Swindon council partners with Aico for home life safety

Swindon Borough Council’s housing tenants are set to benefit from enhanced safety through a programme replacing existing fire and carbon monoxide alarms with upgraded Aico devices. The new 3000 Series alarms will be fitted with sensors that detect heat, smoke and carbon monoxide. The units will replace existing devices with the ability to send notifications to the Council when they need testing, repairing or replacing, using Aico’s Ei1000G Gateway. Tenants will also have the option to receive these alerts via a downloadable resident app. The four-year, £10.5m upgrade programme, which started in September 2024, has so far seen new devices installed in 1,190 council-owned properties. Swindon Borough Council is the largest social housing provider in the Borough, owning and managing 10,383 homes including 31 sheltered housing schemes and four supported housing schemes. Alongside these new alarms, approximately 10% of all the properties benefitting from the works will also receive Aico’s EI1025 Environmental Sensors, which measure temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. These will provide the Council with real-time data and alerts, enabling them to take proactive measures to maintain a safe and healthy living spaces. The four-year upgrade programme is included within the Council’s new asset management strategy, agreed by cabinet members in February. The strategy outlines plan to invest £250m into the maintenance and improvement of Council owned homes between 2025 and 2030, at no cost to services funded through Council Tax. Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, says, “This £10.5m upgrade programme will see fire and carbon monoxide alarms upgraded in all council-owned houses over the next four years. “The devices will help our Housing team to enhance tenants’ safety and peace of mind, by sending notifications when the alarms need testing, repairing or replacing. “Meanwhile the Environmental Sensors being installed in a prioritised list of properties will provide alerts to tenants so they can take action to maintain a safe and healthy living space. Our Housing team will also have access to these so we can be proactive in providing support and advice.” Peter Price-Higgott, Relationship Manager at Aico, says, “We’re delighted to collaborate with Swindon Borough Council on their upgrade programme. Following a successful project to trial the technology, they have experienced the benefits of using our products to improve wellbeing and enhance resident safety within their homes. We look forward to continuing our support throughout the project and beyond.” For more from Aico, click here.

Enhancing Edinburgh safety with a smart city vision

The City of Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most populous city in the country. It is the seat of the Scottish Government and the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. As well as serving a vital role in government, the city is economically significant for the region, attracting global tourism as well as being home to a world-renowned university. Protecting citizens and visitors as they move through the city and keeping Edinburgh’s roads running smoothly is of the utmost importance. Transforming into a smart city The City of Edinburgh Council leadership needed to modernise security and surveillance across the capital. This involved upgrading the control centre to a new smart city operations centre to receive real-time data from Edinburgh’s surveillance network. The centre also integrates with traffic and transport platforms to enhance operational management and improve city planning. The new control centre gives operators access to real-time data and analytics, for insights that improve response times and situational awareness. Smart technology solutions provider, North, designed a security solution built with more than 100 high-resolution Hanwha Vision IP cameras including the PNM-9322VQP multi-directional PTZ camera and XNO-8080R 5MP IR bullet camera. The solution also incorporates a video management system from Genetec. Comprehensive coverage and intelligence Multi-directional cameras are ideal for monitoring large and complex areas such as city centres. The multi-directional PNM-9322VQP features five camera sensors in a single device, minimising the amount of cabling and server infrastructure required compared to installing five separate devices, to improve cost-efficiency while streamlining installation. The XNO-8080R is a 5MP IR bullet camera with accurate video analytics. These analytics - carried out on the device to reduce server needs - include loitering, directional detection, audio detection and sound classification. It features Hallway View to cover narrow areas such as alleyways. Additionally, using the proprietary compression technology, WiseStream II, improves bandwidth by up to 75% while retaining video quality. Best-in-class cyber security Cyber security is crucial in a smart city, given the number of connected devices that could be exploited. Hanwha Vision has been hardening its cyber security measures for many years with the National Defense Authorization Act compliance (NDAA), UL CAP Certification, and a dedicated security vulnerability response team (S-CERT). Furthermore, North is part of Genetec’s 'network of trust' initiative, signalling the close partnership between the two solution providers and their shared focus on securing network and critical surveillance infrastructure. Leading the way “The new operations centre has been years in the making and it’s fantastic to see it live in action,” says Councillor Jane Meagher, Council Leader, The City of Edinburgh Council. “With cutting-edge low-carbon technology designed to keep the city moving and our communities safe, it drastically steps up our capabilities as a council. Edinburgh is fast becoming an example of a truly smart city and it’s thanks to trailblazing projects like this.” Andrew Foster, MD – Public Services at North, adds, “Helping to drive positive change through smart technology and improved operational systems across Edinburgh is something that North is incredibly proud of. Working together, the city now has access to real-time data that will influence the future of city planning, improve large-scale events and create a greener environment for generations to come.” The new video surveillance system provides Edinburgh with future-proofed, smart city technology with the option to expand and add connected devices such as air quality sensors, smart parking applications and flood sensors. For more from Hanwha Vision, click here.

