New CAT-6A modules from Click Scolmore

Click Scolmore, a designer and manufacturer of electrical accessories, is further enhancing its New Media range with the launch of new CAT-6A modules, delivering high-speed data connectivity for today’s increasingly demanding media and network installations. The new CAT-6A modules are engineered for fast performance, supporting data speeds of up to 10 Gbps over cable lengths of up to 100 metres. With a high-frequency operation at 500 MHz, they are designed to ensure high-speed data transfer, even across extended distances. Appropriate for both residential and commercial projects, these modules offer installers a flexible solution for integrating data, audio, and visual connections. A single New Media faceplate can be configured with multiple interchangeable modules to suit various media requirements. The clip-fit design allows quick, tool-free installation into blank mounting plates. The new CAT-6A modules are offered in three colour options: black, white, and grey. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

'Easy install' the focus for Ansell's new Tornado EVO

Ansell Lighting, a leading lighting designer and manufacturer, has relaunched one of its most popular industrial battens with a host of new, contractor-friendly features and an improved aesthetic. The Tornado EVO has been upgraded to include three side conduit entries, a reduced number of diffuser clips, and a moveable terminal block to make installation easier and faster. The terminal block has three positions - so it can be located at either end or centrally on the luminaire - and the base and diffuser come disassembled, removing the need to unclip it before installation and saving even more time. In addition, the luminaire, which is made from a durable, non-corrosive polycarbonate, is now rated IP66 and IK10 for increased ingress dust and water jet protection and impact resistance, making it suitable for heavy duty indoor or outdoor use. The Tornado EVO offers high levels of efficacy up to 170 lm/W and is both power and CCT selectable at between 4,000 and 6,500K - reducing the number of luminaires required to achieve desired light levels in industrial settings. Available in four sizes (2ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft), the luminaire is multi-current and therefore has both low and high output in a hybrid body size. In addition, it comes with a seven year warranty. Designed with speed and ease of installation in mind, it can be both suspended and surface mounted, with emergency self-test options included as standard, plus an integral microwave sensor and OCTO smart control options, providing users with the ability to wirelessly control the light via a smart device to pre-program timers, schedules, create groups, and operate systems remotely. The Tornado EVO has also been given a physical makeover with a new, lighter grey, textured matte finish and a cover over the CCT switch to further improve the aesthetic. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “The new Tornado EVO is all about making life easier for contractors and installers. It is harder wearing and more resilient, more flexible, and therefore easier to install and offers more options in terms of wattage and CCT. “The redesign of this product has been driven by our customers who are looking for a product that delivers high levels of illumination in industrial spaces whilst also being able to withstand harsh environments and we believe this product delivers at every level.” For more from Ansell, click here.

Toolstation launches new offers for Club members

Toolstation has launched a collection of new and exclusive offers available via the Toolstation Club, providing members with product discounts and external business benefits. As a Club member, customers will be able to take advantage of a 90% subscription discount for smart accounting software QuickBooks. Designed to help small businesses and individuals manage their finances by automating tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax preparation, the software tool can benefit independent tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and builders by helping them save money and run their businesses more conveniently. The 90% discount is available during the first seven months of the subscription. Club members looking to unwind after a busy shift or energise themselves for the day ahead can also enjoy exclusive offers at popular pub and restaurant chain O’Neill’s, which includes 33% off drinks every weekday between 3–7pm, and a £6 mega breakfast offer available Monday to Friday. Partnering with Vision Express, Toolstation is also offering its customers a free eye test when signing up to the Club, alongside a 30% discount on any Vision Express purchases over £50. The offer is available to use on prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. In addition to the third-party benefits, members can also enjoy an array of product discounts, currently including 10% off all Maverick workwear with the purchase of Maverick boots, and 10% savings on switches & sockets, cable management, and power distribution when purchased with cable and flexes. Customers who decide to sign up to the Toolstation Club will benefit from 5% off all orders throughout the first month of their membership, with no restrictions on basket size or price. Upon completion of the first month, customers who spend £75 or more each month afterwards will continue to benefit from the 5% discount. They will also be eligible for future prize draws, product deals, discounts, and competitions throughout the year. For more from Toolstation, click here.

