Powersaver Dual Flexi 2 emersion controller from Sangamo

The Powersaver Dual Flexi 2 from Sangamo, a manufacturer of time clocks and heating controls, is an electronic immersion controller with programmable operation that is suitable for single, twin and dual element immersion heaters. The controller is designed to bridge the gap between the bulky, aged electro-mechanical immersion controllers and the more complicated digital versions. A table of pre-selectable adjustable programmes is offered – covering all of the low rate electricity tariffs, including Economy 7, Economy 10 and Eco 20:20 times. To operate, the user is required to turn the installer switch to the programme of choice (for assistance with this, they can refer to installation and user instructions). Adjustment is possible to the preset times, enabling the programme periods to be reduced or cancelled as required. The review button allows ON/OFF times to be checked, and there is automatic GMT/BST changeover. There is a half an hour, one-hour and two-hour boost function with a digital display countdown clock, allowing the user to clearly see the boost times. There is also a programmable boost function for further end user convenience; this programme is deliberately limited to a maximum of two hours, meaning expensive electricity is not being wasted during peak times. The Sangamo range of specialist time switches and heating controls is distributed through Scolmore Group company, ESP. For more from ESP, click here.

IronmongeryDirect launches TradeXtra benefits programme

Online supplier, IronmongeryDirect, has launched its new TradeXtra Account, offering a range of benefits including up to £10,000 instant credit and the chance to opt into its TradeXtra Rewards loyalty programme. To mark the occasion, the online supplier has launched a prize draw to win 150,000 loyalty points, which can be redeemed against a huge choice of rewards such as an exotic holiday for two, smart televisions and games consoles. Along with instant interest-free credit for up to 60 days, the exclusive TradeXtra Account provides a host of other benefits including easy online account management where customers can pay off their account online, exclusive discounts and offers, and early access to promotions and prize draws, all with no annual fee. By opening a TradeXtra Account, customers also have access to the company’s rewards programme, TradeXtra Rewards, whereby registered members receive one loyalty point for every £2 spent on products from IronmongeryDirect. These loyalty points can then be redeemed against a catalogue of rewards with thousands to choose from, including holidays, experience days, gift cards, and more. Keri Bryce, Sales & Marketing Director at IronmongeryDirect, comments, “Supporting our loyal customers with a new trade account rewarding them for their continued support is a priority for IronmongeryDirect. This is an exciting launch for the company and it’s great to be able to celebrate it with such an amazing prize draw that TradeXtra customers can take part in.” Customers who open a TradeXtra Account and register their TradeXtra Rewards membership by 12 January 2025 will be automatically entered into the prize draw for a chance to win the 150,000 loyalty points, redeemable on products and services in the TradeXtra Rewards catalogue. Customers already signed up to TradeXtra Rewards will also automatically be entered into the prize draw. The winner, who will be selected at random, will be announced on 17 January 2025. IronmongeryDirect has been serving the trade for over 50 years, with over 18,000 products in stock including everything from door furniture, closers, hinges and intumescents to cylinders, mortice locks and latches - in addition to a wide range of electrical products. For more information or to apply for a TradeXtra Account, visit ironmongerydirect.co.uk/tradextra. For more from IronmongeryDirect, click here.

