Recolight celebrates a record membership growth

Recolight has announced that 15 companies joined the Recolight WEEE scheme in January 2024, and 12 of those transferred from other schemes. In 2023, a total of 20 companies joined Recolight.   Commenting on this record growth, Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, says, “The number of producers joining Recolight is a testament to our shared environmental credentials. At Recolight, we are committed to providing a comprehensive recycling and reuse service for the customers of our Members. Over the last three years, we have been working with the lighting industry to drive the transition to a circular economy and have been instrumental in making change. We are delighted to be recognised as more than just a compliance scheme.”  The 15 companies joining in 2024 are Anglepoise, Apollo Lighting, Coco Lighting, D.W. Windsor, ERCO Lighting, Future Designs, Holophane Europe, Light Projects, Lucent Lighting, Performance Lighting, RDF Lighting Power and Control, Shoplight, Silent Design, T.R. Ventures T/A Ultra LEDs, and Tridonic UK.  Recolight’s commitment to the circular economy and to protecting the environment are key drivers for its new members.  “Having been fortunate enough to attend a couple of Recolight’s workshops throughout 2023 and having also been invited to exhibit at Recolight’s Circular Lighting Live event this year, we felt that their dedication and drive surrounding circularity and sustainability was something that very much aligns to our own business philosophies. To us, it seemed too good an opportunity to let pass,'' says Glenn Hildyard, Director of Coco.  “Holophane are delighted to partner with Recolight for our WEEE Compliance in 2024. Both companies share some key values, including a clear commitment to sustainability and to the circular economy, which makes us a great fit. We look forward to working together with Recolight both for WEEE compliance and in wider sustainability initiatives through our EarthLIGHT program,'' says Dave Barnwell, Managing Director of Holophane.  Adrian Willis, Recolight Membership Development Manager, adds, “We are delighted that such important lighting brands have transferred their WEEE compliance to Recolight. 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for WEEE, with a major Government review and consultation. Recolight is working with Members to ensure that the needs of the lighting industry are fully represented.”  The Recolight WEEE scheme has 220 Producer Members, the largest number since Recolight was founded in 2007. 

MAGDUO – the Two-Wire fire alarm system from ESP

ESP’s MAGDUO Two-Wire fire alarm system is aimed at small to medium contractors, offering a highly flexible and adaptable system, saving them time and money on the installation process. Two-Wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology. Unlike conventional four-wired systems, where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits, MAGDUO utilises intelligent Two-Wire technology, allowing all devices to be wired on the same set of two-core zone cables back to the control panel - enabling it to use a single circuit per zone for detection and powering the sounders. This technology can reduce installation and material costs. In total, ESP’s MAGDUO range comprises 25 individual products including, two, four and eight-zone fire panels (available in a grey or black finish), as well as repeater panels – also in grey and black – with the four and eight-zone panels able to support up to eight repeater panels. A FlexiPoint detector is programmable to seven different modes including, smoke and heat detection. In addition, there are various sounders, strobes and call points in the range. With its adaptability, speed of installation and cost-effectiveness, MAGDUO provides an ideal fire alarm solution for small to medium-sized projects such as restaurants, retail outlets, schools, offices, apartments and hotels. See more from ESP here.

An extensive overview of Unicrimp’s Q-Crimp fixings range

Unicrimp offers a range of comprehensive cable accessories through its extensive portfolio of Q-Crimp products, incorporating over 19 different product categories, including a wide variety of suitable fixings. The range encompasses a variety of screws, nails, extra security and lightweight fixtures suited for a variety of interior and exterior applications. Part of the Q-Crimp fixings range are the durable Squarelock Woodscrews; ideal for hardwood, softwood, chipboard and fibreboards. They feature a square recess, allowing for greater rotation and a more positive fastening than conventional cross and slotted screws. The shank of the screw grips the wood and reduces the change of splitting. The Bright zinc-plated steel screws are available in a variety of sizes to cover all requirements – from 8 x ¾in to 10 x 3in. Developments also include the Catenary Wire, Jack Chains and associated accessory products. Catenary Wire is used to create an overhead catenary to support pipes, banners, cables and lighting. The Catenary Wire range comprises two lengths of 3mm galvanised steel wire rope (50m and 30m). Included in the Catenary accessories range are 3mm zinc electroplated steel wire rope grips; 3mm wire rope eyelets; M8 zinc plated strainer adjustable rigging screws; zinc electroplated steel wire hook wall plates; and zinc electroplated steel wire ring plates. Jack Chain is a flexible general-purpose chain used for various applications, including suspending luminaires and signage. Unicrimp’s steel Jack Chain is supplied in 10m lengths and includes 25mm hook plates. Also, part of the collection is the Grommet Strip Edge Trim Rolls, an essential piece of kit for consumer unit installation. The premium Grommet Strips are flexible, durable and designed to protect cables from sharp and abrasive metal edges. They come in black and in 3m and 5m lengths but can be cut to the required size. See more from Unicrimp here.

