LIA announces Simon Weston CBE as keynote speaker

Each year, key stakeholders from across the emergency lighting supply chain gather to discuss upcoming changes affecting the sector. This year, The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA) announces that the keynote speaker headlining its 2025 programme will be Simon Weston CBE. Simon is a British Army veteran renowned for his charity work and remarkable recovery from life-changing injuries sustained during the Falklands War. In 1982, he was aboard the RFA Sir Galahad when it was attacked and destroyed in the Blue Cove Air Attack, suffering burns which covered 46% of his body. He has become well-known across the UK and abroad, notably for redefining his role in life, and his message is one of achievement, of triumph in the face of adversity, and of seizing the moment and succeeding. Connecting with the conference, Simon will be discussing the importance of emergency lighting and how a lack of it in his accident impacted him greatly. In addition to Simon’s keynote speech, the programme will cover a wide range of topics throughout the day which are relevant to emergency lighting, presented by leading industry experts. Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, says, "The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference is a vital event for those working in the sector to network, develop their knowledge, and keep up to date with key developments. "We’re excited that Simon Weston will be joining us to deliver the keynote speech. Not only are his experiences linked closely to the importance of emergency lighting, he is also a truly inspirational figure that I know all attendees will be waiting to hear from." For more from The LIA, click here.

Jefferson Tools launches new Tool Up brochure

As the weather warms and workloads ramp up, Jefferson Tools, a leading supplier across the UK and Ireland, has released the latest edition of its seasonal Tool Up brochure. Running from 1 May to 31 August 2025, this edition is all about helping professionals and serious DIYers gear up for a productive spring and summer, with offers on everything from pressure washers and portable air conditioning units to cut-off saws and TCT blades. At its core, the new Tool Up offers are a response to the needs of workers in hot, high-demand environments. One of the features in this campaign is the selection of Jefferson Tools pressure washers. Designed for both domestic and industrial cleaning tasks, models range from the compact 150 BAR electric washer to the petrol-powered 13HP washer, which provides a maximum pressure of 3200psi and a flow rate of 21 litres per minute. Cooling is another major theme in this 12th edition of Tool Up, with Jefferson Tools' range of portable air conditioning units and high-velocity drum fans appropriate for workshop and garage environments where airflow matters. The 4-in-1 air conditioner delivers cooling and heating with a 12,000 BTU/hr output, along with a soft-touch LED panel, remote control, and R290 refrigerant. Cutting tasks have been equally considered with the Jefferson Tools 14” cut-off saw featured prominently in the campaign. With a 2480W motor, adjustable clamping angles, and a spindle-lock mechanism for fast, safe blade changes, the saw is intended to work well for professionals working with box section, steel pipe, angle iron and bar. Also included in Tool Up 12 are discounted TCT blades from the MAKO PRO range. Available in 7", 9", 10" and 12" diameters, they come with bushings for compatibility across a range of saw types. While not compatible with the Jefferson cut-off saws, they provide value for tradespeople seeking precise performance on other machines. “These aren’t gimmicks or throwaway deals,” says Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools. “They’re well-thought-out offers, based on what our customers are genuinely working on right now. We’re focused on helping tradespeople stay productive in the heat, clean up properly after a job, and get the right kit for serious cutting and fabrication. This Tool Up is all about delivering the right tools at the right time.” Elsewhere, the latest Tool Up includes bundles for welders and mechanics with kit combinations featuring auto-darkening helmets, TIG gloves, and ARC inverter welders. Impact socket sets, airline hoses, and digital tyre inflators round out the edition, making it equally appealing for anyone equipping a van, garage, or mobile repair service. The campaign is now live and available through authorised Jefferson Tools retailers. For more from Jefferson Tools, click here.

