Birmingham electrician invents new electrical safety device

When Birmingham-based electrician Neo Mosudisa came across a dangerous appliance that had given someone an electric shock and didn't have the lockout tool he needed to make the appliance safe, he went and invented one. He created a simple solution to a problem that has existed in the UK for years, and his innovation - the Spurlok Fused Spur Lockout Kit - would become a functional solution for isolation from fused spur units. Spurlok is a "one-size-fits-all solution," meaning that a single Spurlok device can be used to safely isolate appliances supplied from various types of fused spur units. Spurlok kits work by securing the fuse carrier in the open position where it can be fastened using a padlock to safely disconnect the supply of electricity to the isolated appliance. A tag containing the name and contact details of the person responsible for the isolation is then used to inform others and warn them not to interfere with the isolation. In the UK, all appliances that require a British standard fuse (BS1362) but do not have a plug need to be supplied by fused spur units for circuit protection purposes. This makes the fused spur unit one of the most common electrical fittings in households and businesses across the UK. Appliances such as boilers, water heaters, lights, sockets, and hand dryers (to name a few) can be - and often are - supplied by fused spur units. Fused spur units are commonly used as a point of electrical isolation amongst electricians and engineers whilst carrying out maintenance work on appliances. The lockout prevents any intentional or inadvertent reconnection of the appliance to its electrical supply, as outlined in electrical regulations such as BS7671, Gas Safe's TB118, and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Neo believes that Spurlok will improve safe working practices and revolutionise the way safety products are perceived for years to come. He says he is committed to making that become a reality. Since launching earlier this year, Spurlok Fused Spur Lockout Kits have reportedly been a popular addition to the tool bags of electricians and gas engineers across the UK. As a former apprentice, Neo says he is passionate about raising awareness of the importance of electrical safety amongst apprentices and learners, and improving the working practices that help keep themselves safe whilst at work. He also recognises that the habits he formed during the early years of his career have stuck with him, and believes that if learners can grasp good habits early on, they will carry them on for the rest of their lives.

Carhartt launches heritage graphic T-shirt range

American workwear company Carhartt has unveiled a new graphic T-shirt range that, according to the company, "reflects the brand’s heritage while delivering comfort, durability, and performance." Two of the men’s designs take inspiration directly from Carhartt’s origins in the late 1800s, back when the company began making rugged workwear for railroad workers. The Hamilton Graphic T-Shirt celebrates founder Hamilton Carhartt with archive-inspired graphics on the chest and sleeve. Alongside it, the Streetcar Graphic T-Shirt honours the brand’s roots, featuring streetcar artwork across the chest pocket and sleeve. Both are made from soft cotton-blend jersey. The Carhartt Force Series Logo Graphic T-Shirt combines sweat-wicking FastDry technology with mesh ventilation panels, intending to keep workers cool and comfortable. Raglan sleeves aim to allow greater freedom of movement and the drop tail hem is for providing extra coverage on site. Meanwhile, the Relaxed Fit Logo Graphic T-Shirt has been designed for versatility. Made from cotton/poly vortex jersey, this tee is intended to be soft and lightweight with a classic Carhartt logo print. Carhartt has also expanded its women’s range in response to feedback from tradeswomen. The TENCEL Script Graphic T-Shirt has been built from breathable TENCEL fibres blended with cotton, and the loose fit "sits comfortably at the hip," with both layering and wearing on its own in warmer conditions a consideration. For those who prefer a heavier option, the Love of Labour Graphic T-Shirt is made from heavyweight cotton with a large Carhartt graphic print on the back. For more from Carhartt, click here.

