Data shows strong start to year for small-scale renewables

The latest data from MCS reveals a strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. Speaking about the data, Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments, “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this mark in scheme history. “It was another record month for battery storage with more than 2,500 certified installations, and heat pumps also had a strong month with over 5,000 certified installations – an 18% increase on February last year. There were almost 20,000 certified Solar PV installations – a 35% increase on February 2024 – demonstrating the ongoing strength of the solar market. “As MCS continues to support its certification bodies in preparing to offer the redeveloped scheme, it’s great to see that consumer appetite for small-scale renewables is growing. With more consumers turning to home-grown energy, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognised standards, backed by strong consumer protections. That is what the redeveloped MCS will deliver.” To view the MCS Data Dashboard for real-time dynamic visualisations of renewables uptake, click here. For more from MCS, click here.

United Living acquires street lighting contractor

United Living Group, a social and utility infrastructure innovations provider, has announced the acquisition of Jones, a power distribution and street lighting contractor. Based in the North West of England, Jones is a specialist Independent Connection Provider (ICP) providing DNO services and a full range of street lighting services, covering design, project management, consultancy, installation, and maintenance, on behalf of UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and Local Authorities (LAs). This acquisition strengthens United Living’s existing activities in the power market, which have been growing since it achieved National Electrical Registration Scheme (NERS) accreditation in 2024. Jones has a long-standing and strong reputation for quality and reliability of service in delivering major projects for its clients. It is also committed to bridging the skills gap and expanding workforce capability, through an internal training programme to bring a new pool of skilled labour into the sector and support increasing requirements from DNOs. Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of United Living Group, comments, "We are delighted to welcome Jones to the United Living Group. They have an excellent reputation for best-in-class service delivery and expertise in providing energy-efficient and smart solutions. Jones will enhance our existing power services, and together we will better support the needs of our combined clients and the wider sector. “Jones' focus on recruiting and training talent aligns with our work to bridge the skills gap and ensure an ongoing talent pipeline is maintained to deliver resilient infrastructure fit for the future. “This acquisition continues United Living’s growth in the North and reinforces our commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure solutions that benefit communities across the UK. Dave Jones, Managing Director of Jones, adds, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to leverage our combined strengths. The investment by United Living will enable us to further enhance the services we provide to customers, setting the standard for excellence in delivery and driving environmental innovation and improvements. “It will also enable us to build up and diversify our offering to our DNO customers, enabling us to better support them on future workstreams and commitments. “Like United Living, we are also committed to training and welcoming new employees and services from our local areas, to enhance our expertise and build a sustainable future for our local communities.”

Direct Line reveals alarming van theft statistics

A staggering 11,273 vans, worth an estimated £200 million, were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts a day, according to new analysis by Direct Line van insurance. Just two in five (39%) stolen vans were recovered by the police - totalling 4,450 vans. While van thefts have declined in 2024 compared to 2023, the high number of thefts highlights the ongoing issue of van security and the need for increased preventive measures. Among stolen vans, the Ford Transit was the most targeted model, with nearly 6,000 stolen (5,906), accounting for more than half (52%) of all thefts. Given the Ford Transit is the UK’s most licensed van, its popularity makes it a prime target for criminals. Despite this, more than 2,000 (2,041) Ford Transits were successfully recovered by the police, comprising nearly half (46%) of total vans retrieved. Amongst the top five most stolen van models, the Peugeot Boxer had the highest proportion of vans stolen compared to the number of licensed vans on the road, with 7.7 thefts per 1,000 licensed vans. Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, comments, "Van theft has a devastating impact on the businesses and individuals who rely on their vans for their daily lives and work. It isn’t just the cost of replacing a van, there is the lost income if businesses can’t make deliveries or if tradespeople can’t get to the site. “While police efforts in recovering stolen vans is commendable, individual prevention remains the most effective way to deter thieves. This includes keeping keys in a Faraday pouch, parking in well-lit areas, using a steering wheel lock, and installing a tracker or immobiliser. Additionally, removing valuables like tools overnight can further reduce the risk of theft. Prioritising van security and having the right insurance cover can help prevent costly disruptions and keep your vehicle safe." For more from Direct Line, click here.

