Luceco adds to its inspection work lights range

Designed for endurance, Luceco has added eight new products to its range of inspection work lights – all designed to provide reliable, high quality, innovative lighting tools for trade and recreational uses. All high-output portable solutions benefitting from the latest in LED technology, they are high-lumen, durable and hardwearing, with multiple lighting modes and mounting options to cater for all work inspection scenarios. The new products all boast high-capacity batteries, efficient power management for extended operation, as well as USB power banks, magnetic clamps and foldable designs. The new products include: • The twin Panel Magnetic Clamp Light with Power Bank. This product has an adjustable light for precise or 360-degree coverage and hands-free operation, with a built-in tripod, clamp and magnetised fixing. • The Luceco Rechargeable Magnetic Clamp Spotlight has three lighting modes for multi-use functionalities, including a red warning light for safety and visibility. It offers up to three hours working time. • Luceco’s Flexible Hose Inspection torch features a 360° rotating flexible hose, four light modes up to 1000 lumens, and a long-lasting 2500mAh battery for up to eight hours of use. It offers durable, IP54-rated housing, a foldaway hook for easy storage, and smart USB Type-C charging. • The High Power Durable Spotlight (10W, 850lm, IP20) offers versatile long-distance and wide-area lighting. Its durable housing, fold-out stand, and tripod compatibility allow hands-free use. With a 2400mAh battery, offering up to eight hours of use, it recharges in 5-6 hours via USB Type-C and features nine lighting modes. It folds compactly for easy storage. • This versatile Fan Light features a 360-degree rotating head for optimal illumination and offers both low and high brightness modes. It also includes customisable fan modes and a built-in 4000mAh USB power bank to charge devices. These high-quality LED torches deliver up to 6500K illumination with adjustable beam control for short and long distances. There are three lighting modes, tactical grips, and pocket clips for easy carrying. The durable die-cast aluminium body is IP44-rated for outdoor use and powered by long-lasting 18650 Li-ion batteries. The inspection work light range utilises additional features including power banks and battery control to give torches a long-extended life, built in UV light options, magnets, and clamps so lights can be placed anywhere they are needed, and open area lighting for illumination across an entire space. Shyel Stark, Head of Product Sourcing LED at Luceco, says, “When designing our contractor lighting range, we want to create the perfect reliable tool for all tradespeople. Luceco lights are trusted, high-quality, long-lasting products that provide innovative solutions and technology at an affordable price.” For more from Luceco, click here.

