NICEIC appoints WorldSkills UK training manager

NICEIC has announced the appointment of Technical Training Developer, Mitchel Smith, as the new WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Electrical Installation. This role will see Mitchel leading the training and development of competitors in the Electrical Installation category for WorldSkills as the squad prepares to represent the UK on the international stage. The WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as the 'ultimate test' of a nation’s ability to meet future skills needs. It is attended by government representatives, educationalists and leading employers from across the globe. WorldSkills UK selects the apprentices and learners in the Electrical Installation category to represent Team UK, based on performance at the rigorous SkillELECTRIC competition. NICEIC is a longstanding delivery partner of SkillELECTRIC, collaborating closely with the competition to equip participants with the skills necessary to excel in the competition. WorldSkills 2026 will take place in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026 and it will be the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition. The event will see 1,500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 counties to compete in technical skills from electrical installation to engineering and manufacturing, in front of 250,000 attendees. Mitchel Smith brings over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, with a track record demonstrating both technical integrity and a desire to continually raise the bar. Mitchel also brings a dedication to training, fostering talent and promoting high standards in electrical installation, making him the ideal person to lead the Electrical Installation squad through their training and preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Mitchel will be responsible for designing and implementing training programmes that prepare competitors for the challenges presented by WorldSkills, and he will work closely with industry experts and educators to ensure participants receive the highest quality training and support. Mitchel Smith says, "It is an absolute honour to be appointed as the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Electrical Installation. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with talented individuals who made it on to the Electrical Installation squad, to help them develop their technical skills and reach their full potential. It is a very exciting challenge and we’ll be working hard in preparation for Shanghai, where we’ll be doing everything we can to come home with a medal." Richard Orton, Chief Executive at NICEIC, comments, “Mitchel has impeccable skill both as a trainer and a leader. His dedication to technical integrity and raising standards embody everything NICEIC stands for. He will be an invaluable asset to the Electrical Installation squad as they prepare for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. “NICEIC is delighted to support Mitchel in his new role, and I would like to extend my congratulations to Mitchel on his appointment as well as to the Electrical Installation squad: Jonathan Gough, Kalum Low, and Conor McDonnell on their selection. We wish them every success in the competition and will be following their journey closely.” Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK, adds, “We are delighted to appoint Mitchel as the Training Manager for Electrical Installation. Mitchel, together with our other training managers, will be supporting the young technicians on our international programme to develop the skills that employers are crying out for which will fuel business growth across our economy. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will be bigger than ever before with even higher standards, giving us a vital platform to learn from the very best in the world and bring skills excellence to more young people across the UK.” Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024. For more from NICEIC, click here.

UK Power Networks ignites trials for sustainable community heating

King’s Cross in the heart of London is set to become a living testbed for decarbonising heat this winter.  UK Power Networks’ flagship project, Heatropolis, is using King’s Cross regeneration zone to create a sustainable blueprint for heating homes and buildings, using clean energy. The innovation is being led by UK Power Networks, with partners including Metropolitan, Passiv UK and Guidehouse, each bringing critical expertise to drive the initiative forward this year. The four-year project is exploring how heat distribution systems can be designed to optimise the ways heat and electricity networks work together. This will involve three winter trials (2025-2027) across three key building models: a low-density residential heat network, a multi-occupancy building, and a large mixed-use site, with King's Cross serving as the benchmark for the latter. The former industrial site is one of the city’s largest redevelopments and is home to several major corporations, including Google, Meta and Universal Music. It has also been rejuvenated with public squares, parks, restaurants, homes, schools and a university. With more households converting to electric heating, Heatropolis is finding solutions to manage additional demand on local electricity networks in the most cost-effective way. It aims to reduce the costs of connecting and operating electrical heat networks by using ‘flexibility’ to help manage peaks and troughs in supply and demand. The potential carbon savings are significant, with an estimated 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided through reduced electricity network reinforcement and a financial benefit of £70 million by 2050 from deferring or avoiding unnecessary grid upgrades. Heatropolis is one of three UK Power Networks projects that secured Beta funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK. Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, says, “We are excited for the physical rollout of Heatropolis as it presents a unique opportunity to make sure the way we heat our homes and buildings is fit for the future. “By integrating low-carbon technologies with advanced flexibility and control systems, we can significantly reduce peak demand on electricity networks, which will result in lower energy costs for consumers and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.” Bruce Geldard, Engineering Director at Metropolitan - which delivers low carbon heat, hot water and cooling networks for new communities - adds, "We are delighted to take the next step in our partnership with UK Power Networks in the latest phase of the Heatropolis project. This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for Metropolitan to be able to further develop our work in delivery of sustainable, low-carbon heating solutions. “Through this initiative, we are helping to create a blueprint for decarbonising and optimising existing and new heat networks, driving forward the transformation of energy system across the UK to meet our carbon reduction goals.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