JTL campaigns for employers to back apprenticeships

JTL, a UK apprenticeship provider in the building services engineering sector, has launched a new campaign urging employers to take on apprentices and invest in their future workforce. The campaign, Powering Apprenticeships. Fuelling Business, comes at a time of mounting pressure on the UK’s skilled trades. With demand growing in core areas such as electrical installation, low-carbon technologies, and heating and plumbing services, JTL is appealing directly to employers to act now and secure the next generation of qualified professionals in these safety-critical industries. JTL currently supports over 8,000 apprentices in partnership with more than 3,800 employers across England and Wales - mostly small and micro businesses. The independent training provider delivers employer-aligned training, as well as offering apprentices tools and support. Apprentices are trained through JTL’s nationwide network of centres and are supported by dedicated training officers who guide and mentor them through every stage of their apprenticeship. Recent reforms to funding have increased the accessibility of apprenticeships, particularly for small businesses. Employers with fewer than 50 staff can now access fully-funded apprenticeships for individuals aged 16 to 21, helping to reduce upfront costs associated with recruitment and training. Data from the Centre for Economics and Business Research indicates that Level 3 apprentices generate an estimated net benefit of over £2,500 per year to their employers during training - even before accounting for long-term gains in productivity, retention, and workforce resilience. However, a national employer survey, recently carried out by Pye Tait for The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), found that when asked about future apprenticeship intentions, 44% intend to recruit similar numbers, but 39%, mostly small or micro businesses, plan to recruit fewer. Hayler Tabberer, Employer Campaign Manager, says, “Our apprentices are job-ready and supported from the very start. This campaign reflects the energy and confidence we see in our learners every day and in the employers who choose to invest in them.” Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, adds, “The UK is at a tipping point. The demand for skilled electricians and plumbing professionals is rising rapidly, but the workforce is shrinking. We are seeing some employers hesitate, but now is the moment to lean in. "Apprenticeships are not a cost, they are an investment in future-proofing your business. Our campaign is a direct call to employers: if you want to remain competitive, sustainable, and skilled for the future, it’s time to take action.” For more from JTL, click here.

Elucian by Click offers three RCBO devices

Click Scolmore continues to expand its Elucian consumer units and protective devices ranges and now offers three different RCBO devices: a 25A RCBO, a compact one pole and switched neutral (Type A) RCBO, and a bidirectional RCBO. The Elucian Bidirectional RCBO is crucial for ensuring user protection in the event of a fault during a loss of supply. These devices are commonly used with generating sets, where the current can flow in both directions, ensuring that the installer is still protected under fault conditions. Which RCBO? With three different RCBO types available, Click Scolmore provides some insight into each one and their specific uses: • Standard RCBOs, known as one pole plus unswitched neutral, were the norm. Their uses ranged from socket circuits to lighting circuits across the board and they were found in many typical installations. • The second iteration of the device was similar to the aforementioned, but included a switch neutral. This version is quickly becoming the new norm for contractors. These devices are typically used where the installation or the piece of equipment it is serving requires the neutral to be disconnected. For example, Regulation 722.531.3.1 requires RCDs to disconnect all lives. • The latest device, mentioned above, is the bidirectional RCBO which includes a switched neutral. These would be used where energy flow is possible in both directions from a generating set - outlined in Regulation 530.3.201. Examples of such installations would include, but are not limited to, PV systems, battery storage systems, and EV chargers. For more from Elucian, click here.

NICEIC’s ‘Find a Trusted Tradesperson’ tool gets a boost

NICEIC, a certification and training body for the electrical industry in the UK, has just announced the launch of its upgraded 'Find a Trusted Tradesperson' tool – a platform designed to connect householders and specifiers with NICEIC-certified businesses in their area. The upgrade introduces a benefit for NICEIC-certified businesses as job requests can now be delivered straight to their inbox for free. This streamlined process should help businesses grow by connecting them with relevant, local jobs. This enhancement, according to NICEIC, supports the company's mission to promote competence and safety across the industry and "gives NICEIC-certified businesses a competitive edge." All businesses certified on an NICEIC electrotechnical or renewables scheme will appear on the searchable register, which includes details of the schemes they are certified on and their contact information. The upgraded tool allows consumers to enter key details about their electrical job – including the type of work, property type, and preferred timing. Their request is then automatically routed to local NICEIC-certified businesses operating under the relevant schemes. Due to a fully automated process, businesses can quickly indicate their availability and respond with a quote. Amanda Faulkner, Marketing and Customer Experience Director at NICEIC, comments, “Being NICEIC-certified isn’t just about the prestige of being with the UK’s leading certification body, it’s a full package of business support designed to help businesses grow, upskill, and stay competitive. "We are always looking for new ways to deliver added value for our certified businesses, and the upgraded 'Find a Trusted Tradesperson' tool is yet another addition to the list of useful benefits on offer.” For more from NICEIC, click here.

