Thorn launches College 2 luminaire

Thorn Lighting, a manufacturer and supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls, has introduced College 2, a new luminaire developed to support the changing requirements of educational spaces. The product builds on the design of its predecessor and includes updated features to enhance visual comfort, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. Product overview The College 2 luminaire incorporates a low-glare (UGR <19) diffused light distribution and provides 14% upward light, improving illumination for tasks, spaces, and facial visibility. It meets the IP44 standard for ingress protection, making it suitable for science laboratories, workshops, and other such environments. The design allows for "straightforward" installation with seven mounting options available, including surface, wire suspension, continuous-run, and BESA box compatibility. The unit is intended to replace legacy College fluorescent or early LED models on a one-for-one basis. Functionality can be expanded through DALI-2, Bluetooth, emergency lighting, and sensor-based control options. Use cases and technical detail The luminaire is specifically designed for use in classrooms, lecture theatres, and libraries, but is also suited to offices, meeting rooms, and healthcare settings where visual clarity and user comfort are essential. College 2 integrates a single LED light engine, a Bi-Lens Primary optic, and a Quad Linear prismatic diffuser, resulting in uniform light distribution. Manufacturing and performance College 2 is manufactured at Thorn Lighting’s facility in Spennymoor, County Durham. It is engineered for a long service life of 100,000 hours (L80) and features a patent-pending hinged gear tray for easier maintenance. Luminous efficacy reaches up to 145 lm/W, supporting reduced energy use in day-to-day operation. Comment David Williamson, Senior Product Manager for Indoor Luminaires at Thorn Lighting, claims, “With College 2, Thorn Lighting reaffirms its leadership in delivering innovative, reliable, and sustainable lighting. "This next-generation luminaire has been completely reimagined with advanced optics and a market-leading specification—designed and developed entirely in-house. "It’s a clear reflection of our commitment to enhancing educational spaces and supporting the future of learning.” For more from Thorn, click here.

'Electricity networks face growing risk from extreme weather'

The increased frequency of abnormal weather events such as intense heatwaves, more violent storms, and heavy rainfall presents a growing risk to countries’ electricity distribution networks, threatening customers’ power supplies. That’s according to VisNet from EA Technology, a specialist energy management and grid-edge intelligence firm. As the UK and all of Europe once again experiences record high temperatures and the risk of severe thunderstorms this summer, distribution network operators (DNOs) should expect significant rises in the number of so-called “pre-faults,” a split-second spike in current caused by a breakdown of insulation on the line. An analysis David Clements, Data Analytics Manager at EA Technology, explains the issue in the following terms: “We know from conversations with electricity operators in continental Europe that in the days following extreme heat, networks can experience very significant spikes in pre-fault numbers. “The underlying causes of pre-faults during extremely hot weather is still uncertain and needs further investigation. They could be the result of underground distribution cables expanding when the temperature rises, which then warps the cable or causes its insulation to crack. “We’ve not yet seen the same scale of increased pre-faults in the UK that operators in mainland Europe have to deal with. For now, numbers are noticeably lower than what has happened following heatwaves on the continent, which are typically much hotter than a British heatwave. “But based on current climate trends, it's only a matter of time before the UK experiences the similar intense heatwaves as the rest of Europe. There is a window of opportunity for operators in the UK to prepare for this eventuality. “By identifying pre-faults more quickly, operators get in front of the problem and make the necessary repairs before the pre-fault gets worse and leads to a full outage. “Operators taking pre-emptive action in anticipation of possible disruption isn’t a new development. "In 2016, French operator EDF drafted extra repair crews into Paris during a heatwave in the city, in anticipation of needing to deal with a surge in faults in the distribution network due to the higher-than-normal temperatures. “EDF correctly predicted that the number of faults would rise above expected levels once the heatwave subsided, temperatures dropped, and the cables cooled down.” But it’s not only extreme heat that can disrupt energy operators’ underground distribution cables. Pre-fault data collected by VisNet from low-voltage networks across the UK between last October and March of this year shows that four of the five major winter storms that the UK experienced during this time period caused a significant rise in pre-fault events. The pre-faults that occurred during each storm were caused by rain that permeated into the ground and made its way via cracks in cable casings into the electrical wires inside. In particular, what stands out from the VisNet data is that the largest spike in pre-fault events took place over a three-day period from 4 to 6 January. This was not due to a storm but instead because of three days of sustained precipitation – specifically, extensive snowfall in northern England and southern Scotland, plus heavy rainfall in central England and Wales. This three-day period of sustained bad weather led to a surge in pre-faults on the UK’s electricity distribution networks. David continues, “The data from the UK’s 2024/25 storm season clearly shows a one-off event like a storm causes a rise in pre-fault levels - but nowhere near to the same extent as sustained rainfall. "Storms are more violent and inflict physical damage, but rain can also seriously disrupt electricity supplies if operators overlook their distribution network. “Fault-finding used to be slow and laborious, and customers would be off supply while you were doing it. But an operator who knows more precisely where to look for a pre-fault along a particular cable saves significant time and effort in locating and then fixing it. "As a result, the operator avoids penalties from the regulator for customer minutes lost. “The effects of climate change means that more extreme weather events are now increasingly commonplace in the UK and elsewhere - not only intense heatwaves, but also storms, bouts of heavy rain, and flash flooding. “By using in-depth monitoring systems to identify pre-faults earlier, operators get in front of the problem and proactively address pre-faults caused by extreme weather conditions. "They can mitigate - or entirely prevent - full outages before they occur to ensure people’s lights stay on in even the most challenging of conditions.”