ECA welcomes Government response to Grenfell Inquiry

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), a trade body for electrical contractors, has welcomed the long-term ambition expressed in the response from Government to the Inquiry into Grenfell Tower Phase 2. The Government accepts all the recommendations from the Inquiry Report. Electrotechnical systems are key in any new build construction or ongoing maintenance of a building, and are a major risk without appropriate competence and expertise. ECA says that it welcomes the commitment to end top-down, government-driven solutions in favour of greater dialogue with industry, including the electrical and fire industry sectors. ECA is particularly heartened to see the introduction of a Single Regulator and Chief Construction Adviser to streamline and reset processes. In the spirit of marking a generational shift to better and safer buildings, ECA believes this role will be broad enough to tackle obstacles to competence development in the industry, by tackling barriers to industry recognised training routes. ECA and the Fire & Security Association (FSA) also welcome three specific changes which will directly impact Member firms and improve electrical safety and efficiency: - The introduction of stringent and regular electrical safety checks for social landlords - Moving responsibility for fire safety functions to MHCLG - Consulting on minimum energy efficiency standards for buildings Mike Smith, ECA Director of Technical and Safety, Health and Environment and FSA Secretary, comments, “It is encouraging to see a clear direction of travel in the Government’s response to the Phase 2 Inquiry into the terrible tragedy of Grenfell Tower. “Over several years, ECA and FSA have contributed to the Grenfell Inquiry and recognise the nuanced and complex changes needed to shift the culture of the industry. By accepting all the recommendations in the Inquiry, the Government has started on a journey to make electrical safety and fire engineering a significant part of future regulations.” For more from ECA, click here.

CEF launches solar panel recycling partnership

Electrical wholesaler, CEF, is teaming up with Waste Experts, a waste management specialist, and ROSI, a French solar panel recycling company, to offer UK-wide collection capabilities for end-of-life solar panels. The partnership aims to address the responsible recycling and treatment of end-of-life solar panels, which is a critical issue in the renewable energy sector. As the UK makes efforts to shift to clean energy, sustainable solar panel recycling and material recovery has never been more critical. Despite this, CEF believes that the UK currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the transition. At present, many end-of-life solar panels risk being sent to landfills, stock pilled or illegally exported, which leads to an increase in environmental harm. To tackle this challenge, CEF (in partnership with Waste Experts and ROSI) is now offering a UK-wide collection for end-of-life solar panels via a combination of in-house and subcontracted fleets, ensuring fully compliant handling and transportation in line with environmental and regulatory standards. The end-of-life solar panels will then be processed at ROSI’s facility using advanced recycling technologies to recover up to 95% of the value of photovoltaic (PV) modules, including high-purity silicon, silver, copper, aluminium, and high-transparency glass. The approach aims to significantly reduce the reliance on virgin materials and ensures valuable resources remain in circulation. Producing less than 1% of disposable waste, it also helps cut carbon emissions, as each tonne of recycled solar modules saves one tonne of CO2, greatly reducing the environmental footprint of solar energy. Mike Gadd, Director of Renewables at City Electrical Factors (CEF), says, “Waste Experts provide CEF customers with a nationwide solution to manage their carbon footprint by considering a product’s full lifecycle and ensuring responsible end-of-life treatment. By recovering valuable materials and minimising landfill waste, we are driving long-term sustainability in clean energy and beyond.” As global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Waste Experts and CEF are building a circular economy for solar panel materials - ensuring that renewable energy technologies are managed sustainably at every stage of their lifecycle. “Our collaboration highlights the vital role of global partnerships in tackling sustainability challenges,” explains Shaun Donaghey, Managing Director of Waste Experts. “With our nationwide collection service and ROSI’s cutting-edge recycling processes, we’re not just addressing the immediate issue of end-of-life solar panel waste - we’re establishing a framework for responsible lifecycle management that sets a new benchmark for the renewable energy sector.” Yun LUO, President and Co-Founder of ROSI, comments, “We are thrilled to partner with Waste Experts and CEF, [which are] leading figures in sustainable waste management in the UK. Their dedication to diverting waste from landfills and driving a circular economy perfectly aligns with our vision. This collaboration allows us to introduce our advanced solar panel recycling solutions to the UK market, ensuring responsible end-of-life management for photovoltaic modules.” For more from CEF, click here.

