Ovia adds new version to Inceptor Milli downlight range

Inceptor Milli Adjustable is a compact yet powerful addition to Scolmore Group lighting brand Ovia’s growing Milli family of fire-rated domestic downlights. Designed with the same innovation, fire-rated safety, and ease of installation as the standard Milli, the new adjustable version offers a 360° rotation and 20° tilt capability to deliver total directional lighting control. Complementing the Inceptor Milli Fixed and Inceptor Milli Baffle versions, the new Inceptor Milli Adjustable brings flexibility, performance, and aesthetic appeal for domestic applications. Offering 360° rotation and 20° tilt capability, the light output can be positioned exactly where it is needed. The fitting can even be installed tight to ceiling joists without affecting movement, making it easy to adapt to any room layout. Ideal for new installations and retrofit projects, it has been designed with a cut-out range of 68mm to 75mm, ensuring compatibility with a variety of ceiling apertures. The broader range allows easier replacement of existing downlight without the need for additional adjustments. Ovia’s Inceptor Milli family of downlights have been tested and meet the requirements of TM66 Assured Product Verification Scheme which is developed and fulfilled by the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and endorsed by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) with the aim of advancing circular economy practices within the lighting industry. Switch it up A key feature to highlight with the Inceptor Milli downlight range is the element of control that is offered in this one fitting. There is the option to seamlessly switch between 6.4W and 4W power outputs using a single switch to provide users with ultimate control over their lighting environments. There is also the ability to easily switch the colour temperatures between 2700K (Warm White), 4000K (Cool White), and 6500K (Daylight). This allows for effortless adaptation to varying lighting needs and makes it easy for the end user to tailor their lighting to suit their individual requirements. Rotatable Insulation Cover One feature that sets the Inceptor Milli range apart from many downlights on the market is the insulation cover which introduces a practical solution for installation challenges. The rotatable insulation cover allows you to install the downlights safely under insulation but also adjust the cover allowing for 5mm extra clearance. On the adjustable and standard/fixed Milli downlight the insulation cover can be twisted to the up and down position and still fit in a 60mm void. The baffle version fits in a 60mm void when the insulation cover is down and the plasterboard is a minimum thickness of 12.5cm. All three versions – Standard, Baffle, and Adjustable – are IP65-rated. With a broad cut-out range of 64mm to 75mm, the Milli can be installed in a wide range of existing ceiling downlight cut-outs. The fittings are supplied pre-wired with a Fast-Fit, 3-Pole & Loop Flow connector and a loose push-fit Flow connector is also supplied in the box which ensures a quick and easy installation process. Five bezel finishes are available, with a choice of White, Black, Chrome, Satin Chrome, and Antique Brass. With the adjustable and standard version, you simply order the finish of your choice as a fixed finish. The baffle version is supplied with a white bezel, but this can be interchanged with any of the other finishes, and they are purchased separately. Simply twist the existing bezel to remove and replace with the colour finish of your choice. A brochure featuring the new Adjustable Inceptor Milli can be viewed on the Ovia website and the Scolmore Group app. It is also available in the new Issue 6 Ovia Catalogue. For more from Ovia, click here.

Electrical contractors fundraise for Milton Keynes hospital

C&B Electrical Contractors has provided financial and practical support to Milton Keynes University Hospital, with fundraising efforts, volunteer work, and event sponsorship. Callum Biscoe, Company Owner, and Ben Wilson, Director, first completed a 55-mile charity bike ride from Clapham Common to Brighton’s Madeira Drive, raising £1,775 for the hospital’s Radiotherapy Appeal. The business then donated its services to improve the hospital environment, installing decorative skylights and replacing ceiling tiles in the cardiology waiting room. Callum says, “We believe strongly that if you can give back to your local community, you should. C&B Electrical has a strong connection with the hospital so when we can help, we do.” Sponsoring the charity gala ball C&B Electrical is also the main sponsor of Milton Keynes Hospital Charity’s annual gala ball, taking place on 17 October at the Doubletree by Hilton in Bletchley. Proceeds will fund projects across the hospital. Last year’s event raised £56,000 for the Radiotherapy Appeal. This year’s ball will feature a masquerade theme, food and entertainment, and fundraising activities. Ben Wilson comments, “Money raised at the ball helps not only Milton Keynes University Hospital, but also benefits the wider community. It’s an honour to play our part.” Vanessa Holmes, Director of Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, adds, “We have a whole host of treats for our guests, including a masquerade theme, food and wine, activities, and live entertainment. "This is about raising money to help all wards and departments at Milton Keynes University Hospital.”

