CEF launches new Customer Fulfilment Centre in Chesham

CEF has announced the opening of its new Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The new fulfilment centre has opened to better serve the brand’s London and Greater London branches, with upgraded stock availability, storage capacity and customer service. The opening is the second CFC in the UK for CEF, with the first located in Dartford. There are plans to open more centres across the UK in the coming years as part of CEF’s plan to meet the ever-changing demands of its growing branch network.  The opening of the CFC was officiated by CEF’s joint Global CEO, Jeremy Saunders and UK CEO, Chris Ashworth. As well as additional stock availability, the CFC will improve local branches’ availability to fulfil large customer orders, providing faster delivery options, including next-day delivery.  Chris says, “We are proud to be expanding our offering and opening our new Customer Fulfilment Centre in Chesham. This has given us another opportunity to support our loyal customer base as well as being able to support new customers. At CEF, we believe in continually investing in our growth and evolving with our customers' needs and this Fulfilment Centre is a testament to that dedication." To read more on CEF, click here.

HiKOKI Power Tools launches UR18DA DAB Cordless Radio

According to HiKOKI Power Tools, its UR18DA DAB Cordless Radio is a state-of-the-art sound system that can turn any job site into a vibrant hub of productivity and rhythm. Working on-site can be hard work, so radios are commonplace across the UK. But they need to be tough without compromising quality, power, volume and connectivity. The HiKOKI UR18DA is compact and lightweight, weighing just 1.8kg without the battery, making it portable and easy to handle.  But don't let its compact form fool you; this radio packs a punch, delivering robust sound and unwavering performance that belies its diminutive stature, says HiKOKI. It further claims that the product is equipped with an 8W speaker delivering high-quality sound, ensuring clear and crisp audio even in the busy environment of a construction site.  One of the features of the UR18DA is its Bluetooth connectivity. This feature allows users to wirelessly connect their smartphones or other portable devices to the radio, enabling them to stream music or listen to the radio while on the job. The Bluetooth connectivity ensures a seamless and uninterrupted listening experience. The device also boasts a user-friendly interface with a backlight display. The display improves screen visibility in dark areas, ensuring that the setting on the radio can be easily adjusted regardless of the lighting conditions. This is particularly useful in early mornings or late evenings when natural light is limited. The radio covers a wide range of frequencies, including FM, AM and DAB+, ensuring that users have access to a broad spectrum of radio stations. This feature is particularly beneficial for construction professionals who spend long hours on-site and rely on the radio for news, weather updates and entertainment. Powered by a HiKOKI 18V battery or operated using an AC adapter, the UR18DA provides flexibility and continuous usage regardless of location. To read more on HiKOKI, click here.

Knightsbridge’s bumper book reveals over 400 new products

Knightsbridge has just published its 2024 catalogue, available to the trade from 1 February. The handy A5-sized, full-colour publication – which runs to nearly 500 pages – has over 3000 products, including over 400 new ones, featuring the latest innovations in wiring accessories and lighting. Conveniently divided into three sections – Wiring Accessories, Lighting and Smart Home – it is further subdivided into easy-to-reference chapters, from moulded switches and sockets, metal clad switches and weatherproof through to domestic interior, outdoor and commercial lighting. As a result of consultation with customers, all wiring accessories have been revamped with the introduction of ‘top-down termination’ for even easier installation. And all decorative sockets now feature standard USB A and USB C charging outlets. New designs for wiring accessories also include a raised edge in matt black, building on the trend for dark finishes. The new collection is comprehensive as it covers bulkheads, downlights, battens, high and low bays, non-corrosive and recessed, suspended and surface lighting.  One highlight of domestic and commercial lighting is the new SpektroLED EVO downlight. An advanced evolution of the company’s popular SpektroLED, the EVO comes in three versions: fixed, tilt and smart.  Each fitting offers selectable wattages, colour temperatures and six interchangeable bezel finishes. As implied in its name, the smart EVO can be controlled for colour, temperature and on/ off using Knightsbridge’s proprietary SmartKnight app. With all the choice of options available, the SpektroLED EVO offers 108 permutations from one downlight. SmartKnight is key to Knightsbridge’s growing range of controllable commercial, domestic, and outdoor products, represented in the Smart Home section of the catalogue. Beyond smart downlights, the company offers smart plugs, in- and outdoor sockets, PIR sensors, dimmers, lamps and controllers for LED strip lighting To read more on Knightsbridge, click here.

