Q&A with lighting expert Dr Shelley James

In this month’s interview, ECN is speaking with Dr Shelley James of Age of Lighting Innovations, a renowned lighting consultant, TEDx speaker, educator, and advocate for healthier, high-performing environments through the science of light: ECN: Hi Shelley! To start with, could you describe your beginnings in the electrical sector, along with details of what motivated you to create Age of Light Innovations and champion healthier lighting? Shelley: My route into the electrical sector has been a bit unconventional. Following a career first in corporate design, a cycling accident that triggered extreme sensitivity to light forced me to learn how light affects my brain first hand - discoveries that sparked a complete change of direction. I went back to art school, set up a residency at the Bristol Eye Hospital, and was accepted to take a PhD at the Royal College of Art, working with print in glass to study optical illusions. Preparing for an installation at the Saatchi gallery, I struggled to find anyone to advise me on the lights, so I decided to take basic City and Guilds qualifications to become an electrician myself. I set up a light library and advisory service so that others wouldn't have to face the same hassle and expense. However, I had to close that down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Realising that few people understood just how much light matters for mental and physical health, I launched a social media campaign for my teenage nieces that went viral. Encouraged by that response, I set up Age of Light Innovations over five years ago now. ECN: Lighting has historically been about illumination and energy savings, but much of your work focuses on the biological effects of lighting. What's the primary message you're seeking to deliver? Shelley: The primary message is that specifying lighting for your biology really isn't rocket science and it doesn't need to cost the earth. We just need to go back to basics. Every system in your body and brain is optimised for a regular cycle of bright days and dark nights. Huge biobank studies show that the people who follow that simple rule of thumb are healthier and happier, do better at school and at work, and cope more easily with the symptoms of chronic and degenerative diseases like diabetes and dementia. Anyone who's been on holiday and spent more time outside knows first hand just how much better they sleep at night. But you can't always be on holiday - and you can't always be outside. We now know enough about the 'active' ingredients to be able to engineer light sources to deliver the right light at the right time. That approach may need higher brightness at some times of day, but you can actually save energy over time. Given that you're specifying lighting anyway, you might as well do it right. ECN: How do you respond to sceptics who see human-centric lighting as a “nice-to-have”, rather than an essential? Shelley: I suppose you have to ask: if it's not for humans, who else is it for? But seriously, you don't need super-sophisticated lighting everywhere; if you focus the investment where it will have the greatest impact, the marginal cost is small, but the gain in terms of client experience and satisfaction - and environmental performance over time - can be the difference between repeat business and referrals or someone going elsewhere. ECN: With the rise of smart buildings and IoT, what role do you see electrical contractors playing in delivering truly responsive, human-centric lighting? And what are some of the challenges contractors face when it comes to these types of projects? Shelley: Electrical contractors are absolutely central to the successful delivery of truly human-centric schemes. Designers can create concepts on paper, but making it happen on the ground is where the real magic - and value - lies. In my experience, electrical contractors are often keen to learn about human-centric lighting, but contracts are written to minimise risk and ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget, so they're reluctant to try anything new. I've also seen that some contractors may lack the skills or confidence to make the shift from wiring to programming, through which they could successfully navigate what this 'smart' world demands. ECN: How can contractors effectively collaborate with lighting designers and clients to move beyond basic compliance lighting and towards genuinely health-supportive installations? Are there common specification pitfalls to avoid? Shelley: The key to effective collaboration - and to avoid the frustration and 'crossed wires' I often see - is open communication and respect for each other's perspective. Being clear about the creative and technical brief upfront, identifying potential pinch points and working them out together in good time, and seeing each project as a chance to build expertise and mutually profitable relationships for the future rather than a short-term drive for the bottom line. The most common pitfall I see is where there is no provision for time or budget to test or adjust an installation once it goes 'live'. This critical stage can transform performance in environmental and human terms. ECN: What advice would you give to electrical contractors and their teams who want to upskill in this area? Are there specific training pathways or tools you’d recommend? Shelley: The LIA has an award-winning professional training platform, and I believe they have just introduced a controls module that may be of interest. ECN: Looking ahead, what innovations or policy changes in lighting do you anticipate will most impact the electrical contracting sector in the next three to five years? Shelley: We already have the new Part L requiring smart lighting controls and I think this will be a big driver for change. I'd love to see contractors using this as an opportunity to think more holistically about what (and more importantly whom) the lighting is for, to integrate with other building systems and simplify rather than simply add a layer of control to an existing legacy system. Growing awareness of the harm caused by artificial light at night is another trend that is likely to drive policy changes that affect electrical contractors working on agricultural, industrial, and transport infrastructure. ECN: If you could mandate one change in how the industry approaches lighting design and installation tomorrow, what would it be and why? Shelley: The one change I would mandate would be the requirement for lighting designers, installers, and manufacturers to spend a full day in the spaces they have delivered - and, better yet, bring their partner, parent, or child with them. ECN: What has been the most rewarding part of your work in relation to championing lighting and its impact on health and wellbeing? Shelley: Seeing the effects of changes in lighting infrastructure on real people. Seeing an older person who has been isolated in his bedroom coming into the lounge to chat. Overhearing a nurse telling a colleague how she just doesn't get headaches any more. ECN: Lastly, what do you most enjoy doing in your time away from work? Shelley: I swim in the sea every morning, all year round. I'm also training for a half marathon and live three doors away from a pub that has award-winning beer and live music or a DJ several times a week. This interview first appeared in the June 2026 edition of the Electrical Contracting News (ECN) magazine.

