ECA launches 'Electrifying Our Future'

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has introduced Electrifying Our Future, a digital series that highlights the vital contributions of the electrical industry in achieving the UK’s net zero goals. With the UK Government committed to clean power by 2030, the pace of electrification is accelerating, but without the right skills, infrastructure and policy clarity, progress risks being derailed. Electrification is not just about renewable energy and infrastructure investment - it requires a highly skilled workforce and robust safety standards to succeed. As the UK moves towards heat pumps, EVs and smart energy systems, the need for proper training, clear regulation and industry-wide collaboration has never been greater. Electrifying Our Future spotlights the key barriers to electrification - from skills shortages to supply chain issues - and outlines the solutions needed to ensure a safe, rapid transition to net zero. The series, made in collaboration with Content With Purpose, explores the enormous opportunities electrification presents for the sector, as well as the challenges along the way. Speaking at the House of Lords launch event, Lord Foster of Bath said, “Electrical safety is paramount as the speed of electrification increases. Electrifying Our Future highlights the aspects needed for a safe energy transition, from consistent support for apprenticeships, clearer guidance from manufacturers, and a continued focus on good regulation as the sector ramps up its efforts to achieve net zero. Without proper training and safety measures, rapid deployment of low carbon technologies could put both workers and consumers at risk.” The series highlights the essential steps needed to scale up efforts in the sector, from addressing the skills gap and improving workforce training to adopting emerging technologies and optimising existing low carbon systems. By spotlighting the key players, policies, and innovations driving this change, Electrifying Our Future provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead and seizing the opportunities of tomorrow’s energy landscape. Gary Parker, Head of Technical Standards at ECA, shared his insights on the industry’s transformative growth: “The electrification of the UK’s energy system is creating unprecedented opportunities for electrical contractors. As we diversify into areas like solar, energy storage and electric vehicles, the industry is positioned to lead in the UK’s transition to net zero. This is an exciting time for the sector, offering both growth and sustainability.” Electrifying Our Future will feature valuable insights and contributions from a wide range of leading organisations in the sector, including Megger, PowerCor, JTL, Calisen, Sync Energy, SES Engineering Services, AMP, Simpro Software, Hispec, NIBE, Rexel UK, Chameleon Technology, ABB Electrification Service and EnergyAce. These organisations demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing the electrical contracting industry’s role in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts, and they are helping shape the future of a more sustainable, electrified economy. This digital series also features contributions from leading figures in the electrical and energy sectors, including: Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Andrew Eldred, COO of the Electrical Contractors’ Association Robert Birch, Policy Manager at Energy UK Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First Ruth Devine, MBE, Managing Director, SJD Associates & Chair, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership Faye Burnett, Programme Director for the Super Sector Installer Programme at Mace Group Kelly Butler, Strategy Director at BEAMA Gary Parker, Head of Technical Standards at ECA Alan Wilson, Managing Director at SELECT The Electrifying Our Future series is available to watch now at here.  It is set to be a valuable resource for industry professionals, businesses and policymakers seeking to understand the role of electrical contractors in the UK’s electrification journey.

Fergus launches job management software promotion

Fergus, the job management software for trades businesses, is offering an exclusive End of Financial Year deal whereby customers can get 75% off their first three months when signing up in March. This limited-time offer is designed to help trades businesses streamline operations, improve efficiency, and boost profitability as they prepare for the new financial year. With Fergus, users can take control of job scheduling, invoicing, and team management - all in one easy-to-use platform. “Fergus was built by tradies, for tradies, to reduce admin headaches and give business owners their time back,” says Mark Bartels, CEO of Fergus. “As we approach the end of the financial year, this is the perfect opportunity for trade professionals to experience the power of Fergus at a fraction of the usual cost.” With 75% off the first three months, customers will gain access to all Fergus features, including: • Job scheduling and tracking – Organise jobs, assign tasks, and track progress in real time. • Quick and accurate quoting and invoicing – Create professional quotes and invoices with ease, ensuring smoother cash flow. • Powerful team management tools – Allocate resources, manage timesheets, and monitor team performance. • Real-time job insights – Access reporting features that show how every job impacts the bottom line. To access the 75% discount, click here to get started any time during the month of March, and it will be automatically applied to the first three months of the subscription. For more from Fergus, click here.

