Opinion: U-turns cost billions, let’s stick to the (Warm Homes) plan 20 Oct 1:06 AM (2 days ago)
Following the announcement that the Warm Homes Plan has been postponed, Mark Krull, Director for LCL Awards and Logic4training, urges government to stop back-tracking and commit to the path to net zero.
“I am disappointed to hear that the Warm Homes Plan has been delayed, a scheme that holds much promise to improve the efficiency of some of the poorest performing housing stock, reducing carbon footprints and slashing bills while creating comfortable healthy environments for building occupants. The Labour Government’s plans for decarbonisation began positively, yet here we are, a year in, faced with another dreaded ‘U-turn’, of which their predecessors were so fond.
“The economy’s on shaky ground, so denting the confidence of a buoyant sector seems like a miss step. We’ve seen it before when the renewables sector stalled after take-off following the boom and bust era of the RHI. While we are in a very different place now, with widespread take-up of heat pumps, and an incredibly healthy solar industry that’s standing on its own feet without the backing of government incentives, it doesn’t take much to upset the apple cart, leading to market retraction and dented consumer confidence.
“At the time of writing, the Future Homes Standard is just around the corner, forcing the hand of the new build sector from the end of next year. We cannot afford delays here either. Just 10 years ago scrapping the zero-carbon homes regulation led to the construction of around 1.5 million sub-standard properties, which now need retrofitting at a cost of approximately £20,000 each – £30bn in total. The Warm Homes Plan has a budget of £13.4bn and it is highly likely that many of these 10-year-old homes qualify. The math’s clearly doesn’t stack up. This situation could have been completely avoided had it not been for this particular ‘U-turn’ – one designed to line housebuilder’s pockets.
“Let’s hope this ‘postponement’ is temporary and when the roll-out of energy efficiency upgrades under the Warm Homes Plan begin, they are completed with a focus on quality rather than treated as a money-making scheme by unscrupulous trades people. Recent reports surrounding sub-standard insulation and the problems it has caused tens of thousands of homes under ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme offer yet another cautionary tale. Not only have we got to stop back-tracking, we’ve also got to stop cutting corners.
“Overall, using net zero and renewables as a political football has got to stop – it’s detrimental to the construction industry and UK-Plc, costing jobs and ruining businesses.”
EIC teams up with Prostate Cymru for Men’s Health Month 16 Oct 4:30 AM (6 days ago)
November is Men’s Health Month, and the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) want to shine a light on the unique challenges that men face in health and well-being.
November’s Wellbeing Talk takes place on Wednesday, 5 November and is presented by Prostate Cymru, a leading prostate health charity. In this talk, we encourage open conversations, and educate you on what to look out for, where you can go for help, testing and
coping with a diagnosis.
You can RSVP to the talk here or watch the full talk on demand on EIC YouTube channel.
Promoting Physical Health: Addressing Common Health Issues and Encouraging Regular Check-Ups
While mental health rightly continues to be a key focus in workplace wellbeing strategies, men’s physical health deserves equal attention. From heart disease to cancer risks, men face a range of health challenges that can significantly affect their energy levels, resilience, and
performance at work. Encouraging regular health check-ups and preventative care is vital to supporting men’s long-term wellbeing.
Understanding the Health Risks Men Face
Men are statistically at higher risk of developing certain chronic conditions, often due to a combination of biological and lifestyle factors. Key health issues include:
• Prostate and Testicular Cancer – Prostate cancer mainly affects older men, while testicular cancer is more common in those aged 15 to 35. Early detection through screening significantly improves outcomes.
• Heart Disease – The leading cause of death among men, often linked to poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels. Early signs such as chest pain or fatigue should not be ignored.
• Diabetes – Unmanaged diabetes can lead to serious complications including heart and kidney disease. Routine blood sugar testing is essential, especially as early symptoms can go unnoticed.
• Lung Disease – Men exposed to smoking or workplace hazards such as dust and chemicals are at increased risk. Persistent coughs or shortness of breath warrant immediate medical attention.
Don’t Put It Off
We know that men are less likely than women to make contact with their GP and are less likely to attend routine appointments, often delaying help-seeking until symptoms interfere with daily function. A 2024 ONS Health Insight survey found that 48% of male respondents felt a degree of pressure to “tough it out” when it came to potential health issues.