2024 sets record for certified heat pump installations

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy installations, has announced that 2024 is now officially the best year on record for certified heat pump installations in the UK. In 2023, the UK saw 40,426 certified heat pump installations between January and December - a record at the time. However, as of early October 2024, the UK has already reached that figure, with over 42,000 installations completed from January to the end of September. Average monthly heat pump installations have risen by 39% compared to 2023, bringing the current number of certified heat pump installations in the UK to nearly 260,000. It is a milestone that underscores the growing adoption of low carbon heating, with increasing consumer confidence in the benefits of heat pumps for warming homes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) continues to play a key part in the roll out of heat pumps across England and Wales. Homeowners and small business owners in England and Wales can apply for the £7,500 grant if the installation is MCS certified, making heat pumps more accessible and affordable, whilst ensuring the installation is high-quality by meeting industry-recognised MCS standards. Applications to the BUS in 2024 have surged, with August 2024 seeing 2,890 applications – more than double the number in August 2023. To ensure voucher availability through the financial year, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has recently authorised Ofgem to over-allocate grant vouchers up to £50 million, increasing the available total to £200 million. In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan offers similar support, with grants up to £7,500 for certified heat pump installations, and up to £9,000 for households that qualify for a rural uplift. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, comments, “It’s great to see more consumers across the UK making the switch to heat pumps for their home heating needs. There’s still progress to be made to reach the government target of 600,000 installations per year by 2028, but MCS certification will play a key role in driving further adoption, by ensuring everyone has confidence in the quality, safety, and performance of their heat pump installations”. Bean Beanland, Director of Growth & External Affairs at the Heat Pump Federation, adds, “The growth in the deployment rates for domestic heat pump systems is a real cause for celebration and is testament to the hard work put in by installers and the supply chain. Exceeding the total for 2023 by Q4 this year is a tremendous success and confirms that the increased level of the Boiler Upgrade Grant (BUS) has really stimulated homeowners. “The significant increase in activity had started to raise a budget risk, so we are extremely grateful that the team at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero responded by permitting Ofgem to over-allocate vouchers for BUS through to March 2025.” Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association, echoes this, saying, “The growth in heat pump deployment within the UK is welcome, and it's great to see that 2024 is another record-breaking year. This milestone, coupled with the Secretary of State's announcement to over-allocate vouchers for the 2024/25 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, should ensure the positive trajectory of heat pump installations continues for the rest of the financial year.” MCS holds the most comprehensive repository of data on the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies across the UK on The MCS Data Dashboard. For more from MCS, click here.

Scolmore Group scoops gold in ongoing sustainability drive

Scolmore Group has announced that it has successfully completed Briggs & Forrester’s Bronze, Silver and Gold pathways, as well as the Modern Slavery pathway, which were launched through the Supply Chain Sustainability School. This is a significant achievement for the Group as it continues its journey to embed corporate sustainability into the culture, strategy and day-to-day operation across its group of companies which encompasses Click wiring accessories, Ovia lighting, ESP fire and security, and Unicrimp cable accessories. A key element of the company’s overall sustainability strategy involves working closely with its customers and suppliers to enable these partner companies to meet their own long term net zero and sustainable project ambitions. As a result, earlier this year, Scolmore Group became an active member and has obtained silver membership of the Supply Chain Sustainability School - an award-winning, free virtual learning platform around sustainability, with the aim of upskilling those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector. Set up in 2012, the School’s learning covers the three core pillars of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – looking at key issues ranging from carbon management through to combatting modern slavery. The School is led by a collaboration of industry partners, including main contractors, homebuilders, infrastructure clients and trade contractors, who fund and steer the direction of the learning for the rest of the built environment sector. The specific Gold pathway and Modern Slavery module which Scolmore has completed were learning pathways created by one of the School’s key main contractor partners, Briggs & Forrester, for its suppliers. As a supply chain partner to Briggs & Forrester, Scolmore Group’s engagement and commitment to improve its own sustainability will be key to enabling the contractor to meet their long-term net zero and sustainable project ambitions. Scolmore Group’s successful completion of the Gold pathway and the Modern Slavery module was confirmed on the same day as the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s recent annual summit, which was attended by Scolmore Group’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Analyst, Liam Pye. The annual event is an initiative aimed at bringing together industry thought leaders and sustainability champions under the theme 'Collaborating to Deliver Net Zero and Sustainability Commitments'. Manuela Robino-Courtney, Group Legal and Compliance Manager with Scolmore Group - and the driving force behind the company’s sustainability initiatives - comments, “As an active member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Scolmore Group has already reaped numerous benefits through access to the School’s valuable resources that have enabled Scolmore to bolster its sustainability efforts. Sustainability is a core business principle, and as such, requires collaboration across the whole supply chain if we are all to meet our targets and ambitions. “Scolmore was very keen to take up the opportunity to work on the particular learning pathways created by its customer, and one of the industry’s largest independent building services contractors, Briggs & Forrester. Having joined the Supply Chain Sustainability School as a Silver Member in March 2024, Scolmore is delighted to have already completed the Gold pathway and the Modern Slavery module in partnership with Briggs & Forrester, as these achievements demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment and passion for sustainability, which is a key part of Scolmore's strategic business objectives.” For more from Scolmore, click here.