BEAMA launches Industrial Strategy white paper

Following the publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper consultation, BEAMA - the trade association representing manufacturers of electrical products spearheading the drive to electrification - has launched its comprehensive Industrial Strategy white paper. It highlights practical, coherent solutions to make Clean Power 2030 possible and capitalise on a £1 trillion global industrial growth opportunity. The BEAMA Industrial Strategy whitepaper is built upon input from members, including leading multinational manufacturers, through to homegrown UK businesses, start-ups and innovators. These companies are the critical supply chain for the delivery of clean power and recognise an urgent need to grow capacity for key energy sub-sectors; particularly transmission and distribution, heat and hot water electrification and smart systems incorporating metering and in-home displays. While each of these businesses has a unique perspective and priorities, each spotlighted two common themes delaying growth across our industry: 1. Product demand – Repeated changes to UK decarbonisation policy, targets and roadmaps have injected unnecessary uncertainty into demand for low carbon technologies. These require urgent correction through clearer market signals, such as levelling the playing field between electricity and gas prices to incentivise. 2. Addressing barriers to UK business growth – As was spotlighted at this week’s CBI conference, the UK remains an unattractive destination to do business, with a shortage of skilled workers, barriers to investment and construction of new manufacturing facilities, and challenging trade barriers. Cognisant that the UK Government is acutely aware of many of these challenges, BEAMA’s Industrial Strategy whitepaper provides practical, coherent solutions for policymakers, accelerating progress towards sustainable economic growth, driven by low carbon industry. The net zero supply chain will be key to delivering Labour’s Sustainable Growth Mission as it straddles both Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Tech, two of the eight “growth driving sectors” identified by the Government Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Currently contributing over £14 billion to the UK economy every year, including £5 billion in exports, the electrical products supply chain has already been identified as having the highest growth potentials of any UK economic sector. The global market for low carbon technologies is already valued at over £1 trillion. However, the UK risks falling behind the global race for low carbon growth if it maintains unnecessary barriers to industry. Having seen a modest uptick for Q2, BEAMA data taken from its Market Pulse research report reveals 12-month investment intentions stalled in Q3, which were likely influenced by the result of increased uncertainty following the General Election and lead-up to the government Budget announcements. BEAMA members have highlighted key delivery indicators where the UK is falling behind: 1. Network investment is suffering from a lack of strong and visible demand which is impacting on investment intentions. Government and Ofgem need to inject network investment for growth through ED2 reopeners and ED3 uplift, recognising that network reinforcement, flexibility and losses reduction are all essential. 2. Heat electrification is far too low due to the Government’s prohibitively narrow technology focus and electricity pricing. Accelerate the disconnection of electricity and gas wholesale prices and level the tax playing field with VAT relief and subsidy framework for all decarbonised heat technologies. 3. Incomplete smart metering rollout delaying wider decarbonisation of UK economy and hindering the shift towards flexibility and consumer empowerment. Suppliers need to be mandated to complete the smart metering roll out at pace as well as the replacement of non-functional meters. 4. EV infrastructure development is faltering and behind the curve of where it needs to be. End uncertainty on ICE vehicle ban, reconfirming 2030 target and rejecting calls for unnecessary flexibilities in current mandate. Remove planning barriers to EV to address range anxiety. Address pricing clarity and ease of payment to build consumer confidence in accessible, affordable green transport. For more from BEAMA, click here.

Broken skills pipeline threatens UK growth ambitions, ECA says

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is urging the Government to take immediate action to address the nationwide shortage of skilled electricians. The ECA’s 'Electrical Skills Index' - a dataset analysing how many people in England are starting classroom-based courses compared to apprenticeships - reveals a troubling landscape: Labour-held constituencies are experiencing the most significant shortfalls in electrical skills, posing serious challenges to achieving the UK's net zero goals and ensuring consumer safety for the roll-out of green-technologies. Key findings from the Electrical Skills Index: • Labour-led areas face the highest electrical skills gaps, with regions such as the North West, West Midlands, and parts of London ranking among the most affected. • Only 10% of learners enrolled in government-funded, classroom-based electrical courses successfully transition to apprenticeships within a year. • Apprenticeship opportunities are overshadowed by classroom-based enrolments, which outnumber them three to one, despite their limited practical relevance. • Classroom-based courses have increased by 15% over the past five years, highlighting a growing disconnect between training and employability. Labour’s commitments to both break down the barriers to opportunity for young people and deliver net zero, rely on a robust pipeline of electrical skills, but with 90% unable to get a foothold in the industry, the opportunities for economic growth are limited. Andrew Eldred, Chief Operating Officer at the ECA, says, “The government’s vision for economic growth, clean energy, and expanding opportunities depends on tackling the broken electrical skills pipeline head-on. “Building a robust supply of apprentices and creating meaningful, employer-backed pathways for those finishing classroom-based courses are essential steps toward a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future.” The core issue highlighted by the Electrical Skills Index is the critical difference between practical training and classroom learning. Classroom-based courses alone do not produce fully qualified electricians. These programmes lack the practical, industry-ready skills necessary for learners to transition into the workforce effectively, underscoring the need for a skills policy that prioritises practical, hands-on apprenticeships and industry-led training. With the newly formed Skills England striving to understand the national picture and guide the allocation of resources throughout the skills system, it is crucial to recognise the risks of over-reliance on classroom-based courses. Investment in these courses must be complemented by stronger pathways to work-based training, especially apprenticeships, to ensure learners gain the comprehensive skills required to contribute to key sectors, such as the built environment and decarbonisation. The ECA calls for a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both Further Education and hands-on apprenticeships. Without such alignment, the risk remains that learners completing classroom courses will be locked out of the industry, unable to gain the practical experience required to meet industry standards and contribute to critical sectors. To fix the broken pipeline, the ECA recommends: 1. Increasing the number of electrical apprenticeship opportunities to align with industry demands. 2. Strengthening pathways from classroom-based courses to industry employment. 3. Prioritising electricians’ training as a key component of the net zero strategy. More information can be found in the ECA’s Charter to Recharge Electrical Skills.