BG launches smoke & heat combo alarm

British General (BG), a reliable safety solutions company, has introduced the Combination Smoke & Heat Alarm, a purpose-built device designed to protect homes in critical areas such as attics and lofts, especially where PV inverters are installed. Developed with installer convenience and designed for end-user peace of mind, this alarm offers dual detection and advanced functionality through its wireless RF remote capability. Paired with the BG SDMREM Remote (sold separately), users can test and silence alarms remotely, eliminating the need to access hard-to-reach areas such as loft spaces. This makes it an ideal solution for modern homes with solar energy systems or limited access zones. The unit features a sealed-in 10-year lithium backup battery, ensuring protection even during mains power outages, with no battery changes required throughout the product’s life. Designed to be hardwired into the mains supply, the alarm seamlessly interconnects with BG’s full range of smoke, heat, and CO alarms - delivering whole-home fire safety coverage. Installation is quick and hassle-free, thanks to colour-coded terminals, a pre-fitted dust cover, and clear wiring guidance, making it a favourite among contractors and installers. Fully compliant with BS 5446-2 and EN 14604 standards, and independently tested by TÜV, this alarm delivers certified safety and performance. It’s also backed by a 10-year warranty for total confidence. For distributors, housebuilders, and trade professionals, BG’s latest addition brings together reliable detection, remote control convenience, and effortless installation - setting a new benchmark in residential fire safety. For more from BG, click here.

