CEF Ireland celebrates 20 years of success

With 2025 marking 20 years since CEF Ireland opened the first of its five branches across the country, the retailer is celebrating the milestone by hosting a series of trade mornings across the country and throughout the year. In honour of the first five branches that helped lay the foundations for CEF Ireland in 2005, customers are invited to their local branch to join in the festivities. A free breakfast will be available for all attendees, as well as the chance to win goodies in a giveaway. Celebrations will take place in recognition of the month each branch first opened: Thursday 20 March: Sligo Thursday 3 April: Letterkenny Thursday 19 June: Castlebar Tuesday 24 June: Finglas Friday 12 December: Cork The celebrations are designed to show appreciation to the customers and partners who have been instrumental in the success of the business. CEF Ireland tells us that the events are an excellent opportunity for the electrical industry to come together, network, and celebrate two decades of growth and innovation. "We are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of CEF in Ireland," says Dermot Gilmartin, Group Manager at CEF Ireland West Group. "This milestone is a testament to the support from our loyal customers and the hard work of our dedicated team. The strength of our relationships with suppliers has also played a vital role in helping us consistently deliver quality and innovation to the market. These trade mornings are not only a celebration of how far we’ve come, but also an opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our journey.” Gerald O’Hare, Director of Operations, Edinburgh Region, IOM, Gibraltar, Spain & Ireland, adds, "20 years ago, when we first set out on this journey, we had a vision - to continue CEF’s mission as a business that connected deeply with our clients, to provide opportunities for employees to grow, and to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. Looking back now, the success we have achieved over the past two decades is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved, from our team members who have driven our growth, to the customers and suppliers who have stood by us. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the journey and look forward to what’s next." CEF Ireland invites contractors, customers, and industry professionals across the country to join the celebrations at their nearest branch. For more from CEF, click here.

Ansell Lighting supporting Northern Ireland apprentices

Lighting designer and manufacturer, Ansell Lighting, has joined forces with Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland to provide support and resources for the Electrical Installation Apprenticeship course. Ansell has built a strong relationship with a number of colleges throughout the UK to help support students in learning about the latest lighting technology and products. The College, which provides further education across four of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland from five campuses in Ballymena, Magherafelt, Newtownabbey and Coleraine, is keen for the partnership to provide students with invaluable industry insights and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art electrical components. Ansell has supplied a series of product boards including downlights, retail and commercial fittings, emergency lighting packs and its own smart OCTO lighting technology. These boards, displayed within the College, allow students to interact with working products and gain a deeper understanding of lighting solutions. Each board includes detailed information about the luminaires and their benefits. One of the projects students will undertake during their course this year involves designing lighting for a hotel, with Ansell products playing a key role in the process. Ansell representatives also visited Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey campus to meet with lecturers and students, sharing their expertise and offering real-world perspectives on the industry. Mark Rogers (pictured above, left), National Sales Manager for Ireland at Ansell Lighting, says, “As a manufacturer, we recognise the importance of investing in and supporting the next generation of electricians and installers, at a time when there has been talk of skills shortages within the industry. “Ansell Lighting was established in Northern Ireland, so we are particularly pleased to be able to support students and apprentices in the region. We hope to see these students flourish and work with us in their future careers.” Iain McCart (pictured above, right), Electrical Installation Lecturer at Northern Regional College, adds, “Ensuring our students are industry-ready is at the heart of everything we do. By working with leading companies like Ansell Lighting we can provide our apprentices with a more practical, relevant learning experience that gives them a real insight into the world of electrical installation. These partnerships not only benefit our students during their studies but also open doors for future employment opportunities in the sector.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Multi-zone smart heating controls are in demand, research shows