Top performing local authorities for renewable energy revealed

New Uswitch analysis of government data has revealed the UK’s top-performing local authorities for renewable energy generation per household, with Moray in Scotland emerging as the national leader. Moray leads the UK with 47.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by North East Lincolnshire at 41.4 MW. Other notable regions include Boston (32.0 MW), East Lothian (27.3 MW), and Highland (26.3 MW). Scottish local authorities rank highly, reflecting a mix of strong investment and favourable conditions for wind power, such as higher wind speeds and suitable terrain. The data highlights how both geography and different local approaches play a role in shaping the UK's renewable energy landscape. Areas with the most solar and wind power The UK regions with the highest solar, onshore, and offshore wind capacity per household (excluding other renewable sources due to data limitations) are as follows. Solar photovoltaics: East Cambridgeshire leads with 4.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by South Cambridgeshire (4.3 MW). Pembrokeshire and Torridge each generate 4.0 MW, with several rural areas making strong gains in solar capacity. Onshore wind: Highland tops the list with 18.3 MW per 1,000 households, followed by Dumfries and Galloway (13.1 MW) and South Ayrshire (12.7 MW), showcasing Scotland’s dominance in wind energy. Offshore wind: North East Lincolnshire leads with 40.4 MW per 1,000 homes, followed by Moray at 35.0 MW. Other key contributors include Boston and East Lothian, highlighting the importance of coastal regions in offshore wind generation. North East Lincolnshire’s growth is driven by major projects like the Hornsea Wind Farm series, Hornsea One and Two, with capacities of 1.2 GW and 1.4 GW respectively. They are the largest offshore wind farms in the world as part of Ørsted’s East Coast Hub in Grimsby. North East Lincolnshire leads with a 1,017% growth in renewable energy capacity from 2018 to 2023, followed by Boston (985%) and East Lothian (734%). Urban areas like Sutton, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Barnet also show substantial increases, reflecting rapid growth in both rural and urban renewable energy generation. To conduct the research, Uswitch took UK government data on renewable energy generation for the last 10 years and used it to calculate: ● The overall change in renewable capacity from 2014-2023. ● The top local authorities by renewable capacity (2023) ● The top local authorities by increase/decrease in renewable capacity (2018-2023) ● The biggest types of renewable energy generation in the UK by capacity (2023) ● The local authorities with the most solar and wind capacity (2023) Where local authority changes had taken place in the period covered, data from the old authorities was grouped into the relevant new authority to allow for comparisons. For more from Uswitch, click here.

Regions still lacking EV charging infrastructure

The number of electric vehicle charging points has declined in some parts of northern England since the beginning of 2025, Department of Transport figures have revealed. Now, experts from LeaseLoco.com are calling for more to be done to upgrade EV infrastructure across the country. The number of charging points per 100,000 of population has fallen slightly in the North East region since the beginning of January and now stands at 95. Other northern regions are even less well-served, with the North West being equipped with only 69 charging points per 100,000 people and Yorkshire and the Humber region just 66. The figures contrast starkly with London which enjoys 263 public charging points per 100,000 people. Northern Ireland is lagging far behind the rest of the UK with the latest Department of Transport figures showing there are a meagre 35 charging points per 100,000. In Scotland, the number of charging points per 100,000 is 123, and in Wales it is 104. The average across England is 115, but that number is massively concentrated in Greater London. The new figures showed that the number of chargers has fallen in both the north east of England and Northern Ireland during the first three months of 2025, although across the UK as a whole it rose by 4%, adding an additional 3,173 chargers - many in London. However, the capital is less well-served than other parts of the country when it comes to fast charging points rated 50kW and above. The government data shows there are only 15 of these per 100,000 people in London - lower than anywhere else in the country apart from Northern Ireland, where it is just 10. The lack of fast chargers in London could be because most of the charging stations there are devices rated 3kW up to 8kW, which are located on residential streets. A spokesman for Glasgow-based LeaseLoco says more should be done to standardise EV public charging provision across the entire UK. He states, “The latest figures show some major discrepancies around the UK when it comes to EV infrastructure. “London is far ahead of the rest of the country for the sheer number of public charging points available, this needs to be addressed because until provision is more standardised drivers will remain hesitant about making the switch to EVs. “It’s concerning to see the number of charging points actually falling in both the north east of England and Northern Ireland during the first quarter of 2025. Clearly these areas need more investment, along with other parts of the north of England, to give EV drivers confidence. “Unless drivers feel assured that the provision will be there when they travel to different corners of the UK in their cars the adoption of electric vehicles will be impacted. “Uncertainty in infrastructure acts as a dampener on demand when it comes to electric vehicles so policy makers need to take a UK-wide view when it comes to planning new public charging points.”

