Click Scolmore launches Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets

Click Scolmore has added new Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets to some of its popular wiring accessory ranges. This new range brings 1-gang and 2-gang unswitched socket outlets, with integrated 3-pin safety shutters as standard, to the Mode and Part M collections, as well as to the most popular finishes in the Deco and Deco+ ranges – satin chrome and stainless steel. The 3-pin safety shutter is a feature that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into live contacts, which brings a crucial layer of protection, making these sockets ideal for both residential and commercial installations. The new Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets in the Deco and Deco+ finishes are available with a choice of black or white inserts, further expanding the possibilities of a project’s appearance. Each product is rigorously tested to BS 1363 standards, offering installers and end-users peace of mind alongside Click’s 10-year warranty. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Entries open for Electrical Safety First's Safety Innovation Award

Consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First has announced that entries are now open for its Safety Innovation Award 2025.  This annual award honours innovative projects and products that safeguard consumers from electrical hazards.  The Safety Innovation Award recognises and rewards outstanding ideas that help protect consumers from electrical dangers. It is also free and easy to enter.   Projects or products do not need to be completed to enter; they can be in the development or prototype stage.  This award is a great opportunity to showcase an innovative project or product to retailers, manufacturers, distributors and the public.  Previous winners include:  SafeBatt Project: Providing crucial contributions to lithium-ion battery safety.  HobSensus: A safety device that turns kitchen hobs off when left unattended.  Connected Innovations: Sockets that detect heat build-up in the plugs and nearby wiring and turn the appliance off, stopping the fire risk before it starts.  E-bulb: The world’s smallest fire extinguisher aimed at preventing fires before they can spread and preventing re-ignition.  The deadline for entries is Friday 29 August. The winner will be announced at Electrical Safety First’s annual Electrical Product Safety Conference on Thursday 16 October, where they will have a platform to discuss their innovation with a wide audience, spanning government bodies, influential industry figures and more. Shortlisted finalists will also be showcased at the conference.  To submit your entry and for more information, click here. 

BEAMA report highlights heat electrification and low carbon heating

BEAMA has launched a new report, What Should I Do?, which examines the role of heat electrification technologies and how to encourage customers to choose low carbon heating options. New industry analysis estimates that the combined flexibility potential of all thermal storage systems available could be 10GW by 2030, more than double the capacity forecast by NESO in their Clean Power 2030 pathway (4GW). Unlocking this potential is essential for meeting the Climate Change Committee’s 7th carbon budget, which projects that the flexibility requirement from all thermal energy storage systems has to be at least 9.3GW by 2030. Doubled network flexibility capacity will have tangible, real world benefits for UK energy consumers, helping to drive down the cost of energy by accelerating the connection of low carbon generation low carbon generation with less need to construct expensive and time-consuming new network infrastructure. Put simply, flexibility enables the UK to squeeze more capacity out of the existing grid. Enhanced network flexibility is essential to delivering the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 and Economic Growth missions. BEAMA’s new research indicates that current Government targets risk neglecting the potential of alternative clean heat solutions. These technologies are essential to successfully decarbonising UK heating, tackling fuel poverty – which National Energy Action estimate affects 6.1 million households – and driving UK economic growth. Currently, just under a tenth of UK homes (2.6 million in total) have electric heating. While heat pumps offer tangible advantages that could reduce energy costs for many, around 20% of households are unable to accommodate them. Clean Power 2030 must rely on a broad range of heating technologies – including heat pumps, alongside thermal batteries, hot water cylinders, and solar heating solutions – to be successfully delivered within five years and at minimal cost. BEAMA’s analysis shows that offering a suitable choice of low carbon heating solutions is central to persuading consumers to go electric. Industry is calling on the Government’s upcoming Clean Heat Strategy to prioritise support of a broad range of technologies and solutions to reflect the wide variation in homes, workplaces and buildings across the country, reassuring customers that they have a choice of low carbon heating options. Alternative electric heating technologies that need to be considered from the perspective of flexible storage include: Air to air heat pumps Domestic hot water heat pumps Modern high heat retention storage heating systems Phase-change heat batteries Smart heat batteries Smart hot water cylinders Further to the above storage options, we must not forget customers living in very low heat and hot water demand dwellings who would typically use panel heaters, electric radiators, electric underfloor heating and instantaneous hot water appliances. Supporting flexible storage technologies will also help to unlock investment to create local green jobs and drive UK economic growth. This is evidenced by the recent opening of a £40m manufacturing plant in Derby by BEAMA member Vaillant. The facility, producing hot water cylinders, has added 200 jobs to the local economy.

