Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex specified for Carmarthen project

British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia's Sentinel Apex ventilation units have been installed at the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb project, a 245,000ft² redevelopment of the former Debenhams building in Carmarthen, Wales. The multi-million-pound scheme is transforming the site into a mixed-use health and leisure hub, including public healthcare services, a customer service centre, a 24-hour gym, and family entertainment facilities. The project is part-funded by the Welsh Government’s IRCF Fund and additional UK-government support. 20 Sentinel Apex commercial heat recovery units have been installed across three floors, including four HR21 units serving the gym area. HR15 units are used in office spaces on the upper floors. The project team includes main contractor Bouygues, M&E consultant Hoare Lea, sub-contractor FP Hurley & Sons (Crosshands), and distributor Ventilation Warehouse. Heat recovery and low SFP performance The Sentinel Apex units were specified to meet energy efficiency, acoustic, and Specific Fan Power (SFP) requirements, while supporting indoor air quality. The system offers up to 93% heat recovery efficiency, tested to EN308, and is designed for demand-led ventilation using compatible sensors. Neil Higgins, Contracts Manager at FP Hurley & Sons, says, “We chose the Sentinel Apex units because they deliver exceptionally quiet operation and low Specific Fan Power, ensuring they met all Building Regulation requirements. "The units were also available in a wide range of airflows, allowing us to specify the correct units for each space. In short, they offered the ideal balance of airflow, low noise, and energy efficiency.” Adam Bullon of Ventilation Warehouse adds, “I have worked with Vent-Axia for a long time. The Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb was an interesting job, with the Sentinel Apex ticking all the right boxes for the project, including energy efficiency, noise, and ease of maintenance.” The units are available in five sizes, delivering airflows up to 4,000m3/hr. Vent-Axia notes that embodied carbon data for Sentinel Apex has been compiled using the CIBSE TM65 methodology to support low-carbon building design. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

HDM Solar opens renewables product training centres

HDM Solar, a UK wholesaler of solar panels, batteries, and renewable energy equipment, has launched a series of Renewables Training Centres of Excellence at its UK branches, providing on-site training facilities for installers. The purpose-built centres are located within existing branches and are designed to offer hands-on product training and technical sessions delivered in collaboration with manufacturing partners. According to the company, the facilities are being introduced nationwide to support installers seeking to expand their technical knowledge and product understanding in the renewables sector. The centres include commissioning areas where participants can work with live equipment, alongside demonstration systems and breakout spaces for focused study. Manufacturer-led training and certifications Training sessions are delivered by HDM Solar specialists and supplier partners, including GSE Intégration, EcoFlow, and Sungrow. Initial sessions have covered GSE Intégration’s portrait system and landscape Evolution system. Installers who complete the course become GSE Intégration Trained Installers. Ed Scott, Commercial Manager at HDM Solar, says, “The Renewables Training Centres of Excellence have been designed to support installers in their growth and development in the market. "It's all about keeping our customers at the forefront of new industry developments and bringing our customers closer to our manufacturing partners so they feel valued and up to date with the newest products and innovations. "It's a commitment from HDM to installers across the length and breadth of Britain to make a difference and to continue our goal to be the installer's wholesaler.” Training is currently taking place at the company’s Sheffield and Port Talbot branches, with Livingston scheduled to begin hosting sessions in the coming weeks. For more from HDM Solar, click here.

Legrand launches new lighting control busbar system

Legrand UK & Ireland, a manufacturer of electrical and digital building infrastructure equipment, has introduced a new power and lighting control busbar system, combining its Zucchini and CP Electronics brands into a single platform. The system integrates Zucchini LB Plus Data busbar technology with lighting controls from CP Electronics. It distributes power from 25A to 63A and incorporates two additional data conductors, enabling the busbar to function as a lighting management bus. The data conductors allow direct connection to CP Electronics’ addressable lighting control range, supporting networked control through graphical interfaces. This approach enables power distribution and lighting control to operate on the same infrastructure. Integrated DALI-2 lighting control When used with DALI-2 detectors, lighting control devices can be plugged directly into the busbar, removing the need for separate DALI cabling and containment. According to Legrand, this can reduce installation time and associated costs. The system also supports multi-way lighting control modules, presence detectors, area controllers, plug-in switches, and key switches for emergency testing. Steve Marr, Marketing Director at Legrand UK & Ireland, explains, “We expect Legrand’s new power and lighting busbar system will have a big impact for those operating and working in commercial and industrial environments. "By taking Zucchini LB Plus Data and combining it with CP Electronics lighting control, not only will buildings be optimised for the best lighting conditions, but they will be able to run more efficiently – a critical consideration as facilities managers continue to look for ways to reduce energy usage in large buildings. “The launch of this new product is yet another example of how we are bringing together our widespread expertise to deliver solutions to our customers. "The knowledge and sector expertise of our team means we are well positioned to develop intuitive solutions and bring them to any market, plus the customer has the benefit of working with a single manufacturer.” Legrand reiterates that the system is intended for commercial and industrial buildings seeking to integrate power distribution with lighting control. For more from Legrand, click here.

