Fire protection installed at London residential development

Three next-generation Advanced MxPro 5 fire panels have been installed across a multi-building residential development on Westminster Bridge Road, London, delivering reliable protection for residents. Located in the heart of London, just minutes from Waterloo Station, the Westminster Bridge Road development comprises three residential buildings, each containing a mix of private flats and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs). The properties share some facilities and services, presenting specific fire safety challenges, particularly around retained gas infrastructure. As a result, carbon monoxide detection was also required to safeguard against potential leaks into occupied areas. Integrated Fire Safety Systems Ltd (IFSS) was responsible for all aspects of the fire alarm installation across the buildings. The team designed a Category L2 fire system using three Advanced MxPro 5 single-loop panels, each managing 24 devices including multi-sensors and detectors. To ensure the remote monitoring provider could identify which of the three buildings a fire signal originated from, IFSS configured the system to transmit clear, building-specific information via a GSM monitoring unit. As the panels were not networked, precise configuration was essential to ensure the fire service could respond quickly and accurately in the event of an alarm. Wayne Stanley, Project Manager at IFSS, says, “Advanced is my go-to for fire panels. They're user friendly, easy to install, and look great on the wall. The MxPro 5 is a durable and well-designed panel that gives us the flexibility we need on more complex installations like this one.” Salvy Vittozzi, Sales Manager for the South East at Advanced, adds, “This project highlights the strengths of our next-generation MxPro 5 panels in adapting to more complex residential layouts. With standalone configuration, CO detection and clear signal identification needed across three separate buildings, the panel’s flexible programming and wide device compatibility provided the ideal solution to meet both the installer’s and the client’s requirements.” The next-generation MxPro 5 panels installed at Westminster Bridge Road offer enhanced performance and flexibility. With a more powerful processor for faster response times, improved configuration options, and expanded protocol compatibility, the system was ideally suited to meet the project’s technical demands, particularly the need for precise, standalone panel configuration. The next-generation MxPro 5 is Advanced’s flagship multiprotocol fire panel, certified by FM Approvals to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4. Renowned for its performance, flexibility and ease of use, MxPro 5 supports up to 200 networked panels and is compatible with a wide range of wired and wireless devices. Its powerful AlarmCalm false alarm management options, makes it ideal for complex residential or commercial applications. The latest upgrades to the panel bring enhanced configuration capabilities, faster processing power, and built-in Ethernet for easy connection to the AdvancedLive smart management platform. This makes accessing real-time system information, managing incidents remotely, and supporting proactive maintenance simpler than ever – directly from any internet-enabled device. For more from Advanced, click here.  

Carhartt expands t-shirt range

Fresh for spring, Carhartt has added new styles to its t-shirt line-up, offering a mix of lightweight comfort, moisture-wicking tech and dependable durability. With options for both men and women, the new collection includes performance-driven work shirts and relaxed pieces designed to meet the demands of tradespeople on the move. For women, the standout addition is the introduction of the Tencel Fibre Series, which brings a softer, more breathable feel to the brand’s rugged workwear. Derived from wood pulp, Tencel wicks moisture away from the skin to keep the wearer cool, is lightweight and incredibly soft, washes well and is biodegradable too. Designed for long days, warm conditions and high mobility, these t-shirts offer lightweight layering without compromising on toughness. The Loose Fit Lightweight Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt offers the kind of comfort tradeswomen have been asking for – soft, breathable and easy to wear on repeat. Made from a cotton-Tencel blend, it’s ideal for summer work or as a base layer when the temperature drops. Also new is the Tencel Fibre Series Script Graphic T-Shirt, which offers the same lightweight, breathable softness. Designed to sit at the hip, this loose-fitting tee is finished with a bold Carhartt script logo across the front. On the men’s side, Carhartt continues to build on its trusted Force range, introducing the Carhartt Force Midweight Pocket T-Shirt. Designed for long shifts and hot days, this performance tee includes mesh ventilation panels, a drop-tail hem for added coverage and fast-drying jersey with built-in odour-fighting properties. Flatlock seams and raglan sleeves allow for a smoother fit and greater range of motion. For a more classic look, the Relaxed Fit Heavyweight Logo Graphic T-Shirt brings a durable cotton jersey feel to everyday workwear. With a rib knit crew neck, flat hem stitching and Carhartt’s signature logo across the chest, it’s built to go from jobsite to weekend without missing a beat. Also joining the range is the Midweight Pocket Polo, ideal for those who split their time between site work and client meetings. With a no-roll rib collar, three-button placket and left-chest contractor’s pocket, it strikes a balance between smart and practical. From advanced moisture management to lightweight, breathable fibres, Carhatt states the new t-shirts demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to producing reliable, performance-led workwear that’s ready for real-world use. For more from Carhartt, click here.

