Carhartt expands Rain Defender workwear range

American workwear company Carhartt has introduced its Rain Defender range of clothing and accessories, designed to provide water resistance for tradespeople and outdoor workers. The products use durable water repellent (DWR) technology to cause water to bead on the surface, offering protection against light rain without the weight of traditional waterproof clothing. The Rain Defender line includes sweatshirts, jackets, vests, and accessories, all intended to remain lightweight and breathable while withstanding daily use. Product features The Rain Defender Loose Fit Heavyweight Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt combines fleece material with a water-repellent finish. It includes a mock neck for warmth and a concealed security pocket inside the handwarmer pocket. For colder conditions, the Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Traditional Coat features a nylon shell with Rain Defender, Rugged Flex for mobility, and Wind Fighter to reduce wind penetration. The coat includes quilt lining, a chin guard, and multiple pockets. The women’s Montana Relaxed Fit Insulated Jacket is made from Carstrong quilted nylon and includes synthetic insulation with a sherpa lining. It also features an adjustable drop-tail hem, storm flap, and secure pockets. Carhartt says the Rain Defender collection extends beyond outerwear, with options including vests, rucksacks, and tool belts. For more from Carhartt, click here.

CEF, Klein Tools release limited tape measure for charity

Electrical distributor CEF has partnered with Klein Tools to launch a limited edition five metre tape measure in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. For every unit sold, five pounds will be donated to Macmillan, with a fundraising target of £25,000 to help provide vital services for people living with cancer across the UK. Product features Designed with electricians in mind, the co-branded tape measure is intended to combine professional performance with a meaningful cause. Key features include a magnetic double hook for hands-free measuring, a heavy-duty nylon coated blade for durability, and a retraction brake for safe speed control. Additionally, it also offers a 4m standout, 3m drop protection, and a metal belt clip for everyday convenience. The campaign The launch builds on the success of previous fundraising campaigns, which raised £45,000 for Macmillan through previous CEF and Klein Tools’ co-branded products. This time around, the collaboration hopes to raise another £25,000, bringing the overall fundraising total to £70,000 in support of Macmillan’s work. Vanessa Molloy, Head of Sales & Marketing at Super Rod / Klein Tools UK, comments, “Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that many trade professionals care deeply about, and we are proud to support CEF in combining professional tools with purpose.” Rebecca Fanning, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, adds, “We’re incredibly grateful to CEF and Klein Tools for their continued support. Every tape measure sold is not only a donation, but also a powerful gesture of solidarity with people living with cancer.” Andrew Moseley, Commercial Director at CEF, says, “At CEF, we are proud to support causes that matter to our customers and colleagues. “Partnering with Klein Tools on this initiative allows us to provide a high-quality product for the trade and also make a meaningful contribution to Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that touches so many lives.” The limited edition tape measure will be available from 1 September, exclusively through CEF, and customers can purchase it at any of CEF’s branches across the UK or on the company's website. For more from CEF, click here.

Breathing Buildings to showcase school ventilation

Breathing Buildings, a UK provider of controlled hybrid and natural ventilation systems, will present its full range of ventilation systems for schools, colleges, and universities at the Education Estates Exhibition and Conference, taking place at Manchester Central on 14–15 October 2025. The event combines a two-day conference with an exhibition focused on funding, design, construction, and management of educational infrastructure. The company’s stand will feature natural, hybrid, and mechanical ventilation systems designed to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency across education estates. Ventilation and government funding The exhibition follows the Government’s Spending Review, which allocated £2.4 billion annually over the next four years to rebuild more than 500 schools, alongside further investment in school maintenance. Breathing Buildings says that with many schools looking to improve energy efficiency, the timing provides opportunities to integrate low-carbon ventilation into both new and refurbished buildings. Matthew Cooper, Business Development Director at Breathing Buildings, says, “Visitors to our stand will be able to learn more about our complete ventilation solution, as well as service and maintenance options for schools, and how we can help create a healthy and productive learning environment. "With the new Government funding, now is the ideal time for schools to invest in energy-efficient ventilation.” Hybrid and mechanical options The company’s Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling (NVHR) range provides hybrid systems that combine natural and mechanical ventilation. These units recycle heat from within the building while maintaining airflow and comfort, making them suitable for retrofitting and spaces with high heat gains. An expanded version of the range, NVHRe, incorporates a low-resistance heat exchanger for both heat recycling and heat recovery. According to the company, the NVHRe achieves 46% heat recovery efficiency with a low specific fan power of 0.075 W/l/s. Models include heating and cooling options to suit different climates and building requirements. Breathing Buildings has also added the MVHRe mechanical ventilation range to support environments requiring consistent extraction or advanced filtration, such as gyms, libraries, or Air Quality Management Areas. With heat recovery efficiency of up to 93%, the system is intended to complement the company’s hybrid systems. Environmental assessment All ventilation units have been evaluated under the CIBSE TM65 methodology, allowing specifiers to assess embodied carbon and environmental impact. Breathing Buildings also provides design and modelling support, alongside on-site demonstrations and client services. Visitors to stand 208 will be able to see the full range of ventilation solutions and learn more about service and maintenance options. For more from Breathing Buildings, click here.