Heating control expert, Drayton, recently surveyed heating engineers, plumbers, electricians, and renewable installers to understand what its customers are looking for from smart heating controls and how important it is to have a reliable system from a manufacturer they can trust. When it comes to the features that are most desired by homeowners, the survey found that a heating control that can be managed via a smartphone app (66%) and a system that offers room-by-room heating control (50%) were the two most common requests that installers were asked for last year. However, following rising energy costs, energy-saving features – such as smart modes – came in a close third (48%). Additionally, the flexibility to include further connected devices at a later date was desired by just under a third of customers. While having a solution that meets customers’ needs is essential, it is also important that installers are confident in working with the product, as according to the survey the most common issue that causes delays on the job was products that are hard to install (64%). Alongside this, product compatibility issues were another top cause of wasted time, cited by 44% of installers. When issues like this occur, it is crucial that technical support is available from manufacturers; but according to a quarter of installers (25%), they were unable to access this support or find the information they were looking for online. Merlin Milner, Product Owner for Water-based Systems at Drayton, comments, “The results of our research highlight that in today’s market, customers are prioritising simplicity and convenience; they want the ability to control their heating remotely via a user-friendly app on their mobile and ways to improve efficiency. As such, it’s crucial that tradespeople have a go-to solution that they can trust to deliver all of these key features and doesn’t cause them delays when working. “The Wiser solution is a one-stop solution for installers, that offers all of this and more. With multi-zoning capabilities and smart modes, installers can help their customers save up to 30% on an average energy bill, as well as access valuable data via Insights. Wiser is capable of controlling a wide range of heating systems and is easily scalable as additional devices can be added to the system at any time. “For installers, Wiser is incredibly easy to fit, as it is compatible with the standard UK backplate and can be set up without requiring the customer’s Wi-Fi details. Plus, should any issues arise, here at Drayton we have a number of different ways for installers to get assistance. Along with our UK-based customer support team, we also offer online training courses via Drayton Rewards+, video tutorials on YouTube, and technical documents can be found on our website. All of this helps ensure a smooth and speedy installation, so they can get on with the job and onto the next customer.” For more from Drayton, click here.

Skills shortage to hamper Scotland's net zero transition

Training the electrical talent of tomorrow is essential if Scotland is to address the current skills shortage and meet its net zero targets, the Managing Director of Scotland’s largest construction trade association has warned. SELECT MD, Alan Wilson, insists that training for electricians must be prioritised to help counter Scotland’s shrinking talent pool, and that there must be greater support for businesses diversifying into renewable energy. Speaking in a video as part of a new UK-wide digital campaign, Alan says that although plenty of apprentices join the industry each year, it is still not enough to counter an ageing workforce and a rising number of retirements. Alan tells viewers, “There's not a shortage of electrical apprentices – indeed, for every apprenticeship, it’s probably fair to say we have four or five applicants. However, the fact is that we do have a skills shortage of qualified electricians in Scotland, with the average age of an electrician now 34 and a number of people coming to the end of their career. “As fossil fuels run out, changes to government policy mean you can't install gas products or must change to an electric vehicle, but how are we going to actually maintain that? If we don't get the skilled workforce we need, how are we going to make sure there are enough people around to install these products? “We have to focus on training young people and adult trainees on the fundamentals of electrical installation work, doing it competently, safely and then, if necessary, we can upskill them on the new technologies that are required. “It’s also important that support is given to businesses who want to branch out into other parts of work.” Alan's warning comes in a video for Electrifying Our Future, a new digital campaign from SELECT’s southern counterpart, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), that explores the critical role of the electrical industry in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions. In the film, titled The Status of Electrical Engineering Talent, Alan says the pool of potential electricians has halved in his lifetime, telling viewers, “When I was born, you had 100,000 people potentially to recruit, but you’re now looking at a pool of 50,000. “And if we look at the elephant in the room, which is the gender problem in the sector where we’re only recruiting 2% or 3% of women, that means predominantly businesses are now fishing in a pond of 25,000 compared to 50,000 or 60,000 just a few years ago.” However, in a call to potential new recruits, Alan also said there had never been a better time to join the electrical contracting industry. Alan said: “Increasingly, everything is becoming dependent on electricity, whether it be our transport, heat, power or light. “So from a career progression perspective, joining the electrical sector now and looking at what's going to happen in the next five, 10 or 15 years, the sky's the limit for people joining this sector.” Currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, SELECT is a strategic partner in the new ECA campaign, which was launched on 27 February. Produced with sustainable creative agency Content With Purpose, it includes films and interviews on key topics such as the rise of green technologies, the need for skilled workers and the evolving role of electrical contractors on the path to a net zero future. The series is hosted on a dedicated microsite and highlights the essential steps needed to scale up efforts in the sector, from addressing the skills gap and improving workforce training to adopting emerging technologies and optimising existing low-carbon systems. For more from SELECT, click here.

