Weev to roll out EV charging across Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, Liz Kimmins (Minister for Infrastructure) and Niree McMorris (The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane Alderman) have welcomed the appointment of a contractor to deliver over 250 EV charge points across nine local councils. The councils include Derry City and Strabane District Council, and the roll-out forms part of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On Street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS). Local EV infrastructure company Weev will supply, connect, and operate the charge points, which will be located in a mix of on-street and council-owned car park locations, notably within residential areas that lack driveways / off-street parking. ORCS is led by Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The ORCS project is an investment of over £2 million part funded by OZEV, the Department for Infrastructure, and Weev. Industry reactions Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed the contractor announcement, stating, “I am delighted my Department has been able assist in the funding of over 250 charge points, which will widen the electric vehicle charge point offering across nine local council areas for the public and local businesses. "This shows my ongoing commitment for my Department to support, where possible, the expansion of EV charging facilities across the north, as the adoption of electric vehicles gathers pace as we move towards net zero.” Concurring, Ald. Niree says, “Improving access to charge points is another positive step in progressing the move towards sustainable, cleaner travel. "It will make electric charging more accessible and convenient for users and encourage the switch to electric vehicles. “Council has been taking an active role as lead of the consortium and, along with our partner councils, we will continue to lobby for more support for the improvement of local EV infrastructure.” The chosen locations for the EV charge points are within residential areas in a range of towns and cities, with work set to commence in the coming weeks. Thomas O'Hagan, Weev CCO, comments, “We are delighted to be awarded the ORCS Contract and play our part in growing Northern Ireland’s EV infrastructure. "The growth of EV charger installations and EV car uptake is vital if we are going to reach the net-zero targets set by the Government. "Initiatives like ORCS, driven by local councils will have a huge role to play.” Mark McCall, Chair of Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland, adds, “Weev secured the top spot as the most reliable EV charger in our annual EVANI survey, where we polled electric vehicle owners across Northern Ireland for their opinion. "It was a well-deserved accolade for Weev to be ranked number one against a growing number of Charge Point Operators, as their dedication to the service doesn’t go unnoticed.”

UKATA announces new partnership with CAI

UKATA (UK Asbestos Training Association), a nationwide authority in asbestos training, has announced a new partnership with CAI (The Confederation of Aerial Industries), noting a shared aim of enhancing asbestos-related education and training opportunities. The organisations say this partnership highlights their shared commitment to collaboratively promoting asbestos awareness and enhancing safety protocols within the industry. By leveraging their combined experience, resources, and industry insights, UKATA and CAI aim to reinforce efforts in preventing asbestos-related illnesses while upholding high standards in asbestos management. UKATA's Operations Manager Sasha Brailsford has shared her enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, "It's a pleasure to officially join forces with CAI and I look forward to supporting our collective mission to raise awareness around asbestos hazards." CAI Chair Peter Sealey adds, “CAI has always strived to ensure our members work as safely and responsibly as possible, and we are very pleased to join with UKATA in spreading their important message around asbestos awareness. "This partnership supports our ongoing mission to promote best practice and protect the health and safety of everyone working within our industry.” Both UKATA and CAI say they share a common commitment to asbestos awareness, training, and safety.

KNIPEX introduces its Pliers Wrench for electricians

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has introduced its Pliers Wrench, saying it combines the control of a wrench with the versatility of pliers, designed for gripping, pressing, and fitting tasks. The company suggests the tool can replace an entire set of metric and imperial spanners, adding that VDE insulation provides protection for work on live systems up to 1,000V AC. Laser-cut metric and imperial scales allow users to pre-set jaw width before reaching into live enclosures or confined spaces, enabling accurate adjustment away from the workpiece. This makes the tool suitable for switchgear, distribution boards, and control panels. Design and functionality The 250-millimetre version features high lever transmission, delivering gripping power through internal mechanics that reportedly amplify manual force by 10 times. The parallel jaws aim to distribute pressure evenly, allowing flat components to be held securely without marking or damaging surfaces. A push-button mechanism enables adjustment between different sizes, and the ratchet-style action allows bolted connections to be tightened or released without removing the tool. The VDE version forms part of the wider Pliers Wrench range, which includes the XS model at 100 millimetres for tight enclosures and precision work, through to the XL version at 400 millimetres for heavy-duty tasks requiring extra reach and leverage. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

