New guide to help speed up EV charging hubs

Although designing and installing new electric vehicle chargepoint hubs can be a complex project, UK Power Networks is seeking to make the process easier via the publication of a brand new online guide. In the guide, the UK’s biggest electricity distribution network operator sets out exactly what land consents need to be in place before installers apply to connect their site to electricity grid. Every year, the firm receives up to 100 applications from customers wanting to connect an EV charging hub site, and some require 3MVA of power - equivalent to powering more than 2,000 homes. The new online guide sets out the hierarchy of consents required and also aims to streamline to connection process. Four common scenarios are profiled, to help readers relate the information to their own situation. Neil Madgwick, Head of Connections Service Delivery, says, “Having the correct access and licensing arrangements can dramatically speed up the connections process, enabling sites to be up and running in weeks rather than months.” UK Power Networks provides a unique wrap-around service to manage the final connection to the local electricity grid, working closely with the operator and their independent connections provider from site design to energisation. Neil adds, “This helps ensure that they can take advantage of our innovative products, so they stay in control and don’t need complex leases and wayleaves. “We receive a lot of enquiries from individuals to large corporations keen to explore low carbon technologies, and are building up a library of helpful guidance as this is new territory for many.” To read the guide in full, click here. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Screwfix announces store expansion plans

Screwfix, the omnichannel retailer, has announced plans to open up to 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, creating more than 400 jobs in local communities. The ambitious store opening strategy is spearheaded by its recently launched new store format, Screwfix City. Screwfix opened seven City stores in FY24 (1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025), with plans for this to form the majority of new openings in FY25. Screwfix City stores offer even greater convenience to busy tradespeople. Located in high footfall areas, City stores provide the essential products customers need to get their jobs done quickly, affordably and right first time. The new store format offers a range of more than 3,000 essential products via Click and Collect, with a further 48,000 available online for next day collection. In addition, Screwfix Sprint – the rapid delivery service that provides products on site or at home in 60 minutes or less – is also available from City stores. Exclusively available through the Screwfix app, Screwfix Sprint is now available from 485 store locations, covering 58% of the UK population. As part of Screwfix’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, a key focus is reducing carbon emission levels resulting from its business activities. In 2024, it reported a 50% reduction in direct carbon emissions since 2021/22, all while growing from 790 stores to more than 900 stores. The reduction has been driven, in part, by a move away from fossil fuel heating to air source heat pumps which are now in over 75% of stores. Every new Screwfix store is equipped with air-source heat pumps, or other forms of efficient electric heating, and the entire store network is supplied with 95% renewable electricity. Screwfix is also committed to supporting the local communities through The Screwfix Foundation. Since 2013, the charity has donated more than £15m to over 3,000 charities and not-for profit organisations in the UK, supporting them to improve, repair and maintain facilities used by those in-need. John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, comments, “We’re proud to continue Screwfix’s amazing growth with our plans to open up to 35 new stores within this financial year. Despite the challenges facing the retail industry, investing in our store network remains central to how we can best support tradespeople to get their jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time. “Our customers continue to be busy, and we know how important it is to be near a Screwfix store. We are driving forward with our store openings and continuing to focus on providing the ultimate convenience for our customers through our ultra-compact store format, Screwfix City and rapid delivery service, Screwfix Sprint. “As a business we’re focused on doing the right thing in the communities we serve. Through our sustainability commitments we’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment by reducing our carbon emissions and we’re proud to have donated more than £15m to local charities and not-for-profit organisations through The Screwfix Foundation.” For more from Screwfix, click here.

Surge in demand for fire performance cables

The surge in demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables used in critical situations can only help to meet safety compliance requirements, says cable supplier, AEI Cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, comments, “We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and perhaps the information to use these cables for a specific safety reason is getting through to the supply chain. “There can be no compromise when it comes to the selection of cables for these critical applications. We offer our comprehensive range of Category 3 Control backed up with our technical support and guidance for these specific uses.” The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more from AEI Cables website, click here.