Martindale Electric introduces ET6300 tester

Martindale Electric, a provider of electrical testing and safety equipment, has announced the launch of the ET6300 Series Multifunction Installation Tester. Designed to meet the needs of electricians now and into the future, Martdinale describes the ET6300 as "accurate, reliable and user-friendly". It has a high level of input protection with a CAT IV safety rating, ensuring that users are protected when working in challenging environments. The high-quality, full-colour TFT display provides clear, easy-to-read results and connection information. The tester has an intuitive interface, together with multiple help screens that guide users through the testing process, displaying easy-to-read test connection diagrams that simplify even the most complex tests. The ET6300 not only provides testing to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, but it is also EV-ready, making it ideal for electricians who may need to test electric vehicle (EV) charger points in the future. It comes with enhanced test capability such as low-current continuity tests and multiple RCD test options and is supplied with the TL180 slimline test probe and a mains charger with rechargeable batteries. To enable EV testing capability, the ET6300 can be upgraded at any time with the Martindale TL305EV adapter which allows connection to an EVSE charging point (Type-2 connector), giving the ability to support all relevant measurements via the standard measurement inputs. The Martindale ET6300 combines precision, safety and future-ready features like EV testing capability making it the ideal choice for electricians tackling today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.  

ICEL Conference to guide the future of emergency lighting

The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 is set to return to Cavendish Conference Centre, London on Thursday, 11 September 2025, bringing together leading experts and key stakeholders to drive progress in emergency lighting safety and compliance, where attendees will have the opportunity to engage with manufacturers, industry leaders, and key decision-makers. The event will explore the latest industry advancements, regulatory updates, and best practices to reinforce building safety and create more secure environments for people to live, work, and learn in. For the third consecutive year, Joanna Watchman, CEO of B Corp-certified agency Content Coms and Founder of Work in Mind, will facilitate the conference. Her expertise in ESG and sustainability communications has been highly praised by attendees in 2023 and 2024, ensuring another engaging and insightful event. The conference agenda is tailored to a diverse audience, including designers, specifiers, distributors, installers, maintainers, and end-users. Key themes will include: • Part 1 - Competency in Emergency Lighting: Where are we now? • Part 2 - Regulatory and Standards Updates: Discussions on BS 5266 and BS 8887-221, their implications, and their impact on lighting design. • Part 3 - Installation & Maintenance Best Practices: Expert insights on contractors and maintainers in emergency lighting. • Part 4 - Sustainability in Emergency Lighting: A dedicated session on EPD/LCA/DPP for batteries and energy-efficient solutions. The event will feature a keynote speaker slot, panel discussions, with a attendance from high-profile organisations such as Laing O’Rourke, MITIE, CBRE, NHS, E.ON, EDF, WSP, Transport for London, BDP, and Sainsbury’s, many of whom attended the 2023 and 2024 conferences. Additionally, members from leading industry bodies, including ACE, BAFE, BCA, BCO, ECA, EDA, FIA, IWFM, REF, RICS, and SLL, are invited to attend and contribute to discussions shaping the future of emergency lighting. Attending the ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the latest regulatory changes and compliance requirements. Delegates will gain valuable insights from industry-leading experts on enhancing emergency lighting design and maintenance while participating in thought-provoking panel discussions on competency schemes and sustainability. The event also provides a platform to connect with professionals and organisations at the forefront of innovation, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive the future of emergency lighting. The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 is the ultimate platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and staying ahead in an evolving industry. To register, please complete the registration form by clicking here. For more from The LIA, click here.  

