Martindale launches adapter for EV charge point testing

Test and measurement specialist, Martindale Electric, has announced the launch of the TL326-EV, a new electric vehicle (EV) charger adapter designed for accurate and easy testing of EV charge points. With the continued expansion of EV infrastructure, the need for reliable and straightforward testing appliances has never been greater. The TL326-EV allows users to connect a range of test equipment to an EVSE charging point via a Type 2 connector. It provides direct access to key measurement points, including L1, L2, L3, N, CP and PE, via six standard 4mm jack sockets so contractors can perform comprehensive testing using an EV compatible Multifunction Tester (MFT) or other suitable instruments, ensuring that charge points are correctly installed and operating within specification. Designed with both single-phase and three-phase systems in mind, the TL326-EV has a CP selection switch that simulates various states: vehicle connected but not ready to charge; vehicle ready to charge; and a fault simulation position which induces a failure of the CP signal that should cause the EV charger to stop charging. The unit is also equipped with LED status indicators giving a clear visual confirmation of the operational state of the charge point before further testing. For electrical contractors working with EV infrastructure, the TL326-EV simplifies the process of carrying out essential tests such as voltage and frequency measurement, phase indication, phase sequence verification, insulation resistance testing and loop and line impedance checks. You can also test various RCD configurations, ensuring that critical safety functions are operating correctly. The unit is durable and compact, measuring just 230 x 60 x 55mm and weighing 0.3kg. It is supplied with a soft carry case so the adapter and accessories remain protected when not in use. As part of Martindale Electric’s commitment to providing complete and practical testing solutions, the TL326-EV is supplied as standard with the Martindale ET6500 Installation Tester. This pairing offers contractors a comprehensive package for EV charge point verification, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices. With EV adoption continuing to rise and charging infrastructure expanding rapidly across the UK, Martindale Electric’s latest innovation ensures that contractors have the right tools to meet the evolving demands of the industry. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

National Battery Training & Skills Academy opens

In what is believed to be a significant step forward for the UK's renewable energy sector, North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has officially opened a state-of-the-art Battery Training & Skills Academy at New College Durham. Opened on 21 February, the new venue is dedicated to supporting the next generation of battery technology workers. The innovative facility is one of the first of its kind in the country and has been developed to provide the North East with the facilities to deliver training to the next generation of workers in battery technology. The Faraday Battery Challenge, led by Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation, is a project aimed at building a top-tier battery industry in the UK. With a £610 million budget, it utilises the UK's best talents to tackle the complexities of battery technology. Funded by the Faraday Battery Challenge (Faraday Battery Challenge is delivered by Innovate UK), the academy will support the North East’s rapidly expanding EV battery industry. Sunderland-based AESC, which owns and operates the UK’s only EV battery gigafactory, are the Academy’s industry partner and will use the centre to upskill hundreds of staff and potential recruits. The project will see the company share over a decade of EV battery manufacturing experience with the Academy, which has already seen the creation of a specialist battery fundamental bootcamp. Nine AESC staff have completed teaching qualifications to allow them to deliver course modules covering the latest industry developments. Thomas Bartlett, Deputy Director - Faraday Battery Challenge at Innovate UK, says, “One of the main aims of the Faraday Battery Challenge is to empower partnerships such as this, to train and develop the next generation of innovators in this ever-growing industry. The FBC aims to develop a resilient and globally competitive battery industry in the UK. This is achieved by supporting advanced research and innovation, creating world-class battery facilities, and fostering the necessary skills and investment to bring new, exciting technologies to market.” During her visit to the academy, the mayor spent time with staff and students along with representatives of the partnership that generated this latest development. Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, comments, “The North East is at the cusp of a new era of jobs and prosperity in the industries of the future, with huge potential in sectors such as battery tech, electric vehicles and offshore. As Mayor, I’m determined the next generation of workers will have access to the jobs, training, and opportunities we’re creating so we become the home of real opportunity. That means a strong partnership between industry and education working together, and I'm delighted to see how New College Durham are working with employers to create train a highly skilled, well-paid workforce - proudly making things right here in the North East." Jeff Pratt, Head of UK Operations at AESC praised the development, notes, “AESC has built a reputation for high quality batteries made to the highest safety standards. Fundamental to this achieving this has been the investment we have made in skills and training our staff over the past decade. Establishing the National Battery Academy in North East England will make the region a hotbed of talent for the EV battery industry, and we look forward to working closely with Faraday, New College Durham, and Newcastle University to achieve this.” Andy Broadbent, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham, adds, “With the correct levels of research and training, electric vehicles and the EV battery environment can provide huge opportunities for innovation, and growth particularly here in the North East. It is our aim to ensure that students at the National Battery Training & Skills Academy not only make themselves more employable in this growing industry, but that they strive to seek innovative solutions to any problems they encounter. “I am immensely proud that, through partnership working with Newcastle University, New College Durham is now well positioned to play a leading role in generating innovative and sustainable technologies.”

