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Latest News


‘Generation E’ to drive the switch to EVs
According to a survey from CTEK, a Swedish manufacturer specialising in battery chargers, drivers in their 30s look set to spearhead the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. The survey of more than 1,000 UK drivers by Find Out Now has revealed 30 to 39 year-olds are the generation most primed to buy EVs and ditch petrol and diesel cars first. The survey found almost two thirds (61%) of drivers currently in their 30s foresee they will be driving an EV in the year 2035, when they will be in their 40s. Only one in six (17%) thirty-somethings think they will still be driving an ICE (purely petrol or diesel) vehicle in a decade’s time. The rest don’t know. Even by 2030, a majority (59%) of what CTEK is terming ‘Generation E’ will be driving a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid. Just over a fifth (21%) think they will be driving an ICE car. Including all age groups of drivers, 2030 could see 45% driving an EV, outnumbering the 34% who imagine they will be powered by the diesel or petrol in an ICE vehicle. The ICE drivers fall to a quarter (25%) by 2035. Daniel Forsberg, Marketing Manager EVSE at CTEK, comments, “We’re calling UK drivers in their 30s ‘Generation E’ because they are leading the way in practically every question we asked in our nationally representative survey. “We suspect there are several factors at play in this. People in their 30s are likely to have both the financial means to be able to choose electric, and the environmental and climate awareness to want to do so. Not far behind them are the 18 to 29 year-olds, who are the second age group most set to go EV. “In contrast, it is the older generations aged 55 and above who are least likely to switch, in spite of probably being financially able to do so. They are, we suspect, more wedded to fossil fuels after decades of driving ICE cars.” Whilst many current EV drivers are set to still be driving the same kind of cars (BEV, PHEV, and self-charging hybrid) in 2030 and 2035, the notable shifts the survey predicts include 43% of PHEV drivers going fully electric by 2030 and 57% of them by 2035. Almost one in three (28%) of self-charging hybrid drivers will by driving a BEV by 2030 and 39% by 2035. Current BEV drivers are most likely to be driving a BEV in 2030 (88%). Current PHEV and self-charging hybrid drivers are almost universally likely to shun purely ICE vehicles when they next buy a car – just one in 25 (4%) see themselves being powered purely by petrol or diesel. CTEK also tasked Find Out Now with asking drivers likely to buy a used car next what kind of vehicle they think they will choose. More than a third (35%) said an EV, made up of one in ten (10%) each saying a BEV or a Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 15% saying a hybrid that cannot be plugged in. The majority (64%) of drivers buying used think they will be opting for a used ICE car. Daniel continues, “The used car picture for BEVs and other EVs is evolving rapidly as the first big wave of electric cars enters the second-hand market. Our survey shows there is a demand there, and again it is ‘Generation E’ in their 30s who lead the way with almost half (48%) thinking they will buy a used EV. “Overall the survey results point to a rapidly approaching future of mass adoption of electric mobility, especially by the younger generations. This suggests millions more EVs on UK roads in just a few years, begging the question: where will they all charge? The roll-out of public charging must accelerate to keep pace with the huge demand our survey results suggest will emerge.” For more from CTEK, click here.

'Partnerships are helping to meet new building legislation'
According to cable supplier AEI Cables, early collaboration between supply chain partners is helping to meet the demands of rigorous new legislation. The company is seeing positive feedback to its guidance for closer working to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022. The Act makes new stringent requirements for higher-risk buildings, which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height - or at least seven storeys - containing at least two residential units. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, says, “We believe in early collaboration on our own projects, and the feedback we are receiving suggests that close working between all parties in the supply chain is helping to meet the requirements of this new legislation.” The Building Safety Act 2022 identifies a common Golden Thread which requires a comprehensive record to be kept of all safety-related information throughout the lifecycle of a building, emphasising the need for clear communication between all parties. Under the Act, the Building Safety Regulator will oversee the safety and performance of all buildings, as well as having a special focus on high-rise buildings. It will promote competence and organisational capability within the sector, including building control professionals and tradespeople. AEI Cables has also been highlighting the importance of collaboration to help meet the demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables, which are identified under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases, and flame spread in the event of a real fire. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting, as well as a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems, and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping centres, and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables, each covering survival times of 30, 60, or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail, and LUL, working to international standards around the world. For more from AEI Cables, click here.

