EIC partners with ANDYSMANCLUB for Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10 September. Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45, so the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) believes it's hugely important that we eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in our industry. The EIC is teaming up with ANDYSMANCLUB to offer a Wellbeing Talk on Suicide Prevention. Together, their aim is to reduce the stigma and create safe, judgement-free spaces for men to be open about the storms affecting their lives. This month’s talk is designed to be free of pressure and there is no obligation to speak if you do not feel comfortable – you’re welcome to simply listen and learn. You can tune into this wellbeing talk on Wednesday, 3 September from 12pm to 1pm. ANDYSMANCLUB offers weekly, free-to-attend, peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18 and focus on raising awareness and spreading the word to as many people as possible. What you can do to help Listen non-judgementally: When someone talks about their difficulties, it can be tempting to offer immediate solutions or try to lighten the mood. But in these moments, the most important thing is to provide sympathetic, non-judgemental support. Actively listening: Sometimes people just need to be heard. Simply giving our full attention and listening can stop people from feeling isolated and can give opportunities for emotional release. Unhurried listening also builds trust – so let them talk at their own pace. Signposting: If someone is feeling suicidal, it can help to direct them to professionals, people who are trained to deal with suicidal thoughts. The first steps are often to seek advice from a GP. However, there are also alternatives such as The Hub of Hope, CALM, and The Samaritans. The EIC offers counselling services to anyone in our industry who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or who has been bereaved by suicide. You can read more about suicide prevention here. Contacts If you or someone you know is affected, please don't hesitate to reach out via EIC's helpline on 0800 652 1618 or by emailing at support@electricalcharity.org . For general information, please contact their fundraising team directly by calling 020 3696 1710 or by emailing at fundraising@electricalcharity.org . For more from the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), click here.

Scolmore introduces IEC Lock C21 Locking Connector

Scolmore, a UK-based manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories, circuit protection products, and lighting equipment, has expanded its IEC Lock range with the addition of a new C21 locking connector, compatible with both C20 and C22 inlets. Featuring a side button release, the IEC Lock C21’s design aims to offer extra protection against accidental disconnection, making it an appropriate choice for applications where reliability is essential. Designed to handle the heat, the company says the C21 is a durable, lockable connector built to protect appliances that are sensitive to vibration against power loss. The product is particularly suited to data centres, servers, and other industrial equipment where maintaining the proper device temperature is critical to operational success. For more from Scolmore, click here.

C.K Tools launches Snip ‘n’ Grip cable tie cutter

C.K Tools, a manufacturer of professional hand tools, has announced the release of its Snip ‘n’ Grip Cable Tie Cutter and Captivator, a new tool developed to support foreign object debris (FOD) prevention in sectors such as aviation, aerospace, military maintenance, and other safety-critical environments. The tool has been designed to address the issue of loose cable tie waste, which has been identified as a contributing factor in several major incidents, including the fatal crash of Air Midwest Flight 5481. Conventional removal methods often leave behind fragments that pose risks to operational integrity and safety, particularly in complex or sensitive installations. The company says the Snip ‘n’ Grip combines cutting and retention in a single action, ensuring the cable tie is both severed and captured, allowing for controlled disposal. The design aims to reduce the likelihood of debris remaining in areas where it could interfere with components, wiring, or systems. Mathew Jones, Product Design Executive at C.K Tools, says, “At C.K Tools we are always looking for new ways to solve industry safety challenges, and FOD is, and always will be, a critical issue. "It’s well documented that cable ties have been involved in numerous incidents that have put lives in danger. In fact, the catastrophic Air Midwest Flight 5481 crash involved cable ties as a contributing FOD factor. “The design of the Snip ‘n’ Grip tool means the cable tie is cut and captured in one movement, retaining the cut tie which can then be safely disposed of. "A small innovation with big safety assurances, significantly reducing the chance of cut ties becoming loose in critical areas.” The tool is manufactured with precision-machined cutting heads and features bright handles to improve visibility in low-light or confined spaces. Flush-cutting jaws allow for the removal of cable ties without damaging nearby components such as hoses or wires. The spring-loaded, ergonomically designed handles automatically return the tool to its open position after each cut to reduce strain and increase efficiency during repeated use. The Snip ‘n’ Grip is intended for use in a range of settings, including MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) workshops, aerospace assembly lines, military maintenance, and industrial electrical installations. For more from C.K Tools, click here.