MCS reports record January for renewable installations

MCS is reporting a record January for renewable installations, with a particularly strong surge in battery storage and heat pumps. Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments, “The latest data from the MCS Data Dashboard show that January 2025 was the strongest start to the year in Scheme history for certified renewable installations, with 23,021 systems installed – up 26% from January 2024. “Battery storage saw its best month ever, with over 2,600 installations - a 176% increase compared to January 2024. This surge is underpinned by the growth of our certified battery storage installer base, which now exceeds 2,000. “Heat pumps also continue their upward trajectory, with 4,902 installations recorded in January - up 21% on January last year - as more homeowners make the switch to low-carbon heating. This brings the UK’s total number of certified heat pump installations to 280,992 as of the end of January 2025.” MCS holds the most comprehensive repository of data on the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies across the UK on The MCS Data Dashboard. For near-real-time updates on renewable installations, you can sign up for free to The MCS Data Dashboard by clicking here. About The MCS Data Dashboard The MCS Data Dashboard provides near-real-time dynamic visualisations of the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies across the UK. It is divided into two sections: Installation Insights and Scheme Insights. Both can be filtered by year and month, location, technology type and installation type, and the system is updated every 24 hours as new installation data becomes available. Address-level installation data is mapped to the local authority/regional/national geographical levels using a small degree of estimation from postcode to output area, in order to be matched to census data. As there are no live datasets detailing household data for each local authority, uptake percentage figures should be taken as estimates, with their calculation being the total number of installations in an area divided by the total number of households in that same area. For more from MCS, click here.

InstallerSHOW to partner with World Refrigeration Day

InstallerSHOW, taking place on 24-26 June at the NEC in Birmingham, is once again partnering with World Refrigeration Day - and will host a programme of activity on Thursday 26 June, the day when the cooling industry marks its contribution to life and health. In 2025, the show will have even more focus on the cooling industry, addressing its technology and its people, with features including the World Skills Refrigeration Finals, IOR Masterclasses and a range of exhibitors. Building on the success of the partnership at the 2024 show, WRD members will be taking part in sessions to highlight its 2025 theme of 'Cool Skills' at InstallerSHOW. The events on Thursday will include panels and talks looking at: • Encouraging the skills for an inclusive industry • Celebrating the skills of 'Thinking Differently' • Emphasising the skills of up-and-coming engineers Steve Gill, World Refrigeration Day Founder, says, "InstallerSHOW provides a perfect platform for World Refrigeration Day to showcase the vital role of cooling and the people behind it. This year’s theme, ‘Cool Skills’, is all about recognising the expertise, innovation, and problem-solving abilities of those in our industry. It’s exciting to see InstallerSHOW putting an even greater focus on the cooling sector in 2025, making it the ideal place to celebrate and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.” Underlining his enthusiasm for the 'Thinking Differently’ focus, which continues a series of collaborative initiatives focusing on neurodiversity, Steve remarks, “Recognising and embracing neurodivergent talent isn’t just about inclusivity - it’s about unlocking a wealth of problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovative thinking that directly benefit our industry. As we push the boundaries of cooling and heating technology and sustainability, having a workforce that thinks differently is not just an advantage; it’s essential to our future success." Andrew Gaved, Editor at Large for elemental and Installer, adds, “World Refrigeration Day once again falls within the show week, so it gives us a great opportunity to draw attention to the cooling industry’s achievements, along with its challenges and opportunities. It will also allow us to highlight how important it is to have cooling alongside heating in the heart of net zero conversations.” The two organisations will also be collaborating on industry events at InstallerSHOW’s sister show, elementalLONDON, which is dedicated to improving the efficiency of buildings, and takes place on 19-20 November at ExCeL in London. InstallerSHOW takes place on 24-26 June at the NEC, Birmingham. Register for your free ticket by clicking here. For more from InstallerSHOW, click here.

