"Why are contractors still paying to quote?"

For the best part of three decades, Electrika has been quietly doing something that most people in the electrical contracting industry don't realise: giving contractors a professional estimating platform, loaded with manufacturer trade prices, completely free of charge. No subscription. No trial period. No catch. While some contractors are still pricing jobs on Excel spreadsheets – or paying upwards of £2,000 a year for commercial estimating software – thousands of electrical contractors across the UK are already using Electrika to build accurate, professional quotes on any device they own. How does free actually work? Electrika is funded by the manufacturers whose products appear on the platform. Schneider Electric, Hager, MK, and more than 25 other leading brands provide their trade price data directly to Electrika, keeping it current and accurate. In return, their products are specified by thousands of contractors every week. It's a model that works for everyone. Contractors get a proper tool. Manufacturers get their products into quotes. And nobody has to pay through the nose for the privilege. More than a price list What sets Electrika apart from a simple catalogue is the depth of its estimating capability. Contractors can build detailed kits – right down to the nuts, bolts, and cable clips – save them as templates, and reuse them across projects. Labour rates, equipment markups, preliminaries, and profit margins are all handled within the system, producing professional reports that can go straight to a client or quantity surveyor. One contractor recently told us he'd completed over 2,200 estimates through the platform, serving more than 20 clients from a single account. His business model depends on Electrika being free – and on the quality of the output being indistinguishable from systems costing ten times as much. What's new for 2026 Electrika has recently completed a major platform update, bringing a fully mobile-responsive interface that works seamlessly on phones and tablets alongside the traditional desktop experience. The platform has also had a significant security upgrade and a redesigned user interface to match modern web standards. Coming later this year, AI-powered product assistants will help contractors find, compare, and specify products using plain language – no more scrolling through catalogue pages to find the right MCB or luminaire. A Pro subscription tier is also in development, offering advanced features such as variation pricing, enhanced file management, and a business dashboard – all at a price point that won't break the bank. Getting started Registering takes less than a minute. There is no credit card required, no obligation, and no time limit. Visit electrika.com to start quoting today. Whether you're a sole trader pricing domestic rewires or a growing firm tendering commercial fit-outs, the tools are the same – and they're free. Electrika – free electrical estimating software, trusted since 1996.

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Advanced’s MxPro 5 four-loop panels achieve EPD

Fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has announced that its MxPro 5 four-loop fire alarm control panels have received an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), providing independently verified data on the products’ environmental impact across their full lifecycle. Issued in accordance with EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and ISO 14044/14025 - and verified by BRE Global - the declaration provides standardised environmental performance data to support sustainability-focused specification and whole-building assessments. Environmental Product Declarations are increasingly used in construction and building services to provide comparable data on the environmental impact of products. Developed using a life cycle assessment, an EPD evaluates impacts across all stages of a product’s life, from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to transport, use, and end-of-life treatment. Lifecycle data for fire safety systems For the MxPro 5 four-loop panels, the EPD presents cradle-to-grave environmental data, including carbon footprint and other environmental indicators. The declaration applies across the full range of MxPro 5 four-loop panel configurations, including standard and deep enclosure formats, cross-listed variants, and Axis EN software variants. According to Advanced, the lifecycle assessment also provides insights to support product development and manufacturing improvements, including material selection, production efficiency, and energy use during operation. The company said the MxPro 5 range has been designed with long service life, flexibility, and upgradeability in mind, helping extend system lifespan and reduce waste over time. The EPD is valid for five years under the BRE Global verification scheme and is scheduled to remain in force until March 2031. For more from Advanced, click here.

Ratio launches io6 Street EV charger

Ratio, a UK manufacturer of EV charging stations and power distribution systems, has introduced the io6 Street, an electric vehicle charger designed to support scalable on-street charging deployments for councils and charge point operators. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the charger is intended for retrofit installation on existing lamp posts, columns, and pillars, enabling on-street charging without extensive civil works. By using existing street infrastructure, the system is designed to reduce installation time, disruption, and overall deployment costs. The io6 Street provides up to 7.4kW AC charging, depending on the power supply available at the column. It is aimed at residential streets where vehicles are parked for longer periods, supporting overnight or destination charging for drivers without off-street parking. Charger designed for public infrastructure According to Ratio, the charger has been developed for long-term public deployment, with an IK10-rated aluminium enclosure designed to withstand outdoor conditions. The system includes DC 6mA protection, secure cable locking, and MID-certified metering as standard. It is also Elexon approved and designed to meet UK requirements for on-street EV charging installations. For network operators, the charger supports OCPP 1.6J and is compatible with OCPP 2.0.1, allowing integration with charge point management systems. Connectivity options include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 4G, with 36 months of SIM data included. The io6 Street is designed for installation on 140mm, 168mm, and 194mm columns and lamp posts, supporting large-scale deployments across residential areas.

