ISE 2026 to offer new opportunities for electrical contractors

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 returns to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, 3-6 February, with a forward-looking theme: Push Beyond. As buildings evolve into intelligent, connected environments, electrical professionals are increasingly at the centre of this transformation, and ISE is positioning them to take the lead. For electrical contractors, smart buildings represent more than a technological upgrade; they are a major commercial opportunity. Demand for integrated lighting, energy management, automation, security, and networked control systems continues to surge across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. ISE 2026, co-owned by CEDIA, The Association for Smart Home Professionals, will showcase how these technologies converge and how contractors can expand their skillsets, services, and revenue streams as a result. A look at the future of connected infrastructure A cornerstone of the event is the Smart Building Summit, taking place Wednesday 4 February, 08:30-12:30, where industry leaders will explore the realities of designing and delivering intelligent environments. Discussions will focus on systems interoperability, AI’s growing influence on building management, the long-term maintenance of connected infrastructure and how these changes will impact project workflows. For contractors, the Summit provides valuable context for aligning services with the evolving expectations of clients and building operators. Elevating residential expertise The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference is designed to broaden professional knowledge, sharpen practical skills, and drive business growth for electrical contractors and industry professionals. With a strong focus on actionable strategies and peer-driven insights, the conference will help delegates master project delivery, harness the latest advances in AI and emerging technologies, and foster a robust business culture. Attendees can expect practical takeaways and expert guidance from industry leaders, ensuring they return with real-world solutions and a competitive edge in the evolving smart home sector. Technology at the heart of the Residential & Smart Building Tech Zone ISE’s Residential & Smart Building Technology Zone, in Halls 1 and 2, brings together the technologies electrical professionals encounter more frequently on residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The zone showcases IoT-based building management platforms, advanced lighting and shading systems, energy monitoring tools, integrated security solutions, and multi-protocol control infrastructure. It’s an opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers, explore installation methods, and understand the integration requirements behind next-generation smart building systems. Integration and interoperability in action ISE 2026 will demonstrate how integrated systems can transform buildings into responsive, efficient ecosystems. Expect to see real-time demonstrations where lighting, power, audio, and security systems interact seamlessly. Key exhibitors at ISE 2026 include Technology Integration Partners (stand 2J500), who will be presenting design-focused technologies from brands such as Domotz, Russound, and D-Tools, with particular emphasis on smart power management and network monitoring. ADI / Snap One + Control4 (stand 2J150) will introduce robust platforms designed for networked control, automation, and remote management, supporting a wide range of connected devices and applications. Meanwhile, the KNX Association (stand 2J300) will showcase the latest advancements in building control standards, setting benchmarks for interoperability, automation, and personalisation. Megatrends – Smart spaces and sustainability One of ISE 2026’s defining megatrends is smart spaces, a concept describing buildings that react intelligently to occupants, integrate data from multiple systems and balance energy performance with user comfort. At the heart of these spaces lies robust electrical and low-voltage infrastructure. As buildings become increasingly software-driven, the contractor’s role expands accordingly – shaping not just the physical power distribution but the digital backbone on which automation, analytics, and optimisation depend. ISE also identified sustainability as a megatrend for 2026, where sessions will cover how sustainability presents opportunities to develop eco-friendly technologies, energy-efficient systems, and greener manufacturing processes - reducing environmental impact and attracting eco-conscious clients. AI Trailblazing keynote Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief AI Officer for enterprises, will headline ISE on Wednesday 5 February 2026. Her keynote, ‘The AI Reality Check: What It Takes to Scale and the Future of Leadership,’ will expose the realities of AI beyond the hype, offering practical frameworks and highlighting the importance of AI governance and cybersecurity for successful scaling. She will also share how to assess AI initiatives and protect data, staff, and competitive edge. Registration for ISE 2026 is open now - don’t miss your place at the forefront of connected living. Use our code ‘ecnews’ for free registration by clicking here. For more from CEDIA, click here.

