Adra adopts Aico’s Connected Home Solution

Aico, a manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide detection products, has announced that Adra has chosen to implement its Connected Home Solution to support the monitoring and management of properties participating in the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) this year. Aico’s Connected Home Solution provides real-time data on indoor environmental conditions, monitoring temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels to support healthier living environments and reduce risks related to damp, mould, and condensation. Additionally, the system now taps into the Smart DCC network to monitor energy usage with no additional hardware required. With no ongoing cost commitments, and with direct integration with Trustmark for reporting to the Welsh Government, Aico says it has seen more landlords utilising the system in 2025. In addition to this, Aico is announcing the renewal of its partnership with Adra. As part of this, Aico is re-sponsoring its training pod at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, a low-carbon hub based in Gwynedd. As part of the rollout, Aico’s Relationship Manager for North Wales & West England, Matt Powell, joined Adra’s electrical team and subcontractors at Tŷ Gwyrddfai for a full training session. These hands-on sessions and site visits aim to ensure all contractors and Adra colleagues are well-equipped to deliver the technology effectively and confidently across the retrofit programme. Adra is a housing association in the region and the ORP, supported by the Welsh Government, aims to improve the energy performance of existing homes to help meet net zero carbon target. Earlier this year, Aico also welcomed Adra’s electrical team to its Centre of Excellence in Oswestry for its City & Guilds Assured training course. The full-day training course was designed to give a detailed understanding of the design, installation, maintenance, interconnection, siting, and electrical connection of domestic alarm systems. “Adra [has] always been on the front foot with [its] decarbonisation project. Tŷ Gwyrddfai is a game changer in North Wales, upskilling the local community for the road to net zero," claims Matt Powell, Relationship Manager at Aico. "It’s been great to see a flurry of landlords in Wales this year utilising the system for ORP, with 22 large social landlords and local authorities actively using the system in Wales.” Tŷ Gwyrddfai Business & Development Manager Rhys Roberts adds, “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Aico through the renewal of the training pod sponsorship at Tŷ Gwyrddfai. "This collaboration supports our mission to upskill the local workforce and drive forward the decarbonisation agenda in North Wales. "The Connected Home Solution is a vital tool in our Optimised Retrofit Programme, helping us deliver healthier, more energy-efficient homes while empowering our teams with the latest smart technology.” For more from Aico, click here.

BG launches Dual Row Circuit Protection

Expanding on the BG Single Phase Circuit Protection range introduced earlier this year, UK manufacturer British General (BG) has announced the launch of its new BG Dual Row Circuit Protection, designed for larger domestic and light commercial applications. Available in two size options – a 36 module and a 48 module – both come supplied with a 100A main switch as standard. Fresh design The updated Type 2 single module SPD eliminates the need for extra MCB protection, freeing up an additional circuit way. Meanwhile, the new MCB-style blanks, a rear clip-in cable protector, and an updated grommet strip contribute to what the company describes as a "neater and more organised installation." An elongated lifting section on the lid visor, as well as a lid retainer, should also make accessing devices and labelling easier. Options for expansion With flexibility and expansion in mind, the BG Circuit Protection range is designed to make installations easier. With other devices and accessories available, there are options to upgrade or expand systems to accommodate solar energy integration and EV charging, aiming to ensure customers are ready for future demands. The BG Dual Row consumer unit gives the ability to be standard, dual tariff, or bespoke configured to support both electrician and prosumer applications. A focus on installation Four rows of enlarged oval knock-outs at the rear, alongside 40mm knock-outs on the sides, top, and bottom, aim to provide greater adaptability. A new DIN rail design offers a more secure device engagement, while the offset incomer, larger busbar cover, and updated label sheet hope to provide a better installation experience for installers. The BG Circuit Protection range is CE-approved and third-party certified for reliability, backed by a 10-year guarantee and a UK-based technical support team available via phone or email. Philip Grove, Product Manager for BG Circuit Protection, comments, “The launch of the new Dual Row Circuit Protection expands on the recently enhanced BG Circuit Protection range, providing installers with greater choice and flexibility. "BG is always looking for ways to innovate and improve functionality whilst also meeting the demand for evolving electrical needs – this new addition to the circuit protection range gives superior protection for the future.” BG is part of the Luceco Group, which also includes the Sync Energy and Masterplug brands as well as commercial and domestic lighting. For more from BG, click here.