Cable strippers from KNIPEX

"Cable stripping can be a daily grind, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be," says David Barnes, Sales and Marketing Manager at KNIPEX, a German manufacturer of professional hand tools. Cable stripping is one of those jobs that gets done dozens of times a day, but if your tool isn’t up to the task, it quickly becomes frustrating. Whether you’re working in a tight corner, prepping long cable runs, or juggling different conductor types, the right stripper makes all the difference. That’s where two longstanding tools from KNIPEX come into their own. The EvoStrip and ComStrip are already well known in the trade. First released over 20 years ago, they’ve seen steady improvements over the years and the latest versions are designed to deliver even better comfort, accuracy, and durability. One for the all-rounders If you need a no-fuss, dependable stripper for everyday work, the ComStrip is a great fit. It handles solid, multi-stranded, and finely stranded conductors from 0.2 to 6 mm² and doesn’t need manual adjustments to get going. It includes a handy built-in cable cutter for up to 2.5 mm² and has an adjustable length stop from 6 to 18 mm to help keep every strip neat and consistent. The tool’s slimline head is ideal for confined spaces while its two-component handle with soft grip keeps you comfortable on longer tasks. The lightweight body is made from tough, glass fibre reinforced plastic, giving it the kind of resilience you need on site. And when the blades do eventually wear out, they can be replaced quickly and affordably. Stepping it up For those who regularly tackle a wide range of insulation types and conductor sizes, the EvoStrip brings extra firepower. With automatic size adaptation and a stripping range from 0.03 to 10 mm², it’s perfect for installers working across domestic, commercial, and solar jobs. The cutting depth can be fine-tuned using the adjustment wheel and it handles even difficult insulation materials reliably. A top-mounted cable cutter improves visibility for precise work and its comfortable two-component handle is built to reduce strain on your hands – especially useful on repetitive prep jobs. For solar or industrial applications, the tether point is another bonus, offering added security when working at height. A generous stripping length range of 5 to 22 mm (up to 25 mm without the stop) gives installers plenty of flexibility too. Both tools are clearly built with long-term use in mind. They’re quiet, smooth in operation, and designed to stand up to regular, demanding use. Spare blades and accessories are available, and both strippers are lightweight and ergonomic enough for everyday work. Whether you’re wiring a consumer unit or connecting PV panels, these updated KNIPEX strippers offer practical solutions with the kind of comfort and consistency that makes a real difference over the course of the day. For more information on KNIPEX's new products, visit the company's website. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Chancellor visits Kensa, championing green growth

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, visited Truro-based ground source heat pump manufacturer Kensa to hear from Cornish businesses driving green growth and investment. She also took part in a roundtable to discuss their role in Britain’s energy transition. During the visit, the Chancellor met with Kensa representatives and heard about the company’s approach to clean heat and its investment expansion plans for the next five years. These include ramping up production and installation of heat pumps to 25,000 a year, growing its Cornish and wider UK workforce to 450 and creating hundreds more jobs in its UK supply chains. As part of the discussion, Kensa welcomed the "positive policies" announced by the government in recent weeks, including a move to clean heating in new build homes, which Kensa is supporting through its partnership with GTC. Also discussed were the commitment of £13.2 billion for the Warm Homes Plan and a plan to grow heat pump manufacturing as part of the Industrial Strategy. Kensa also made clear that the next five years were "crucial for securing investment in UK heat pump manufacturing." The sector, it says, is "essential for delivering the full scale of opportunities presented by the energy transition and the upgrade of UK home heating." Kensa stressed the need to maintain the stability and policy momentum established so far on energy, giving heat pump manufacturers the market confidence needed to invest. These discussions were followed by a roundtable at Kensa’s factory, where its heat pumps are made. Attendees included the Chancellor; Kensa’s CEO, Tamsin Lishman; and representatives from Cornwall-based businesses with an active role in the green transition. The companies represented included Geothermal Engineering, Celtic Sea Power, Eden Geothermal, Cornish Metals, and Naked Solar - with local MPs, Perran Moon and Jayne Kirkham; Cornwall Chamber of Commerce; and the National Wealth Fund also in attendance. Discussions from the roundtable focused on Cornwall's role in green growth, with a particular focus on the potential of geothermal heat and power, including Cornwall’s own natural resources. The Chancellor also heard about the economic potential from floating offshore wind, creating new industrial growth. The Chancellor was reportedly extremely keen to see how best to use the resources of the National Wealth Fund, the British Business Bank, and UK Export Finance to underpin industrial growth in Cornwall and help it reach its full potential. The Chancellor’s visit follows Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s visit last year, where he joined local MPs Perran Moon and Jayne Kirkham. Tamsin Lishman, Kensa CEO, comments, “Kensa sits at the heart of the government’s plans for green industrial growth, a proud Cornish manufacturer of ground source heat pumps and a nationwide installer of heat networks. "Kensa has bold ambitions to invest and expand its workforce and operations over the next five years, making sure it fully plays its role in the delivery of green jobs and growth. “I have been buoyed by the recent government announcements on the Future Homes Standard, major funding commitments for the Warm Homes Plan, and a clear plan to bolster heat pump manufacturing as part of the new Industrial Strategy. "This is the policy platform we need for growth in Kensa and in Cornwall, and we look forward to working with the government to deliver it.” Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, adds, "It was fantastic to visit Kensa today and hear their ambitious expansion plans first-hand. Companies like Kensa are crucial to transforming Britain into a clean energy superpower. “Meeting with local energy leaders to discuss Cornwall’s role in green growth demonstrated exactly what our Plan for Change is about. "We are backing British innovation, supporting homegrown energy, and putting money back in working people’s pockets through cheaper, cleaner energy.” For more from Kensa, click here.