Hamworthy launches heat pump CPD module

Hamworthy Heating, a technical expert in commercial heating and hot water products, has expanded its CIBSE-accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) portfolio with the launch of its latest module, titled 'Considerations for air source heat pump selection, specification and system design’. Designed for anyone involved in plant room design, the module is divided into four easy-to-digest segments and provides valuable information on selecting and sizing air source heat pumps (ASHP) for both new and existing commercial buildings. Beginning with an introduction to the main driving forces behind air source heat pumps, the latest CPD from Hamworthy Heating discusses the various influencing factors to consider when specifying a heat pump. Designed to offer guidance, participants can learn more about the process of sizing air source heat pumps according to their design, load and intended use. Market drivers, such as best practices and government incentives, are also addressed. Participants will gain an appreciation for the various considerations that need to be addressed when specifying and installing a heat pump, such as space and noise and positioning and mounting issues. Additionally, for installers or specifiers considering options, the latest CPD also explores other possible heating and hot water solutions, in hybrid heat pump systems. Delivered in person or online, the new CPD seminar lasts for approximately one hour. For more from Hamworthy Heating, click here.

Recolight announces One-Off EPD Service

Recolight has launched a new One-Off EPD service to make Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as accessible as possible. EPDs are becoming essential in the lighting industry, with momentum driven, in part, by the EU Green Deal requirements in addition to growing market demand for rigorous environmental metrics. With sustainability always at the heart of Recolight's efforts within the lighting industry, the company has now introduced the new One-Off EPD Service which is designed specifically for manufacturers looking for an economical stepping stone into the world of EPDs. Using all data on materials and components supplied by a manufacturer, Recolight will create and arrange verification of an EPD for a family of lighting products. This allows manufacturers to rapidly create a single EPD, familiarise themselves with the EPD process, and assess their options for future EPD requirements. Commenting on the launch of the service, Max Robson, Recolight’s Environmental Metrics and Training Manager, says, “Outsourcing your first EPD to get started is typically an expensive, and sometimes opaque and lengthy process. Recolight will generate and verify an EPD in weeks, rather than months, and at a cost effective, flat rate with no ongoing costs. You will be kept up to speed on the process, providing you with insights into the EPD process. All EPDs will be verified and published through EPD Hub.” Recolight CEO, Nigel Harvey, adds, “This new service uses the One Click LCA software and dedicated luminaire tool, already used by many lighting manufacturers. It is ideal for manufacturers who want to get their foot in the EPD door, and who need a single, or very low volume of EPDs per year. But as companies gain familiarity with EPDs, and their needs grow, it is likely that it will become more cost-effective to obtain their own licence.” For more from Recolight, click here.

Investment powers Cambridge for the future

A £5.5 million investment has upgraded power supplies in the heart of Cambridge, benefiting thousands of residents for the future. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across the East, has commissioned two new electricity transformers in the city, each weighing more than 50 tonnes. The transformers offer scope for greater electrical capacity and will maintain reliable supplies. The new kit is part of the £85 million Fulbourn to Sawston investment programme which UK Power Networks is delivering as part of an ongoing major programme to upgrade the electricity supply for a large part of Cambridge. The transformers receive electricity from the network at 33,000-volts and safely turn it down to 11,000 volts for onward delivery to more than 12,600 local homes and businesses, including the Addenbrookes Hospital area. Philip Woods, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “This investment project will deliver long-lasting benefits in the expanding Cambridge area. It will increase the resilience of the network for residents across a wide area and support growth in demand for EVs, heat pumps and more low carbon technologies connecting to electricity networks.” UK Power Networks owns and maintains the network of cables, substations and power lines that deliver electricity to approximately 20 million people across the East, London and South East of England, regardless of who customers pay their energy bill to. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