Overland Shoes debuts Bobcat Safety Footwear

Overland Shoes, a UK designer and wholesaler of branded footwear, has launched Bobcat Safety Footwear, a new range of safety boots and trainers developed under licence from Doosan Bobcat. The collection is designed for tradespeople working long hours on hard surfaces, combining protective features with a cushioning system developed by Redbacks. At the centre of the range is Redbacks Leaf-Spring Technology, an energy-return cushioning system integrated into the footbed. According to independent testing by the Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association (SATRA), the system improves impact shock absorption by up to 46% and outperforms some competing insoles by up to 30%. Tested for shock absorption Peter Lawson, Brand Manager at Overland Shoes, says, “Many jobs require prolonged standing, often on hard surfaces, putting installers at greater risk of plantar fasciitis and severe heel pain. "That’s why we’ve incorporated Redbacks Leaf-Spring Technology, designed to stop pain before it starts. It’s a genuine game-changer for anyone who spends their working day on their feet.” The range comprises 14 men’s and women’s styles, with safety ratings from S3S to S7L. Five outsole series are tailored to different applications, including athletic-style trainers for indoor environments, hiker-style boots for mixed use, and heat-resistant options for welding and foundry work. Most models feature composite toe caps and puncture-resistant midsoles, with predominantly metal-free construction. Selected styles include a quick-release fastening system. Bobcat Safety Footwear is available through electrical wholesalers, builders’ merchants, plumbing suppliers, and other trade outlets.

SELECT says rising apprentice costs are crippling employers

At a time when Scotland desperately needs electricians to fulfil housing demand and net zero targets, the head of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, has accused the UK and Scottish governments of undermining the electrical workforce of the future. Speaking ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2–6 March 2026), SELECT's Managing Director Alan Wilson says a combination of rising wages and decreasing financial support for taking on apprentices is causing serious concern in the sector. He notes that the electrotechnical industry had been the biggest single trade employer of apprentices for some time, but recent financial decisions by the UK and Scottish governments are beginning to deter employers from taking on young learners. He says, “We constantly hear from government at all levels about the importance of apprenticeships in our sector. But like some clever table magician, they show [...] on one hand what they want you to hear, while, on the other hand, they are more often than not doing the complete opposite. “The increase in the Apprentice National Minimum Wage to £8 per hour, announced by the UK Government at last year's Budget, is a huge cost to many small firms, especially when the apprentice spends a great deal of the first stage at college. “On top of that, the financial support which the Scottish Government gives to the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to run the electrical apprenticeship scheme on behalf of the industry has not increased for more than eight years. In fact, when inflation is taken into account, it has decreased by over 30%.” Too little, too late Recent reports suggest that the UK Government is considering slowing down its plans to increase the youth minimum wage, but Alan insists that it's already too late for the many Scottish SMEs who are now counting the rising cost of apprenticeships. He continues, “Small and micro-sized concerns recruit the most apprentices and are the very type of firms who need government support, but the short-sightedness of politicians is rolling the skills shortage forward, not back. “Technical apprenticeships in Scotland’s electrotechnical sector are an investment in our society. They create skilled, high-tax-paying workers earlier; reduce youth unemployment; and generate long-term returns through higher productivity and sustained tax income. “By backing electrotechnical apprenticeships, Scotland strengthens its skills pipeline where it matters most: in high-demand, future-focused roles that support net zero, infrastructure growth, and a resilient domestic workforce. “I have always been extremely proud of the number of apprentices our industry recruits year on year, and it is clear that electrical installation apprenticeships give young people a chance to earn while they learn, gaining respected qualifications and building a clear, well-paid career without the burden of student debt. “Doing nothing is not an option, but it does seem that those who make decisions on these issues need to visit their optician, as their short-sighted views are going to end up affecting our whole economy. One day, they will maybe come to their senses, but there's no evidence of that so far.” A growing skills shortage Alan’s remarks follow a prediction by an industry expert last year that Scotland would soon need double the number of electricians to implement the “unprecedented pathway of work” which was coming their way. Speaking on the Sparks’ Remarks podcast last June, Professor Sean Smith, Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at the University of Edinburgh, said, “Never before in the history of this sector has there been such a pathway of work to come. “Do we need more electricians? Yes, probably double the number, really. The fastest fully-filled courses in engineering currently are electrical and mechanical engineering. You could probably fill them twice with the number of applications that all universities and colleges are receiving.” For more from SELECT, click here.