City Plumbing announced as ECN Awards sponsor

Following our recent announcements about this year's ECN Awards, ECN is excited to announce that City Plumbing is also an official sponsor of the ECN Awards 2026. While most famous for plumbing and heating, City Plumbing has rapidly expanded its electrical business, ElecStore - stocking everything from cable and consumer units to heating and ventilation. This sponsorship highlights the wholesaler's major commitment to supporting UK electrical contractors with everything they need for quality installations, from renewables to bathrooms and beyond. City Plumbing is delighted to be involved as: • The Official Drinks Reception Sponsor: Hosting the welcome drinks reception to kick off the night's celebrations. • HVAC Product of the Year Sponsor: Championing innovation, safety, and energy efficiency. City Plumbing has grown its in-branch electrical offering nationwide, combining top brands and 14,000 products, with the expertise to keep your jobs moving. The wholesaler is proud to be on board to celebrate the industry's best at this glittering event. You don't have to wait for awards night to check out the wholesaler's expanded electrical offering, and you can explore City Plumbing's range today. Visit your local branch or browse online today by clicking here. Entries for this year’s ECN Awards are now live, and you can submit your entries and find out more about the event by clicking here. For more from City Plumbing, click here.

JTL opens £1m Thames Valley training centre

Electrical training provider JTL has officially opened its new Thames Valley Training Centre following a £1 million investment aimed at expanding electrical apprenticeship training in the region. The facility was formally opened by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, who visited the centre to meet apprentices, employers, and industry representatives. The centre has been redeveloped to provide industry-standard training facilities, including a dedicated electrical workshop, End Point Assessment preparation areas, classrooms, and breakout spaces. JTL says the site has capacity to train around 200 apprentices each year. During the visit, the Skills Minister met apprentices preparing for their End Point Assessments and observed practical training activities. The visit also highlighted training programmes focused on emerging technologies, including solar and wind energy systems. Among those taking part was apprentice Freya Taylor, who recently received JTL's Regional Rising Star Award for the Western region. Local employers including Bojen Electrical, Haysham Electrical Contractors, Darke & Taylor, and Lowe and Oliver joined discussions focused on increasing apprenticeship recruitment among small and medium-sized businesses. New AM2 assessment facility expands testing capacity Alongside the training centre, JTL has opened a new eight-bay AM2 Assessment Centre following a further £250,000 investment. The organisation says the facility will help address assessment capacity challenges, with waiting times for an initial AM2 assessment reaching several months in some parts of the UK. The opening event was attended by representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Joint Industry Board, Kewtech, and JTL's leadership team, including Sir John Low. Jacqui Smith says, "Apprenticeships are central to our mission to grow the economy and equip people with the skills they need to succeed, and it was fantastic to meet the young apprentices at JTL's new Thames Valley training centre. "This is the kind of dynamic, hands-on environment which will help us produce the skilled workforce of the future - in this case, one which will help deliver our housing ambitions and accelerate our transition to clean energy." Centre supports growing demand for electricians Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, comments, "It