OpenADR and Matter specification bridges grid and smart homes

geo (Green Energy Options), a Cambridge-based energy tech firm, has developed an open specification that enables OpenADR and Matter to work together, enabling mass-market, consumer-friendly grid demand response solutions. Published in March 2025, with independent input from the OpenADR Alliance and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the specification provides a clear framework for energy flexibility. Demand Side Response service providers (DSRSPs) and Energy Smart Appliance (ESA) manufacturers can use this bridging specification to unlock the inherent energy flexibility that’s contained in household white goods appliances, electric vehicle (EV) charging, water heating, electric heating, solar and battery storage systems. Utilities and energy flexibility service providers have been using the OpenADR protocol for 15 years to connect homes and businesses to the grid. Using OpenADR, the grid can understand how these ESAs can be flexed; it can then send incentive signals to use energy at different times and help balance the grid. Matter, launched in 2022, is a unifying smart home standard that defines how devices communicate. It facilitates secure data sharing within the home and the translation methodology identified in this specification enables end to end flexibility services. Matter’s widespread adoption by tech giants and appliance manufacturers, along with its built-in security and intuitive setup, allows Domestic DSR to move beyond early adopters to mass market deployment. Sponsored by the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the initiative builds on the Interoperable Demand Side Response (IDSR) programme and previous successful projects including DSR Ready. By separating OpenADR (grid flexibility management) from Matter (direct appliance control), the specification allows providers to scale beyond traditional EV charging applications while reducing costs. The specification outlines how a local energy management system can respond to time of use tariffs, local solar generation, can enforce peak load limits, and optimise energy use – helping the grid manage demand surges while using excess renewable energy when available. Rolf Bienert, Managing Director of the OpenADR Alliance, says, “Consumers want simplicity. This specification bridges grid control with home energy management, making energy flexibility seamless.” Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, adds, “Marking a pivotal moment in energy evolution, the OpenADR specification enables communication between utilities and consumers, allowing Matter devices to respond to those energy signals. It’s an impressive step forward in enhancing grid efficiency and paves the way for a more sustainable, greener future.” Patrick Caiger-Smith, geo Chairman, comments, “Keeping consumers’ hard-earned money in their pockets by providing meaningful carbon reduction to millions of homes, simply and cost effectively, has always been central to our mission. A series of DESNZ sponsored projects have helped to make this vision a reality and this latest OpenADR and Matter bridging specification means those benefits can now be delivered sooner, not least because the commercial value for ESA manufacturers and flexibility service providers is now clearer than ever.” The specification can be downloaded from geo’s website by clicking here.

