Professional Electricians Wholesaler March 2024

46

20

22

32

36

34

Welcome to the March issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler. The end of the month not only brings Easter but also the first quarter mark of the year which seems to be flying by already. No sooner had all of the Christmas goodies vanished from the shops than the colourful Easter eggs had appeared in early January.

I am sure I’m not alone in saying that I’m not a fan of the speeding up of the year the shops like to inflict on us every year, but it must work as they have been doing it for as long as I can remember. We all know the majority of Easter egg prices are marked up because of the novelty packaging yet so many of us fall for it every year. While some environmentally-conscious companies have scaled down their unnecessary packaging we still see the Easter egg ‘towers’ as soon as we enter a supermarket. The marketing teams at the chocolate brands and the shops themselves aren’t stupid and they are not going to change what must obviously be a winning formula to boost sales. When it comes to events like Christmas and Easter it is often children who are being targeted by these sales methods as we all know they will be the ones wishing for their favourite egg or toy when they see it on the shelves, and the parents will oblige as they want their kids to enjoy the very best they can afford to give them.

All this does highlight the point though of what an effective in-store display can do for your sales. An electrical wholesaler outlet is not just a trade counter. It presents a chance for manufacturers to display their products in a way that allows customers to get up close and see first hand the key features of a new product that can persuade an electrician to hand over their cash (or make a contactless card payment!). Our Point of Sale page, which this month features Deligo, is an opportunity for manufacturers to let wholesalers know about their latest product display items designed to boost customer engagement and increase in-store sales.

With the weather slowly starting to warm up we’ll be switching off the radiators and turning our thoughts to air cooling and ventilation, which is one of our special features in this issue, alongside our regular contents including Face to Face, Soapbox and a round up of all the latest products.

Happy Easter!

6,025

Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Tracey Rushton-Thorpe Editor

NEWS & VIEWS

RECOLIGHT RESPONDS TO WEEE PROPOSALS

RECOLIGHTWELCOMESWEEECONSULTATION

The government recently launched the eagerly anticipated WEEE consultation and Recolight is pleased to see that the initial policy proposals cover what had been expected.

The reform of the WEEE regulations is intended to encourage greater reuse and collection of waste electricals and for products that cannot be reused, or remanufactured, proposals are in place to make it easier for consumers to recycle.

There are two separate consultations –firstly proposals for short term regulatory change, and secondly, a call for evidence in other areas, to aid the development of new policy proposals.

The proposals for short term regulatory change are:

● Free of charge collection of WEEE for consumers

In essence, providing householders with free of charge collection of both small WEEE, and also of bulky WEEE, financed by the producers of new products.

● Enhanced options for consumer takeback via retailers

This includes strengthened obligations on retailers, in particular free collection of used appliances when delivering

new appliances, and simpler in-store take back options for consumers.

● Tackling non-compliant product sold via online marketplaces

The government propose a new class of producer. This would require online marketplaces to take on the financial obligations for collection and treatment of their overseas sellers. This would be consistent with the current packaging reforms.

● New category for vapes

Establishment of a new category for vapes to ensure the cost of collection

and treatment of these products is correctly borne by vape producers –and not by other producers

● Setting up a new central WEEE administration body

This would manage several functions currently undertaken by various organisations, together with managing household WEEE collections, to control costs.

Commenting on the launch of the consultations, Recolight Chief Executive Nigel Harvey said: “This consultation is long overdue, but it is pleasing that it has prioritised some ‘quick wins’ for early implementation. For the lighting industry, the most important is no doubt action to end the scourge of WEEE non-compliance through online marketplaces. Research has shown that the overwhelming majority of smaller electrical products, such as light bulbs, offered for sale through online marketplaces do not comply with the WEEE regulations. The proposed changes will require marketplaces to finance the WEEE obligations of products from outside the UK sold via their platform. For the lighting industry, this cannot happen soon enough.”

KNIGHTSBRIDGE ANDNOAH BRING HOPE THIS WINTER

In what has become annual tradition for the company, Knightsbridge has provided additional support to the homeless this winter with a significant donation to a regional charity doing great work in the field.

NOAH Enterprise is local to Knightsbridge and seeks to help the most disadvantaged in Luton and Central Bedfordshire by providing a practical, empowering and caring service to homeless people, particularly those who are temporary or entrenched rough sleepers; and those who are marginalised, socially excluded or have fallen into poverty.

NOAH provides a broad range of support services, ranging from an emergency winter night shelter and a welfare centre providing hot meals and legal and health advice, through to

outreach on the streets and the NOAH academy, which delivers education and training helping people with work experience and volunteering and so, ultimately, back into work.

Knightsbridge is closely aligned with the work of homelessness charities and is donating £9,500 from the December sales of its Weatherproof range sales to them.

For donations to NOAH Enterprise, please visit: https://noahenterprise.org/how-youcan-help/donate/

FREE TRAINING COURSE SET TO UNLOCK RETROFIT CAREER PATHS FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

Electrical engineers and contractors can now access a free course to kickstart their career in retrofit.

The new online course, Retrofit 101, has been curated and designed by The Retrofit Academy to provide anyone wanting to learn about the fundamentals of what domestic retrofit involves and why it is important in driving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Aiming to bolster understanding of retrofit for electrical professionals and work they may already be doing to improve energy efficiency in buildings, the course is designed to unlock the potential for professionals to go on to progress into further retrofit qualifications as they develop their career in the area.

As government policy and funding for decarbonising homes and buildings continues to grow, the workforce required to deliver high-quality retrofit at scale must be quickly developed to meet growing demand. The organisation has launched the Retrofit 101 course to give more people than ever before chance to understand the process of retrofit, why domestic retrofit is needed, learn about what goes into retrofit advice and understand the retrofit career paths that are available for people.

David Pierpoint, CEO and founder of The Retrofit Academy, said: “We have been developing and delivering accredited retrofit training courses since 2016 and have unlocked careers for thousands of individuals already. To create the workforce needed to decarbonise all homes in the UK, however, we must go further. With that in mind, we’ve developed our free introductory course with the aim of sharing our wealth of retrofit knowledge with as many people as possible, which we hope will make the world of retrofit even more attractive to a broader talent pool.”

NEWS & VIEWS

INSTROTECH TURNS 40

INSTROTECH CELEBRATES 40TH YEAR

Instrotech is marking 40 years of providing the best test equipment coupled with exceptional customer support.

Established in 1984, year on year the product portfolio has grown steadily, encompassing basic test and measurement tools for engineers and electricians, as well as cutting-edge measurement tools like thermal imaging cameras and power

quality analysers for maintenance professionals. Instrotech’s current offering has thousands of test and measurement and environmental products covering an extensive range of technologies.

“We remain committed to delivering unrivalled customer service and support, and we will continue to expand our product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Sales

To make the 40 year celebration even more exciting, the company will be hosting various prize draw competitions throughout 2024, giving entrants a chance to win incredible test equipment prizes.

ECA CALLS FOR FOCUS ON LOCAL SKILLS

ECA has urged policymakers to rethink their approach to electrical skills development. Speaking at the Westminster Employment Forum, ECA Chief Operating Officer Andrew Eldred warned ministers that individuals undertaking net zero electrical installations without the proper skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours are not competent, and potentially unsafe.

Andrew was joined at the event, titled ‘Next steps for local skills improvement plans and regional skills in England’, by speakers including Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester; Parminder Kohli, Commissioner, Social Mobility Commission; Mark Hilton, Policy Delivery

Director, BusinessLDN; and Suzanne Caldwell, Chief Executive, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

The forum focused on next steps for devolved skills policy and local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) in England, following the launch of the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF).

Andrew Eldred said: “The shortage of qualified electricians in England, intensified by a broken skills pipeline, poses a serious but solvable challenge to achieving national, regional and local net zero targets.

“ECA urges policymakers, industry leaders and educators to endorse our Recharging Electrical Skills Charter to build a competent electrotechnical

workforce which can deliver the essential expansion of net zero technologies, including solar PV, battery storage and electric vehicle charge points.”

Out of around 200,000 electricians practising in England, at least 35,000 currently lack industry recognised Level 3 qualifications. In addition, fewer than 10% of the 20,000 learners currently enrolling onto publicly funded classroom-based electrical courses each year subsequently progress into an apprenticeship.

To meet these challenges, ECA’s Recharging Electrical Skills Charter proposes a number of policy changes to upskill the existing electrical workforce and grow electrical apprentice starts in England from 7,500 to 10,000 annually.

ELECTRO-WINDCELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

This year marks Electro-Wind’s 45th anniversary and whilst the first generation started and developed the business for 20 years, the next generation have been committed to leading the company’s growth for the following 25 years.

Over its 45 years the company has evolved and grown, widening its product range in size and diversity whilst gaining expertise and capability along the way. The growing product range offers bespoke transformers from 10VA up to 2MVA in addition to AC reactors, DC rectifiers and chokes, all supported by an

extensive range of associated products, including site electrical accessories.

Electro-Wind has outgrown three different premises and with the latest addition of a further production unit to house significant machinery investments, the momentum shows no sign of slowing.

