Ovia enhances its utility LED luminaires

The latest product development from Ovia is the utility range of linear, non-corrosive LED luminaires. The company has launched the new and improved Inceptor U-Lite range, now offering enhanced performance and easier installation. The upgraded Inceptor U-Lite boasts increased efficacy - now reaching an impressive 160Lm/W, up from the previous 120Lm/W. Ovia has also introduced modular design options to the range with microwave sensors and emergency packs available. The modular design enhances product sustainability, allowing the microwave sensors and optional self-test emergency packs to be retrofitted to make the luminaire more energy efficient. The packs can be easily installed without the need for tools. Clear markings on the gear tray guide installation, with easy wiring via colour-coded connectors. The new design offers versatile mounting options. The fitting is Besa mountable and features two different sized suspension brackets that seamlessly accommodate a Besa mount setup. Ovia’s exclusive Besa mounting system, coupled with a unique suspension bracket, ensures effortless installation, with just one Besa mount clip required. The larger suspension bracket provides enhanced ease and flexibility, making the set up process simpler as well as more adaptable. With a Molex connector, movable terminal connectors and a detachable gear tray, installation of Ovia’s upgraded luminaires has never been so easy. Available in three sizes – 4ft, 5ft and 6ft, as well as a high-powered 5ft option - the Inceptor U-Lite is power switchable, with four wattages available for selection. The luminaire also offers switchable CCT between 4,000K, 5,000K and 6,500K. Other features include: Fast fit terminal block for effortless and efficient wiring. Suspension wire which allows the diffuser to hang securely once the base is installed. Anti-tamper clips which create a secure, tight seal between the diffuser and the base, and can be fastened with a screw for added security. An M20 gland fitting installed at each end and on top of the base. At the same time as the upgrade to the Inceptor U-Lite, Ovia has introduced the new U-Lux luminaire which will replace the standard U-Lite and offer all the same features and benefits of the premium Inceptor U-Lite version, without the switchable CCT function. Perfect for industrial environments like warehouses, garages and car parks, both the Inceptor U-Lite and U-Lux luminaires are IK08 and IP65 rated and come with a five-year warranty.

Humax unveils MX7 EV home charger

Humax has announced the launch of the Humax MX7 – its second-generation EV charger designed for domestic and business fleet markets in the UK. The Humax MX7 is a V2G-ready EV charger that enables users to benefit from vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, along with multiple energy-saving and cost-optimising features. Suitable for both home and commercial charging, the 7kW chargers will be available as socket-type and tethered models from June 2025. V2G-ready technology  The Humax MX7 series features an integrated Power Line Communication (PLC) module and ISO 15118 protocol, enabling seamless digital communication with EVs. This facilitates vehicle identification and future-ready V2G capabilities. The MX7 range has been engineered to support continuous software updates, enabling the addition of new smart features and ensuring long-term performance, flexibility and future compliance. All future Humax EV charger models will be equipped with an integrated PLC module with ISO 15118 as standard. Intelligent and cost-efficient charging Humax MX7 chargers are compatible with most EV tariffs, helping users reduce electricity costs by charging during off-peak hours. Solar-compatible, they can also use surplus power from home solar systems for greener, more economical charging. Smart scheduling and adjustable charge levels provide complete control and customisation. Engineered for safety Safety is a top priority. The MX7 includes integrated temperature sensors, overcharge protection and a tamper-detection switch to ensure a secure and reliable charging experience. Stylish and customisable  The MX7 range has been designed to harmonise with modern home aesthetics. Users can personalise their chargers with a variety of interchangeable front facias. Installation is simple thanks to the charger’s hinged front panel, providing easy access during set-up. Business charging made simple The MX7 supports Auto Charge via ISO 15118, eliminating the need for RFID cards or apps. The user can simply plug in and start charging. For businesses, vehicle recognition streamlines the tracking of company car charging at employees’ homes, making reimbursements easier. The system integrates with leading third-party platforms and apps for enhanced management and operational efficiency. Customer support All MX7 chargers include up to a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and access to a UK-based support centre offering expert help with installation, operation and troubleshooting. Humax maintains high Trustpilot ratings, continuing to prioritise customer satisfaction. Jeff Kim, president of Humax, commented, “Following extensive research, we have developed the MX7 to provide both residential and business users with a combination of efficient EV charging, energy optimisation and cost reduction in one solution. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles and smart grid integration, and the desire for individuals and businesses to prove a positive return on their EV investment, we designed this range to ensure ultimate home energy optimisation as well as straightforward management of EV fleets – helping consumers and organisations to reduce operational costs and even generate energy revenues. With this launch, we continue our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the EV ecosystem, empowering users to optimise their energy consumption and costs while contributing to a greener future.”