Primary school records outstanding energy performance results

A first-year assessment of Riverside Primary School, Scotland’s first Passivhaus-certified primary school, has revealed actual energy operational performance to be significantly below the Passivhaus primary energy demand target, while consistently providing excellent comfort levels. With an energy assessment of just 43 kWh/sqm/annum, Riverside Primary School is significantly outperforming the classic Passivhaus target of 60 kWh/sqm/annum. Helping contribute to the exceptional standards with energy-efficient hot water provision are Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point-of-use electric water heaters. Riverside Primary School is part of Perth & Kinross Council's capital programme of school upgrades and improvements through hub East Central Scotland. Perth & Kinross Council appointed BakerHicks Motherwell to provide mechanical and electrical design services on the project for principal contractor Robertson Tayside. In Scotland, local authorities are required to pay upfront for the delivery of new schools, with Scottish Government providing funding through the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on an outcomes-based funding approach over 25 years. Projects receiving funding need to meet a clear delivered energy target of 67kWh/m2/year for core hour/facilities with energy performance and outcome monitored at set intervals. Where the energy target is not achieved in full, funding is reduced correspondingly. David Coulter, Associate Engineer and Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks, says, “Achieving the energy target was absolutely crucial both to achieve Passivhaus accreditation and to ensure SFT funding for the Council. “When designing the system, the hot water strategy was one of the main challenges as we needed to avoid large scale energy usage and heat losses. We wanted to explore using all-electric point-of-use solutions that would only generate energy when required, for example during break or lunch times, so we spoke to Baxi.” Point-of-use electric water heaters can be an efficient solution to an immediate supply of hot water for washbasins and kitchen areas in buildings like schools. Installing a point-of-use water heater like Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia Multipoint that incorporates anti-legionella functionality, water pasteurisation and anti-tamper design, will ensure that water is adequately stored, cycled and distributed. Baxi’s technical sales and specification team worked with David to identify the selection of Heatrae Sadia water heaters that would efficiently meet the hot water demand across the building. “We had used Heatrae Sadia products before and were familiar with their reputation for high-quality, robust performance,” David explains. “A key benefit of these water heaters is that the units are sized, thereby providing more flexibility to meet the required volume. This meant that we could look to design down to avoid oversizing, where appropriate, and so ensure the most efficient operational performance.” To achieve Passivhaus certification, Riverside Primary School needed to undergo a rigorous quality assurance compliance process to ensure the targets would be met. “It was an exacting process,” David continues. “We needed to supply detailed calculations and evidence relating to the energy values of the selected technologies. And this is where we really relied on Baxi for technical support. They were great, working closely with us to provide all the information required for certification and ready to help at every stage of the project.” With the recent report on energy operational performance demonstrating the success of the solution, BakerHicks now uses this design as a template for future projects, even where Passivhaus standards are not applied. David adds, “We are pleased to see these energy results and are delighted that the building is operating far more efficiently than initially projected. The data shows significantly lower energy consumption which demonstrates the importance of strong operational performance and effective energy management. The client team and end users have adapted well to the Passivhaus strategies, learning valuable lessons learned along the way. This marks a promising step forward for future projects and building services solutions.” Anne Wraith, Head of Commercial Product Sales at Baxi, notes, “The very low heat losses of our Heatrae Sadia products were a key component in the overall project. We are extremely proud to have played a part in this ground-breaking Passivhaus primary school and at the outstanding energy results achieved.” The architect, lead consultant and Passivhaus designer was Architype, the project manager was hub East Central Scotland, the principal contractor was Robertson Tayside, and the M&E installing contactor was FES in Stirling. For more from Baxi, click here.

Pickering introduces 20kV stand-off relay

Pickering Electronics, a global provider of high-performance reed relays, has introduced a new 20kV addition to its long-established high voltage Series 63 range. The company claims that the latest addition sets a new industry standard by offering 20kV stand-off across the switch contacts – a first-of-its-kind capability that Pickering says no other relay manufacturer currently offers. The new 20kV high voltage reed relay was unveiled at electronica China 2025, taking place in Shanghai, China from 15-17 April 2025. The new relay is designed for demanding high-voltage applications, featuring up to 20kV stand-off and 12.5kV switching at a maximum of 50W. Tungsten-plated contacts ensure a long and reliable life, supporting up to 100 million operations when cold switching. Ideal for a variety of high-voltage testing and switching applications, including hi-pot testers, high-end cable testers, electric vehicle (EV) charge point testing, solar energy systems, medical equipment and high voltage instrumentation, Series 63 is also available with fast lead times of three to four weeks for orders of up to 200 pieces, and five to six weeks for larger quantities. “We’re excited to introduce this new high voltage addition to our Series 63 range at electronica China,” says Robert King, Reed Relay Product Manager at Pickering Electronics. “The 20kV stand-off capability across the switch contacts is a game changer for industries requiring robust, reliable, and compact high voltage switching solutions. With its enhanced performance and short lead times, this relay is ideal for customers seeking both efficiency and innovation.” The Series 63 20kV reed relay offers exceptional performance and flexibility for a wide range of high voltage applications, with key features including compact PCB mounting with push-on HV connections on the top face, supplied with appropriate connectors and insulating boots. Both Form A (energise-to-make) and Form B (energise-to-break) configurations are available, with 24V coils, and it is usually possible to achieve a Form C (change-over) function by using a Form A and a Form B type together. An internal mu-metal magnetic screen allows Form A versions to be mounted side by side without interference, and an optional electrostatic screen and/or earth connection to the magnetic screen offers enhanced EMC protection. Maximum switch current is 3 Amps, with maximum carry current of 3.5 Amps. In the year that Pickering celebrates more than half a century of expertise in high voltage reed relay technology, and the launch of its new Centre of Excellence for high voltage switching, the company says that this new relay reflects its ongoing commitment to innovative product improvement, driven by customer requirements and engineering excellence. For more from Pickering Electronics, click here.