'EU’s shift on climate targets echoes industry reality'
According to a report from Aggreko, a British multinational temporary power generation and temperature control company, the European Union’s move to consider more flexible climate targets reflects a broader shift already underway, as highlighted in earlier research showing businesses adjusting net zero plans in response to rising energy costs. According to EU diplomats, the European Commission is set to propose a new bloc-wide climate target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 1990 levels, while allowing flexibility for domestic industries and use of international carbon credits. This shift mirrors recent findings from Aggreko’s surveying of CEOs across Europe, which revealed that high energy costs are prompting many businesses to reassess their decarbonisation timelines to ensure a commercially viable transition. The company’s recent report, Rebalancing the Energy Transition, based on a survey of 400 CEOs across the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, found that 95% of large businesses have already adjusted their net zero strategies in response to energy supply and pricing pressures. These findings suggest the EU’s proposed shift reflects what is already happening on the ground in energy-intensive sectors subject to rising costs and grid issues. “The EU’s shift towards more flexible climate targets recognises the need for practical pathways to net zero that we’re seeing across industry,” says Robert Wells, Aggreko’s Europe President. “Our research shows that while the intention to invest in the energy transition remains strong, companies are evolving their strategies to ensure operational resilience while also driving environmental progress.” According to Aggreko’s research, while 12% of CEOs currently rank the speed of decarbonisation as their top priority, the vast majority remain committed to climate action. Approximately 80% plan to increase investment in energy transition initiatives over the next year, demonstrating that businesses are still committed to sustainable practices, even as they navigate cost and competitiveness challenges. With this in mind, Aggreko is urging businesses to look beyond timelines and focus on practical, scalable solutions that can reduce emissions while improving energy resilience. Central to this is the role of decentralised energy systems and supply chain collaboration, which Rebalancing the Energy Transition identifies as key to reducing energy costs and accelerating progress toward net zero. “In a volatile energy market, decentralised and flexible power solutions have moved from optional to essential,” Robert adds. “By working with supply chain partners to deploy renewable technologies and alternative power agreements, businesses can reduce emissions and costs simultaneously.” Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change, aims to support this approach by helping sectors such as manufacturing, construction, data centres, utilities, and petrochemicals to implement decentralised energy solutions that are both commercially and environmentally sustainable. Robert concludes, “The EU’s evolving stance is a recognition of the complex and multifaceted priorities businesses face. Our report provides a roadmap for navigating these challenges, showing that with the right strategies, it is possible to stay competitive and committed to climate goals. I would encourage all stakeholders involved in energy equipment procurement to seek it out and read it.” For more from Aggreko, click here.

Whitecroft Lighting enhances energy efficiency across DWP estate
UK lighting manufacturer Whitecroft Lighting has delivered a smart lighting upgrade for the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), reducing energy consumption across its UK-wide estate. The project has delivered efficiencies for the government department, the largest of its kind in the country, reducing lighting energy consumption by around 80% across 129 modernised sites. In partnership with facilities management provider, Mitie, Whitecroft Lighting replaced outdated lighting systems with modern LED luminaires and smart building technology. Whitecroft’s sensor-driven lighting system, Organic Response, was central to the project. Its daylight harvesting system automatically adjusts lighting levels based on natural light availability. By monitoring lighting levels, Organic Response aims to maximise the value of natural light and drive up carbon and cost efficiency. Whitecroft’s systems play a role in the DWP’s 45% carbon reduction target, aligning with the UK government’s wider Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, aimed at helping the public sector drive efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. With over 54,300 individual lighting products installed, such as luminaires, seniors, and nodes, the DWP upgrade is one of the biggest projects in its 80-year history. All 129 sites were completed within a two-year time frame and, to minimise disruption to DWP staff and visitors, Whitecroft was assigned specific timeslots for out-of-hours installation. Mark Brunt, Regional Sales Manager at Whitecroft Lighting, says, “When Mitie approached us, we knew we had to deliver a solution that made a real impact on the DWP’s carbon reduction targets. Swapping thousands of outdated lights for LEDs instantly cut energy use by 50% and, with Organic Response, we pushed efficiency even further, achieving up to 80% savings. “We also future-proofed the DWP estate lighting, ensuring it's ready for the next generation of smart building upgrades and can quickly integrate cloud-based technology, heat mapping, and other smart asset management controls. “This project has been a great opportunity to show how cutting-edge lighting technology can drive real efficiency in the public sector and support the government’s push for smarter, more sustainable buildings.” Based in Greater Manchester, Whitecroft Lighting designs and manufactures all its commercial lighting solutions in the UK. For more from Whitecroft Lighting, click here.