Travis Perkins employee completes Arctic challenge for charity

A Travis Perkins Managed Services colleague has completed a gruelling Arctic challenge to fundraise for charity. Andrew Craig, an Account Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, undertook the physically and mentally demanding challenge to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of his father, who is living with dementia. The expedition, which took place in February, saw him ski across frozen lakes and snow-covered terrain, battling against temperatures as low as -25°C with biting winds that tested his endurance to the limit. "The physical and mental demands were far more intense than I imagined," says Andrew. "Learning to ski in sub-Arctic conditions was incredibly tough, with each day bringing bruises, while I was grappling with the constant physical struggle of adapting to the harsh environment. The cold was unbearable at times and made it feel as though it was penetrating straight to the bone." Despite the punishing conditions, Andrew found strength in the camaraderie of his fellow adventurers. "We laughed through the pain, and the support of an amazing bunch of people made those more difficult moments bearable”, he says. The two-day marathon tested his endurance, survival skills and mental resilience, but his mission remained clear - raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society: "My father has dementia, and this made the pain of the journey more meaningful. Knowing that each step was contributing to a cause so close to my heart helped keep me motivated, even in the toughest moments.” Georgie Davies, Corporate Account Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, says, “On behalf of everyone at Alzheimer’s Society, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Andrew for taking on this incredible challenge, what a superstar! Andrew has raised a phenomenal £1,400 which will help provide help for those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.  “Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support to people living with dementia, funds groundbreaking research and campaigns to make dementia the priority it should be. Together, we can end the devastation of dementia. To get involved visit alzheimers.org.uk”  Andrew’s journey was supported by Travis Perkins Managed Services and KWG Building & Civils Contractor, based in North Wales. His determination and resilience have helped contribute to vital research and support services for individuals and families affected by dementia.

£3.2m substation upgrade to benefit 250,000 Londoners

A £3.2 million substation upgrade has seen a brand-new 132,000V transformer installed at Wimbledon in south London.  The 132,000V transformer will help ensure the continued reliability of power supplies for more than 250,000 residents, processing up to 90MV of energy.  A large-scale delivery operation saw the 102-tonne transformer arrive on the back of a lorry through residential areas of south London before manoeuvring into the substation site near AFC Wimbledon.  Once the transformer was on the site, it was guided into place and will be energised and connected to the grid in the summer. Its job is to step down the power from a high voltage to be safely supplied to local homes and businesses.  This upgrade will help cater for residents’ increasing use of electricity as people turn to low carbon technologies. Residents in the London Borough of Merton are forecast to increase ownership of electric vehicles by 42% this year compared to 2024 – with heat pumps increasing by 96%.  Tom Parminter, Programme Manager at UK Power Networks says, "This project and investment will contribute to future-proofing the local electricity network for more than 250,000 residents and businesses across South West London, while supporting the growing demand for low carbon technologies in the transition to net zero.  "UK Power Networks' commitment to reinforcing and investing in the grid will benefit consumers with more reliable electricity and the successful delivery of these projects will result in a more secure network to meet future needs." 

Toolstation raises £3m for Macmillan Cancer Support

2025 marks the fifth year of support for Macmillan Cancer Support by Toolstation. The retailer has raised a total of £3 million for the charity and the funds raised will allow Macmillan to continue to provide vital support to those affected by cancer across the UK.  In practical terms, that £3 million figure could be used to hire 84 support workers for one year or pay 46 Macmillan Nurses for a whole year, helping to support people living with cancer and their families. The news comes as on 27 April four colleagues from Toolstation are set to run the London Marathon to raise money for the charity. Amy Megicks, Millie Constance, Lewis Ellis and Jonathan Rendall will all run in this year’s 26-mile race to raise over £10,000 for the charity.  This follows previous fundraising efforts from Toolstation colleagues who competed in the London Marathon to support the charity in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Angela Rushforth, Managing Director of Toolstation says, “This figure wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our colleagues and the generosity of our customers. We’re pleased that the money raised will continue to support Macmillan in their efforts to be there for everyone living with or affected by cancer.” Michael Stickland, Director of Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy, says, "Three million pounds! That's a whole lot of screws and sockets, some well broken-in running shoes and seriously big hearts. We're incredibly proud of our partnership with Toolstation and we can’t thank the team and customers enough for the continued support. Reaching this incredible sum represents collective kindness and dedication and is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary things.” The team have set a fundraising target of £10,000 and has been hosting several fundraisers to help reach this goal, including bake sales and a sponsored fun run with Toolstation colleagues. Supporters are welcome to donate to the fundraising here.  

