Martindale launches two MFT promo bundles

Martindale Electric, a manufacturer of electrical test equipment, has released two promotional kits for electricians and installers, combining multifunction installation testers with test tools and safety equipment. The offers are built around Martindale’s ET6000 and ET6500 multifunction installation testers respectively. Extra items are supplied at no additional cost and arrive in the box with the tester, meaning no claim forms or delays. Two kit options with tools included The Martindale Electrician kit includes a range of essential tools for testing and troubleshooting electrical circuits. One tool included is the ET6000 multifunction installation tester, along with an EZ165 advanced socket tester for initial checks and earth loop indication. Also provided is an FD500 fuse finder and transmitter to help identify the correct circuit, fuse, and associated connection during troubleshooting. The Martindale Installer kit is centred on the ET6500 multifunction tester, supplied with an adaptor for electric vehicle charge point testing. To support safe isolation and voltage verification, the kit adds a VT25 Voltage Tester and a PD690SRD proving device. Martindale also includes a LOKKIT1 lock-off kit and a voucher for a place on an online introductory lock-out tag-out course. Both kits are available from 12 January until 30 April 2026. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

NICEIC announces new series of The Wire

NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, has announced the return of its popular CPD-accredited webinar series, The Wire. Running from January to March 2026, The Wire returns with five brand-new episodes, bringing together NICEIC experts to explore key issues for the industry, including the ongoing redevelopment of the MCS Approved Contractor Scheme and BS 7671. From technical advice to mental health guidance, The Wire aims to help support NICEIC-certified businesses with their professional learning and development, as well as meeting their CPD requirements. Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, comments, “Following the success of The Wire in 2025, with over 63,000 viewers live and on-demand, we are delighted to announce a new series, with five more episodes, providing five hours of accredited CPD on the topics that our viewers and listeners have been requesting. “The new series will deliver high-quality technical insights, alongside Q&A sessions, and will cover critical issues impacting contractors and their businesses. "I would encourage NICEIC-certified businesses to register for the upcoming episodes and check out our library of on-demand episodes for anything they may have missed from previous series.” Upcoming episodes • Thursday, 22 January — MCS redevelopment: What you need to know • Thursday, 29 January — Unlocking Level 3: Routes to achieving qualifications required by the EAS • Thursday, 12 February — Your Tools to Talk: The first in the new series of mental health support webinars • Thursday, 26 February — EICR Coding Clinic • Thursday, 12 March, 20:00 — BS 7671: How it’s produced You can register now here or catch up on demand here. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Recolight announces 2026 webinar series

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has unveiled its 2026 webinar series. The free-to-attend sessions are open to all, covering a range of topics to support the lighting industry’s move towards greater sustainability. The webinars will bring together experts, thought leaders, and innovators to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore the latest trends shaping sustainability and circular economy action in the sector. EPDs: A user’s guide The first webinar (on 29 January) will aim to demystify Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), addressing what they do and don’t reveal about luminaires. Participants will learn how to interpret EPD documentation and understand what constitutes robust, actionable data for comparing products. The expert panel features Max Robson, Environmental Metrics Manager at Recolight; Kael Gillam, Senior Associate at Hoare Lea; and Teresa Kleber, Portfolio Programme Manager at Ledvance. Cat A lighting: The alternatives On 19 March, the spotlight turns to “Solving Cat A Waste,” exploring sustainable alternatives to conventional Category A lighting installation. With mounting pressure to reduce environmental impacts, the webinar will examine innovative approaches and real-world solutions to combat unnecessary waste in commercial fit-outs. Speakers include John McRae, Director at Orms; Paul Beale, Founder of 18 Circular; Hattie Emerson, Project Manager, Finishes and Interiors Sector; and Tina Paillet, CEO of Circotrade - all bringing a wealth of expertise in sustainable design and circular economy principles. EU environmental law The lighting industry is facing a complex set of EU sustainability and circularity regulations that will significantly reshape how luminaires are designed, manufactured, and specified. On 29 March, Recolight's panel will offer strategic guidance on how to get ahead of it and UK rules that may be expected in the coming years. Speakers are Teresa Selvaggio, Director of Public Affairs at LightingEurope; Frank Thomas, Compliance Manager at ATG Airports; Neil McLean, Industrial Relations Manager at Lutron; and Nigel Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Recolight. DC lighting: The next step in sustainability Direct current networks are gaining ground in data and industrial centres as they can cut energy use significantly by eliminating conversion losses. They also integrate efficiently with renewable energy, motor drives, and power electronics. So, is this an idea whose time has come? On 17 September, Recolight will explore DC grids and networks with Ulrich Boeke, Senior Scientist at Signify, and Hartwig Stammberger, Manager Strategic Associations Direct Current, Eaton and Chair of Board of Open DC Alliance at ZVEI. Government’s ‘Circular Economy Growth Plan’ Last year, the Government set up a taskforce to make recommendations on how to implement a circular economy in England, and we expect to see a consultation on the proposals this Spring. A webinar will be scheduled upon publication of the consultation. The series, chaired by Ray Molony of Circular Lighting Report, all start at 11:00 and last for 90 minutes. Every webinar is free to attend, open to all, and includes a dedicated Q&A segment. Attendees who register will receive a link to the recording and the complete slide pack, providing a valuable resource for ongoing reference. Registration for all sessions is open now. For further details and to secure your place, visit the Recolight website. For more from Recolight, click here.