Ashden awards the real lives powering a zero-carbon Britain
On the same day the government reaffirmed its manifesto commitments (11 June), the 2025 Ashden Awards celebrated organisations advancing retrofit and clean energy across the UK – showing what real progress on climate looks like in action. On the day, Ashden warmly welcomed the government’s Spending Review, praising the continuation of its commitments to the £13.2 billion investment in home energy upgrades, through the Warm Homes Plan and GB Energy, as a step towards a fairer, greener future. Ashok Sinha, CEO of Ashden, comments, “We applaud the government’s energetic efforts to decarbonise the UK’s electricity grid by 2030 – and we wish them well. “But the calculated cultural assault on net zero and our international obligations has intensified over the last 12 months. Facts, evidence, and appeals to reason are vital – but so too are human stories, like those of our award winners and the lives they are changing. These stories are key to challenging false narratives and rebuilding hope and excitement about a better, fairer future.” The government’s commitments mean vital work to make homes more energy-efficient can now move ahead at scale. The expertise of companies like this year’s UK Ashden Award winners - retrofit company Cotality, community energy co-op Repowering, and solar rooftop installer Emergent Energy – are all examples of how progress in the housing and energy sector in the UK is already happening, and with the right support, can scale up. Retrofit specialist Cotality, working with Yorkshire housing association Broadacres, has helped residents like Tony Smith and his family experience improvements in their health, welfare, and household finances. Tony Smith, a pensioner living in social housing in Yorkshire, describes the impact of retrofit on his home and family, “Before the retrofit, our energy costs were just prohibitive. We could only heat one room downstairs, and maybe one bedroom. Now we can heat the whole house – and our electricity bill has dropped by 30%. The difference to my wife and daughter’s health is incredible.” The project included solar panels, an air source heat pump, triple glazing, and loft insulation. Tony continues, “It's been a fascinating experience. The solar panels work hand-in-glove with the air source heat pump.” Cotality Director Russell Smith says, “Stories like Tony’s show why upgrading the UK’s housing stock is essential. But to scale this nationally, we need two things: incentives for homeowners and landlords, and a skilled workforce to complete good quality works.” Working closely with councils and landlords will also be key to making new clean energy projects happen in a way that benefits communities. Emergent Energy, for instance, works with London councils and landlords to help social housing tenants generate energy and financial savings through rooftop solar, with expansion planned across London and the UK. Reg Platt, CEO of Emergent Energy, explains, “The government is right to place a strong focus on cutting bills for residents, at the same time as driving progress on energy security and cutting emissions, as this is vital to retain public support. “Sharing solar among residents of flats, as Emergent now does, is a solution that can deliver a return on investment. We are working to ensure the widest number of people benefit from this new wave of action, and that the government's money is efficiently spent.” The Warm Homes commitment aligns with the National Retrofit Workforce Strategy released this week by the National Retrofit Hub – co-authored by Ashden’s UK Programmes Manager, Cara Jenkinson. The strategy calls for a decade-long, coordinated plan to grow the green retrofit workforce, involving government, industry, local leaders, and training providers. Will Walker, UK Policy Lead at Ashden, states, “It’s fantastic news that Labour has stuck to its manifesto pledge - backing £13.2 billion for the Warm Homes Plan and £8.3 billion for GB Energy, including the Local Power Plan. This gives UK SMEs, like Ashden Award winners Cotality, Repowering London, and Emergent Energy, the green light to scale up, delivering warmer homes and clean, affordable, home-grown power to those who need it most. "With the right backing, these trailblazers can turn fuel poverty into energy prosperity - cutting bills, slashing emissions, and lifting living standards. It’s the spark needed to power up Britain’s economic renewal from the ground up.”

