Baxi to showcase future of home heating

Sustainable heating and hot water specialist, Baxi, is inviting construction businesses and property developers from across the South of England to explore its full range of electric solutions at Everything Electric South. Organised by Fully Charged, a home energy and electric vehicle channel founded and hosted by actor and presenter, Robert Llewellyn, Everything Electric South will take place at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre from 11 to 13 October. As the homeowner brand of choice for sustainable living, Baxi’s presence at the show on stand J20 enhances the organisers’ vision to support the mainstream adoption of low-carbon solutions. The company is inviting construction and housebuilding companies from across the southern region to explore the variety of low carbon heating and hot water solutions available to them. This comes as organisations building new homes must continue to consider sustainable solutions such as heat pumps to meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard 2025. Baxi’s stand will offer visitors an engaging walk around experience, where they can benefit from expert advice on heating solutions, featured product demonstrations, and support with training and sales. Providing a perspective on both the internal and external elements of a heat pump solution, Baxi will also be showcasing its prefabricated understairs heating solution. Housebuilders and developers will be able to see first-hand how they could easily integrate an air source heat pump solution, which is available via Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital house design platform. This industry-first platform allows smaller regional housebuilders and developers across the UK to plan and design a complete, bespoke digital model of a house before beginning construction. The company will exhibit its HP40 Air Source Heat Pump, Heatrae Sadia Amptec S Electric Boiler, the Megaflo Solar PV Indirect Cylinder and the Baxi uSense 2 Smart Thermostat. Everything Electric visitors keen to explore heat pump technology will also be treated to a preview of the upcoming high heat R290 Air Source Heat Pump. The Farnborough event will see Baxi’s George Linder, Product Team Manager - Residential, take part in a panel event on 11 October entitled, Electrification of Heat Technologies vs Heat Pumps? This session provides an opportunity for housebuilders and developers to hear about all the available solutions and ask the experts what will work best for their properties. Baxi’s Laetitia Mace, Residential Air Source Heat Pump Manager, will also participate in a topical panel discussion. Taking place on 13 October, the session is entitled, The state of play with the UK Heat Pump roll out. What's holding us back? Laetitia Mace, Air Source Heat Pump Product Manager at Baxi, says, “Everything Electric South Show is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to understand the options available to seamlessly move towards sustainable energy. Heating accounts for about one third of the UK’s annual carbon footprint, and to protect our planet, we all have a role to play. “Baxi offers a wide range of solutions to suit all types of homes. The company's expert team is looking forward to having important conversations, dispelling confusing myths on our stand J20. Baxi is very excited to showcase its heating and hot water propositions, designed for the sustainable future.” To book tickets for Everything Electric South, visit uk.everythingelectric.show/southand. For more from Baxi, click here.

CU Phosco launches FL830 floodlight

CU Phosco, a family-owned UK designer and manufacturer of outdoor lighting equipment, has announced the launch of the FL830, a versatile floodlight designed to meet the demanding lighting requirements of airports, ports, car parks, highway conflict areas, and bridges. The new product, building on the success of the FL820, delivers exceptional illuminance and reduced glare in a smaller, more adaptable package, ensuring it is the ideal lighting solution for a wide range of applications. Designed for functionality and ease of use, the FL830’s smaller body, designed specifically for airport lighting applications, combines sleek, functional aesthetics with superior performance. Its future-proof and thermally optimised design can be easily upgraded onsite, ensuring long-term service life and efficiency. The FL830 boasts an impressive luminaire efficacy of up to 155 lumens per watt, providing a wide range of optics and lumen packages to tailor lighting solutions to specific needs. Advanced thermal management ensures the longevity of both LEDs and drivers, while its lightweight, low windage construction enhances durability and simplifies installation. The FL830 is engineered to maximise savings on energy and maintenance costs, making it a cost-effective choice for specifiers. Its contractor-friendly design ensures straightforward installation and maintenance, reducing downtime and associated costs. Additionally, the FL830 features a full cut-off cowl to minimise upward light and light pollution, supporting environmentally friendly lighting practices. With intelligent lighting control options, the FL830 offers flexible, smart lighting management tailored to various applications. Moreover, the FL830 is over 90% recyclable, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact. "The FL830 is one of the results of CU Phosco's commitment to innovation and excellence in lighting technology," says Paul Carter of CU Phosco. "The company has taken the proven performance of the FL820 and created a more compact, versatile floodlight that not only meets but exceeds the stringent requirements of modern airport lighting. The FL830 combines cutting-edge LED technology with a design that simplifies installation and maintenance, offering customers an efficient, future-proof solution." With its state-of-the-art design and advanced features, CU Phosco believes that the FL830 will set a new benchmark in floodlighting, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Whether for illuminating airport aprons or enhancing visibility in car parks and ports, the FL830 is engineered to deliver outstanding results. For more from CU Phosco, click here.