HIKMICRO's thermal cameras discounted for Black Friday

Thermal imaging manufacturer HIKMICRO is offering discounts of up to 26% on its range of thermal imaging cameras during Amazon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday event, running from 20 November to 1 December. The range features AI-driven technology designed for tradespeople conducting property inspections, electrical diagnostics, and building surveys. Two key features include SuperIR, a neural-network-based algorithm that - the company claims - provides four times clearer real-time image enhancement, and SuperScene, a smart scene recognition algorithm that automatically identifies common issues such as insulation deficiencies and water leaks. Models and pricing The Mini2 V2 attaches directly to smartphones and offers a wide-angle, focus-free lens suitable for scanning underfloor heating systems, walls, circuit boards, and electrical panel connections. It is available at £199, a 20% reduction. The PocketE features a 3.5-inch HD touchscreen with 96x96 infrared resolution and supports SuperIR technology. Designed for users new to property inspection, it helps identify water and insulation abnormalities. The Black Friday price is £242.63, representing an 18% discount. The E01 is a handheld thermal imaging camera aimed at electricians, HVAC technicians, and building inspectors. It uses SuperIR technology to upscale images from 96x96 pixels to 240x240 pixels for enhanced clarity on air leaks and overheating components. With a 26% discount, it costs £132.99. The B10S features SuperScene functionality and is equipped with a 256x192 infrared resolution thermal detector and a two-megapixel optical detector. Designed for electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, it is available at £339.15, a 15% reduction. Each device is covered by a two- to three-year product warranty, extended to 10 years for the sensor, and includes lifetime software updates and technical support. For more from HIKMICRO, click here.

Tridonic provides lighting upgrade for healthcare auditorium

Tridonic UK, a supplier of lighting technology, has supported an upgrade of the main teaching auditorium at the North London Healthcare Project, replacing fluorescent and halogen fittings with an LED system designed to improve energy efficiency and provide more flexible lighting control. Working with Light Projects Evolve and contractor EPS Site Solutions, Tridonic supplied LED boards, drivers, downlights, emergency exit signs, and DALI-2 touch panels. The installation is centred on the company’s sceneCOM S DALI lighting controller, which allows staff to adjust lighting scenes and manage individual or grouped luminaires as required for training and presentations. Enhancing training environments with adaptable lighting The updated system uses a 4,000K colour temperature for general working light, with 3,000K wall lighting introduced to create a more balanced visual environment. The changes are intended to support concentration, reduce visual fatigue, and improve comfort for those using the space. John Bowden of Light Projects Evolve says, “Tridonic’s sceneCOM S DALI is an impressive solution. It is a fantastic way to introduce DALI-2 lighting control into individual rooms, and the auditorium is a standalone space that needs this controllability and flexibility over the lighting. "The auditorium is now offering a much-improved environment for wellbeing, allowing for a better learning experience. "From reducing eye fatigue and headaches [to] improving productivity, sceneCOM is enabling lighting control that meets the needs of the learners while also reducing wasted and unnecessary energy.” James Huntington, OEM Controls and Solutions Manager at Tridonic UK, adds, “We are proud to support the North London Healthcare Project in creating a dynamic, efficient, and intelligent learning environment. "This installation demonstrates how innovative lighting control can deliver measurable energy savings while improving comfort, wellbeing and usability for everyone who relies on the space.” Tridonic says the upgrade has delivered a more adaptable auditorium environment while supporting long-term energy efficiency objectives. It notes that by combining LED equipment with DALI-2 control, the project provides a lighting system designed to meet evolving training requirements and ongoing operational needs. For more from Tridonic, click here.

Lucy Zodion's Ki. CMS adopted by Bolton Council

Bolton Council has upgraded more than 120 school crossing locations becoming one of the first UK authorities to adopt Ki., street lighting control manufacturer Lucy Zodion’s smart city management platform, allowing control of school crossing beacons remotely. The move aims to improve safety, reduce operational costs, and remove the need for routine manual maintenance. Replacing manual switching with remote scheduling Previously, beacon timings were managed manually, requiring staff to visit each site to switch units on and off with a key. This process was time-consuming, left limited scope for scheduling changes, and occasionally resulted in beacons operating outside school hours. A local news report in June 2025, which highlighted several inaccurate timings, prompted the council to accelerate its plans to modernise the system. Already experienced with Lucy Zodion’s central management system (CMS) for street lighting, Bolton Council piloted the Ki. Gen3 NB-IoT node, which uses a self-seeking roaming SIM to avoid the need for fixed collectors. After successful testing, the technology was deployed across the borough during the summer break, with the full rollout completed within one week. Paul Worthington, Lighting Manager at Bolton Council, says, “Switching our school crossing beacons to the Ki. platform has made a real difference. “We’ve eliminated the need for manual site visits, improved accuracy, and ensured our flashing lights operate exactly when they should. "It’s a simple change, but one that’s helped us improve safety for pupils and reduce operational costs at the same time.” Lucy Zodion supported the installation through training, mapping, and schedule configuration, enabling the council to manage beacon timings centrally via the Ki. dashboard. Victor Janecki, Area Sales Manager at Lucy Zodion, claims, “Bolton’s project shows the flexibility of Ki. in real-world applications beyond traditional street lighting. “It’s been a pleasure to support the council in delivering a smarter, safer, and more efficient solution - one that’s already inspiring interest from other local authorities.” Project outcomes • More than 120 crossings upgraded to Ki. Gen3 NB-IoT control • Remote scheduling of flashing beacon timings • Reduced site visits and lower operational costs • Real-time monitoring and visibility • Resilient to the future switch-off of 2G and 3G networks Lucy Zodion says Bolton Council’s adoption of remote control for school crossing beacons demonstrates how connected infrastructure can improve accuracy, reduce operational risks, and support wider smart city development. For more from Lucy Zodion, click here.

