RAW Charging opens new ultra-rapid EV hub in Dagenham

Electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator RAW Charging has opened its latest and largest ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Merrielands Retail Park in Dagenham, in partnership with Aviva Investors. The new eight-bay facility, located at Merrielands Crescent, features six bays offering up to 150 kW DC charging and two bays delivering up to 300 kW DC. Drivers will be able to charge for free for one week following the launch, starting on Friday 17 November. Positioned at one of Dagenham’s busiest retail parks, the hub offers drivers access to fast charging while visiting outlets such as TK Maxx, B&M, PureGym, Argos, and Aldi. The site supports contactless payment options and has been designed for flexibility and ease of use. RAW Charging says this project marks a milestone in its partnership with Aviva Investors, expanding public EV charging across Aviva’s retail property portfolio. Additional ultra-rapid hubs are currently in development across the UK. Expanding EV infrastructure at high-traffic retail destinations Working with major commercial property owners, RAW Charging manages the full lifecycle of each installation, from planning and grid connection to operation and maintenance. This approach, the company believes, helps property landlords repurpose under-utilised assets while supporting sustainability and ESG commitments. With the number of EVs registered in Barking & Dagenham continuing to grow, the new hub represents another local investment in charging infrastructure. It aims to support the area’s transition to zero-emission travel and to provide residents, commuters, and shoppers with greater access to charging options. Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, says, “We’re excited to power up our latest ultra-rapid hub with Aviva Investors at Merrielands Retail Park. "This is exactly the kind of high-demand destination where fast, reliable charging makes a real difference for drivers and for landlords. "By turning existing retail assets into charging hubs, we’re creating convenient [...] places to visit and unlocking tangible value for property owners.” Andrew Coles, Asset Manager at Aviva Investors, adds, “We are delighted to see the new ultra-rapid charging hub at Merrielands Retail Park go live in partnership with RAW Charging. "As demand for electric vehicles in the local area continues to grow, it’s vital that our retail destinations offer the infrastructure and convenience that drivers need. "We look forward to continuing our work with RAW Charging to deliver more projects like this across our portfolio, driving meaningful progress towards net zero and creating long-term value for our communities.”

Marshall-Tufflex supplies trunking to apprentice centre

Marshall-Tufflex, a UK manufacturer of cable management products, has supplied its Sterling Curve Dado trunking to Darke & Taylor’s new apprentice training centre, Elevate, based in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire. Darke & Taylor is a specialist mechanical and electrical contractor delivering projects across commercial, education, residential, public sector, and retail. Its new facility, just opened in October 2025, is designed as a practical workshop to provide hands-on training for the next generation of electrical and engineering apprentices. Sterling Curve Dado is, according to the company, one of Marshall-Tufflex’s best-selling trunking systems, offering high cable capacity, smooth curved aesthetics, and Cat 7a compliancy. The product is also manufactured using 55% recycled content. A contribution to learning Desiring to support the development of future electricians, Marshall-Tufflex supplied its Sterling Curve Dado to equip the centre. The system was chosen for its reported reliability and design benefits, with sustainability considered an added advantage that aligns with Darke & Taylor’s own environmental commitments. Mark Swadling, Contracts Director at Darke & Taylor, comments, “We chose Marshall-Tufflex not only for the quality of their products, but also for the availability of spares, the ongoing evolution of design, and their wider industry innovation. "As a British manufacturer, they set a benchmark for reliability and forward thinking in our sector.” Adrian Murphy, Area Sales Manager at Marshall-Tufflex, adds, “We are proud to play a part in supporting training and skills development for the next generation of electricians entering the industry.” For more from Marshall-Tufflex, click here.