Click Scolmore enhances GridPro Modules with LED indication

Click Scolmore, a designer and manufacturer of electrical accessories, has upgraded its GridPro Modules, now featuring advanced LED indication. Featuring a modern design, the new LED indicators offer a brighter, more discreet method of visual notification, replacing the previous neon-based system. This enhancement brings a modern look to the GridPro range while maintaining its reputation for reliability and performance - delivering a cleaner, more efficient solution in line with evolving market demands. Inserts are available in Black, Polar White, and Grey, and can be paired with modules in a wide variety of high-quality finishes, including Antique Brass, Black Nickel, Polished Chrome, Stainless Steel, Satin Brass, Pearl Nickel, Polished Brass, Satin Chrome, Matt Black, Matt Bronze, Brushed Steel, Polar White, and Black. For more information on Click’s full range of GridPro Modules, visit the Scolmore Group website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Light Forms completes bespoke café lighting feature

Mouse Tail Coffee has opened a new site on Fenchurch Avenue in London, with lighting design playing a central role in shaping the interior. The brief focused on creating a welcoming environment for commuters and office workers, while maintaining the brand’s established visual identity. As the company’s fifth location, the space needed to balance consistency with a distinctive design element suited to the building’s curved architectural form. Light Forms, a UK designer and manufacturer of architectural lighting, worked with Inside Job Studio to deliver a bespoke lighting installation suspended above the main counter. The feature uses Light Forms’ Moonband 90 profile in a curved configuration, providing a focal point with controlled illumination and a timber veneer finish that aligns with the wider interior scheme. The project includes a range of Light Forms fixtures, such as Nova 62 track spotlights mounted on Powergear track. The Nova fitting offers a minimal design with an integral driver, while the Powergear system supports a subtle finish that places emphasis on the lighting effect rather than the hardware. Lighting design shaped around the building The interior incorporates floor-to-ceiling glazing, a spacious service counter, and varied seating options for customers. The lighting design complements these elements, creating a bright and inviting setting for visitors to enjoy Mouse Tail Coffee’s food and drink offer. Mirjam Haggi, Interior Designer at Inside Job Studio, says, “We had a wonderful time collaborating with Light Forms on the design for Mouse Tail Coffee’s City of London location. "The solutions from Light Forms align perfectly with our overall vision for the interiors, with curved, creative lighting which harmoniously follows the shape of the building and highlights the seating for customers to unwind and enjoy.” For more from Light Forms, click here.

BOXT and Passiv UK form heat pump partnership

BOXT, a UK-based installer, has teamed up with Passiv UK to exclusively offer the Passiv Smart Thermostat with every purchase of the Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump. This strategic collaboration is described by the companies as a "major step forward" in making advanced heat pump control technology widely accessible, providing homeowners across the UK with an intelligent, energy-efficient innovation to optimise their heating systems. The Passiv Smart Thermostat enhances heat pump performance without complex setup from a homeowner or installer. It cuts heating bills by up to 30% and improves heat pump efficiency by 17%, as verified by the Energy Saving Trust. Its intelligent controls can optimise energy use according to time-of-use tariffs and rooftop solar production, supporting decarbonisation efforts while future-proofing homes against rising energy demands. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, says, “Partnering with BOXT allows us to bring the Passiv Smart Thermostat to homes across the UK, helping more people take control of their energy usage, save on bills, and reduce carbon emissions. This collaboration represents a major step forward in making smart and sustainable heating accessible to everyone.” Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT, adds, “By including Passiv’s intelligent controls with our Worcester Bosch heat pump offering, we can provide our customers with a complete, high-performance heat pump solution. It’s easy to use and delivers tangible benefits in efficiency and cost savings across a range of property types.” The Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump is an all-in-one monobloc heat pump, designed for a straightforward installation experience. It’s suitable for a range of property types, and doesn’t require planning permission in most scenarios. The BOXT heat pump package includes the Passiv Smart Thermostat, and is available from £4,799. For more from Passiv, click here.