Sangamo launches new motorised zone valves

Sangamo, a provider of innovative heating control solutions, has announced the launch of its new, high-quality motorised zone valves. Designed with both the installer and end-user in mind, these motorised valves offer precise control over the flow of hot water in heating control systems, providing a reliable solution for both residential and commercial applications. The new motorised zone valves feature a robust brass body and a steel actuator head to ensure longevity and reliable performance, even under challenging conditions. For added convenience, they are equipped with a manual lever that allows quick filling and draining of the system, making servicing straightforward and reducing maintenance demands. They are also widely compatible with existing zone valve systems, making them an ideal replacement option and come offered in two sizes: 2 Port 22mm and 3 Port 22mm. The Sangamo range of specialist time switches and heating controls is distributed through Scolmore Group company, ESP. For more from Scolmore, click here.

Push beyond your limits this National Careers Week

National Careers Week is an opportunity to support young people in positive career choices for their future in the electrical industry. The theme of this year’s National Careers Week, which runs from 3-8 March is ‘You Can’. When leaving education, it can be difficult to know what route is best to take to reach your full potential and work toward a career. NAPIT wants to highlight that becoming an electrician can lead to many different career options and opportunities. Andrew Duffen first stepped into the electrical industry straight from school as an apprentice and he is now a Technical Commercial Engineer at NAPIT. “Don’t underestimate your limits,” he says. “When I was in school, I wasn’t very academic, and I now work in a very technical world, I’ve done all my electrical qualifications, in fact there’s one qualification left as part of my own CPD.” Andrew’s journey “I did my apprenticeship at a company in Birmingham, became a qualified electrician and worked my way through the company to become an approved electrician. I used to do a lot of the inspection and testing for the company. “There was a broad range of work - new-build houses, commercial new builds, student accommodation, luxury flats, factories, hospitals. We also got into solar farms, I was lucky enough to work on large solar farms, when the Feed In Tariff came in.” After 19 years that job came to an end in 2017 when the business folded. Andrew remained on the tools for a short time but wanted to take on new opportunities. He continues, “By that stage I was in my 30s, I had been doing on-site work since I was 16. “I fancied a change, I worked with a lot of apprentices during my time at the company, helping and training them and my wife said to me why don’t you get into training?” He started looking for something new and landed a role as an electrical tutor at a local college. Andrew was advised to go to college and get a teaching qualification, which he describes as one of the hardest things he has ever done in his career. “You need to understand how to teach and the theories behind it. I got the role and when you work at a further education provider at college, within two years of starting the role you have to get a teaching qualification. “That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was scary and daunting and I had to do it during COVID-19 when teaching was online and you didn’t have that classroom support.” After four years as a tutor, an opportunity came at NAPIT, which saw Andrew join the Technical Team in summer 2024. Advice for aspiring electricians With the skills gap high on the agenda and the government’s push on renewables, the next generation of electricians and installers should explore the growth opportunities provided by the transition to net zero. Andrew has given some top tips for young people looking to start an apprenticeship. He emphasised how competitive the market is for an apprenticeship and shared how young people can stand out. He says, “I am a big apprenticeship fan - you earn and you learn, you’re learning on site, and you understand how electricity is generated and how it is transferred through the network systems, you understand that process. “You’re working in the industry and you go to college so you get learn the theory as well what you learn on site. “In the electrical world, you can’t know enough, there’s always going to be changes and you’ve got to be constantly evolving. The best bit of advice I was given was if you stand still, you get left behind.” Top tips to getting your electrical apprenticeship Go to your local college and enroll on an electrical course. Get a part time job to develop your employability skills. Make sure your CV is up to date. Set up a social media page separate to your personal one so you can showcase the work you do at college. A lot of electricians now use social media for advertising and it’s a good way to network. Offer work experience by reaching out to qualified electricians who are competent and certified.