NAPIT welcomes new electrical safety requirements

NAPIT, a company developing green skills and compliance, says it welcomes the new legislation requiring social landlords to inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years. New electrical safety requirements will bring the social housing sector in England in line with existing requirements for electrical safety standards in the private rented sector. The new electrical safety regulations have taken effect this November for new tenancies, whilst for existing tenancies, these changes will come into force in May 2026. Social landlords must: • Make sure the electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at an interval of at least every five years (or a shorter period if specified) • Obtain an EICR from the person conducting the inspection, which shows the results and sets the date for the next inspection • Provide a copy of this report to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection being carried out, and to any new tenant before they occupy the property • Complete any remedial or further investigative work identified on the EICR as C1, C2, or FI within 28 days (or a shorter period if specified) It also requires social landlords to inspect and test (PAT Testing) any electrical appliance they provide as part of a tenancy. Addressing housing hazards On 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law came into force. It requires social landlords to address all emergency hazards and all damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timeframes. In 2026, these regulations will be extended to include other hazards. The hazards include fire and electrical hazards, excess cold and excess heat, structural collapse, and explosions. Frank Bertie, NAPIT Managing Director, comments, “This marks a significant time in enhancing safety within the social housing sector. "NAPIT have spent a considerable amount of time campaigning for electrical inspection and tests to be carried out by a competent and qualified electrical inspector at least once every 5 years in the social rented sector, and is pleased to see these requirements come into force. “We will continue to promote electrical safety and support campaigns to educate tenants on the importance of electrical safety.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