Hanwha Vision cameras implemented to keep London safe

The busy London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is home to over 180,000 people living in high-density housing, along with many major public spaces including parks and the stadiums of Chelsea, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers football clubs. Maintaining surveillance coverage to ensure the safety of citizens and businesses was of paramount importance to the local authority. The council needed to upgrade its existing surveillance system with high-definition cameras that provided greater situational awareness and 360-views of busy public spaces. Smart technology solutions provider, North, designed a security system that comprises 60 Hanwha Vision PNM-C34404RQPZ and PNM-9322VQP multi-directional PTZ cameras, which replace analogue models across the borough. The 5-channel AI PNM-C34404RQPZ model provides operators with extensive coverage using a PTZ and four cameras in one combination, with a powerful suite of analytics and detailed image quality of up to 4K. Likewise, the PNM-9322VQP features five sensors that provide 360-degree views, giving the coverage of five separate cameras, without the need for additional cabling or server space. Equipped with intelligent analytics, the cameras enhance operators’ situational awareness and responsiveness. The surveillance system integrates with connected air quality sensors and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices that increase insights available to leadership. Proactive steps can be taken to improve air quality such as reducing traffic flow on smaller roads, near public outdoor spaces or schools, or during specific times such as commuting hours. Insights from the cameras are shared across departments in the borough and with the neighbouring Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea along with local police enforcement agencies, thereby improving the management of cross-borough events and boosting collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, says, “Hammersmith and Fulham is determined to deliver London’s most efficient, effective and forward-thinking video surveillance system. It is part of the proactive steps we’re taking to protect women and girls, reduce crime and make our streets safer for our residents, businesses and visitors.” Tony Oliver, Head of Physical Security at North, adds, “The investment H&F Council is making to enhance CCTV operations underlines its clear commitment to consistently improve the quality of the environment for people who live there.” The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, with the aid of Hanwha Vision, now has a video surveillance system that improves safety, offers scalability as needs evolve, and provides wide-area coverage across the borough. For more from Hanwha Vision, click here.

SolarEdge launches solar-powered EV charger

At Intersolar 2025, SolarEdge Technologies, a provider of smart energy technology, launched a solar-powered EV charging innovation for businesses. Available now, the new innovation includes a new EV charger for businesses, powered and controlled by an energy management system introduced following Wevo Energy’s acquisition last year. The innovation joins the SolarEdge C&I ecosystem for commercial-scale solar and storage solutions. Businesses with SolarEdge’s solar systems can now charge their EV fleet with ‘power-optimised’ solar energy to further reduce their energy bills – with one of the first beta customers reporting a reduction in EV charging costs of approximately 70%. Christoph Vogl, CEO of BV-comOffice, a German office retailer and one of the first customers to deploy the new SolarEdge EV charging solution, comments, “Since installing SolarEdge’s PV and EV charging solution, we have managed to cut our EV fleet charging costs by around 70% – a substantial saving on our energy bill. “I’ve also been impressed by how adaptable the system is – it allows us to prioritise different vehicles, so we can ensure our sales reps are always road-ready, while other employees can have their cars charged by the end of the day. Our employees are also really pleased to be charging their cars with clean energy – it’s been a hit across the board.” Designed to maximise solar self-consumption and use of excess solar, the SolarEdge ONE EV Charger is now available for commercial applications and is expected to be available for residential applications in Q3 2025. Featuring a new sleek, slim and compact design, the SolarEdge ONE EV Charger will be suitable for both single-phase and three-phase modes with automatic switching built-in. With snap-on wall mounting and multiple cable entry points, installation is faster, simpler and more flexible, taking just a few minutes. The EV charger is also supported by ‘Olivia’, a newly released AI phone support agent purpose-built for EV charging. The EV charging solution combines customer-specific EV charging schedules and solar generation patterns with real-time grid electricity prices to autonomously calculate the most economical energy source to charge a fleet of EVs – whether that’s with solar, battery or grid. Leveraging SolarEdge’s C&I Inverters ability to provide up to 175% oversizing, excess solar can be redirected to power EV fleets. The system also enables ‘tiered charging modes’, allowing priority users – such as sales reps who need their car throughout the day – to access grid power if needed; while other non-priority vehicles are set to charge only when solar is available. By dynamically boosting or throttling EV charging based on real-time energy loads, the new solution is also designed to allow scaling up to 20 times more chargers on existing infrastructure, while ensuring the building’s energy load is not exceeded. For more from SolarEdge, click here.