People are integral to any business success and the strength and enthusiasm of a determined team is key in driving the organisation to greater success. Electro-Wind is committed to continued growth and would like to thank its staff, suppliers, and customers for their continued support.

Manager Guy Brown.

SCOLMORE NAMED AS SKILLELECTRIC PARTNER

SCOLMORE ANNOUNCED AS AN OFFICIAL DELIVERY PARTNER FOR SKILLELECTRIC2024

Scolmore Group has announced its status as an official delivery partner for this year‘s SkillELECTRIC competition.

SkillELECTRIC is the search for the UK’s best young electrician and is the premier skills competition for the UK’s electrical industry. Each year, the best electrical students and apprentices from across the UK compete to win a place in the competition’s grand final. Organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) and run in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, it is designed to promote and showcase high standards and skills across the electrotechnical industry.

As a delivery partner, Scolmore has a key role to play and is enjoying a

strengthened relationship with the teams at SkillELECTRIC and NET, helping to shape how the competition is run.

As part of its commitment to support the electrical industry and help develop the next generation of electricians, Scolmore Group first became involved as a sponsor of SkillELECTRIC back in 2018. The company has continued its support for the competition in the ensuing years, providing a range of materials and products from across the Scolmore Group for use by the contestants during the national heats and the UK final, as well as supplying an array of product prizes for the winner and runners up. Scolmore Group’s technical engagement team has

also played a key role in the judging process for the competition with Neil McManus, Technical Engagement Engineer, part of the judging panel.

Registration for the 2024 competition opens on 26th February and will run until 28th March. The entry stage involves competitors having to complete an online, timed, interactive task and only those successful at the entry stage will be invited to compete in a national qualifying heat.

MARSHALL-TUFFLEX SAVES 2,750 TONNES OF PLASTIC

Marshall-Tufflex has announced that it used an average of 60% recycled material in the production of its PVC-U cable management range in 2023. This achievement is part of the company’s continued efforts to improve the construction industry’s impact on natural resources and waste.

British based manufacturer MarshallTufflex has been using recycled material originating from waste PVC-U windows in the manufacturing of its products for 30

years and in 2023, this figure was at an average of 60%. The efforts are part of the company’s mission to drive positive change in the industry and represents over 2,750 tonnes of waste PVC-U that has been reused effectively for

manufacturing Marshall-Tufflex products.

“To help combat the 25 million tonnes of waste generated by the construction industry ending up in landfill sites, we are revolutionising the way the built sector thinks about recycling. At Marshall-Tufflex, we want ALL PVC-U cable management products installed in buildings to be manufactured with recycled material and we would like this to be a reality by 2028,” explained Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex.

WHOLESALER NEWS

THORN LIGHTING SPONSORS EDATA

In association with Scolmore

THORN LIGHTING ANNOUNCED AS LATEST EDATA DATA POOL SPONSOR

Thorn Lighting has become the latest manufacturer to sponsor EDATA, the electrotechnical sector’s data pool.

Its commitment brings the total number of sponsors to 25, comprising a mix of manufacturers and wholesalers of various sizes. The sponsors’ pledges means that the EDATA Data Pool can continue to develop: making high quality product data available at no cost to EDA wholesalers and their branches, and continuing to develop the platform based on the input of the members.

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, said: “EDATA is ‘by the industry for the

CEF LAUNCHES NEW CUSTOMER FULFILMENT CENTRE IN CHESHAM

CEF has announced the opening of its new Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

The new fulfilment centre has opened with the aim of better serving the brand’s London and greater London branches, with upgraded stock availability, storage capacity and customer service.

Theopeningisthesecond CFCintheUK for CEF, with the first located in Dartford. There are plans to open more centres across the UK in the coming years as part of CEF’s plan to meet the ever-changing demands of its growing branch network.

industry’ and we are delighted to have secured the backing of Thorn Lighting, a highly respected, market-leading brand. Like the other sponsors, Thorn will take their place on the EDATA Steering Group and contribute to the strategic direction and development of the data pool.

“EDATA is about helping businesses benefit from efficiencies that standardised, high quality data can deliver to every point in the supply chain. This is not just about driving sales from manufacturer to wholesaler, and wholesaler to contractor, but also about improving the accuracy and traceability of product information

during a building’s lifetime.”

Paul Kilburn, Managing Director, Zumtobel Group UK & Ireland, said: “The EDATA data pool is changing the way the supply chain shares product information. Wholesalers are a key sales channel and our sponsorship means we can influence how EDATA evolves to support their businesses.

“We are also committed to giving our wholesaler customers easy access to high quality information about our products, and our EDATA sponsorship demonstrates that we are putting product data at the heart of our business and service to them.”

The opening of the CFC was officiated by CEF’s joint Global CEO, Jeremy Saunders and UK CEO, Chris Ashworth. As well as additional stock availability, the CFC will also improve local branches’ availability to fulfil large customer orders, provide faster delivery options including next day delivery.

On the new opening, Chris Ashworth, UK CEO, said: “We are proud

to be expanding our offering and opening our new Customer Fulfilment Centre in Chesham. This has given us another opportunity to support our loyal customer base as well as being able to support new customers. At CEF, we believe in continually investing in our growth and evolving with our customers’ needs, this Fulfilment Centre is a testament to that dedication.”

EDA INSIGHT

UNLEASHYOURPOTENTIAL FORWINNING ITANDDATA INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence. These training modules have won a Princess Royal Training Award so you can be assured of their value.

IT and Data Infrastructure is one of 12 training courses in the programme. The EDA modules are completely flexible and can be studied in any order or combination.

E-learning option

All the EDA training modules are available in a digital format instead of a printed textbook. The digital learning option is a complete e-learning experience with videos and interactive content. The EDA team is happy to talk you through your options and can give you a demonstration of the new e-learning platform. The IT and Data Infrastructure training module covers:

● Information technology/data communications

● Uninterruptible power supply

● Structured cabling

● Cabinets and racks

● Connectivity

● Termination

● Test equipment

● Cloud computing and data centres

● Quality and best practice

Years of knowledge to give your team a commercial edge

City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations to create an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your team.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the IT and Data Infrastructure module. Then check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: What is a LAN?

Q2: True or False? Most small UPS are maintenance-free.

Q3: What three elements make up a basic optical fibre?

Q4: Name the two types of wiring schemes?

Q5: What is the requirement for the installer when issuing warranties?

Q6: List the four types of data centre.

Q5: Must have formal product training Q6: 1. Enterprise 2. Hosted 3. Co-location4. Cloud services

Q2: True. Most small UPS are maintenance-free Q3: 1. Core 2. Cladding 3. Primary coatin Q4: 1. T568A 2. T568B

Q1: Local Area Network – a group of network devices connected together usually limited to a single building or a group of buildings in a limited area

ANSWERS:

HOW DID YOU DO?

Full marks: Well done!

3 - 5 out of 6: Not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you progress in your career?

Less than 3: The EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

WATCH THE VIDEO AND DOWNLOAD THE COURSE DIRECTORY

THERE’S

If you’re a manager looking for a flexible and convenient way to train your team to drive sales, get in touch on: 020 3141 7350 or email: training@eda.org.uk

LOOKING AFTER OUR APPRENTICES

With National Apprenticeship Week still fresh in the memory, EIC highlights some of the resources available to apprentices looking for support during the early stages of their careers.

Our apprentices are heavily impacted by the factors that are affecting our industry. On a lower wage and balancing college work with their training, apprentices are vulnerable to suffering with their mental health, whilst combatting the tribulations of the financial climate and the pressures faced in their early career. Together, we can work to create a safe space for those new to our industry and learning their trade.

Addiction

Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) and gambling addictions are increasing among apprentices and this is a pressing concern. It's important that we educate our industry on risks, where to find support and how to cope utilising positive coping strategies. Support may be offered to those who are experiencing addiction through the creation of a safe and non-judgemental

environment that promotes the use of signposting to organisations that can provide specific and tailored support to the presenting issues. Organisations such as Al-Anon, AA, NA, GA, GamCare and GamAware can help.

Eating disorders

An eating disorder is a medical diagnosis that is based on eating patterns and can include bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID, Pica, rumination disorder and diabulimia. Not every eating problem will be diagnosed as an eating disorder. Further information on the different types of eating disorders is available at www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/types-of-mental-health-problems/ eating-problems/types-of-eating-disorders.

Self-harm

Whilst apprentices are at high risk of selfharming, anyone can be affected and may self-harm. Self-harm is a way in which some people cope with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations. In some cases, self-harm has been described as a way to express something too challenging to put into words, to turn thoughts into something visible, to release the psychological pain and to feel in control. Reasons that someone may start self-harming include: pressures at work or school, bullying, money concerns, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, health problems, increase in stress and low self-esteem. Further information on how to help yourself if you are selfharming is available at:

www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/types-of-mental-health-problems/ self-harm/helping-yourself-now/.