Revealing the scale of WEEE non-compliance in UK lighting

Environment Agency data released this month has uncovered the scale of WEEE non-compliance of products sold through online marketplaces. For the last four-and-a-half months of 2025, online marketplaces were legally required to report sales of electrical products imported into the UK via their platforms. That data showed an annual market share of 13.8% for consumer lamps and 11.8% for consumer luminaires. Commenting on the news, Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, says, "At last we can see the true extent of WEEE non-compliance through online marketplaces. "What is more, one of the largest operators, eBay, does not yet appear in the list of compliant producers. So, once [its] data is also included, and it is grossed up into a full-year equivalent, market shares could well be over 25% for consumer luminaires and over 35% for consumer lamps. "The really good news for the lighting industry is that, at long last, online sellers will be forced to pay their share of WEEE costs. Recolight has worked tirelessly to see this change introduced over many years, and we are very grateful to current and former Defra staff who made this happen." The WEEE regulations were amended last year and, from 12 August 2025, online marketplaces have been required to start collecting data for all electrical goods brought into the UK via their platforms. Market shares are calculated using the weight of products placed on the market. For more from Recolight, click here.

Electric underfloor heating: A practical growth opportunity

As the UK heating market continues to evolve, electrical installers are increasingly being asked to deliver solutions that go beyond simple wiring and compliance. Homeowners and specifiers now expect greater comfort, smarter control, and improved energy efficiency, while also demanding invisible heating solutions that free up wall space and remove the need for radiators altogether, without compromising on aesthetics or ease of installation. Electric underfloor heating is one of the clearest opportunities for electricians looking to expand their offering, and Rointe’s underfloor heating range has been designed specifically with the installer in mind, supported by a dedicated projects team that provides free system calculations and layout support. A natural extension of the electrician’s skillset Unlike wet underfloor systems, electric underfloor heating requires no plumbing, manifolds, or hydraulic balancing. Installation is fully electrical, making it a natural progression for qualified electricians who want to add a high-value heating solution to their portfolio without retraining into another trade. Rointe’s systems are supplied as ready-to-install heating mats with clearly defined outputs, pre-sized formats, and straightforward electrical connections. Combined with free project calculations from Rointe’s technical team, this reduces on-site complexity and allows installers to quote, plan, and install with confidence. Two systems, clearly defined applications Rointe offers two electric underfloor heating systems, allowing installers to specify the correct solution for each project: • Milos W150 - designed for tiled and hard floor finishes - delivers 150 W/m² with a slim, 3mm profile, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and open-plan living areas. • Erko W140 - designed for laminate, wood, vinyl, lino, and carpet - uses aluminium heating foil to spread heat evenly while keeping floor build-up to under 2 mm, a key advantage in retrofit projects. For installers, this clear separation simplifies product selection and reduces the risk of incorrect specification on site. Both systems feature an ultra-thin profile, making them particularly well suited to refurbishment and renovation projects where floor height build-up is limited, further supported by professional system design when required. Faster installs, fewer call-backs Speed and reliability are critical on any job. Rointe’s heating mats are available in multiple pre-sized formats, covering areas from 1 to 12 m², minimising cutting and adjustment during installation. A complete ecosystem of accessories, including insulation panels, perimeter strip, protective layers, and insulation blankets, allows installers to build efficient systems that perform as intended. Proper insulation improves warm-up times and helps avoid heat loss into the subfloor, reducing the likelihood of customer complaints about performance or running costs. Clear installation guidance, project validation, and direct technical support further reduce risk, helping installers deliver consistent results even on their first underfloor heating project. Smart control that installers can trust Control is a key element in any underfloor heating system and an area where installers can add real value. In Rointe underfloor heating installations, the GENIUS WiFi thermostat acts as the dedicated floor thermostat, providing accurate and reliable temperature management for electric underfloor heating systems. Using a floor temperature sensor, it ensures precise control of floor comfort while protecting floor finishes, making it an ideal solution for bathrooms, living areas, and refurbishment projects where underfloor heating is the primary heat source. This flexibility allows the system to be adapted to different room types and to the real preferences of the end user. With WiFi Direct connectivity, the thermostat connects directly to the customer’s router without additional hubs or gateways. Through the Rointe NEXA app, users can manage schedules, adjust temperatures and monitor energy usage remotely. For installers, this means: • Fewer components to install • Faster commissioning • Less troubleshooting • A cleaner, more professional handover Alternative programmable thermostats (ST.2 and ST.3) provide reliable non-connected options where WiFi control is not required. Adding value, not just watts Electric underfloor heating allows installers to move the conversation away from basic power ratings and towards comfort, efficiency, and lifestyle benefits. Even heat distribution, invisible installation, and smart control all contribute to a premium customer experience. From a commercial perspective, this opens up opportunities to: • Upsell smart controls and accessories • Win higher-value refurbishment projects • Differentiate from competitors offering basic heating solutions Because electric underfloor heating operates at lower surface temperatures and is only used when required, it also aligns well with growing customer awareness around energy use and running costs. A future-ready solution for electrical professionals As heating becomes increasingly electrified and digitally controlled, underfloor heating represents a logical next step for electricians who want to stay relevant and competitive. With no wet trades involved, minimal disruption on site, free project design support, and strong manufacturer backing, Rointe’s underfloor heating range offers a practical, scalable way to grow a heating-focused service offering. For installers looking to future-proof their business while delivering tangible benefits to customers, electric underfloor heating is no longer a niche; it’s a smart business move. For more from Rointe, click here.