Next generation of home heating and cooling to be unveiled

Kensa Heat Pumps will unveil the next generation of home heating and cooling at an online launch on 29 February. Kensa will reveal its solution to help bring heat pumps to the masses, decarbonise current and future homes and create green jobs. The launch will be presented by Kensa CEO, Tamsin Lishman, who will be joined by guest Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee. Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa Heat Pumps, says, “Mass adoption of heat pumps, including Ground Source Heat Pumps, will grow the economy, create green jobs and bring people out of fuel poverty. “We are about to embark upon the biggest transformation in home heating since the conversion to natural gas fifty years ago. We will show how the next generation of Ground Source Heat Pumps can provide millions with long-lasting clean, energy-efficient home heating and cooling.” Studies have shown installing more heat pumps will: Increase GDP by £6.8bn by 2030 Avoid £2.5bn (£1,100 per home) in gas costs. Networked ground source heat pumps can be almost 20% cheaper (£290/year) to install and operate than air source heat pumps (ASHP) on an annual basis Research also shows mass heat pump adoption improves people’s health and could save the NHS £1.4bn per year: 6.5 million homes are estimated to be in fuel poverty 17,000 premature deaths linked to air pollution annually ⅓ UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heat With the Future Homes Standard set to effectively ban installations of gas boilers in newly built homes from 2025, ground-source heat pumps are expected to be an essential solution for the Government to meet its target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028 and propel the UK to net zero. To read more on Kensa Heat Pumps, click here. [video width="1080" height="1080" mp4="https://electricalcontractingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/nx-event-teaser-advert_53500427543.mp4"][/video]

Electrical Safety Roundtable ABA 2023 open for entries

The Electrical Safety Roundtable Above and Beyond Awards (ABA) for 2023 opened for entries on 30 October 2023 and the deadline for entries has been extended to 1 March 2024. The ABA, created by the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) Workplace group, aim to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond their legal duty and strive to enhance and improve electrical safety within the workplace. The awards are open to all individuals and organisations with a notable interest in electrical safety and will be judged on evidence from the past 24 months. The ABA provides an opportunity to share best practices and promote electrical safety, gain recognition, and provide clients and customers with confidence in products and services. Categories to enter include:  Product of the Year Paul Skyrme Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year  Changemaker of the Year  Derek Thompson Industry Service Award Commenting on the ABA, Paul Meenan, Chair of the ESR Workplace group, says, ‘’The ESR are extremely proud that these awards are ever expanding in their efforts to recognise excellence in electrical and product safety. The ABA are that opportunity for all in the industry to be publicly recognised as making the difference.’’ Charlotte Bamber, who joins us as a new judge this year, says, ‘‘I would encourage people to get involved, we can often be hesitant when it comes to shining a light on our achievements and successes. The ABA awards are so much more than simply winning an award. It’s important that we don’t just share the horror stories, but we celebrate achievements and learn from each other when something has been a success. The Above and Beyond Awards are the perfect way to do this - help gain the recognition that you or someone else deserves and remember that you could inspire or motivate others to improve electrical safety and save lives.’’     The Above and Beyond Awards are open for entries now and close on 1 March 2024, with winners announced in April.  To read more on ESR, click here.