Mental health awareness training

The EIC is offering industry apprentices 15 mental health awareness training modules for free. The course has been designed to give:

● An understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge the stigma

● A basic knowledge of some common mental health issues

● An introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining wellbeing

● Confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue

Apprentices who complete this course will be able to:

● Define mental health and understand its importance

● Recognise the signs of mental health challenges in themselves and their peers

● Access resources for seeking help and support if needed

● Contribute to a stigma-free environment that prioritises mental health in the workplace

● Understand the basics of self-care for maintaining mental wellbeing

If you are interested in accessing any of the training courses, you can sign up through the online platformhttps://eictrainingco.org/login/index. php. For businesses looking to invest in training packages, contact the EIC directly training@eictradingco.org.

FACE TO FACE PASS

In this month’s Face to Face we speak to Barry Atkins, Managing Director at PASS, to find out about the history of the company and the latest trends in testing.

QTell us a bit about how PASS operates and the history of the company.

A. PASS started in 2001 from small beginnings in Teesside. We have a dedicated team and pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service. In 2022 we welcomed another wellrespected company –Cuthbertson Laird –into the family.Currently, there are three parts to the business, operating from six sites across the UK. Locations are Watford, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

We are national test equipment and instrumentation distributors for manufacturers such as Megger, Seaward, Fluke, Testo, Flir and many others. Our customers include those operating in a wide array of sectors such as electrical and facilities management, utilities, education, facilities, medical, marine/offshore, and the public sector.

PASS has calibration laboratories at each of our sites. Any specialised equipment comes to our head office in Thornaby where we have seven different calibration labs.

“ T&M products are essential for identifying ways to improve energy efficiency and for effective preventative and predictive maintenance of assets.”

Our capabilities are electrical and electronic, process and instrumentation, pressure, temperature, humidity, dew point, dimensional, gas flow, torque, weights and scales, flue gas analysers and airflow calibration. We also offer onsite calibration services.

Our customers include the likes of large multi-site, multi-nationals and facilities management companies as well as individuals and tradespeople.

Our laboratory is accredited and audited by UKAS. We pride ourselves on providing a fast accurate service so that you can get back to working with your instruments. We are also a service centre for companies such as Megger and Testo amongst others.

Just a mile away from our head office in Thornaby we have a dedicated electrical training centre. All of our training courses can also be offered on-site at the customer's premises.

QWhich industry sectors does PASS predominantly serve?

A. PASS serves a wide variety of sectors, but is most prominent in:

● Electrical trades

● Facilities management

● Power and utility companies

● Pharmaceutical

● Construction

● Manufacturing

● Facilities management

● Education

Q With such a wide range of products on the market how does PASS ensure customers are able to get hold of what they need when they need it?

A. We always monitor stock levels as well as our popular products to ensure that when our customers place an order we have what they need in stock so that it’s delivered the next working day, as far as possible.

QHow has the testing market changed over the past 20 years?

A. Like most sectors the test and measurement market has evolved and changed to keep up with the many advancements in technology and internetconnected devices.

There has definitely been a digital transformation, with T&M manufacturers constantly improving their offerings to keep up with technology. Softwaredefined instruments have become a prominent new feature to allow for flexibility, adaptability and ability to easily upgrade instruments.

Instrument connectivity including Bluetooth, Wifi and Cloud-based solutions has become a common feature, allowing devices to connect for collaboration and reporting across multiple sites, areas and remote operations using smartphones for control and reporting.

More currently, there is a large focus on energy efficiency, with manufacturers such as Fluke, Megger, Chauvin Arnoux and FLIR releasing new products to help test, monitor and evaluate the energy consumption of buildings, external power supplies, and machinery.

With energy consumption being a critical issue for most homes and businesses, monitoring and inspecting is crucial. T&M products are essential for identifying ways to improve energy efficiency and for effective preventative and predictive maintenance of assets.

The trend towards condition monitoring and predictive maintenance has led to a greater focus on the data generated

during testing and so many T&M manufacturers now offer software packages for reporting and analysing trends for important decision making.

Lastly, the T&M market has become more globalised, with manufacturers operating on an international scale. At PASS we maintain relationships with many of the global players in T&M.

QWhat sort of training programmes does PASS offer?

A. The training centre provides the full range of courses for the electrical tradesman including 18th Edition, Part P, 2391 and PAT testing amongst other courses.

We offer both City & Guilds and LCL accredited courses as well as 11Kv to 33Kv training including SAP (senior authorised person) training on a wide range of practical high voltage switchgear to the offshore wind industry, delivering specialised Wind Turbine Courses.

In addition, we offer Thermography training through the ITC to complement our thermal imaging cameras. Our full range of courses can be seen on our training website

www.electricaltrainingcourse.co.uk.

QWhat are the company’s plans for the year ahead?

A. In summary, the company's plans for the upcoming year involve not only expanding the product portfolio with innovative solutions but also enhancing service capabilities, particularly in the calibration domain. We are steadfast in our commitment to providing the best possible turnaround times for our customers.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PASS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR002

FACE

MOVERS ANDSHAKERS

It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we detail who has gone where.

Damon Harrison and Joshua Richardson UNICRIMP

Promoted from their previous positions at Unicrimp and appointed new roles of Regional Sales Managers are Damon Harrison for the North region and Joshua Richardson for the South region.

Damon brings to the role more than 20 years’ industry experience, having spent over 13 years as branch manager for a leading wholesaler and six years as Unicrimp Area Sales Manager.

Josh comes to the new role with a wealth of experience at electrical wholesaler level where he began his career on the Graduate Scheme before progressing to account manager level. He takes up this new role following almost three years as Unicrimp Area Sales Manager.

Keith Avenell, Tom Barton, Glyn Prestwood ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS’ ASSOCIATION (EDA)

The Electrical Distributors’ Association has welcomed new representatives to its board. Keith Avenall, Managing Director at 3 Line Electrical Wholesale, joins to represent the AWEBB buying group on the EDA Board. Keith will be replacing Andy Johnson who stepped down in December 2023 after 10 years’ service.

Tom Barton takes over from Edmundson’s Richard McCartney, who served on the Board since 2020.

Glyn Prestwood, Managing Director, Stearn Electric Co Ltd, returns to the

Richard Bennett SEAWARD

Seaward has announced a new appointment for the role of Category Manager to Richard Bennett. Richard will oversee key product categories including PAT testing, multifunction testing, and high voltage equipment.

Richard joins Seaward after a 12 year career in the Royal Air Force, his experience also including working with the UK and US militaries and a degree held in Mechanical Engineering. Following his time in the Air Force, Bennett moved into engineering equipment services and most recently held the position of group category lead in furniture distribution.

EDA Board after a break of three years.

James Harper and Tania Tams LUCECO GROUP

Luceco Group has introduced James Harper as Head of Digital Marketing and Tania Tams as Marketing Director. With a wealth of experience in manufacturing for the construction market, James will be bringing his expertise to lighting, electrical and EV charging specialists to Luceco, driving a series of digital marketing campaigns.

A highly experienced marketeer with over 25 years’ experience, Tania is responsible for Luceco Group’s portfolio of respected lighting, electrical and EV charging brands.

Stephen Bell and Steven Reed RECOLIGHT

Recolight has announced the appointment of two new directors to its board. They are Steven Reed, Commercial Manager at Trilux, and Stephen Bell, Services Transformation & Compliance Director UK & IE at Zumtobel. Both have over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry and are a valued addition to the Recolight board.

Simon Oram and Steve Watson AWEBB

AWEBB has recruited two accomplished professionals to its team in Wales –Simon Oram as Commercial Manager and Steve Watson as Marketing Manager.

Simon has over 15 years’ experience in both retail and electrical wholesale markets. He joins from Toolstation, responsible for the category management of an extensive sales profile and stock budget.

Steve Watson has been working in a variety of hands-on marketing roles for 20+ years. This has led him to have an in-depth understanding of all aspects of marketing. Steve joins from Awdry Law.

Nick Hart, Steve McGrath, Franco Mattola HYLEC

Hylec-APL has announced three key strategic appointments to its team.

First up, Nick Hart takes on a new role as Director of Wholesale. Returning to Hylec after a successful period working in the wholesale sector for a manufacturer of water-resistant electronics, Nick will take responsibility for driving the company’s wholesale business.

Next up, Steve McGrath joins as Northern Sales Manager for OEMs. Steve has enjoyed a successful career in the electronics and electrical industries across sales and product management roles. Finally, enhancing the sales support team, Hylec has appointed Franco Mattola as Supply Chain Manager, with a brief to strengthen UK stock commitment and communication on shipments.

Sarah Hartland DRAPER TOOLS

New Head of Marketing Sarah Hartland, who previously held the position of Marketing Campaign Manager, will be the youngest member of Draper Tools’ senior leadership team at just 32 years old.

Having joined Draper Tools over four years ago, Sarah has been an integral part of the marketing team during that time, playing a crucial role in many of the company’s most successful product launches. Sarah also brings her a wealth of industry knowledge having previously held marketing roles at Elliotts Builders Merchants as well as gaining valuable experience at globally recognised PR firms.

Mark Grayson Wood

CARL KAMMERLING INTERNATIONAL

Carl Kammerling International (CKI) has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Mark Grayson Wood as Head of Marketing.

Mark will lead on the company’s full marketing mix, range management and brand development to drive sales and brand loyalty. Mark brings over 25 years’ experience to the position, having worked within industrial and technical commercial sales and marketing roles within major power, aerospace, oil and gas operators worldwide.