We want to encourage the men in our industry not to put off seeking medical help. Early detection of things like prostate and testicular cancer significantly improves the chance of successful treatment.
Routine screenings and health assessments are key to catching issues early and preventing more serious conditions. Recommended preventative measures include:
• Health Screenings – Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as reviews of family medical history.
• Cancer Screenings – PSA tests for prostate cancer, self-examinations, and other diagnostic tools help with early detection.
• Vaccinations – Staying current with flu shots and occupational immunisations protects both employees and their colleagues, especially in construction or industrial roles.
A Healthier Workforce is a Stronger Workforce
By raising awareness of men’s health risks, promoting preventative care, and embedding health into workplace culture, employers can make a meaningful impact. Healthy employees are not only more productive and engaged, but also bring long term benefits to organisational
performance and morale.
Introducing Consort Claudgen’s new commercial fan heater 16 Oct 4:17 AM (6 days ago)
Consort Claudgen is proud to announce the launch of the new CFH3 Commercial Fan Heater, designed to deliver efficient and reliable heating for workshops, garages, and other commercial spaces. Rated at 3kW, this heater features one fan speed and three heat settings, along with a fan-only mode for optimal air circulation. The HRXSL controller ensures precise temperature control, offering up to 6 daily programmes and 7-day scheduling for enhanced energy efficiency. Multiple heaters can be controlled in a single-zone configuration, providing scalable solutions for larger spaces. The wall-mounted heater has multi-directional brackets for flexible installation, offering 180° horizontal and 45° vertical adjustment for targeted warmth.
Finished in sleek matt black, the CFH3 is not only functional but also stylish, making it the perfect addition to any commercial environment.
For more information, contact Sales at 01646 692172 or visit www.consortepl.com.
Waste Experts Becomes a Certified B Corp™ 16 Oct 4:15 AM (6 days ago)
After 20 months of hard work, dedication, and collaboration across every part of the business, Waste Experts is proud to announce that we’re now a Certified B Corporation™ – joining a global movement of companies using business as a force for good®.
A milestone for people, planet, and purpose
This certification, granted by the non-profit B Lab™, verifies that we meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
It’s more than a badge. It’s a public commitment to consider the impact of every decision we make – not only on our shareholders, but on our employees, customers, communities, and the environment.
Becoming a B Corp™ means embedding purpose into the way we operate, every single day.
“This recognition proudly positions us among the UK’s leading purpose-driven businesses and champions of responsible growth,” said Shaun Donaghey, Managing Director at Waste Experts.
“It’s a shining testament to the values that inspire and drive everything we do – proving that when we work together, we can make a measurable, positive difference.”
Verified impact, proven accountability
To achieve certification, Waste Experts underwent a rigorous evaluation through the B Impact Assessment™, a detailed review of our policies, practices, and performance across five key areas:
Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.
We’re incredibly proud to have earned a B Impact Score of 105.3, far exceeding the 80 points required for certification and more than double the global median of 50.9.
This score reflects our ongoing work to create a culture of integrity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility – and our commitment to continuously improve.
A collective achievement
This success belongs to everyone across Waste Experts.
From operations to leadership, every team member played a vital part in bringing our purpose to life.
“We had to prove that our actions matched our words,” added Shaun.
“That makes this achievement even more meaningful – it’s built on transparency, accountability, and collective belief.”
Looking ahead
Our B Corp™ certification isn’t the finish line – it’s the start of a new chapter.
We’re now part of a worldwide community of businesses working together to build an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
Over the coming months, we’ll share more about what this means for our people, our partners, and our ongoing sustainability journey.
Together, we’ll keep raising the bar – balancing profit with purpose and proving that responsible business is better business *
New Schneider report highlights top threats to operational resilience 10 Oct 7:09 AM (12 days ago)
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today is calling on organisations to address the “Silent Saboteur” – the hidden, cumulative risks that quietly undermine business operations, safety, and efficiency.
Drawing on insights from audits of over 400 customer sites worldwide, Schneider Electric’s latest Industry Insight Report reveals that many organisations are unknowingly exposed to operational threats that can have catastrophic financial and reputational consequences.