Click Scolmore adds Pole Fan Isolation Switches to GridPro range

Click Scolmore has expanded its extensive collection of interchangeable GridPro modules with the launch of a new range of 10A 3 Pole Fan Isolation Switch Modules. The new fan isolator switch modules are equipped with both a permanent live and a switched live, allowing for easy connection between a light switch and an extractor fan. They are designed to ensure safe disconnection, making them the ideal choice for installations in bathrooms, kitchens, or any space with damp conditions, where the risk of electric shocks is greater. When turned off, it breaks the circuit, preventing current flow and enabling safe work on the system without the danger of electrocution. The switch modules are available in both standard switchable and key-operated versions for controlled use and access. All GridPro modules have a clipping feature, which makes for easy removal and assembly, further adding to the appeal of the GridPro range for professional installers working in both residential and commercial sectors. Available in 13 high-quality finishes, the modules also come with a choice of polar white, black or grey inserts for added flexibility and style. The full GridPro range can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website and via the Scolmore app. For more from Scolmore, click here.

Screwfix launches Lexco range with over 50 new products

Screwfix is offering the nation’s electricians even greater choice after launching its new Lexco commercial lighting range. Available instore and online from today, the new Lexco range includes more than 50 commercial lighting products all supported by a seven-year guarantee. To celebrate the launch, qualified electricians, who are new and existing Electricfix customers, can also take advantage of 10% off all Lexco products until 3 November. Lexco products are designed specifically for electricians and are easy to install and connect. Key products in the range include Pegasi LED bulkheads, which offer features such as microwave sensors, emergency battery and photocell sensors. In addition, the Lexco LED Alari battens feature a multi-entry exit point system with loop in/loop out functionality for easy wiring. Matt Compton, Commercial Director at Screwfix, says, “The launch of our new Lexco commercial lighting range further increases product choice and convenience for our customers. For professional electricians, Lexco’s wide range of solutions provides them with the high-quality products they demand, enabling them to get electrical jobs done quickly, affordably and right first time.” Tradespeople can get hold of Lexco products online, from one of over 900 Screwfix stores nationwide, or via the Screwfix app. The products are available to pick up from store in as little as one minute via click and collect, or they can be delivered direct to site using Screwfix Sprint. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Rolec brings EV charging technology to SkillELECTRIC Final

This year’s SkillELECTRIC UK finalists will be getting hands-on with electric vehicle charging point (EVCP) technology thanks to a new partnership with EV charging specialist, Rolec. Following the success of the solar PV task in last year’s final, this year, as part of a wider installation, competitors will be working on an EVCP. Rolec will supply nine of its ZURA intelligent electric vehicle charging units for the task, with its technical team on-site for the UK final week. In addition, Rolec will also brief finalists at a training day ahead of the event and carry out a CPD session after the UK final to educate competitors on the uses of EV charging technology and connectivity. “We are very grateful to Rolec for providing these very impressive charging units for the UK final and are very excited about the technological insights they’ll bring to our competitors,” says Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC Project Manager. “Gaining an understanding of the key stages of an EVCP installation will be a great experience for competitors and will enhance their overall knowledge in a growing part of the electrical industry. Once qualified as an electrician, they’ll be able to undertake CPD qualifications in low carbon technologies, so this introduction to EV charging is a great first step on the ladder.” With 34 years of experience in manufacturing outdoor electrical equipment and 16 years of experience in the electric vehicle charging industry, Rolec has supplied and installed over 355,000 public and private charge points. Its standout innovations so far have incorporated everything from advanced smart charging functionalities through to dynamic electrical load management, and a wide range of DC ultra rapid units. Allan Ross, Rolec’s Contractor Training and Relations Manager, adds, “Rolec is dedicated to investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. Supporting competitions like SkillELECTRIC is essential for the industry’s growth, and helping aspiring young people develop the expertise and confidence they need to excel. These initiatives provide a platform for talent to shine and inspire the future of electrical contracting, driving innovation and sustainability across the sector. “Rolec proudly supports the event and its finalists, and the company's technical team looks forward to attending the Final Task. Beyond the competition, Rolec will continue its mentorship programme and offer work placements through its Approved Installer network across the UK. Rolec's focus is on building connection and leadership, helping young professionals understand the opportunities in the EV industry and how their contributions can make a global impact. “Rolec is excited to be part of their journey as they make significant contributions to the world of electric vehicles and help close the skills gap.” The SkillELECTRIC UK Final will take place at Oldham College across the week of 18 November. Alongside SkillELECTRIC, around 40 other WorldSkills national competition finals will be taking place that week across nine venues around Greater Manchester, involving over 400 competitors. SkillELECTRIC, the annual search for the UK’s best student electrician, is part of the WorldSkills UK competition framework. The event is organised by industry charity, National Electrotechnical Training (NET), and has Electric Center, the NICEIC and Scolmore Group as its delivery partners. It is supported by Megger, EAL, Snickers Workwear and CK Tools. For more from SkillELECTRIC, click here.