Swivelpole introduces global 10-year warranty

Swivelpole, a Canadian manufacturer of lowering pole systems, has announced a 10-year warranty across its standard Swivelpole range incorporating the Maxis joint. The warranty applies worldwide and covers industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications. The company, which has more than 25 years of experience and over 500,000 installations globally, manufactures lowering pole systems designed to allow lighting and equipment to be safely brought down to walkway level for maintenance without the need for ladders, scaffolding, or lifts. Durability and safety focus Rob Pannekoek, Director at Swivelpole, says, “Our products are designed to perform in the toughest conditions, and we stand behind that with a decade of coverage. "This 10-year warranty demonstrates our long-term commitment to safety, innovation, and our customers’ success across every project lifecycle.” The warranty is available across all markets, with Swivelpole products used in sectors including energy, manufacturing, and mining in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. All products are engineered and certified to meet international electrical and safety standards, including the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC). They also carry CE, UKCA, and CSA conformity markings.

£15.6 million East Ham substation upgrade completed

UK Power Networks has successfully completed a major £15.6 million infrastructure upgrade at Nelson Street substation, significantly enhancing the resilience and capacity of the electricity network in East London.   In partnership with Clancy, the project involved the installation and commissioning of three new 132kV 54-ton transformers and 11kV switchboard, replacing existing equipment with new kit and increasing the site’s firm capacity to meet growing demand. The upgrade doubles the total capacity of the substation for local residents.   With the project launched in 2020, the new substation has now been energised, marking a key milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in a smarter, more reliable energy network for thousands of residents in the East Ham and Barking area.   Throughout the works, UK Power Networks installed boardings around the site detailing the work being completed in English and in local languages including Urdu and Hindi to keep residents informed of the project.   Awaise Umar, Project Manager, UK Power Networks, says, "This £15.6 million investment is a pivotal step towards ensuring a more resilient and efficient energy network for East London.   “By integrating state-of-the-art equipment and increasing the site's firm capacity, we are not only addressing current demands but also future-proofing our infrastructure to support the region's growth and sustainability goals."   Tony Campbell, site manager, Clancy, said: “This upgrade demonstrates the power of effective partnership in strengthening vital community infrastructure. Working closely with UK Power Networks, our teams navigated complex engineering challenges and delivered enhanced capacity for East London. We’re proud to play a role in supporting the region’s ambitions for growth, sustainability and energy resilience.”   For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Bank holidays drive job surge for engineers, data shows 

  UK engineers are facing heavy pressure around bank holidays as work slows sharply over long weekends, only to surge once sites reopen, according to figures from workforce management platform Joblogic. Industry-wide analysis shows job scheduling falls 49% during bank holidays, with completions down 54% as appointments are cancelled or postponed. But once the holiday ends, demand rebounds rapidly, with a 58% surge in jobs creating significant catch-up pressure. The data reveals sharp contrasts across trades, with some sectors using the downtime to clear backlogs, and others struggling to recover once work resumes. Electrical maintenance  Scheduled jobs drop 50% and completions fall 47% during bank holidays Attendance is 183% faster than the norm, making it the quickest response rate of all trades Post-holiday scheduling rises 46% and completions increase 16%     HVACR  Scheduled jobs drop 47% and completions fall 49% during bank holidays Attendance rate is 88% slower than average, the weakest of all sectors Once the break ends, scheduling rises 64% and completions jump 86%, the sharpest increase of any trade Plumbing, heating, and drainage  Scheduled jobs fall 40% and completions drop 57% during bank holidays Attendance rate is 120% slower than normal, putting pressure on engineers Post-holiday scheduling surges 78% and completions rise 63%, the largest scheduling increase of any sector Building maintenance  Scheduled jobs fall 10% during bank holidays, while completions rise 155% as crews take advantage of empty sites After the holiday, completions drop 61% and scheduling falls 19% Bank holiday tickets take 30 hours longer to complete than weekday jobs and 129 hours longer than weekend jobs Facilities management  Scheduled jobs decline 50% and completions fall 64% during bank holidays Attendance is 467% quicker than average response time, indicating strong prioritisation After the holiday, scheduling climbs 52% and completions surge 83% “Bank Holidays create a cycle of cancellations and surges that can overwhelm teams if they are unprepared,” says Paul Webb, Head of Learning Strategy & Customer Education at Joblogic. “Our data shows the same pattern every time: new jobs fall away during the long weekend, engineers focus on clearing backlogs, and then demand spikes sharply afterwards. “For many firms, this creates delays, SLA risks, and pressure on resources, especially if they don’t have the right systems in place to help manage the fluctuations.  “By anticipating these peaks and troughs, service businesses can get ahead by scheduling preventative work in advance, optimising engineer dispatch, and ultimately delivering faster, more reliable service when demand peaks. That’s exactly what Joblogic enables: turning what could be an industry-wide challenge into a competitive edge.”