NVC Lighting has launched a new catalogue for 2024

NVC Lighting has announced the launch of its new 2024 catalogue, featuring many high-performance and cost-effective LED commercial lighting solutions for several applications and sectors.   New products for 2024 include additions and enhancements to both NVC Lighting’s Core range, including everyday products with a five-year warranty, alongside its PRO range – high-performance solutions with impressive ratings and a seven-year warranty.    The new catalogue also features NVC Lighting’s new ‘LiFe’ portfolio – an emergency lighting range that is powered by LiFePO4 lithium battery technology and is available as manual, self-test and addressable test options.   The company is certified to ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001 and the recently approved ISO22301 and ISO50001. In addition, NVC Lighting is Carbon Neutral certified and recognised for Sustainability Excellence by EcoVadis. Making the company a sought-after option for lighting needs, says NVC Lighting.   Phil Brown, Product and Marketing Director at NVC Lighting says, “Our new catalogue for 2024 brings together all our products in one place, with key information tailored to the needs and requirements of our target audience.   “We’re looking forward to a really bright 2024 and this encapsulates what we are capable of right now and paves the way for what’s to come.”    To read more on NVC Lighting, click here.

Carl Kammerling launches ‘Fusion’ promotion for 2024

Carl Kammerling International (CKI), the home of C.K Tools, has launched its Fusion promotion for 2024, offering several deals. Live from 1 February until 31 May 2024, the Fusion promotion will run across independent and chain wholesalers across the country. The company claims that customers will have access to the best tools for the job, at a fantastic price. The promotion will see over 350 discounted products across the full CKI brand portfolio including C.K Tools, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Avit and Kasp Security, with discounts of up to 65% on offer Rhiannon Wyn Thompson, Trade Marketing Executive at CKI, says, “With more than 200 years of heritage in the trade, we understand how important it is for our customers to invest in quality, durable tools – at a great price. “It’s never been easier for savvy electrical and industrial trade customers to shop smarter by taking advantage of the fantastic savings available across the bestselling ranges CKI is known for. To read more about Carl Kammerling, click here.

Lee Valley and Luceco collaborate on new reopening

The Lee Valley Ice Centre reopened in June 2023 following a £30 million investment from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and with support from the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It now boasts Callisto, the flagship luminaire from Luceco. Lee Valley, a venue in south-east England offering dual Olympic-sized ice rinks, a fully equipped gym and dynamic fitness studios, now boasts a complete lighting solution from Luceco. The company’s Dimmable Callisto illuminates the venue’s ice rinks with LuxPack, Climate Extra, Platinum, Contour, Celeste, LuxPanel and emergency lighting. Callisto, a contemporary linear LED surface-mounted luminaire, offers over 100,000 hours of maintenance-free, operational life and provides an efficacy of 135Llm/cW, with lumen output variants ranging from 11,000lm up to 32,000lm. It benefits from IK10-rating so it can be used in semi-industrial applications, as well as recreational and sports facilities, offering wide and narrow optical light distribution.  The gym at Lee Valley, with the studios, is lit with a combination of recessed 600 x 600 LuxPanels and contemporary suspended Contour luminaires with the entrance hall displaying Platinum Downlighters.  As with Callisto, these luminaires are available as a fixed output, DALI dimmable, emergency backup variants and Luceco’s Wireless Lighting Controls Platform. The venue’s auditoriums are illuminated with linear LuxPack, benefitting from quick slide-release tabs for fast and easy installation of the plug-and-play hinged LED diffuser. And stairs lit with Celeste, a stylish yet robust bulkhead luminaire providing a backlit halo effect ideal for stairwells and corridors, says Luceco. Luceco Project Manager, Ryan Taylor says, ‘’Front Five Building Services installed the luminaires, they requested a fit-for-purpose lighting solution that was energy efficient and in line with Lee Valley’s carbon footprint and sustainability requirements.  ‘’Cost-effective lighting was an essential element for this state-of-the-art leisure facility and Callisto was perfect for this environment.’’ To read more on Luceco, click here.