Unicrimp adds Galvanised Earthing Boxes to its Q-Crimp range

Unicrimp continues to expand its popular Q-Crimp cable management accessories range with the addition of a new Galvanised Earthing Box to its growing Earth Rods and Components collection. Designed to house and help protect the connection to an earth point, the new Earthing Box measures 100mm x 100mm x 95mm and is rated IP56, ensuring longevity as well as resistance to rust and corrosion. The range already offers a robust Green Earth Inspection box which is constructed from PA66 to provide high mechanical strength for reliability in various applications. The Q-Crimp Earth Rods and Components range includes earth rods, cable clamps, couplers and driving studs – providing installers with simple yet effective solutions for designing and implementing ground earthing systems, using only the minimal number of components. This latest Galvanised Earthing Box addition reinforces Unicrimp's commitment to providing quality, user-friendly earthing products that meet industry standards. The Unicrimp catalogue, which showcases the entire range of Q-Crimp accessories, can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website, as well as from the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

LIA launches brand new lighting courses

Lighting association, The LIA, has announced a range of new courses, designed to equip lighting professionals with the skills needed to move from selling individual products to mastering complex, integrated lighting solutions. Launching in January 2025, these tailored learning courses are focused on helping sales specialists transition into sales engineers, combining technical knowledge with strategic selling techniques to meet the demands of today’s competitive lighting market. Designed for professionals in the lighting sales sector, it aims to provide delegates with the skills to understand and address customer needs effectively. It will enable attendees to communicate the features, advantages, and benefits of their products. It will help sales teams develop confidence working with engineers, designers, and contractors and build expertise in system-level lighting projects and emerging technologies. After attending this new training course, attendees will be trusted advisors for complex lighting solutions, being able to handle objections and be confident in negotiations, having gained solution-based selling techniques to deliver bespoke projects. This course brings part of The LIA’s trusted Certificate Course into the modern era, providing a flexible learning approach designed to fit around contractors' schedules. Supported by The LIA’s Profession Map, you can tailor your journey to suit your career goals. The course options are as follows: • Identify and Understand Your Customers (Normal Price: Member £350 | Non-Member £550) • Planning, Presenting and Closing (Normal Price: Member £350 | Non-Member £550) • Combined Course Package (Normal Price: Member £495 | Non-Member £795) Spaces are limited, but this Black Friday, contractors can secure their place with an exclusive 25% discount on listed prices. To learn more and register your interest to attend, click here. For more from The LIA, click here.

BEAMA announces new association President

BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, has named Erika Wilson, Managing Director of Wilson Power Solutions, as the association's new President. Taking over from outgoing President, Keith Ritchie, who has served in the role for three years, Erika brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise from the sector, as well as a true insight into the growing opportunities for UK electrification for grid, electric vehicle infrastructure development and the battery storage market. Erika is a third-generation member of a family-owned business expanding in India and the UK, which demonstrates the rich history BEAMA's members have in UK manufacturing and innovating for the UK electricity market. As BEAMA takes forward its strong position on Industrial Strategy progress under the new Government, the association is positioning itself to work in partnership with Government and key supply chain stakeholders to deliver the UK clean power by 2030 and 2050 net zero ambitions. Erika Wilson, CEO of Wilson Power Solutions and the incoming BEAMA President, comments, “Stepping into the role of BEAMA President is an incredible honour. I am looking forward to working closely with the BEAMA team to champion the interests and growth of electrical manufacturers of all sizes in the UK. “In light of the UK’s new ambitious NDCs at COP29, our sector has a vital role to play enabling the decarbonisation of electrical networks, heat and transport. This is a unique opportunity to represent our members, capitalise on our collective strengths, and facilitate crucial collaborations with key external stakeholders to advance net zero.” Keith Ritchie, the outgoing BEAMA President, formerly of Titon, adds, “I am delighted that Erika is taking over from me as the President of BEAMA in November after three very enjoyable years in the position. At a time of rapid change as industry gears up for electrification, Erika brings a wealth of experience from running her own business manufacturing transformers. “BEAMA is ideally placed to represent its members in promoting and developing the systems and resources needed to drive net zero, and I wish Erika well in her new role, along with Yselkla and the whole of the BEAMA team.” Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA concludes, “With a new Government and high ambitions for clean power by 2030, we know the expectations on the supply chain are high - and our members are ready to deliver this transformative change. “I am delighted to welcome Erika as President, knowing she will be a driving force behind this change in a year which needs to arguably be one of the most transformative in our sector’s history. As a family-owned UK business that's now three generations old, Wilson Power Solutions is at the forefront of this change, so I can’t think of anyone better to lead with me and work on this exciting programme.” For more from BEAMA, click here.

