Daikin announces training course milestone

Daikin, an HVAC specialist and a provider of free training courses, has announced that in 2024, it delivered face-to-face training to 6,132 installers, equipping professionals with the skills needed to implement low-carbon heating and cooling solutions effectively. Daikin says that this initiative reinforces the company's commitment to empowering UK installers, commissioning, and service engineers with the knowledge they need to drive a more sustainable future. Over the past year, Daikin onboarded 11 new Sustainable Home Centre training suites, enhancing its capacity to deliver quality education across the UK. Daikin also supported 46 third-party training centres by providing essential products to help them meet their own training needs. These efforts were met with high levels of participant satisfaction, reflected by a consistent net promoter score (NPS) of over 90%. Furthermore, Daikin delivered more than £40,000 worth of Government-funded heat pump training, making a significant contribution to the UK’s green energy transition. Daniel Jackson, Training Manager at Daikin, says, "At Daikin, we don't only path the way with our revolutionary heat pump technology, we offer industry-leading training to support it. As a true net zero company, we recognise that driving towards these goals starts with training and that is why training is always at the foundation of everything we do. Therefore, it is extremely exciting to highlight our recent successes which include training over 6,000 people across our five national training centres during 2024. “Despite this success, we still have to innovate to support the growing needs of UK installers, commissioning and service engineers and have some exciting new plans for 2025, which include opening more training centres, delivering more Heat Pump Training Grant funded courses on behalf of the UK Government, and expanding our portfolio of free training. Not only are we building upon the successes of our training centres, but in 2025 we will further expand our existing 40-plus Sustainable Home Training Centres so that training is on the doorsteps to most engineers.” Looking ahead to 2025, Daikin is committed to expanding its training offering, and making training even more accessible for engineers across the UK. It has acquired an additional building to expand the existing training capability in Manchester, and will further expand its existing network of over 40 Sustainable Home Training Centres. It also aims to broaden its portfolio of free training to support the growing needs of installers and engineers. Daikin’s training programmes are provided free of charge, helping to reduce the financial burden on individuals while also offering a complimentary lunch. The comprehensive curriculum covers a full range of training on both Altherma and DX products, including installation, diagnostics, and fault-finding, ensuring that all professional needs are addressed. Daikin has five training centres across the UK, in Woking, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. To learn more about Daikin’s training courses and to book a place, click here. For more from Daikin, click here.

Makita doubles battery warranty

Power tool manufacturer, Makita UK, is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since 1 April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms. Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more. Developed using innovative battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries. “Makita batteries are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” comments Tony Coleman, Technical Services Manager at Makita UK. “The new warranty applies to all genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1 April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.” For more from Makita UK, click here.

Contactum announced as ECN Awards Drinks Reception sponsor

ECN has announced that Contactum will be joining the impressive sponsor line-up at the ECN Awards 2025. The company will sponsor the Drinks Reception at the event, which takes place on 27 November 2025 at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry. Contactum says it is delighted to be sponsoring the Drinks Reception and is excited to network with industry peers and make new connections. Sponsoring awards that celebrate the best of the electrical contracting industry aligns with Contactum’s values – supporting industry professionals and celebrating one another’s success and growth. Dan Hewson, CEO of Contactum, says, “The ECN Awards are something that we look forward to every year. As a company who prides itself on innovation and quality, we at Contactum fully support celebrating the successes of the wider electrical profession, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, and obviously contractors. We wish all entrants good luck for the evening and look forward to seeing you there.” Each year the ECN Awards grows with momentum and helps showcase those in the electrical field who are trailblazing and making substantial efforts to improve the industry, including development of products, technology, services and career development. Over the last 12 months, Contactum has seen the launch of new innovative products to the industry that have brought functional solutions for distributors and wholesalers to stock, and ultimately for contractors to use in their work. Each product launch is born from the company’s commitment – Quality by Design. Leading the charge in innovation, companies in the electrical contracting industry are dedicated to enhancing safety, efficiency and sustainability across all sectors, and it is vital to acknowledge their remarkable efforts and accomplishments. If you believe your product, company or project is worthy of an ECN Award, we encourage you to enter when entries open on 2 June 2025.