European construction continues to choke on harmful emissions

A new report, commissioned by manufacturer of power tools, equipment, accessories and hand tools, Milwaukee, has uncovered the persistent and widespread use of petrol-powered tools and equipment across European construction sites. This is despite the well-known operational and health risks these products carry, and the knowledge that safer alternatives are available on the mainstream market. The white paper, Building a Safer Future, draws on the findings of a Europe-wide survey of 3,200 construction professionals across 14 countries. It specifically asked them about their attitudes to working with petrol-powered equipment, conclusively revealing that most respondents want to see an end to fossil fuel use for on-site activities. Putting European construction in petrol-powered peril The level of constant exposure to petrol-related emissions was "shocking", Milwaukee says. Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents highlighted they were exposed to petrol-powered equipment and machinery for the majority of the working week, with more than a quarter (27%) for the whole of it. A similar number also flagged pollution as one of the most significant dangers to their health and wellbeing when working on site. With the long-term health risks well documented, from heart disease to various forms of cancer, the persistent use of petrol on sites is contributing to shorter life expectancies amongst construction professionals. It’s also an issue that concerns the majority of those surveyed (65%). However, more disturbing to Milwaukee was the finding that the remaining (35%) appeared less concerned about the short and long-term impact of regularly inhaling toxic emissions. This worrying stat shows a distinct lack of awareness or ignorance of the considerable hazard posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, Milwaukee says, and that more education is needed around why this fuel type needs to be phased out as soon as possible. Workers want to make the switch There are mainstream alternatives - particularly high-performance, battery-powered equipment - and the appetite for this solution is healthy. Almost all respondents (92%) felt they would feel safer if their employer switched to battery-powered tools, equipment and machinery. Around half (45%) also indicated that doing so would make them feel more secure on site, in conjunction with better tools and equipment (54%) and higher-quality, comfortable PPE (48%). Making the change Milwaukee says that the research serves to highlight that sticking with the petrol-prolific status quo is no longer acceptable, and that it’s up to construction employers to take the lead, protecting their workers by putting an end to the use of fossil fuels for powering tools and equipment. The good news is battery-powered alternatives are now prolific, and the technology that underlies them has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, particularly concerning run-time. Milwaukee understands many on-site workers are rightly concerned; however, the company says it remains concerning that a significant minority appear indifferent or unphased about the serious health implications of constant exposure to petrol fumes. Upfront, it indicates site teams need to ensure that, if they are still relying on petrol, their workforce is adequately protected. However, it’s only a temporary measure, as the safest approach is to swap this dangerous fuel source out for good, Milwaukee concludes. For more from Milwaukee, click here.

Product of the Month: Rolec's EVO charger

Rolec, a manufacturer and supplier of electric vehicle charging innovations, is introducing EVO, the newest product in its charging portfolio. Described as "affordable, modern and compliant", Rolec says that EVO is the first of a new generation of home chargers. Rolec has built close relationships with its global team of electrical contractors, giving the company unique insights into both its customers’ needs and preferences for creating a unit that is more installation-friendly than ever before. As a result, EVO features a highly modular design with three key components: a base, a click-in module, and a cover that provides easy access for installers. This practical and efficient design allows for quick, hassle-free installation and configuration in as little as 15 minutes, while the CT clamp’s plug-and-play capability further reduces installation time. Available in 7.4kW and 22kW models, it offers an easy-to-use, fully compatible charger for all EVs and PHEVs. But, more than that, it is a powerful and compact charger that makes itself at home in any setting. It is equipped with a passive cooling system that uses an aluminium heat sink to guarantee a safe maximum charging rate, along with a customisable LED indicator to display clear charging status, providing personalisation and enhanced accessibility. Even before its official launch, EVO was turning heads, winning the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024. The EVO will always prioritise stable and efficient charging, Rolec tells us. Supporting dynamic load balancing as standard and 3-to-1 phase switching, the unit can adjust its charger output based on a  property’s available electricity usage, preventing grid overload, optimising energy use, and protecting power supply for easy charging and peace of mind. With three charging modes - Charge Now (plug & go), ECO (solar + grid), and ECO+ (surplus solar only) - EVO offers flexibility to suit the user's lifestyle. All of this is achieved without increasing the price, Rolec states. The introduction of EVO also marks the arrival of a new way to solar charge. With the eco+ smart solar feature, EVO can detect and allocate surplus solar energy generated from the user's home to charge their electric vehicle, creating an opportunity for zero-cost charging. Users can thus drive on 100% free, renewable electricity, powering their daily commute automatically. Every detail is visible through the native EVO app. Users can receive live updates on charging sessions, easily plan with the scheduled charging feature, and integrate smart tariffs to use off-peak rates. Alternatively, as with all Rolec units, users can opt to connect their charger to any OCPP-compatible app of their choice. Frankie Mellon, Managing Director at Rolec, explains, “We’re not here to play the game; we’re here to change it. Team Rolec has hit the ground running this year, bringing a fresh take on a familiar face. 2025 is the year of our next-generation home charger, EVO. Building on everything you loved about our popular QUBEV Smart unit, EVO introduces more advanced features, greater efficiency, and native OCPP compliance, setting a new standard for home EV charging. “EVO is designed with installers and customers in mind, featuring a modern, compact design that fits seamlessly into any home. Its eco+ smart solar capability allows users to harness surplus solar energy, promoting charging with 100% free, renewable electricity. With dynamic load balancing and intuitive app integration, EVO provides a powerful, efficient solution tailored to your home’s specific needs. We’re so confident in EVO that we’re offering a complimentary five-year extended manufacturer’s warranty to ensure your investment is protected.” EVO is available now, with next-day delivery for Rolec's UK customers, with an extended five-year manufacturer’s warranty included as standard. For more from Rolec, click here.  