All aboard for new maritime infrastructure projects

UK Power Networks Services has been awarded a framework contract by KBS Maritime, to mastermind future infrastructure projects for the Royal Navy’s base at Portsmouth. The 500-acre site is home to 60% of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet and a base for visiting warships and submarines. It accommodates up to 17,000 personnel with an extra 700,000 visitors to the city’s historic dockyard. Under the new two-year agreement, UK Power Networks Services will be in the running for consulting services, to design and assess new projects, and carry out feasibility studies. It will be able to deliver upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, serving 900 buildings and over three miles of waterfront. Paul O’Leary, Sector Lead for Defence, says, “This builds on the success of our recent installation of a new substation on site, which required a special elevated base to protect the integrity of the listed building it is housed in. “We work as a trusted partner to the Ministry of Defence and many other organisations, and invest in long-term relationships. This includes helping key clients where the electrical infrastructure supports critical sites of national significance. If and when they have to handle major incidents, the high resilience of our electricity networks are fundamental to their success.” KBS Maritime delivers facilities management and alongside services at Portsmouth. It’s total £5.2 billion Future Maritime Support Programme employs a framework of contractors and sustains more than 9,400 jobs. Serena Lewis, Commercial Director at KBS Maritime, comments, “The creation of the Multi-disciplinary Supplier Framework covers the full range of professional services and capabilities to deliver Portsmouth Naval Base’s infrastructure investment plans. “The benefits include improved supply chain engagement, accelerated timescales for delivery, reduced administration, and enhanced value for money for our customer. In parallel, by attracting local companies and increasing SME participation, together, we will deliver a positive impact for Portsmouth prosperity, demonstrating our commitment to social value.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

NAPIT welcomes Climate Change Committee report

NAPIT has welcomed the Climate Change Committee report, which says switching to EVs and heat pumps will save householders cash while also helping the planet. The Government’s climate advisers say households could save hundreds of pounds a year if they switch away from volatile fossil fuels to heat pumps and EVs instead. The Climate Change Committee published its advice on the Seventh Carbon Budget today (26 February). The Committee recognises that the upfront costs of fitting houses with low-carbon heat pumps instead of gas boilers are a “sizeable” part of the costs of the UK’s net zero shift, and there will need to be continued support to encourage people to make the switch. In its latest advice for how to end the UK’s contribution to global warming, the independent advisory committee is urging the Government to commit to an 87% cut on 1990 levels by 2040. Around a third of the emissions cuts in the period will have to come from action by households; mainly buying an electric car and a heat pump to replace an old gas boiler. The committee said its modelling shows that, by mid-century, households would save around £700 a year on heating bills and another £700 on motoring costs, with a switch to electric heat pumps for home heating and electric vehicles (EVs). But households would need support with the costs (particularly those on lower incomes), the cost of electricity needs to come down, and action needs to be taken to tackle a lack of awareness and misconceptions around technologies such as EVs and heat pumps. NAPIT, a leading Government-approved membership scheme operator with over 20,000 registered installers working across electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration, and building fabric trades has welcomed the CCC’s recommendations. Managing Director, Frank Bertie, says, “It’s clear that if the UK is to reach its emissions targets, then more action will be needed to decarbonise heating in homes and transport. It’s good to see that the CCC is highlighting the potential savings to householders in their energy bills if they make the switch, although more needs to be done to bring the costs of heat pumps and EVs down. “Many of our members are already installing heat pumps and EV chargers across the country, and we also provide training courses to allow even more tradespeople to upskill. “The CCC has recommended some challenging targets, but they also create opportunities for our members to expand and create economic growth and provide skilled jobs across the low carbon sector as well as saving households money on their energy and fuel bills.” The Government has to decide on the level of cuts it will commit to for the period 2038-2042, which is the seventh in a series of five-year 'carbon budgets', and put it to a vote in Parliament by the end of June next year. For more from NAPIT, click here.