myenergi zappi integrated into Hive Home app

British smart home energy technology manufacturer myenergi has partnered with Hive to integrate its zappi EV charger into the Hive Home app. The agreement will allow users to fully control their devices and access detailed insight into their energy use via the platform. In addition, zappi EV charger customers will also benefit from priority access to soon to be announced optimised energy tariffs from Hive and British Gas. This will help them to take more control of their energy use, choose the right tariff for their EV charging requirements and save even more money on their energy costs. The partnership comes as part of the Works with Hive initiative, which aims to open the Hive Home app to more than 80% of eco-smart devices by the end of 2026. The myenergi zappi range was identified as a priority device thanks to its impressive performance, highly rated customer support and full optimisation capability. Moving forward, the two brands are already working on future product plans, including a sale and install package – whereby Hive customers can purchase myenergi’s zappi GLO EV charger through the Works with Hive website. Installation will be delivered through trusted partner Charged EV. Commenting on the collaboration, Ben Harris, Commercial Partnerships Manager at myenergi, says, “Partnering with Hive will not only offer zappi users with the opportunity to control their devices via the Hive Home app, but also provide access to some of the latest smart tariffs. “The agreement brings together two brands operating at the very forefront of the eco-smart home energy marketplace to offer customers a seamless solution to manager their home charging experience – saving them time, saving them money and reducing their carbon footprint.” New and existing zappi customers can download the Hive Home app for free and add their charger to the platform in a matter of minutes. Lisa Bunting, Head of the Works with Hive programme, adds, “Hive recognises the future of home energy management lies in being able to see and control home energy usage in one place. We want Hive users to know their power, making it simple for households to understand and make great decisions that will save energy – translating into costs and carbon.” zappi GLO forms part of myenergi’s home energy management system (HEMS), an integrated network of eco-smart solutions that ensures households are given total control over their energy use and the flexibility to switch to the best smart tariff. HEMS includes the eddi solar diverter, libbi home battery, harvi wireless monitor and zappi range. For more from myenergi, click here.

NAPIT at Solar & Storage Live UK 2025

NAPIT, a company developing green skills and compliance, will be attending Solar & Storage Live UK 2025, the UK’s largest solar energy exhibition, at the NEC in Birmingham from 23 to 25 September. Attendees can meet the NAPIT technical experts at stand A74 and see the company's solar PV, electric vehicle, and battery storage training rigs on display. Steve Humphreys, NAPIT Technical Commercial Manager, and Lindsay Hague, NAPIT Head of Compliance, will also be appearing at sessions during the event. Lindsay Hague will be taking part in an MCS panel discussion (Redeveloped Installer Scheme Speaker Session with CBs) alongside Alex Hughes, MCS Head of Scheme. This will take place on 23 September from 11:30 am to 11:50 am at the Residential Theatre. Steve Humphreys will present 'How to Choose the Right Solar Technology for the Home' on 23 September from 11:50 am to 12:10 pm, also located in the Residential Theatre. On 25 September, Steve will join a panel discussion alongside Alwyn Thomas from Statkraft, Jason Howlett from Energy Storage Association (UK), and Saloni Kapoor from Grant Thornton UK LLP. The panel discussion is titled 'Where is the UK Storage Market Heading?' and will take place in the Storage Theatre from 11:10 am to 11:50 am. Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT, comments, “We’re excited to bring our new and improved NAPIT stand to Solar & Storage Live UK 2025 and look forward to connecting with industry professionals in the renewables sector. “Skilled installers are necessary to meet the increasing demand for renewable technologies, and attendees can connect with NAPIT technical experts who will be there to answer questions and share information with new and existing installers.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