Vent-Axia launches new heat recovery CPD

British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has launched a new CIBSE-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, Introduction to Heat Recovery Ventilation. Aimed at construction professionals, the course provides a practical overview of how heat recovery ventilation works, its benefits for commercial applications, and its growing importance in low-carbon building design. The new course complements Vent-Axia’s existing CPD on Legislation for Commercial Ventilation, being part of the company’s efforts to support the industry with training aligned to regulatory and environmental goals, including the UK’s 2050 net zero target. What's included Delegates attending the CPD will gain insight into: • Why heat recovery ventilation is needed • How it works and the different types available • Key performance data and how to interpret it (e.g. SFP, HR%, sound levels) • What makes a good heat recovery unit • Principles of system design and application The session also explores the regulatory drivers for wider adoption, including the need to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) in line with evolving Building Regulations. Alexis Roberts, Channel Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia, comments, “We are excited to launch our new CIBSE-approved CPD on heat recovery ventilation. "Heat recovery is key to reducing carbon emissions, helping the UK meet its net zero 2050 target. "As buildings move away from fossil fuels and become more airtight, heat recovery will be critical in reducing heat loss while maintaining good indoor air quality. It is therefore vital that specifiers are familiar with this technology.” The course includes guidance on the advantages and differences between crossflow, counterflow, rotary wheel, and run-around coil (RAC) systems. It also highlights the design considerations that affect long-term performance, such as motor efficiency, filtration, bypass functions, frost protection, and ease of maintenance. Vent-Axia’s CPDs are part of the wider CIBSE CPD programme, which supports members in meeting their professional development requirements through structured learning and technical training. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Siemens earns Platinum in EcoVadis Sustainability Rating

German multinational technology company Siemens has been awarded the Platinum medal in the 2025 EcoVadis Sustainability Rating. This achievement places Siemens among the top 1% of around 130,000 companies assessed worldwide by EcoVadis, a provider of business sustainability ratings. The Platinum medal, according to the company, "underscores Siemens' commitment to sustainability and reflects achievements across all of EcoVadis’ assessment areas: Environment, Ethics, Labour & Human Rights, and Sustainable Procurement." EcoVadis assessed Siemens with a score of 85 points. In addition, Siemens Mobility was assessed separately, achieving a score of 84 points. More than 90% of Siemens’ business enables customers to achieve a positive sustainability impact across three key areas: decarbonisation and energy efficiency, resource efficiency and circularity, and people centricity & society. “Achieving the highest-ever score and being among the top 1% of all rated companies reinforces our position as a sustainability leader and recognises the dedication of our people,” claims Eva Riesenhuber, Global Head of Sustainability at Siemens. “Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we are continuing to scale our impact in the areas of industry, infrastructure, and mobility, while empowering our customers to become more competitive, more resilient, and more sustainable.” Andreas Mehlhorn, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Mobility, adds, “Being awarded the EcoVadis Platinum medal once again is a strong testament to our leading position in the rail industry. "It reflects our commitment to integrating sustainable solutions for our customers by maintaining rigorous sustainability standards across our operations and supply chain.” The EcoVadis business sustainability rating is based on international sustainability standards, including the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and ISO 26000. For more from Siemens, click here.