UK economy benefitting from net zero commitment

A new report by the CBI has found that the UK’s net zero industry is booming. Specifically, the sector is growing three times faster than the rest of the UK economy, and with electricity demand expected to treble by 2050, there is plenty of room for it to continue this upward trend. According to Mark Sprawson, Commercial Director of VisNet from EA Technology, a UK low voltage energy network monitoring and management specialist, the UK’s commitment to net zero-related technologies is set continue to create new growth opportunities at home and abroad. Mark explains, “As heat pumps, EV infrastructure, and a new generation of data centres powered by clean energy roll out across the country, the UK is becoming increasingly well-versed in renewable technology. This creates a significant opportunity to export our expertise across the world. “While some have expressed concern about the projected cost of decarbonising the UK energy network, the benefits are set to supercharge the economy in the long run, aligning with Chancellor Rachel Reeves's goal of increasing investment and unlocking the potential of UK industry. “With infrastructure projects like The Great Grid Upgrade on the horizon, there’s never been a better time for the UK to take the lead as a net zero pioneer.” Drawing on VisNet's work with electricity network owners and operators to manage their low voltage distribution infrastructure, Mark notes, “The UK’s energy grid is incredibly resilient, and our network owners and operators do an incredibly challenging job managing rapidly shifting usage whilst keeping in step with clean energy goals. “However, last year, National Grid said that only so much can be done with a power system that was originally built for a different era. The UK needs new infrastructure to connect renewable energy and ensure that it reaches homes and businesses. “With 130,000 new jobs projected to be created by new electricity transmission infrastructure and the UK green economy growing by 9% in 2023 versus 0.1% growth in the rest of the economy, there’s a clear economic benefit to the UK in becoming a leader in the wider decarbonisation movement. “We’re fortunate that the UK is already an important European hub for green technology solutions. As we’ve seen with other sectors like financial services, exporting our expertise to other markets delivers lucrative returns here at home. “With the UK’s electricity supply having the cleanest year on record in 2024, the country is on the right trajectory with levelling up our transmission infrastructure, and we’re ahead of much of the international community regarding our net zero transition. “The renewable energy sector is playing a key role in Britain’s economic growth, and positioning ourselves as an international leader attracts important inward investment to these shores. “The UK taking the lead in net zero isn’t just the right decision for the planet - it’s also the right decision to get the country’s economy on track and performing in a way that healthy and resilient.” For more from EA Technology, click here.

HDM Solar Wholesale celebrates opening of new branch

HDM Solar Wholesale, a national wholesaler of solar energy products and electric vehicle charging technologies, celebrated its new Basildon branch with a well-attended opening event on 21 February 2025. The event welcomed solar and EV installers, businesses and individuals interested in renewable energy systems. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the new facility, meet the HDM Solar team and access exclusive offers. The day’s highlights included a ribbon-cutting by the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor Allan Davies, and live demonstrations from 13 industry-leading suppliers, including SolaX, Sunsynk, GivEnergy, Growatt, Mounting Systems, Genius Roof Solutions, Canadian Solar and Astronergy. HDM Solar Wholesale supplies solar panels, batteries, inverters and electric vehicle (EV) chargers to trade customers, businesses and individuals across the UK. With options for branch collection or same-day and next-day delivery, the 11,000-square-metre facility will provide installers in Essex, London, East Anglia and the South East with convenient access to high-quality equipment and expert support for residential and commercial solar projects. Malcolm Campbell, Manager of HDM Solar’s Basildon branch, comments, “The turnout at our Basildon open event was fantastic, and we’re grateful for the support from installers, local businesses and our industry partners that attended and exhibited at the event. With the renewable energy sector growing rapidly, our new branch enhances our ability to provide quality products, quick delivery and outstanding service to installers across the region.” HDM Solar has experienced significant growth, achieving a turnover of £20 million in its first full financial year and establishing itself as a trusted wholesaler of solar products. The opening of the Basildon branch follows successful branches already operating in Hull, Sheffield and Bournemouth. With several new branches planned for 2025, the company is reinforcing its position as a leader in the fast-growing solar industry. For more from HDM Solar Wholesale, click here.