EnviroVent launches decentralised MEV unit

EnviroVent, a manufacturer of sustainable ventilation systems for residential dwellings, has introduced a new decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) unit that it expects will have a big impact on the new build sector. QURO is set to be a ‘best in class’ product that incorporates the latest fan technology achieving noise levels below 9 dB(A) at 3m. It comes with constant volume technology, ensuring that the selected airflow rate is able to be achieved at a range of pressures without manual adjustments. Performance is guaranteed as EnviroVent’s QURO has low specific fan power (SFP) down to 0.08 W/l/s, which means the fan operates in the most efficient manner. Compliant with Building Regulations Approved Document F for Continuous Extract Ventilation within dwellings, QURO is listed on the SAP PCDB (Product Characteristics Database). QURO has a stylish, compact low-profile design, making it ideal for the specification and new build market, with the flexibility to be wall or ceiling mounted - and it has a small footprint of 175mm x 175mm. A powerful ventilation unit, QURO is capable of meeting the requirements of all the wet rooms in a property, including the kitchen, bathroom, utility, ensuite and WC. Ruth MacEachern, Product Manager at EnviroVent, explains, “EnviroVent is really excited about the release of this innovative new ventilation unit, as part of its commitment to supporting the new build sector. QURO offers low SFP down to 0.08 W/l/s and a maximum power consumption of only 4.5 Watts, making this a leading energy efficient ventilation solution. “Housebuilders and specifiers are increasingly seeking ventilation solutions that are compliant with the Future Homes and Building Standard, as well as being compact in design and offering minimal noise disturbance. QURO is the perfect solution for a wide variety of new build applications.” As part of enhancing energy efficiency, QURO has been aerodynamically optimised and uses a low watt DC motor, providing reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency with enhanced sustainability. Featuring an Auto Intelligent Timer, QURO automatically varies the over-run timer period, depending upon how long the fan has been in operation. The auto timer can also be turned off and a standard fixed time period timer can be used instead. It also features Auto Intelligent Humidity, which means the fan speed can respond in direct correlation to changes in relative humidity, therefore enhancing comfort for occupiers. QURO incorporates integral controls via a display on the side of the unit. This display offers the user the ability to control the unit, including the fan, speed, timer, humidity (model depending) as well as viewing the period of time the fan has been in operation, current running status and any potential errors identified. QURO has been designed to be low maintenance with no filter needed. Cleaning is simple, as the fan cover can easily be removed and wiped with a cloth to remove any dust or build-up. QURO is also straightforward to install and provides flexible set up with five selectable trickle speeds of 5, 8, 11, 13 and 16l/s, allowing the fan to be commissioned to suit a range of property needs. It also offers a selectable boost speed between 20 and 30l/s which can be selected using the side display. For more from EnviroVent, click here.