As the market for smart home products continues to grow, ESP is giving one of its Fort Smart Security Kits away to one lucky reader.

WIN A FORT SMART SECURITY KIT COURTESY OF ESP

Fort, from ESP, is a complete range of smart security products, which includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single app –the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred.

The Fort Smart Security range offers accessibility and simplicity for both the installer and end user and has been designed to bring simple, smart solutions together for a safer and more comfortable home. The range features contemporary styling and has been designed to be simple to install, maintain and use and provide a hassle-free security solution.

At the heart of the range is the smart intruder alarm, which will support up to 32 RF devices and provide remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ app. The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor-made system. There are six different kits available, with the basic kit

containing one each of the followinga smart hub, PIR, door/window contact and remote control. Other kits offer an additional number of PIRs, door/window contacts and remote controls, and there are two kits which include Pet PIRs. All devices supplied within the kits are pre-registered, to assist with a straightforward install.

The Fort range also offers a range of security devices that do not require a hub. By connecting directly to Wi-Fi, the devices add an additional layer of security to your property. The range of security devices include a video doorbell to monitor visitors, security flood lights with inbuilt cameras to deter intruders at night and a range of simple to use cameras for a range of applications, such as monitoring loved ones and pets or simply to provide reassurance whilst monitoring your property.

The lucky winner will receive a Fort Smart Security Kit containing - 1 x Smart Hub, 1 x PIR, 1 x Contact, 1 x Remote Control, 1 x Keypad and 1 x Solar Siren.

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning a Fort Smart Security Kit, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices:

Q. How many RF devices does the Fort smart intruder alarm support?

A)12

B)32

C)18

SIMPLY VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR003

TO ENTER YOUR ANSWER

Deadline for entries 31/3/24

The 10 winners of the December competition, sponsored by ProofVision, were: Tom Welch, Jeff Tai, Graham Scurfield, David Powell, Ethan Salt, Gwen Taylor, Thomas Stamper, Marina Bulman, Ineke Port, Jamie Ball

GO PRO

The choice between professional and DIY tools can be a decision with far-reaching consequences. While cost can be a pivotal factor, the allure of ‘pro’ tools goes way beyond the initial expense –their many advantages can elevate these top-tier tools to a league of their own.

One of the most common arguments against professional tools is their higher initial cost compared to DIY alternatives. It's true that professional tools often come with a heftier price tag and at first glance this can be a stumbling block for budgetconscious individuals. But while the

upfront cost of professional tools may be higher, their longevity and performance can more than justify the investment. Highquality, professional tools are built to withstand the rigours of regular use, making them more durable and less likely to require replacement or repair. On the other hand, DIY tools, often designed for occasional use, may wear out quickly and necessitate frequent replacements, adding up to significant costs over time.

Precision and efficiency

When it comes to precision and efficiency, professional tools shine brightly. Their design, construction and materials are engineered to meet exacting standards, ensuring accuracy and performance.

Tailored to meet the exacting demands of professionals, these tools ensure consistent, top-tier results. Whether it's the surgical precision of a table saw or the unyielding torque of a socket wrench, professional-grade tools elevate accuracy and reliability to new heights. This not only translates to superior quality work but also slashes downtime by minimising the need for adjustments and callbacks, ultimately supercharging productivity.

Durability and trust

A common frustration with DIY tools is their susceptibility to wear and tear, potentially leading to breakdowns and

replacements that interrupt projects and drain resources. Professional tools on the other hand, are built for resilience and long-term service. This reliability is a key element that distinguishes professional tools from their DIY counterparts.

Professionals often rely on their tools for their livelihoods which makes the consistency and dependability of professional-grade tools paramount. Downtime can be a significant cost for professionals, but quality control measures, rigorous testing and robust manufacturing standards ensure that professional tools are dependable, helping to prevent delays in project completion which can result from tool malfunctions or breakdowns.

Top-tier pro tool manufacturers prioritise customer satisfaction, evident in their robust warranties and accessible support. This assurance not only instils confidence but also proves cost-effective over time. With reliable warranty coverage and responsive support, the expense of repairs and replacements dwindle, amplifying the overall worth of professional-grade tools.

Darren Binns, National Sales Manager for Jefferson Tools, looks at why it is worth seeking out a ‘pro’ brand to save you money, time and aggravation in the long run.

Safety

Safety should never be compromised when it comes to tools, and pro tools offer several advantages in this regard. They are engineered with safety in mind, with features such as ergonomic designs, precise controls and enhanced safety mechanisms – professional tools often have more built-in safety features to help prevent accidents.

When it comes to tools, brand reputation holds weight. Established professional tool brands have earned their stripes through a legacy of excellence, known for quality, dependability, and topnotch performance. Opting for a trusted brand ensures your investment lives up to

“ Professional tools often have more built-in safety features to help prevent accidents.”

its promises, much like our commitment at Jefferson Tools.

While DIY tools may serve occasional needs or tight budgets, those who rely on their tools for professional work will find the investment in professional-grade tools to be a wise decision, ultimately enhancing their productivity and overall success. When it comes to tools, it's not just about the cost; it's about the value they bring to your work and your livelihood.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JEFFERSON TOOLS AND TO DOWNLOAD THE LATEST CATALOGUE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR004

THE LOWDOWN ON DOWNLIGHTERS

With a vast array of fire-rated downlighters currently on the market, what are the smart choices that wholesalers should be making when it comes to supplying their customers, not only with the best quality but also the best value for money product? Simon Shenton, Head of LED Product Development at Luceco, sheds some light on the issue.

Arecessed light that, once installed, restores the fire integrity of a ceiling, fire-rated downlighters seal off the hole where the lights have been positioned, helping to slow down the spread of fire, giving more time for people to escape and helping to protect the integrity of the building in the event of a fire.

The basics

Fire-rated downlighters are classified based on ratings – of 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Downlighters rated between 30 and 60 minutes are suitable for two or three storey buildings, whilst larger buildings, such as apartment blocks, may require downlighters rated for 90 minutes.

With safety the paramount reason for installing fire-rated downlighters, there are plenty of other important reasons to install them, including building regulation and insurance requirements as well as sustainability – all of which will be important considerations when choosing a fire-rated downlighter.

What to consider

Wholesalers need to have the requirements of the installer in mind, who in turn is guided by end user demands, creating quite a number of considerations when choosing fire-rated downlighters.

For the consumer, things like light variability are important – can they vary the type and level of light emitted to create

different moods in their space? When considering design, does the fire-rated downlighter fit in with the desired aesthetic of the installation? And, ever growing in importance, how energy efficient is the light?

Installers will have additional considerations, including safety – do the fire-rated downlighters conform to all required regulations? How quick and easy are they to install, and are they reliable? No installer wants a project call back due to a faulty product. Savvy wholesalers will look at manufacturers who can deliver on this and more, including a reliable supply of product and technical advice and back up if required.

Simplify the selection process

Traditionally, it has been quite a convoluted process when selecting fire-rated downlighters, with often confusing product ranges and a seemingly endless choice of options, meaning wholesalers were having to carry large amounts of stock.

Wholesalers are now looking to work with manufacturers who can cut through the confusion and make their lives easier by offering straightforward, easy to understand and easy to sell ranges that deliver on all fronts. To try and simplify the selection process, Luceco has refined its 3 model FType range of fire-rated downlighters to address the important considerations when making a product choice.

FType innovation

With innovation at the heart of the new FType range, the three models – FType

Ultra, FType Mk2 and FType Essence –provide simple options whilst remarkably, delivering a greater choice. There are no complex decisions to be made since multiple benefits are packed into each lighting model and for wholesalers, this makes selecting, stocking and selling a much easier process.

When it comes to styling, the FType range delivers on a number of key fronts. The clever Dim2Warm solution, which gives the feel of a halogen lamp but with the energy efficiency of LED, provides a choice of cool to warm lighting, enabling the creation of a unique ambience in every room as desired. In addition, there are three different fitting styles – regressed, flat and adjustable allowing the light to be adapted to the needs of the space, along with different bezel options to allow matching to new or existing colour schemes. This unique flexibility can offer an incredible 209 styles and colour combinations via the three.

FType models

With installers in mind, the FType features a ClipFit System that allows full unrestricted access for easier wiring. Once cables are attached, a simple push into the housing and close of the lid secures the cables. The QuickView Cable Window means inspection is simple and gives additional safety – its easy to check that no wires have become dislodged or moved before connecting the downlight and pushing it back into the ceiling. The 500V insulation resistance speeds up total install and testing time. Reassurance is also provided with the FType range having undergone a rigorous testing regime, passing over ten stringent tests including 30, 60, 90 min & IJoist Fire Rating, Part E Acoustic and Part C Air-Leakage testing to conform to Part L of the building regulations.

Wholesalers can be reassured that the FType range gives installers what they want. Luceco prides itself on working closely with the trade and the innovations

incorporated into the range were driven by extensive installer feedback. It is these innovations that allow wholesalers to offer more whilst stocking less – important when floorspace is at a premium. In addition, the range is fully supported with dedicated POS and brochures, helping to make sure that installers are fully informed.