Heat pumps to be in 10% of homes by 2029

A new study from Juniper Research, an expert in IoT markets, has revealed that the number of homes fitted with heat pumps globally will exceed 238 million in 2029 - which would be up 35% from 2025. This compares with 177 million in 2025, which represents only 7% of homes. Growth is being driven primarily by regulatory interventions, such as the Clean Heat Market Mechanism in the UK which instructs boiler manufacturers to have a minimum percentage of their revenue come from heat pump sales. Despite this, massive challenges remain for heat pump adoption. The study predicts that the high cost of installation, a clear lack of trained heat pump experts, and a lack of suitability for apartments will restrict acceptance beyond early adopters. To unlock the 90% of homes that will not have an alternative heating system by 2029, heat pump manufacturers must invest in emerging technologies which create greater efficiencies in the heating process and reduce cost, Juniper Reseach states. The report identified R32 refrigerant as a key solution that will immediately help vendors to improve operating efficiency. Report author, Thomas Wilson, remarks, “Vendors must promote the cost-saving abilities they are bringing to their units, to stimulate growth. More efficient components, such as variable-speed compressors, increase the value of heat pumps to end users by reducing their monthly energy expenditure.” The report identified that due to the difficulties in retrofitting heat pumps in space-constrained apartments, fitting monobloc systems should be a key priority to generate growth. Failure to do so will result in a stagnated adoption of heat pumps and possible regulatory fines due to missing sales targets. An extract from the new report, Global Heat Pump Market 2025-2029, is now available as a free download and can be accessed by clicking here. For more from Juniper Research, click here.

SPARKS Learner of the Year 2025 finalists announced

With the regional heats of the SPARKS Learner of the Year 2025 contest reaching their conclusion, the organisers have now announced the seven finalists who have secured their spots in the prestigious grand final. The follow participants will go head-to-head at JTL Training's site in Birmingham for the coveted title this coming April: Drew Squires O’Sullivan (Gower College Swansea) Frankie McCall (South Hampshire College) Jack Kirby (Burnley College) Paddy Moran (Clifford College) Taylor Slade (Bridgwater and Taunton College) Toby Hildreth (Derwentside College) Zack Bloomfield (Suffolk New College) With an impressive range of talent on display, the standard of work in all regions has been outstanding, SPARKS tells us. Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at SPARKS, comments, “All the competitors should be extremely proud of their hard work. The calibre of talent this year has been exceptional. We’re delighted to see the continued success of SPARKS Learner of the Year and are grateful for the support from so many respected industry leaders.” SPARKS Learner of the Year 2025 is proudly sponsored by Luceco Group, Electric Center, Milwaukee, Aico, EAL, Ideal Industries, Fix Radio, Prysmian, Snickers Workwear and NAPIT. The Grand Final at JTL Training, Birmingham, on 2-3 April. Stay tuned to SPARKS's social media channels to follow the action and find out who will be crowned Learner of the Year 2025. The competition provides a platform for apprentice and student electricians to showcase their skills, gain confidence and win an array of prizes to support them at the very start of their careers. For more from SPARKS, click here.