was a pleasure to welcome the Skills Minister to JTL's new Thames Valley centre and to see her officially declare it open. "This facility represents a major investment in the future of our industry, training around 200 apprentices each year and reinforcing JTL’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest-quality apprenticeships. "As the UK looks to drive economic growth and deliver on its infrastructure ambitions, the need for skilled electricians has never been greater. Dedicated training centres like this are critical to building the workforce required to power that growth." "The creation of an AM2 assessment centre at this facility is another significant step forwards. With demand high across the country, this will help more electricians complete their qualifications more quickly, supporting productivity and ensuring businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need." The Thames Valley Training Centre is now fully operational and supporting apprentices, employers, and industry partners from across the region. For more from JTL, click here.

Acrospire promotes LED lighting retrofit projects

British LED lighting manufacturer Acrospire is encouraging local authorities and contractors to consider LED retrofit projects as an alternative to replacing structurally sound street lighting lanterns. The company has launched a lantern appraisal service that allows existing lighting assets to be assessed for retrofit suitability, helping organisations determine whether upgrades can be completed without replacing the entire lantern. The initiative forms part of Acrospire's wider focus on extending the lifespan of lighting infrastructure through LED retrofit technologies. Built around the principle of upgrading internal components rather than replacing complete units, the company's retrofit offering includes LED gear trays and optic assemblies designed to fit within existing lantern housings. According to Acrospire, the approach can be used across both functional and decorative lighting schemes, helping local authorities improve energy efficiency while reducing material consumption and preserving the appearance of existing installations. Assessing when retrofit is the right option Acrospire says retrofit solutions can often be installed in less than 10 minutes per lantern, reducing disruption, traffic management requirements, and installation times compared with full replacement programmes. The systems are compatible with a range of commonly installed lanterns, including heritage lighting stock. One example is a project in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, where approximately 500 existing lanterns are being upgraded through a retrofit programme intended to retain the area's existing streetscape while reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements. Tim Barker, Managing Director at Acrospire, says, "In many cases, existing lanterns still have years of structural life remaining, making retrofit a viable option for LED upgrades. "However, every scheme is different. Some assets are well suited to retrofit, while others may be better suited to full replacement depending on condition, performance requirements, and long-term maintenance considerations. "That’s why we encourage local authorities and contractors to involve our engineers early in the process. By assessing the existing lantern stock, we can help determine the most practical and cost-effective approach for each project." Acrospire says its appraisal service is intended to help local authorities identify the most appropriate upgrade path based on the condition and performance requirements of existing lighting assets. Where lantern housings remain structurally sound, the company argues that retrofit can provide a lower-carbon and less disruptive route to LED lighting upgrades. For more from Acrospire, click here.