When choosing a fire-rated downlighter, considerations should include issues around design and aesthetics, ease of installation and reliability, safety and efficiency. Since the new FType downlighters have been designed around installer feedback not only on their requirements but also on market demand, Luceco is confident of the opportunity they provide wholesalers for sales growth and stock turn from limited floor space. They also offer great value for money. TO

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Light pollution is a significant problem in countries throughout the world with approximately eight out of 10 people now living under light-polluted night sky. The result of excessive, overly bright, ineffectively shielded and badly directed outdoor lighting, it is causing a wealth of issues to the world around us.

Negative impact

Disturbing ecosystems and wildlife, light pollution is interfering with natural behaviours – especially amongst nocturnal species, who rely on natural darkness for hunting and navigating. Light pollution is also making observation of the stars and planets difficult as it obscures visibility and the natural beauty of the night sky.

It is also having an adverse effect on human health, and has been linked to disruptions in circadian rhythms, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Light pollution is a huge issue across the globe, affecting ecosystems, human health, the environment and astronomical study. Lighting designer, Chris Anderson from Ansell Lighting, highlights how wholesalers can support the industry to turn this problem around.

Excessive and misdirected outdoor lighting can also create glare, which can be especially problematic for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, increasing the risk of accidents and decreasing overall safety. Light pollution is also readily contributing to climate change, with excessive and unnecessary amounts of energy being used to power installations across the globe.

Tackling the issue

Whilst one solution would be to simply switch the lights out at night, outdoor lighting is something most civilisations cannot live without. Essential for safety, security, work and recreation during hours of darkness, without it many other significant problems would impact society.

Instead, the lighting industry – including every group from manufacturers to

wholesalers, designers and installers –must focus on clever design and implementation to combat the issue.

Many manufacturers, including we, have already committed to ensuring new product designs are developed with light pollution in mind. Collaborating with the Dark Sky Association (IDA) manufacturers are following stringent guidelines to ensure that all new innovations are dark-sky friendly, designing luminaires that are fully shielded and emit minimal amounts of blue light and glare in the night time environment.

To recognise the efforts being made, the IDA has even developed the Fixture Seal of Approval programme, a product accreditation scheme which acknowledges responsible product design and manufacturing. To support efforts to reduce light pollution, wholesalers should look out for products with this accreditation when selecting outdoor ranges to stock. Increasing the availability of these items will ensure their use is more widespread –supporting moves to tackle light pollution.

Educating installers on the problems caused by light pollution and how to avoid it is also hugely important. Working together,

wholesalers and manufacturers can support installers to recognise the issues at hand and the simple changes that can be made to cut light pollution. This process should begin with the commonly recognised ‘Dark Sky Design’ best practice design principles.

The five principles

There are a total of five principles that installers and lighting designers should follow and consider to protect the night sky when designing and installing outdoor lighting. The first is that light should be USEFUL. It should have a clear purpose and benefit, and installers should be encouraged to consider whether individual luminaires are actually needed. Thought should also be given to how the fitting will impact the specific area and whether it will have a negative impact on any wildlife in the local environment.

The second principal is that light should be TARGETED; illuminating only the area needed and not impacting on neighbouring spaces. The third principle specifies that

illumination should be at a LOW LEVEL, providing only the desired level of illuminance and nothing more. Glare and skyglow should also be considered within this, with installers reminded to consider the ground surface as some may reflect more light into the sky than intended.

CONTROL is the fourth principle and another important element in the design of low-polluting lighting installations. Systems should be completely controllable and only switched ‘on’ when they are useful. Products which have integral control, such as dimmable functionality, selectable colour temperature and selectable power function are a must as they can be set to optimise colour, performance, and energy usage. Integral electronic photocell, microwave sensor and smart options are also recommended, ensuring products are only in use exactly when they are needed.

Finally, the COLOUR of the lamps is hugely important in reducing light pollution. A warmer colour with a CCT of 3000K or less should be used as they have a lower blue-violet component.

Products

Aside from the five Dark Sky Design principals, installers also need to be made aware of the importance of careful product selection and the benefits/properties of those chosen. Alongside IDA approved products, it’s important that installers select robust luminaires with optics that combine advanced lens technology and enhanced glare control designs. These products, alongside shielded designs, will ensure a minimal amount of light is given off upward, preventing light pollution. A fixed mounting system is also advisable, helping to ensure that light is distributed in line with photometric testing.

Light pollution is a very real issue affecting our planet and it is important that action is taken immediately to reduce its negative impact. The changes required are simple and straightforwardtoimplementbuttheiradoption is dependent on heightening awareness of the issue and how it can be avoided.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR006

SOLAR SYSTEM

As the drive towards improving sustainability and energy efficiencies continues across the built environment, Mike Collins, Managing Director at Ovia, looks at the role that solar powered street lighting has to play in providing solutions.

According to global market research company Market Research Future (MRFR), the global Solar Street Lighting Market size was valued at $1.38 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to $3.96 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

Reducing environmental pollution and the sustainability of solar radiant energy are key drivers enhancing the market growth. Along with the fall in the price of solar lighting solutions, the rise in smart cities across the globe is another major driver of the growth of the solar street lighting market.

In Europe solar street lighting market accounts for one of the largest market shares due to advanced technology and efficient distribution network, reducing environmental pollution, and the low cost of maintenance during its operation. The German solar street lighting market held

the largest share, with the UK solar street lighting market being the fastest growing market in the European region.

Complete independence

Solar is widely considered to be the most effective form of renewable energy, and the technology is advancing every day. Solar street lights provide complete independence from the power grid and, due to low maintenance and minimal operator costs, solar lighting has emerged as a popular and reliable source to power street lights.

“ Reducing environmental pollution and the sustainability of solar radiant energy are key drivers enhancing the market growth.”

In comparison to traditional street lighting, solar street lights operate independently, powered by renewable solar energy. These street lights depend on photovoltaic cells, which are responsible for absorbing solar energy during the daytime and charging a rechargeable battery. These cells convert solar energy into usable electrical energy that can power the lamps during the night.

There are many benefits to solar street lighting with the main advantages being their energy efficiency and the ability to provide significant cost savings over time. Conventional street lights are dependent on electricity from the grid, which is often generated from non-renewable sources and can therefore contribute to air pollution. Other benefits include no cabling or excavation, resulting in easy installation and no risk from power outages. Although the initial investment in solar lighting may initially be slightly higher, there are long-

term advantages. They require minimal ongoing operating costs, thanks to independence from the electrical grid, and require little or no maintenance.

Ovia solar solutions

As business and home owners continue to deal with the dual challenge of high energy prices and environment pressures, Ovia has been working on developing a new range of solar power lighting solutions and has just added its first solar products to an expanding portfolio.

Harnessing the power of the sun is a new solar powered LED security floodlight and two new solar powered LED street lights, which have been designed to bring together cutting edge technology and elegant design and blends functionality with environmental responsibility.

The Zontor solar powered LED streetlight is a powerful 40W or 15W solar panel with advanced LED technology,

resulting in an outstanding lumen output (4800 lumen on the 40W model and 1600 lumen for the 14W model). It casts a crisp 4000k colour temperature glow and the light can be adjusted 20 up and 10 down for solar charging. Designed to thrive in the most demanding of environments, its IP65 rating ensures unwavering performance. The Zontor features a slim and modern, patent design and the light can be adjusted.

Forming part of Ovia’s floodlighting range, Zonne is the name given to a new solar LED security floodlight which has a radiant 8W output, casting a crisp 4000k temperature glow at an impressive 950

lumens. The fitting is IP65 rated and it has a charge time of 5-6 hours to fully charge and has two working modes – Mode A: 3-5 Nights and Mode B: 2-3 Nights. It is designed to be installed at a height of 4m and comes with 3m of connection cable.

The Zonne is equipped with an adaptable solar panel that can be easily adjusted. As a very handy, additional feature, the Zonne fitting can be disconnected and used as a torch.

Solar LED street lights work in all areas, making them ideal for environments with limited access to power. In addition, the portable and environmentally friendly nature of a solar LED street light can make them an excellent replacement for ordinary street lights and a good option for areas with no access or limited access to an electrical grid.

MAKING VENTILATION SUSTAINABLE

As the 2050 net-zero deadline becomes ever nearer there is increasing focus on the whole supply chain when it comes to more sustainable solutions and embodied energy. As a result, there is a rise in electricians asking wholesalers about the environmental credentials of products. Natasha King, Product Manager at Manrose, discusses these developments and how the company is committed to making ventilation sustainable.

Wholesalers are increasingly stocking more sustainable products on their shelves to meet customer demand.

According to the latest study by NielsenIQ over half (55%) of UK consumers say living sustainably is important for society and they try to make sustainable choices when they can. Meanwhile, the Building Regulations are also driving a trend towards more sustainable products.

Amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel & Power) and Part F (Means of Ventilation) of the Building Regulations published in 2021, required new homes in England to reduce carbon emissions by 30% from June 2022. The new Future Homes Standard looks set to reduce carbon emission by a further 7580% for new homes built from 2025. As a result of these trends, electricians are looking for more sustainable products when they visit wholesalers as the whole supply chain comes under scrutiny. In response manufacturers are taking the subject seriously and working to provide sustainable solutions.