ADI | Snap One: Training to take your business to the next level

ADI | Snap One is the destination for integrators and electricians seeking to immerse themselves in the world of smart home integration. The company offers an array of products across multiple categories that position it as the one-stop supplier its customers can depend on for every smart home installation. The team of EMEA Sales Engineers already provide very successful 1-2-1 short burst product training for ADI | Snap One customers, having completed over 400 two-hour sessions in 2024. In listening to feedback, it was clear that integrators and electrical contractors wanted more in-depth specific training on key products and categories to help them grow their business in smart homes. They also wanted these sessions to be delivered face-to-face in a one-day format. In response, ADI | Snap One launched a new In-Person Category Training programme which combines both theory and practical hands-on training. Held at regional training centres across the UK and Ireland, this free-to-attend training programme proved extremely popular with more than 110 delegates across the 14 sessions that we provided last year. For 2025, ADI | Snap One has expanded its In-Person Category Training to reach many more customers with valuable, free training on the key smart home product areas that will help make their business a success. The training covers the following key areas: Networking Best Practices, 2025 Control4 Update & Networking Best Practices and Control4 Advancements & Lighting.  The Networking Best Practices course covers networking principles, exploring how ADI | Snap One products can be used to deploy fast, reliable networks. The course covers Networking Principles, identifying the impact of a robust networking topology, the application of common best practices and explains why Multigig technologies are important and when to use VLAN. 2025 Control4 Update & Networking Best Practices provides a year-in-review, what's new, and what it takes to roll out a solid network when working with Control4. Attendees will be brought up to speed on achieving this with ADI | Snap One products. The course then delves into Networking Best Practices (as described above). Control4 Advancements & Lighting is exclusively for Control4 Partners and focuses on what’s new for 2025 and beyond, working with OvrC as a setup and troubleshooting tool on Control4 installations, evolving lighting solutions and networking best practice when installing Control4.    In-Person Category Training is designed to equip customers with the important skills customers need to work successfully with new products and technologies that can help them grow their business, expand into new areas and be more successful. Register your interest now to take your business to the next level.

NICEIC announces Spring series of The Wire

NICEIC, the certification and training body for the electrical industry, has announced that the Spring edition of its CPD-accredited webinar series, The Wire, will begin on 8 May. The Wire is a free resource for NICEIC-certified businesses designed to keep viewers on top of industry developments, hone their technical knowledge, and help their business stay ahead. The last series of The Wire delivered five hours of CPD to 16,059 total viewers. NICEIC says that the new series will feature five episodes on timely and important issues. The Wire team will be tackling some highly requested topics, including frequently asked technical questions, key regulatory updates, and in-depth renewables episodes covering heat pumps and solar PV. NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins, comments, "The purpose of The Wire has always been to empower NICEIC-certified businesses with the insights and information they need. With the launch of our spring 2025 series of The Wire, we are excited to present five fresh episodes packed with our experts’ perspective on the issues we know electrical businesses care about right now. We strive to ensure The Wire delivers substantial value, guided by feedback from our viewers." Upcoming episodes: 8 May - Questions from the NICEIC technical helpline 22 May - BS 5839-1:2025: fire systems update 12 June - Heat pump fundamentals and considerations 19 June - Solar PV update 10 July - Myth busters: NICEIC edition NICEIC-certified businesses can sign up for free by clicking here. NICEIC also has an on-demand episode library, containing over 30 hours of CPD-accredited webinars, allowing you to watch back any episodes you may have missed or need a refresher on. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Milwaukee launches Packout Electrician sets