Experience ultimate flexibility with Click GridPro

The extensive GridPro range of interchangeable mounting plates and modules offers installers flexible modular grid solutions, allowing them to create multi-functional one to 24 gang plates which integrate with Scolmore’s vast Click wiring accessories range.   Unique to GridPro is the screw attachment feature, meaning no yoke is required for any modules when using one to four gang plates – the modules can be screwed directly onto the plates. This has the added benefit of allowing the installer to use standard back boxes. Additionally, all GridPro modules have a clipping feature for easy removal and assembly.     The GridPro plate can be utilised to perform multiple tasks with a combination of GridPro and New Media modules. All switch modules are 20A rated, making them ideal for domestic and commercial applications.     See more from Scolmore here.

Novus – a new dual voltage LED shaver light from Ovia

Ovia continues to expand its range of lighting solutions and the latest addition is Novus - a 7W LED Dual Voltage Shaver Light, joining the company’s growing domestic lighting category. The IP20-rated Novus is available in a white and chrome finish and offers a cool white 4000k colour temperature output with an impressive 450 lumen. It features a traditional design and is operated via a pull-cord switch. Ovia’s Novus Shaver Light is suitable for domestic and commercial use. See more from Ovia here.

Toolstation launches loyalty club offering 5% off all orders

Toolstation has announced the launch of a new loyalty programme, the Toolstation Club, offering customers who sign up 5% off all orders, alongside exclusive discounts, deals, and prize giveaways. The 5% offer is available to customers throughout the first month of their Toolstation Club membership, automatically applying the discount to all orders with no restrictions on basket size or price.  After the first month, customers spending £75 or more each month afterwards will continue to benefit from the 5% discount. Once they become a Toolstation Club member, they are also eligible for future prize draws, product deals, discounts and competitions throughout the year. The Toolstation Club, available to join online and through the Toolstation App, is designed to reward loyal trade and DIY customers regularly buying essential tools and accessories from its range of over 25,000 products. To celebrate the launch, Toolstation will host a huge giveaway for all members with over 8,000 prizes, including a £5,000 holiday, a Nintendo Switch, a night away for two, and vouchers for Just Eat, Greggs, Costa Coffee and more. The prize draw is live until 31 March 2024. To qualify, all members must spend over £25 in one transaction during this period. Customers can enter the draw multiple times by spending £25 or more in separate transactions on different days.  Chris Other, Customer Director at Toolstation, says, “As one of Britain’s fastest-growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies we see it as our duty to support tradespeople and DIYers with convenience and an accessible range of thousands of products. The Toolstation Club has been built to help strengthen our commitment to offering the best value possible to our customers.” See more from Toolstation here.

Mental health and silent discrimination in construction

Over 700 construction workers die by suicide per year in the UK - equivalent to two construction workers every working day. Mental health is a common struggle within the construction industry due to a range of factors, including long hours, straining work and financial issues. All these factors are exasperated in January when the festivities are over, money is tight, and we return to work. Colemans has investigated a range of aspects when it comes to mental health within the construction industry, including silent discrimination, which can be common due to the ‘banter’ typically occurring on site. Research shows that 21% of construction employees have experienced bullying in the last year, and almost three in 10 say the bullying was regarded as ‘banter’. There are some ways employers can help battle these issues, and support employees: Training and educating employees, including managers, on mental health and how to support those struggling. Implementing mental health procedures in the workplace, such as employee wellness programs, mental health first aiders, and check-in sessions. Mark Coleman, Chief Executive at Colemans, shared his own experiences when it comes to mental health, and how Colemans is implementing mental health education and procedures within their company. He says, “Having experienced difficulties with my own mental health, I know how difficult this complex issue is for any modern-day business to understand and get right. “For me and everyone here at Colemans, it started with cultural changes based around education, openness and understanding where it is necessary to have team members who are empathetic with high levels of emotional intelligence. We are working hard to change our own organisation’s attitudes and behaviours, even now after 10 years we are not there yet and I suppose we will never be perfect, making mistakes along the way. But as long as the culture, attitudes and behaviours are corrected as we go on, we will learn from our mistakes. We will improve and therefore have a positive impact on our people well well-being.”