BGEN bolsters sustainability strategy

BGEN, an engineering solutions provider, has reinforced its sustainability strategy by completing a double materiality assessment, a key component of the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulations. The Warrington-based firm, which provides specialist mechanical and electrical capabilities, worked with an external consultancy to conduct a rigorous double materiality assessment.  Within the assessment, the business impact on the environment and society is considered, along with the impact of these topics on the business. Many firms are using the assessment to identify the sustainability topics most important to their stakeholders in line with the new CSRD regulations, which requires companies to report on sustainability performance. Amy Twist, Head of Sustainability at BGEN, explains, “Within our assessment, it was clear that we’re getting lots of things right, but we’re keen to use the findings to really understand where to focus our efforts and achieve the most impact.” “One focus area includes waste and resource efficiency, something that is notoriously difficult to track and monitor. Since working with sustainability waste management specialists, Envirovue, we’ve been able to accurately track and analyse waste data across multiple high profile sites and improve efficiencies and reporting.” “By utilising its smart technology, we’re thrilled that we have also achieved 99% landfill diversion across all sites. Our partnership with Envirovue gives us confidence in our waste reporting, while also helping us uncover circular economy opportunities, cut emissions and keep waste out of landfill.” Lorne Entwistle, Director at Envirovue, adds, “Our bespoke technology acts as a real-time database, allowing continuous tracking of evolving waste streams across BGEN’s mixed-use sites, along with the associated carbon emissions. This visibility supports the business in meeting its sustainability goals and progressing towards net zero targets.” For more from BGEN click here.

Ground source heat pumps ‘transforming lives’

Residents in 74 homes are having their lives transformed and bills reduced thanks to ground source heat pumps (GSHP) in Appledore and Charing. The £2.2 million scheme is the first time that Ashford Borough Council has installed GSHP heating systems in its residential properties. The scheme is part of a bigger drive by the council to retrofit around 700 homes with energy-saving measures using government funding of £5.1 million. The money from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 is bolstered by a £6.2 million contribution from the council. Ground source heat pumps are an effective, highly efficient low carbon heating system that harnesses natural, freely available heat stored in the ground. A mixture of water and antifreeze circulates within a network of underground pipes, absorbing the natural heat from the earth. This mix is then passed through the heat pump which compresses and enhances this energy so it can heat the water used in the home’s radiators and hot water systems. The Kensa Shoebox heat pumps being installed are compact enough to fit inside each property and provide the home with heat via radiators as part of a traditional central heating system. Noel Ovenden, Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing, says, “We’re working closely with our tenants to ensure they understand how the GSHP systems work and to recognise the tremendous benefits they will enjoy because of these exciting improvements. In addition to these life-changing benefits for tenants, the upgrades to our most energy-inefficient rural homes will help the council with our ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2030.” Craig Godden, a resident in Heathside in Appledore, says, “I think this is a great idea. Our electric storage heaters are expensive to run and I’m looking forward to saving the pennies and having a warmer, more comfortable home.” For more from Kensa click here. 

SPARKS Female Skills Competition 2025 winner announced

At the Grand Final, held at Stephenson Campus, SMB College Group, Gracie Donaghy from Weston College was officially crowned the winner at the SPARKS Female Skills Competition 2025.  Six of the UK’s top female electrical students and apprentices were brought together in a high-pressure installation challenge. The competitors completed a live installation under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, including Darren Oates from National Electrotechnical Training (NET), Amy Barratt-Singh (Amy the Sparky), Gina York (The Daughter Electrical) and last year’s winner and runner-up, Charlotte Bobbett and Anne Greaves. Gracie impressed the judging panel with her technical precision, problem-solving skills and confident approach under pressure. Expressing her excitement, she says, “Honestly, I have no words, for once in my life I’m truly speechless. I found it challenging but in a good way. I like that we have to test our skills. Everyone’s lovely, obviously we’re all here to win, but it is really nice meeting everyone. Everyone’s really friendly and it’s nice to share experiences with each other. Every single prize is insane.” Charlie Kirby from Northampton College who earned the Runner-Up title says, “It was definitely a massive shock for me. I didn’t think I was going to finish in time. It’s definitely going to help me out within my working life. My favourite part definitely had to be just wiring it up and second fixing. Thank you so much for everything.” The SPARKS Female Skills Competition is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the next generation of female talent in the electrical trade. Now in its third year, it continues to provide a vital opportunity for Level Two and Three learners to showcase their skills in real-life scenarios while gaining valuable exposure to the industry. This year’s finalists, selected through a series of nationwide regional heats, were: Caitlin Beattie - Derwentside College Charlie Kirby - Northampton College Gracie Donaghy - Weston College Hannah Bone - City College Plymouth India Ward - Darlington College Sianna Borland - South and City College Birmingham Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at SPARKS, says, “The level of talent on display at this year’s final was nothing short of extraordinary. The skill, dedication and passion shown by the contestants, along with the strong industry support present, reflect the significant strides being made toward a more inclusive and dynamic trade. Congratulations to all who took part!” For more from SPARKS click here. 