Family-run electrical contractor wins business award
Starkey Electrical, a family-run electrical contractor based in the West Midlands, was named ‘Electrical Contractor of the Year 2024/25’ at the Central England Prestige Awards in recognition of its positive reviews, testimonials, engagement with customers, and for having built up a loyal customer base in its local area of Stourbridge. The win marks the fourth consecutive award Starkey Electrical has received at the annual ceremony - which this year took place at Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield on Monday, 26 May - and the second time the team has won in this category. The company, which was founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Lisa Starkey, has also previously been awarded ‘Sustainable Electrician Company of the Year’ and ‘Electrician of the Year.’ Stuart Starkey, Managing Director at Starkey Electrical, comments, “To be recognised for an award once is a huge achievement, but four times is incredible. As a small company, we have always strived to provide a world-class, exceptional end-to-end customer service and, of course, do an excellent job in the process. “Our team continues to grow from strength to strength and this award is testament to the exceptional talent of our team, who always go above and beyond for our customers – a commitment that has now been recognised and rewarded four-fold. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey over the past 16 years and continues to do so.”

CEFLive25 champions education, innovation, collaboration
CEFLive25, an event hosted by UK supplier of electrical products CEF, returned to the Birmingham NEC on 5 and 6 June 2025, drawing thousands of electrical professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers for two days of networking opportunities, CPD-accredited learning seminars, and exhibitions of technology shaping the future of the industry. A key focus of this year’s event was on driving progress across sustainability, skills development, and cross-industry collaboration. It included a packed agenda of TechTalks, expert-led panels, and practical demonstrations. Chris Ashworth, CEO of CEF, says, "Smaller suppliers need help and guidance. There’s a massive gap in sustainability support, and we’re stepping up to fill it - starting with webinars for over 70 suppliers and a growing programme to upskill the industry." A collaborative ethos extended across the event, with recognition that the industry can no longer operate in silos, with CEF calling for deeper cooperation between wholesalers, manufacturers, and the wider supply chain. Chris continues, "We take our role as experts seriously. Our business and our industry must remain professional and prepared. This is a dynamic sector, and we’re here to help everyone—from apprentices to seasoned pros—navigate the change.” CEFLive also highlighted investments in education and training, addressing fast-changing regulations, a national skills shortage, and the need for ongoing professional development. The TechTalks returned, with over 12,000 attendees participating across the two days, and CEF unveiled the launch of a new online learning platform offering CPD-accredited content and live sessions for remote learning. “This isn’t about a defined ROI—it’s just the right thing to do,” concludes Chris. “When you get the best people in every discipline working together, great things happen. CEFLive25 proves that.” For more from CEFLive25, click here.

Baxi to showcase products at InstallerSHOW
Baxi, a heating and hot water systems manufacturer, will be exhibiting on stand 5F42 at InstallerSHOW 2025, the heating industry’s largest event, which takes place this year at Birmingham’s NEC from 24 to 26 June. Among other products, there will be the chance to see the company’s newly launched, pre-wired and pre-plumbed Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) cylinder which is fully compatible with Baxi’s residential ASHP range. For those installers considering branching out into heat pump installation, Baxi’s renewable experts will be on the stand to discuss how the company may be able help them along the journey. Baxi’s range of residential boilers - including combi, system, heat only, and electric models - will also be on display. The boilers will be positioned alongside the compatible Megaflo Eco cylinders, controls, and accessories, including the uSense 2 smart room thermostat. Providing a special attraction for boxing fans, visitors to the stand are invited to meet and compete with heavyweight boxing champion Lewis Williams, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and rising star in professional British boxing. Those adventurous enough to challenge the champ’s swing in a competition are in with a chance of winning VIP tickets to see Lewis live in action at an upcoming fixture. Installers will additionally have the opportunity to see a full ASHP system configuration on the stand, as developed by Baxi’s Packaged Solution team for Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital platform. For heating professionals working on commercial and light commercial projects, there will also be the opportunity to see and inspect the new ‘Remeha by Baxi’ Quinta Ace and Quinta Ace S series of wall-hung commercial boilers. These commercial technologies will all be showcased on the Baxi stand along with the new Baxi AquaHeat Heat Interface Unit (HIU). BESA 2023 v3 registered, the AquaHeat units are electronically controlled, facilitating remote monitoring, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Rob Pearse, Residential Business Director at Baxi, says, “Our number one goal with InstallerSHOW is to give installers a chance to see everything that’s available to them, from our comprehensive solutions to wraparound support. Our priority is to make things easy for our customers by offering reliable, intuitive, and future-ready heating solutions backed by the training and advice needed to take full advantage of them. Whatever the project, we want our customers to know that they can always rely on us for high-quality, energy-efficient, and sustainable heating solutions with superior support. Put simply, we want them to know that at every stage of the project, we’ve got their back.” For more from Baxi, click here.