Net Zero Lighting 2025 set to demystify sustainability credentials

The options open to lighting industry manufacturers to get their sustainability credentials independently certified can be bewildering - and making the wrong choice can have a big impact on customer perceptions and costs. Science based targets, Ecovadis and B Corp certification all provide credible corporate sustainability assessments. But what are the similarities and differences? And to what extent do they require businesses to actively decarbonise and move towards net zero? Do they all include non-climate related requirements such as labour practices, ethics and supply chain? And what are the costs and benefits? The Net Zero Lighting 2025 conference sets out to explain and demystify the options. Taking place on 29 April in London, the one-day event features presentations and panels from companies that have already made their choice. Delegates will hear of the opportunities, challenges and the pitfalls from those with first-hand experience. Presentations will also reveal the extent to which certifications support the decarbonisation of lighting businesses, as they move towards net zero. Now in its second year, the conference is organised by Recolight and chaired by Ray Molony. The conference uses case studies, authoritative presenters - including Science Based Targets initiative and BSI - and panel discussions to give delegates the practical advice and guidance they need to decarbonise their operations. Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, says, “We are delighted to be hosting Net Zero Lighting 2025. The direction of travel in the industry is clear and unstoppable: customer demands and government requirements for decarbonised lighting manufacture will only increase. We are thrilled that our experienced and knowledgeable speakers, drawn from within and beyond the lighting industry, are willing to share their expertise.” He adds, “The climate crisis is the defining issue of our generation, and every business on the planet has a role to play. We are confident that this event will empower delegates with the knowledge they need to help their businesses make a meaningful contribution.” View the programme and book your place here.