Used electric van sales double as price drops

Marketcheck, a source of data on the UK used car market, has today published figures on trends within the used E-vans sector. Over a period of two years (between June 2023 and June 2025), Marketcheck found that sales have doubled and the average last listed price has fallen by almost a third. In June 2023, 218 used EV vans were sold across the UK. By June 2025, this rose by 166.51%, more than doubling to 581. Marketcheck also found a significant decrease in the cost of a used E-van. Last month, the average last listed price for a used E-van in the UK was £17,560.42. This is a 28.14% decrease (£6,875.19) when compared with the last listed price in June 2023, when the average used E-van cost £24,435.61. The analysis conducted by Marketcheck shows that the cost of a used E-van appears to have reached its market level. In the first half of the analysis (between June 2023 and June 2024), the average last listed price fell by £5,344.24, a 21.87% decrease. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the price decrease was less steep, falling by 8.02% (£1,530.95). In 2025, the average last listed price fluctuated from a high of £18,103.78 to a low of £17,380.95, indicating that the cost has plateaued. Alastair Campbell, Marketcheck UK, comments, “The used electric van market has undergone a major transformation over the past two years. "With average prices down by nearly a third and sales more than doubling, it’s clear that these vehicles are now a far more accessible option for businesses and sole traders looking to make the switch to electric. "Our analysis suggests the market has now reached a stable pricing point, with values holding relatively steady throughout 2025. "As demand continues to grow and prices level out, used E-vans are increasingly becoming a practical and cost-effective solution for fleets and commercial users alike.”

Registrations now open for Screwfix Live 2025

Screwfix has just announced that registrations are now officially open for Screwfix Live 2025. The event will once again return to the Farnborough International Exhibition centre from Friday 26 until Sunday 28 September. Now in its 12th year, Screwfix Live continues to grow in popularity, offering customers the opportunity to interact with 200 leading trade brands and get hands-on with the latest tools, products, and innovations. The show will include exclusive, event-only offers and giveaways, live product demos, hands-on experiences, expert Q&A sessions, and more. Screwfix Live is free to attend and visitors can register now to secure their place and a free goody bag worth over £40. Building on the reported success of last year, Screwfix Live will have more tills, more free parking, and extra seating space for customers to make the most of their day at the show. Screwfix Live will also host the final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2025. Ten finalists will face a panel of industry experts before the worthy winner takes home the ultimate £20,000 trade bundle of tools, tech, and training. Max Britten, Screwfix Managing Director, says, “Screwfix Live is a real highlight of the year and a fantastic opportunity to bring the trade community together under one roof. "Last year we welcomed more than 26,000 visitors to the show, and we’re thrilled to open registrations for what is set to be another incredible event. "Whether you're a seasoned professional or serious DIYer, there’s something for everyone at Screwfix Live. We look forward to seeing you in September!” For more from Screwfix, click here.