Ovia's new modular Beelo Bollard range

Renowned for its commitment to safety and security across its range of products, Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, has announced the latest addition to its successful Amenity range, the modular Beelo Bollard. Joining Ovia’s versatile and robust collection of exterior lighting solutions, the Beelo Bollard is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, long-lasting durability, and adaptable functionality across a wide range of commercial and residential applications. The Beelo Bollard range sets a new standard for outdoor lighting by combining modular interchangeable design, impact resistance, and energy efficiency in one elegant, high-performance system. Modular design for ultimate flexibility At the heart of the Beelo range is its innovative modular concept which incorporates interchangeable head options. Each bollard head is supplied separately from the standard post, enabling quick and easy installation or replacement. Users can easily interchange Flat, Domed, Cone, or Louvered bollard heads, offered in both Black and Anthracite Grey finishes to suit the desired aesthetic or lighting requirement. Each Beelo bollard head is prewired with a Unicrimp Q-Nect IP68 connector and supplied with 150mm of cable and four, three-port lever connectors, providing a quick, safe, and waterproof connection. This prewired system enables the head to be removed and replaced in seconds: simply unscrew three screws, wire up the new head, align it, and reattach, reducing maintenance time and supporting sustainability by replacing only the head rather than the whole fitting. Each model is available as standard or as an emergency version which features a built-in test button that activates the emergency function when pressed and held - ideal for environments such as warehouses. Intelligent accessory engineering The Beelo bollard is supplied with a standard base, with an impact absorbing base available as an optional accessory. Designed to enhance the durability and functionality of the bollards, the impact-absorbing base features a built-in spring mechanism that enables 360° impact absorption, allowing the bollard to tilt up to 30° upon impact and then return to its original, upright position. This innovative design helps minimise damage to both the bollard and vehicles, making it ideal for office complexes, retail environments, and car parks. Another optional accessory is the 180° shield guard that can effectively block unwanted light spillage, for example, when installed near office windows or residential properties. The shield guard can be retrofitted easily with four screws, securing both halves around the diffuser. Performance without compromise Engineered for performance and endurance in all conditions, the IP65- and IK08-rated Beelo Bollard has a beam angle of 360° and delivers a maximum lumen output of 3600Lm and an impressive efficacy of up to 144Lm/W - outperforming many competitors in its class. It also offers CCT switchability of 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K, and power switchability of 14W, 19W, and 24W. This ensures adaptability to a wide range of outdoor settings, from gardens and driveways to airport drop off zones and commercial car parks. Lighting the way forward With its blend of smart engineering, superior materials, and thoughtful design, Ovia’s Beelo Bollard Modular range demonstrates the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the evolving needs of modern lighting design. All models are backed by Ovia’s comprehensive five-year warranty, reinforcing confidence in quality and performance. For more information, visit Ovia’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

NVC Lighting wins Smart Buildings/Sustainability award

CAT-R, the innovative sustainable range by lighting manufacturer, NVC Lighting, was named Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year at the prestigious ECN Awards. New to the market, the CAT-R range has already received its first accolade thanks to its revolutionary design that eliminates CAT-A / B fit-out waste in tenanted commercial spaces. CAT-R was designed with efficiency at the core with lighting modules that can be easily reused, replaced and redeployed, to potentially last the entire lifetime of a building. This means it can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50%, making it the go-to luminaire of choice for offices, schools and universities, and healthcare facilities. CAT-R is built on the NVC adaptable plug-and-play platform and is available in a variety of options, offering flexibility for future tenants. Adaptable, efficient and pushing the limits of sustainability, CAT-R is already becoming a popular choice for commercial spaces. Find out how you can make your next lighting project even more sustainable by clicking here. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