Recolight launches Used Luminaire Certificate service

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has announced the introduction of its Used Luminaire Certification service, designed to encourage and support the reuse of lighting products across the industry. With sustainability and embodied carbon at the forefront of project priorities, this certification offers reassurance to developers, consulting engineers, and lighting designers seeking to specify second-life luminaires. Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey explains that, “Many projects generate unnecessary waste by replacing relatively recent lighting products with brand new fittings. “Reuse is the easiest mechanism to prevent this, extending product lifespans and lowering embodied carbon.” Details of the certificate The Used Luminaire Certificate, developed and operated in partnership with Simon Fisher, will include an opinion report on the likely remaining burn hours and lifetime of the fitting, as well as an estimate of the embodied carbon saving associated with reusing the fitting. This independent assessment helps address uncertainty about the product’s remaining lifespan and embodied carbon. The certificate is not a substitute for a warranty or CE marking, which may be supplied by a qualified contractor undertaking any necessary reconditioning - be it the original manufacturer or a specialist lighting remanufacturer. Recolight’s initiative responds to increasing interest from building owners and specifiers eager to integrate circular economy principles into their projects. With approximately 40% of global carbon emissions attributable to the built environment, reducing embodied carbon in lighting is an urgent industry challenge. The new scheme aims to remove barriers to reuse, providing greater confidence to project teams and supporting compliance with sustainability targets. It also offers documentation to demonstrate adherence to corporate or public sector carbon reduction commitments. Nigel continues, “We’re seeing a real appetite across the industry to do more with what we already have. “This certification gives professionals a practical tool to support reuse at scale, helping to normalise second-life lighting as part of mainstream specification practice.” Simon Fisher adds, “This initiative helps provide confidence about the remaining life in pre-owned and pre-used luminaries and that their reuse will provide acceptable service life in new environments.” Recolight will be piloting the certificate with several major projects in the coming months, with the intention of rolling out the service more broadly across the UK lighting market in due course. For more from Recolight, click here.

Advanced’s fire protection installed in Canterbury Student Village

Fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has supplied new intelligent fire panels for student accommodation in Kent as part of a £3.5 million project to upgrade fire safety systems at Cloud Student Homes’ Canterbury Student Village. The installation replaces existing panels across several occupied buildings, requiring the previous system to remain active throughout the work to maintain constant protection for residents. Upgrading fire protection across student accommodation Cloud Student Homes provides accommodation close to Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, UCA, and Canterbury College. As part of a wider safety improvement programme, existing fire alarm systems in Kentish House, Behn Hall, and Tallis Court were replaced with Advanced’s MxPro 5 analogue addressable panels. Fire engineering consultants Endeavour Group appointed fire safety specialists CSS to deliver the design, installation, and handover. Five networked four-loop panels were installed and connected to the alarm receiving centre for fire and rescue monitoring. All devices are Hochiki, with input and output units linked to the existing automatic opening vents. The new networked system integrates with access control, lift, and ventilation systems. Paul Almond, MD at DataCentre UK, comments, “Advanced was specified since it supports an open protocol and offers a powerful solution for the student accommodation. "We also find it an easy system for customers to navigate and use. The panels are proven in the field with CSS and Endeavour Group using them for a number of years. "Advanced MxPro 5 panels are about the best on the market along with the tech support received by Advanced on installations.” System design and integration The panels were selected to meet category L1 requirements across student suites, bedrooms, high-risk areas, and plant rooms. Endeavour Group reviewed the system design and technical specification to ensure it met client needs before approval. CSS highlights several installation features, including a built-in multimeter for measuring voltages and currents during commissioning, and a choice of four- and eight-loop panel formats. The MxPro 5 range also supports multiple detector protocols and up to 254 devices per loop, depending on protocol, with large-scale network capacity where required. Panels support wired, wireless, and hybrid devices to suit different installation environments. Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced, says, “Our MxPro 5 panels are designed to make life as easy as possible, delivering robust protection that offers real peace of mind, all backed up by our highly rated technical support.” Cloud Student Homes operates around 3,500 student rooms across 21 UK sites and plans to introduce Advanced fire panels across all properties as part of its future upgrades. For more from Advanced, click here.