Schneider, E.ON sign long-term switchgear agreement

Schneider Electric, a company concerned with the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the signing of a long-term framework agreement with E.ON, one of Europe’s largest energy companies. This partnership, according to Schneider Electric, "marks a step forward in the deployment of sustainable and digital-ready energy infrastructure across Europe." Schneider Electric will support E.ON’s goals with its latest SF₆-free medium-voltage (MV) switchgear and a suite of digital technologies. The contract The collaboration between Schneider Electric and E.ON, they say, is founded on a shared objective: building the "energy grids of the future - grids that are sustainable, intelligent, and efficient." This partnership builds on over two decades of cooperation between the two companies. Lisbeth Buschkühl, Chief Procurement Officer of E.ON SE, comments, "In order to actively shape the green transformation in Germany, we are investing massively in a future-proof energy infrastructure. "This long-term contract secures access to SF₆-free technologies, supports standardisation, and enables a cost-efficient implementation of the energy transition." The framework agreement stipulates that Schneider Electric will supply GM-AirSeT primary switchgear panels and RM-AirSeT secondary switchgear panels (Ring Main Units, RMUs) on an annual basis. Prior to the signing of the agreement, a pilot project with SF₆-free gas-insulated primary switchgear (GIS) was launched at Westnetz (an E.ON subsidiary) to assess its suitability for E.ON's requirements. Schneider Electric will supply a significant portion of E.ON's primary and secondary requirements. Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric, says, “This agreement with E.ON is a powerful example of accelerating the shift to more sustainable digital energy infrastructure." Transition to SF₆-free technology and compliance with new GHG regulations The greenhouse gas SF₆ has a global warming potential (GWP) of 24,300, i.e. one kilogram warms the atmosphere as much as 24,300 kg of CO₂. It also persists for around 1,000 years, making its effects long-lasting. With the impending EU F-gas regulation banning SF₆ and other F-gases in new medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV from 1 January 2026, moving away from SF₆ in electricity distribution is now becoming increasingly concrete and critical. AirSeT technology AirSeT technology, which replaces SF₆ with pure air and vacuum, has garnered industry recognition, such as the iF Design Award for RM AirSeT. The AirSeT technology has also reportedly been validated in the field across industrial and grid applications, such as examples at Romande Energie in Switzerland and EAM Netz in Germany. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Fergus introduces new tools for job management

Fergus, a job management software platform for the trades sector, has released two new features aimed at reducing administrative work and improving documentation consistency. The first addition allows users to create jobs by uploading or dragging and dropping a work order in PDF format. Using AI-driven processing, the system extracts key details from the document and generates a new job automatically. If any data is missing, the user is directed to complete the relevant customer fields before proceeding. This is intended to reduce time spent on manual data entry and minimise errors. The second feature aims to give users greater flexibility in how quotes and estimates are presented. Fergus now includes tools to create multiple branded templates, allowing changes to layout, colour, font, and content. Users can adjust orientation, choose whether to display item-level details, and insert links or images if required. The updates are designed to support consistency and clarity across customer-facing documents, while reducing the repetitive manual tasks often associated with quoting and job setup. These features are now available to Fergus users and are aimed at small- to medium-sized businesses looking to streamline operations and improve workflow presentation. For more from Fergus, click here.