Contactum’s new era: A tour of innovation and sustainability

Hot off the heels of the company’s successful appearance at Screwfix Live, Simon Rowley, Group Editor of ECN, travelled up to Dunstable to meet with Contactum - one of the UK’s most comprehensive suppliers of electrical innovations - at its brand-new headquarters. Part of the Saudi Arabian alfanar Group since 2009, Contactum – which has roots dating back to its humble beginnings in 1936 – recently went through a significant relocation, which saw the company transition from its previous Watford site over to the new, larger, and more modern location in Dunstable, positioned just off the M1 for quick transport links. Selling a wide range of wiring accessories and circuit protection products since its founding nearly 90 years ago, the fundamentals of the company’s product range remain the same – but with backing from a bigger business such as alfanar, the company is scaling new heights and delivering more so than ever before. Touring the new headquarters Upon arriving at the new headquarters, it’s clear to see just how modern, clean, and spacious Contactum’s new home is, and after a tour of the upstairs areas – which houses a series of impressive meeting rooms and breakout areas – I then had the opportunity to look around the warehouse downstairs, which is hugely impressive and has been carefully laid out to maximise efficiency and processes. The site, which is around three times the size of Contactum’s previous location in Watford, was literally a shell when the company took it over; but in fairly rapid order, the company fitted it out from scratch and has managed to condense its previous warehouses down to just one new facility. Following the acquisition of the building last year, it took just 16 weeks for Contactum to have the site up and running, and the company even managed to maintain all key staff members in the process. The company’s previous site was a total of 15,000square foot, whereas the new location has a meaty 40,000square foot in comparison – with still a significant amount of unused space and room for expansion and manoeuvre. Further amplifying this, the previous location could accommodate 900 pallets, whereas the new Dunstable site can fit 3,400, which speaks volumes as to the sheer scale of this shiny new location for the company. With an impressive 3,200 pallet positions on site, and two distinct departments – goods in, and goods out – it was immediately noticeable how tidy, clean and well organised the new facility is. Some 1,500 products are being moved daily and distributed across the UK and Northern Ireland, in an extremely efficient manner. The company is now set up for the next 10 years and has ample space to house and distribute their products – so long as product portfolio doesn’t expand too much, we’re told. But the infrastructure is set up for growth, and the facility is future-proofed to double turnover. On the day of our visit, only a third or so of the loading bays were in use, there are many more available that they can use if need be – once again demonstrating the room for growth in the coming years. Environmental credentials The company is particularly proud of its environmentally friendly processes across its supply chain, which staff from board level and down are always striving to improve. For instance, in terms of packing and packaging, the company now wraps its packages in shredded, repurposed cardboard, and – importantly – the bubble wrap, which can be so damaging to the environment, is now gone. These, among many other examples, are quantifiable changes that have helped the company achieve accreditations as a result – not least the prestigious EcoVadis Silver Medal which cements the company’s sustainability efforts and credentials. Contactum started this focus on packaging six or seven years ago, and many of its customers, including the big nationwide wholesalers and distributors, are very keen on sustainability initiatives such as these. Here’s a round-up of some of Contactum’s many initiatives in this area: • Paper packaging tape only, no plastic • Waste streams are all segregated (such as metal, plastic, and WEEE items) • Strict recycling processes in tandem with the company’s partners (resulting in absolutely everything being recycled, with nothing in landfills) • ISO 14001 recognised due to the way it handles its environmental responsibilities • A continuous improvement programme EcoVadis achievement As mentioned above, earlier this year Contactum achieved the Ecovadis Silver Medal, highlighting its green credentials. Ecovadis is an independent sustainability assessment platform, helping companies to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of their ethical and green practices across business operations and their supply chain. The EcoVadis methodology is based on international sustainability standards, and is supervised by a scientific committee of sustainability and supply chain experts to ensure reliable third-party sustainability assessments. Only 15% of businesses reach the Silver Medal award level, putting Contactum among the top performers for sustainable business. With over 150,000 companies having been assessed via the EcoVadis platform, Contactum states that this is a significant achievement. It was also the first time that Contactum had undergone the assessment, and the award was therefore based upon its long-standing business practices. It also highlights that Contactum was already operating at the required level without any prior guidance on areas for improvement from EcoVadis. EcoVadis measures four different pillars for sustainability – Environmental, Ethical, Labour & Human Rights and Sustainable Procurement. Under each of these areas, there are seven pillars and 21 evidence-based principles that every company undertaking the process is assessed on. Through this robust and comprehensive evaluation, EcoVadis allows for a more in-depth assessment than alternative schemes, which often focus on policies rather than practices. EcoVadis places 25% of the emphasis on policies, with the remaining split between 40% on actions and 35% on results, ensuring a real testament to award organisations who are putting into action what they state in their CSR commitments. Bespoke assembly areas In addition to the off-the-shelf products being shipped to customers from the warehouse, the new Contactum facility also has its own internal assembly area, whereby Contactum specialists can bolt on value added services and build customised innovations – such as distribution boards and wire sets – that are fully formed, and which customers can use right out of the box upon arrival. This bespoke customisation includes different configurations of devices, on the basis that clients may want things fitted in a certain way, and it means having less loose gear on site for the customer too – as there’s nothing for them to have to build themselves – which is also better from a security point of view. Further adding to this customisation, Contactum can also pre-label devices (so that the customer knows exactly what to do with it upon its arrival), pack certain devices together, and even stack pallets in the order in which they’re to be used – all of which is real attention to detail that helps generate good relationships with the installers too, not just distributors. This is undoubtedly one of Contactum’s many unique selling points. At present, around 90% of products leaving Contactum’s distribution centre are ‘off the shelf’, with the remaining 10% being the special, customised orders being pieced together in the Factory Built Assembly area. However, the company expects this 10% figure to double to 20% in the coming years, as this customisable element is deemed a big focus for Contactum, and something that’s of big value to the company likewise. Furthermore, the company has also given a lot of thought to its staff, who are trained to work on every area of the shop floor. Depending on which projects are coming in, and what the priority is on any given day, the staff can turn their hand accordingly, and have a full working knowledge of every area of the facility and business. Looking ahead Speaking during our walk around the new facility, Nigel Birch, Sales Director, reported that, “We are pleased with how the new building has turned out” – and having had the pleasure of looking around each and every area in this new HQ, it’s clear to see why. Contactum is also sponsoring the Drinks Reception at this year’s ECN Awards on 27 November 2025. The company tells us it is delighted to be sponsoring the reception and is excited to network with industry peers and make new connections. Sponsoring awards that celebrate the best of the electrical contracting industry aligns with Contactum’s values – supporting industry professionals and celebrating one another’s success and growth. Both Contactum and ECN look forward to seeing you there! For more from Contactum, click here.