South Yorkshire primary school goes green

Pupils and teachers at Marshland Primary Academy in Moorends, near Doncaster, part of Venn Academy Trust, are celebrating cutting their carbon footprint after successfully installing a modern ground source heat pump system and other state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures. Working with Kensa, a manufacturer and installer of ground source heat pumps, the school is trailblazing how to go green, overhauling its old heating and hot water system and replacing the ageing gas boilers with seven new ground source heat pumps. The six-month project, partially funded by the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund, also included fitting new radiators and 69 solar PVT panels, an emerging technology used in renewable heating installations. The upgrades are expected to boost the school’s energy efficiency, cut heating-related carbon emissions by close to 80%, and ensure classrooms stay warm and comfortable throughout the year for the benefit of staff and pupils alike. The newly installed ground source heat pumps use renewable energy stored in the earth to provide heating and hot water and are hidden inside two converted plant rooms. To reach the underground energy, 18 boreholes were drilled beneath the school’s playing field, each to a depth of around 127m. Solar PVT has been integrated into the school’s ground source heating system, taking it beyond a standard ground source heat pump installation. The technology generates both electricity and thermal energy, supercharging the heat pump’s efficiency and lowering installation and energy costs. This integration works by: • Thermal heat energy captured by the PVT panels is removed and transferred to the heat pump system, improving its efficiency and reducing electricity use. • Using this excess thermal energy in the heat pump system significantly reduces the number of boreholes needed, lowering the overall installation costs. • Extracting the excess thermal heat from the panels increases the amount of electricity they can produce compared to ordinary solar PV panels. It's projected they will generate 34 kW of electricity -the output of 10 typical homes with solar panels. • Marshland Primary Academy is one of the first UK schools to embrace this energy-saving technology alongside a heat pump installation. Investing in energy efficiency upgrades has provided the school with a low-cost, low-maintenance, renewable heating system, securing its energy future while providing long-term savings on heating and hot water bills. To meet the government’s goals of reducing public sector carbon emissions by 75% by 2037, thousands of schools across the UK will need to follow Marshland Primary’s example, replacing their ageing, high-carbon-emitting heating systems and embracing more innovative, modern technologies. This latest school ground source heat pump installation follows more than 15 others Kensa has completed in schools, including in South Wales and Northumberland, along with another in Doncaster at Richmond Hill Primary School. Penny Marshall, Acting Principal at Marshland Primary Academy, says, “It has been an exciting journey watching and learning about the innovative ground source heating. Although the children had to sacrifice their field for the summer, they enjoyed watching the holes being bored and learning from Kensa staff how the system worked. “Energy efficiency and helping the environment is a big focus at Marshland, so it is exciting to be able to know that we are playing a small part in a much bigger picture by using natural resources to heat our school. This winter has been a toasty one at Marshland!” Wouter Thijssen, Commercial Director at Kensa, adds, "We’re proud to have worked with Marshland Primary Academy to deliver a more sustainable and efficient heating system. Thanks to a mix of super-efficient ground source heat pumps and other energy efficiency upgrades, pupils and teachers will enjoy warm classrooms while slashing their carbon footprint. “By opting for ground source heat pumps, boosted by solar PVT, the school has secured its long-term energy future, setting the benchmark for achieving sustainability in UK schools. Kensa’s mission is to deliver better heating, and this installation certainly lives up to that promise.” For more from Kensa, click here.

Snowdon climb raises vital funds for the EIC

In the early hours of Saturday 15 March, a dedicated team from The LIA, alongside industry members, embarked on a challenge - climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) at night. This event was more than just a test of endurance, as it was organised to raise awareness of the critical role of high-quality, compliant emergency lighting, while supporting the incredible work of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The EIC provides crucial assistance to those within the electrical and energy industries, ensuring support is available whenever individuals or their families face challenges, at any stage of life. By undertaking this challenge, The LIA team aimed to highlight the importance of emergency lighting in maintaining safety and wellbeing. The challenge itself began at 3am, with participants aiming to reach the summit before sunrise, and before the emergency lighting batteries ran out. Their teamwork was clear as they pushed forward in the darkness, relying on their preparation, keen sense of direction, and the support of their fellow climbers. The LIA is incredibly proud to announce that it raised £2,170 for the EIC, and the company extends its thanks to Clevertronics and Fox Lux for their generous product donations, which supported The LIA team throughout the night and day. The LIA also extends its gratitude to those who attended and completed the challenge: Ayça Donaghy, Morgan Thomas, Melissa Duckett, Kyle Lindsay, Jack Anthony, Sarah Ellis, and Dan Griffiths from The LIA, Martin Green from Hochiki, Matt Higgins from Mackwell, Steve Rham, Tom Skevington, and Sophie Jongen from P4, Ellie Warner and Caroline Armstrong from Lux Box, Mark Jones from Fox Lux, and Kevin James from One Lux. Reflecting on the experience, The LIA CEO, Ayça Donaghy, shares, “I completely underestimated how debilitating total darkness can be. Even powering up our emergency lighting kit in the absence of any other light was stressful, reinforcing the critical need for compliant emergency lighting to work automatically when needed. The cold, the endurance, and Snowdon’s treacherous terrain pushed us to our limits, but team spirit and the generosity of our sponsors kept us going. A huge thank you to everyone - those who took part, those who donated products, and those who supported the EIC charity with their donations!” Technical Operations Manager, Dan Griffiths, who organised the experience, adds, “This hike tested our limits, but it was a powerful way to demonstrate the significance of emergency lighting. Seeing so many members of our industry come together for a common cause was fantastic. Thank you to all who participated and donated.” The LIA’s and ICEL’s commitment to emergency lighting doesn’t stop there, and on Thursday 11 September 2025, it will host the inaugural ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London. Organised by industry expert, ICEL, this event will feature a carefully curated programme covering a wide range of essential topics, presented by leading figures in the sector. This exclusive gathering will bring together key stakeholders across the entire emergency lighting supply chain, from manufacturers to end-users. For more from The LIA, click here.