Octopus EV surges past £2bn in electric car funding

Octopus Electric Vehicles (Octopus EV), a UK provider of electric vehicle leasing and salary sacrifice schemes, has extended and upsized its funding line from global banks to get more electric vehicles on roads, bringing its total EV funding to £2 billion. The deal allows Octopus to supercharge its EV fleet, pushing it from 40,000 cars currently to more than 75,000 once all funds are deployed. This builds on a major funding line agreed with Lloyds in 2023, now joined by international banks Morgan Stanley and Crédit Agricole CIB. Growing demand for EVs The announcement was made at COP30 in Brazil and comes as electric cars screech ahead of their petrol counterparts - hitting a record 26% of all new car sales in the UK in October, the strongest market share of 2025, according to New AutoMotive data. Europe’s EV revolution is speeding up too. In September, over 1.7 million EVs were registered across the continent, representing a 19% jump from last year. Adapting to this increasing demand, Octopus says its all-in-one EV package – including a leased car, bespoke EV tariffs, home chargers, and access to Europe's largest public charging network, 'Electroverse' – makes it easier for consumers to switch to electric. Since launching its leasing offer in 2021, Octopus EV has reportedly created over 500 green jobs across London, Weybridge, Brighton, and Manchester. It has also recently launched in Germany as it aims to expand its EV offerings globally. Gurjeet Grewal, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, comments, “Electric momentum is surging across the UK and Europe. "Every month, thousands more drivers are discovering just how affordable and enjoyable making the switch can be, and this fresh funding from Lloyds, Morgan Stanley, and Crédit Agricole will allow us to bring even more zero-emission cars onto UK roads.” Miray Muminoglu, Managing Director, Head of Securitised Products Group and FIG DCM at Lloyds, adds, “Lloyds is proud to have backed Octopus Electric Vehicles from the outset, with this transaction deepening our support for the UK’s transition to electric mobility. "As the UK’s largest financial services provider, we are committed to playing our part in getting more electric vehicles on the road and supporting the UK’s journey to net zero to create a more sustainable future.” Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, says, “We’ve helped over 30,000 people go electric thanks to our Electric Car Grant since we launched it this summer, saving them cash with discounts of up to £3,750 on new EVs. “We’re backing people and industry to make the switch with [a] £4.5 billion investment, and it’s great to see industry players like Octopus backing the EV revolution and getting more electric cars out on our roads.” For more from Octopus, click here.

Lighting retrofit cuts street lighting energy in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council is working with TRT Lighting on a countywide retrofit programme that is cutting street lighting energy use by more than 65%. The project upgrades existing lanterns with new LED technology, delivering major carbon and cost savings while extending the lifespan of assets across one of England’s largest rural counties. Lincolnshire’s street lighting network plays a vital role in connecting communities and keeping roads safe. As a result, rather than replacing entire lanterns, the Council chose to retrofit existing fittings – a decision that reduces waste, lowers costs, and maximises long-term sustainability. A bespoke retrofit design TRT designed and supplied 5,400 bespoke retrofit kits, upgrading lantern models including Arc 80, Iridium, Evolo 2, Sapphire 1 and Sapphire 2. Each retrofit tray was developed and tested at TRT’s LIA-accredited laboratory to ensure compliance with lighting performance, uniformity, and thermal standards. The retrofit solution allows existing lantern housings to remain in service for a further 10–20 years, significantly reducing embodied carbon and capital expenditure. Installation has also been streamlined, with each retrofit completed in under 10 minutes, minimising disruption to road users and local communities. Proven results and long-term benefits To date, the retrofit programme, delivered in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, has already achieved more than 65% reduction in energy consumption compared with a 2016 baseline, through the introduction of LED technology, dimming, and part-night operation. Further measurable benefits include: • Over 65% reduction in energy use and associated CO₂ emissions • Circular economy approach by reusing lantern bodies • Reduced maintenance and extended product lifecycle • Efficient installation for lower labour costs • Reliable performance backed by a five-year warranty Strong partnership, sustainable progress Nathan Poundall IEng MILP BEng, Principal Engineer – Street Lighting at Lincolnshire County Council, comments, “By reusing existing lantern bodies and introducing advanced LED retrofit technology, we are cutting energy use by over 65% while avoiding unnecessary waste. This project is a clear example of how innovation and partnership can help us reduce carbon emissions, save money, and extend the life of our assets.” This large-scale retrofit demonstrates how local authorities can modernise public lighting responsibly, combining sustainability and efficiency without the need for full replacement schemes.