Ansell upgrades Lynx wallpack luminaire

Offering enhanced versatility and control, Ansell Lighting has unveiled upgrades to its popular Lynx wall-mounted outdoor luminaire. Now CCT and power selectable, Lynx offers users a choice of 18W and 30W output dependent on energy requirements, as well as the option of selecting a 3000K or 4000K colour temperature setting. Maintaining its renowned robust exterior, the wall mounted luminaire is manufactured to deliver durability and longevity in challenging conditions. Constructed from die cast materials and featuring a vandal resistant polycarbonate Fresnel lens diffuser, it also comes with a five-year warranty for reassurance and peace of mind. Suitable for a wide range of applications, the Lynx is easy to install, with multiple conduit entry and BESA box fixing points providing versatile mounting options. Tamper-proof allen key screws are also supplied as standard. Lynx is available with a range of additional options for heightened functionality, which is ideal for installations where tailored lighting control and settings are required - including emergency, electronic photocell, OCTO, digital dimming, corridor function and microwave sensor. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, "The new upgrades to our Lynx wall-mounted luminaire provide users with greater flexibility and control, allowing them to tailor both power output and colour temperature to meet specific requirements. “Its robust design and advanced features make it ideal for installations in demanding environments, delivering both performance and reliability across a range of applications." For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Knipex introduces limited edition of its Cobra Water Pump Pliers

This holiday season, KNIPEX is offering tool enthusiasts a limited edition of its renowned Cobra Water Pump Pliers featuring a striking bicolour design. The 180mm Cobra pliers come in a unique half-bright chrome-plated, half-dark phosphate finish, complemented by sleek black plastic grips. More than just a collector’s item, the pliers are packed with high-tech features designed for performance. With a fine adjustment mechanism for precise control, a gripping width of up to 42mm and the self-locking effect the range is famous for, these tools are built to handle the toughest tasks with ease. The hardened teeth provide a strong, lasting grip, even during intensive use, while the fine adjustment feature allows for a precise, secure fit with just a push of a button. The tool’s self-locking function on pipes and nuts ensures no slipping, reducing the effort required, and the pinch guard prevents any risk of crushing injuries. Each set of pliers comes in a festive gift wrapping available in black or white, adding an extra touch of elegance and making it an ideal gift. With stock available only while supplies last, the limited edition pliers are ideal for anyone looking to add a high-quality, functional and aesthetically-pleasing tool to their collection. For more from Knipex, click here.

