City Plumbing launches new solar hubs

City Plumbing, a national plumbing, heating, and electrical supplier, has created a network of dedicated solar hubs across England and Scotland to "help installers get what they need and keep solar projects on track." The new solar hubs offer a variety of solar products, making it easier for customers to access the last-minute items they need to complete installations and potentially avoid costly delays. The stocked items include solar PV modules, mounting systems, inverters, cables, and switches. City Plumbing’s first solar hub opened in St Albans, with additional hubs now operational in Salford, Sheffield, Gloucester, Exeter, Birmingham, Aston, Sidcup, PTS Coatbridge, and Southampton Portswood. All solar hubs will offer a same-day collection point and a next-day national delivery service. The hubs are part of the merchant’s wider support for solar following the appointment of four specialist Key Account Managers. The company says the team are on hand to help contractors of all sizes with a range of services, including in-house design and feasibility assessments. “Time and flexibility are absolutely crucial for solar projects,” says Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director for Renewables and Electrical at City Plumbing. “From opening our first solar hub in St Albans, we’ve continued to build on our speed of service and range. "Now, customers can walk into a hub and get solar essentials there and then, or order online for quick click-and-collect or free next-day delivery. "We also time the delivery of our PV panels for morning drop offs to help installers avoid issues with weather and site security while reducing project downtime. “By understanding the specific challenges solar installers face and tailoring our service to suit, we’ve had fantastic customer feedback and repeat business.” For more from City Plumbing, click here.

Ansell introduces RGBW Pixel LED strip

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has added an RGBW Pixel strip to its C-Cell LED lighting range, designed to create dynamic lighting effects and animations for residential, commercial, and hospitality settings. The strip contains individually addressable LEDs capable of displaying multiple colours simultaneously along its length. This allows for complex lighting sequences and moving effects, which can be adjusted to suit different moods, environments, or brand designs. In addition to millions of colour options, the RGBW Pixel strip offers white colour temperatures of 3,000K, 4,000K, and 6,500K. A continuous phosphor coating ensures the light output is dot-free, consistent with all products in the C-Cell range. The strip is flexible and can be bent or twisted to fit around corners and shapes. Installation is supported by cut-to-size, plug-and-play connections, removing the need for soldering. Available in lengths of 5m, 10m, and 50m, the product is IP20 rated and intended for use in dry indoor environments. “With the launch of the C-Cell RGBW Pixel, we’re giving designers and installers the ability to craft truly dynamic lighting schemes with ease,” says Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting. “Whether you’re creating statement feature lighting in a bar or restaurant, or adding subtle animation to residential spaces, this strip provides unmatched creative potential.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Unicrimp offers Multi-Reel Mixed PVC Sleeving

Unicrimp, a UK manufacturer of cable accessories and electrical fittings, and part of the Scolmore Group, extends its comprehensive Q-Crimp sleeving range with the new Multi-Reel Mixed PVC Sleeving. The Multi-Reel mixed sleeving provides installers with Brown, Blue, and Green/Yellow colour-coded sleeving to facilitate easier cable identification. PVC Sleeving is designed to insulate and protect wiring from abrasion and temperature damage. The range now includes: • 100M X 2MM PVC Multi-Reel Mixed Sleeving – 20M Blue, 20M Brown, and 60M Green/Yellow • 100M X 3MM PVC Multi-Reel Mixed Sleeving – 20M Blue, 20M Brown, and 60M Green/Yellow • 60M X 4MM PVC Multi-Reel Mixed Sleeving – 10M Blue, 10M Brown, and 40M Green/Yellow The sleeving also has a self-extinguishing feature which will be activated within 30 seconds in the event of a fire. More information can be found on the Unicrimp website. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Shield installs Sync Energy EV charging system

As part of its transition to an all-electric company car fleet, specialist contractor Shield has installed a commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at its new Bristol head office. The move follows the company’s commitment to also electrify its van fleet. Shield worked with Sync Energy, a UK manufacturer of EV charging equipment, part of the Luceco Group, to install Sync Energy Pro Charger Twin Wall-Mounted EV Chargers, selected to meet the increasing demand from staff and visitors. Edward Vill, Electrical Operations Manager at Shield Mechanical Electrical & Facilities Services, says, “We already had single chargers but the ongoing move to electric, combined with increasing demand from visitors to the site, meant that when we moved to new premises, a better and bigger solution was not only needed, but with Sync Energy it was possible and practical.” System specification The Pro Charger range includes both wall-mounted and bollard options, each with twin Type 2 socket outlets, a backlit touchscreen, 4G connectivity, MID meters, and MCB protection as standard. The units support Monta QR code, RFID, Plug and Charge, and payment terminal operation. Both formats feature PEN fault detection, and the bollard version is available with or without amenity lighting. Shield’s installation also incorporates the Sync Energy load balancer, which allows up to 16 charge points to be linked and managed dynamically to avoid overloading the building’s electrical supply. The system can be used with single-phase supplies up to 120A or three-phase up to 400A. Edward continues, “Over and above the technical spec, we also liked the sleek look of the system and its user-friendly nature. We currently have key fobs open to all.” Project delivery Sarah Cox, Business Development Manager at Sync Energy, comments, “Sync Energy’s service covers all the bases. "We started with a site visit, assessment of needs, and calculations on loading before quoting and supplying with the help of Sync Energy distributor Medlocks of Bristol. Sync Energy then supported both the install and commissioning. “It was a real pleasure collaborating with Shield Electrical on its new site. Together, we delivered user-friendly wall chargers that made it simple for them to power up their electric vehicles.” For more from Sync Energy, click here.