CHINT Shield revealed as sponsor for 2026 ECN Awards

Ahead of the 2026 ECN Awards in December, ECN is excited to reveal that Chint Shield is to sponsor this year's Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year and Power Product (including Solar PV) of the Year Awards. CHINT Shield is proud to be returning as a sponsor of the ECN Awards 2026, continuing its support for an event that recognises excellence, innovation, and commitment across the UK electrical industry. Established in 2004, CHINT Shield provides complete low voltage electrical solutions for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications, with many products designed and assembled in the UK. From its Stockport base in Greater Manchester, the company supports customers nationwide with a broad portfolio spanning industrial switchgear, energy distribution, wiring accessories, and solutions for sectors including automation, telecommunications, and renewable energy, including EV infrastructure. Backed by the global strength of the CHINT Group, CHINT Shield combines an international scale with a strong focus on the UK market. As referenced, CHINT Shield is sponsoring the Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Award in recognition of the vital role that the wholesale channel plays in the industry. Working closely with over 3,000 distributors across the UK, the company values the partnerships that ensure products, expertise and support reach contractors efficiently. The company is also proud to sponsor the Power Product (Including Solar PV) Product of the Year Award, reflecting its commitment to advancing energy solutions that support electrification, renewable integration, and a more sustainable future. CHINT Shield looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry and connecting with peers across the sector at the ECN Awards 2026. Entries for this year's ECN Awards are now live, and you can submit your entries and find out more about the event by clicking here. For more from CHINT Shield, click here.

Liberty Wines cuts energy costs with solar installation

Liberty Wines says it has reduced its electricity costs by £86,480 in 10 months following the installation of a rooftop solar system at its warehouse in Basingstoke. The 521kWp installation was designed and installed by Insight Energy using SolarEdge technology and supplies power to both the warehouse and the company's electric vehicle fleet. According to the companies, the project overcame insurance-related challenges associated with installing solar panels on a facility storing large volumes of flammable products. Liberty Wines had originally planned to install rooftop solar during the warehouse's construction. However, the project was delayed after concerns were raised by the company's insurer regarding the storage of alcohol on site. Insight Energy subsequently designed a system based on SolarEdge's DC-optimised architecture, incorporating safety technologies including arc-fault detection and voltage reduction capabilities intended to support maintenance access and emergency response requirements. Kristian Day, Managing Director of Insight Energy, explains, "Insurance challenges are common when installing PV on warehouses, particularly those used to store flammable stock. "Liberty Wines needed a solution that was safe, reliable, and efficient. SolarEdge technology enabled us to meet all three requirements while also giving the company full visibility and control over its energy use." Solar generation offsets majority of warehouse demand The installation comprises 1,005 solar panels equipped with power optimisers and four 90kW inverters. Since commissioning, the system has generated 376MWh of electricity and supplied approximately 63% of the warehouse's energy requirements. The solar array is managed through SolarEdge's energy management platform, which coordinates power generation and consumption across the warehouse and EV charging infrastructure. Liberty Wines is using the platform to schedule vehicle charging during periods of high solar generation, increasing onsite consumption of renewable electricity. Kristian continues, "As a company committed to sustainable operations, Liberty Wines is taking a long-term, data-driven approach to optimising its energy management. "The SolarEdge system's monitoring platform shows exactly how much solar energy each panel generates and how much energy is actually being used. "Liberty Wines is already using 63% of the solar energy produced on site, which is very high." The company is also assessing the potential addition of battery storage to capture excess solar generation currently exported to the grid. Insight Energy used the SolarEdge Designer platform to model the installation and forecast its performance before deployment. Kristian concludes, "Customers often think the performance forecasts we provide for SolarEdge systems are too good to be true. "We use the SolarEdge Designer tool to design the solar system to meet our clients' exact requirements, while its modelling capabilities enable us to clearly demonstrate how and why each system will perform as predicted. As an installer, it's an invaluable tool in our toolkit." Liberty Wines supplies restaurants, hotels, bars, caterers, and retailers throughout the UK and Ireland. The company achieved carbon-neutral certification in 2014 and Carbon Neutral Plus status in 2017. It says carbon emissions associated with each £1 of wine sold have since fallen by 39%. For more from SolarEdge, click here.