Raven Housing Trust collaborates with Aico to enhance fire safety

Raven Housing Trust, a registered social housing provider, is partnering with Aico, a European market leader in home life safety, to upgrade fire protection systems in 432 dwellings across its sheltered and temporary accommodation. Recognising the importance of robust fire safety measures in sheltered and temporary accommodation, Raven Housing Trust says it is committed to installing systems to the highest specification, compliant with BS 5839-6 standards. This three-year programme will see AJS, an electrical contractor outsourced by Raven Housing Trust, install Aico’s fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. This installation will take place across 432 individual temporary dwellings, ensuring that residents receive the earliest possible warning of a fire or CO event. Separately, Raven Housing Trust’s Direct Labour Organisation will be undertaking upgrades to sheltered accommodation sites and general needs properties to LD1 and LD2 specifications during change of tenancy or rewiring works. The sheltered accommodation upgrade will also integrate the existing Warden Call systems, providing enhanced safety and rapid response capabilities within these facilities. Aico’s Relationship Manager for the South East, Paul Barrett, will work closely with Christian Hirschfield from Raven Housing Trust, alongside other teams involved in this project, providing product expertise and guidance. “We have chosen Aico as our manufacturer for this project due to their reputation for high-quality products and innovative technology,” states Christian Hirschfield, Electrical Manager at Raven Housing Trust. “Aico's commitment to safety and reliability makes them an ideal partner for our homes, ensuring that we provide the best possible protection for our residents.” The upgrade will involve the installation of specific Aico alarms tailored to different areas within the temporary dwellings: · The Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat and CO Alarm will be installed in kitchens where boilers are present. · The Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm will be used in kitchens without boilers. · The Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm will provide coverage in circulation areas, living areas, and bedrooms. All alarms will be interconnected using the Ei3000MRF module, which allows for wireless interconnection via radio frequency. This means that if one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound, providing full-circle protection and allowing for an immediate response. At each of the sheltered accommodation sites, Aico’s Ei414 RadioLINK+ Fire/CO Alarm Interface will be implemented to connect the new fire alarm system with the existing Warden Call setup, enabling prompt alerts and assistance for residents in the event of a fire or CO emergency. Paul Barrett comments on the project, “Christian and his team are taking the lead in installing Aico products to comply with BS 5839-6 using our Grade D1 Ei3000 Series alarms and LD1 specification. It has been a pleasure getting to know Raven Housing Trust over the years, and I am sure our trusted partnership will continue long into the future.” For more from Aico, click here.