Pink PVC Sleeving reels launched by Unicrimp

Unicrimp continues to expand its comprehensive range of Q-Crimp cable management accessories and its most recent development sees the launch of Pink PVC Sleeving. Cable sleeving is used to insulate and protect wiring, keeping it safe from abrasion and temperature damages, to name a couple of functions. Unicrimp’s new Pink PVC Sleeving is designed for use in applications where ‘functional’ and ‘protective’ earthing need to be distinctive – a crucial element in order to comply with BS 7671 regulations. The standard BS 7671:2018+A2 identifies that functional earthing conductors must be identifiable to avoid confusion with other earthing systems. Specifically, it specifies that functional earth conductors should be marked with pink sleeving. The pink-coloured sleeving should be applied to the conductor’s insulation, making it visibly distinctive from other conductors within the system. This is particularly important in complex systems that incorporate multiple types of earthing, as it helps electricians and engineers quickly identify and correctly handle the functional earth conductors, ensuring safety and efficiency in the installation process. It can be used in, but is not limited to, a range of applications including telecommunications, fire detection, medical devices and industrial control systems. The new sleeving is available in three sizes - 100m x 2mm, 100m x 3mm and 100m x 4mm. Unicrimp offers a full range of colour coded PVC sleeving and heat shrink options, including black, grey, brown, blue and mixed reels. They are available in a variety of lengths and can be cut to size to suit the task at hand.  For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Kensa raises £7,492 in charity challenge to combat fuel poverty

Kensa has completed a month-long charity challenge in support of National Energy Action, smashing its target and raising thousands to help households struggling with fuel poverty.  Throughout February, Kensa employees across the UK took part in a collective movement challenge to raise awareness and funds for fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA).   The aim was to cover 6,000km, representing the more than six million people living in fuel poverty across the UK, through walking, running, swimming and cycling. Not only did they achieve this, but they surpassed it. In total, Kensa employees covered a whopping 7,162km, raising vital funds in the process. Kensa match-funded the donations, making the final total raised £7,492.  These vital funds will support NEA’s work and help vulnerable households stay warm as energy bills continue to rise. This includes providing life-changing energy advice, delivering Winter Warmth Support Packs to families in need, funding emergency fuel vouchers and supporting community outreach programmes that aim to reduce fuel poverty in some of the hardest-hit areas across the UK.  Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director at Kensa, says, “We set out to make a difference – and our amazing team absolutely delivered. The effort everyone put in was incredible, not just in reaching our ambitious distance goal, but in raising the money they did to support National Energy Action.  “We’ve seen first-hand how fuel poverty affects people right across the UK, and we’re committed to tackling this through our work in social housing, delivering heating systems residents can afford to use and keep their homes warm.   “NEA’s work supporting households is vital. Whether it’s providing warm essentials for families or giving people the advice they need to reduce their bills, we know the money we’ve raised will go directly to helping people in need.”   Kensa is a supporting member of NEA and is committed to tackling fuel poverty by delivering low carbon heating that’s better for people, their pockets and the planet. This is highlighted by its work with social housing providers, where Kensa has delivered highly efficient, low carbon heating systems for thousands of residents, helping lower their energy bills and lift many out of fuel poverty. 