New guide to help speed up EV charging hubs

Although designing and installing new electric vehicle chargepoint hubs can be a complex project, UK Power Networks is seeking to make the process easier via the publication of a brand new online guide. In the guide, the UK’s biggest electricity distribution network operator sets out exactly what land consents need to be in place before installers apply to connect their site to electricity grid. Every year, the firm receives up to 100 applications from customers wanting to connect an EV charging hub site, and some require 3MVA of power - equivalent to powering more than 2,000 homes. The new online guide sets out the hierarchy of consents required and also aims to streamline to connection process. Four common scenarios are profiled, to help readers relate the information to their own situation. Neil Madgwick, Head of Connections Service Delivery, says, “Having the correct access and licensing arrangements can dramatically speed up the connections process, enabling sites to be up and running in weeks rather than months.” UK Power Networks provides a unique wrap-around service to manage the final connection to the local electricity grid, working closely with the operator and their independent connections provider from site design to energisation. Neil adds, “This helps ensure that they can take advantage of our innovative products, so they stay in control and don’t need complex leases and wayleaves. “We receive a lot of enquiries from individuals to large corporations keen to explore low carbon technologies, and are building up a library of helpful guidance as this is new territory for many.” To read the guide in full, click here. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Screwfix announces store expansion plans

Screwfix, the omnichannel retailer, has announced plans to open up to 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, creating more than 400 jobs in local communities. The ambitious store opening strategy is spearheaded by its recently launched new store format, Screwfix City. Screwfix opened seven City stores in FY24 (1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025), with plans for this to form the majority of new openings in FY25. Screwfix City stores offer even greater convenience to busy tradespeople. Located in high footfall areas, City stores provide the essential products customers need to get their jobs done quickly, affordably and right first time. The new store format offers a range of more than 3,000 essential products via Click and Collect, with a further 48,000 available online for next day collection. In addition, Screwfix Sprint – the rapid delivery service that provides products on site or at home in 60 minutes or less – is also available from City stores. Exclusively available through the Screwfix app, Screwfix Sprint is now available from 485 store locations, covering 58% of the UK population. As part of Screwfix’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, a key focus is reducing carbon emission levels resulting from its business activities. In 2024, it reported a 50% reduction in direct carbon emissions since 2021/22, all while growing from 790 stores to more than 900 stores. The reduction has been driven, in part, by a move away from fossil fuel heating to air source heat pumps which are now in over 75% of stores. Every new Screwfix store is equipped with air-source heat pumps, or other forms of efficient electric heating, and the entire store network is supplied with 95% renewable electricity. Screwfix is also committed to supporting the local communities through The Screwfix Foundation. Since 2013, the charity has donated more than £15m to over 3,000 charities and not-for profit organisations in the UK, supporting them to improve, repair and maintain facilities used by those in-need. John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, comments, “We’re proud to continue Screwfix’s amazing growth with our plans to open up to 35 new stores within this financial year. Despite the challenges facing the retail industry, investing in our store network remains central to how we can best support tradespeople to get their jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time. “Our customers continue to be busy, and we know how important it is to be near a Screwfix store. We are driving forward with our store openings and continuing to focus on providing the ultimate convenience for our customers through our ultra-compact store format, Screwfix City and rapid delivery service, Screwfix Sprint. “As a business we’re focused on doing the right thing in the communities we serve. Through our sustainability commitments we’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment by reducing our carbon emissions and we’re proud to have donated more than £15m to local charities and not-for-profit organisations through The Screwfix Foundation.” For more from Screwfix, click here.

Surge in demand for fire performance cables

The surge in demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables used in critical situations can only help to meet safety compliance requirements, says cable supplier, AEI Cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, comments, “We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and perhaps the information to use these cables for a specific safety reason is getting through to the supply chain. “There can be no compromise when it comes to the selection of cables for these critical applications. We offer our comprehensive range of Category 3 Control backed up with our technical support and guidance for these specific uses.” The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more from AEI Cables website, click here.