How Trump's tariffs could impact UK construction

President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 10% tariff on all UK imports of US goods, alongside higher tariffs on specific countries, is poised to significantly affect the UK construction sector. As the US reimposes import duties on steel and aluminium, the UK construction industry could face disrupted supply chains and increased material costs, potentially leading to project delays, according to EPD, an aftermarket parts and components seller for construction, agricultural and industrial machinery  Calum Mair, Commercial Director North America for EPD, has shared how these ever-changing policies could threaten the construction industry, and how UK businesses should prepare.  “Since his election win, President Trump has both enacted and delayed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, as well as threatened and imposed a number of additional Chinese and global tariffs. The tariffs on imported materials will significantly raise construction input costs worldwide, impacting project budgets. With the recent introduction of the 10% UK import tariffs on US goods, UK businesses could face further pressures from rising material costs and disrupted supply chains and should consider diversifying suppliers, which can reduce dependency on vulnerable trade routes. “They should also consider stockpiling critical materials, leveraging technology for logistics, and focusing on no or low-tariff jurisdictions. His stricter immigration policies could also exacerbate workforce shortages globally, including here in the UK where the construction sector already faces skills gaps. It’s likely businesses will need to invest in workforce development programmes, including training initiatives to attract and upskill domestic workers. Expanding the use of automation and construction technology can also help offset labour gaps.  “The uncertainty around interest rates has also posed new challenges when planning new construction projects, as fluctuating borrowing costs could impact financing both in the UK and abroad. Looking ahead, UK businesses should prioritise cash flow management and, where possible, explore alternative funding options to reduce dependency on loans, as well as adopting sustainable, lower-cost materials and maximising resource efficiency. Proactive planning is more important than ever and ensures resilience against interest rate volatility while supporting project feasibility.”  Global ESG regulations and US deregulations could disrupt pricing   While the UK and EU continue to strengthen ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) policies in construction and energy, the US is expected to deregulate which means lower costs for builders and others in the construction industry. However, this could create pricing disparities and add cost pressures for building supplies to UK businesses that rely on imported materials. “Investing in sustainable practices and materials now can reduce long-term reliance on high-cost imports and align with future regulatory trends,” says Calum. “Proactively adapting supply chains ensures cost control while maintaining compliance and sustainability goals.”  Interest rates to remain uncertain for the near future  Although the Bank of England sets UK interest rates, changes in the US Federal Reserve's decisions heavily influence global markets. With near-term US interest rates still uncertain, any shifts under Trump’s administration could indirectly affect businesses planning new projects in 2025 in Britain, particularly multinational construction firms and suppliers.  Although the Federal Reserve has forecasted a drop in interest rates over the next year, from around 4.5% at the end of 2025 to around 3.4% at the end of 2026, near-term rates are less certain. Interest rate volatility could affect businesses looking to start new projects in 2025 as higher rates make borrowing more expensive.   Mair adds,  “Although there may be challenges ahead, there are solutions businesses can adopt to help ease the burden they might cause. By diversifying supply chains, prioritising domestic sourcing, and adopting sustainable materials, firms can offset the impacts of tariffs and global ESG regulations. Workforce development programmes and advanced technologies can address labour shortages caused by stricter immigration policies. Additionally, proactive financial planning and resource optimisation can help businesses manage uncertainty around interest rates and maintain project stability.” 