Click Scolmore launches Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets

Click Scolmore has added new Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets to some of its popular wiring accessory ranges. This new range brings 1-gang and 2-gang unswitched socket outlets, with integrated 3-pin safety shutters as standard, to the Mode and Part M collections, as well as to the most popular finishes in the Deco and Deco+ ranges – satin chrome and stainless steel. The 3-pin safety shutter is a feature that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into live contacts, which brings a crucial layer of protection, making these sockets ideal for both residential and commercial installations. The new Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets in the Deco and Deco+ finishes are available with a choice of black or white inserts, further expanding the possibilities of a project’s appearance. Each product is rigorously tested to BS 1363 standards, offering installers and end-users peace of mind alongside Click’s 10-year warranty. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Entries open for Electrical Safety First's Safety Innovation Award

Consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First has announced that entries are now open for its Safety Innovation Award 2025.  This annual award honours innovative projects and products that safeguard consumers from electrical hazards.  The Safety Innovation Award recognises and rewards outstanding ideas that help protect consumers from electrical dangers. It is also free and easy to enter.   Projects or products do not need to be completed to enter; they can be in the development or prototype stage.  This award is a great opportunity to showcase an innovative project or product to retailers, manufacturers, distributors and the public.  Previous winners include:  SafeBatt Project: Providing crucial contributions to lithium-ion battery safety.  HobSensus: A safety device that turns kitchen hobs off when left unattended.  Connected Innovations: Sockets that detect heat build-up in the plugs and nearby wiring and turn the appliance off, stopping the fire risk before it starts.  E-bulb: The world’s smallest fire extinguisher aimed at preventing fires before they can spread and preventing re-ignition.  The deadline for entries is Friday 29 August. The winner will be announced at Electrical Safety First’s annual Electrical Product Safety Conference on Thursday 16 October, where they will have a platform to discuss their innovation with a wide audience, spanning government bodies, influential industry figures and more. Shortlisted finalists will also be showcased at the conference.  To submit your entry and for more information, click here. 

BEAMA report highlights heat electrification and low carbon heating

BEAMA has launched a new report, What Should I Do?, which examines the role of heat electrification technologies and how to encourage customers to choose low carbon heating options. New industry analysis estimates that the combined flexibility potential of all thermal storage systems available could be 10GW by 2030, more than double the capacity forecast by NESO in their Clean Power 2030 pathway (4GW). Unlocking this potential is essential for meeting the Climate Change Committee’s 7th carbon budget, which projects that the flexibility requirement from all thermal energy storage systems has to be at least 9.3GW by 2030. Doubled network flexibility capacity will have tangible, real world benefits for UK energy consumers, helping to drive down the cost of energy by accelerating the connection of low carbon generation low carbon generation with less need to construct expensive and time-consuming new network infrastructure. Put simply, flexibility enables the UK to squeeze more capacity out of the existing grid. Enhanced network flexibility is essential to delivering the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 and Economic Growth missions. BEAMA’s new research indicates that current Government targets risk neglecting the potential of alternative clean heat solutions. These technologies are essential to successfully decarbonising UK heating, tackling fuel poverty – which National Energy Action estimate affects 6.1 million households – and driving UK economic growth. Currently, just under a tenth of UK homes (2.6 million in total) have electric heating. While heat pumps offer tangible advantages that could reduce energy costs for many, around 20% of households are unable to accommodate them. Clean Power 2030 must rely on a broad range of heating technologies – including heat pumps, alongside thermal batteries, hot water cylinders, and solar heating solutions – to be successfully delivered within five years and at minimal cost. BEAMA’s analysis shows that offering a suitable choice of low carbon heating solutions is central to persuading consumers to go electric. Industry is calling on the Government’s upcoming Clean Heat Strategy to prioritise support of a broad range of technologies and solutions to reflect the wide variation in homes, workplaces and buildings across the country, reassuring customers that they have a choice of low carbon heating options. Alternative electric heating technologies that need to be considered from the perspective of flexible storage include: Air to air heat pumps Domestic hot water heat pumps Modern high heat retention storage heating systems Phase-change heat batteries Smart heat batteries Smart hot water cylinders Further to the above storage options, we must not forget customers living in very low heat and hot water demand dwellings who would typically use panel heaters, electric radiators, electric underfloor heating and instantaneous hot water appliances. Supporting flexible storage technologies will also help to unlock investment to create local green jobs and drive UK economic growth. This is evidenced by the recent opening of a £40m manufacturing plant in Derby by BEAMA member Vaillant. The facility, producing hot water cylinders, has added 200 jobs to the local economy.