TrustMark confirms EVCC as its newest Scheme Provider

TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality scheme for trades and home improvement work in the UK, has announced the addition of The Electric Vehicle Consumer Code for Home Chargepoints (EVCC) as its latest Scheme Provider. With this new partnership, TrustMark now collaborates with 42 Scheme Providers to raise standards and enhance consumer protection across the home repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) sector. EVCC is the first Scheme Provider to be approved by TrustMark in the electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint sector, which, the company claims, "reinforces its commitment to meeting and maintaining the operating requirements set out by the quality scheme." EVCC members will now have the opportunity to become TrustMark registered if they meet the required standards of technical competence, trading practices, and customer service. Virginia Graham, Chief Executive of Renewable Energy Assurance, comments, "I am delighted EVCC is officially a TrustMark Scheme Provider. This means our EVCC members now have a streamlined route to becoming TrustMark registered where they wish to. "EVCC’s alignment with TrustMark complements our core mission to ensure that consumers receive honest advice, transparent pricing, reliable installations, and redress if things go wrong. With this new status, EVCC will continue working closely with industry stakeholders to uphold rigorous standards and support the transition to a green transport future.” Simon Ayers MBE, CEO of TrustMark, adds, “We are delighted to welcome EVCC as our latest TrustMark Scheme Provider with a focus on raising the high standards of consumer protection and industry best practice across the EV charging sector. "As a TrustMark Registered Business, EVCC members will now be able to give their customers the assurance and confidence that they are competent, qualified, and reliable, and serious about offering high standards of consumer protection. Together with EVCC, we can continue to strengthen our roles at the forefront of industry standards and help promote its installers to homeowners across the UK.” For more from TrustMark, click here.

CBG renews the lighting in Blenheim Palace restoration

CBG Light Perceptions, a specialist lighting design team working primarily in heritage buildings and high-end residential properties, recently worked on the restoration of the Blenheim Palace Orangery by designing an updated lighting scheme on a project that has received a 2025 RIBA South Award. The Orangery, a "refined and luxurious" dining area in Blenheim Palace, is now once again open to the public for an "authentically British experience." Known for hosting afternoon teas, the space also serves as a private venue for fine dining, weddings, and other special occasions. The £2 million restoration project on the Grade I listed building involved the replacement of the 19th-century glass roof with a solid, insulated steel and slate design. CBG Light Perceptions were tasked with overhauling the previous lighting design, which was known to generate glare and excessive brightness. The company says it has achieved a lighting design which complements the striking architectural textures of the new roof and captures the essence of the Orangery. The RIBA South Award recognises the efforts of all involved for reassessing the requirements of the space and coming up with innovative, sustainable solutions to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the Orangery. Specifically, the jury commented, “Boldly stepping away from an attitude of like-for-like repair typical in such a significant heritage setting, the project team at Blenheim Palace chose a new route for the design and delivery of the Orangery roof.” Working alongside the client's team, Historic England, the council, architects, and interior designers on the comprehensive refurbishment, CBG needed to consider a new lighting scheme that enhanced both the practicality and the atmosphere of the space. The design delivered improved lighting throughout the Orangery while also providing a sustainable, low-energy approach. The new scheme hopes to ensure flexibility for a wide range of uses, with discreet spotlighting allowing for tailored setups during events, and a pre-set dimming system enabling staff to adjust lighting levels depending on the occasion. The result is a lighting system that showcases the architectural fabric of the Orangery. The recognition of the overall project at the RIBA South Awards, held at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire in May 2025, is, according to the company, a testament to the care and collaboration invested in every element from all those involved. Bruce Kirk, Director at CBG, comments, “Successful lighting is built on a deep understanding of the space and close collaboration with the client and teams involved. Thoughtful project consultation with the client and stakeholders allows us to deliver tailored solutions that respect the heritage of a building while meeting the evolving needs of its users.” For more from CBG, click here.

First speakers named for Circular Lighting Live 2025

WEEE compliance scheme Recolight’s UK event dedicated to sustainable lighting, Circular Lighting Live 2025, returns to London on 25 September 2025. As part of this announcement, the company has revealed the first tranche of speakers for the event, which itself is dedicated to sustainable lighting and the circular economy. Taking place at The Minster Building, London, this year’s conference will once again bring together bright minds and impactful voices from across the lighting industry. With more speakers to be announced in the coming weeks, this first release already promises an insightful programme for professionals across the sector. Eight curated sessions to drive industry transformation • Climate-driven Design: Insight from Asela Rodrigo and Hamish Angus McAndrew on sustainability practices adapted from Mount Everest expeditions. • The Regulatory Roadmap: A forward-looking session with Teresa Selvaggio of LightingEurope outlining the complex web of incoming UK and EU policies shaping the future of lighting design and manufacturing. • Smart Remanufacturing: Featuring Thorlux Lighting’s retrofit of Aston University Library, cutting carbon and enhancing functionality through intelligent upgrade strategies. • Managing Metrics: From TM66 updates to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), this session includes Recolight’s Max Robson on practical specification using robust environmental data. TM66 co-author Kristina Allison updates on the development TM66 and what to expect in Version 1 • Creative Cat A: Paul Beale of 18 Degrees presents a radical rethink of office fit-out lighting through rental and reuse models, supported by a documentary showcasing early pilot projects. • Innovations in Circularity: Examining pioneering materials and product concepts, Sylvania Group Regional Director Gareth Petley explores the OptiClip, its development, application, and unique properties. • Closing the Loop: Insights from SAS International Business Development Manager Tim Phillpot on developing a viable market for reclaimed and remanufactured ceiling tiles – a model that offers lessons for the wider built environment. • Pioneering Projects: Benz Roos of Speirs Major shares experience from relighting Utrecht’s Dom Tower using reused luminaires, navigating optical and design challenges. New for 2025 are ‘Just One Thing’ micro-presentations – short, punchy case studies showcasing real-world circular success stories – and a 'Moonshot Panel,' which aims to challenge conventional thinking and propose industry-shaping ideas. Complementing these formats is a larger exhibition space, allowing for hands-on interaction with the latest sustainable lighting from leading brands. From materials and controls to components and complete luminaires, the showcase hopes to provide a uniquely-focused, single-day opportunity to see and compare the latest in sustainable design. For more from Recolight, click here.