In its mission to provide workers with the tools and equipment they need to carry out their jobs quickly and efficiently, Milwaukee has introduced four new products which will bring electricians and plumbers a high level of durability, organisation and tool protection. When designing these products, Milwaukee used customer feedback to ensure they have been designed with usability and convenience in mind, with the aim of delivering exactly what tradespeople need at work. Featuring both packed and unpacked boxes with inlays, these new Packout trade sets allow users to customise their toolbox in a way that perfectly suits them. Milwaukee says that electrical contractors can say goodbye to disorganised toolboxes and opening their toolboxes after a journey to find your tools dislodged and untidy. Thanks to a synthetic technology that clamps the tools to hold them extremely firm, tools will be exactly where the user left them, even after transit. What’s more, the Packout toolbox provides a high level of durability, meaning that tools are protected during transportation. The boxes have been designed to stack onto your existing boxes, for easy transportation. These sets have been designed in Milwaukee's signature colours to aid recognition, helping users to find the tools you need quickly and easily. As a full system provider, both the 62-piece Packout Electrician Set and the 74-piece Packout Plumbing Set contain all the necessary hand tools for contractors to complete their jobs. They are manufactured to Milwaukee's high standards and come with a lifetime guarantee for added reassurance. Thanks to the multiple inlays and dividers, you can configure your toolbox in a way that suits you, with extra space for your favourite hand tools so you can store all of your equipment in one place. The four SKUs are as follows: Packout Electrician Set (62 pieces); Packout Plumbing Set (74 pieces); Packout Electrician Box (Empty); and Packout Plumbing Box (Empty). For more from Milwaukee, click here.

Rooftop solar PV installed at Southampton estate

Renewable energy advisor and installer, Longevity Power, has delivered a 186-panel, 100 kWp solar array at Southampton’s Royal London Park industrial estate. The system is expected to produce over 85,000 kWh of electricity annually, reducing onsite grid consumption by a third and reducing carbon emissions by more than 220 tonnes over the lifetime of the system. Consequently, the tenant will now save over £20,000 on their annual energy bills, significantly reducing their Scope 2 emissions in the process. Royal London Park was constructed in 2009 and provides a unique purpose-built warehouse between Southampton and Portsmouth. Royal London Asset Management Property is targeting net zero carbon by 2030 across its directly managed property assets and developments, and by 2040 across its indirectly managed property assets. The solar PV installation at Royal London Park is one of many projects being undertaken by Royal London Asset Management Property in an effort to significantly decarbonise its portfolio. Anthony Maguire, Managing Director of Longevity Power, says, “There are acres of industrial roof space across the UK that could be generating clean renewable energy. But at the moment, landlords and tenants alike are missing out on this potential in terms of lower energy bills and lower emissions. “This decision made by Royal London Asset Management Property to invest in and install solar PV puts them ahead of the game. Commercial units that can offer tenants cheaper, cleaner energy will be snapped up in the coming years as more companies look to reduce their operating costs and meet important sustainability targets. Commercial property owners who fail to act are likely to lose out as prospective tenants opt for units with renewable energy capabilities already installed. “Rooftop solar gives landlords and asset managers a significant competitive advantage in the commercial and industrial property sector. At the same time, they get to make a meaningful contribution to the nationwide effort to decarbonise the UK’s energy system and economy in the push for net zero.” Tamryn Anderson, Asset Manager at Royal London Asset Management Property, adds, “We are committed to supporting advancements and decarbonisation efforts in the industrial sector. To that aim, we are pleased to be working with our partners across our portfolio to find solutions such as this one that can make long-lasting improvements to our assets, ultimately driving strong returns for our customers.” For more from Longevity Power, click here.

Aggreko announces renewable energy developments

Aggreko has strengthened its energy products offering in Europe with the formation of a team dedicated to developing large scale renewable energy projects, working with landowners and industry to increase the amount of clean energy produced in Europe. Led by Jon Crouch (pictured above), Commercial Director of IPP Solutions, Europe, the team is delivering renewable generation for clients either on site, by private wire connection, or through commercial arrangements like ‘energy as a service’ and corporate power purchase agreements; removing the need for capital outlay. Working predominantly with the commercial and industrial sectors, Aggreko offers renewable turnkey solutions having the capability to develop, build and operate generation assets with clients paying for energy as they use it. Entering into a Power Purchase Agreement with a credible counterparty such as Aggreko gives customers the ability to control their energy cost and supply over periods from 10 to 20 years. Energy-intense industries can ensure they have a reliable power supply, lock in predictable costs regardless of fluctuating market prices, and have assurance that their energy supply is from renewable sources. Speaking about this expanded offering, Jon Crouch comments, “Balancing ESG goals alongside commercial success is putting businesses under extreme pressure, which is why many are looking for more sustainable energy procurement methods”. “Bespoke agreements can be complex and lengthy to establish, and Aggreko is able to operate as a trusted partner making the process as simple as possible for clients and replicating how we work with clients regarding their shorter-term bridging solution needs”. Offering enhanced energy solutions that bring renewable technologies to clients in more flexible ways forms part of Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change. With substantial investment in capability and technology, Aggreko is committed to playing a key role in the development of a renewable infrastructure across Europe. Jon continues, “We know that the pressure to accelerate the energy transition is greater than ever, and companies must balance this with their commercial success at a time when costs are high. By working with a strategic partner like Aggreko, which has a track record of delivery, customers can meet their energy aspirations whilst controlling costs through long term agreements and procuring a reliable source of power for their business”. For more from Aggreko, click here.