LINIAN's new cable tray clip: Fast, easy, sustainable

The creator of the world’s first single component fire rated clip, LINIAN, has now unveiled its most recent innovation for cable tray installations – the LINIAN Cable Tray Clip. Benefits of the product 90% faster installation - forget about stainless steel cable ties and the ratcheting tool. Using LINIAN Cable Tray Clips you can drastically reduce the time spent on installations.  Incredibly easy to install – it simply locks in by hand. With sizes ranging from 50mm (light) to 225mm (medium and heavy duty) it can be used with any brand of trays. Non-corrosive and weather resistant. Manufactured in the UK. This product is said to be a game changer in cable tray installs and will deliver massive benefits on resource, time and cost savings, especially for large electrical and M&E contractors who lay hundreds of metres of trays. Wiring regulations compliance: The LINIAN Cable Tray Clip is fully compliant with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018), meaning it’s fire-rated and designed to prevent premature cable collapse during a fire. Sustainability: Like all LINIAN products, the new Cable Tray Clip uses recyclable packaging and ethically sourced materials. Manufactured in Britain, it keeps the supply chain short, reducing carbon footprint. Additionally, by replacing traditional stainless steel cable ties with a reusable clip, installers can significantly reduce waste on-site. It’s a win-win for the environment and the installer.  Product uses Railways Data centres and telecoms Industrial and commercial fittings Lighting Fire and security systems General power applications Industrial power applications Building management systems Fibre cable installations Substations All general cable tray applications Where to buy The first production run is now fully available with CEF and, from mid-April 2025, this unique product will also be available through the LINIAN wholesalers’ network.

Linear Pro Max launched by Tamlite Lighting at DCW

Tamlite Lighting is launching the Linear Pro Max at Data Centre World (12-13 March 2025), introducing a new generation lighting solution designed for fast, flexible installation in data centres and large-scale retail environments. By integrating the trunking, electrical components and quick-release luminaires into a single module system, the Linear Pro Max minimises downtime, optimises efficiency and enhances sustainability. As data centres grow to meet AI, cloud computing and e-commerce demands, operators must optimise energy efficiency and performance. Lighting is key for compliance, energy savings and minimal maintenance requirements. The Linear Pro Max is engineered to meet these challenges, ensuring fast installation and high-performance illumination for server aisles. These features also make the Linear Pro Max an ideal lighting solution for large-scale retail environments, providing continuous-row illumination that enhances product visibility, minimises glare and improves customer navigation and overall experience. Engineered for data centres and large-scale retail The Linear Pro Max is designed to meet the specific demands of data centres and expansive retail spaces. By integrating advanced components into a streamlined system, it enhances efficiency, flexibility and performance while reducing operational costs. Key benefits include: Fast and flexible installation, reducing labour costs and minimising downtime. High energy efficiency of up to 180lm/W, reducing power consumption and supporting sustainability goals. Smart lighting integration with VISION, Tamlite’s intelligent lighting control system. VISION provides tailored, solution-based controls that optimise energy efficiency and enhance performance, from simple occupancy sensing to fully addressable DALI emergency test and monitoring, across single or multiple rooms or floors. Customisable optics, including wide and narrow beam variants, to suit different layouts. Options include continuous runs for uniform lighting across a large area or for targeted illumination in specific zones. Sustainability and compliance The Linear Pro Max has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a lightweight extruded aluminium housing that minimises material waste and enhances recyclability. It is currently being evaluated according to CIBSE TM65 for embodied carbon, and CIBSE TM66 for the use of circular economic principles. The results of these evaluations are expected in summer 2025. Supporting the rapid growth of data centres According to new research from CBRE, European data centre markets are projected to add 937MW)of new supply in 2025. If this data centre supply is delivered, it will set a record for Europe, representing an increase of 282MW more than the 655MW of capacity delivered last year. Over 57% of this capacity will be delivered in key markets such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Dublin (FLAPD). With demand outpacing supply, operators must focus on energy-efficient infrastructure to manage power and sustainability goals. Stephen Biggs, National Category Manager at Tamlite Lighting, comments, “The Linear Pro Max’s ultra-efficient design, combined with seamless smart controls, makes it the ideal solution to reduce energy consumption, enhance visibility and future-proof data centre operations. As demand for data centre space increases, optimised lighting solutions like the Linear Pro Max are set to play a pivotal role in improving efficiency and sustainability of these facilities.”

Norfolk residents benefit from power upgrade

A £2.1 million investment has upgraded power supplies at an electricity substation near Great Yarmouth, benefiting thousands of residents for the future. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across the East, has installed a new 23-tonne electricity transformer in the village of Martham. Transformers step down the power so it can be safely delivered to homes and businesses, offer scope for greater electrical capacity, and maintain reliable supplies. The new kit which was carefully manoeuvred into place is part of UK Power Networks’ investment programme to upgrade the electricity supply. It will receive electricity from the network at 33,000-volts and safely turn it down to 11,000 volts for onward delivery to about 6,000 customers in the village and beyond. Gavin Hawes, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “This investment project will deliver long-lasting benefits in the area and support growth in demand for electric vehicles, heat pumps and more low carbon technologies connecting to electricity networks.” UK Power Networks owns and maintains the network of cables, substations and power lines that deliver electricity to approximately 20 million people across the East, London and South East of England (regardless of who sends them their electricity bill). As the country’s biggest electricity distributor, it has invested £8 billion in its electricity networks since 2011. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.