Drayton launches educational 'Sofa Sessions' series

Drayton, a UK-based manufacturer of heating controls and smart home systems, has released the first episode of its new Sofa Sessions series, which will explore pressing topics in the housing sector, share insights, and highlight pivotal talking points for housebuilders and social housing providers. Backed by 75 years of experience in designing and manufacturing products for energy-efficient domestic heating systems, Drayton is to release a further session on its YouTube channel this summer, with the sessions covering topics ranging from fuel poverty, funding schemes, decarbonisation, the new build market, and Boiler Plus legislation. During each episode, all aimed at professionals within the housing industry, the Sofa Sessions will take a deep dive into these themes as part of a discussion with industry experts. Viewers will have access to expert opinions and insight on areas including how the health and wellbeing of residents can be improved through warmer homes, the necessity to achieve net zero by 2025, and future home standards, as well as funding availability through schemes and specific legislation. Andrew Baines, National Sales Manager at Drayton, comments, “We’re thrilled to launch [the] Sofa Session series as a continuation of Drayton’s commitment to sharing knowledge and educational content throughout the industry. The topics have been specifically selected to ensure each episode reflects relevant talking points, drives conversation around these areas, and offers those in the industry a reliable source of expert advice and information.” For more from Drayton, click here.

CU Phosco completes lighthouse replacements on River Thames

CU Phosco, a UK designer and manufacturer of exterior lighting equipment, has replaced three structurally compromised historic lighthouses at Crossness, Coldharbour, and Margaretness along the River Thames. Commissioned by the Port of London Authority, the project involved designing, manufacturing, and installing modern, 8m mid-hinge columns fitted with solar-powered beacons - eliminating the need for working at height while preserving the visual identity of the vital navigational aids. The Port of London Authority (PLA) is responsible for maintaining safe navigation on one of the UK's busiest inland waterways. As part of its ongoing infrastructure programme, structural inspections revealed that three existing lattice tower lighthouses — those at Crossness, Coldharbour, and Margaretness — had reached the end of their serviceable life. These historically significant structures, initially installed by Trinity House in the early 20th century, were in a deteriorating condition. To ensure continued safe navigation along this stretch of the Thames, CU Phosco was appointed via competitive tender to design and install replacement solutions that would meet heritage sensitivities and modern safety standards. CU Phosco proposed and delivered three 8m lightweight mid-hinge columns, each supporting a free-issue solar-powered beacon. The red-painted columns retain the original structures' traditional appearance and focal height, ensuring continuity for mariners and minimal visual disruption. Each column is equipped with a mid-hinge mechanism, allowing the beacon to be lowered for maintenance without the need to work at height - improving operational safety and reducing ongoing maintenance risks. Access to each location was particularly challenging, with the sites positioned along narrow towpaths. CU Phosco used specialist-tracked cranes and MEWPs to ensure a safe and efficient installation, as well as carefully dismantling and removing the original towers in sections. By safely decommissioning the ageing lattice towers, CU Phosco has removed a potential structural risk and replaced it with a durable, modern alternative that aligns with the Port of London Authority's long-term infrastructure goals. Mark Collier, Civil Engineer, Port of London Authority, comments, “[It] was a pleasure working with the whole CU Phosco team to help PLA safely deliver the replacement of three lighthouses with new lowering masts. These new masts eliminate any need for PLA operatives to work at height on the lighthouses. "CU Phosco successfully managed the project's difficult logistical challenge of accessing the remote sites on towpaths right beside the Thames. We are very happy with the overall delivery from start to finish.” For more from CU Phosco, click here.