Thorn Lighting launches luminaire for hazardous environments

Thorn Lighting has announced the launch of Xetaro, a high-performance linear ATEX luminaire developed specifically for hazardous, combustible environments. Designed to meet the demands for ATEX Zones 2/22, Xetaro ensures safety in demanding industrial settings where safety, compliance, and reliability are paramount. With an IP66 ingress rating and IK10 impact resistance, it is engineered to perform in challenging conditions. Xetaro delivers strong durability and performance, and offers the following features: • ATEX certified for Zones 2/22, ensuring safety in explosive environments • IP66 Ingress protection shields against dust, dirt, and moisture ingress • IK10 Impact resistance withstands impacts up to 20 joules • Energy efficient with up to 157 lm/W and 11,000 lumens output • Flexible installation with quick-fit mounting clips and cable hooks as standard, and optional through-wiring connectors • Emergency Backup - configurable with a three-hour lithium-ion battery for power outages. Constructed from high-grade polycarbonate with a translucent diffuser, Xetaro ensures uniform light distribution for optimal performance. The CRI 80 colour rendering and 4000K colour temperature create a safe and effective work environment in hazardous conditions. Xetaro is ideal for industries such as automotive, energy, and chemical manufacturing. It excels in fuel storage facilities, car paint shops, and biomass-powered energy plants, where flammable vapours or gases are present. Xetaro also meets the rigorous requirements of metal, wood, paper and textile processing plants, providing reliable lighting in environments that demand the highest safety standards. It is equally well-suited for the food and beverage sector, including breweries, grain mills and flour mills, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while providing efficient, long-lasting illumination. “The launch of Xetaro reinforces Thorn Lighting’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that enhance safety and productivity in hazardous environments,” says Glenn Christie, Product Manager – Protected Luminaires, Thorn Lighting. “With ATEX certification, energy efficiency, and proven durability, Xetaro delivers real operational benefits while meeting the highest safety standards.” For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

WAGO releases new compact terminal blocks

With a steady progress in digitalisation and the ever-increasing complexity of electrical wiring layouts necessitating innovative developments in distributor technology, WAGO’s latest 221-420 terminal blocks are designed to save time and space, compactness and versatility in the hopes of setting new standards for electrical connectors. Unlike jumpers, WAGO’s latest terminal does not reduce the number of contacts. The 420 terminal of the 221 series features 10 contacts for wires of a similar electrical potential that enable easy toolless installation. The product supports single-core wires with cross-sections from 0.14 to 4 mm² as well as multi-core cables sized 0.2 to 4 mm². Moreover, WAGO’s compact two-tier design makes the terminal the go-to choice when board space is limited. The WAGO terminal comes with a 450V rating, and a current rating of 32A. This boosts the range of uses if users want to wire distributors and switchboards that control blinds, heating systems, supply technology, intercoms, electrical cookers and many other appliances in buildings. WAGO’s terminal block uses Cage Clamp technology – a reliable, maintenance-free wiring method centred around spring-loaded contacts. This makes time-consuming pre-installation procedures such as crimping lugs on wire ends redundant, speeding up the work of electrical contractors and the production lines of equipment manufacturers alike. WAGO also pays a lot of attention to user safety, the company tells us. The product’s transparent casing enables easy visual inspection of each wire that complies with applicable standards. Moreover, the terminal sports openings both at the front and at the back that allow you to check the wire contact after the terminal has been installed. WAGO supplies a variety of fixings for the terminal, including strain reliefs, and adapters with and without latches that enable rail-mounting the product in both upright and horizontal orientation. Moreover, WAGO also offers a certified explosion-proof version complying with ATEX standards, and a sustainable Green Range edition. The new terminal blocks are being supplied by the Conrad Sourcing Platform. For more from WAGO, click here.

Ovia adds new Inceptor Milli Converter Plates

Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has expanded its popular Inceptor Milli domestic downlights range with the addition of new Converter Plates. Designed to offer a simple and stylish retrofit solution, the plates make it easier to fit the Inceptor Milli Standard Fitting into ceilings with pre-existing larger holes. The new Inceptor Milli Converter Plates allow the standard Milli fitting (which requires a Ø64-75mm cut-out) to be retrofitted into ceiling cut-outs up to a maximum size of Ø120mm. This makes them ideal for upgrading or replacing lighting in spaces where ceiling holes are larger than the original fitting's specifications. The new Converter Plates are available in five distinctive finishes: White, Matt Black, Chrome, Satin Chrome, and Antique Brass. Inceptor Milli is a range of 4W and 6.4W dimmable fire-rated LED downlights, available in both standard and baffle designs. They feature pre-wired Flow Connectors for quick and easy installation, and are also TM66 approved. A brochure featuring the full Inceptor Milli range can be viewed on the Ovia website and the Scolmore Group app. It is also available in the new Ovia Catalogue (Issue 5). For more from Ovia, click here.