At Manrose the company is committed to making ventilation more sustainable and is undergoing a manufacturing transformation by moving from using virgin to recycled plastic. Improving sustainability is its main aim through continuously improving its processes to reduce waste

throughout its products’ lifecycle and significantly increasing the use of recycled plastic from the circular economy in manufacturing its products.

Targets

To show its commitment to a net-zero carbon future, Manrose has set itself sustainability targets, each geared towards achieving significant improvements by the end of FY2025, which will significantly cut carbon emissions. The company has transformed its manufacturing to reduce carbon by investing in R&D and manufacturing technology to develop ventilation products from recycled sources with 90% of the plastic used in its facilities to be from recycled sources by the end of FY2025, without compromising on quality or

reliability. By investing in new, more efficient plant within its facilities, is also reducing the embodied carbon on the components it moulds. For example, an investment in a new injection moulding machine at its Reading site is 30% more energy efficient than the previous generation.

Transformation

The transformation from virgin to recycled plastic was a huge change for Manrose and a true innovation, marking a stepchange in ventilation manufacturing. This involved defining new processes following significant R&D, this included extensive material and product trials and testing, CFD analysis, FEA analysis, and FMEA analysis. There was also investment in specialist manufacturing equipment and extrusion capability to increase ducting output and optimise PVC material usage.

Changing from using virgin plastic and moving to recycled sources required changes throughout the manufacturing process. This included a tooling redesign for the moulds. Tooling changes needed to ensure the impact and tensile strengths were retained and the material flowed into the moulds consistently, to ensure Manrose’s renowned reliability.

The move to using recycled material was the next step for Manrose since previously the company had reduced its single-use plastic waste and produced

ductwork from recycled plastic. But this latest innovation moves to the core product, ventilation, learning to work with recycled material, developing and manufacturing a robust product performing to the same high standards as those made from virgin material, meeting safety standards.

Product trends

So, what do these changes mean for wholesalers? As we approach 2025, there is set to be a further shift to more energy efficient ventilation, so it is wise for wholesalers to make the move to stock this option now.

Manrose’s low watt ventilation products are energy efficient, therefore reducing energy usage. By 2025, 70% of Manrose’s sales will be in this category.

Wholesalers will also witness a swing towards ventilation products manufactured from recycled materials rather than virgin plastic. Manrose has already manufactured over 500,000 complete ventilation units where chassis and facias are produced from 100% recycled ABS.

Another change for wholesalers will be a move from stocking white to grey ducting made from recycled material. Manrose’s grey PVC ducting is made from 100% recycled PVC window frames that have been diverted from landfill. Meanwhile, plastics extracted from old fridges are used to create Manrose’s ducting components.

Saving carbon

Choosing low watt ventilation products can reduce a building’s carbon emissions but the next step after energy efficiency is to look at embodied energy. Wholesalers also need to consider the embodied carbon of products too. Embodied carbon is the carbon footprint of a product (inclusive of all the components/materials it contains) measured in kg CO2e. There is currently no legal definition of what it comprises, but this will change and wholesalers need to be aware of it now.

Another area to consider regarding reducing carbon is the use of recycled material. Not only does recycled plastic prevent the use of virgin materials, but it also has a lower embodied carbon, this can reduce embodied carbon by a third.

With the 2050 net-zero deadline approaching fast, now is the time for wholesalers to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest sustainable products so they have the ventilation customers want. Wholesalers are a vital part of the supply chain and those that are ahead of the game will help meet the net-zero target and also benefit from customer demand.

SILENCE – SOMETHING TO SHOUTABOUT

Silence sells… In increasingly busy times households are looking for a peaceful home environment to relax in. As a result, demand for quieter products in the home is still on the rise. According to a recent National Noise Report from Quiet Mark, 82% of adults surveyed said it matters how loud an appliance is when buying a product, something for electrical wholesalers to consider. The Quiet Mark National Noise Report 2023 also revealed that 84% of respondents said it is important to have quiet time to recharge themselves and what better place to recharge than an oasis of calm in a peaceful bathroom.

It is true that eliminating the damaging and unhealthy effects of condensation and mould is an essential role of bathroom ventilation, but this alone is no longer enough. Households want to be able to take a relaxing bath or shower without the constant drone of a noisy fan. Quiet fans are therefore becoming an increasingly popular fan to stock for wholesalers.

Households are increasingly asking electricians for quiet fans so that they can enjoy a peaceful home environment. Silent fans are therefore a great opportunity for wholesalers to upsell and provide electricians with the quiet fans they need. However, with many low noise fans now on the market, how can wholesalers advise installers on how to select the right fan for the job and pick a fan that really is low noise? Lena Hebestreit, Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia, explains more.

Choosing a quiet fan

However, with a wide range of low noise fans now on the market the question is what features should wholesalers look out for when deciding which silent fans to stock on their shelves? There are many fans on the market that claim to be quiet but what actually is quiet when it comes to fan noise?

A good place to start when selecting which quiet fans to stock is to check the sound level in decibels [dB(A)]. An average extract fan operates at 35dB(A). This is loud in a confined space. Fortunately, there are now fans on the market that are only

slightly louder than the sound of a pin dropping.

For example, Vent-Axia uses its own sound laboratory to ensure the fans it designs are exceptionally quiet with its Silent Fan range offering ultra-low sounds levels of just 12dB(A), quieter than a whisper. Meanwhile the Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Svara runs at only 17dB(A) on low trickle and the Vent-Axia PureAir Sense offers silent continuous operation at just 19dB(A).

The Silent Fan and the Svara have both been awarded a Quiet Mark, the independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation, which recognises the quietest solutions to unwanted noise. Third-party accreditation like this is a useful selling tool for wholesalers. To check whether a quiet fan has a Quiet Mark award wholesalers can visit the online directory at www.quietmark.com

Reducing sound levels

There are other ways of reducing sound levels too. When recommending fans to customers, ensure the fan fits the needs of the room, do not oversize a fan. The more

powerful a fan, potentially the noisier it will be. Select fans with high efficiency motors since the ball bearing technology used in them offers smoother and therefore quieter performance. They will also last longer, meaning the fan won’t become noisier over time. Meanwhile, variable speed models make installation simple since electricians can easily adjust the speed depending on the individual needs of the project, ensuring the right fan every time. This is especially helpful with long duct runs since the fan can be altered to achieve the required airflow. Usually more airflow means more noise, but fans like the Silent Fan stay quiet even with longer duct runs and higher air flow.

Other great features to reduce noise include clever light sensors that recognise room occupancy through light movement and shadows; a delay-on feature that can be set to avoid the fan being triggered in the night during quick bathroom visits; and fans that don’t trigger at ambient humidity

changes in the night. Visual silence is also in demand so for customers preferring a silent aesthetic, the Vent-Axia Silent Fan now has a discrete tile like version while the PureAir Sense offers minimal styling, clean lines and an optional cover that complements any modern bathroom.

Indoor Air Quality

Silence is not the only comfort issue in demand. Households are now more aware than ever of the air they breathe because of Covid. This means consumer demand for fans that make a real difference to indoor air quality (IAQ) are an essential. Whilst many fans effectively improve IAQ, there are smart fans that offer app controllability for easy commissioning and to allow households to control their ventilation as well as a host of other clever features. For example, an innovative app available with the Svara and PureAir Sense allows households to control their ventilation from the comfort of their sofa

unlocking a whole range of different functions to control their home’s IAQ, such as a silent scheduling and automatic cycles, offering flexible ventilation to suit a household’s lifestyle. Furthermore, the PureAir Sense deploys Odour Sense Technology. Designed to improve IAQ, the fan increases airflow when the sensor detects when air in a home is poor, creating a comfortable living environment.

As our lives become more frenetic the desire for a calm healthy home environment is only going to grow. Wholesalers who stock fans which offer silent operation as well as additional features such as odour sense technology, app control, variable speed options and intelligent sensors can be sure that they have the right solution for their customers every time.

Spring is in the air and a time when the focus for homeowners shifts to their outdoor space.

Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager at Scolmore Group, looks at ways professional installers can bring power to the outdoors to create a safer, brighter and more welcoming recreational space.

OUT AND ABOUT

their customers on how best to bring power to the outdoors and to upgrade or improve existing lighting installations.

Across the Scolmore Group there is an array of products that installers can call on to provide power, lighting and security protection to enhance their customers’ outdoor spaces and some of these are highlighted here, giving wholesalers a heads up on what they should be stocking to meet demand.

Watertight solution

Power can be brought safely to sheds, office spaces, heating and hot tubs, with the Aquip66 range of IP66 rated, easy-toinstall 10A and 20A weatherproof outdoor switches and sockets.

The IP66-rated weatherproof socket and switch enclosures offer users a single fix installation. The range includes 1 and 2 Gang switch enclosures which utilise MiniGrid single width switch modules which are rated at 10A, as well as 1 and 2 gang switches that utilise the GridPro range of modules and offer 20A switching options. A 13A switched fused connection unit is also available with a semitransparent cover with neon power indicator, as well as with a standard cover.