Spennymoor Market Place revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s projectors

Thorn Lighting, a global supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls, has had its Thor lanterns and bespoke gobo projectors selected to help revitalise Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street, aiming to draw more visitors, support local businesses, and promote community pride. Town centre regeneration is essential for boosting local economies and fostering vibrant communities. In line with its ongoing county-wide improvement efforts, Durham County Council has delivered projects to transform the town centres of Spennymoor and Consett. The council’s vision is to create spaces that attract more shoppers, businesses, and community gatherings. Lighting can dramatically change how a space is perceived, especially in town centres. Thorn’s Thor lanterns, combined with gobo projectors mounted on bespoke columns, aim to provide a blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality, allowing for tailored lighting themes that change with the seasons and significant events. The adaptive lighting has helped to create welcoming hubs in Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street, where people can gather for local events like Christmas festivities and Remembrance Sunday commemorations. The lanterns are LED, smart urban lanterns, offering compatibility with existing management control systems via ZHAGA sockets. Paul Gleadow, Durham County Council’s Street Lighting and Operational Support Manager, says, “As part of our ongoing regeneration of County Durham’s towns and villages, we wanted to create spaces that were not only welcoming and functional but also felt unique to the community. This partnership has allowed us to commemorate key events in a way which engages with residents, creating a strong sense of pride and belonging. Seeing people enjoy these areas since we have made these enhancements has been incredibly rewarding.” Implementing the schemes in Spennymoor and Consett required precision to ensure the lighting solution fitted both the aesthetic and functional needs of the spaces. In Spennymoor, aligning the gobo projections to cover the intended floor space necessitated multiple site visits and careful adjustments to the positioning and angles of the columns. For Consett, illuminating specific building facades meant careful spacing and placement to achieve consistent coverage without overpowering the area. Through on-site adjustments, the team was able to optimise the positioning of the columns and projectors, ensuring the lighting scenes landed where intended. The final arrangement enables residents to enjoy the vibrant gobo scenes, which draw attention without distracting from the area’s natural beauty. The projects in Spennymoor and Consett demonstrate how lighting can help revitalise a community. Residents have reportedly responded enthusiastically, with many expressing appreciation for the attention to detail and the focus on creating a space that reflects the town’s character. As footfall increases, the council’s investment in a sustainable, community-focused lighting solution is expected to benefit local businesses and foster an enduring sense of pride. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

Ovia introduces new Power Switchable Linear Batten

Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has introduced E-Lite, a new Power Switchable Linear Batten that is designed to deliver superior performance, flexibility, and ease of installation. A premium performing luminaire, the E-Lite is available in Microwave Sensor, Emergency, and Microwave Sensor & Emergency versions. Operating at an impressive 120lm/W, the E-Lite is available in two varied sizes and wattage combinations – 1200mm (15-30W) and 1500mm (23-40W). Built for convenience and durability, this luminaire offers a range of features and benefits to enhance the installation process and its performance: • Piano key terminal for easy wiring and quick installation • 600mm fixing centres across the full range, allowing retrofit of many batten brands • Power switchable to allow the installer to change the wattage to suit the environment • Adjustable CCT to suit any environment (3000k, 4000k, 6000k) • Option to be surface mounted, mounted with a BESA box, or suspended • IP44 Rating (ceiling mounted) • Self-Test Emergency to remove the need of manual testing • Security screw caps (3mm allen key) • Optional microwave sensor available, offering variable detection area adjustment, hold time, daylight threshold, and a corridor function • Optional emergency converter pack with three-hour lifespan. The modular design enhances product sustainability, as microwave sensors and emergency packs can be retrofitted in-house by distributors or contractors without the need for tools. Clear markings on the gear tray guide installation, with easy wiring via colour-coded connectors. Designed to offer strong value for electrical contractors and wholesalers, the E-Lite is compatible with a wide range of environments, including schools, gyms, sports halls, commercial spaces, and more. With a focus on performance and adaptability, Ovia believes that the E-Lite is set to become the go-to solution for projects requiring high-quality, energy-efficient lighting. The E-Lite comes with a five-year warranty. More information can be found on the Ovia website and via the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here. [embed]https://youtu.be/MIzNoH5Vu-0[/embed]  