TRILUX achieves Platinum EcoVadis rating

TRILUX, a provider of professional lighting solutions, has been awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Platinum rating - a recognition which highlights the company's commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and corporate ethics. EcoVadis is one of the world's largest and most renowned providers of sustainability ratings, evaluating companies across key areas, including environmental impact, labour and human rights, sustainable procurement, and ethical business practices. Achieving Platinum status places TRILUX in the top 1% of all assessed companies. "Sustainability is a central component of our corporate strategy," explains Klaus Röwekamp, Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Products and Solutions at TRILUX. "This platinum award is confirmation of our ongoing efforts to develop innovative lighting solutions that are not only energy-efficient and resource-conscious, but that also create real added value to society and the environment." For years, TRILUX has focused on sustainable innovations, from energy-efficient LED systems to intelligent lighting management solutions. The company is also consistently involved in research projects looking at recyclability and recycling concepts to develop innovative solutions. For more from TRILUX, click here.

£1.75 million energy investment completed for North London

Thousands of residents in North London will benefit from reinforced energy supplies following the completion of a £1.75 million electricity investment from UK Power Networks. Work has been completed to replace 6,600-volt switchgear in Muswell Hill and ensure reliable electricity supplies, serving North West London including areas such as Crouch End. The upgrade has installed new switchgear at the cost of £1.75 million, which will provide power to nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in the local community. The new electrical equipment in a refurbished switch house will help to reduce the potential time customers are off power, as well as the number of outages. Switchgear equipment in substations enables engineers to control power flows to local areas. The site will be automated, meaning that engineers can remotely control the switchgear to resolve any issues with the network quickly and safely, rather than having to visit the site in person. The new pieces of equipment should serve the community well for around 30 to 40 years. The company delivers electricity to 20 million people through cables, substations and power lines and invests around £600 million each year in the network. Arinze Udenwa, Programme Manager, Capital Programme at UK Power Networks, says, “We’re delighted to work with Morrison Energy Services on this major infrastructure project serving locals in Muswell Hill and North West London. “This investment will benefit residential and industrial supplies and comes as part of our commitment to reinforcing reliable energy for many years ahead.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Households could benefit from EV ‘through-street' charging