CEF TechTalks to tour 25 locations to explain Amendment 4

Electrical distributor CEF has announced that registrations are now open for its latest TechTalks series, running from May to July 2026. Delivered in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the free events will visit 25 locations across the UK, giving electricians and contractors practical insight into the upcoming Amendment 4:2026 to BS 7671:2018 IET Wiring Regulations. The IET will publish Amendment 4 to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations on 15 April 2026. The update will introduce changes that affect how electrical installations are designed, installed, and inspected, making it important for installers to understand how the new requirements will apply in practice. CEF’s TechTalks aim to help electricians stay ahead of the changes, providing a clear overview of the amendment and what it means for day-to-day installation work. Event details Returning to host the sessions are Darren Staniforth, CEF’s Head of Electrotechnical Solutions, alongside technical expert Dave Austin. Together, they will aim to guide attendees through the key updates in the new amendment, explain the practical implications for installers, and answer questions alongside a representative from the IET. Each event will also feature an exhibition space where prominent brands will showcase products and technologies designed to help electricians meet the latest requirements and stay compliant with the Wiring Regulations. Darren Staniforth, Head of Electrotechnical Solutions at CEF, comments, “With a new amendment to the Wiring Regulations being introduced, it’s important that electricians understand what’s changing and how it affects their work. "TechTalks are designed to break down the updates in a practical way, helping installers stay informed and confident when applying the new regulations on site.” Each TechTalk is CPD accredited and free to attend, with complimentary breakfast, refreshments, and free parking available at every venue - plus, the opportunity to purchase the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations at a discounted rate on the day. Selected locations will also feature TechTalks PLUS, offering an expanded exhibition area with additional supplier partners. See the full 2026 TechTalks schedule and find out how to register by clicking here. For more from CEF, click here.

PepsiCo to install roof-mounted solar power system

PepsiCo UK has today announced a multi-million-pound investment in a new solar power project at its Southern Region Distribution Centre (SRDC) in Leicester. Working together with energy infrastructure specialist, Ineco Energy, the project will see solar panels installed across 30,000 square metres of roof space – equivalent to around four football pitches. Once complete, the panels are expected to generate 100% of the energy needed to power the logistics centre over the course of a year, reducing demand on the national electricity grid. The 3.56 MWp solar power system is expected to generate around 2.84 GWh of renewable electricity each year – enough to power approximately 1,000 UK homes for a year. Any surplus electricity will go towards powering the Walkers crisps manufacturing plant, one of the world’s largest crisp factories, located just next door to the distribution centre. The solar project is the latest in a series of sustainability investments across PepsiCo’s UK sites. In recent years, PepsiCo has switched to electric ovens at its site in Leicester, installed more efficient machinery on its manufacturing line in Coventry, and invested in new, more efficient fryers at its Brigg site, the home of Pipers crisps. Together, these three initiatives have reduced PepsiCo’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by around 2,400 tonnes a year. The £3.6m solar panel installation follows a £14m investment to upgrade the distribution centre in 2021. The distribution centre plays a key part in PepsiCo’s UK supply chain, employing 240 people and distributing products made at the company’s six factories across the country. This marked one of the biggest UK logistics investments in PepsiCo’s history and saw state-of-the-art equipment and technology introduced across the site. Construction of the solar power system is already underway, with installation expected to be by completed by September 2026. Andy Smethurst, UK Warehousing & Logistics Director at PepsiCo, says, “Leicester is already home to one of the world’s largest crisp factories, and now we’re delivering one of the most complex solar power systems, right here in the East Midlands. It’s a major milestone for PepsiCo UK and shows how we’re continuing to find new ways to power our sites and operate more sustainably.” Climate Minister, Katie White, adds, “We welcome PepsiCo’s decision to embrace our rooftop solar revolution in powering their Walkers crisps distribution centre in Leicester - adding extra crunch to our clean energy mission. “It’s a great example of how businesses in Britain can cut emissions, lower bills and strengthen our energy security.” Angus Rose, Director at Ineco Energy, remarks, “Ineco is incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship solar project for PepsiCo. Once operational, it will be one of the largest rooftop systems of its kind in the UK food manufacturing sector, generating the same amount of electricity that the SRDC uses in a full year. “This project has required a collaborative and highly technical approach, and we’re delighted to now be moving into the construction phase. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the PepsiCo team.”