SkillELECTRIC 2025 finalists announced

NICEIC, a certification and training body for the electrical industry in the UK, is celebrating the announcement of this year’s SkillELECTRIC finalists. Those selected represent an outstanding group of apprentice electricians, excelling at the competition’s regional heats and demonstrating exceptional technical skill and dedication. NICEIC is a delivery partner of SkillELECTRIC, which is organised by industry charity National Electrotechnical Training. The SkillELECTRIC competition is part of the WorldSkills UK competition framework and showcases the best emerging talent in the electrotechnical sector. This year, eight finalists have been selected to compete in the national finals, which will take place at Bridgend College across the week beginning 24 November 2025. The 2025 finalists are: • Adam Souter – SECTT / McDonald and Munro Ltd • Archie Casson – Oldham College / JRC Electrical Engineers • Ellis Stevenson – SECTT / Campbell and McHardy LTD • Ewan Forsythe – Belfast Metropolitan College / NUGENT • Fabian Maciejewski – East Goscote Electrics / Leicester College • Jane Thorp – Suffolk New College / Fellowes Electrical Ltd • Samuel Chadderton – Hopwood Hall College / Isolate Electrical • William Boyer – Blackburn College / Paul Wilson Electrical and Renewable Energy Solutions These finalists were selected from a pool of thousands of apprentices and students who competed in regional heats across the UK. At this year’s final, following previous years’ successes, low-carbon technologies will feature once again - this time in the shape of both an EV point charging-related task and a solar task for competitors to tackle. Those who are eligible and perform well in the final are in with a chance of representing the UK in the Electrical Installation competition at WorldSkills 2028 in Aichi, Japan. Alex Robinson, NICEIC’s Head of Product Development, comments, “We are incredibly proud to support SkillELECTRIC and to see such a high calibre of talent coming through the ranks. "They represent the future of our industry and their achievements are a testament to the strength of UK technical education and apprenticeship programmes.” NICEIC says it extends its congratulations to all the finalists and wishes them the very best as they prepare for the national stage. For more from NICEIC, click here.

FireAngel introduces regional Wholesaler Support Team

FireAngel, a UK manufacturer of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms, has reinforced its commitment to wholesaler partners by introducing a dedicated Wholesaler Support Team. Focused on building relationships and delivering tailored trade support, the team works with branches across the UK to identify opportunities, share expertise, and drive sustainable growth together. According to the company, the Regional Account Managers - Beth Christmas, Lewy Fardon, and Dan Grimsdell - bring "extensive industry knowledge and a hands-on approach, working closely with customers to navigate evolving legislation, optimise stock availability, and strengthen their fire safety offering in line with market demand." FireAngel’s Regional Account Managers provide nationwide support to trade wholesale partners across the UK. The team has been appointed to provide on-the-ground support, whether wholesalers are looking to expand their product range, improve stock turnover, or offer more informed advice to their own customers. Johan Keen, National Trade Sales Manager at FireAngel, comments, “The formation of our dedicated Wholesaler Support Team reflects our focus on delivering a more hands-on, consultative approach for our valued wholesale partners. "We want to ensure all our partners are not only stocking best-selling, regulation-compliant products, but also fully supported in driving growth and profitability to end-users. “Our team is equipped with specialist knowledge of fire and CO safety technologies, including the latest in connected smoke, heat, and CO alarms, and will be instrumental in helping trade customers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.” For more from FireAngel, click here.

TRILUX brings sustainable lighting to Schiphol Trade Park

TRILUX, a manufacturer of professional lighting systems, has delivered a complete lighting installation at Rapid Logistics' new distribution centre at Schiphol Trade Park, designed to maximise performance, comfort, and energy efficiency across the 26,000 m² facility. A tailored lighting plan for every area The distribution hub comprises of 19,923 m² of warehouse space, 3,428 m² of office area, 3,220 m² of mezzanine floor, and an integrated parking facility. The company says the goal was clear: develop a lighting scheme that balances operational efficiency with user comfort while helping the building achieve top sustainability credentials. TRILUX provided what it describes as a "full LED solution," including E-Line continuous line systems for uniform illumination in the warehouse, and Siella LED panels, Sonnos, and Ambiella downlights in the office spaces. Smart control for smarter energy use A key element of the system is the implementation of a sensor-based lighting management system, ensuring luminaires are only activated when needed. This on-demand approach typically significantly reduces unnecessary energy use. To further support connectivity and future flexibility, TRILUX integrated Polymer Optical Fibre (POF) as part of the lighting infrastructure. This digital-ready system opens the door for future data applications and optimisation opportunities across the logistics operation. For more from TRILUX, click here.