THORNeco launches new 2025 lighting catalogue

THORNeco has unveiled its brand-new 2025 catalogue, offering a comprehensive range of easy-to-install, energy-efficient lighting solutions, designed to meet the needs of today’s electrical contractors. The updated catalogue introduces new products, including extensions to the popular Zoe range and exciting new additions, Sylvie and Maya. As always, THORNeco’s focus remains on providing solutions that are #EasyToInstall, #EasyToStock and #EasyToSell. Across the range, installers can benefit from flexible features like VARIO and FLEX, allowing them to easily adjust colour temperatures or lumen packages on site - helping streamline stockholding and simplify installation. The new JUST feature also enables fast emergency conversions via a simple plug-and-play kit, offering one product for multiple uses. Sustainability is a key focus too, with 100% recyclable and plastic-free packaging now standard across the THORNeco portfolio. “Our latest catalogue reflects THORNeco’s commitment to making life easier for installers and wholesalers alike - providing versatile, energy-efficient products that deliver real on-site flexibility,” says John Lyons, Divisional Director – Trade at Thorn Lighting. The THORNeco 2025 catalogue is available now to view and download.

#CEFLIVE25 returns to NEC Birmingham this June

On 5-6 June 2025, the UK’s leading electrical distributor, CEF, will again bring the UK’s biggest electrical trade event to the NEC Birmingham. Packed with the industry’s leading brands, networking opportunities, exclusive giveaways, amazing deals and CPD-accredited learning seminars, #CEFLive25 promises to be an unmissable experience for electricians and industry professionals. This year, George Clarke, renowned architect and TV presenter, will be hosting #CEFLive25. Known for his passion for innovation and community-focused design, George will be interviewing suppliers and taking attendees through an action-packed event of networking, learning and amazing deals. #CEFlive25 features an all-new Learning Zone, supported by leading brands Aico, Electrium, Legrand, Scolmore Group, Signify and Wago hosting specialist sessions. Plus, Darren Staniforth and Dave Austin will return with their popular CPD-accredited TechTalks, offering a deep dive into key industry topics, including an essential update on the proposed 18th Edition 4th Amendment. #CEFLive25 is also about rewarding the hardworking professionals who power the industry. Across the action-packed two days, attendees will receive exclusive perks and be eligible for exciting giveaways. Entrants will automatically receive a £50 voucher to spend at CEF.co.uk (T&Cs apply), a free test equipment calibration (worth £70), as well as free entry, free parking and complimentary refreshments. For trade experts looking to enhance their skills and knowledge, there will be over 100+ leading brands with a chance to get hands-on with the latest tools and technologies, speak directly to manufacturers, and discover solutions that can improve efficiency and productivity. Chris Ashworth, CEO of CEF says, “#CEFLive25 is the UK’s leading trade event for electricians and contractors, and we’re pleased to welcome George Clarke as our host this year. At CEF we are committed to providing an event that’s informative, inspiring and rewarding for everyone who attends. Whether you’re here to network or learn #CEFLive25 is here to support the industry and help electricians stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.” With thousands of industry professionals expected to attend, #CEFLive25 is an event not to be missed for electricians, contractors, and apprentices alike. For more information and to register now visit ceflive.co.uk.

Contactum returns as CEF platinum exhibitor

Provider of circuit protection and wiring accessories, Contactum, will be attending CEF Live for the second time as a platinum exhibitor. CEF Live brings together the UK’s electrical sector and provides an opportunity to showcase its products and services. Additionally, across 5-6 June, at the NEC, Birmingham, electrical professionals will be immersed in educational talks in the Learning Zone - a new addition for 2025.  Contactum will be sharing insights into its newest and most recognised solutions. This will include a focus on commercial solutions, such as the robust 125A Power and Lighting Board, the Defender 250A and 125A B Boards.   Plus, the Defender 2.0 will make an appearance - providing the opportunity for visitors to get hands on and ask questions about the Consumer Unit. This brings flush and surface mounted options together with a wide range of supporting circuit protection devices like Bi-Directional RCBOs and AFDDs.  New for Contactum this year, visitors will also find on display a range of wiring accessories, including Metalclad for both commercial and domestic installations, Weatherproof for high-risk outdoor settings, and the Decorative ranges Iconic and Lyric for residential interiors.  Nigel Birch, UK Sales and Key Accounts Manager, says, “CEF Live is an event that the whole team are eager to attend. The 2023 event was a huge success, and we were delighted with how busy our stand was with new and familiar faces who were interested in hearing more about our solutions. So much so, this year we opted for a bigger space. This means we will have more products on display that attendees can get hands on with.” This year Contactum has evolved its stand to incorporate solutions for all applications and are maintaining a continued focus on evolving their practices and processes in line with the company’s Silver EcoVadis assessment and status. For more from Contactum click here.