High-voltage cables relocated for Silvertown Tunnel

UK Power Networks has completed work to move high-voltage underground cables to make way for the Silvertown Tunnel. The tunnel that passes beneath the River Thames connects Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula, easing congestion from the nearby Blackwall Tunnel, improving air quality and allowing better cross-river public transport. UK Power Networks worked on two cable diversion projects with Riverlinx CJV on the north and south sides of the river to facilitate the construction of the tunnel. On the north side of the river, the project team laid 700m of 66,000V cables made from environmentally friendly cross-linked polyethylene (XPLE), adding an additional 150m to the route, while decommissioning four existing circuits. On the south side, two 132,000V circuits and nine 11,000V circuits were temporarily moved. After the construction was completed, UK Power Networks replaced the old cables with XLPE in their original positions. The Riverlinx CJV (Construction Joint Venture) is contracted by Riverlinx, who is a concessionaire on behalf of TfL, to complete the Silvertown Tunnel by April. Claire Sheridan, UK Power Networks’ Portfolio Manager for London, says, "Working together on the Silvertown Tunnel project has been a testament to our commitment to improving the City of London. “The efforts of our engineers and partners have helped us overcome numerous challenges, ensuring the successful completion of cable diversion projects on both sides of the River Thames. This project not only enhances the city's infrastructure but also contributes to a better environment and public transport system. “Collaborative working has been essential in moving high-voltage underground cables to make way for the Silvertown Tunnel. This project is a significant step towards improving transport in London by easing congestion, improving air quality and enhancing cross-river public transport. Despite the challenges, our team has successfully laid environmentally friendly cables and decommissioned existing circuits to support the construction of the tunnel." Borja Trashorras, Project Director, Riverlinx CJV, says, “The Riverlinx CJV joint venture has delivered the Silvertown Tunnel project on time, to budget and at the highest standard of delivery and engineering. Our collaborative approach with TfL and Riverlinx SPV has enabled us to leverage international expertise from our three partners: Ferrovial through its construction division, BAM and SK ecoplant. The construction here has included advanced engineering techniques with world firsts for a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) of this size, exemplifying our commitment to excellence and innovation. To have delivered this project in five years despite all of the recent world challenges is truly exceptional. I congratulate our team, everything we have achieved, and the positive legacy we leave not only for London but also for our industry.”

George Clarke to host #CEFLIVE25 in June

George Clarke, renowned architect and TV presenter, will be hosting this year's #CEFLive25. Known for his passion for innovation and community-focused design, George will be interviewing suppliers and taking attendees through an action-packed event.  On 5-6 June 2025, CEF will again bring the UK’s biggest electrical trade event to the NEC Birmingham. Packed with the industry’s leading brands, networking opportunities, exclusive giveaways, amazing deals and CPD-accredited learning seminars, #CEFLive25 promises to be an unmissable experience for electricians and industry professionals. #CEFlive25 features an all-new Learning Zone, supported by leading brands Aico, Electrium, Legrand, Scolmore Group, Signify and Wago hosting specialist sessions. Plus, Darren Staniforth and Dave Austin will return with their popular CPD-accredited TechTalks, offering a deep dive into key industry topics, including an essential update on the proposed 18th Edition 4th Amendment. #CEFLive25 is also about rewarding the hardworking professionals who power the industry. Across the action-packed two days, attendees will receive exclusive perks and be eligible for exciting giveaways. Entrants will automatically receive a £50 voucher to spend at CEF.co.uk (T&Cs apply), a free test equipment calibration (worth £70), as well as free entry, free parking and complimentary refreshments. For trade experts looking to enhance their skills and knowledge, there will be over 100+ leading brands with a chance to get hands-on with the latest tools and technologies, speak directly to manufacturers, and discover solutions that can improve efficiency and productivity. Chris Ashworth, CEO of CEF says, “#CEFLive25 is the UK’s leading trade event for electricians and contractors, and we’re pleased to welcome George Clarke as our host this year. At CEF we are committed to providing an event that’s informative, inspiring, and rewarding for everyone who attends. Whether you’re here to network or learn #CEFLive25 is here to support the industry and help electricians stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.” With thousands of industry professionals expected to attend, #CEFLive25 is an event not to be missed for electricians, contractors and apprentices alike. For more information and to register now click here.