Martindale launches adapter for EV charge point testing

Test and measurement specialist, Martindale Electric, has announced the launch of the TL326-EV, a new electric vehicle (EV) charger adapter designed for accurate and easy testing of EV charge points. With the continued expansion of EV infrastructure, the need for reliable and straightforward testing appliances has never been greater. The TL326-EV allows users to connect a range of test equipment to an EVSE charging point via a Type 2 connector. It provides direct access to key measurement points, including L1, L2, L3, N, CP and PE, via six standard 4mm jack sockets so contractors can perform comprehensive testing using an EV compatible Multifunction Tester (MFT) or other suitable instruments, ensuring that charge points are correctly installed and operating within specification. Designed with both single-phase and three-phase systems in mind, the TL326-EV has a CP selection switch that simulates various states: vehicle connected but not ready to charge; vehicle ready to charge; and a fault simulation position which induces a failure of the CP signal that should cause the EV charger to stop charging. The unit is also equipped with LED status indicators giving a clear visual confirmation of the operational state of the charge point before further testing. For electrical contractors working with EV infrastructure, the TL326-EV simplifies the process of carrying out essential tests such as voltage and frequency measurement, phase indication, phase sequence verification, insulation resistance testing and loop and line impedance checks. You can also test various RCD configurations, ensuring that critical safety functions are operating correctly. The unit is durable and compact, measuring just 230 x 60 x 55mm and weighing 0.3kg. It is supplied with a soft carry case so the adapter and accessories remain protected when not in use. As part of Martindale Electric’s commitment to providing complete and practical testing solutions, the TL326-EV is supplied as standard with the Martindale ET6500 Installation Tester. This pairing offers contractors a comprehensive package for EV charge point verification, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices. With EV adoption continuing to rise and charging infrastructure expanding rapidly across the UK, Martindale Electric’s latest innovation ensures that contractors have the right tools to meet the evolving demands of the industry. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

National Battery Training & Skills Academy opens

In what is believed to be a significant step forward for the UK's renewable energy sector, North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has officially opened a state-of-the-art Battery Training & Skills Academy at New College Durham. Opened on 21 February, the new venue is dedicated to supporting the next generation of battery technology workers. The innovative facility is one of the first of its kind in the country and has been developed to provide the North East with the facilities to deliver training to the next generation of workers in battery technology. The Faraday Battery Challenge, led by Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation, is a project aimed at building a top-tier battery industry in the UK. With a £610 million budget, it utilises the UK's best talents to tackle the complexities of battery technology. Funded by the Faraday Battery Challenge (Faraday Battery Challenge is delivered by Innovate UK), the academy will support the North East’s rapidly expanding EV battery industry. Sunderland-based AESC, which owns and operates the UK’s only EV battery gigafactory, are the Academy’s industry partner and will use the centre to upskill hundreds of staff and potential recruits. The project will see the company share over a decade of EV battery manufacturing experience with the Academy, which has already seen the creation of a specialist battery fundamental bootcamp. Nine AESC staff have completed teaching qualifications to allow them to deliver course modules covering the latest industry developments. Thomas Bartlett, Deputy Director - Faraday Battery Challenge at Innovate UK, says, “One of the main aims of the Faraday Battery Challenge is to empower partnerships such as this, to train and develop the next generation of innovators in this ever-growing industry. The FBC aims to develop a resilient and globally competitive battery industry in the UK. This is achieved by supporting advanced research and innovation, creating world-class battery facilities, and fostering the necessary skills and investment to bring new, exciting technologies to market.” During her visit to the academy, the mayor spent time with staff and students along with representatives of the partnership that generated this latest development. Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, comments, “The North East is at the cusp of a new era of jobs and prosperity in the industries of the future, with huge potential in sectors such as battery tech, electric vehicles and offshore. As Mayor, I’m determined the next generation of workers will have access to the jobs, training, and opportunities we’re creating so we become the home of real opportunity. That means a strong partnership between industry and education working together, and I'm delighted to see how New College Durham are working with employers to create train a highly skilled, well-paid workforce - proudly making things right here in the North East." Jeff Pratt, Head of UK Operations at AESC praised the development, notes, “AESC has built a reputation for high quality batteries made to the highest safety standards. Fundamental to this achieving this has been the investment we have made in skills and training our staff over the past decade. Establishing the National Battery Academy in North East England will make the region a hotbed of talent for the EV battery industry, and we look forward to working closely with Faraday, New College Durham, and Newcastle University to achieve this.” Andy Broadbent, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham, adds, “With the correct levels of research and training, electric vehicles and the EV battery environment can provide huge opportunities for innovation, and growth particularly here in the North East. It is our aim to ensure that students at the National Battery Training & Skills Academy not only make themselves more employable in this growing industry, but that they strive to seek innovative solutions to any problems they encounter. “I am immensely proud that, through partnership working with Newcastle University, New College Durham is now well positioned to play a leading role in generating innovative and sustainable technologies.”