Types of risk identified
Safety and compliance gaps: 98% of sites had electrical safety risks, and 93% had not conducted recent protection coordination studies, leaving them vulnerable to safety incidents and regulatory non-compliance.
Obsolete equipment: 79% of audited sites were found to be running outdated electrical equipment, increasing the risk of unexpected failures and costly downtime.
Lack of critical spare parts: 71% of sites lacked essential spare parts, putting business continuity at risk and extending recovery times in the event of a breakdown.
Poor maintenance practices: Nearly a third of sites had damaged or poorly maintained capacitor banks, compounding power quality and stability issues.
Limited operational visibility: Many organisations still rely on manual processes and siloed data, making it difficult to detect inefficiencies or anticipate failures before they escalate.
Kas Mohammed, Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Services UK&I said: “Too often, organisations focus on headline investments while overlooking the operational fundamentals that keep their business running. The real risk lies in the hidden faults – those silent saboteurs – that quietly erode efficiency and resilience. The good news is increased monitoring and digitalisation of assets stops the saboteur lurking in the shadows, and organisations can be on the front foot when it comes to managing their operations.
Product data expert, Phil Thompson, joins ETIM UK and Ireland 10 Oct 7:07 AM (12 days ago)
To boost support for businesses that are keen to adopt the ETIM data standard in the UK and Ireland, Phil Thompson, former Procurement Data Manager at NG Bailey, the UK’s largest independent engineering and infrastructure services provider, has joined the team as Manager – ETIM UK and Ireland Limited.
This is a new role reflecting the increased demand by businesses for technical and practical ETIM support. Phil will divide his time between the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and their ETIM work in the electrotechnical sector, and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), covering businesses in the building materials, HVAC and plumbing sectors. The EDA and BMF are partners in ETIM UK and Ireland.
Phil will focus on continued development and improvement of the ETIM standard in response to feedback from EDA and BMF members and, specifically, to meet the needs of the UK and Irish markets.
Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA and Board Member at ETIM International, said of the appointment:
“We are delighted that the EDA and BMF now have additional resources to support the businesses we represent, and Phil is tailor-made for this role. He brings a thorough understanding of the product data landscape in the UK’s construction sector and the part that the ETIM standard plays in improving the accuracy and consistency of product information as it is shared through the supply chain, particularly its contribution to building safety. On this last point, Phil will continue in his role as chair of the GS1 UK Construction Sector User Group and as a Verifier for the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), alongside his new ETIM responsibilities.”
Of his appointment, Phil added “After many years of working alongside trade associations, I’m excited to be joining ETIM UK and Ireland and look forward to supporting both the BMF and the EDA to increase adoption and raise awareness of the need for high quality product data across the construction sector.”
ETIM UK and Ireland has been promoting and managing the standard in the UK since 2017, and is a partnership between the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). Both organisations recognise the growing importance of high quality reliable, digitalised data for their supply chains and are championing digitalisation amongst their membership.
The ETIM product data classification standard has been in use across Europe for over 30 years and, more recently, has expanded to North America and Australia/New Zealand making it a truly global standard. Companies that have adopted the standard can exchange product data with greater ease along their supply chains in multiple languages, improving efficiency and reducing errors. The open-source standard is managed by a central, not-for-profit, organisation based in the Netherlands, ETIM International.
SELECT repeats warning about dangers of short training courses in electrical skills 10 Oct 7:07 AM (12 days ago)
Campaigning trade body SELECT has once again warned of the ongoing danger to public safety from organisations offering to train people in electrical skills in just a few weeks.
Scotland’s largest construction trade association has repeated its alert about the rising trend of “six-week wonders” – and expressed dismay that some courses now appear to be offering even shorter training periods in electrotechnical work.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Despite repeated warnings, we continue to see short courses being offered, including a recent example that promised to equip candidates with electrical installation skills in a month with no prior experience needed.
“It is a matter of considerable concern that some of these so-called training providers appear to be suggesting that it’s possible to learn in a few weeks some of the complex technical skills that qualified electricians take years to acquire.
“Inadequately trained people pose a significant risk to both consumers and the electrical sector itself. There is no substitute for a proper apprenticeship, followed by extensive on-the-job experience.”