Farnell, Fulham announce global distribution partnership

Farnell, a UK-based global distributor of electronic components and industrial products, has announced a new global distribution partnership with Fulham, a manufacturer of LED drivers, emergency lighting systems, and ballasts, expanding access to advanced LED drivers, emergency lighting, and intelligent control systems for customers across EMEA. The agreement aims to strengthen Farnell’s lighting portfolio in the region, supporting engineers and buyers across commercial, industrial, and architectural lighting applications. Fulham brings more than 30 years of expertise in LED drivers, modules, emergency lighting, and intelligent control systems. Headquartered in the United States, the company operates globally, with manufacturing in India, supply channels in India and China, and a strong presence across Europe. Its portfolio includes indoor and outdoor LED drivers, emergency lighting systems, UV ballasts, and smart control technologies, all designed to meet key international standards, including CE, ENEC, DALI-2, and UL. Through this partnership, Farnell will distribute Fulham’s lighting products globally, improving availability and access to future-ready technologies for engineers and buyers worldwide. Agreement details The agreement includes Fulham’s core lighting portfolio, including emergency lighting systems, indoor LED drivers, and constant-voltage driver platforms, with key ranges including the HotSpot Series, WorkHorse DALI-2 constant-current drivers, and the ThoroLED Series for architectural lighting, signage, and LED strip applications. Customer benefits include: • Broader access to certified lighting technologies • Global availability through Farnell’s established distribution network • Support for a range of lighting applications and form factors • Access to Fulham’s technical expertise and product platforms Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director - Onboard Components & SBC at Farnell, says, “Farnell has a strong commitment to adding value for our customers, and this partnership expands both choice and access to innovative lighting technologies. "By working with Fulham, we are enabling customers worldwide to source advanced LED drivers, emergency lighting, and control solutions through a trusted global distribution partner.” Antony Corrie, CEO of Fulham, adds, “Fulham is extremely excited to embark on this new relationship with Farnell Global. As a Yorkshireman, and with Farnell headquartered in Leeds, I’m especially proud to work with a company I’ve known and respected since starting my career in the mid-1990s. "This partnership brings together shared values, strong heritage, and a commitment to global innovation. "Farnell will be selling Fulham’s LED drivers, emergency battery backup solutions, exit signs, and UV-C power systems across [its] global customer base.” For more from Farnell, click here.

Carhartt launches Steel Work Trousers range

American workwear company Carhartt has introduced a range of Steel Work Trousers designed to protect knees during regular trade work. Made from stretch ripstop fabric with Rugged Flex technology, the trousers are built to offer durability and ease of movement for those working on their knees throughout the day. The design includes articulated knees to support bending, squatting, and kneeling, with reinforced high-wear zones to withstand repeated contact with hard or uneven surfaces. Range details and kneepad safety standard Each pair has Flex Cordura kneepad pockets that meet EN 14404-4:2024 safety standards, holding compatible pads securely. These pads include Carhartt’s Interoperable Knee Pads, which are intended to cushion joints on hard ground and help support knee alignment over extended periods. The Steel Ripstop Double-Front Dungarees are produced in a relaxed straight fit with a reinforced double-front design, including openings for kneepads. They sit at the waist and can be worn over work boots. Features include reinforced front ledge and back pockets, a utility loop, and kick panels intended to allow alterations and extend the garment’s lifespan. Carhartt’s Steel Work collection also includes Double-Front Cargo Dungarees with additional storage, including an extended ruler pocket, a loose pocket with a zip compartment, and a zipped leg pocket suitable for a phone. The Steel Ripstop Double-Front Cargo Pants offer the same articulated knee construction and kneepad compatibility with multiple reinforced pockets for tools and everyday items. Carhartt states that with knees taking the majority of strain on site, workwear designed with integrated protection can help reduce unnecessary wear and tear on the body. For more from Carhartt, click here.