ESP launches Espire Alarm Finder tool

ESP, a UK fire and security product specialist and part of the Scolmore Group, has introduced the Espire Alarm Finder, an online tool designed to help homeowners, landlords, and businesses select the most suitable smoke, heat, or carbon monoxide alarms for their properties. Available on the Espire website, the tool offers tailored recommendations based on current fire safety regulations and individual property requirements. Simplifying alarm selection for safety and compliance Fire safety remains a key responsibility for property owners, yet many are unsure which types of alarms they need. ESP says the Espire Alarm Finder aims to simplify this process. By answering a short series of guided questions, users receive personalised recommendations and practical advice on alarm placement to ensure regulatory compliance and effective coverage. The tool begins by identifying the property’s location - England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Ireland - to ensure that users are shown only the standards and regulations relevant to their region. It then gathers key information, such as: • Property type and size, including garages or loft conversions • Hazards to be monitored, such as smoke, heat, or carbon monoxide • The required system grade • Power connection preferences • Optional features, including RF-Link interconnection and a Remote-Control Switch The RF-Link feature allows alarms to communicate with one another, creating a connected safety system, while the Remote-Control Switch simplifies testing and locating alarms. Both features align with the British Standard BS 5839-6:2019 and building regulations, which recommend including an alarm controller as part of a domestic fire alarm system. Once all questions are completed, users can request tailored documentation and receive recommendations suited to their property’s layout and risk profile. Supporting a complete range of fire and CO alarms The Espire range from ESP includes smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms for Grade D1, Grade D2, and Grade F1 installations. The range offers several design features aimed at long-term reliability, including an auto-dimming power LED, stainless steel insect mesh barrier, and 24-hour memory function. Additional features include RF-Link connectivity, a lock-in base, and a responsive thermistor, supporting safety and convenience across residential and commercial environments. For more from ESP, click here.

Unicrimp unveils new Squarelock 6” Woodscrew Bit

Unicrimp, a UK manufacturer of cable accessories and electrical fittings, and part of the Scolmore Group, has unveiled the latest addition to its Q-Crimp fixings range: the Squarelock 6” Woodscrew Drill Bit, an essential tool for electrical contractors and installers working with SQ2 square-drive fasteners. Engineered for maximum performance, the Squarelock Woodscrew Bit ensures a snug, secure fit, offering unparalleled torque, reach, and reliability for even the toughest installations. Key features • Six-inch length perfect for tight or recessed spaces where conventional bits can’t reach • Precision-cut SQ2 square tip engineered for a snug, accurate fit to reduce cam-out and minimise screw stripping • Locking design that provides a secure grip within the drill or driver, reducing wobble and enhancing stability • Made from durable carbon steel (1018A) featuring a shock-resistant SQ2 tip, built to withstand repeated heavy-duty use • Power-tool-compatible, standard 1/4” hex shank ensures easy compatibility with most power drills and drivers Whether you're installing cabinetry, framing, or securing decking, the Squarelock 6” Woodscrew Drill Bit ensures smooth, confident fastening. Additionally, the Squarelock Woodscrew Bit is packaged individually in eco-friendly green paper packaging, reflecting Unicrimp’s commitment to sustainability while delivering exceptional value. For more information, visit Unicrimp’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

