited by 32% of tradespeople, followed by solar panels at 28%. However, both technologies typically involve significant upfront costs and longer payback periods. According to the research, concerns over installation costs remain one of the biggest barriers to home energy improvements, with 66% of homeowners identifying cost as a key issue. Solar panel installations can cost around £9,000, with average annual energy bill savings of approximately £973, although savings vary depending on household energy use, property type, location, and export tariff arrangements. Tradespeople highlight overlooked efficiency measures The survey found that several lower-cost energy-saving measures receive comparatively little attention from homeowners. Draught-proofing was the least requested upgrade, cited by just 5% of tradespeople, despite potential annual savings of between £85 and £95. Smart heating controls were requested by only 14% of homeowners, although installation costs are typically significantly lower than larger retrofit projects. Insulation was identified as one of the most overlooked improvements. Nearly a quarter (24%) of tradespeople said insulation is the most commonly overlooked energy-efficiency measure, while 23% specifically highlighted loft and wall insulation. Although a quarter of homeowners request insulation upgrades, demand remains lower than for technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels. The research also found a gap between demand for double and triple glazing and professional recommendations. While 25% of homeowners request glazing upgrades, only 16% of tradespeople recommend them as a priority energy-saving measure. Many homeowners do not follow professional advice The survey suggests that homeowners do not always act on recommendations provided by tradespeople. Only 28% of tradespeople said homeowners always follow their energy-saving advice. A further 72% said recommendations are followed often or sometimes, while 5% reported that their advice is rarely or never implemented. Ben Gallizzi, Energy Comparison Expert at Uswitch, says homeowners should consider a phased approach to improving energy efficiency. He suggests, "Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to involve a huge budget or disruptive work that affects your home life. "Start small with quick fixes that help keep your home more comfortable and cheaper to heat, such as draught-proofing, plugging gaps in floorboards, and investing in thermal curtains and blinds." Gallizzi also highlighted the importance of understanding payback periods and seeking professional advice before investing in larger projects. He continues, "Energy savings can vary greatly depending on your property type, location, and existing setup, so it’s important to factor all of this in when investing in updates to your home. "Seek advice from a trusted installer or energy expert to help identify which improvements will have the biggest impact based on your individual circumstances."

Luceco upgrades sports pitch lighting in Redcar

Rye Hills Academy in Redcar has completed a lighting upgrade for its 3G sports pitch as part of a wider refurbishment project aimed at improving facilities for students and the local community. The redevelopment received £250,000 in funding from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Levelling Up Fund and has created a multi-sports facility used by both the academy and local sports clubs, including Redcar Hockey Club. The lighting upgrade addressed an ageing floodlighting system that required costly maintenance and lamp replacements. Following a site survey and assessment of the pitch's sporting requirements, Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, supplied and installed new LED floodlighting to improve performance and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. Leman Harris, Project Manager at Luceco, says, "This is one of the first projects completed for the North East Learning Trust, who chose Luceco because of our ability to demonstrate high product quality." New LED system improves efficiency and visibility The project involved the installation of Amnis LED floodlights, designed for sports and outdoor environments. According to Luceco, the luminaires offer a rated lifetime of up to 100,000 hours and incorporate optical controls designed to improve light distribution while reducing glare. The new system replaces older high-wattage floodlights and is intended to provide improved lighting levels while reducing energy consumption and maintenance demands. Adam King, Mechanical & Electrical Engineer at North East Learning Trust, notes, "We have been very impressed with the efficiency and high performance levels of Luceco Lighting, along with their ability to find the right solution for Rye Hills Academy, resolving the high-cost replacement of expensive components and hugely improving lighting levels on the 3G pitch area, a very important area for students." The upgraded facility enables continued use of the sports pitch by both the academy and community groups, supporting a range of sporting activities throughout the year. For more from Luceco, click here.