Acrospire supports LED retrofit for lanterns in Bath

Acrospire has worked with Bath & North East Somerset Council to refurbish a series of historic wall-mounted lanterns on Milsom Street – one of Bath’s most celebrated Georgian streets. Milsom Street is one of Bath’s most iconic Georgian thoroughfares, and a location steeped in architectural and literary history. Built in the 1760s, the street is known for its elegant façades, Grade II and II* listed buildings, and fashionable boutiques. Today, it remains a vibrant pedestrian-friendly destination at the heart of Bath’s shopping and cultural quarter. Lighting on Milsom Street plays an important role in enhancing its visual appeal and ensuring public safety after dark, while preserving the area’s distinct heritage look. As part of an ongoing programme to modernise the city’s lighting assets, Bath & North East Somerset Council appointed Acrospire to retrofit the existing wall-mounted lanterns with a more sustainable LED solution. Acrospire refurbished the wall-mounted lanterns in place, reusing the original housings to retain the aesthetic character of the streetscape. New 2400K LED modules were carefully integrated to provide a warm, heritage-style glow that echoes the visual tone of the traditional lamp types previously used. The retrofit also supports Bath & North East Somerset Council’s sustainability goals. By upgrading and reusing existing assets, rather than replacing them, the project reduces waste and contributes to circular economy principles, delivering carbon savings with minimal visual impact. As with previous projects such as North Parade Bridge, Acrospire’s team worked closely with the council to ensure that all elements of the solution, from optics and colour temperature to mounting and control, were suited to the sensitive setting and future operational needs. The finished installation maintains the character and integrity of one of Bath’s most historically significant streets, while significantly reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. The upgrade also supports the council’s wider goals for public realm enhancement and sustainable infrastructure investment across the city. The project forms part of the city’s wider strategy to modernise public lighting infrastructure across the World Heritage Site, balancing energy efficiency, improved lighting quality, and respect for historic character. For more from Acrospire, click here.

MAGDUO: The two-wire fire alarm system from ESP

Security products supplier ESP’s MAGDUO two-wire fire alarm system has been designed with small-to-medium sized contractors in mind, providing a flexible and adaptable solution that helps reduce installation time and overall project costs. Two-wire fire alarm systems are based on conventional system technology but offer a more streamlined wiring approach. Unlike traditional four-wire conventional systems - where detectors, call points, and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits - MAGDUO uses intelligent two-wire technology. This allows all devices to be connected via the same two-core zone cable back to the control panel. By enabling a single circuit per zone for both detection and sounder operation, the system significantly reduces the amount of cabling required on site, helping installers save both time and material costs while maintaining reliable fire detection performance. Product range details The MAGDUO range currently comprises 25 products, including two-, four-, and eight-zone fire alarm control panels available in either grey or black finishes. Matching repeater panels are also available, with the four- and eight-zone panels capable of supporting up to eight repeaters. A key feature of the system is the FlexiPoint detector, which can be programmed into seven different operating modes, including smoke and heat detection. The range is further supported by a selection of sounders, strobes, and manual call points, allowing installers to configure systems to suit a wide range of applications. With its adaptability, fast installation, and cost-effective design, MAGDUO is ideally suited to small-to-medium sized projects including restaurants, retail premises, schools, offices, apartments, and hotels. ESP is also offering comprehensive training on the MAGDUO system for wholesalers and installers. For more from ESP, click here.