Click Scolmore revolutionising electrical installations

Following its hugely successful foray into the consumer unit market in 2021 with its comprehensive Elucian range, Click Scolmore is ready to further revolutionise electrical installations with the launch of its new Elucian three phase Distribution Board collection. Scolmore has invested significantly to evolve its Elucian offer and bring to market an extensive range of three phase metal distribution boards, protective devices and accessories. Developed with the installer as the focus, and sold exclusively through the professional electrical wholesaler channel, the new Elucian three phase range has been designed to deliver reliable performance, safety and flexibility for commercial and industrial installations. The comprehensive range will ensure compliance with the latest industry standards. Regulation compliant Three phase distribution boards are designed to be widely used across various sectors due to their ability to efficiently handle larger loads. Typical applications might include industrial settings, commercial buildings, data centres and retail spaces. Elucian’s distribution boards are meticulously designed and engineered to deliver consistent, high-performance results, making them a trusted choice for professionals. Each board undergoes rigorous testing to meet and exceed BS EN 61439-3 standards, ensuring compliance with safety, durability and functionality requirements. This thorough process guarantees that the products will provide dependable, long-lasting solutions for even the most demanding electrical installations, whilst offering peace of mind to installers and ensuring compliance with BS 7671. The full Elucian three phase range consists of distribution boards, extension boards, circuit protective devices, energy meters and accessories. Three phase distribution boards The range comprises a total of seven distribution boards – 4, 6, 8, 12,16, 20 and 24 Way. Designed with a modern finish, they boast a number of key features: 4 and 6-way boards: Developed specifically to only work with a 125A incomer, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility for safe and efficient power distribution. They are supplied with gear tray and busbars pre-installed. 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24-way boards: These offer versatile configurations, allowing the installer to choose between any Elucian RCCB, 125A Isolator or 250A Isolator. Device alignment: The boards will maintain device alignment when fully installed, ensuring a neat and organised appearance. Quick release doors: These are fitted with spring clips, making them quick and easy to remove. The doors can be re-fitted on the opposite side, providing ultimate flexibility. SPD installation: SPD for the 4 and 6-way boards can be installed on additional phase connectors. On 8-way and larger boards, it can be integrated into the main switch or busbar. Other features include: Ventilation slots Trunking entry Stacked boards Double stacked terminals Cable tie mounts Space for cables Internal earth nut Additional connection to phases Circuit protection devices The circuit protection devices range is designed to complement and populate the three phase distribution boards and extension boxes. The evolution of the Elucian range to move into three phase calls for larger sized devices (3 pole and 4 pole), higher rated/breaking capacity devices (10kA) and D Curve devices. These devices are ideal for safeguarding complex electrical systems while ensuring seamless operation and compliance. The range comprises: Mains isolator switches – 3 and 4 pole 125A and 250A. Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) – Type A and B. Surge Protection Device (SPD) – Type 1 and 2 and Type 2. Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD) – available in B and C curves (AFDD + MCB in B Curve only). Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) – 1 and 3 pole B, C and D Curve (6A to 63A). Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) – available in B and C Curve. Three Phase Multi-Function Energy Meter Kit – designed for seamless integration into all the distribution boards. Supplied as a complete kit. Blanks – single and 3-way Din Rail Blank Module with 125A and 250A Adaptors. Accessories A range of essential accessories is also available. These include three phase to single phase converter, 125A and 250A busbar caps, three phase isolator locking kit, three phase RCD link kit, RJ45 cable (1500mm), gland plates and blank plates. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Spitfire Homes chooses Luceco Group to accelerate sustainable living