ECN Awards 2025 Winners revealed

Last Thursday (27 November), the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre played host to the third annual ECN Awards – our biggest and most successful event to date. In front of a packed house, the night celebrated the very best the electrical contracting industry has to offer, with winners from a wide and varied range of categories stepping into the spotlight to collect their coveted trophies in front of their peers. ECN would like to thank absolutely every one of you for your support, and a huge congratulations to each and every one of this year's winners! Stay tuned for details of the 2026 ECN Awards in the coming weeks. Without further ado, the winners of the 2025 ECN Awards are as follows: Products Category Cable Product of the Year Winner – Amokabel Flexishield – Flexishield-Cca Highly Commended - Securi-Flex LTD – Securi-Flex Eco-Flex EV & Modbus Cable   Circuit Protection Product of the Year Winner: Electrium Sales Limited – Wylex 10ka AFDDRCBO Highly Commended: Proteus Switchgear – Proteus Consumer Unit   Fire Safety Product of the Year Winner: Aico – Ei3030 Highly Commended: Advanced – Next-Generation MxPro 5   HVAC Product of the Year Winner: Rointe Heating – Eoniq Inverter Smart Adaptive Energy-Efficient Radiator with Wi-Fi & AI Highly Commended: Airflow Developments – DV245 Adroit (Integral CO2 Sensor)   Lighting Product of the Year Winner: Aurora Lighting – ChromaFlex Highly Commended: Ansell Lighting – C-Cell RGBW Pixel, part of the LED Cell Strip range   Software/App of the Year Winner: Modecsoft – ElectricalOM Highly Commended: Volta Compliance – EcaaS   Test Equipment Product of the Year Winner: Chauvin Arnoux UK – PEL 113 Power and Energy Logger Highly Commended: Di-LOG – ALVA Series MFT Highly Commended: Super Rod – Super Rod IR Link   Trade Tool of the Year Winner: Beech Innovations Limited – FusePry Pro Highly Commended: Luceco – 5W UV Inspection Torch   Wiring Accessories Product of the Year Winner: M2 Electrical – 65W Dual Type-C USB Charger Socket Highly Commended: Retrotouch Switches & Sockets – Retrotouch Aura Switches & Sockets   Sustainable Products Category EV Charging Product of the Year Winner: Myenergi – zappi GLO Highly Commended: Lewden – SIENA -7.4kW AC smart EV Charger Highly Commended: ROLEC – EVO   Power Product of the Year Winner: Luceco – Sync Energy Flow Highly Commended: Sensata Technologies – Next-Gen SIM200 Insulation Monitoring Device   Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year Winner: NVC Lighting – CAT-R Highly Commended: Luceco – LuxPanel Connect Highly Commended: Prefect Controls – Irus+ControlSensor   Projects Category EV Project of the Year Winner: InstaVolt – Winchester Superhub Highly Commended: Aylesford Electrical Contractors – Aylesford Electrical Royal Mail and Currys Fleet EV Charging Installations for BP Pulse   Lighting Project of the Year Winner: Ansell Lighting – Ansell Lighting transforms Aintree Racecourse Golden Miller & Papillon Suites Highly Commended: Acrospire – Newport Millennium Bridge: LED Handrail Lighting Retrofit Highly Commended: Powercor – Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium   Sustainable Project of the Year Winner: Volta Compliance – York Minster Highly Commended: Starkey Electrical – WCCP and Starkey Electrical   Training Category Apprentice of the Year: Jay Bamford   Training Provider/Initiative of the Year Winner: A121 Training Highly Commended: NICEIC   Companies Category Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Winner: Yesss Electrical Highly Commended: LEW Electrical Distributors   Contractor of the Year (turnover under £5M) Winner: Burgess Electrical Services Limited Highly Commended: KDM Electrical   Contractor of the Year (turnover over £5M) Winner: Powercor Highly Commended: Brook & Mayo   Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Winner: Moss Technical Services Highly Commended: CleanTech Wholesale   Manufacturer of the Year Winner: Marshall-Tufflex Highly Commended: Luceco   For more from the ECN Awards, click here.

myenergi takes home gold at the 2025 ECN Awards

Last week (27 November), the myenergi zappi GLO was named EV Charging Product of the Year at the 2025 ECN Awards. The prestigious event, which took place at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, celebrated innovation, accomplishment and excellence from across the electrical contracting industry. Designed and manufactured in the UK, zappi GLO sets the standards in next-generation design, smart integration and intelligent control. Users can simply plug-and-go, or explore toggle options to adjust settings, set timers and optimise device performance for greener, cheaper, smarter charging. The judges commended myenergi for GLO’s performance, functionality and compact size. Thanks to the all-new Installer Assistant app, contractors were deemed to benefit significantly from a step-by-step solution to optimise fitting speed and guarantee replicability, which streamlines efficiencies and maximises productivity. Matt Hemmings, Product Manager for EV at myenergi, says, “zappi GLO was designed to disrupt the EV charging industry. Out-of-the-box tariff integration, automated solar compatibility and seamless app control allows users to manage charging sessions, adjust settings and monitor performance from anywhere in the world. “When it comes to installation, every element has been carefully considered to make it quick, simple and hassle-free for contractors. It’s an excellent product that can be installed faster than many other devices on the market. “Taking home gold as EV Charging Product of the Year is testament to the team’s collective hard work. We’re delighted with the judges’ feedback and we’re proud to be taking home such a prestigious award for our newest product.” The zappi range, which includes the OG zappi and zappi GLO, forms part of myenergi’s home energy management system (HEMS), an integrated network of eco-smart solutions that ensures households are given total control over their energy use, alongside the flexibility to switch to the best smart tariff. For more from myenergi, click here.  