The right connection

Providing a strong, quick and reliable solution when working with cables and power outdoors is Unicrimp’s Q-NECT IP66 Weatherproof Junction Box. Designed to make installations more efficient, it can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires. The lid

is locked using quarter turn fasteners. There are 10 membrane entry points, and 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. These junction boxes with semi-transparent lids are available in a black or anthracite grey finish, with the anthracite grey colour option designed to match the Click Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semitransparent lids.

Smart control outdoors

With power brought to the outdoor spaces, Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will allow remote control of any electrical elements outside – switching on lighting, controlling an outdoor appliance or sprinklers, or the ability to switch off power for security.

The Click Smart+ range has been created to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors. It utilises Zigbee technology –one of the most widely adopted smart home communication protocols. Zigbee certified devices require the Click Smart+ Hub and communicate with each other using a mesh network. This creates multiple pathways for the connection of multiple smart home devices without compromising signal and communication range.

Working alongside Click Smart+ is the Fort range of smart security products from Scolmore Group company ESP. The range includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under the same ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the Click Smart+ app from Scolmore,

users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform.

Lighting the way

When it comes to lighting solutions for the garden, it is worth considering the main functions that are required. These could include accessibility, highlighting of particular areas of the garden, security and aesthetics.

Ovia has a raft of lighting solutions for the outdoors including the recent addition of a solar powered security light. A more sustainable lighting solution, the Zonne has a radiant 8W output, and casts a crisp 4000k temperature glow at an impressive 950 lumens. The fitting is IP65 rated and it has a charge time of 5-6 hours to fully charged and has two working modes –Mode A: 3-5 Nights and Mode B: 2-3 Nights. It is designed to be installed at a

OUTDOOR POWER

height of 4m and comes with 3m of connection cable.

Ovia’s Pathfinder LED floodlights are an ideal way to provide ambient lighting around the garden – lighting up walkways, driveways, as well as highlighting architectural features when used as an up-lighter. The range offers 40 options from 10W to 300W, with fittings up to 50W available in both black and white finishes and they come in a choice of Warm White or Cool White colour temperatures. The standard range can be used with remote sensors PIRs (indoor and outdoor) or Microwave sensors (indoor only) as well as with the Click Smart+ control system.

With power and lighting in the garden all under control, full advantage of its benefits can be taken all year round.

FOR MORE ON THESE PRODUCTS

VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR010

ANSELL LIGHTING LED STRIPS

Ansell lighting has unveiled its brand-new LED Cell strip range.

The launch consists of eight different product collections, addressing every project need. Colour choices are well catered for with RGBW, RGB, RGBTW and single colour options available across the ranges as well as IP20, IP65 and IP67 durability ratings. Supplied with a self-adhesive back, all of Ansell’s LED strip lights are easy to install with no additional adhesive or fixings required.

The first collection in the strip range is C-CELL – a COB continuous output strip that delivers an enhanced aesthetic appearance. Unlike many strip lights, C-CELL gives out seamless continuous light, so it is dot free, ideal for residential, hospitality and retail applications.

D-CELL is a range of dim to warm strip lights providing applications with great versatility. When undimmed the 3000K colour temperature is ideal for task lighting but when dimmed the 1800K output provides a more relaxed and intimate aesthetic. Providing an economical option E-CELL is a traditional LED strip ideal for general use, whilst H-CELL is a high efficiency option delivering strong levels of illumination whilst providing great energy saving benefits.

The fifth product in Ansell’s new LED strip range is K-CELL. Suitable for high end residential, hospitality and retail applications it features extremely small cutting points enabling users to get an exact cut to the length required.

Designed for peak performance, P-CELL is a professional LED strip with super high efficacy helping to reduce overall energy consumption in large scale installations. It also features the most extensive range of colour temperature options and power options of all Ansell strip products for the ultimate in flexibility and versatility.

Ideal for internal and external installations where power supply locations few and far between, U–CELL is an ultra-long LED strip available in up to 50m lengths whilst Z-CELL is a flexible LED strip that bends so can be used on installations featuring corners or bends without breaking or being damaged.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR011

KNIGHTSBRIDGE CATALOGUE

Knightsbridge has just published its 2024 catalogue. The handy A5sized, full colour publication – which runs to nearly 500 pages – is rammed with over 3,000 products, including over 400 new ones, featuring the latest innovations in wiring accessories and lighting. Conveniently divided into three sections – Wiring Accessories, Lighting and Smart Home – it is further sub-divided into easy-to-reference chapters, from moulded switches and sockets, metal clad switches and weatherproof through to domestic interior, outdoor and commercial lighting.

As a result of consultation with customers, all wiring accessories have been revamped with the introduction of ‘top down termination’ for even easier installation; and all decorative sockets now feature USB A and USB C charging outlets as standard. New designs for wiring accessories also include raised edge in matt black, building on the continuing trend for dark finishes.

2024 sees Knightsbridge placing great emphasis on commercial lighting, and the new collection is truly comprehensive, covering bulkheads, downlights, battens, high and low bays, non-corrosive; and recessed, suspended and surface lighting. TO

C-TEC

FIRE ALARM SOFTWARE

ENVISION, C-TEC’s revolutionary cloud based IoT remote access, monitoring and system test solution, is now available. Compatible with C-TEC’s CAST ZFP, XFP, Hush and EVAC-ALERT systems, ENVISION provides a solution above and beyond anything else on the market.

ENVISION’s iOS and Android compatible Engineer App saves time and money by allowing authorised personnel to interrogate a CAST system prior to visiting site to determine if there are any contaminated devices or other issues. Fires, faults, tests, and other system notifications can also be sent in real time to a PC or smart phone.

The system’s powerful graphics module also allows the progress of a fire to be monitored in real time anywhere with an internet connection on a user-uploaded site plan. If the fire service can see the fire spreading, they can evacuate dwellings at the turn of a switch. TO

NVC LIGHTING CATALOGUE

NVC Lighting has launched its new 2024 catalogue, featuring many high performance and costeffective LED commercial lighting solutions for a range of applications and sectors.

New products for 2024 include additions and enhancements to both NVC Lighting’s Core range, which includes popular everyday products with a five year warranty, as well as it’s PRO range – high performance solutions with impressive ratings and a seven year warranty.

The new catalogue also features NVC Lighting’s new ‘LiFe’ portfolio – an emergency lighting range that is powered by LiFePO4 lithium battery technology and is available as manual, self-test and addressable test options. Alongside the vast range of products suitable for commercial, industrial and residential applications, NVC Lighting outlines its commitment to quality and the environment in the catalogue.

The company is certified to ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001 and the recently approved ISO22301 and ISO50001. In addition, NVC Lighting is Carbon Neutral certified and recognised for Sustainability Excellence by EcoVadis.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT:

WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR014

UNICRIMP TRADE TUBS

Unicrimp has recently extended its comprehensive range of Q-Crimp accessories with the addition of three new Trade Tubs. Comprising a variety of essential fixings and clips, the new tubs offer reliability and versatility to the installer and are ideal for any job - big or small.

These robust new tradesman tubs feature a resealable plastic lid and carry handle, and the tub itself is manufactured from recycled material.

The First Fix Kit Tub includes 400 x red wall plugs, 400 x 8x1 ½ screws and 100 x 20mm open grommets – bringing together all the elements in one handy tub to make back box essential installs that much easier for the contractor.

HIKOKI MULTITOOL

HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the new Multitool, a great addition to any toolkit to elevate your work.

A master of adaptability, the Multitool accepts both Starlock and OIS blades with a tool-free blade exchange system. The swift swap capability allows for easy transition between accessories. The Multitool’s lightweight build and ergonomic grip mean you can navigate tight corners or stubborn jobs without sacrificing comfort or control.

The Multitool features HiKOKI’s UVP anti-vibration technology to ensure smooth operation while keeping vibrations to a minimum. Its compact control and ergonomic design make it ideal for hard-to-reach areas, ensuring intricate tasks in confined spaces can be tackled with precision.

Additionally, its low vibration body makes it comfortable to use, especially during extended run times. Adding to its user-friendly design is an integrated LED light, improving visibility in poorly lit areas. Operating at a 3.6° oscillation angle and offering a no-load speed range of 6,00020,000/min, the Multitool is adept at everything from cutting and scraping to sanding. It has an overall length of 327mm, a weight of 1.2kg (excluding the battery) and is backed up with three and five year warranties.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR016

The Fire Alarm Installer Kit comprises 200 x red 28 LSF P clips, 200 x red 32 LSF P clips and 100 x red 302 LSF saddle clips which are designed for use on mineral insulated or soft skin fire cables. They are manufactured from copper and are LSF powder coated. They have been tested and approved to meet the requirements of BS476 Pt.6 and BS476 Pt.7 and they are designed to assist the installation of fire cable to meet the requirements of BS 5839-1:2027.

For additional support with projects, the Multipurpose Q-Fire Tub combines 70 x 25mm, 20 x 40mm and 10 x 50mm fire clips, 100 x 8x1 1/2 screws and 100 x red wall plugs. The various fire-rated clips sizes are suitable to be fixed to substrates or in PVC trunkings.