Ritherdon develops passively safe roadside cabinet

Ritherdon, a UK-based electrical enclosure manufacturer, has launched what it says is the first passively safe roadside cabinet. The cabinet is designed to shear off if struck by a vehicle, reducing the risk of injury to drivers and passengers, and removing the need for vehicle restraint systems (VRS) in certain locations. The Lancashire company says it has spent over a decade developing the design in collaboration with the University of Manchester’s School of Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Civil Engineering. The cabinet has been crash tested to European standard EN 12767 and uses a spacer base and breakaway bolts so that the main body detaches on impact. Design and applications Managing Director Ben Ritherdon explains that the product is not intended to replace all roadside cabinets but to offer an alternative for locations such as rural roads, where space or cost constraints make VRS installation impractical. He says, “The passively safe cabinet doesn’t need to be placed behind an expensive VRS and it doesn’t need to be set back from the road: drivers will be as protected as possible in the event of a collision. “It is also quicker and cheaper to replace than a standard cabinet and VRS if an accident occurs.” Ritherdon says the cabinets are manufactured from the same steel as its conventional models and are installed in the same way. The company has already sold more than 500 units, with interest from organisations installing roadside monitoring equipment where space is limited. Crash testing and demonstration Two crash demonstrations were conducted at the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators’ Crash Day 2025 in Derbyshire. At one test, a remote-controlled vehicle travelling at 56mph struck a passively safe cabinet, which detached from its base as intended and caused only minor damage to the car. A subsequent test using a standard roadside cabinet saw the car roll and overturn, underlining the potential benefits of the passively safe design. Ritherdon says the cabinets can reduce installation footprints and allow roadside equipment to be located closer to the point of use without the need for bulky protective barriers. For more from Ritherdon, click here.

Electricity towers removed for new Sussex development

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks has dismantled three electricity towers in Mid Sussex to enable continued delivery of a new community at Brookleigh, a new development being delivered to the north of Burgess Hill. Overhead electricity lines and towers by the A2300 were replaced with 1km of underground cables to prepare for the Brookleigh development. Another tower is scheduled for removal next year at the local electricity grid during construction of a substation for the development. Led by the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, the development will deliver 3,500 homes, including affordable housing, schools, parks, and new community infrastructure. Capital programme delivery teams at UK Power Networks coordinated consents, access, and excavations to safely divert the 132,000-volt electricity circuits underground. Work included a trenchless technique to install the cables under the A2300, preventing any traffic impact. After de-energising the overhead lines, the cables were gradually lowered, then the towers were dismantled and all the metal was recycled. Neil Miller, Head of Development (South) at Homes England, says, “The removal of these towers greatly improves the visual environment locally and creates a gateway for Brookleigh as residents move into new homes. "This important infrastructure delivered early in the development is possible due to partnership working which allows us to work with our developer partners to make land available to build new homes and supporting amenities at pace.” Saadat Hussain, Senior Project Manager at UK Power Networks, adds, “We are delighted to work in collaboration with Homes England to help realise their plans for a sustainable new community in Burgess Hill. "Removing the towers has transformed the skyline at the entrance to the town and enables the next stage of the project.” [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fXaESlKA3g[/embed] UK Power Networks removed 6,000 metres of overhead line along a 1km section of the network, dismantling structures that had dominated the skyline since the 1930s. A new termination tower was constructed to enable the power lines to be diverted underground. In the second phase of work, UK Power Networks has started building a new primary substation alongside its existing grid site to support the new community. Work is underway and the new substation is due to be energised in 2028. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Bluetooth ceiling speakers gaining ground among specifiers