NICEIC introduces TechLive

Certification and training body NICEIC will hold its in-person CPD event, TechLive, at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford on 22 October 2025. The event is designed for NICEIC-certified businesses to connect with technical experts, gain continued professional development (CPD), and keep up to date with the latest industry developments. Practical sessions and technical updates The programme will feature 12 sessions across four themes: • Electrotechnical and renewables fundamentals – covering skills in electrotechnical work, solar PV systems, and EV charging • Regulatory updates – including the redevelopment of the MCS Scheme, Amendment 4, and the Future Home Standards • Mental health and wellbeing – sessions on recognising signs of stress, supporting team members, and opening conversations about wellbeing • Business tools – guidance on managing the challenges of running an electrical business Sessions will be delivered by NICEIC’s Technical Director, Paul Collins; Learning and Wellbeing Manager, Danny Mouskovias; and guest speakers from across the industry. Attendees can choose sessions most relevant to their business using the TechLive app, and the event will also include a live technical Q&A. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, comments, “We are committed to sharing our expertise with NICEIC-certified businesses to help them stay ahead of the competition. "We are incredibly excited to launch NICEIC TechLive, where we will gather some of the most insightful people in the industry in one place. “NICEIC TechLive will provide every attendee with a highly tailored programme, to maximise the value they receive from the sessions. It is also an opportunity to achieve five hours of CPD, helping meet NICEIC scheme requirements.” With only one TechLive event scheduled for 2025 and 250 places available, attendees are encouraged to register early. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Solar & Storage Live UK 2025 opens in Birmingham

Solar & Storage Live UK 2025, the country’s largest exhibition dedicated to solar and energy storage, opens today at the NEC Birmingham (23–25 September). More than 20,000 energy professionals are expected to attend. The exhibition will feature over 500 companies spanning solar, storage, and related technologies. Exhibitors include GivEnergy, Alpha ESS, Anker SOLIX, BYD, DAS Solar, EcoFlow, Fox ESS, GoodWe, Huawei, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, LONGi, SolarEdge, Solarport, Sungrow, Tesla, and Trina Solar. Policy, technology, and market focus The event continues its partnership with Solar Energy UK, which acts as official partner, providing policy expertise and industry representation. This year, Solar & Storage Live UK is co-located with EVCharge Live UK, expanding the programme to cover synergies between solar, storage, and electric vehicle charging. Alongside the exhibition, more than 250 speakers will deliver sessions on policy, finance, technology, and market development. Confirmed speakers include Michael Shanks, Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Business and Trade; Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK; Ben Godfrey, Director of Distribution System Operator at National Grid; and Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS. New for 2025 This year introduces several new features: • UK Installer Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception – The EUPD Research Installer Awards will, for the first time in the UK, recognise leading solar and storage installers. The awards will be followed by a networking reception. (Tuesday, 23 September, 16:30, Energy Storage Theatre) • Start-ups Zone and Pitch Competition – A showcase for emerging technologies and business models, culminating in a competition for the title Start-up of the Year 2025. (Thursday, 25 September, 14:50, Electric Avenue Theatre (EVCharge Live UK)) Other highlights include a “Meet the Installers” area, an Installer Training Hub (offering hands-on workshops), a Recruitment Zone for jobseekers, and networking sessions hosted by industry associations such as the Global Solar Council, SolarAid, and POWERful Women. Rebecca Sloan, General Manager of Solar & Storage Live Europe, says, “As the UK accelerates its journey to net zero, solar and energy storage are becoming central to the country’s energy transition. "Solar & Storage Live UK is not just about business opportunities; it is about enabling the UK to build a cleaner, more resilient energy system. "By bringing together over 20,000 industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers, the event helps drive adoption of technologies and solutions that cut carbon, strengthen grid stability, and secure long-term energy independence.”

