2 November 2026
Product of the Month: Amari Floodlight range by Aurora Lighting
 
10 November 2026
Openreach partners with Allstar to boost EV charging options
 
10 November 2026
VCHRGD appoints Craig Summers as Head of Partnerships
 
9 November 2026
UK Power Networks helps nine veterans secure energy sector jobs
 
9 November 2026
Exclusive: why getting project planning right from the outset matters
 

Latest News


Milwaukee expands rechargeable lighting line
Milwaukee has expanded its line of rechargeable lighting products with the addition of the internal rechargeable folding flood light.   The new light provides adaptive mounting and infinite light head mobility, allowing for hands-free lighting while maintaining a pocket portable size. Like previous rechargeable lights, the new light will feature a built-in battery with USB-C charging, delivering high performance in the most compact form. The folding flood light provides 500 Lumens of TRUEVIEW High-Definition Lighting and features three modes for managing output and run time to fit the needs of the job. With up to 12 hours of run time on the low setting, the new light provides all day run time. The light features integrated magnets for mounting on metal surfaces in addition to a split frame design for an alternative mounting solution around pipes. The internal rechargeable folding flood light provides infinite light head mobility, giving users a more versatile lighting solution for compact spaces.  Featuring an IP54 rating and a 2m impact rating, the flood light can withstand the toughest jobsites. Specifications Battery compatibility: Integrated battery Bulb type: LED Correlated colour temperature: 4,000K Colour rating index: 80 Max. light output: High: 500 lumens Medium: 250 lumens Low: 100 lumens Run time: High: 4 hours Medium: 8 hours Low: 12 hours IP rating: IP54 Weight: 0.28 kg

Lucy Zodion expands EV offering with Pillar range
Lucy Zodion, a British manufacturer with over 60 years of experience in street lighting control, smart cities and EV infrastructure, has announced the launch of its latest addition to the EVIS range – the EVIS2500 LV Feeder Pillar. The company is hopeful that the new product extension will revolutionise EV charging infrastructure for large-scale charging hubs. The EVIS2500 LV Feeder Pillar is designed to provide a robust, futureproof solution for EV hubs, capable of supporting charge points from 150kW to 350kW. With up to 10 outgoing ways, the EVIS2500 allows for the seamless integration of multiple high-power chargers, offering a reliable and scalable approach to meet the growing demands of the electric vehicle market. Delivered fully assembled, the EVIS2500 significantly reduces on-site installation time, helping Charge Point Operators (CPOs) streamline project timelines and reduce costs. Built with futureproofing in mind, it enables customers to upgrade existing 150kW devices to 350kW units directly on-site, ensuring that infrastructure remains adaptable to advancements in EV charging technology. Key features include: - Outdoor, free-standing design: The EVIS2500 is built to withstand the elements, providing a durable and reliable solution for outdoor installations. - Factory assembled: Pre-assembled to customer specifications, it minimises installation time and complexity. - ACB main incomer: 2500A capacity for handling high power demands. - MCCB outgoing ways: Range from 250A to 630A, supporting various configurations for high-power EV chargers. - Advanced safety and monitoring: Type-tested in accordance with IEC 61439, it includes fully adjustable trip units with earth leakage protection, combined Type 1 & 2 surge protection, and fixed terminals for Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) installation. - Customisation options: Offers flexible Cop metering and RTU options tailored to specific customer needs. The product launch reaffirms Lucy Zodion’s commitment to supporting the electrification of transport and the development of reliable, high-quality infrastructure solutions for the EV sector. As demand for rapid and ultra-rapid EV charging grows, the EVIS2500 range is set to play a critical role in the development of scalable, futureproof charging networks across the UK and beyond. Matt Page, EV Business Development Manager at Lucy Zodion, comments, “The EVIS2500 LV Feeder Pillar launch demonstrates the company's continued dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the EV charging market. This innovative solution addresses current demand and is designed with future scalability in mind, ensuring that Lucy Zodion's customers can continue to deliver high-performance charging services as the industry evolves.” Lucy Zodion’s extensive experience in the EV infrastructure sector and commitment to innovation position the company as a trusted partner for charge point operators and infrastructure providers looking to build reliable and efficient EV charging networks. For more from Lucy Zodion, click here.