Sero strengthens team with trio of appointments

Cardiff-based net zero specialist Sero has announced three new appointments to its growing team, aiming to bolster its ability to deliver retrofit social housing projects across the UK. Matt Elliott joins Sero as a Retrofit Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with Severn Wye Energy Agency and The Retrofit Academy. Having led several large-scale retrofit programmes including SHDF, WAVE 1 and 2.1, and HUG schemes, Matt brings hands-on experience in coordination, assessment, and training. At Sero, he is reportedly already playing a key role in delivering projects in Cheltenham and for Sovereign Housing, focusing on design review and quality assurance. Antonia Craze also joins as a Retrofit Coordinator, following extensive work with Portsmouth City Council and the South West Net Zero Hub. Antonia has managed multi-million-pound retrofit initiatives, developed resident engagement campaigns, and liaised directly with DESNZ on policy and delivery. At Sero, she now manages SHDF projects with SNG, ensuring contractor coordination and KPI performance. Rafia Nadeem has been appointed as a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) Project Coordinator, focusing on TrustMark lodgements and project compliance. With a master’s degree in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology, plus experience at Wales & West Housing, Rafia brings a blend of technical expertise and administrative precision. Since joining the team, the company says she has been "instrumental in ensuring accurate documentation and data management" across Sero's retrofit projects. Emma Williams, Chief Commercial Officer at Sero, comments, “At Sero, we’re passionate about delivering retrofit the right way and making a real, lasting impact for landlords, their homes, and the people who live in them, as well as for the planet. "Welcoming Matt, Antonia, and Rafia to our Retrofit Services team marks an exciting milestone, especially as we look to support more landlords with Wave 3 of the Warm Homes Programme. "Each brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and making a meaningful impact. Their arrival strengthens our ability to deliver retrofit at scale and to do it well.”

Council to deliver largest networked heat pump system in Scotland

Renfrewshire Council is to replace the gas supply in two of its council housing high-rise blocks with a networked ground source heat pump system, which will be the largest installation of its kind in Scotland. Residents at the two multi-storey blocks in Gallowhill, Paisley, will see their gas supply replaced with the renewable heating system, installed by contractor Kensa. The new system collects heat from underground pipes and transfers it to homes using an individual shoebox ground source heat pump, aiming to provide reliable, efficient heating and hot water all year round. The project is the first time a local authority in Scotland has delivered a system of this nature and scale in its properties. The flats at Gallowhill Court and Glencairn Court were selected as the gas pipework is nearing the end of its lifespan. A review of potential heating systems revealed ground source heat pumps to be the most cost effective and efficient solution for tenants. Work is set to start on site this month, with the project expected to be completed by summer 2026. In the long term, once the gas supply has been removed, residents will no longer need to pay gas standing charges and heating costs will be included in their electricity usage, which may help to simplify bills and potentially reduce overall costs. Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, says, “We want to make our homes as comfortable and efficient as possible for our tenants. "By introducing the ground source heating solution in Gallowhill, we will deliver a reliable and environmentally friendly system which will help to simplify our tenants’ energy bills. “As a Council, we continue to consider climate change in every decision we take, and we’re reducing our emissions wherever possible in the services we deliver while continuing to access funding opportunities to make the large-scale changes we know are needed.” Renfrewshire Council was awarded £1,788,382 of funding from the Scottish Government’s 'Scotland Heat Network Fund' to support the delivery of the project. Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan comments, “I am very pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support this project via Scotland’s Heat Network Fund. “This is an excellent example of the growing role that heat networks have to play in Scotland, supporting our twin aims of delivering affordable heat and reducing fuel poverty whilst also cutting carbon emissions. "We want to encourage greater use of heat networks and, later this year, we will set out measures to attract further investment by encouraging non-domestic and especially public buildings to connect to these schemes.” Kensa, a company which specialises in networked ground source heat pumps, has been appointed by the council to carry out the works. Mark Potter, Regional Manager for Scotland at Kensa, states, “We’re proud to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this landmark decarbonisation project. "Networked heat pumps offer an effective, energy-efficient solution to help flats transition away from gas and other inefficient heating systems. "By connecting each flat to this system, we’ll help residents stay warm and comfortable during winter, while keeping energy use and heating costs low. “Kensa has a strong track record of delivering ground source heat pump systems for projects like this, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will provide for the Council, residents, and the wider community.” This project is part of wider regeneration plans for Gallowhill which include the development of 65 new build council homes, which will also feature low carbon air source heat pumps. Also included in the plans is the Gallowhill Link project, which would provide a new active travel and safe route to the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus currently under construction. For more from Kensa, click here.