SELECT has been at the forefront of a long-running campaign for the professional recognition of electricians, which is now gaining traction in the Scottish Parliament, and which would make it illegal for unqualified people to pose as electricians.
Alan added: “The key to keeping the sector safe is to make sure that people get work done properly and that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner.
“With the rise in renewables and ever more sophisticated technology, it’s vitally important that only properly qualified and suitably skilled experts instal products and carry out repairs and maintenance.”
SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union all work in close partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to ensure the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation produces an annual pipeline of talent.
Mr Wilson added: “The wellbeing of the public and the safety focus on the work undertaken by electricians have always been at the forefront of everything that SELECT does, which is why we help run some of the most rigorous and most demanding apprenticeships and training courses in the industry.
“The industry already has routes to entry for people with transferrable skills but, in general, adult apprenticeship schemes are still the best option for securing a recognised qualification for people wanting a change in career.”
Circular Lighting Live 2025: 10 Oct 5:37 AM (12 days ago)
Lighting Industry Unites to Drive Real Change in Sustainability and Circularity
Collaboration and innovation took centre stage at Circular Lighting Live 2025, the UK’s leading sustainability conference for the lighting industry.
Held in London and organised by Recolight, the event brought together more than 35 inspirational speakers and leading brands to explore how the industry can accelerate the transition to circularity. Delegates, sponsors, and speakers highlighted both the urgency and the opportunity for the sector to embrace circular design, reuse, and decarbonisation.
Doing Things Differently
A recurring theme was the need for collaboration between manufacturers, lighting designers, clients, and contractors, to deliver step change sustainability. Speakers emphasised that “doing things differently” requires trust, dialogue, and collaboration across the supply chain – and that misplaced perceptions of risk, especially with luminaire reuse, can hinder progress.
Key Trends and Technical Insights
Delegates engaged strongly with technical and regulatory themes, reflecting the fast-evolving landscape:
· Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were widely discussed, recognising their growing importance in enabling transparent and credible product comparisons.
· TM65 and TM66 were acknowledged as important gateway tools for measuring embodied carbon and assessing circularity.
· Legislative updates provided delegates with visibility of new and evolving UK and EU regulations on sustainability.
· The importance of reuse, refurbishment, and the energy transition were repeatedly emphasised as drivers by lighting specifiers.
· Broader themes included decarbonisation, design for repairability, skills development, and other circular economy practices.
Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight said: “Circular Lighting Live this year was buzzing with ideas and opportunities. It was inspiring to hear of new approaches to tackling sustainability and the circular economy. It was particularly pleasing to note that there was a tangible desire to press on, in spite of the political headwinds coming across the Atlantic.”
What the delegates said:
The event drew backing from major brands including Signify, Sylvania Group, Glamox, KKDC, Prime Light Group, Prolojik, Thorlux Lighting, Trojan Lighting Solutions, NVC Lighting UK, Mymesh by Chess UK, SMART SYSTEMS UK, and ALBIS Distribution.
Feedback from sponsors and delegates was overwhelmingly positive:
· “Circular Lighting Live this year showed that meaningful change is underway… Business as usual is no good, we must challenge, and we must change.” – Gary Thornton, Nulty
· “An important conversation about circular design in lighting. Events like this are vital in helping our industry move from talking about circularity to embedding it as standard practice.” – Paul Beale, 18 Degrees
· “10/10 best year yet! Relevant & engaging topics… Circular Lighting Live was a vital catalyst in the evolution in these topics.” – Justine Walmsey, Signify
· “Prolojik was proud to sponsor Circular Lighting Live and be part of such an inspiring event. It was fantastic to be in a space where innovation, collaboration, and sustainability truly come together.” – Darcy Hudson, Prolojik
· “Circular Lighting Live was an inspiring event, full of passionate people driving change in the industry.” – Nicholas Holmes, Ambit
· “Circular Lighting Live is a great event that brings the industry together in a common goal. Positive and Inspiring!” – Nick Revell, Philip Payne Limited
· “Commercial lighting companies dedication to carbon reduction is an inspiration to KKDC, we feel that reducing waste and reducing carbon are both key, no matter on the industry sector or size.” – Tom Hall, KKDC
· “This event has established itself as a must attend event for anyone serious about sustainability within the lighting Industry.” – Mike Edwards, Verde Photon
Looking Ahead
Ray Molony, who co-organised the event and curated the agenda said “With sustainability now at the heart of lighting product development, design, and specification, Circular Lighting Live has become a vital platform for collaboration and innovation. By tackling barriers, sharing knowledge, and embedding circularity as standard practice, the UK lighting industry is leading the way towards a truly sustainable future.”