Luceco illuminates learning in Liverpool

Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, recently worked with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to help completely refurbish the ground floor space in the Mary Kingsley building to turn it into a place where students can research, revise, and learn. Working with contractors The James Mercer Group, luminaires from the Luceco Lighting and DW Windsor brands were used to transform the lighting both inside and outside the building. Inside the space, a selection of LEDs from the Luceco Lighting brand including the Platinum, Epsilon, F-Type, Contour, and Tempus ranges were used with a combination of surface, suspended, and recessed fittings to suit each space. Throughout the corridors and study spaces, Luceco’s Contour linear luminaires were suspended from the ceiling and paired with the Platinum suspended downlights to create what the company describes as "a modern, chic lighting solution." The lights were then connected to either hard-wired or Luceco Platform controls to create a customisable lighting plan for the building. Platform is Luceco’s wireless lighting control system. Designed as a scalable, retrofit offering, it integrates with smart building systems, seeking to enable full lighting control. These features aim to help reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and create a comfortable, well-lit environment. Outside, the DW Windsor Pharola bollards were chosen to light the pathways. The Pharola is an architectural LED bollard which provides a high-performance white light and aids navigation. It is intended to promote a feeling of safety after dark with uniform, 360-degree lighting distribution. Lee Doughty, The James Mercer Group, comments, “Working with Luceco we have been able to transform the ground floor space in the Mary Kingsley building at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine into a space for students to complete their learning and research. “Installation of the lighting was simple and straightforward thanks to the design of Luceco’s LEDs and they create a bright welcoming space.” Andy Whalley, Luceco Project Manager, adds, “It’s been great to work with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine on another project to deliver another fantastic lighting solution. "We’ve already heard great feedback from staff and students, and hope they enjoy this new space for years to come.” For more from Luceco, click here.

'More than 2,000 premises a year breaching fire regulations'

Thorlux, a manufacturer of commercial, industrial, and emergency lighting equipment, is warning that more than 2,000 premises a year are breaching fire regulations following an analysis of data from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The figure was released as the company launched its latest generation of Firefly, an emergency lighting range designed to support facilities managers in maintaining compliance with building safety regulations. According to the NFCC data, fire services issued 2,066 enforcement and prohibition notices between June 2024 and May 2025. These included notices served on hospitals (10), schools (6), and care homes (140). While not all were specific to emergency lighting, the findings offer an indication of the scale of non-compliance across public and commercial buildings. Emergency lighting plays a role in supporting safe evacuation during power outages or fire incidents and is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Regulations also require that such systems be maintained and tested regularly to ensure proper operation. According to the lighting firm, the new Firefly range includes a ten-year warranty, extended battery life, and improved environmental performance. A choice of new optical designs allows for wider luminaire spacing, meaning fewer units are required to meet compliance standards. The fittings also integrate with Thorlux’s SmartScan system, which allows for self-testing, real-time status monitoring, and automated test logs. The reduced number of units and lower maintenance requirements hope to help cut costs for facilities teams. Thorlux claims that, in some cases, the upgrades could halve the number of units required while doubling battery lifespan. Liam Greene, Product Manager for Emergency Lighting at Thorlux, says, “Emergency lighting is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. "Despite the critical importance of compliance, many employers, occupiers, or property owners remain unaware of their responsibilities or the fact that they may already be non-compliant. "Breaches of these regulations can result in significant consequences, including personal liability for the designated responsible person, site closures, and restricted access due to safety concerns. “A common challenge is the lack of clarity around who holds responsibility, which can lead to serious safety risks for occupants and legal exposure and fines with no maximum amount for organisations. “In response to these challenges, the Thorlux team set out to create a product that simplifies ongoing compliance - making it more effective, reliable, and cost-efficient. The result is Firefly, the next generation of discreet emergency lighting. "With increased luminaire spacing, reduced battery maintenance, enhanced sustainability, and a fully integrated wireless reporting and control system, Firefly ensures that you're never left in the dark and, more importantly, never non-compliant.”

Sutton charges ahead with EV completion

Sutton Council​ will benefit from new EV charging points following completion of a UK Power Networks Services project. A total of 13 new rapid and ultra-fast charging points are energised and ready to use for the council’s electrified fleet operating out of Gibson Road at the Civic Centre offices in Sutton. The completion marks the end of a six-month project completed for UK Power Networks Services, which involved excavating the carpark to install a new supply and extensive cable ductwork for future expansion. David Mitchell, Director of UK Power Networks Services, says, "We are excited to collaborate with Sutton Council to install advanced electric vehicle chargers. "This initiative is a significant step towards creating a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation network in the area." Ian Watts, Energy Manager, London Borough of Sutton, adds, “UK Power Networks Services has delivered exceptional work on this EV project which will positively impact the Sutton community.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.