Ovia launches new Evo Orb LED Bulkhead

Ovia, a lighting brand part of the Scolmore Group, is expanding its utility range of luminaires to now include the new Evo Orb LED bulkhead. Designed to adapt to any environment, it delivers flexibility, longevity, and energy efficiency in one compact unit. Distinguished by its sleek 78mm depth, the Evo Orb combines a contemporary design with robust engineering. With an IK08 impact rating and IP65 ingress protection, it offers resistance to dust, water, and mechanical impact – making it ideal for demanding environments. Offering an efficacy of 120lm/W, the Evo Orb features power-selectable outputs of 10W, 13W, or 15W, and CCT selectable options of 3000K, 4000K, or 6000K, providing customisable lighting solutions to suit a wide range of applications. It is available in four versions – standard, microwave, emergency, and microwave & emergency - ensuring both energy efficiency and full compliance with the BS 5266-1 emergency lighting standards. It also comes with a five-year warranty. Designed with the installer in mind, Evo Orb offers quick and easy installation, with clever features to ensure a smooth install every time: • Quick connections – The fast-fit terminal block allows tool-free wiring for a quicker install, while the integrated Molex style connector ensures a secure, plug-and-play connection, saving time on every job. • Quick-release clip – The gear tray comes pre-attached to the diffuser, streamlining installation. When needed, it can be easily disconnected from the base using the quick release clip. A suspension wire allows the diffuser to be removed for easy installation and access, without it being separated from the base. • Secure and quick entry – The diffuser easily twists off the base for quick access during installation or maintenance. For added peace of mind, a security screw is included to firmly lock the diffuser in place once fitted. • BESA mountable base - It is designed to align with standard BESA box spacing for quick and secure mounting, with no need for additional brackets or adaptors. • M20 Gland entry points – It features four M20 gland entry points for flexible wiring options. The bezel also includes knockouts to accommodate glands. Featuring step dim corridor function, the microwave sensor version activates on motion and steps down to 10% or 30% when no movement is detected, delivering energy savings without compromising safety and making it ideal for corridors, stairwells, and low-traffic areas. Optional self-testing is offered with the Evo Orb emergency versions, allowing you to choose between Standard and Self-Test Emergency modes by selecting the position of the switch. This allows flexibility, enabling the Evo Orb to be retro fit into existing systems without compromising the test schedule. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fr_eHNhIuc[/embed] More information can be found on the Ovia website and on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

Scolmore Group donates products to Telford College

Scolmore Group, a provider of wiring accessories, circuit protection, lighting, fire and security systems, and cable accessory products, has donated of a range of electrical accessory products to Telford College to support students pursuing careers in electrical and engineering fields. The donation includes an assortment of products from across the Scolmore Group of companies including Click switches and sockets, Elucian distribution boards, and Unicrimp cable accessories. These products will be integrated into the college's practical training programmes, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard materials. “We are passionate about investing in the future of the electrical industry,” says Neil McManus, Technical Engagement Engineer, Scolmore Group. “By providing these essential products to Telford College, we hope to inspire and equip the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and excellence in our sector. "As the industry constantly develops, with different emerging technologies available to generate electricity, there will always be a constant demand for electricians in every sector.” Luke Foster, Environmental Technology Lecturer at Telford College, comments, “We are incredibly thankful for this support from Scolmore Group. "Access to up-to-date and industry-standard equipment is vital for our students, and this generous donation will make a real difference in their training and readiness for the workforce. "It will be used by our current electrical installation students, our electrical installation and maintenance apprentices, and our introduction to basic electronics adult course, keeping their studies as up to date as possible. “Some of the equipment we’ve been given, such as the Ovia Click Flow system for lighting, introduces new installation methods and will give students a huge advantage when starting their careers in the electrical industry. “Studying electrical installations is so important - our courses cover a vast range of topics including sockets and systems, all the way up to distribution boards. It’s one of the most evolving areas in construction, with so much innovation, and it’s going to keep expanding. "Making ties with local companies such as Scolmore Group is fundamental to the progression of our courses and the college as a whole. "The donation will be used immediately in practical classes and workshops, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.” For more from Scolmore Group, click here.