Knightsbridge LED battens put fluorescents in the shade
Efficient and affordable, Knightsbridge's range of interior LED battens are the ideal upgrade for obsolete fluorescent lights, bringing up-to-the-minute performance to industrial, commercial and office premises. Available in three sizes (4’, 5’, and 6’ lengths), the interior LED batten range has three variants: standard; microwave presence sensor; and Digital Addressable Interface (DALI), a feature that enables it to be connected to networked building control systems. The range offers three colour temperatures – 3000K warm white, 4000K neutral white, and 5700K daylight. The standard model, BATSCW, has a range of wattage from 18W to 52W according to length: 4’ – 18/32W, 5’ – 22/41W and 6’ – 27/52W. The emergency versions have a self-test feature. Offering the same features as the BATSCW, the BATSCWM model incorporates a microwave presence sensor that detects movement within a 150o angle when wall-mounted and 360o degrees if ceiling-mounted. Its range is up to 6m when mounted at a height of 3m. The BATSCDA option incorporates both a microwave sensor for presence detection and DALI for connection to building control systems. Its wattages are fixed at 32, 40 and 48W in the 4’, 5’ and 6’ lengths respectively. Made from steel and polycarbonate, they are durable, low maintenance, and last nearly seven years or 60,000 hours with continuous use. They are also IP20 rated and come with a five year warranty. Easy to fit, these battens have push-fit loop in-loop out terminals and hinged gear trays for a quick setup. For more from Knightsbridge, click here.

IronmongeryDirect unveils new range of sockets and switches
IronmongeryDirect has introduced over 200 new electrical sockets and switches to its diverse product portfolio. Whether working on a simple retrofit project or entire property, IronmongeryDirect’s new and expansive range of sockets and switches covers both residential and commercial applications. From more decorative options to moulded sockets and switches, there is now an even wider selection to choose from. The updated range includes a number of high-quality sockets from Knightsbridge. The line-up includes Knightsbridge’s screwless collection, which is ideal for projects requiring a sleek, modern aesthetic, providing an elevated finish to any room. With functionality in mind, selected Knightsbridge sockets also feature Type A and Type C USB outlets to provide multiple options for charging electronic devices. Customers can also mix and match the range with Knightsbridge’s Euro Modules. The collection includes faceplates, data and telephone inserts, screened modular inserts, accessories and power socket options. Also added to the retailer’s portfolio, is a comprehensive range of products from Eurolite. The new solutions span screwed or screwless single and double sockets, cooker and fan switches, sockets with USB plugs, and a wide range of two-way light switches. With the option of four striking finishes - antique brass, satin brass, matt white and matt black - customers can match the range to the project brief. Kelly Wing, Senior Category & Direct Sourcing Manager at IronmongeryDirect says, “We are thrilled to add these new sockets and switches to our wide selection and offer even more options to our customers. We know it is important for installers to have access to an expansive range of products which are all in stock and available for quick delivery under one roof. It is all part of our ‘Trusted to Deliver’ promise to provide the trade with quality products when they need them.” For more from IronmongeryDirect, click here.

John Noble receives Lifetime Achievement Award
A business owner who has been devoted to the electrical industry for more than five decades has been recognised for his remarkable contribution with the Lifetime Achievement Award by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. John Noble was honoured by the campaigning body at its annual President’s Lunch at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on 27 September.  John has run his own business, John Noble Electrical Contractors, in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, for the past 45 years after starting out as an apprentice in the early 1970s. Along the way he has encouraged a whole new generation of electricians into the industry by helping to train more than 50 apprentices – many of whom have gone on to set up their own businesses.   Announcing the award, SELECT President Mike Stark said, “John Noble has devoted a large part of his life to the electrical industry in Scotland and has made a major contribution to the current healthy state of the sector.  “He set up his business in the seventies, in the middle of a skills shortage – that sounds rather familiar – and made it very much a family affair, with many close relatives having a role to play. “In 1982, he employed his very first apprentice and, since then, has recruited at least one apprentice every year, training more than 50 apprentices in his time in business which is a remarkable achievement for a small electrical firm.”  John accepted his award from Mike at the prestigious event, which was attended by around 80 senior industry figures, with construction innovation expert Professor Sean Smith as guest speaker. Afterwards, John said, “We operate in an industry which is constantly changing as we stay at the forefront of the transition to net zero, and it is a great honour for me to be recognised by my peers with this award. “Everyone in my business has always been supportive of the role of apprentices in the sector, for the simple reason that proper training is essential to the future of the industry, and to the future of a society which will depend so heavily on the skills and experience of electricians. “I would like to express my gratitude to my family for their ongoing support as I couldn’t have done anything without them. I would also like to thank everyone at SELECT for their guidance over the years and am still proud to be a member.” For more from SELECT, click here.