Acrospire delivers solar lighting for Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach, a newly developed community in Peterborough by Barratt Redrow (including Barratt and David Wilson Homes), has been designed to balance modern convenience with sustainability. Situated around the picturesque Teardrop Lake, the development provides residents with scenic views, expansive green spaces, and access to essential amenities. With Barratt Redrow’s stated commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, sustainability was a key factor in shaping the infrastructure of Hampton Beach. To support these environmental goals, Acrospire, a British manufacturer of exterior LED lighting systems, in partnership with GM Briton, was chosen to provide an energy-efficient street lighting solution. The project aimed to install low-carbon, off-grid lighting that would enhance visibility, improve safety, and align with the sustainable ambitions of the housebuilder. Acrospire supplied and installed Defender solar luminaires. Specifically designed for the UK market, Defender was selected for its performance, delivering up to 10,285 lumens and offering up to five nights of autonomy on a single charge. The solar lighting installation seeks to reduce Hampton Beach’s carbon footprint while providing bright, evenly distributed illumination across footpaths and communal areas. By operating independently of the power grid, these luminaires should help lower long-term energy costs, eliminate the need for trenching and cabling, and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. James Brooker, Area Sales Manager at Acrospire, comments, "With today’s astronomical electricity costs, solar lighting solutions like the Defender make perfect sense for new build developments. By removing the need for trenching and wiring, they pay for themselves quickly — offering a long-term, environmentally friendly investment with no ongoing energy costs. The ability to deliver high-quality lighting without relying on the grid is a game-changer for housebuilders looking to meet their sustainability targets while keeping operational expenses low." A spokesperson at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, says, “We are delighted to work with Acrospire to provide energy efficient street lighting at our Hampton Beach developments. Finding more sustainable ways of living is a priority for us as a leading housebuilder, and we are pleased to be making strides to becoming net zero.” For more from Acrospire, click here.

Government must go further with solar, says expert
Following the government’s proposal of rooftop solar being mandated for new homes, a renewable energy and solar expert is warning that policy must go further to address energy for commercial buildings. Damian Baker, Founder and Managing Director of RenEnergy (a British renewable energy company), says, “While it is good to see solar being mandated for new homes to support homeowners with lowering bills, the government is not solving the issue of energy costs for commercial buildings and the high-energy industries that use them. “Commercial premises use significantly more energy than homes, and rising energy costs for businesses continue to pose a challenge as the economic landscape remains uncertain. Solar production can provide a significant opportunity for businesses to take back control of their energy, particularly when it comes to installing solar car ports in car parks. “Car parks for buildings such as supermarkets and retail parks, offices, hotels, golf clubs, train stations, and airports can introduce significant savings on energy costs, and surplus energy can be sold back to the grid, significantly reduce their operating costs, improve margins, and potentially pass on energy savings to consumers in the form of lower prices. “In turn, car ports on commercial premises can provide much-needed, large-scale EV charging infrastructure that can boost the uptake of electric vehicles, particularly for homes with no driveway. “Most importantly, car ports offer the potential for the UK to significantly improve its energy security and reduce reliance on the already overstretched electricity grid, with solar carports able to gain planning approval within eight weeks under permitted development with prior approval. “We believe the potential is enormous with RenEnergy’s own ongoing research already identifying over 629,000 suitable parking spaces and counting that could provide over 1,456 GWh of solar energy per year. The government has called for evidence on their viability, but it is already clear that there is opportunity to produce significant solar energy to benefit British businesses and, in turn, the public. Now is the time to build on this residential mandate and get serious about solar production for commercial premises to improve energy security and lower costs for all.” For more from RenEnergy, click here.



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