Spitfire Homes, a privately-owned company specialising in the construction of sustainable homes, has chosen a complete Luceco Group package to be installed in every home at their new collection of homes in Ellenbrook, Moreton-in-Marsh. Said package includes Sync Energy’s Wall Charger 2 and fully compatible, floor-mounted Single EV Stands, BG Electrical accessories, and Luceco Lighting. Forming part of the Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection, each property at Ellenbrook features Spitfire’s Signature Specification with each home appointed with a selection of curated brands and materials. Lauren Hudd, Sales Consultant at Ellenbrook, says, “Ellenbrook has been carefully designed to be inspired by the past, but built for the future. As part of this vision, a range of sustainable features have been included to enhance the home’s energy efficiency and facilitate the needs of today’s modern lifestyles. Sync Energy, BG Electrical, and Luceco Lighting are part of our carefully selected specification, enabling Spitfire to deliver a future-proofed home to be proud of.” Sync Energy’s Wall Charger 2 comes with personalised settings such as scheduled charging and optimised cut-off points, as well as a charging capacity of up to 7.4KW, with a standard household single-phase electrical supply. In addition, users can charge dynamically and maximise cheaper rates of electricity, controlled via a smartphone app. Joe Wright, National Housebuilder Account Manager at Luceco, comments, “We are delighted to be Spitfire Homes’ supplier of choice for EV charging points at Ellenbrook and to continue a long-standing relationship which began six years ago - initially supplying a range of BG Electrical accessories and, more recently, Sync Energy and Luceco Lighting.” The specification at Ellenbrook also includes Luceco’s external up/down decorative wall lighting with PIR sensor and adjustable time and lux controls. Inside each home, there are BG Electrical accessories, including BG flatplates in black nickel, switches and sockets, USB sockets, ceiling pendants, and decorative bell pushes. Joe continues, “Homebuilders such as Spitfire are recognising the commercial advantages of the Luceco Group suite of brands and our ability to offer a complete package with the wide range of quality products available. “Customer service support that goes way beyond point of purchase are vital in this market. Our housebuilder offer is all about long-term partnership, including long-term support for homeowners, alongside a comprehensive range of designer lighting and electrical products for today’s energy-efficient homes. We have delivered across design, efficiency, and sustainability to meet the high specification of this premium collection - it’s been a fantastic project to work on and we look forward to seeing the site progress.” For more from Luceco, click here.

New CAT-6A modules from Click Scolmore

Click Scolmore, a designer and manufacturer of electrical accessories, is further enhancing its New Media range with the launch of new CAT-6A modules, delivering high-speed data connectivity for today’s increasingly demanding media and network installations. The new CAT-6A modules are engineered for fast performance, supporting data speeds of up to 10 Gbps over cable lengths of up to 100 metres. With a high-frequency operation at 500 MHz, they are designed to ensure high-speed data transfer, even across extended distances. Appropriate for both residential and commercial projects, these modules offer installers a flexible solution for integrating data, audio, and visual connections. A single New Media faceplate can be configured with multiple interchangeable modules to suit various media requirements. The clip-fit design allows quick, tool-free installation into blank mounting plates. The new CAT-6A modules are offered in three colour options: black, white, and grey. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

'Easy install' the focus for Ansell's new Tornado EVO

Ansell Lighting, a leading lighting designer and manufacturer, has relaunched one of its most popular industrial battens with a host of new, contractor-friendly features and an improved aesthetic. The Tornado EVO has been upgraded to include three side conduit entries, a reduced number of diffuser clips, and a moveable terminal block to make installation easier and faster. The terminal block has three positions - so it can be located at either end or centrally on the luminaire - and the base and diffuser come disassembled, removing the need to unclip it before installation and saving even more time. In addition, the luminaire, which is made from a durable, non-corrosive polycarbonate, is now rated IP66 and IK10 for increased ingress dust and water jet protection and impact resistance, making it suitable for heavy duty indoor or outdoor use. The Tornado EVO offers high levels of efficacy up to 170 lm/W and is both power and CCT selectable at between 4,000 and 6,500K - reducing the number of luminaires required to achieve desired light levels in industrial settings. Available in four sizes (2ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft), the luminaire is multi-current and therefore has both low and high output in a hybrid body size. In addition, it comes with a seven year warranty. Designed with speed and ease of installation in mind, it can be both suspended and surface mounted, with emergency self-test options included as standard, plus an integral microwave sensor and OCTO smart control options, providing users with the ability to wirelessly control the light via a smart device to pre-program timers, schedules, create groups, and operate systems remotely. The Tornado EVO has also been given a physical makeover with a new, lighter grey, textured matte finish and a cover over the CCT switch to further improve the aesthetic. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “The new Tornado EVO is all about making life easier for contractors and installers. It is harder wearing and more resilient, more flexible, and therefore easier to install and offers more options in terms of wattage and CCT. “The redesign of this product has been driven by our customers who are looking for a product that delivers high levels of illumination in industrial spaces whilst also being able to withstand harsh environments and we believe this product delivers at every level.” For more from Ansell, click here.