New campaign to help consumers better understand heat pumps
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a new campaign to help consumers in the UK understand the benefits of heat pumps, debunking myths and providing education, while generating leads for the brand's network of NIBE Pro installers. ‘Take the Step' will focus on three key areas ‘sustainability', ‘easiness' and ‘quality', communicated through social media, including video content, the NIBE website, and information designed to allay common heat pump fears. The campaign will also utilise real-life case studies demonstrating happy heat pump customers in a wide range of homes. NIBE is well-placed to act as the voice of experience and reason when it comes to heat pumps, supporting consumers on their journey towards low carbon, cost-effective heating. Olivia Downing, UK Head of Marketing, says, "In the UK there is still a great deal of mistrust and misunderstanding when it comes to heat pumps. We've done our own research into heat pump related Google search terms and it's clear that much of the negativity around this technology is an almost exclusively British concern.   "Globally, ‘are heat pumps noisy?', for example, is searched for most in the UK, with numbers over double the volume of related German searches and nearly 100% more than in France. This is just one example of where it seems we have a disproportionate reticence to ‘Take the Step' - noise issues are a topic we'll be tackling as part of the campaign. "Crucially for NIBE Pros, ‘Take the Step' will help them bring in new customers. We will be targeting consumers directly using digital advertising on Google and our social media channels, as well as through helpful articles across NIBE's website and the media in general. Once a consumer gets to our website, as well as finding useful information, there will also be the option to be put in touch with their local NIBE installer. "As the heat pump market grows, we feel that now is the perfect time to speak straight to consumers, something that is more common in mature markets like Sweden, where NIBE is based. The popularity of heat pumps is definitely on an upward trajectory in the UK, but there's still a long way to go. We hope that ‘Take the Step' can provide a push for those end users currently sitting on the fence, either directly, or through our installer-base who can use the information provided alongside the campaign to quell heat pump nerves when speaking to potential customers." The 'Take the Step' campaign will feature assets NIBE Pro installers can use to help explain the benefits of heat pumps to their customers, accessible through the Pro Portal, NIBE's new dedicated website for professionals.

KNIPEX expands TwinGrip Slip Joint plier range
KNIPEX, a manufacturer of high-quality pliers, has announced the expansion of its innovative TwinGrip pliers range. Now available in additional 150mm and 250mm sizes, together with the 200mm original, these slim, versatile Slip Joint pliers are the optimum solution for stuck bolts and screws, even if they have a worn profile. Thanks to the combination of front and side gripping functions, a resilient box-joint and a finely serrated push-button adjustment - together with a very slim profile - the range of applications for the TwinGrip pliers is broad. The high-grip front jaw has robust teeth and a high gear ratio at the tip of the mouth. Serrated gripping surfaces in the pliers’ axis support safe gripping from the front, while the high gear ratio allows the KNIPEX TwinGrip to easily grip, tighten and loosen even heavily worn screw heads. Even flat workpieces can be reliably gripped from the front thanks to the asymmetrical pipe grip with its three-point system. Side-gripping is just as powerful and handy with the KNIPEX TwinGrip. The serrated gripping hole also firmly grips round materials and hexagonal profiles in this position. “With the introduction of these new sizes, we aim to provide our customers with even more flexibility and precision in their work,” says David Barnes, Marketing Manager at KNIPEX UK. “The expanded range ensures that there is a TwinGrip plier to meet every need, whether in confined installation spaces or for larger, tougher tasks.” KNIPEX TwinGrip pliers are available with either dipped or multicomponent handles, and the new models are available as individual tools or as part of a set, housed in a convenient tool roll for easy transport and storage. These sets are designed to cater to a wide range of gripping dimensions, from 3mm up to 27mm, ensuring that users always have the right tool for any job. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Nittan enhances Evolution fire detection range
Commercial fire detection manufacturer, Nittan, has announced several developments to its Evolution analogue addressable range, including the launch of new detectors with integral Short Circuit Isolator (SCI) and upgrades to existing devices. New to the Evolution range are the EV-PY-SCI Photoelectric Optical Detector with SCI, the EV-H2-SCI Heat Detector with SCI, and the EV-PYH-SCI Photoelectric Optical and Heat Multi-Sensor with SCI. Both the EV-H2-SCI and the EV-PYH-SCI offer EN 54:5 Heat Category P programmable to four settings (A1R, A2S, BS & CS), with the latter having an additional setting for combined smoke heat mode certified to EN 54 part 29 for Multisensors. The integral SCI in the new Evolution devices is bi-directional and, in the event of an external fault, will shut down on one side to protect the system, whilst allowing the device to continue communication with the fire alarm control panel from the opposite side. The isolator has a very low internal resistance (Zcmax) of less than 50mΩ and will self-reset when the fault is cleared. The new devices also benefit from Nittan’s advanced PY smoke sensing chamber and microprocessor control for maximum effectiveness. A spherical feature incorporated within the chamber provides superior light scattering, plus an orange LED is used which significantly improves response across the fire spectrum. The shape of the ‘PY’ smoke chamber is optimised to minimise the effect of dirt/dust contamination, plus a fine stainless steel micromesh prevents the ingress of even the smallest insects which can create false alarms. This sophisticated technology, developed by Nittan, has now also been employed across several other Evolution devices, including the EV-PY Photoelectric Optical, EV-H2-A1R Rate Of Rise Heat Detector, EV-H2-CS High Temperature Heat Detector 84 DEG C and EV-PYH Photoelectric Optical & Heat Multi-Sensor. These devices are all backwards compatible with previous Evolution models to provide seamless support on existing sites. For more from Nittan, click here.