Screwfix crowns Trade Apprentice 2025

Apprentice electrician, Dan O’Shea, has beaten over 2,700 apprentices from across the UK and Ireland to be named this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion. Dan, aged 20, from Longford, Ireland is currently completing Phase 2 of his electrical apprenticeship with F White Electrical, located in Ballymahon, and takes home a prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth €10,000 – while also receiving €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for his college. During the two-day final, which took place in London, Dan impressed the panel of industry judges, including representatives - from Screwfix, NICEIC, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) - with his passion for the electrical industry. Dan did well in school, achieving a high score on his Leavers Certificate Examination, and was therefore encouraged to pursue a university degree. However, he quickly realised that a career in the trade industry was where he wanted to be. With his Dad and uncle both in the trades, Dan was inspired to explore an apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back. Since starting his electrical apprenticeship, Dan has not only unlocked a passion for renewable energy and sustainability, but he’s also become an advocate for making the trade more inclusive for others thinking of following in his footsteps. Screwfix tells us that it was this dedication to wanting to play his role in changing the perception around apprenticeships and shifting the stigma around vocational paths that really shone through in the final. Taking a proactive approach, Dan has already created a trade skills workshop for secondary school students in Ireland to participate in as part of their transition year. As part of this, Dan also approached local politicians to champion trade careers being more visible in secondary school education. This, together with Dan’s strong response to the pre-final task – to design a tool that would make a tradesperson’s life easier – impressed the judges. Dan devised and prototyped his proposal for a product called the Multi Marker, which showcased a practical solution for measuring, marking and scribing. Commenting on the announcement, Dan says, “To hear my name called out was unbelievable. Having met with the other finalists, I knew the competition would be a tough one, and honestly anyone of us would have been worthy winners. This award is going to be such a boost to my career and will really take me to the next level. I still can’t believe I’ve won! “From learning new skills, meeting new people and working with the most advanced tools, there’s nothing I don’t love about the electrical trade. In Ireland, renewable energy is so important, and it was great to be able to share my passion about playing my part in helping unlock a sustainable future to the judges. Trades are always in demand, and I’d recommend apprenticeships to anyone, even those who are already at college or have gone done the university route. It’s never too late to change direction, and I’m proof of that.” Simon O’Mahony, Director of Marketing Communications for Screwfix, adds, “Dan is an incredible example of what the next generation of tradespeople can achieve. His passion for sustainability and his drive to make a difference in the industry are inspirational. The entire judging panel was moved by his ambition and talent, particularly in how he is already igniting an interest for the trades in young people at critical moments in their education. His trade is lucky to have him, and we are excited to see where this accolade takes him. Congratulations, Dan.” The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition celebrates the best new talent in the trade industry, and this year’s competition received more than 2,700 entries. To learn more about the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, click here. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Elucian AFDD+MCB Combination Unit from Click Scolmore

Part of Click Scolmore’s growing Elucian consumer unit and protective devices range is the AFDD+MCB Combination Unit, which is designed to deliver superior protection against electrical fires, overloads and short circuits in one compact, efficient device. AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Device) detect and interrupt dangerous arc faults that could lead to electrical fires, providing essential protection in residential, commercial, and public buildings. MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) offer standard protection against overcurrent and short circuits with high reliability and quick response. The integration of these two critical protection functions in a single modular device saves valuable space in the distribution board. Available in 6kA and 10kA breaking capacities, the range comprises: • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 10A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 16A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 20A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 32A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 40A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 10kA B Curve 6A AFDD & MCB • 1 Pole True 6kA B Curve 32A AFDD & MCB Ideal for applications where residual current protection is already managed, the AFDD+MCB range ensures safety and compliance with the latest standards. It offers Overcurrent protection, Series Arc Fault protection, and Parallel Arc fault protection. Combining cutting-edge arc fault detection with trusted overcurrent protection, this product significantly enhances electrical safety with minimal installation complexity. For more from Scolmore, click here.