In recent years, audio has become an increasingly important element in modern building design. Whether in residential, hospitality, or commercial projects, clients are asking for high-quality, discreet sound systems that complement smart, connected lifestyles. For specifiers, the challenge lies in recommending solutions that balance performance, ease of installation, and long-term reliability, without adding unnecessary complexity to the electrical design. This is where Bluetooth ceiling speakers are gaining momentum, offering a streamlined, installer-friendly solution that is proving especially appealing to specifiers. Simplifying specification and installation Traditional audio systems often require multiple components - amplifiers, receivers, and long runs of cabling that increase design and installation complexity. In contrast, all-in-one Bluetooth ceiling speakers from Lithe Audio integrate the amplifier, receiver, and speaker into a single unit. For specifiers, this reduces the number of products to include in a design while giving installers a system that connects directly to a lighting circuit. No extra control boxes, no separate amplifiers, no hidden cabling headaches. By simplifying the specification process, Bluetooth ceiling speakers help projects stay on budget and on schedule: two factors specifiers know are critical in today’s fast-moving builds. Smart technology for modern projects Clients are increasingly demanding smart, connected environments. From voice control to wireless streaming, audio is no longer a luxury add-on, it’s an expectation. Lithe Audio’s Bluetooth ceiling speakers are designed with this in mind. Lithe Audio’s speakers connect wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, or laptops, allowing end-users to stream music instantly without additional equipment. For multi-room projects, installers can pair speakers across different zones, while advanced models integrate with popular smart home platforms. For specifiers, this ticks an important box: future-proofing projects with technology that aligns with modern living standards. Aesthetics and space-saving design For architects and designers, ceiling space is valuable real estate. Visible audio equipment can compromise an interior scheme, particularly in high-end residential and boutique hospitality projects. Bluetooth ceiling speakers provide a discreet solution - flush-mounted into the ceiling with a near-invisible profile. The recently launched Lithe Audio 4” compact Bluetooth speaker takes this even further, offering powerful sound in a smaller form factor that’s perfect for en-suites, kitchens, and other space-conscious installations. This means audio can be added to more rooms without compromising design integrity. Adding value for specifiers and clients Beyond performance and aesthetics, specifiers need solutions that add value throughout the project lifecycle. Lithe Audio’s ceiling speakers include features such as volume limiting for multi-dwelling units, app-based control, and waterproof models rated for bathrooms. These practical touches not only make life easier for installers but also give specifiers confidence that the system will meet client expectations across a wide range of applications. Equally important is manufacturer support. Lithe Audio backs its products with comprehensive training resources and has earned recognition in industry awards, giving specifiers additional reassurance of quality and credibility. The growing case for Bluetooth audio As the industry continues to move towards smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable building systems, Bluetooth ceiling speakers are emerging as an ideal solution for specifiers. They save time, reduce complexity, and deliver the modern, connected experiences clients are asking for - all while blending seamlessly into the fabric of the building. For specifiers looking to add smart sound to their next project, Lithe Audio’s Bluetooth ceiling speakers represent a practical, forward-thinking choice that aligns perfectly with the trends shaping the electrical contracting industry. For more from Lithe Audio, click here.

C.K Tools launches Dexpress VDE torque driver

C.K Tools, a manufacturer of professional hand tools, has added the Dexpress VDE torque driver to its range of professional hand tools. The product is designed to address growing scrutiny on workmanship and torque settings in consumer units. The Dexpress VDE meets the ISO 60900 standard and is aimed at improving both accuracy and convenience compared to existing torque screwdrivers. Many models on the market require tips to be removed before adjusting torque settings or have a restricted torque range, meaning multiple tools may be needed. Features and technical specifications The Dexpress VDE includes slim interchangeable driver bits, including a modified PZ tip designed to prevent breakage and to access RCB screw holes more easily. The tool has a claimed accuracy margin of ±0.6% over 5,000 cycles, which the company states is significantly higher than many comparable products. Mark Consterdine, Brand Manager at C.K Tools, comments, “At C.K Tools we are always looking for new ways to improve industry challenges and the Dexpress VDE does exactly that. "The unique range of settings from 1Nm up to 6Nm allows for light industrial use all the way through to domestic applications. The added benefit of VDE certification means it’s safe for working up to 1,000V, having been tested to 10,000V.” Each driver is supplied with a set of bits (SL/PZ1, SL/PZ1.5, SL/PZ2, PZ1, PZ2, PH1, PH2, SL4, and SL5.5), a storage case, and a calibration certificate. For more from C.K Tools, click here.