With more than two million plug-in cars now registered in the UK, and around 1.3 million of these pure electric (BEV), the mass transition to electrification is now looking inevitable. However, British smart home technology provider, myenergi – famous for its zappi EV charger – believes that there is still more work needed to make the transition as equitable and accessible as possible. The UK should see well over 600,000 new plug-in cars registered in 2025, and is also on course to see hundreds of thousands of new home chargers, as well as tens of thousands of public charge points installed. While the reliability and convenience of using the public charging network is now enshrined in law, there is arguably still work to be done to ensure public charge points are as accessible as possible for all drivers, including via the PAS 1899 documentation that defines good practice standards for the design of charging infrastructure. Many users of the public charging network will be the proportion of households – estimated at around 40% – that lack dedicated off-street parking and have historically been out of scope for home charging. However, myenergi believes that millions of these households could be given the opportunity to charge at home, with access to both cheaper energy tariffs and the potential to use domestic solar generation, if a series of simple steps were taken by local authorities. Jack Fielder, Chief Strategy Officer for myenergi, explains, “Today, every local authority in the country provides a simple process for its residents to apply for a dropped kerb – or ‘vehicle crossover’. We believe that a similarly standardised process should be available to allow households that park on-street close to their property to apply for a dedicated EV charging channel. “In support of this, we have partnered with British firm, Kerbo Charge, to support the widespread adoption of its simple, safe and secure EV charging channel, in combination with our award-winning zappi EV charger.” Michael Goulden, Director of Kerbo Charge, adds, “Many residents with on-street parking will only switch to an EV when they can safely charge at home. This is because public charging can cost far more than using an off-peak home energy tariff. “We’re delighted to be partnering with myenergi to offer the complete package to residents – one of the UK’s most popular EV chargers and our pioneering through-pavement charging channel in one simple package. We’re already live with 26 local authorities, with more announced every month – this really tackles the current inequality that residents without driveways face when charging their car.” myenergi is calling on the government to urgently publish guidance for local authorities on the use of safe cross pavement solutions, which was promised in the ‘Plan for Drivers’ published by the previous government in October 2023. In the 12 months since then, more than 500,000 new electric cars have been registered, and many local authorities remain unsure about how to enable these important new innovations. For more from myenergi, click here.

Charlie Moore wins SkillELECTRIC gold

21-year old Charlie Moore, a recently qualified apprentice at the College of West Anglia, has been named the 2024 SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in an intensive competition over three days at Oldham College. Taking second place and the silver medal was Richard Westwood from Dudley College, while third place and the bronze medal went to Jonathan Gough of MD Electrics and Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland. SECTT apprentices Milly Smith and Kalum Low, employed by CS McKerlie Electrical Services and MS Electrical & Renewables respectively, also received a Highly Commended mention due to their excellent performance. Charlie, the overall winner, who is employed by Bramham Electrical in Norfolk, had already competed in SkillELECTRIC 2023 and placed third in his national qualifying heat. Determined to do even better this year, he returned for the 2024 event and won his heat in June before claiming gold in the final. The finalists faced a complicated electrical installation task which had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria including wiring and connection skills, inspecting, testing and fault finding. In a first for this year, an electric vehicle charging unit supplied by Rolec was included within the main task, to reflect the fact that the core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in electric vehicle charging point installation. During a visit to Oldham College from the Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith, competitors and employers were able to outline the task that had been carried out and explain the role of qualified electricians in achieving net zero. All finalists that took part received a range of fantastic prizes including an iPad Pro from the NICEIC, a full set of workwear, accessories and safety shoes from Snickers Workwear, a Megger MET1000 Electrical Tester, a Rolec gift bag, an Essential Tool Kit and Smart Flask from CK Tools, a Scolmore Group goodie bag containing various Click wiring accessory products, an ESP Fort Smart Security Kit, Ovia downlights, a Unicrimp product bundle, and a range of Scolmore Group merchandise. In a joint prize from EAL and the NICEIC, once qualified, competitors will be able to attend training to achieve the EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points – free of charge. As second and third place winners, Richard and Jonathan won a DeWalt cordless combi drill from Scolmore Group and a voucher for £100 and £50 respectively from Electric Center to spend in their local branch. As overall winner, Charlie won the new Megger MFT-X1 multifunction tester, a DeWalt brushless combi drill and brushless impact driver from the Scolmore Group, a £250 voucher from Electric Center and a tool box kit from Oldham College. Speaking after his win, Charlie says, “I’m really overwhelmed because the standard of work across all the competitors this year has just been amazing, and it could have gone to anyone. So when I heard my name announced, I was just shocked. I’d like to say a big thanks to my tutor, Tim Burgess, for the time and effort that he’s put into my training. I’d also like to thank my employer, Trevor Bramham, for training me, allowing me to have time off and for being really supportive throughout the whole competition.” SkillELECTRIC is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET), in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, with Electric Center, NICEIC and Scolmore Group as its delivery partners. The competition was one of 50 WorldSkills UK national finals held last week across Greater Manchester. Next year’s SkillELECTRIC competition opens in March 2025. For more from National Electrotechnical Training (NET), click here.