Toolstation launches new offers for Club members

Toolstation has launched a collection of new and exclusive offers available via the Toolstation Club, providing members with product discounts and external business benefits. As a Club member, customers will be able to take advantage of a 90% subscription discount for smart accounting software QuickBooks. Designed to help small businesses and individuals manage their finances by automating tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax preparation, the software tool can benefit independent tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and builders by helping them save money and run their businesses more conveniently. The 90% discount is available during the first seven months of the subscription. Club members looking to unwind after a busy shift or energise themselves for the day ahead can also enjoy exclusive offers at popular pub and restaurant chain O’Neill’s, which includes 33% off drinks every weekday between 3–7pm, and a £6 mega breakfast offer available Monday to Friday. Partnering with Vision Express, Toolstation is also offering its customers a free eye test when signing up to the Club, alongside a 30% discount on any Vision Express purchases over £50. The offer is available to use on prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. In addition to the third-party benefits, members can also enjoy an array of product discounts, currently including 10% off all Maverick workwear with the purchase of Maverick boots, and 10% savings on switches & sockets, cable management, and power distribution when purchased with cable and flexes. Customers who decide to sign up to the Toolstation Club will benefit from 5% off all orders throughout the first month of their membership, with no restrictions on basket size or price. Upon completion of the first month, customers who spend £75 or more each month afterwards will continue to benefit from the 5% discount. They will also be eligible for future prize draws, product deals, discounts, and competitions throughout the year. For more from Toolstation, click here.

Top performing local authorities for renewable energy revealed

New Uswitch analysis of government data has revealed the UK’s top-performing local authorities for renewable energy generation per household, with Moray in Scotland emerging as the national leader. Moray leads the UK with 47.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by North East Lincolnshire at 41.4 MW. Other notable regions include Boston (32.0 MW), East Lothian (27.3 MW), and Highland (26.3 MW). Scottish local authorities rank highly, reflecting a mix of strong investment and favourable conditions for wind power, such as higher wind speeds and suitable terrain. The data highlights how both geography and different local approaches play a role in shaping the UK's renewable energy landscape. Areas with the most solar and wind power The UK regions with the highest solar, onshore, and offshore wind capacity per household (excluding other renewable sources due to data limitations) are as follows. Solar photovoltaics: East Cambridgeshire leads with 4.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by South Cambridgeshire (4.3 MW). Pembrokeshire and Torridge each generate 4.0 MW, with several rural areas making strong gains in solar capacity. Onshore wind: Highland tops the list with 18.3 MW per 1,000 households, followed by Dumfries and Galloway (13.1 MW) and South Ayrshire (12.7 MW), showcasing Scotland’s dominance in wind energy. Offshore wind: North East Lincolnshire leads with 40.4 MW per 1,000 homes, followed by Moray at 35.0 MW. Other key contributors include Boston and East Lothian, highlighting the importance of coastal regions in offshore wind generation. North East Lincolnshire’s growth is driven by major projects like the Hornsea Wind Farm series, Hornsea One and Two, with capacities of 1.2 GW and 1.4 GW respectively. They are the largest offshore wind farms in the world as part of Ørsted’s East Coast Hub in Grimsby. North East Lincolnshire leads with a 1,017% growth in renewable energy capacity from 2018 to 2023, followed by Boston (985%) and East Lothian (734%). Urban areas like Sutton, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Barnet also show substantial increases, reflecting rapid growth in both rural and urban renewable energy generation. To conduct the research, Uswitch took UK government data on renewable energy generation for the last 10 years and used it to calculate: ● The overall change in renewable capacity from 2014-2023. ● The top local authorities by renewable capacity (2023) ● The top local authorities by increase/decrease in renewable capacity (2018-2023) ● The biggest types of renewable energy generation in the UK by capacity (2023) ● The local authorities with the most solar and wind capacity (2023) Where local authority changes had taken place in the period covered, data from the old authorities was grouped into the relevant new authority to allow for comparisons. For more from Uswitch, click here.