NICEIC celebrates World Youth Skills Day

NICEIC, a certification and training body for the electrical industry in the UK, says it was "delighted" to join the global celebration of World Youth Skills Day, which recognises the transformative power of skills in shaping futures, building confidence, and opening doors to lifelong opportunities. With this year’s theme being “Skills Change Lives,” NICEIC highlighted the integral role of technical training and apprenticeships in the electrotechnical industry. At the forefront of NICEIC’s commitment to skills development is Mitchel Smith, Technical Training Developer and recently appointed WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Electrical Installation. In his role, Mitchel is leading a squad of some talented UK apprentice electricians as they prepare to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Mitchel has seen first-hand how skills can empower young people, commenting, “In my role, I have been privileged to see apprentice electricians grow from beginners into confident professionals. "Their commitment to learning their trade doesn’t just set them up for a job, it sets them up for life. Learning new skills undoubtedly open doors and creates new opportunities, but often it also gives people new choices that they may never have even considered.” NICEIC’s Student Membership programme offers access to technical webinars, a digital library, Connections Magazine, and tailored support to those in training, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and on-site experience. In addition, through a partnership with the Electrical Industries Charity, NICEIC provides apprentices with free access to mental health resources and wellbeing support via an online learning portal. For young people considering a career in the industry, the message from NICEIC is clear: there has never been a better time to get started. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Valtria adopts Trimble’s Stabicad for Revit

Valtria has adopted US-based technology company Trimble’s Stabicad for Revit with the intention of streamlining its MEP system designs and calculations, delivering - according to the company - "up to 40% time savings, improved productivity, and enhanced collaboration with clients." Valtria designs and installs custom cleanroom systems for a range of clients across the world. This includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), air treatment systems, specialist fluid and gas supplies, electrical systems, and the integration of specialist medical and scientific equipment. Since 2013, the business has delivered more than 900 projects, totalling over 300,000m² of cleanroom space. Valtria has been using Trimble’s Stabicad for Revit for four years. Previously, its designers were using a standard version of Revit for the 3D design, with calculations completed manually by the engineers using a separate system. Stabicad integrates into the Revit platform allowing 3D design and engineering calculations to be completed within the one design environment. It also provides mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP)-specific functionality. Elena Gonzalez, Global Manager of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at Valtria, comments, “We have used Stabicad on major projects across Europe, including in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. "It is very user friendly and, when compared with other software, is much quicker for our designers to learn to use, many of whom do not have an advanced engineering background. "This means that our designers can become productive using the software in half or even a third of the time required for similar software packages.” For more from Trimble, click here.

Supporting the next generation of electricians

Today is World Youth Skills Day - celebrated annually on 15 July - intending to empower young people with the skills they need to step into employment. NAPIT, a Bolsover-based company developing green skills and compliance, is one organisation recognising this event, saying it aims to give young people a "foundation for success" so they can "thrive at every step of their career journey." NAPIT works with a number of colleges and organisations in the UK through its initiative called 'NAPIT Foundation,' supporting apprentices, students, and lecturers. NAPIT Foundation is a free membership that seeks to provide a foundation to both students and lecturers with expert technical support and resources. The initiative also aims to assist with both the practical and theoretical aspects of training. NAPIT Foundation members can access educational resources, technical guidance, CPD opportunities, and regular industry updates. Every month, NAPIT releases a new technical webinar by its experts on industry topics where students can join in the live events. There are also opportunities for exclusive NAPIT Technical Workshops at colleges and training centres. The company says it recognises the importance of World Youth Skills Day and hope to encourage more young people to seek learning opportunities to grow their skills. NAPIT Managing Director Frank Bertie comments, “NAPIT are proud to support World Youth Skills Day 2025. We are pleased to be able to support the next generation of electricians who are entering the industry and eager to learn and develop their skills.” For more from NAPIT, click here.