Thorn and Zumtobel introduce Partner Hub NextGEN programme

Thorn and Zumtobel UK and Ireland, lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, have introduced their exclusive Partner Hub NextGEN programme - a unique initiative designed to foster the next generation of lighting professionals. This invite-only programme, tailored for emerging consultants, offers a comprehensive educational experience. With a maximum of 50 spaces available annually, the programme is already full for this year, with the attendees selected from the UK’s most influential M&E consultancy practices. The Partner Hub offers a blend of in-person seminars at the Group's London Light Centre and Spennymoor facility, along with a variety of digital learning resources. These resources, including micro-learning modules and one-hour CPD seminars, are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Paul Kilburn, Managing Director of Thorn and Zumtobel UK & Ireland, comments, "Zumtobel is thrilled to introduce the Partner Hub programme, demonstrating the Group's commitment to fostering talent within the lighting industry. "By investing in the development of young professionals, Zumtobel not only supports the future of the industry, but also ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead with innovation. This is a unique opportunity for consultants, architects, and electrical contractors to collaborate, learn, and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the field." The sessions provide participants with insights from Zumtobel Group experts who will lead seminars and workshops. These face-to-face engagements and digital resources deliver a well-rounded experience for participants, enhancing their theoretical and practical understanding of lighting, emergency lighting, and controls and systems. Thorn and Zumtobel are committed to providing high quality practical content on the Partner Hub microsite to keep participants engaged and informed about the latest industry developments. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a valuable certification, enhancing their professional portfolios and demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the lighting industry. Zumtobel says that the launch reflects the brand's ongoing dedication to shaping the future of lighting, and providing unparalleled opportunities for education and growth. For more information, click here. For more from Zumtobel Group, click here.

BGEN opens South West manufacturing facility

BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering companies specialising in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation, has opened a new office and manufacturing facility in Bridgwater, Somerset. The move, in conjunction with plans to recruit 150 people to help drive the economy and support the local community, is to help deliver a major electrical and instrumentation project at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. “In recent times, the business has expanded significantly as we continue to help deliver major energy security and transition projects across the UK”, says David Blackburn (pictured above), Senior Project Manager at BGEN. “We’re looking for 150 candidates at all levels to help deliver an £84 million project at Hinkley Point C, including office-based professionals and skilled craftspeople.” BGEN’s new purpose-built facility, which measures 5,545 square foot, will initially see 40 people based at the Bridgwater site. The manufacturing unit will be used to pre-assemble materials for the Hinkley Point C project, which is set to commence in April 2025. As part of this project, BGEN will design, supply and install the electrical and instrumentation packages for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 Turbine Halls of the nuclear power plant. 150 job opportunities will become available across health and safety, planning, project management and quality control. The business will also be looking for experienced site supervisors, site managers, electricians, welders and scaffolders. BGEN is also looking to the future and will train up to 10 apprentices during the project, with local candidates encouraged to apply. Alongside a competitive package, including training and development opportunities, successful candidates will have access to comprehensive wellbeing support including different aspects of emotional, mental and physical health. Craftspeople will also be able to take advantage of the benefits offered to employees through national agreements including the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). BGEN currently employs 1,500 people across 14 locations in the UK, with regional offices including Barrow-in-Furness, Basildon, Grangemouth, Scunthorpe, Warrington and Widnes. For more from BGEN, click here.

Vestel Mobility launches Libra EV charger

Vestel Mobility has announced a UK-specific electric vehicle charger which is designed to offer an unrivalled combination of features, performance, and value. The Libra takes the established technology from Vestel Mobility’s EV charger range across Europe to create a stylish, affordable and reliable range of models for residential and business applications. Fully compliant with all UK electrical and EV charger regulations, the Libra has been designed to make the transition to electric more affordable than ever, without sacrificing charging features. The move continues to establish Vestel Mobility’s growth in the UK EV charger market by offering resellers, installers, and contractors an affordable, regulations-approved, and easy-to-install charger for consumer and small business customers alike. The new Libra is based on Vestel Mobility’s well established charger chassis and electronic design, which has been installed in over 30,000 locations across Europe and the UK on behalf of vehicle manufacturers, fuel brands, and energy providers. Depending on the variant, the Libra offers 7kW to 22kW charging from a single-phase or three-phase supply, tethered or plug-in options, and flexible charging scheduling via partner apps or a web-browser dashboard. Wi-Fi or Ethernet connected, this compact charger is automatically kept fully up-to-date and secure against cyber attacks. It also offers PEN fault detection and is fully compliant with the UK government's OZEV and EVHS schemes, as well as the latest cyber security legislation for EV chargers. Vestel Mobility has partnered with Electric Miles, a provider of EV charging applications and management solutions, to deliver a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for drivers, installers, and fleet operators. Electric Miles offers an intuitive charging management platform that simplifies everyday charging for drivers, whether at home, at work, or at a business location. For installers and small business users, the Installer Miles app streamlines the commissioning process and enables easy load management and remote charger control. For fleet managers and operators of multiple charge points, the Admin Miles app - and the soon-to-be-released Partner Miles - provides a powerful web-based solution for efficient charger management, revenue collection, and for support and troubleshooting to drive utilisation and deliver excellent charging experience. Hakan Kutlu, CEO and General Manager of Vestel Mobility, comments, "Vestel has made significant investments over the last 10 years, with the development of technologies in line with electric vehicles. Vestel has been manufacturing and exporting electric vehicle charging stations since 2017 and to date, the company has installed more than 180,000 charging sockets in Turkey and in nearly 30 countries across Europe. Vestel Mobility is now focusing on areas such as AC and DC charging stations, automotive electronics, and battery storage solutions to capture its share of this global growth market.” The Libra will be available to trade and wholesale through Exertis. For more from Vestel Mobility, click here.