Regions still lacking EV charging infrastructure

The number of electric vehicle charging points has declined in some parts of northern England since the beginning of 2025, Department of Transport figures have revealed. Now, experts from LeaseLoco.com are calling for more to be done to upgrade EV infrastructure across the country. The number of charging points per 100,000 of population has fallen slightly in the North East region since the beginning of January and now stands at 95. Other northern regions are even less well-served, with the North West being equipped with only 69 charging points per 100,000 people and Yorkshire and the Humber region just 66. The figures contrast starkly with London which enjoys 263 public charging points per 100,000 people. Northern Ireland is lagging far behind the rest of the UK with the latest Department of Transport figures showing there are a meagre 35 charging points per 100,000. In Scotland, the number of charging points per 100,000 is 123, and in Wales it is 104. The average across England is 115, but that number is massively concentrated in Greater London. The new figures showed that the number of chargers has fallen in both the north east of England and Northern Ireland during the first three months of 2025, although across the UK as a whole it rose by 4%, adding an additional 3,173 chargers - many in London. However, the capital is less well-served than other parts of the country when it comes to fast charging points rated 50kW and above. The government data shows there are only 15 of these per 100,000 people in London - lower than anywhere else in the country apart from Northern Ireland, where it is just 10. The lack of fast chargers in London could be because most of the charging stations there are devices rated 3kW up to 8kW, which are located on residential streets. A spokesman for Glasgow-based LeaseLoco says more should be done to standardise EV public charging provision across the entire UK. He states, “The latest figures show some major discrepancies around the UK when it comes to EV infrastructure. “London is far ahead of the rest of the country for the sheer number of public charging points available, this needs to be addressed because until provision is more standardised drivers will remain hesitant about making the switch to EVs. “It’s concerning to see the number of charging points actually falling in both the north east of England and Northern Ireland during the first quarter of 2025. Clearly these areas need more investment, along with other parts of the north of England, to give EV drivers confidence. “Unless drivers feel assured that the provision will be there when they travel to different corners of the UK in their cars the adoption of electric vehicles will be impacted. “Uncertainty in infrastructure acts as a dampener on demand when it comes to electric vehicles so policy makers need to take a UK-wide view when it comes to planning new public charging points.”

Raven Housing Trust collaborates with Aico to enhance fire safety

Raven Housing Trust, a registered social housing provider, is partnering with Aico, a European market leader in home life safety, to upgrade fire protection systems in 432 dwellings across its sheltered and temporary accommodation. Recognising the importance of robust fire safety measures in sheltered and temporary accommodation, Raven Housing Trust says it is committed to installing systems to the highest specification, compliant with BS 5839-6 standards. This three-year programme will see AJS, an electrical contractor outsourced by Raven Housing Trust, install Aico’s fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. This installation will take place across 432 individual temporary dwellings, ensuring that residents receive the earliest possible warning of a fire or CO event. Separately, Raven Housing Trust’s Direct Labour Organisation will be undertaking upgrades to sheltered accommodation sites and general needs properties to LD1 and LD2 specifications during change of tenancy or rewiring works. The sheltered accommodation upgrade will also integrate the existing Warden Call systems, providing enhanced safety and rapid response capabilities within these facilities. Aico’s Relationship Manager for the South East, Paul Barrett, will work closely with Christian Hirschfield from Raven Housing Trust, alongside other teams involved in this project, providing product expertise and guidance. “We have chosen Aico as our manufacturer for this project due to their reputation for high-quality products and innovative technology,” states Christian Hirschfield, Electrical Manager at Raven Housing Trust. “Aico's commitment to safety and reliability makes them an ideal partner for our homes, ensuring that we provide the best possible protection for our residents.” The upgrade will involve the installation of specific Aico alarms tailored to different areas within the temporary dwellings: · The Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat and CO Alarm will be installed in kitchens where boilers are present. · The Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm will be used in kitchens without boilers. · The Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm will provide coverage in circulation areas, living areas, and bedrooms. All alarms will be interconnected using the Ei3000MRF module, which allows for wireless interconnection via radio frequency. This means that if one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound, providing full-circle protection and allowing for an immediate response. At each of the sheltered accommodation sites, Aico’s Ei414 RadioLINK+ Fire/CO Alarm Interface will be implemented to connect the new fire alarm system with the existing Warden Call setup, enabling prompt alerts and assistance for residents in the event of a fire or CO emergency. Paul Barrett comments on the project, “Christian and his team are taking the lead in installing Aico products to comply with BS 5839-6 using our Grade D1 Ei3000 Series alarms and LD1 specification. It has been a pleasure getting to know Raven Housing Trust over the years, and I am sure our trusted partnership will continue long into the future.” For more from Aico, click here.