NVC Lighting brightens way for better healthcare

Lighting plays a critical role in creating safe environments in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities. Lighting manufacturer, NVC Lighting, understands the importance of getting the lighting right in these complex and challenging environments. With our range of products, controls and solutions, NVC Lighting delivers optimal lighting for a variety of areas and activities, boosting staff and patient wellbeing while enhancing healthcare and increasing safety and security. NVC Lighting provides lighting solutions for all different areas in and around a hospital, including corridors, wards, consulting rooms, break-out rooms, car parks and exteriors to create a comprehensive lighting system. NVC conducts site surveys to ensure all lighting needs are met and deploy our specialist knowledge across five key areas; lighting controls, emergency lighting, colour rendering, colour temperature and glare. Lighting controls Lighting controls are useful in different areas within hospitals and especially on wards where daytime and night-time lighting is required. They can also help with daylight harvesting and sensor-based dimming - a practical way to conserve energy in areas with intermittent occupancy. Colour temperature and glare Colour temperature plays an important role in creating well-lit environments. While 4000K is appropriate for working areas, lower and more relaxing temperatures work better for areas where a calming ambience is required. This can include staff break-out rooms and on wards at night where it is important to reinforce natural sleeping patterns for recuperating patients. Our products offer CRI>90, the level required in areas where medical diagnoses and examinations are carried out. It is crucial to get lighting right for this, as the correct CRI allows for sharper discernment in things such as skin tone, meaning a higher accuracy in diagnoses and patient care. Glare occurs more often in a hospital compared to other buildings and is calculated using UGR – the Unified Glare Reading. In hospital wards, many of the occupants are horizontal and facing up, which leads to a higher UGR. We offer solutions within our lighting system design and luminaire selection to mitigate this and create more comfortable areas for both staff and patient comfort. Emergency lighting Emergency lighting is a crucial element for any public building and the legal and practical requirements for each area of a hospital can vary. While testing can be an onerous and expensive monthly task, NVC offers a range of automated solutions to make this task easier and more efficient. Longevity and warranty In addition to providing a range of high-quality luminaires for different activities and areas in and around the hospital, NVC Lighting offers a market-leading seven-year warranty to give you complete peace of mind in knowing that our products will stand the test of time and provide long-term reliability. Combining sustainability with unwavering performance, NVC Lighting is lighting the way to better health, making it the go-to range for hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

City Plumbing launches subsidised solar training

City Plumbing, a national plumbing, heating, and electrical supplier, has introduced subsidised solar PV training for installers in partnership with renewable energy training provider GTEC Training. The programme builds on the company’s existing air source heat pump courses. With 60% of the cost covered by Government funding, the training is offered at a reduced price of £264. The first 50 installers to complete the course will also receive a £264 credit towards their first City Plumbing solar kit order. Expansion into solar and storage Alongside the training initiative, City Plumbing has expanded its product range by becoming the first national merchant to offer Midea battery storage and electric vehicle chargers, extending its existing partnership with the manufacturer. Installers can now access Midea’s air source heat pumps, EV equipment, and solar PV systems from a single supplier. The update follows the recent launch of dedicated solar hubs at nine City Plumbing branches, and the introduction of a solar PV kit builder designed to help identify the required components for an installation. Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director of Heating and Renewables at City Plumbing, says, “We know solar installations are a growing area for our customers, with our research showing that more than 40% of installers are already trained in solar and a further 44% looking to be in the next 12 months. "Our subsidised - or even free - courses make upskilling in solar a practical reality for trades who often don’t have the spare cash to invest in their growth and business development. "This training, combined with specialist products, tools, and service, will help installers take advantage of the massive increase in solar in the UK.” Showcasing solar City Plumbing’s solar offering will be showcased at Solar and Storage Live, held from 23 to 25 September 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. The company will exhibit at stand D90a, and Hemal will join a panel discussion on how installers can futureproof their solar business, moderated by TV presenter and architect George Clarke. For more from City Plumbing, click here.