NAPIT announces EXPO for ELEX 2025

NAPIT has announced a new and improved EXPO at ELEX 2025, which is designed to deliver an enhanced, interactive experience for industry professionals. With a focus on education, hands-on learning and networking, this year’s EXPO will feature a fresh dynamic stand, expert-led CPD sessions, and opportunities to connect with leading partners in the electrical sector. “The newly designed stand isn’t just about providing information; it’s about hands-on learning and real engagement,” explains Steve Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT. Featuring newly updated rigs alongside a dedicated training section, the new stand gives visitors the chance to interact with the latest technologies and practical demonstrations. Whether visitors are looking to refine their skills, explore new techniques, or stay up to date with industry standards, the NAPIT stand can help. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet NAPIT's technical experts, Frank Bertie, Steve Humphreys, Richard Hughes-Lewis and Andrew Duffen. Their extensive knowledge and experience in the electrical sector is invaluable to professionals seeking advice or insights on the latest industry developments. They will also be delivering a series of CPD sessions throughout the day. CPD sessions are tailored to provide practical knowledge and professional growth opportunities: • 11:10 – 11:40: Installation (Selection & Erection) of Solar PV Systems • 13:50 – 14:20: NAPIT Codebreakers Session • 14:30 – 15:00: Joint FAQs from the Helpline – Questions from Each Organisation + Audience Q&A NAPIT is proud to be introducing new partners Segen, Solutions Lighting, Sync Energy, Solax and Doncaster Cables, joining its trusted network of industry leaders including CHINT, CPN Cudis, MCS, and Flexel. Their presence offers valuable insights into the latest products and innovations in the electrical sector. Visitors will also benefit from exclusive discounts available on the day, with the opportunity to purchase publications, book training sessions, and join NAPIT if they're not already a member. Whether they're looking to expand their knowledge, upgrade their tools, or connect with like-minded professionals, the NAPIT EXPO at ELEX 2025 will cover all bases. Steve notes, “We’re excited to bring a fresh, interactive experience to ELEX 2025 with our new stand and CPD sessions. It’s a fantastic opportunity for professionals to gain hands-on knowledge, connect with industry experts and stay ahead of the latest developments in the electrical industry.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

Octopus and gs8 unveil new ‘Zero Bills’ development

Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, and sustainable housebuilder, gs8, have teamed up to develop the UK's largest ‘Zero Bills’ development in Thornwood, Epping. Building on the success of their first ‘Zero Bills’ site in Walthamstow, Octopus and gs8 have partnered to develop the 113-home site - the housebuilder's largest to date - alongside a revolutionary microgrid design. The innovative scheme will feature centralised battery storage, allowing solar power to be seamlessly shared between properties. The Octopus-accredited site will be developed in line with gs8’s ‘Planet Positive Framework’, meaning it will follow zero waste principles and store more carbon in the homes than is needed to build and maintain them. Launched in 2022, Octopus’ ‘Zero Bills’ tariff enables customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with state-of-the-art green tech, including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels, with no energy bills guaranteed for 5-10 years. The Thornwood development will feature 35 homes available through affordable rent, with the first properties to be launched in April this year. The plans are shaped by and tailored to the needs of the local community and will introduce several new public spaces with homes bordering a nature reserve. Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, as well as the UK. Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director, Octopus Energy, comments, “‘Zero Bills’ is not just about eliminating energy bills - it’s about creating a sustainable future. Our partnership with gs8 to deliver a microgrid community is all about delivering a truly transformative solution that sets a new standard for affordable, eco-friendly living.” Josh Gordon, Co-Founder, gs8, adds, “This is a landmark development for us as a business, building on the ground-breaking regenerative housing approach we’ve been committed to for the past six plus years. “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Octopus Energy, a pioneering business which shares our vision and values, and seeking to create homes built for the future and developments that bring positive lasting impacts to local communities." Octopus has already accredited well over 1,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes through contracts with a number of prominent developers. Accredited homes span affordable and private rent, as well as private and shared ownership. For more from Octopus Energy, click here.

Click Scolmore expands Part M Range with LED indicators

Click Scolmore offers a variety of LED indicator products in its comprehensive Part M visually contrasting wiring accessories range. The LED indicators feature a contemporary design and offer a brighter and more discreet method of modern indication, as opposed to traditional neon indicators. The Part M range includes the following product types with LED indication, all supplied with a 25-year warranty as standard: • 13A Switched Fused Connection Unit • 13A Switched Fused Connection Unit with LED • 13A Switched Fused Connection Unit with LED & Flex Outlet • 13A Fused Connection Unit with LED • 20A Double Pole Switch with LED & Flex Outlet • 50A 1 Gang Double Pole Switch with White Rocker & LED • 50A 2 Gang Double Pole Switch with White Rocker & LED (Vertical Plate) All products in the Part M range are manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which is known for its advanced antibacterial and antiviral properties (making it the ideal solution for hospitals and care home settings). Products are also independently tested to achieve a 99.99% kill off rate against bacteria such as MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella Pneumonia, and enveloped viruses. The full Part M range can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website. For more from Scolmore, click here.