Travis Perkins employee completes Arctic challenge for charity

A Travis Perkins Managed Services colleague has completed a gruelling Arctic challenge to fundraise for charity. Andrew Craig, an Account Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, undertook the physically and mentally demanding challenge to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of his father, who is living with dementia. The expedition, which took place in February, saw him ski across frozen lakes and snow-covered terrain, battling against temperatures as low as -25°C with biting winds that tested his endurance to the limit. "The physical and mental demands were far more intense than I imagined," says Andrew. "Learning to ski in sub-Arctic conditions was incredibly tough, with each day bringing bruises, while I was grappling with the constant physical struggle of adapting to the harsh environment. The cold was unbearable at times and made it feel as though it was penetrating straight to the bone." Despite the punishing conditions, Andrew found strength in the camaraderie of his fellow adventurers. "We laughed through the pain, and the support of an amazing bunch of people made those more difficult moments bearable”, he says. The two-day marathon tested his endurance, survival skills and mental resilience, but his mission remained clear - raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society: "My father has dementia, and this made the pain of the journey more meaningful. Knowing that each step was contributing to a cause so close to my heart helped keep me motivated, even in the toughest moments.” Georgie Davies, Corporate Account Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, says, “On behalf of everyone at Alzheimer’s Society, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Andrew for taking on this incredible challenge, what a superstar! Andrew has raised a phenomenal £1,400 which will help provide help for those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.  “Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support to people living with dementia, funds groundbreaking research and campaigns to make dementia the priority it should be. Together, we can end the devastation of dementia. To get involved visit alzheimers.org.uk”  Andrew’s journey was supported by Travis Perkins Managed Services and KWG Building & Civils Contractor, based in North Wales. His determination and resilience have helped contribute to vital research and support services for individuals and families affected by dementia.

£3.2m substation upgrade to benefit 250,000 Londoners

A £3.2 million substation upgrade has seen a brand-new 132,000V transformer installed at Wimbledon in south London.  The 132,000V transformer will help ensure the continued reliability of power supplies for more than 250,000 residents, processing up to 90MV of energy.  A large-scale delivery operation saw the 102-tonne transformer arrive on the back of a lorry through residential areas of south London before manoeuvring into the substation site near AFC Wimbledon.  Once the transformer was on the site, it was guided into place and will be energised and connected to the grid in the summer. Its job is to step down the power from a high voltage to be safely supplied to local homes and businesses.  This upgrade will help cater for residents’ increasing use of electricity as people turn to low carbon technologies. Residents in the London Borough of Merton are forecast to increase ownership of electric vehicles by 42% this year compared to 2024 – with heat pumps increasing by 96%.  Tom Parminter, Programme Manager at UK Power Networks says, "This project and investment will contribute to future-proofing the local electricity network for more than 250,000 residents and businesses across South West London, while supporting the growing demand for low carbon technologies in the transition to net zero.  "UK Power Networks' commitment to reinforcing and investing in the grid will benefit consumers with more reliable electricity and the successful delivery of these projects will result in a more secure network to meet future needs." 

Toolstation raises £3m for Macmillan Cancer Support

2025 marks the fifth year of support for Macmillan Cancer Support by Toolstation. The retailer has raised a total of £3 million for the charity and the funds raised will allow Macmillan to continue to provide vital support to those affected by cancer across the UK.  In practical terms, that £3 million figure could be used to hire 84 support workers for one year or pay 46 Macmillan Nurses for a whole year, helping to support people living with cancer and their families. The news comes as on 27 April four colleagues from Toolstation are set to run the London Marathon to raise money for the charity. Amy Megicks, Millie Constance, Lewis Ellis and Jonathan Rendall will all run in this year’s 26-mile race to raise over £10,000 for the charity.  This follows previous fundraising efforts from Toolstation colleagues who competed in the London Marathon to support the charity in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Angela Rushforth, Managing Director of Toolstation says, “This figure wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our colleagues and the generosity of our customers. We’re pleased that the money raised will continue to support Macmillan in their efforts to be there for everyone living with or affected by cancer.” Michael Stickland, Director of Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy, says, "Three million pounds! That's a whole lot of screws and sockets, some well broken-in running shoes and seriously big hearts. We're incredibly proud of our partnership with Toolstation and we can’t thank the team and customers enough for the continued support. Reaching this incredible sum represents collective kindness and dedication and is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary things.” The team have set a fundraising target of £10,000 and has been hosting several fundraisers to help reach this goal, including bake sales and a sponsored fun run with Toolstation colleagues. Supporters are welcome to donate to the fundraising here.