LEDVANCE expands emergency lighting portfolio

Emergency lighting is a fundamental component of building safety, helping to ensure that occupants can safely exit a space in the event of a power failure or emergency. For commercial, industrial, and public environments, the correct specification and installation of emergency luminaires is also essential for compliance with current regulations and standards. When planning an emergency lighting system, specifiers and installers must consider a range of practical factors. These include light output and coverage, emergency duration, environmental protection, and long-term reliability. Installation efficiency is also an important consideration, particularly on projects with tight deadlines or limited access. Increasingly, flexibility and futureproofing are also valued, allowing systems to be adapted as building use or requirements change. To support these needs, LEDVANCE, a manufacturer of LED lighting products and smart lighting systems, has expanded its emergency lighting portfolio with two new offerings designed to combine performance with practical installation features. LEDVANCE Emergency Twin Spot The LEDVANCE Emergency Twin Spot luminaire is designed for applications where high visibility and directional emergency lighting are required. Suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments, its IP65-rated housing offers protection against dust and moisture, making it appropriate for areas such as warehouses, car parks, plant rooms, and external escape routes. Two adjustable spotlights allow installers to direct light precisely where it is needed, helping to improve coverage along defined escape paths. The luminaire is equipped with a LiFePO4 battery, providing a minimum of three hours emergency operation, and is supplied with mounting accessories to help streamline installation on site. Wallpack Combo IP65 Complementing this is the Wallpack Combo IP65 luminaire, which introduces LEDVANCE’s Plug & Upgrade concept to outdoor emergency lighting. This modular approach allows the wallpack to be installed initially as a standard luminaire, with emergency functionality added later via an emergency kit if required. This can be particularly useful on projects where emergency lighting requirements may change, or where budget and programme considerations call for a phased approach. Options come with or without an integrated photocell - providing additional flexibility for exterior applications. Nelo Neves, Managing Director at LEDVANCE, says, “Safety and ease of installation are the two pillars of every professional lighting project. “These new emergency luminaires underscore LEDVANCE’s commitment to solutions that are not just technically excellent, but also genuinely easier to fit and commission.” Supported by LEDVANCE’s technical documentation and installer guidance, the new luminaires are intended to help professionals deliver effective emergency lighting while keeping installation and future maintenance considerations firmly in mind. For more from LEDVANCE, click here.

'Cold snap proves heat pumps' effectiveness'

As the UK experiences another spell of freezing winter weather, new data from Octopus Energy, one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, suggests modern heat pumps are keeping homes just as warm as gas boilers – while reportedly keeping customers happier with their heating and their bills. A new survey of more than 1,800 UK households, carried out during the latest cold snap, reveals that people who have heat pumps installed reported higher comfort, higher overall satisfaction, and better value for money than those relying on gas boilers. When asked how well their heating kept their home warm during the cold weather, nine out of 10 (85%) heat pump owners said they were satisfied with performance, compared to eight out of 10 (80%) gas boiler users. Overall approval for heat pumps during the cold snap also pipped out gas boilers, with almost every heat pump customer (89%) reporting satisfaction with their heating system compared to three quarters (78%) of gas boiler users. Benefitting from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Thanks to the £7,500 grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the cost of getting a heat pump is now often broadly in line with buying a new gas boiler. On top of that, smart tariffs designed for heat pumps mean they can also be cheaper to run. Octopus’ 'Cosy Octopus' tariff can, according to the company, save heat pump customers up to £360 a year on heating costs compared to gas boiler customers on a standard tariff. This difference is also reflected in the survey data: two thirds (66%) of heat pump users were satisfied with their running costs, while less than half (43%) of gas boiler owners were satisfied with their running costs. The findings challenge the myth that heat pumps struggle - or become more expensive - in cold weather, even during the winter cold snaps across much of the UK. Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy Group, comments, “Every winter we hear the same worry that heat pumps won’t cope when temperatures drop – and every winter the data tells a different story. “Customers with heat pumps are staying just as warm as those with gas boilers, and they’re happier with the experience overall – especially when it comes to running costs. "Modern heat pumps are built for British winters, cold snaps included.” For more from Octopus Energy, click here.

Ideal Heating launches MAX Confidence initiative

Ideal Heating, a UK manufacturer of boilers and heat pumps, has introduced MAX Confidence, a customer support initiative for its Logic MAX and Vogue MAX boiler ranges. The pledge introduces a new form of manufacturer assurance. If a boiler is within warranty and Ideal Heating confirms the fault is attributable to the product, the customer will receive a repair and a 12-month warranty extension. This sits alongside the company’s existing service model, which includes long warranties, nationwide engineer coverage, priority callouts, and year-round customer support. New commitment for installers and households MAX Confidence brings existing support and service elements under a single offer intended to provide a clearer message to installers and homeowners. The features include: • Extended protection where a verified product fault occurs • Priority engineer visits • 365-day service availability • Support delivered under an established aftercare model Chris Jessop, Group Customer Relationships Director at Ideal Heating, comments, “MAX Confidence is about standing behind our products and giving customers a clear and fair outcome if things go wrong. "We already have one of the strongest service models in the industry with long warranties, priority response, 365 day-a-year support, and a nationwide engineer network. This takes it a step further. “If a fault is on us, we fix it and extend the warranty. It’s real accountability and a level of confidence customers should be able to expect.” Ideal Heating says it is the first UK boiler manufacturer to introduce an additional warranty extension mechanism of this type. The company states that MAX Confidence has been developed in response to rising expectations for transparency and customer service. The programme also forms part of the firm’s broader installer-focused activity, which includes training, tools, loyalty schemes, and technical support. For more from Ideal Heating, click here.