LINIAN's new cable tray clip: Fast, easy, sustainable

The creator of the world’s first single component fire rated clip, LINIAN, has now unveiled its most recent innovation for cable tray installations – the LINIAN Cable Tray Clip. Benefits of the product 90% faster installation - forget about stainless steel cable ties and the ratcheting tool. Using LINIAN Cable Tray Clips you can drastically reduce the time spent on installations.  Incredibly easy to install – it simply locks in by hand. With sizes ranging from 50mm (light) to 225mm (medium and heavy duty) it can be used with any brand of trays. Non-corrosive and weather resistant. Manufactured in the UK. This product is said to be a game changer in cable tray installs and will deliver massive benefits on resource, time and cost savings, especially for large electrical and M&E contractors who lay hundreds of metres of trays. Wiring regulations compliance: The LINIAN Cable Tray Clip is fully compliant with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018), meaning it’s fire-rated and designed to prevent premature cable collapse during a fire. Sustainability: Like all LINIAN products, the new Cable Tray Clip uses recyclable packaging and ethically sourced materials. Manufactured in Britain, it keeps the supply chain short, reducing carbon footprint. Additionally, by replacing traditional stainless steel cable ties with a reusable clip, installers can significantly reduce waste on-site. It’s a win-win for the environment and the installer.  Product uses Railways Data centres and telecoms Industrial and commercial fittings Lighting Fire and security systems General power applications Industrial power applications Building management systems Fibre cable installations Substations All general cable tray applications Where to buy The first production run is now fully available with CEF and, from mid-April 2025, this unique product will also be available through the LINIAN wholesalers’ network.

Linear Pro Max launched by Tamlite Lighting at DCW

Tamlite Lighting is launching the Linear Pro Max at Data Centre World (12-13 March 2025), introducing a new generation lighting solution designed for fast, flexible installation in data centres and large-scale retail environments. By integrating the trunking, electrical components and quick-release luminaires into a single module system, the Linear Pro Max minimises downtime, optimises efficiency and enhances sustainability. As data centres grow to meet AI, cloud computing and e-commerce demands, operators must optimise energy efficiency and performance. Lighting is key for compliance, energy savings and minimal maintenance requirements. The Linear Pro Max is engineered to meet these challenges, ensuring fast installation and high-performance illumination for server aisles. These features also make the Linear Pro Max an ideal lighting solution for large-scale retail environments, providing continuous-row illumination that enhances product visibility, minimises glare and improves customer navigation and overall experience. Engineered for data centres and large-scale retail The Linear Pro Max is designed to meet the specific demands of data centres and expansive retail spaces. By integrating advanced components into a streamlined system, it enhances efficiency, flexibility and performance while reducing operational costs. Key benefits include: Fast and flexible installation, reducing labour costs and minimising downtime. High energy efficiency of up to 180lm/W, reducing power consumption and supporting sustainability goals. Smart lighting integration with VISION, Tamlite’s intelligent lighting control system. VISION provides tailored, solution-based controls that optimise energy efficiency and enhance performance, from simple occupancy sensing to fully addressable DALI emergency test and monitoring, across single or multiple rooms or floors. Customisable optics, including wide and narrow beam variants, to suit different layouts. Options include continuous runs for uniform lighting across a large area or for targeted illumination in specific zones. Sustainability and compliance The Linear Pro Max has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a lightweight extruded aluminium housing that minimises material waste and enhances recyclability. It is currently being evaluated according to CIBSE TM65 for embodied carbon, and CIBSE TM66 for the use of circular economic principles. The results of these evaluations are expected in summer 2025. Supporting the rapid growth of data centres According to new research from CBRE, European data centre markets are projected to add 937MW)of new supply in 2025. If this data centre supply is delivered, it will set a record for Europe, representing an increase of 282MW more than the 655MW of capacity delivered last year. Over 57% of this capacity will be delivered in key markets such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin (FLAPD). With demand outpacing supply, operators must focus on energy-efficient infrastructure to manage power and sustainability goals. Stephen Biggs, National Category Manager at Tamlite Lighting, comments, “The Linear Pro Max’s ultra-efficient design, combined with seamless smart controls, makes it the ideal solution to reduce energy consumption, enhance visibility and future-proof data centre operations. As demand for data centre space increases, optimised lighting solutions like the Linear Pro Max are set to play a pivotal role in improving efficiency and sustainability of these facilities.”