£330m pension investment for clean energy transition

Workplace pension provider Smart Pension has announced an initial £330 million investment in two funds managed by Octopus Energy’s renewable arm, Octopus Energy Generation, to fast-track the UK’s transition to clean energy. This commitment supports companies like Kensa, a manufacturer of ground source heat pump technology, to generate sustainable growth for Smart’s 1.5 million pension savers. The move is part of a 15% allocation commitment to private markets within Smart Pension’s default fund, helping the UK to accelerate the transition to a net zero economy. Smart Pension will be investing 5% of its default fund into two funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation - Sky (Octopus Renewables Infrastructure SCSp) and OETF (Octopus Energy Transition Fund SCSp) - both carrying high sustainability ratings. This commitment aims to help finance a broad range of green energy projects, including the UK’s first investor-funded ground source heat pump network in South Wales, delivered by Kensa. The project intends to provide affordable renewable heating and hot water to 114 new homes at Parc Eirin and position ground source heat pump networks as an investable low-carbon utility. The homes will be part of the new generation of housing developments built without gas as the UK moves towards net zero. Octopus Energy Generation brings 15 years of experience and a £7 billion portfolio of over 270 wind, solar, and battery projects across 21 countries. As part of the investment, Smart Pension’s 1.5 million members will have access to a range of materials including case studies and carbon reporting to help them better understand how their pension savings are making a difference both financially and environmentally. Comments Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, comments, “Our reforms are about unlocking investment to deliver higher returns for savers, drive growth, and create good jobs. This means more money in the pockets of working people, our Plan for Change in action. “That’s why I’m so excited about Smart Pension’s investment in the UK’s first commercially funded ground source heat pump network in South Wales, delivering returns, growth, and jobs.” Andrew Evans, Group CEO and co-founder of Smart, says, “As a leading workplace pension provider in the UK, we’re always looking for innovative ways to grow our members’ pensions and support the UK economy. "That’s why we’re so proud to be investing in Octopus Energy, a fantastic British tech company, who set up next door to us when we set up our first offices a decade ago. "By the end of next year, supported by innovative investments like this, we will have scaled and reached £10 billion AUM. “This collaboration will help deliver strong, long-term returns for UK retirement savers, and also will support efforts to lower household bills and reduce emissions for homeowners. "It’s a great example of how UK tech businesses can come together to tackle important challenges and create a positive impact.” James Lawrence, Director of Investment Proposition at Smart Pension, claims, "We are dedicated to providing strong, sustainable returns for our members while supporting the country in a sustainable way to reach a low-carbon economy. "Partnering with Octopus and Kensa allows us to invest in British infrastructure to deliver measurable environmental and social impact for years to come. "From renewable surplus power generation to support local leisure facilities to cutting-edge clean tech like heat pumps, these are the kinds of investments that not only align with our own ethical standards, but also help members feel a deeper connection to their pension savings.” Zoisa North-Bond, CEO at Octopus Energy Generation, adds, “This partnership shows how pension savings can literally power the future — turning contributions into green electrons that heat homes, replace gas boilers, and drive down energy bills. "It brings everything full circle: the very money people are saving for retirement is helping to build the smarter, carbon-free energy system they’ll rely on in years to come. "By teaming up with Smart Pension and innovators like Kensa, we’re proving that smart investment doesn’t just deliver long-term returns, it creates real, tangible change for communities and speeds up the UK’s journey to net zero.” Tamsin Lishman, CEO at Kensa, comments, “As pioneers in ground source heat pump technology, we are proud of our role in delivering the switch to better, more affordable heating and hot water, powered by ultra-efficient, ground source heat pumps designed and made here in the UK. "The Parc Eirin investment demonstrates the transformative role private funding will play in helping both housebuilders and homeowners transition to effective, low-carbon heat – the critical next frontier in the UK for carbon reduction, which currently contributes around 13% of national greenhouse gas emissions. “The investments made by Smart and Octopus Energy Generation are encouraging for the UK’s ever-growing renewables sector. They will support the UK’s Net Zero goals, generate growth, and provide more well-paid green sector jobs.” For more from Kensa, click here.