JTL celebrates opening of £1m London South training centre

JTL, a training provider for electrical and plumbing apprenticeships across England and Wales, has officially opened its newly refurbished ‘London South’ training centre in Orpington, following a £1 million investment to expand high-quality electrical, plumbing, and heating training across London and Kent. The centre was formally opened at a launch event attended by employers, industry stakeholders, and local representatives, with Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee, officiating alongside Sir John Low, Chair of the JTL Board, and Chris Claydon, JTL’s Chief Executive. The significant investment has transformed the Orpington site into a modern, industry-led training facility, with a strong focus on heating, plumbing, and low-carbon technologies. The centre features fully equipped electrical and plumbing training bays, providing industry-standard equipment, including heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and energy-efficiency technologies. Developing the next generation Designed to meet the evolving needs of employers and support the transition to greener heating solutions, JTL London South will aim to play a key role in developing the next generation of skilled electricians, plumbers, and building services engineers. The centre supports apprentices from across London and Kent and aligns closely with regional skills priorities in construction and retrofit. Guests at the opening event were invited to tour the facilities, meet JTL apprentices and expert teaching staff, and see first-hand how the new workshops are preparing learners for real-world work environments. The event also provided opportunities for employers and local partners to network and explore how JTL supports businesses with apprenticeship recruitment and training. Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee, says, “It was a pleasure to officially open JTL’s London South training centre. "Facilities like this are vital in ensuring young people and career changers can access high-quality technical training, while supporting the development of skills needed for the future, particularly in areas such as plumbing, heating and energy efficiency. "It was fantastic to meet some of the brilliant apprentices - and the employers they are working for - and to hear how they will all benefit from JTL’s new training centre.” Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, adds, “Our new London South centre demonstrates JTL’s long-term commitment to the highly skilled trades of electrical and plumbing services, and to investing in the future of the region. "By providing apprentices with access to industry-standard equipment and specialist training in occupations in desperate need of skilled tradespeople, we’re helping to address skills shortages while supporting the UK’s journey towards a more sustainable built environment. "Each apprenticeship depends on employer backing to give them the work placement, so we are committed to supporting employers in meeting demand and pressing the Government to make these commitments a reality." The refurbished London South training centre is now fully operational and welcoming apprentices, employers, and partners from across the region, supporting the development of a skilled electrical, plumbing, and heating workforce to meet growing demand linked to retrofit, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies. For more from JTL, click here.

KeyIS launches fire safety company, ProDefend

Key Integrated Services (KeyIS), a mechanical and electrical engineering company, has launched ProDefend, a subsidiary focused on fire protection and security. The new company expands the services that Key Integrated Services can offer to its customers and has been launched at a time when a multitude of factors are driving demand. “The launch of ProDefend was an easy one to make,” says Mark Poulton, CEO at Key Integrated Services. “The reality is that many of our customers require specialist fire protection and security solutions alongside our core mechanical and electrical services at Key Integrated Services. "I am excited to see what this launch can deliver given the market is currently worth approximately £2 billion and is on a rapid growth trajectory due to factors including increased regulation.” The company's offerings ProDefend’s core offer includes the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of a range of fire protection and security systems. On the fire protection front, this includes fire alarm and detection systems through to a selection of fire suppression systems. On the security side, the company offers CCTV, intruder detection, access control, and remote monitoring. The new business will be led by sector specialist Mike Trenbath. Mike has more than 25 years’ experience in the fire protection and security space and his career has seen him hold senior roles at ProTec Camerfield, Hall & Kay Fire Engineering, and Alpine Fire Engineers. The company says he is considered an expert in fire suppression and has an excellent understanding of gaseous systems, sprinklers, and water mist. “The business has been launched at an exciting time in the industry”, comments Mike. “Fire protection and security solutions are no longer off-the-shelf packages, and businesses are prepared to invest in solutions that can effectively protect their key assets including people, data, and stock. “Joining forces with Key Integrated Services will enable us to fast track our growth plans, as they have a core services team in place to handle the finance, HR, and marketing, enabling us to focus on what we do best: safeguarding businesses with industry-leading fire protection and security solutions.”