Anticipate London heads to the ExCel London this December
Emerging from the legacy of four renowned industry events - IFSEC, FIREX, Safety & Health Expo, and the Facilities Show - Anticipate London is a unified event designed to meet the needs of today’s leaders while preparing them for tomorrow’s challenges. In an ever-changing world, property and people leaders face constant challenges that demand proactive solutions. From technological innovation to climate change, legislation, and unanticipated threats, today’s professionals must minimise risk while embracing new innovations and opportunities. The Anticipate London event is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a platform dedicated to smarter properties, safer occupants, and integrated systems. For years, each of the four aforementioned events have been a cornerstone for professionals in their respective fields. Now, Anticipate London brings these established brands together into one event, maintaining their core focus while adding value through expanded content and a more seamlessly integrated experience. • Facilities Show: Still the premier event for FM and property managers, now covering ESG, workplace trends, and PropTech. The UK facility management market is projected to grow to $71.46 billion by 2026, highlighting the sector's significant growth. • Safety & Health Expo: Continues to address employee wellbeing, inclusive PPE, and workplace safety. With 693,000 non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022, according to the HSE, the demand for health and safety services remains critical. • FIREX: Focusing on the Building Safety Act, the golden thread, and evolving fire safety regulations. Post-Grenfell reforms are expected to drive substantial fire safety investments, keeping FIREX at the forefront of industry change. • IFSEC: Bringing together security professionals to explore cyber security, AI, and new threats. The global security market is forecast to grow from $119.4 billion in 2022 to $173.6 billion by 2027, reflecting increased demand for advanced security technologies. Anticipate London brings this all together, and attracts forward-thinking leaders who are focused on opportunities presented by building technologies and digitalisation - all while addressing the challenges of decarbonisation, global risks, and evolving government regulations. Attendees can expect a packed agenda of learning, networking, and industry celebration. Highlights include: • Five content stages: Featuring 300 expert speakers covering the latest innovations and regulations, keeping attendees ahead of industry shifts. • High-calibre keynotes: With speakers from MI6, BT, the Bank of England, the NHS, and more, attendees will gain critical insights from global industry leaders. • Exclusive networking areas: VIP lounges, invite-only gatherings, and backstage experiences create a tailored, senior-level experience for strategic decision-makers. • Converged solutions: In recognition of the growing overlap between traditional property, H&S, fire safety, and security roles, Anticipate London unites these fields to deliver a holistic approach to managing risk. • Cutting-edge technology: From energy monitoring to surveillance feeds, the Nerve Centre offers live demonstrations of state-of-the-art technologies. • Fringe Events: The renowned EHS Congress, FM & Property Awards Party, and the Security & Fire Excellence Awards add extra value to attendees. Anticipate London is set to take place from 2-4 December 2024 at ExCeL London. To learn more, click here, and to register for the event, click here.  

Snickers Workwear’s new softshell windproof trousers
Long-lasting, innovative fabrics for comfort, sustainability and longevity are the hallmark of Snickers Workwear work trousers - it’s what sets them apart from other brands. The new AllroundWork Trousers combine four-way stretch and Sorona fabrics to deliver functionality and a street-smart, slim-fit look. They have integral windproof softshell material and thin, elastic panels working together to provide wind protection, freedom of movement and efficient ventilation. What’s more, the patented Snickers Workwear KneeGuard system plus stretchable CORDURA reinforcements at the knees and the leg endings deliver extra durability and prevent moisture absorption. Ideal for active work outside in the autumn, they’re just the ticket for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and delivering top class work on site. For more from Snickers Workwear, click here.