ESR’s Above and Beyond Awards 2026 open for entries

The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) has announced its Above and Beyond Awards (ABA) 2026 are now open for entries. The Above and Beyond Awards 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 provide an opportunity to share best practice, promote electrical safety, gain recognition, and give clients and customers confidence in products and services. Award categories Product of the year: This category is open to products launched on or after 1 June 2024 that enable a safer way of working on or near electrical systems. Paul Skyrme Electrical Safety Initiative of the year: This category is open to organisations, charities, individuals, and other industry stakeholders who have enhanced electrical safety through an outstanding initiative. The initiative must have started after 1 June 2024. For example, this may be a marketing or awareness campaign, workplace safety initiative, or resident engagement exercise. Changemaker of the year: This category is open to an individual who has gone above and beyond their legal requirements to have a positive impact on electrical safety within their workplace. Entrants should provide evidence of this positive change in the workplace from 1 June 2024. Derek Thompson Industry Service Award: This award is for an organisation or individual who has contributed to enhancing electrical safety for a sustained period of typically over five years. You must not have previously submitted this application as an entry for the awards. Who can enter? The Awards are open to all individuals and organisations based in the UK with a notable interest in electrical safety. The ESR Above and Beyond Awards are also free to enter. You can nominate yourself, another individual, or an organisation. Entrants may enter multiple award categories and submit multiple applications to the same award. However, all submitted entries must be tailored to each category. Commenting on the ABA, Fraser Herd, Chair of the ESR Workplace group, says, “The Above and Beyond Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the incredible work organisations and individuals do to enhance electrical safety. We look forward to a great Awards year!” Applications close at 23:59 on 1 August 2026. Winners will be announced in the autumn. For more from the ESR, click here.

Ansell Lighting launches S19 product catalogue

Lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting has released its S19 product catalogue, featuring almost 50 new products and product updates, alongside details of expanded support services for electrical contractors. The S19 catalogue is the company's largest to date and includes new additions across its lighting portfolio, as well as updates to existing product ranges. Among the new products is the Exa C, a floodlight designed specifically for padel courts. The luminaire incorporates precision lenses for controlled beam distribution and uniform illumination across playing surfaces. It also features an anti-corrosion coating, an integrated visor to reduce glare and light spill, and a lightweight aluminium construction intended to simplify installation. Another addition is the redesigned Tornado Pro non-corrosive batten, developed for retail, industrial, and car park environments. The upgraded fitting includes a UV-stable polycarbonate illuminated base, changeable optics, and compatibility with Ansell's XPRESS system. New features aimed at simplifying installation Ansell is also expanding the availability of its XPRESS emergency and microwave sensor converter kits across a wider range of products. The clip-in system allows emergency lighting and microwave sensor functionality to be added to compatible luminaires, including Tornado Pro and Disco Evo. The company says the labelled gear trays and clip-in connections are specifically designed to reduce installation time. The catalogue also outlines a range of contractor support services, including on-site surveys, lighting design assistance, delivery services with enhanced pallet labelling, and on-site warranty support. Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, says, "Our commitment to innovation at Ansell Lighting is not just about launching new products; it is about listening to our customers and then updating and upgrading popular products to meet their needs. "As a result, many of the new and upgraded products in S19 are about making life easier for installers and helping wholesalers to reduce the number of SKUs they have to carry. "This year, we have launched our dedicated contractor support service that helps to address common project pain points for contractors, such as on-site issues, delivery logistics, and post-installation support." The S19 catalogue is available to download from the Ansell Lighting website, whilst printed copies can be requested through the company's online platform or your local Area Sales Manager. For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

NAPIT announced as Entertainment Sponsor for 2026 ECN Awards

NAPIT, one of the UK’s largest certification bodies in the building services and fabric sector, is proud to return as sponsor of the entertainment at the ECN Awards for the second consecutive year. Last year’s ECN Awards featured fantastic entertainment, with Rule the World - the UK’s number one Take That tribute band - delivering a memorable performance alongside aerial performers, magicians, and more. This year’s entertainment promises to be even bigger and better, with NAPIT once again supporting this key part of the evening. Hannah Thompson, Head of Communications at NAPIT, comments, “The ECN Awards are a fantastic platform for celebrating the very best of our industry, and what better way to make the night truly memorable than by sponsoring the entertainment at the end of the awards.” The 2026 ECN Awards take place on 3 December at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre in Coventry. Award entries are officially open, and you can submit entries and find out further information about this year's Awards by clicking here. For more from NAPIT, click here.