Kensa calls for action amidst fuel poverty crisis

According to ground source heat pump specialist, Kensa, outdated electric heating systems are trapping hundreds of thousands of UK households in fuel poverty. As a result, the company - along with fuel poverty charity, National Energy Action (NEA) - is calling for urgent action to protect consumers and aid those struggling to afford basic heating. Millions of people in the UK are living in fuel poverty, with at least 13% of households in England affected. However, this figure jumps to nearly a quarter among households relying on electric heating. The situation is particularly difficult for these homes, which have an average fuel poverty gap – the additional income needed to not be fuel-poor – of £857, more than double the national average of £417. This gap is caused by the inefficiency of direct electric heating, such as night storage heaters, and the rising cost of electricity, which has jumped to 24.5p per kWh. As energy prices rise again this winter, electrically heated households could see annual heating costs close to £2,500 – significantly higher than the £1,717 cap for dual fuel homes set by Ofgem. Many households will be unable to afford this, emphasising the urgent need for more efficient affordable solutions. Furthermore, as household Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings fall, the fuel poverty gap widens significantly, underscoring the direct link between poor energy efficiency and fuel poverty: • Electrically heated EPC D properties have an average fuel poverty gap of £341 • Electrically heated EPC E properties have an average fuel poverty gap of £1,028 • Electrically heated EPC F and G properties have an average fuel poverty gap of £1,823 More efficient heating systems will boost EPC scores and, crucially, cut energy bills for these households. A proven solution to do this is networked heat pumps, which use individual ground source heat pumps in multiple properties, potentially offering 400% energy efficiency – far exceeding the maximum 100% efficiency of traditional electric heating systems. Kensa has modelled how its Shoebox NX heat pump combined with networked heat pumps could dramatically reduce energy bills for electrically heated homes: Electric Heating (E7 Dual Rate Tariff), 10,000kwh has an estimated heating efficiency of 100% and results in an annual heating cost of £1,869. Electric Heating (Standard Rate Tariff), 10,000kwh has an estimated heating efficiency of 100% and results in an annual heating cost of £2,450. Shoebox NX Ground Source Heat Pump, 10,000kwh, has an estimated heating efficiency of 400% and results in an annual heating cost of £613. Since 2012, Kensa has upgraded outdated electric heating systems in nearly 4,000 UK homes, cutting energy bills by over half and improving energy efficiency, helping social housing providers meet the requirement for all properties to achieve at least an EPC C rating by 2030. Through the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which replaces the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Kensa encourages providers to use the financial support to adopt better heating solutions in their properties. Around 250,000 social homes still rely on inefficient electric heaters, risking fuel poverty. Replacing these with networked heat pumps will protect residents from future energy price increases and ensure affordable heating. Maya Fitchett, Policy Analyst at National Energy Action, says, “This winter, the increase in the price cap will mean an estimated six million households are living in fuel poverty across the UK, unable to heat and power their homes. We have known for too long that a disproportionate number of these fuel poor households rely on inefficient electric heating, making them particularly vulnerable to price increases. “Ofgem’s price cap will mean that customers reliant on electricity for all or most of their energy needs will see additional increases of approximately £70 compared to Direct Debit customers. This means many of these households cut back their energy use to dangerous levels, and some don’t heat their home at all. “It doesn’t have to be this way. When installed alongside appropriate insulation measures, low-carbon technology such as heat pumps can help households to significantly reduce energy costs. Often, this technology is too expensive for many of the people National Energy Action (NEA) try to support, but the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund can be essential in supporting low-income tenants to benefit from this technology. This is also vital to make progress towards statutory fuel poverty and net zero targets.” Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director at Kensa, adds, "Since 2020, continuous spikes in energy prices have left millions of UK consumers reeling at the sight of high energy bills, with many struggling to afford to even turn on their heating. "The fuel poverty gap has been rising, and households with direct electric heating are seeing the gap widen most. Networked heat pumps can provide a much-needed lifeline for these people, shielding households from unstable energy prices and cutting heating bills by over £1,200 a year. “Social housing landlords have made important commitments on fuel poverty alleviation and the climate. With the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, they have a clear pathway to fund these vital projects, improve heating for their tenants and potentially lift them out of fuel poverty all together.” For more from Kensa, click here.