New Elucian REC Isolator Switch from Click Scolmore

Click Scolmore continues its expansion of the Elucian consumer unit range, providing electricians with the broadest range of units and protective devices catering to all installation requirements. The latest addition to Elucian is a new REC Isolator Switch, designed to make the connection of consumer unit tails to the electricity supply highly secure, easy and convenient.   In several regions of the UK, REC isolator units have become an integral component of the residential power supply setup. These units feature a front cover divided into two segments, allowing contractors and supply authorities to securely seal and lock off their respective ends, effectively thwarting unauthorised access. This arrangement enhances security and proves to be a time and cost-saving measure. Enabling the connection of the supply tails directly to the REC unit obviates the need for repetitive visits by contractors and supply authorities to establish the final connection, thereby streamlining the process.   Unlike most REC units without a lid, Click has kept the design of the Elucian version in line with the rest of the Elucian range. The lid is also compatible with CUELOCK, ensuring that there is no unauthorised access to the entire unit.    The lid can be propped open using the rotatable tab, allowing the removal of the split cover without being impeded.    The unit includes a 100A Mains switch and SPD module. It features 6 x 32mm knockouts and a 60mm x 60mm square knockout in the back, compatible with CUCEPS. It also has two-metre tail clamps securing cables coming and going from the main switch.

Unicrimp creates two new roles for sales team members

Unicrimp has created two new positions within the sales team to help drive growth across the product categories.     Promoted from their previous positions as Area Sales Managers, and taking up the new roles of Regional Sales Managers, are Damon Harrison – for the North region – and Joshua Richardson – for the South region.   They will be responsible for managing a rapidly expanding team, ensuring that all sales opportunities with existing and new customers are maximised and that the breadth of the growing range of Unicrimp products and solutions are promoted. They are also responsible for mentoring their team members as they develop in their roles.    Damon brings over 20 years of industry experience, having spent over 13 years as a Branch Manager for one of the industry’s wholesalers, and six years as a Unicrimp Area Sales Manager.   Heading up the sales team for the South region, Josh comes to the new role with a wealth of experience at the electrical wholesaler level, where he began his career in the industry on the Graduate Scheme before progressing to an Account Manager level for several years.  He takes up the role of Regional Sales Manager South following almost three years as a Unicrimp Area Sales Manager.

Click lights up its Mode moulded wiring accessories range

Since it was first launched back in 2006, Scolmore’s Click Mode range of moulded wiring accessories has remained the company’s best-selling wiring accessories collection. Now, the comprehensive range consists of more than 160 individual product lines. However, it is always looking at ways to upgrade and enhance its products, and a new range of LED Indicator products has been designed, modernising the Click Mode offers. The range of Fused Connection Units, 20A Double Pole Switches, 50A Double Pole Switches and Key Lockable Sockets are all beneficiaries of this product upgrade.    The Click Mode moulded wiring accessories range was conceived and developed as a high-quality, flexible and modern solution for virtually any domestic wiring requirement. The smooth, contemporary lines of the accessory plate fit easily into traditional and contemporary designs, alike, and the modular design allows installers flexibility in creating dedicated wiring solutions to deal with specific wiring needs.    All Mode products are manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which has similar inherent properties to antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of infectious diseases. All products independently tested achieved a 99.99% kill-off rate across all four types of the strains of bacteria - MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella Pneumonia and enveloped viruses. Mode plates have been independently tested and are shown to have anti-viral properties against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.     Contractors have the additional reassurance that all Scolmore BS1363 products – in particular socket outlets – are third-party approved and bear the BSI Kitemark logo.