Breathing Buildings offers new CIBSE-approved CPD

Breathing Buildings, a provider of controlled natural and hybrid ventilation systems, has announced that its ‘Ventilation for Education and Commercial Buildings’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course is now approved by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers). The course is designed to give attendees a better understanding of the different ventilation strategies that can be used in education and commercial buildings, with a focus on natural, hybrid and hybrid heat recovery technology, and why these systems are needed under current building regulations. Continuing Professional Development is a long-term commitment to undertake, maintain, improve, and broaden knowledge and skills. CIBSE members are required by the Code of Professional Conduct to maintain professional competence, with CIBSE providing clear guidance and support for professional development to enable members to develop their career. Breathing Buildings’ aim is to help construction professionals widen their knowledge regarding the different ventilation strategies available to ensure buildings have energy efficient ventilation that improves indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort. The Breathing Buildings ‘Ventilation for Education and Commercial Buildings’ CPD therefore provides delegates with a greater understanding of: the basics of natural ventilation; mixing ventilation; new hybrid heat recovery and mixing systems; current requirements and legislation affecting buildings; ventilation strategies; and examples of natural ventilation applications. Within the one-hour CPD, delegates will have the opportunity to find out more about the next generation of sustainable hybrid ventilation with heat recovery, such as the company’s NVHRe - Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery. This is timely since the CPD comes as CIBSE introduced a mandatory requirement from 2024 for members to undertake CPD courses around sustainability and safety. Louise McHugh, Product Manager at Breathing Buildings, comments, “We are thrilled that this CPD course is now CIBSE-approved. ‘Ventilation for Education and Commercial Buildings’ aims to help specifiers select the right solution for their building. “The UK has a legal target to meet net zero by 2050 so it’s vital that specifiers consider how to reduce carbon in our buildings. Choosing a low carbon ventilation strategy can help, such as natural, hybrid or hybrid with heat recovery ventilation. This CPD outlines these systems as well as how they can help meet regulations and provide good indoor air quality and thermal comfort.” Delegates will find out more about how specifiers can reduce the amount of energy used in a building and reduce carbon emissions by using natural ventilation within a ventilation strategy, whether natural, hybrid or hybrid with heat recovery ventilation. Natural ventilation is a low energy way to provide a flow of fresh air through a building using the natural forces of wind and/or buoyancy. With modern buildings tending to be well insulated, to prevent rising CO2 levels you need to provide fresh air. Natural ventilation is a low energy way to provide this fresh air using the natural tendency of hot air to rise and cold air to sink. Meanwhile, the CPD will explain how hybrid ventilation combines both natural and mechanical ventilation solutions using mechanical fans only when natural ventilation is not sufficient. The CPD will also outline the latest hybrid technology. For more from Breathing Buildings, click here.