Britain’s largest electricity and gas networks join forces

Three of Britain’s major energy networks – UK Power Networks, Cadent, and SGN – have launched a unified 'Common Ask Template' designed to cut administrative burden and speed up the delivery of local net zero projects. For the first time, local authorities can share the information required by energy networks in a single, standardised format. This should reduce duplicated requests, free up staff time, and make it simpler to plan infrastructure upgrades such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and low-carbon heating. Together, the three networks serve more than 25 million people across the UK. By adopting one shared format, they aim to streamline collaboration with councils and ensure investment decisions can be made faster and more effectively. Pilots already under way Hounslow Council has already adopted the template, while five more councils are using it through the Greater London Authority (GLA)’s Outer East London LAEP (Local Area Energy Planning) programme, which covers both SGN and Cadent customers. The new approach is designed to work for every council – from those starting their climate planning to those with advanced modelling – and to support projects through to 2050. Voices from the partners Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks’ DSO, says, “Local authorities are working hard to cut carbon, but too often they’re asked for the same data again and again. "This simple change means they can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering real benefits for their communities.” Cllr Katherine Dunne, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment, and Transport at the London Borough of Hounslow, adds, “This initiative has saved us a lot of time by making it easier to share our Local Area Energy Plan outputs with electricity and gas networks. "Without it, we’d be sending forecasts to multiple companies in different formats at different times – a real drain on resources.” Lorna Millington, Future Networks Manager at Cadent, comments, “The journey towards achieving net zero will take a truly collaborative effort where we share insight and work together on the energy transition. "This project with UK Power Networks and SGN shows the value of like-minded organisations joining forces to make progress.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Pharos supports Niagara Falls centenary illumination celebrations

Pharos Architectural Controls, a British manufacturer of dynamic lighting controls, played a central role in the centenary celebrations of nightly illuminations at Niagara Falls, providing additional control technology for a special series of light and sound shows between 12-14 September 2025. Since 2020, Pharos systems have managed the landmark’s lighting. For the anniversary, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board (NFIB) introduced a new element: a son et lumière presentation combining synchronised lighting and audio for the first time. Lighting and sound in harmony For the celebrations, Pharos lent a Designer LPC X controller to complement the existing system. The LPC X enabled audio playback alongside lighting, allowing the programming of music and effects on shared timelines for precise synchronisation. The shows began with the national anthems of Canada and the USA, followed by a short history of the NFIB and the evolution of illumination technology. A 20-minute musical sequence then combined LED lighting with laser projections on Goat Island. The Pharos controller also managed four laser projectors integrated with the Pangolin Beyond Laser system, supported by ruggedised fibre connections and extended networking infrastructure. A 2,000-foot PA system carried sound across the park, with monitoring provided via the SixEye cloud platform. A large video screen and PA system on the US side ensured audiences could also follow the event. Collaboration and integration Pathway Connectivity, specialists in DMX network systems, coordinated installation and integration, while lighting consultant Linus MacDonald supported the programming of the events. Michael Grosse, Regional Sales Manager for the Americas at Pharos Architectural Controls, says, “Niagara Falls is one of the most famous global landmarks, both in scale and visual appeal, to use our products. "To know a system from Pharos is illuminating one of the most visited sites in the world every evening gives you a huge sense of pride. We were honoured to provide the technology to make these centenary celebrations happen.” Robert Bell of Pathway Connectivity adds, “The Pharos Designer LPC has been integral to the success of the illuminations of Niagara Falls since we upgraded the system in 2020. We were therefore delighted that Pharos supported the anniversary celebrations with the loan of an LPC X.” The NFIB, which organised the celebrations, has overseen the nightly lighting of Niagara Falls since 1925. The first system comprised 24 arc lights, originally developed as wartime searchlights. Today, modern LED systems provide more sustainable and flexible illumination for the landmark. For more from Pharos, click here.