Norfolk residents benefit from power upgrade

A £2.1 million investment has upgraded power supplies at an electricity substation near Great Yarmouth, benefiting thousands of residents for the future. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across the East, has installed a new 23-tonne electricity transformer in the village of Martham. Transformers step down the power so it can be safely delivered to homes and businesses, offer scope for greater electrical capacity, and maintain reliable supplies. The new kit which was carefully manoeuvred into place is part of UK Power Networks’ investment programme to upgrade the electricity supply. It will receive electricity from the network at 33,000-volts and safely turn it down to 11,000 volts for onward delivery to about 6,000 customers in the village and beyond. Gavin Hawes, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “This investment project will deliver long-lasting benefits in the area and support growth in demand for electric vehicles, heat pumps and more low carbon technologies connecting to electricity networks.” UK Power Networks owns and maintains the network of cables, substations and power lines that deliver electricity to approximately 20 million people across the East, London and South East of England (regardless of who sends them their electricity bill). As the country’s biggest electricity distributor, it has invested £8 billion in its electricity networks since 2011. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

CEF Ireland celebrates 20 years of success

With 2025 marking 20 years since CEF Ireland opened the first of its five branches across the country, the retailer is celebrating the milestone by hosting a series of trade mornings across the country and throughout the year. In honour of the first five branches that helped lay the foundations for CEF Ireland in 2005, customers are invited to their local branch to join in the festivities. A free breakfast will be available for all attendees, as well as the chance to win goodies in a giveaway. Celebrations will take place in recognition of the month each branch first opened: Thursday 20 March: Sligo Thursday 3 April: Letterkenny Thursday 19 June: Castlebar Tuesday 24 June: Finglas Friday 12 December: Cork The celebrations are designed to show appreciation to the customers and partners who have been instrumental in the success of the business. CEF Ireland tells us that the events are an excellent opportunity for the electrical industry to come together, network, and celebrate two decades of growth and innovation. "We are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of CEF in Ireland," says Dermot Gilmartin, Group Manager at CEF Ireland West Group. "This milestone is a testament to the support from our loyal customers and the hard work of our dedicated team. The strength of our relationships with suppliers has also played a vital role in helping us consistently deliver quality and innovation to the market. These trade mornings are not only a celebration of how far we’ve come, but also an opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our journey.” Gerald O’Hare, Director of Operations, Edinburgh Region, IOM, Gibraltar, Spain & Ireland, adds, "20 years ago, when we first set out on this journey, we had a vision - to continue CEF’s mission as a business that connected deeply with our clients, to provide opportunities for employees to grow, and to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. Looking back now, the success we have achieved over the past two decades is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved, from our team members who have driven our growth, to the customers and suppliers who have stood by us. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the journey and look forward to what’s next." CEF Ireland invites contractors, customers, and industry professionals across the country to join the celebrations at their nearest branch. For more from CEF, click here.

Ansell Lighting supporting Northern Ireland apprentices

Lighting designer and manufacturer, Ansell Lighting, has joined forces with Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland to provide support and resources for the Electrical Installation Apprenticeship course. Ansell has built a strong relationship with a number of colleges throughout the UK to help support students in learning about the latest lighting technology and products. The College, which provides further education across four of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland from five campuses in Ballymena, Magherafelt, Newtownabbey and Coleraine, is keen for the partnership to provide students with invaluable industry insights and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art electrical components. Ansell has supplied a series of product boards including downlights, retail and commercial fittings, emergency lighting packs and its own smart OCTO lighting technology. These boards, displayed within the College, allow students to interact with working products and gain a deeper understanding of lighting solutions. Each board includes detailed information about the luminaires and their benefits. One of the projects students will undertake during their course this year involves designing lighting for a hotel, with Ansell products playing a key role in the process. Ansell representatives also visited Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey campus to meet with lecturers and students, sharing their expertise and offering real-world perspectives on the industry. Mark Rogers (pictured above, left), National Sales Manager for Ireland at Ansell Lighting, says, “As a manufacturer, we recognise the importance of investing in and supporting the next generation of electricians and installers, at a time when there has been talk of skills shortages within the industry. “Ansell Lighting was established in Northern Ireland, so we are particularly pleased to be able to support students and apprentices in the region. We hope to see these students flourish and work with us in their future careers.” Iain McCart (pictured above, right), Electrical Installation Lecturer at Northern Regional College, adds, “Ensuring our students are industry-ready is at the heart of everything we do. By working with leading companies like Ansell Lighting we can provide our apprentices with a more practical, relevant learning experience that gives them a real insight into the world of electrical installation. These partnerships not only benefit our students during their studies but also open doors for future employment opportunities in the sector.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Multi-zone smart heating controls are in demand, research shows