9,600 apprenticeship shortfall threatens UK electrical sector

Reports are suggesting the talent shortage in UK trade sectors is getting worse. While job demand surges across the electrical sector, the apprenticeship system that should be feeding these trades is failing to deliver, according to new data. The Apprenticeship Gap Report found that the electrical trade faces the most severe deficit across all sectors analysed, with a 227:1 ratio representing a gap of just over 9,600 unfilled positions. The research, conducted by power tool accessories specialist DART Tool Group, analysed data from the Department for Education, the Office of National Statistics (ONS), and job board site Reed across six UK trade sectors, revealing where the skills crisis is most severe, why training pathways are under strain, and what strategic actions employers can take to strengthen their future workforce. What the data shows Across all trades analysed, there are just 809 apprenticeship openings to fill over 86,000 current job vacancies, a ratio of 106 jobs competing for every single apprenticeship place. Hardest hit within the electrical sector are in Electrical Building Services, with 281 job openings for every one apprentice that qualifies. Although apprenticeship starts have grown 35% since 2021/2022, low completion rates of just 26% in the past year mean the surge in interest has not yet converted into the skilled workforce needed, leaving a persistent gap between demand and supply. A similar pattern follows Electrical Engineering roles, which had 256 vacancies per apprentice completer, and starts declining year-on-year by 33%. However, completion rates are somewhat higher, with 50% of apprentices completing their programmes in the last year. Installation & Maintenance Electricians face a smaller deficit at 77:1, but starts have declined year-on-year by 11% and completion rates for the 2024/2025 intake remain modest at 39%. While broadly defined Electrician positions have fewer jobs per apprentice opening (63:1), starts overall have dropped 16% year-on-year, coupled with persistently low completion rates. Combined, this indicates the trade is persistently facing limited interest and uptake, which may threaten the skilled pipeline. Not meeting demand This comes as the UK’s industrial and commercial electricity demand is forecast to rise by around 10% between 2024 and 2030, yet the electrical workforce has already shrunk by 26% since 2018 - with projections indicating a further fall of up to 32% by 2038. Fewer than a third of apprentices complete their programmes, suggesting an inefficient and costly training pipeline. Within the electrical industry, the report’s data shows that less than two in five (38%) apprentices completed their programmes on average in 2024/2025, a notable drop from the 53% that completed the previous year. However, the exceptionally high completion rate in 2022/2023 for the electrical sector, likely driven by rising demand to support the net zero transition, shows that targeted demand can boost retention. Ryan Paterson, Managing Director at DART Tool Group, says, “The findings from our Apprenticeship Gap Report have demonstrated that, with a stronger, more effective apprenticeship system and active encouragement and promotion of trade industry jobs, the risk of a widening skills gap can be reduced. “The UK’s electrical sector is facing some of the toughest shortages in recent years, with our data finding a deficit of 227:1. "By partnering with local colleges, addressing misconceptions about trade roles, and providing flexible on-site learning, businesses can gradually fill the positions needed to meet the ambitious housebuilding targets. “Bridging the labour market gap demands smarter workforce planning, better training frameworks, and professional-grade site tools that enable apprentices to complete their programmes, master technical skills, and build a stronger and more confident workforce without delaying projects further.” Methodology Using the Department for Education’s official statistics for 2021/2022 to 2024/2025, DART Tool Group examined apprenticeship starts, enrolments, and achievements across Construction, Planning and the Built Environment, and Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies sectors. Live apprenticeship openings were captured from official government portals across regions, analysing a total of 809 apprenticeship roles. Job vacancy data was sourced from Reed and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to calculate demand across each sector, highlighting the number of roles currently unfilled and regional variations in labour shortages.