Victorian mansion to be transformed into a carbon-neutral venue

A Victorian mansion in Powys is being transformed into a sustainable events venue using a combination of renewable and low-carbon technologies, including a new Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) boiler working alongside an efficient Megaflo 1,000-litre cylinder. Work underway at Bronllys Hall, parts of which date back to the 16th and 18th centuries, will create 40 ensuite bedrooms and various entertainment areas. The Hughes Architects, the conservation architecture specialists managing the Bronllys project, teamed up with Suffolk-based Hounsfield Boilers to tackle the challenge.  The systems integrators for Bronllys Hall, working with a local plumbing company, have connected Hounsfield’s efficient UK HVO boiler technology to a thermal storage system provided by Baxi. Manufactured in the UK, the Megaflo 1,000-litre cylinder is insulated to achieve low heat losses, constructed of duplex stainless steel for longevity and is maintenance-free with no sacrificial anodes. Richard Whittington, Technical Sales Manager at Baxi, says, “The very low heat losses of our Megaflo hot water cylinders, their renowned quality and reduced carbon footprint dovetail perfectly with the carbon-neutral aims of this project as well as meeting the requirements for a long-term low-maintenance solution. We are extremely proud to be playing a part in this ground-breaking sustainable events venue which exemplifies UK innovation at its best.” Doug Hughes, Principal Architect and Managing Director of Mid Wales-based Hughes Architects says, ​​"Along with our other partners in this expansive project, Hounsfield’s technology and Oil4Wales’ logistics enable HVO heating to work at scale with high availability - another step in creating a fully sustainable historical building alongside our work with battery technology from Brill Power, whose battery management system will extend the lifespan of the building’s battery system. The batteries are charged by sustainable sources, with minimal reliance on renewable power from the grid. “HVO is a highly effective way to solve the difficult issue of decarbonising heating, with options to scale for the future and deliver on our collective commitment to sustainability. This approach not only gives incredible projects like this a competitive edge through delinking from carbon-intensive fossil fuels and their price swings but also adds further to its core eco credentials, aligning with the team’s sustainability targets." The team aims to complete the first stage of Bronllys Hall’s transformation into a carbon-neutral event venue by the end of 2024. In the process, Bronllys Hall is intended to become a showcase for UK homegrown cleantech innovation, giving confidence to commercial building owners and developers seeking to install renewable and sustainable integrated systems. This need has become more pressing now that the UK Government’s Energy Efficiency Standards, which came into force on 1 April, require all commercial buildings to be rated at Grade C or higher by 2027 and Grade B by 2030.  The Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill, currently being considered by Parliament, will require all residential properties to meet at least EPC C by 2035 where practical, cost-effective and affordable. Wales has also recently introduced recycling and sustainability targets, all of which the Bronllys Hall Team aim to deliver on, meet or exceed by the end of 2024. To read more on Baxi, click here

Domus Ventilation launches dMEV-NICO fan for newly built homes

Domus Ventilation has launched a new Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) fan, dMEV-NICO, to provide continuous background extract ventilation for newly built properties. Designed to remove waste and moist air from single wet rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, dMEV fans extract the waste air at low trickle or boost speeds, which, in the case of the new dMEV-NICO, is automatic thanks to a built-in monitoring device detecting an occupant's operation. For housebuilders, according to Domus Ventilation, dMEV-NICO provides a cost-effective extract solution built to achieve the ventilation rates set out in the latest edition of Part F and L Building Regulations. It also has a low life cycle and maintenance costs, is virtually silent operation and has a modern, unobtrusive aesthetic that makes it suitable for all styles of home, says Domus Ventilation. dMEV-NICO is suitable for wall, ceiling and window-mounting. Wall and in-room installation kits, which come with all the necessary parts to fit the fan – including ducting and grilles – make for a straightforward installation. Set-up and commissioning have also been made simple through the provision of digital control, ensuring greater accuracy. dMEV-NICO is listed on the SAP PCDB database and comes with a five-year warranty as standard. To read more on Domus Ventilation, click here.