Tattooed electrician triumphs at On The Tools Awards

Electrician Gina York has been named Electrician of the Year at the 2025 On The Tools Awards, following a year marked by both tool theft and an unexpectedly personal tribute to the trade. Gina, who had the On The Tools logo tattooed on her arm after a tool theft incident, was recognised at the ceremony for her contribution to the electrical sector and wider trades community. Gina experienced the theft while attending a tool theft rally in London, an event supported by On The Tools. Shortly afterwards, she chose to have the 'Barry Head' logo tattooed on her right arm, which she sees as a symbol of solidarity with the trades community. Reflecting on the experience, Gina says, “I got it in March 2025. It was done at Cross My Heart Collective in Sherwood, Nottingham. I had it done after Lee insisted on helping me when my van was broken into. “I guess I’ll be forever grateful for Lee and On The Tools for their help. I probably wouldn’t be back on my feet right now or even still in the trade if it weren’t for their kindness. I love what OTT does for tradespeople.” Celebrating the UK’s trade community The 2025 On The Tools Awards brought together more than 450 people from across the UK’s trade sectors. The event celebrated craftsmanship, community contributions, and professional excellence, with winners receiving a Barry Head trophy and £1,000 in prize money. Gina was recognised for her professionalism, dedication, and positive impact across the electrical community. Lee Wilcox, CEO and co-founder of On The Tools, comments, "I can’t believe people do this - it blows my mind! But honestly, I love it. Gina’s dedication, creativity, and passion for her trade perfectly capture what On The Tools is all about. "Congratulations on your win, and thank you for everything you do for the trades community!" Gina’s story resonated with attendees, highlighting both the challenges faced by tradesworkers and the strong sense of community across the sector. Looking ahead, Gina says she hopes to become more involved with On The Tools and raise awareness of The Lost City Charity. She also aims to continue growing her business in the new year and collaborate with more tradeswomen on future projects. For more from On The Tools, click here.

Introducing Espire’s Optical Smoke Alarms from ESP

ESP, a UK fire and security product specialist and part of the Scolmore Group, continues to lead the way in fire and safety technology with its Espire Optical Smoke Alarm. Designed to deliver fast and reliable detection of slow, smouldering fires, the Optical Smoke Alarm is part of the comprehensive range of Espire high performance Fire and CO Alarms launched earlier this year, reinforcing ESP’s reputation for innovation, quality, and compliance in life safety solutions. Featuring a compact and discreet design, the Espire Optical Alarms are equipped with advanced infrared sensor technology that excels in detecting early sign of combustion particles. Designed and manufactured in ESP’s dedicated production facility, each unit undergoes rigorous testing - including multiple sensor and functional checks - to ensure total reliability. Key features and options Features include a 24-hour memory function, auto-dimming LED, dust compensation, and stainless-steel insect mesh barrier, designed to reduce nuisance alarms and improve accuracy over time. Installers can choose from three power options to suit varying project requirements: • Powered by mains with a sealed, tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery • Powered by mains with a 9V replaceable battery • Powered by a sealed, tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery The Espire Optical Smoke Alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS 5839-6. All models are tested and certified to BS EN 140604 and are LPCB (mains powered options) and TUV (battery option) certified. With eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging, the Espire Optical Smoke Alarm range offers sustainable protection with no compromise of performance. More information can be found on the Espire website and the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.