Vent-Axia joins panel discussing air quality in the workplace

Ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia, is taking part in the BESA Ventil8 Day Exchange today (6 November) at The Building Centre, London, to support World Ventil8 Day. The BESA Ventil8 Day Exchange aims to bring together engineers, contractors, consultant housing professionals and anyone with an interest in healthier buildings to promote and facilitate collaboration between academia, industry and regulatory bodies. Louise McHugh, Commercial and Industrial Product Manager at Vent-Axia, will join the ‘Healthy air in energy-efficient workplaces: the future of indoor air quality in commercial buildings’ panel debate. The discussion is running from 3.15pm to 4pm and will conclude the commercial ventilation session at the event. Louise will be joined by three other industry experts and together they will explore how to create healthy and energy-efficient workplaces. They will also discuss how indoor air quality (IAQ) guidelines are evolving and what it means for offices, schools, and other commercial buildings. Progress towards achieving World Health Organisation air quality targets will also be tackled alongside the latest modelling insights, low-energy design approaches and how ventilation strategies can deliver both clean air and energy savings. The BESA Ventil8 Day Exchange promises to be a day packed with new ideas, knowledgeable discussion and practical solutions around ventilation and indoor air quality. The event supports this year’s World Ventil8 Day theme, ‘Collaborate to Ventilate’. World Ventil8 Day itself takes place on 8 November and aims to raise awareness of the importance of ventilation as a crucial part of enabling health and wellbeing of people. Louise McHugh comments, “Vent-Axia has supported World Ventil8 Day from its inception, and this year we are delighted to be taking part in the BESA Ventil8 Day Exchange. I am very much looking forward to discussing the challenges, opportunities and solutions for commercial ventilation as part of the debate panel. “At Vent-Axia we are committed to improving IAQ and delivering healthy, energy-efficient workspaces. Our Sentinel Apex MVHR range exemplifies this commitment, maximising energy efficiency and performance for low-carbon design, while providing excellent IAQ, ultra-low sound levels, and thermal comfort. It has also achieved Passivhaus accreditation, making it the ideal product for customers who require the very best low-carbon heat recovery systems for their commercial buildings.” The Passivhaus Certified and multi-award-winning Sentinel Apex commercial Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range has a class-leading performance number of ≥ 11.5, making it ideal for low and zero-carbon buildings. Offering both wired and wireless sensors and controls, as well as the option of demand-controlled ventilation, constant pressure, or constant volume, users have full control over their indoor environment. Meanwhile, the Sentinel Apex MVHR offers free cooling through an Intelligent Summer Bypass to mitigate temperatures in warmer months, and features ePM10 50% extract and ePM1 55% supply filters (M5/F7 equivalent) as standard to provide excellent IAQ. The units also include internal frost protection pre-heaters, achieving the best thermal comfort possible at all times. The Sentinel Apex range achieves the holy grail by delivering the highest level of IAQ and thermal comfort with the lowest energy and noise levels. Units in the range offer up to 93% heat recovery efficiency alongside ultra-low sound levels and extremely low specific fan power (SFP), resulting in a significant performance improvement compared to previous commercial heat recovery units. Designed to have a low embodied carbon footprint, Vent-Axia has used the CIBSE TM65 data collection methodology to collect accurate, detailed embodied carbon information for the Apex, working from a component level up. This methodology ensures data is comprehensive, accurate, reliable and up-to-date, making it easier for specifiers to focus on designing low carbon sustainable buildings. UK-manufactured the supply chain involved is as short as possible, it is completely serviceable and maintainable and all components can be removed and replaced if necessary. Apex’s end of life has also been considered ensuring it can be easily re-purposed or recycled, further enhancing its lifecycle credentials. To find out more about the BESA Ventil8 Day Exchange event and panel discussion, click here. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Unqualified electricians continue to pose risks, SELECT says