KNIPEX expands electrical tool range for installers

Hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has launched several new additions to its electrical range, giving installers practical new options for faster PV work, cleaner cable preparation, and improved handling in tight or demanding working environments. As solar installations continue to grow, installers are looking for ways to complete jobs quickly, safely, but without carrying unnecessary kit. KNIPEX has introduced five new tools designed to support PV installation work alongside cutting, stripping, and cable preparation tasks across wider electrical applications. Mounting tools The KNIPEX Set of Mounting Tools (97 49 66 3) has been designed for MC4 and MC4 Evo 2 connectors. It’s a compact set that combines two functions in one: tightening housing screw connections and unlocking plug-type connectors. The kit includes two compact wrenches made from glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, so they are lightweight but durable enough for everyday site use. Integrated magnets hold the two tools together so they can be separated easily but help installers avoid losing individual parts when moving between jobs. PreciForce SAC Another addition aimed at PV installers is the PreciForce SAC (97 52 42 6), developed specifically for installation, maintenance, and repair work. Combining cutting, stripping, and crimping functions in one tool, it cuts down on tool changes so jobs can be completed more quickly. The lever transmission system delivers high crimping force with minimal effort, while an integrated release lock compliant with IEC 60352 ensures the crimp cycle only completes once the correct pressure has been reached. Crimping pressure is factory set and locked in so users can be confident of consistency across repeated connections. Diagonal cutters Not brand new, but completely updated are the VDE-insulated KNIPEX 200 mm High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (74 06 200). These cutters have a redesigned power joint that improves leverage by positioning the cutting edges closer to the pivot point. This reduces effort by around 20% compared to the previous model, making repeated cuts through tougher materials less demanding over the course of the day. As well as the VDE model, the cutters are available in a range of versions, including burnished or chrome-plated finishes, the new three-component comfort handles, and straight or angled designs. The three-component comfort handles are designed to reduce fatigue and improve grip, and the KNIPEXTEND interface allows users to personalise the tool with ColourCode Clips or a tether attachment and add a name label. Slim Knips For installers working in cramped spaces or with intricate setups, the new Slim Knips (78 03/61 150) are a compact option for precision cutting. They have a slender, asymmetrical design, making access in awkward spaces easier. The micro-offset cutting edge cleanly cuts fine-stranded and solid copper conductors, and a transport lock keeps the cutting edges safely closed during storage while also acting as a stop when tightening cable ties to avoid accidental cutting. The Slim Knips can be paired with the optional holster (78 09 LE) so they can be safely stored close to hand. STX60 cable stripping tool Completing the latest additions is the KNIPEX STX60 cable stripping tool, designed for larger diameter power cables between 30 and 60 mm. Intended for industrial installations, renewable energy projects, and heavy-duty applications, the STX60 handles materials including PVC, rubber, and PUR insulation. A quick-adjust mechanism and fine adjustment dial help deliver controlled cuts without damaging inner conductors, while guide rollers support smooth circumferential and longitudinal cutting. For tougher materials, the integrated ratchet function reduces strain during repeated use. Together, these five new additions give installers a practical range of options for everything from PV connector work and precision cutting through to heavy-duty cable preparation. Whether reducing the number of tools needed on site, improving access in tighter spaces, or cutting down on fatigue during repetitive tasks, the latest KNIPEX range has been developed with the realities of day-to-day installation work firmly in mind. To find out more about the KNIPEX new product range, click here to visit the website. For more from KNIPEX, click here.