THORNeco launches new installer promotion

Thorn Lighting has announced 'Spin to Win', its latest installer promotion. Running until the end of June 2025, the promotion gives installers the chance to win one of over 700 instant prizes, simply by purchasing THORNeco products in-store. Installers who spend £150 or €150 or more (excluding VAT) on THORNeco products at participating wholesalers will be eligible for one spin of the online prize wheel. Every additional £150 spent - up to a total of £750 - earns another spin (up to a maximum five spins per invoice). Prizes include PlayStations, AirPods, coffee vouchers, and more. To take part, installers simply scan the QR code found on promotional leaflets available in-store at their local wholesaler. This takes them to a dedicated landing page, where they can upload their invoice and instantly spin to win. John Lyons, Divisional Director - Trade at Thorn Lighting, says, “As a gesture of appreciation to our installers who support our THORNeco range, Spin to Win is all about rewarding loyalty in a fun and engaging way - just one more reason to choose THORNeco this spring.” The promotion is open to all UK and Irish installers purchasing in-store from any wholesaler stocking THORNeco products. Prizes are available while stocks last. For more information, click here. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.  

Postcode lottery persists in UK’s EV charging network

UK councils are increasing investment in EV infrastructure by as much as 42% year on year, according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data released by Schneider Electric, an expert in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. Despite this investment, the same focus is not placed on monitoring charger performance and reliability, potentially leaving EV owners in a situation where they are met with chargers that are out of service. As essential infrastructure for a successful shift to more EVs, building a resilient and reliable network of chargers is essential. This comes as the UK works towards its target of having 100% of new cars and vans sold in Great Britain be zero emission by 2035, and EVs take more than a fifth of new car registrations. However, the FOI data, which surveyed 67 councils across England, Scotland and Wales, also discovered that only 15% of councils could report that 100% of their EV chargers are operational. Over half (53.7%) are unable to monitor whether chargers are working or not. The lowest reported fully operational charger percentage was 2.8% working in the last six months. Despite this the data does reveal that, as the UK gears up for a ban on ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles by 2030, there have been some developments. In fact: • The number of public EV chargers increased by 140% between 2022 and 2023 • Of the 2,555 devices installed by councils, only 52 or 2.04% of devices are ultra rapid charging (over 100kW) • The highest five-year investment amount was £8,000,000 by a single council. 40% of councils, however, have either spent nothing in that same time period, or were unable to provide the figure. While the number of ultra rapid chargers remains low, it remains important to have smart medium and low voltage infrastructure within the network. A balanced mix of charging speed and the right infrastructure to support the EVs on site is essential. Proper assessments of the grid’s availability may reveal ultra rapid charging isn’t viable in that location. David Hall, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland’s VP Power Systems, says, “Whilst there’s a positive story that councils are investing in their EV charger infrastructure to meet the growing demand, it is clear that many councils could greatly benefit from the ability to track EV charger performance, detect faults or outages, and even enable remote repairs. Without it, reliability is called into question, potentially leaving EV drivers in their areas stranded. “Increasing awareness and education around remote monitoring systems would support local councils and EV charging providers, particularly at high-demand locations like motorway services or city/town centres, where usage will surge as EV adoption grows. Ideally, greater collaboration between charging providers and their suppliers - across both the public and private sectors - will help ensure a more reliable and seamless charging experience – both before install and after. Making sure councils have the right plan in place to plot the EV charging infrastructure will be essential for long term success.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.