Toolstation launches Sunburn Swatch campaign

Toolstation, a UK supplier of tools, accessories, and building supplies, has partnered with cancer support charity Macmillan for a new campaign that aims to raise awareness of skin cancer among tradespeople. Developed by PR agency Finn Partners, ‘Sunburn Swatch’ is designed to raise awareness of sun protection for tradespeople when working outdoors. The campaign features images of different sun swatches to represent skin types, alongside striking statistics of how many tradespeople use sun protection on site. Under half (48%) of tradespeople worry about getting burnt while they are working outside, research commissioned by Toolstation reveals. 24% skip wearing sun protection while working outside in the summer months, despite 68% always or often wearing it while on holiday. The poll of customers from Toolstation also found that 59% of customers who work in a trade had suffered from sunburn working outside while on the job. Half (50%) of trade customers who rarely or never wear sunscreen when working outside in the summer said they don’t wear protection because they forget or don't think about it before going to work, while 14% don’t think they need it. The same proportion (14%) opt against wearing it because they see it as an inconvenience. Greg Richardson at Toolstation says, “We know that tradespeople don’t have much time on their hands so prioritising suncare can be difficult, but it’s really important that tradespeople are well informed about the implications of being burnt while working in the sun and the steps they can take to minimise that risk. "We hope this campaign helps them overcome that risk and will make wearing sun cream when working outdoors as common as PPE.” Rebecca Fanning at Macmillan Cancer Support adds, “Skin cancer is often linked to UV exposure, and we know that up to nine in ten cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK could be prevented by staying safe in the sun. “Working with Toolstation, we’re doing whatever it takes to help more people with cancer to get the best possible care. "By doing something as simple as applying SPF when out in the sun, tradespeople across the UK can minimise their risk of skin cancer and help reduce the number of people who need Macmillan’s support in the first place.” For more from Toolstation, click here.

Collingwood publishes guide to emergency lighting

Collingwood Lighting, a UK manufacturer of LED lighting products, has produced a specifiers’ and installers’ guide to emergency lighting to help ensure compliance and safe evacuation of a building. “Emergency lighting can save lives," says Anthony Martindale, Product Manager for Collingwood Lighting. "The responsible person for a building is legally responsible for fire safety and if a building needs evacuating, then emergency lighting will minimise panic and help get people to a place of safety, especially if there is a power outage. “Our guide will help specifiers and installers advise the building owner on the best design and system for their building based on a risk analysis and their budget.” The guide explores factors that can influence the specification, such as who is likely to be in the building; their age, awareness, and familiarity with the layout; what tasks they may be doing; and the type of building. It goes on to explore the different technologies and products available, and what to select for different applications. The final section deals with designing a compliant system to ensure that it is fit for purpose and helps people get to a place of safety. Anthony continues, “Designing a compliant emergency lighting scheme is not a one stop solution; it is based on a full risk analysis and involves working closely with the building owner or person who is responsible for the occupants’ safety. "Quite rightly there is legislation and a number of standards that you need to be aware of. “We all hope that a real emergency never happens in a building that we are responsible for, but if it does, the responsible person has a legal duty for the occupants’ safety. A specifier and installer of emergency lighting plays a critical role in helping them achieve this.” For more from Collingwood Lighting, click here.

Drayton's training van to go on tour

Drayton, a manufacturer of heating controls in the UK, has unveiled its new mobile training van that will embark on a tour across the country this year. The purpose-built van will offer training opportunities on Drayton’s range of products, including the Digistat range, valves range, and Wiser smart heating control. With interactive displays on board, installers can catch live product demonstrations from Drayton’s technical experts, who will be on hand to provide guidance on products, support with queries, and offer best-practice advice for industry professionals visiting the training van. Plus, there will be the opportunity for installers to take part in competitions and other initiatives at merchants up and down the UK. Clare Weller, Trade Marketing Manager at Drayton, comments, “We’re thrilled to have finally revealed Drayton’s brand-new training van, which will allow us to conveniently take our products and expertise directly to the door of merchants that provide our products to heating engineers. “By coming directly to them, it provides installers with the ideal opportunity to get a thorough understanding about the range of high-performing products Drayton has to offer, as well as seeing them in action first hand.” For more from Drayton, click here.