Electro-Wind supplies critical transformer technology to landmark Woodsmith Mine project 7 Oct 5:00 AM (15 days ago)
Electro-Wind has announced its role in the delivery of the Woodsmith Mine project near Whitby, North Yorkshire, through the design, supply, and commissioning of specialist transformer solutions.
The customer required a comprehensive range of mining transformers to be custom-designed and manufactured to meet the specific demands of the project. The custom-built units included 10 kVA single-phase transformers, 3.3kV three-phase transformers with various voltage ratings, and multiple 1 MVA three-phase transformers. These transformers will be used to power lighting systems and a wide array of machinery across the mining site.
In addition to the typical constraints related to time, size, and weight, the engineering team had to carefully address factors such as thermal management, ventilation, humidity control, and strict compliance with mining regulations.
The Woodsmith Mine, currently under development, is set to become one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom. Construction of the tunnel commenced in 2016, with tunnel boring operations beginning in 2019. Upon completion, the 23-mile underground conveyor tunnel will be the longest of its kind in the UK, engineered to transport between 10 and 20 million tonnes of polyhalite each year to Teesside for processing export.
With an investment of £1.2 billion recorded in 2018, the project stands as the UK’s second- largest underground engineering undertaking after the Channel Tunnel. Electro-Wind’s transformers-now fully installed and operational-play a vital role in powering the extensive conveyor and associated systems, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and resilience across one of the most demanding industrial environments in the country.
In addition to meeting the rigorous technical requirements of this landmark development, Electro-Wind has supplied solutions designed with energy efficiency and sustainability at their core. By optimising performance and reducing energy losses, the company’s transformer technology contributes to lowering the project’s long-term environmental footprint-supporting both operational resilience and the broader transition to more sustainable industrial practices.
Electro-Wind continues to support large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects across the UK and beyond, delivering bespoke power solutions tailored to the highest technical, operational, and environmental standards. For more information, please visit www.electro-wind.co.uk or follow Electro-Wind on social media.
ESPIRE Mobile Showroom takes to the road 3 Oct 2:12 AM (19 days ago)
Following its successful entry into the fire and safety alarm market earlier this year with its comprehensive Espire range, ESP, part of the Scolmore Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand new, custom-designed Espire mobile showroom.
Designed as a valuable resource for both wholesalers and contractors, the mobile showroom will be taking to the roads to offer a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course focused on BS5839-6. This initiative will not only provide invaluable industry knowledge but also offer hands-on experience with Espire’s range of fire alarm solutions.
With a significant investment in expanding its presence in the fire and safety sector, Espire has designed a state-of-the-art mobile showroom that combines functionality with sophistication. The strikingly branded truck is equipped with a spacious, modern showroom, showcasing Espire’s full range of high-performance fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm products including its heat, CO, smoke, heat & CO, and smoke & heat. This innovative platform provides industry professionals with an opportunity to get hands on experience of the full Espire product range and explore the set-up and functionality of the RF pairing of devices.
The CPD course will provide in-depth insights into BS5839-6, the British Standard covering fire detection and fire alarm systems for domestic premises. The course will focus on the various categories, grades, and minimum requirements for fire and CO alarm systems in residential settings. It is an essential learning opportunity for anyone involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection systems in domestic properties.
In addition to the Espire range, attendees will be given an overview of ESP’s fire protection solutions range. This range is broadly divided into two categories. The first category comprises the MAGfire four-wire and the MAGDUO two-wire fire alarm systems, which are aimed at small to medium installations, offering them a highly flexible and adaptable system. The second category is the MAGfire addressable system, which is suitable for large commercial premises and more complex networked systems.
Wholesalers keen to take advantage of this unique opportunity are encouraged to invite their customers to attend one of these specialised on-site CPD and product awareness days. Local Area Sales Managers can be contacted to arrange participation.