Contactum launches compact surge protection devices

UK electrical products supplier Contactum has introduced a new Type 2 Compact Surge Protection Device (SPD) range designed for use with its Defender 2.0 consumer units and Defender B distribution boards. The new range has been developed to provide protection against transient overvoltages while reducing the amount of space required within electrical distribution boards. According to Contactum, the compact design addresses growing space constraints in modern electrical installations, where additional circuits and technologies are increasingly being incorporated into consumer units and distribution systems. The reduced footprint provides installers with greater flexibility when designing and configuring installations in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Despite its smaller size, the company says the new Type 2 Compact SPD range delivers the same level of surge protection as conventional devices. Designed to support changing installation requirements The launch follows recent updates to industry guidance, including recommendations from BEAMA and manufacturers' installation instructions relating to surge protection devices in domestic applications. Under specific conditions, guidance now permits the omission of a dedicated miniature circuit breaker (MCB), with protection provided by the Distribution Network Operator's fuse instead. Contactum says its Compact SPD for Defender 2.0 consumer units has been developed in accordance with this guidance, enabling a simplified installation approach while maintaining compliance with current requirements. Alan Broom, Technical Manager at Contactum, comments, "The way electrical installations are designed is changing, with increasing pressure to maximise space without compromising safety. "Our new Compact SPD range has been developed to meet that need, delivering trusted protection in a smaller format that supports faster installation and greater flexibility for both domestic and commercial applications." The compact SPD range is also available for Defender B Boards, supporting commercial and industrial installations where space efficiency and system reliability are important considerations. As electrical systems continue to increase in complexity, surge protection remains an important element of installation design, helping to protect equipment from transient overvoltages and minimise disruption. For more from Contactum, click here.

MSP marks International Electricians' Day in parliament

A motion recognising the contribution of electricians and electrical contractors has been lodged in the Scottish Parliament ahead of International Electricians' Day on 10 June. The motion, submitted by SNP MSP Colin Beattie, highlights the role of electricians in supporting communities, businesses, public services, and Scotland's transition to net zero. It also acknowledges the work of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, in promoting skills development and professional standards across the electrical industry. International Electricians' Day celebrates the work of an estimated 2.7 million electrotechnical professionals across Europe. In the motion, Beattie states that Parliament "recognises International Electricians’ Day, which is marked annually on 10 June to highlight the contribution of electrical professionals." The motion further notes the role electricians play in "designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems that keep homes powered, public services operational, hospitals functioning, and businesses productive." It also recognises electricians and electrical contractors for their contribution to Scotland's economy and local communities. Parliamentary motion highlights industry skills challenge The motion acknowledges the importance of electricians in delivering projects linked to renewable energy, heat electrification, transport electrification, and wider infrastructure modernisation. It also highlights concerns around skills shortages within the profession and the need to attract and retain apprentices and adult trainees. According to the motion, there is a need for government, employers, and training providers to continue promoting careers in the electrical industry and supporting apprenticeship programmes. Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, says, "We are very grateful that Mr Beattie has highlighted this important day, which is being promoted by our friends at EuropeOn, the European voice of the electrical contracting industry, with the message ‘Skilled Hands, Resilient Europe’. "It is very timely that the Scottish Parliament is helping to celebrate the men and women who not only keep the lights burning and wheels turning across the country, but are integral to the administration’s ongoing commitment to building a greener, fairer society." Support continues for electrical industry regulation campaign Sharon also highlights the industry's ongoing recruitment challenges, noting, "However, as the motion states, we must also be aware of the challenges the sector faces, including skills shortages and the need to attract and retain new apprentices and adult trainees, an issue on which SELECT has consistently campaigned." Beattie has previously supported SELECT's campaign for the regulation of electricians, which seeks legal protection for the title of electrician to prevent unqualified individuals from carrying out work under the designation. The motion has received support from 10 other MSPs since being lodged on 29 May. Recent signatories include newly elected MSPs David Barratt and Lloyd Melville, who have also added their names to SELECT's Wall of Support initiative. For more from SELECT, click here.