Tridonic supports connected lighting installation at Reed Smith HQ

Tridonic UK, a supplier of lighting technology, has supported the redevelopment of Reed Smith’s London headquarters at 1 Blossom Yard, delivering a connected lighting system in partnership with Artech Lighting. The 126,000ft² office combines a refurbished warehouse structure with contemporary design. The project required a lighting scheme capable of supporting flexible working patterns and multiple workspace configurations within a global law firm environment. Reed Smith’s relocation involved a full interior transformation. Artech Lighting worked with Troup Bywaters + Anders, Bancroft, and Overbury to provide the lighting and control package, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. DALI-based system supports flexible workspace The architectural complexity of the building required bespoke luminaires tailored to a range of interior finishes. The scheme also needed to manage daylight integration, individual user preferences, and adaptable office layouts. Artech supplied bespoke linear and square luminaires using Tridonic DALI drivers. The installation included 240 luminaires with EXC4 DALI drivers, LLE24 LED boards, EM ConverterLED PRO emergency inverters with LiFePO₄ battery systems, and constant-voltage drivers for LED strip lighting. More than 2,000m of Flowline and Chicane luminaires were installed across 250 bespoke systems, integrated with the DALI controls platform. According to the companies, the lighting system is designed to provide uniform light distribution, long operational life, and DALI-2 compliant emergency lighting with automatic testing. Building managers can control lighting scenes via smartphone or tablet, enabling adjustments as workspace needs change. The project also achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. Alec Fielding, UK Key Accounts Manager at Tridonic, says, “Our goal was to support Artech in delivering a lighting system that feels effortless for end users while offering the depth of control expected in a modern legal workspace. "The result is a connected, adaptable solution that will continue to evolve with Reed Smith’s needs.” For more from Tridonic, click here.

SkillELECTRIC 2026 set to open for entries

Talented electrotechnical students are being encouraged to register for this year’s SkillELECTRIC competition. The application window is open from 2 March and runs until 27 March 2026. The event, which is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) - a UK charity managing electrotechnical industry assessments - is part of the WorldSkills UK competition network and is designed to promote and showcase high standards and skills across the electrotechnical industry. During the competition, entrants will be judged on a series of challenging tests in a bid to be named the 2026 SkillELECTRIC champion. Competition details All those who register will take part in an online, interactive app-based task which tests skills around health and safety, inspection and testing, regulations, electrical principles, and installation practices and procedures. The top scoring competitors from this stage will be invited to complete a challenging practical task at a one of nine national qualifying heats around the UK between May and June. Those who score most highly at the live heats will progress to the SkillELECTRIC UK final in November, one of over 50 WorldSkills UK national finals taking place that month across South Wales. Beyond this, competitors may also have the chance of representing the UK in the Electrical Installation event at WorldSkills 2028 in Aichi, Japan. As well as winning a great range of prizes, the top two from each heat and the UK finalists will be invited to the prestigious NET Celebration of Skills in October, which congratulates current and past competitors who have excelled both at the UK and international levels. SkillELECTRIC has Electric Center, the NICEIC, and Scolmore Group as its delivery partners, and the competition is supported by Snickers Workwear, Megger, Rolec, and EAL. Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC Project Manager at NET, comments, “If you’ve got a shining star in your company or classroom, why not enter them into SkillELECTRIC? “The competition process brings so many skills back into the business such as working efficiently under pressure, time management, precision, and confidence. "It also contributes to an apprentice’s 20% off-the-job training requirement, which is a great benefit.” You can register for SkillELECTRIC before 27 March 2026 by clicking here to visit the website. For more from SkillELECTRIC, click here.