Unqualified electricians in Scotland pose a significant threat to public safety, the head of Scotland’s largest construction trade association has warned. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of campaigning electrical trade body SELECT, voiced his concerns in a new podcast during which he also reinforced the urgent need for the regulation of the electrical sector in the country. Speaking to architect Kenneth Martin on Hard Hat Talks, Alan said that as many as 13% of fires in the home could be traced back to poor electrical work, though accurate statistics were hard to come by. He also highlighted that although professions like doctors, nurses and even farriers and door staff were tightly regulated, there is no such requirement for electricians – meaning anyone can set themselves up as an apparent expert, risking public safety. Alan noted, “These kind of people tend to be the kind who will turn up at your house in a van that says ‘Plumber, Electrician, Decorator, Joiner, Roofer’ on the side – and then one person gets out. That's who they tend to be. “What they tend to do is small scale electrical work, where they'll maybe connect bits of wiring. If they're doing kitchen work, they'll maybe connect up lights or cookers. “But, as we all know, things move on and electrical installation is becoming ever more complex. The Wiring Regulations, which lay down the requirements for electricians, are currently being updated, with the latest version due to be issued next year. “So, every year that goes by, working practices change. Therefore, if the person maybe did have some kind of knowledge back in, say, the year 2000, then 25 years later, the landscape is completely different.” Kenneth Martin, Managing Director of Block Architects, added, “Frankly, it's surprising that in 2025, when we’re designing £50,000 kitchens and whole-house renewable systems, anyone can call themselves an electrician. As architects, we carry a huge burden of liability, but when the very safety of a family in their new home depends on unqualified work, that is a failure of the system. Alan's fight for regulation is not just about protecting a trade; it's about protecting the public.” Alan Wilson said that SELECT was continuing its push for regulation and that, while it had been successful in garnering cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament, it was now trying to embed the promise of regulation into party manifestos ahead of next year’s elections. Alan noted, “Whenever we speak to politicians and explain to them that it's an unregulated profession, they throw up their hands in horror and say, ‘Oh, we can't believe that. How has that not happened?’ And in turn WE throw our hands up and say, ‘Well make it happen – YOU have the power to do something.’ “The opportunity is there because we’re now looking at the ongoing electrification of society. It’s so important that the products put into our homes that we use on a day-to-day basis are installed safely by people who are properly trained and who know what they're doing.” Alan said that the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the managing agent for electrical installation apprenticeships in Scotland, saw 19,000 people undertake its aptitude test between January and July this year. However, the number of apprentices taken on by firms in Scotland averages between 850 and 900 annually, partly because Alan said the smaller businesses who take on the majority of apprentices are not being given enough government support. He said, “I don’t think anyone who recruits an apprentice does so on a planned return on investment basis. Employers invest huge amounts of time and money when you consider everything that they put in, in terms of their on-the-job training, their time, paying for the time the students are at college, wages, holidays and so on.” Alan also used the podcast to stress that the construction industry is an enabling sector, which relies on clear, consistent policy direction from the government regarding initiatives like renewables. He said policy changes, or withdrawal of funding, make it impossible for micro-businesses to commit to vital, time-consuming training, such as a five-day course for battery storage. Both Alan and host Kenneth agreed that the sluggishness of the planning system is also a problem that sends ripples across the entire construction sector and that fixing planning would be the single most impactful action the government could take. The SELECT MD also said that the most important change needed in the industry is prompt payment and getting money flowing from large clients, and even domestic customers, to small businesses. Alan said this capital is what allows SMEs to pay staff, circulate money locally and, crucially, fund apprentice training, and that he supported a move toward trust accounts for retention money, rather than outright prohibition. Listen to new podcast here or watch here. For more from SELECT, click here.

CU Phosco unveils updated floodlight for high mast lighting

UK exterior lighting manufacturer CU Phosco has announced the latest update to its FL820 floodlight, designed for demanding high mast lighting applications across airports, ports, and sports facilities. CU Phosco says the enhanced FL820 builds on the performance of its LED floodlighting range, offering increased power, efficiency, and flexibility for large-scale area lighting projects. Key updates include: • Extended range optics, delivering improved light distribution and coverage • Onboard drivers for simplified installation and maintenance • Enhanced light output, with a 14% increase in performance • Higher power capacity, now available up to 1800W • Available in single, twin, or triple module configurations, powered by Chip Scale Package (CSP) LEDs An update of a classic The FL820 complies with ETL guidelines for White Light Emitting Diode Lighting Units and is eligible for the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme. It is also UL accredited, with an operating temperature range from -40°C to +50°C, aiming to ensure reliable performance in tough conditions. Paul Carter, Technical Manager at CU Phosco, comments, “CU Phosco has a long history of delivering high-performance lighting solutions for major infrastructure. “The updated FL820 demonstrates our commitment to continuous innovation, providing our clients with greater power, efficiency, and flexibility to meet the challenges of modern high mast lighting.” CU Phosco says that, as a member of the DALI Alliance Community, it continues to design with compatibility and control in mind, ensuring its floodlights integrate into advanced lighting networks. For more from CU Phosco, click here.