SkillELECTRIC 2025: Search for top electrical student underway

The registration window for SkillELECTRIC 2025 is now open and those interested should register by 28 March 2025. NICEIC is again supporting SkillELECTRIC, the premier skills competition for the UK’s electrical industry. The event is part of the WorldSkills UK competition network and is designed to promote and showcase technical excellence and upcoming talent in the electrotechnical industry. SkillELECTRIC gives apprentices and students a platform to develop their skills and demonstrate what they have learnt while gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. The 2024 SkillELECTRIC finals were the biggest to date, with Charlie Moore, from Norfolk-based NICEIC-certified business, Bramham Electrical, taking top spot. The judges noted Charlie’s grasp of key competencies including technical knowledge, attention to detail and precision. NICEIC Head of Product Development, Alex Robinson, comments, "At NICEIC, we're proud to be closely involved with SkillELECTRIC - the competition encapsulates what we stand for in terms of a commitment to learning and development as well as technical excellence. Every year, I am hugely encouraged by the depth of talent coming through in the industry and I’m looking forward to seeing that again from this year’s entrants. To those that may be interested, I’d emphasise what a fantastic opportunity this is and would encourage anyone who is eligible to take the plunge and apply today." This year, the SkillELECTRIC ‘entry stage’ is an app-based, interactive online task testing candidates’ electrotechnical knowledge. Those who register must complete the task independently. Top scorers will then progress to the National Qualifier heats, a series of one-day competitions taking place at various venues across the UK. Visit skillelectric.org.uk/registration to learn more and sign up.

Beyond storage heaters: The next generation of heating solution

Upgrading from outdated storage heaters to modern electric radiators presents an opportunity for electrical installers to enhance efficiency, safety and control in residential and commercial properties. While storage heaters were once popular due to Economy 7 tariffs, they now lag in performance and convenience. The Rointe D Series Electric Radiator offers a smarter, high-performance heating solution that is easy to install and efficient. Why replace outdated storage heaters? Improved temperature control: Storage heaters release heat unpredictably, often overheating in the morning and underperforming by evening. The Rointe D Series provides precise, demand-based heating with an integrated high-sensitivity thermostat for optimal temperature stability. Simplified, smart control: Unlike manual storage heaters requiring daily adjustments, the D Series features Wi-Fi connectivity. Through the Rointe Connect app, users can manage their heating remotely, reducing unnecessary energy use and enhancing client satisfaction. Compliance with modern safety standards: Many older storage heaters contain asbestos, posing health risks. Replacing them with the asbestos-free D Series ensures compliance with modern safety standards. Lower running costs and energy efficiency: With Fuzzy Logic Energy Control, the D Series reduces energy consumption by up to 62%, outperforming traditional storage heaters and ensuring long-term cost savings for clients. Healthier air quality: Storage heaters incorporate a fan that forces air circulation. If not cleaned regularly, this system can accumulate and distribute dust throughout the home, which may trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions. The D Series operates without forced air movement, maintaining a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Heavy and difficult installation: Storage heaters are large and cumbersome, with heavy internal bricks that must be transported separately. Their weight and complexity make installation physically demanding for electricians. In contrast, the D Series is lightweight and easy to install, saving time and effort for professionals. The Rointe D Series – a smart choice for installers Electrical installers benefit from recommending and installing the D Series for its ease of installation and cutting-edge features: Seamless Wi-Fi integration: The built-in Wi-Fi Direct module enables direct control without additional gateways, streamlining setup and ensuring client convenience. Exceptional energy efficiency: The D Series consumes only the energy necessary to maintain a stable temperature, reducing overall power usage and maximising cost savings for end users. Its Fuzzy Logic Energy Control and Adaptive Start technology ensure optimal performance with minimal waste. Quick installation: Unlike storage heaters that require dedicated Economy 7 circuits, the D Series works with a standard electrical connection, simplifying installation. Enhanced heat distribution: Thermal Fluid Tech ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot and cold spots. Wide internal fins maximise dissipation, making it a superior alternative to conventional storage heating. Durable, recycled materials: Made from 100% recycled aluminium, the D Series is a sustainable, high-quality heating solution designed for longevity. Sleek, premium design: Crafted entirely from aluminium with no plastic components, the D Series provides a stylish and durable finish. AI-driven energy optimisation: The Advanced Artificial Intelligence Heating System learns usage patterns to enhance efficiency and automatically optimise heating schedules. Upgrade clients to smarter, more efficient heating Recommending and installing the Rointe D Series allows electrical professionals to provide clients with cutting-edge heating that prioritises efficiency, ease of use and smart connectivity. As demand for low-consumption electric heating grows, transitioning from outdated storage heaters to intelligent radiators benefits both installers and users. Explore the full Rointe D Series range at rointe.co.uk and stay ahead in the electric heating industry.