Thorn delivers LED floodlight upgrade at Nottingham Arnold

Luminaire manufacturer and supplier Thorn Lighting has completed a rapid LED retrofit at Powerleague’s Nottingham Arnold site, reportedly supplying luminaires within 15 working days to keep the new community venue on schedule. Working with SJB Floodlighting, Thorn provided Altis LED floodlights for the pitches and Areaflood Pro 2 for surrounding areas. The brief required 200 lx average with 0.60 uniformity on the full-size pitch, and 120 lx average with 0.60 uniformity on the five-a-side layouts, alongside a tight turnaround to meet the launch date. A community venue back in play The Arnold club features eight five-a-side pitches and a full-size pitch, convertible into four seven-a-side formats. By aligning product selection with stock and build schedules from the outset, Thorn says the team delivered a compliant scheme that met lux targets first time. The company notes that the upgrade reduces energy consumption by around 50% compared with the previous installation, while lowering ongoing maintenance requirements and supporting consistent playing conditions across all pitch configurations. For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

Unicrimp introduces Q-Nect IP weatherproof junction box

The Q-Nect range of junction boxes and connectors from Unicrimp, a UK manufacturer of cable accessories and electrical fittings, and part of the Scolmore Group, provides installers with secure and efficient connections for a range of residential, commercial, and industrial environments. A key product in the range is the Q-Nect IP weatherproof junction box, which is designed to make installations quicker and more efficient. It can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360⁰ detachable cradle. The IP Box also utilises a curved lid which provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners, which allows for quick opening and closing. Key features • Enhanced protection — The IP66 rating and self-sealing membranes offer superior protection for electrical components from dust, dirt, and water. • 10 membrane entry points — The junction box features ten membrane entry points. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating. • Up to eight M20 glands — Installers have the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands with the junction box. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure that the IP rating is maintained without needing to use any tools or locknuts. • Multiple fixing options — The IP Box gives you the option to fix directly to a wall using four screws into the pre-moulded holes in the base or utilise the detachable wall clip, which requires just two screws. • Semi-transparent lids — The option of the semi-transparent lid takes the IP Box to the next level, allowing installers to see the inside connections without compromising the integrity of the enclosure. The boxes with semi-transparent lids are available in a black or anthracite grey finish. • Aesthetics — The anthracite grey and finish is designed to match the Click Scolmore Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semi-transparent lids. For further information, visit the Unicrimp website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Kensa partners with Passiv UK on heat pump controls

Kensa, a British heat pump manufacturer, has partnered with Passiv UK, a developer of smart thermostats and energy management systems, to offer the Passiv Smart Thermostat with its heat pump systems. Under the agreement, the thermostat will be supplied as a compatible control option for Kensa heat pumps, designed to optimise flow temperature automatically and remove the need for manual weather compensation settings. Kensa states that improved optimisation can reduce heating bills by up to 30%, depending on property type and tariff structure. Grid flexibility and energy optimisation Customers will also be able to access Passiv’s Greener Grid Payment scheme, which provides payments to households that adjust energy use during periods of grid constraint. The thermostat is designed to flex heat pump operation without affecting indoor comfort. Ned Lamb, Director of Commercial Strategy at Kensa, says, “Our mission is to deliver heating that’s better for everyone. For Kensa, that means offering a solution that offers the lowest bills with no sacrifices on comfort. "Being able to specify the Passiv Smart Thermostat with no extras needed means homeowners and residents can make the most of smarter tariffs and flexibility markets, helping them earn money back while enjoying year-round comfort.” The Passiv Smart Thermostat can be installed nationwide with Kensa heat pump systems and is controlled via a wall-mounted unit and mobile app. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, comments, “This is the future of home energy. With smart controls built in, heat pumps take care of themselves, keeping homes comfortable, cutting energy use, and even letting homeowners earn money when the grid needs them most.” For more from Kensa, click here.