Coloured Connector Blocks added to Click Essentials range

A new collection of Coloured Connector Blocks has been added to electrical accessories designer and manufacturer Click Scolmore’s comprehensive Essentials range, offering improved safety, convenience, and functionality for electrical installations. Commonly referred to as Service Connector Blocks, they are essential components used to split and connect mains meter tails from the electricity meter to one or more consumer units within a building. This provides a secure and reliable connection point for power distribution in both residential and commercial areas. The new Connector Blocks are colour-coded in brown, black, grey, blue, green, and pink to allow easy identification of phase, neutral, and earth conductors. This is useful in minimising and preventing installation errors and improving on-site safety. These coloured variants offer several key features, including: • Locking screw compatible with security tags for tamper resistance • Click-close cover for quick and secure access • Retained shutters providing safe blanking of unused terminals • Dual screw terminals for strong, stable connections • Slide-in module connections to simplify wiring and speed up installation The Connector Blocks complement the broader Essentials range, which comprises Ezylink, drylining and fire-rated back boxes, the Aquip range of weatherproof outdoor switches and sockets, Metal Clad and premium Metal Clad Pro wiring accessories, and Fused Mains Switches. The entire Essentials range is designed to provide contractors with high-quality, reliable solutions for everyday electrical installations. For more information on Click’s Essentials range, visit the Scolmore Group website or download the Scolmore Group app to access the latest catalogue. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

BG introduces smart dimmer and app

British General (BG Electrical), a UK manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories, circuit protection devices, and consumer units, part of the Luceco Group, has released a smart dimmer switch range alongside a new BG Smart App, designed for use in residential lighting control. The BG Smart Dimmer can be installed either as a complete dimmer switch or as a retrofit smart dimmer module. It is compatible with BG’s decorative dimmer ranges and requires no neutral wire, making it suitable for most standard lighting circuits. Both one-gang and two-gang master and secondary switch formats are available in a white moulded profile, as well as universal retrofit modules. Installation and setup The smart dimmer uses Bluetooth connectivity and does not require a hub. Installation involves pairing the device directly with the app, removing the need for additional hardware. Features and controls Lighting can be adjusted via the BG Smart App or by voice control through Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. The app allows users to dim lights, set timers, create scenes, and programme schedules. A “random operation” mode is also available for security purposes when the property is unoccupied. For installers, the system allows pre-configuration of timers, presets, and lighting scenes before handover, enabling the homeowner to use the lighting system immediately after installation. The app also supports migration of existing BG Home devices via the BG Connect feature. Product availability The BG Smart Dimmer is available as a complete unit or as a retrofit module, providing options for both upgrading individual switches and installing across whole-home projects. BG Electrical operates under the Luceco Group, which also includes the Sync Energy and Masterplug brands. The group supplies a range of electrical and lighting products to commercial and residential markets. For more from BG, click here.

ECA welcomes Apprenticeship Pathways report

A new report, Apprenticeship Pathways, recommends the Welsh Government should work with schools, colleges, and employers to present vocational courses as a good quality option. The Senedd’s Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee - set up to hold the Welsh Government to account on specific issues, including skills - opened a consultation in the Spring. ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association), which represents electrical contractors and companies across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, submitted detailed evidence to the Committee based on the Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter. The Committee’s findings show that if the Welsh Government increases awareness and take-up of apprenticeships, this will allow people to improve their skills and earning potential, building a more productive workforce and boosting the economy. The report recommends the Welsh Government initiates better engagement and promotion of apprenticeships as a viable education pathway for students. It also calls for barriers to recruiting and retaining skilled assessors and apprenticeship trainers to be addressed. Echoing ECA’s own position, the report additionally recommends faster progress in developing a vocational education and training strategy. Jeremy Parkin, ECA Vice President and Director of Powerlink Electrical Services, in Ebbw Vale, comments, “We welcome the Apprenticeship Pathways report promoting apprenticeships as a respected and high-quality career pathway. "Apprenticeships are the preferred route for training the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of our industry. ECA Member firms in Wales regularly point out the lack of attention given to trade careers and apprenticeships in our schools. "We’re pleased to have contributed to evidence that highlights the long-term benefits of apprenticeships for both individuals and businesses in Wales. "We urge the Welsh Government to heed the Committee’s recommendations to embed apprenticeships as an essential part of the Welsh social and economic fabric.” For more from ECA, click here.