Autocharge enabled for CTEK EV charge points

Zero touch charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has been enabled for CTEK’s latest charge points via a new firmware update which includes Autocharge. Firmware update 4.9.1 empowers CTEK’s Chargestorm Connected 3 (CC3) to support Autocharge, the streamlined charging experience for drivers who will simply plug into a CC3 which automatically communicates with the vehicle and, if a payment method has been previously set up, begins charging. The faster to use Autocharge is particularly beneficial for businesses with fleet or other workplace charging and destination charging. Its benefits also apply to public charging networks and residential community car parks. Only registered vehicles are authorised to charge, preventing unauthorised access. Autocharge requires the driver to pre-register their vehicle with the charging network’s backend or, for the first charge only, use an RFID card or authenticate via an app. Autocharge relies on the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 1.6 and later, with CC3 supporting the latest version 2.0.1. CTEK’s firmware version 4.9.1 also enables wireless configuration over Wi-Fi, giving installers the opportunity to configure and commission newly installed CC3s from inside their work van, now by using a mobile phone or tablet. It also adds customisable current limits per outlet, allowing greater flexibility in distributing available power. The new firmware also introduces key innovations for both CTEK’s current CC3 model and its predecessor, the CC2. Both models can now get wireless load balancing thanks to CTEK’s Nanogrid Air add-on, which enables dynamic power management without physical wiring. Nanogrid Air reads information from a smart energy meter and communicates with a CC3 or CC2 via a local area network’s Wi-Fi. When multiple EV charge points are in use, the CC3 or CC2 connected to Nanogrid Air dynamically adjusts the charging current for all chargers in the installation to ensure the total load remains within the building’s available power limits. If overall consumption increases due to other electrical demands, the system reduces charging power temporarily. Once demand decreases, more power is reallocated to the chargers. The wireless communication simplifies installation and its lack of cabling reduces costs. It is also scalable and future-proofed, easily expanding as more charge points are added to charge more EVs. For larger sites, Nanogrid Local Plus will handle load balancing for even more charge points. Daniel Forsberg, CTEK’s Marketing Manager EVSE, says, "This firmware update unlocks exciting innovations for EV drivers, installers, charge point operators, employers and many others. Autocharge will simplify the driver experience of charging and streamline administration for operators. Wireless load balancing helps limit installation costs and prevents overloading of local power limits.” For CC3 and CC2 charge points with internet connection, firmware 4.9.1 can be deployed via ctek.com/support/software-firmware or via a charging installation’s backend provider. For more from CTEK, click here.

Ansell announces slimline version of Reef wall light

Echoing the same sleek styling and modern design aesthetic, Ansell Lighting has created a slimmed-down version of its popular outdoor Reef wall light. Available in both directional and bi-directional formats, the highly robust, polycarbonate Reef S lamp has been designed to ensure long-lasting performance, withstanding even salt air and coastal spray. Re-enforced with a five-year warranty, Ansell believes that the IP65 rated lamp will be the ideal option for the majority of outdoor lighting projects. Inventively, Reef S is also supplied with three interchangeable Gobo inserts, enabling a range of decorative beam angles to be easily created for unique visual effects. This is reportedly the first lamp designed for residential applications to offer this innovative feature, fulfilling current market demand for products that deliver a highly personalised lighting experience. CCT Selectable between 3000K and 4000K, Reef S also offers users the added flexibility of choosing between warm or cool lighting hues. Designed to be easy to install, Reef S features a unique lockable installation base plate and push-fit loop-in/loop-out terminals with a WAGO 'park' area, facilitating quick and efficient wiring. A PIR option is also available for added functionality, providing increased convenience and security. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, comments, “Reef S is a fantastic new addition to our Reef outdoor lighting range and represents a new era of innovation for residential lighting. Not only does it look great, but it is easy to install and will stand the test of time. It offers users the ability to create interesting lighting effects in their own homes, providing both versatility and durability in one stylish package.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.