Freedom wins £130m SSEN contract to upgrade electricity network

Freedom, part of NG Bailey, has been awarded a major contract worth around £130m by SSEN Distribution as part of its Large Capital Delivery Framework to upgrade the electricity network across the north of Scotland. The contract will see Freedom carrying out projects across the Highlands and in Orkney, with work such as the renewal and reinforcement of SSEN’s network of wooden poles and overhead lines, upgrading and updating its substations and making improvements to the underground cable network.  All of the work being undertaken by Freedom and SSEN’s teams is designed to boost network resilience in the face of a more volatile climate, support the connection of low carbon technologies and decarbonised industries, and increase reliability for every customer.  SSEN said that the partnership with Freedom will allow work to be planned in a more effective and efficient way, completing upgrades, connections and asset replacement at the same time, ultimately reducing the impact on customers. Carl Clay, Managing Director, Freedom, says, “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to assist SSEN in upgrading the electrical infrastructure across the Highlands and in Orkney. This partnership underscores Freedom’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality and sustainable solutions that support critical infrastructure projects. “By working closely with SSEN, we aim to bring our expertise, agility and collaborative approach to ensure the successful delivery of projects that drive energy resilience and support the communities they serve. “This framework represents a significant step in our journey to build long-term partnerships that align with our values and commitment to operational excellence.” SSEN’s Director of Large Capital Delivery, Fraser Hood, adds, “The job of helping deliver net zero and its benefits for society is an enormous one, but this record investment from SSEN in the north of Scotland means we’re in the best possible position to effectively and efficiently deliver the fit-for-purpose electricity system for the future.   “In selecting Freedom as our contract partner after a fair, open, and competitive tendering process, we’ve secured the ability to deliver our massive programme of investment. This will ensure increased resilience, flexibility, and capacity for our 800,000 customers in the north of Scotland. “At SSEN Distribution we’re committed to being at the heart of the communities we serve, and this investment of around £130m in our network across the Highlands and in Orkney will not only boost the reliability and resilience of our infrastructure here, this partnership with Freedom is also helping to maintain and create skilled jobs across these communities.”

Collingwood's guide on Sustainable Landscape Lighting design

Collingwood Lighting has published a guide on designing and specifying sustainable landscape lighting to meet the demand for outdoor socialising while protecting the very environment that people are enjoying.  Mitchel Waite, Product Manager for Collingwood Lighting, says, “Research shows that there is a huge demand for sustainable outdoor lighting. While we want to socialise outdoors on a warm summer evening, there is a realisation that it should not come at a cost to the environment, our neighbours or wildlife.  “In fact, many councils insist on a minimum standard as part of their Dark Sky initiatives to avoid light pollution and glare. Yet sustainable lighting can still create a relaxing ambience and add drama.”  The guide outlines good lighting design practice, how to best save energy through product selection and lighting control, avoiding lighting pollution and making the scheme wildlife-friendly to protect nocturnal animals.  It also challenges specifiers to specify sustainable lighting products that have a long life and are easy to service instead of throwing away the whole fitting.  “Check that manufacturers use modular parts to produce their products,” says Mitchel. “Not only does this make it simpler to service instead of throwing away the whole fitting, but it is simpler to disassemble at the end of life for reuse and recycling.  “The public is far more aware of recycling and the circular economy than they used to be, and it is up to us to meet their needs.”

New heat pump installation umbrella scheme launched

City Plumbing has joined forces with VitoEnergy to launch a new heat pump installation umbrella scheme offering non-MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installers a fully supported route to access government grants plus added benefits, including trade account prices and financial flexibility.   Through the partnership, installers can operate under VitoEnergy’s MCS accreditation, which reduces paperwork while allowing their customers to qualify for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant. Going far beyond accreditation, VitoEnergy offers a fully comprehensive support package, guiding installers through every stage of the process. From system design, heat loss calculations and free industry-leading software to DNO (Distribution Network Operator) applications, installers gain hands-on assistance to build confidence and develop their heat pump business. VitoEnergy also offers an optional in-person site visit on the first day of installation.  A unique benefit of the partnership is that installers can buy materials from City Plumbing at their usual trade rates. Most umbrella schemes require installers to purchase materials directly from the scheme provider at marked-up prices. Instead, installers will have complete price transparency on materials and all costs, including the umbrella scheme fees, which can be placed on their City Plumbing credit account, giving installers up to 30 days to settle payments for better cash flow. “More and more installers are completing heat pump training, but there are still barriers to making installations an everyday, profitable part of their business,” says Jez Climas, Head of Business Development for Renewables at City Plumbing. “Whether those barriers are the financial and administrative complexities of MCS accreditation, the confidence to apply their training to actual jobs or financial flexibility, this scheme solves those issues. “We looked long and hard for the right partner and chose VitoEnergy because they offer full, legitimate support for installers and do it with care and attention. Combining VitoEnergy’s end-to-end help, with our product range, availability and account services, there’s everything installers need to run a successful heat pump business.”  Currently, the MCS umbrella scheme is available through a select number of City Plumbing branches across the South of England up to the north Midlands. This selective rollout ensures that VitoEnergy’s team can provide in-person support where needed.