Graduate engineers are ready to plug industry skills shortage

New graduate engineers at UK Power Networks say they are ready to help plug the skills shortage in the electrical engineering industry. Eleven engineering graduates won places on UK Power Networks' first post-university scheme in more than five years and will be working in roles such as innovation, design and for the electricity firm’s Distribution System Operator. The opportunity proved popular with more than 4,400 university leavers applying for the roles at the country’s biggest electricity distributor, and a rigorous application process with interviews and assessments led to the highest performers being selected. The elite graduate scheme is a two-year programme where essential skills will be learnt while on the job, with mentoring from some of the industry’s best engineers. The skills learnt will contribute to creating a more reliable electricity network as the UK looks to increasingly use electricity to run low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. UK Power Networks distributes electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East, and the East, and the new starters will work across these three regions mainly in Crawley, Maidstone, Stevenage and at multiple sites in the capital. The scheme is the first of its kind in five years at the electricity firm, designed to tackle the fact that engineering roles are among the hardest to fill as university leavers are more inclined to join other industries such as finance, data and IT. However, according to Engineering UK, engineering and technology jobs are predicted to grow faster than other occupations, in all UK regions between now and 2030. In addition, the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) estimates there is a 173,000 shortfall in workers in the STEM sector – costing the economy £1.5bn per year. Alex Rama, 21, graduated from Royal Holloway University with a degree in Electronic Engineering and will now spend two years at UK Power Networks training as a field engineer at the Bidder Street depot in east London. Alex says, “This is a dream job for me, and I’m extremely grateful and lucky to be selected. The positive impact this job has on people’s lives and being able to make London a better city appealed to me.” Barry Hatton, who is Director of Asset Management at UK Power Networks, adds, “It’s great to see talent coming into the business to help us address the challenges of facilitating the delivery of the low carbon transition for our customers. “I am very impressed with the quality of our new recruits and can understand why, given the level of interest in our graduate scheme. They join UK Power Networks at a fantastic time, given the scale and speed of the decarbonisation challenge.” Stephanie Baxter, Head of Policy at the IET, adds, “Graduate schemes like this are a great step towards plugging the nation’s STEM skills gap and ensuring the next generation are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to engineer a better world for us all.” “Many people still don’t understand the work of engineers or appreciate how much society depends on their skills and innovation. This is why the UK is not going to have enough engineers in the next decade, so it is vital that we attract lots of new people from different backgrounds. In order to ensure we have the right mix of engineering skills; we need to provide more opportunities for young people to develop their skill sets starting in schools and continuing throughout their education and into the workplace.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Carhartt launches competition to mark 135th anniversary

For 135 years, Carhartt has equipped hard workers with top quality workwear. To celebrate this milestone, the company is hosting a giveaway for its customers across Europe. On 29 October 2024, Carhartt will launch the celebration by offering a limited edition of its Carhartt beanie, with 20,000 hats to give away across the UK and EU. Each beanie is sealed and contains a scratch card, which has a code that can be checked online. There is also a code for a 'Golden Beanie', whereby one lucky winner will receive a tour around the Great Lakes of America - the birthplace of Carhartt. Carhartt is also inviting its customers to show their spirit in the 'Show Your Craft' competition. From 1 to 21 October, fans of the brand can share a video on Instagram or TikTok demonstrating their Carhartt pride with the hashtag #Carhartt135 and tagging @carhartt_europe. One lucky winner will receive a one-minute shopping spree in the Carhartt webshop. There are also chances to win a surprise visit from Carhartt or one of 135 birthday cakes. To take part or to find out more, visit win-carhartt.com today. For more from Carhartt, click here.

Thorn Lighting launches 'City of Thorn' tool

Thorn Lighting, a lighting and connected solutions provider, has launched City of Thorn, a new digital tool that allows lighting designers, installers and building managers to easily find the correct interior and exterior lighting and control solutions for their project. Thorn describes City of Thorn is a 'first-of-its-kind, interactive 3D city', and customers can explore lighting solutions on desktop or mobile by clicking through various parts of the 3D model. Offering a comprehensive overview of Thorn Lighting’s product portfolio, City of Thorn is divided into six areas: Education, Industry, Retail, Sports, Urban & Architectural and Road & Street. Selecting one of these will allow the user to see multiple interior and exterior lighting applications within that sector and view key product information and specifications. First showcased earlier this year at Light & Building 2024, City of Thorn has been developed to make it as easy as possible for customers to find the products and information they need and has been designed to be universal. Lighting designers and architects can use it as a resource to find the solutions that will best suit a new scheme, while installers can use it on site when engaging with a client about a project, allowing them to quickly and easily highlight relevant products. City of Thorn is also intended as a simple to use tool for facilities managers and building owners, helping them to understand the options available in a clear and visual way. To find out more, visit www.cityofthorn.com. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.