Heating control expert, Drayton, recently surveyed heating engineers, plumbers, electricians, and renewable installers to understand what its customers are looking for from smart heating controls and how important it is to have a reliable system from a manufacturer they can trust. When it comes to the features that are most desired by homeowners, the survey found that a heating control that can be managed via a smartphone app (66%) and a system that offers room-by-room heating control (50%) were the two most common requests that installers were asked for last year. However, following rising energy costs, energy-saving features – such as smart modes – came in a close third (48%). Additionally, the flexibility to include further connected devices at a later date was desired by just under a third of customers. While having a solution that meets customers’ needs is essential, it is also important that installers are confident in working with the product, as according to the survey the most common issue that causes delays on the job was products that are hard to install (64%). Alongside this, product compatibility issues were another top cause of wasted time, cited by 44% of installers. When issues like this occur, it is crucial that technical support is available from manufacturers; but according to a quarter of installers (25%), they were unable to access this support or find the information they were looking for online. Merlin Milner, Product Owner for Water-based Systems at Drayton, comments, “The results of our research highlight that in today’s market, customers are prioritising simplicity and convenience; they want the ability to control their heating remotely via a user-friendly app on their mobile and ways to improve efficiency. As such, it’s crucial that tradespeople have a go-to solution that they can trust to deliver all of these key features and doesn’t cause them delays when working. “The Wiser solution is a one-stop solution for installers, that offers all of this and more. With multi-zoning capabilities and smart modes, installers can help their customers save up to 30% on an average energy bill, as well as access valuable data via Insights. Wiser is capable of controlling a wide range of heating systems and is easily scalable as additional devices can be added to the system at any time. “For installers, Wiser is incredibly easy to fit, as it is compatible with the standard UK backplate and can be set up without requiring the customer’s Wi-Fi details. Plus, should any issues arise, here at Drayton we have a number of different ways for installers to get assistance. Along with our UK-based customer support team, we also offer online training courses via Drayton Rewards+, video tutorials on YouTube, and technical documents can be found on our website. All of this helps ensure a smooth and speedy installation, so they can get on with the job and onto the next customer.” For more from Drayton, click here.

Skills shortage to hamper Scotland's net zero transition

Training the electrical talent of tomorrow is essential if Scotland is to address the current skills shortage and meet its net zero targets, the Managing Director of Scotland’s largest construction trade association has warned. SELECT MD, Alan Wilson, insists that training for electricians must be prioritised to help counter Scotland’s shrinking talent pool, and that there must be greater support for businesses diversifying into renewable energy. Speaking in a video as part of a new UK-wide digital campaign, Alan says that although plenty of apprentices join the industry each year, it is still not enough to counter an ageing workforce and a rising number of retirements. Alan tells viewers, “There's not a shortage of electrical apprentices – indeed, for every apprenticeship, it’s probably fair to say we have four or five applicants. However, the fact is that we do have a skills shortage of qualified electricians in Scotland, with the average age of an electrician now 34 and a number of people coming to the end of their career. “As fossil fuels run out, changes to government policy mean you can't install gas products or must change to an electric vehicle, but how are we going to actually maintain that? If we don't get the skilled workforce we need, how are we going to make sure there are enough people around to install these products? “We have to focus on training young people and adult trainees on the fundamentals of electrical installation work, doing it competently, safely and then, if necessary, we can upskill them on the new technologies that are required. “It’s also important that support is given to businesses who want to branch out into other parts of work.” Alan's warning comes in a video for Electrifying Our Future, a new digital campaign from SELECT’s southern counterpart, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), that explores the critical role of the electrical industry in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions. In the film, titled The Status of Electrical Engineering Talent, Alan says the pool of potential electricians has halved in his lifetime, telling viewers, “When I was born, you had 100,000 people potentially to recruit, but you’re now looking at a pool of 50,000. “And if we look at the elephant in the room, which is the gender problem in the sector where we’re only recruiting 2% or 3% of women, that means predominantly businesses are now fishing in a pond of 25,000 compared to 50,000 or 60,000 just a few years ago.” However, in a call to potential new recruits, Alan also said there had never been a better time to join the electrical contracting industry. Alan said: “Increasingly, everything is becoming dependent on electricity, whether it be our transport, heat, power or light. “So from a career progression perspective, joining the electrical sector now and looking at what's going to happen in the next five, 10 or 15 years, the sky's the limit for people joining this sector.” Currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, SELECT is a strategic partner in the new ECA campaign, which was launched on 27 February. Produced with sustainable creative agency Content With Purpose, it includes films and interviews on key topics such as the rise of green technologies, the need for skilled workers and the evolving role of electrical contractors on the path to a net zero future. The series is hosted on a dedicated microsite and highlights the essential steps needed to scale up efforts in the sector, from addressing the skills gap and improving workforce training to adopting emerging technologies and optimising existing low-carbon systems. For more from SELECT, click here.