MARTINDALE ELECTRIC TEST LAMP AND PROVING KIT

Martindale Electric has launched the Drummond MTL15 test lamp and MTL15PD-S Kit which includes a test lamp and proving kit. The new test lamp extends the application areas for Drummond test lamps to higher voltage installations. With AC/DC voltage indication thresholds of 50, 230, 400, and 690V plus a 1000V CAT IV safety rating, the test lamp is the ideal solution for proving dead in all installation categories.

Ensuring reliable indication of hazardous voltages, the new test lamp does not require batteries and has no ranges or switches. It is compatible with six existing interchangeable test probes accessories to aid safe and easy measurement in all application types – particularly where access is restricted. In addition to the two standard 62mm straight probes, a 62mm angle probe is also included.

The new kit encompasses the test lamp and proving device, all housed within the combination carry case which provides the simplest solution for implementing safe isolation practices onsite, in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations. For convenience and to save time, the proving unit can be used without having to remove it from the case. The PD690S voltage and power output is matched to the test lamp to illuminate all voltage bands and prove it is functioning correctly.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR017

THORNECO RECESSED LED PANEL

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC MODULAR CIRCUIT PROTECTION

Schneider Electric has developed the first of its kind, a modular circuit protection range tailored for the UK market – Acti9 Active. Schneider Electric’s innovative solution has revolutionised the future of electrical installations across higher risk residential buildings, HMO’s, office buildings and care homes, catering to the evolving sustainable needs of electricians, facilities managers and design firms. Compliant with the Acti9 Isopar P distribution board, Acti9 Active is a scalable, modular circuit protection that builds with your business.

The all-in-one circuit protection device is known for its cutting-edge technology. Integrating residual current device (RCD), miniature circuit breaker (MCB), AFDD, and over-voltage protection, Acti9 Active delivers an exceptional level of protection that has been designed to meet the ever-growing needs of modern enterprises.

Acit9 has been a key player in supporting SMEs on their sustainability journey since its launch in 2012. Now, over a decade later, Acti9 Active has been developed with even more eco-friendly features. The modular upgrade includes energy efficient components that reduce environmental impact during the manufacturing process, but also through to the end-of-life recyclability. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR018

THORNeco has announce the latest update to its Anna recessed LED panel. Designed with precision and engineered for excellence, the Anna recessed LED panel redefines workspace lighting with its exceptional quality, low glare, and fantastic energy efficiency. The highly versatile Anna recessed LED panel comes equipped with the VARIO feature, which allows a choice of colour temperature using the easily accessible integrated CCT switch and the FLEX feature which allows for effortless adjustment of lumen output with just the flick of a switch.

Ideal for retrofit projects, this panel is a 1:1 replacement for 4 x 14 W T5 or 4 x 18 W T8 fluorescent panels, so it is possible to upgrade lighting without the hassle of major installations. With UGR<19, Anna offers gentle, soft, and glare-free lighting ensuring a comfortable and productive workspace. While the efficacy up to 125 lm/W saves energy and reduces operational costs, making it an environmentally and economically sound choice.

Thanks to its integrated connector, Installers can save time and money with the panel's easy, quick, and tool-free installation. The four pole push terminal accommodates up to 2.5mm2 wires, enabling loop-in loop-out wiring, and the detachable connector facilitates first fix wiring and high-voltage circuit testing while the luminaire is detached.

CLICK SCOLMORE GROUP MOULDED WIRING ACCESSORIES

A new range of LED Indicator products by Scolmore’s Click has been designed to modernise the Click Mode range of moulded wiring accessories. Fused connection units, 20A double pole switches, 50A double pole switches and key lockable sockets are all beneficiaries of this product upgrade.

The range was developed as a high quality, flexible and modern solution for any domestic wiring requirement. The smooth, modern lines of the accessory plate will fit easily into traditional and contemporary designs alike and the design allows installers flexibility in creating dedicated wiring solutions to deal with specific wiring needs.

All Mode products are manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which has similar inherent properties to antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of infectious diseases. All products independently tested achieved a 99.99% kill off rate across all four bacteria strain types.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR020

AIRMASTER DOWNFLOW HEATERS

PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

Last winter saw Airmaster launch a new round Lot 20 compliant bathroom downflow heater packed with a wide range of in-use benefits including a selfregulating fan heater with automatic overheat control and a one to eight hour timer. Now for 2024 there are two square design options.

First is a Lot 20 compliant heater with an eight hour working timer and seven day/24 hour program facility. Wall mounted electronic and optional remote controls offer 1000w, 2000w, fan only and switch off facilities. The second addition is a double insulated downflow heater with 1680w and 2000w power options, a pull-down activation cord and a 30 minute run back timer. Manufactured in polycarbonate and finished in white, both new heaters are Class 11, IP21 rated, have overheat protection via automatic cut out facilities and are designed with 3,000 hour lifespans. All Airmaster downflow heaters are designed for wall mounting and are RoHS compliant, CE and UK/CA approved.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR021

PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

PEW takes a look at the most sought-after products from recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine to give you an insight into your key customers’ buying behaviour.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

CFR5CCT Fire-rated Downlight

With the choice of three colour temperatures and five bezel finishes, the CFR5CCT is able to adapt lighting to fit the demands of every location. Providing a versatile three-in-one lighting solution, it features tri-CCT that provides three colour temperatures: 3000K, 4000K, and 5500K. Supplied with a white bezel as standard, the CFR5CCT can be accessorised with interchangeable bezels in five finishes – brushed chrome, matt black, polished chrome, white and brass. Robust, durable, and easy to install thanks to push-fit terminals for loop in/loop out connections, the downlight meets fire safety standards, being rated for 30/60/90min in solid timber, 30min in web joist, and 30min in I-joist (Staircraft). Providing up to 115lm/W, the downlight is also acoustic rated, minimising noise interference, as well as rated IP65 for dust and water-tightness.

VISIT THE PRODUCT INFORMATION PAGE ONLINE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR022

GREENBROOK

Tillex Cable Management Range

GreenBrook has announced an exclusive UK distribution partnership with Tillex Cable Management, a renowned manufacturer of quality, innovative clips and plugs. The partnership will provide a range that enhances productivity and ensures peace of mind for a secure installation. The plugs use the Tillex/Thorsman colour coding for easy reference and are made of strong Nylon or Polyethylene with a high load bearing capacity. They won’t crush, go brittle, snap or fall to pieces upon installation. The screwed cable clips – fitted with either a T20 or PH2 screw head, are ideal for the quick fitting of cable into concrete, plasterboard and metal joists. The screws used are highly corrosion resistant (Classed C4) for use in areas with high air humidity and high atmospheric pollution.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR023

PEW looks at some of the latest advertising campaigns featured in recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine which are helping to create awareness and pull-through sales opportunities at your trade counter.

CAMPAIGN NEWS

COLLINGWOOD LIGHTING INTRODUCING THE CAIMEN VERSA

This brand new advertising campaign from Collingwood Lighting is sure to have your customers looking for some light inspiration at the trade counter. Its focus is the Caimen Versa unit, designed for quick and easy installation and boasting a host of features including a fully flexible first-fit bracket, CCT and wattage switchable settings, multiple conduit entry points and quick conversion modular options that simply click into place.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR024

ELECTRORAD HEAT UP WITH THE THERMASTORE HHR

A consistent advertiser in the pages of PE, Electrorad’s current campaign focuses on the Thermastore HHR – a high heat retention storage heater that offers a single connection for storage and boost elements. With claims that the unit is 40% cheaper to run than standard electric radiators and up to 27% cheaper to run than a storage heater, a simple TFT screen with optional app control allows users to take full control of their heating.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR025

M2 ELECTRICAL NEW DECORATIVE FINISHES

M2’s decorative range of sockets and switches has received a significant boost with the launch of five new finishes, which are featured as part of the brand’s current marketing push. The five new finishes – painted matt black, painted matt white, granite blue, gunmetal and copper – have been introduced on the back of customer feedback and offer more choice for end users who are seeking that contemporary look.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR026

NVC LIGHTING UK CHOOSE LIFE

LiFE, from NVC, is a range of emergency lighting solutions that are all powered by the latest lithium-ion phosphate battery technology. Offering an outstanding seven-year warranty, the range provides a brighter choice for a business and a brighter choice for the end user. As part of the extensive marketing campaign, electricians have the chance to claim a limited edition ‘CHOOSE LiFE’ t-shirt – just another reason why they’ll be heading for the trade counter in their droves this month.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAR027

A look at the latest display solutions to help increase your in-store purchases.

BUNDLES OFPOTENTIAL

Deligo has announced an exciting opportunity for retailers looking to enhance their point of sale displays.

Deligo’s innovative bundles (#SnapSendSpend) are designed to effortlessly transform retail spaces into captivating showcases.

The bundles are curated assortments of high-quality products, strategically packaged to complement slat wall displays. Each bundle includes all the necessary items and accessories, ensuring a hassle-free and visually stunning point of sale setup, allowing wholesalers to elevate their store aesthetics while enjoying the convenience of a ready-todisplay package.

Snap, Send, and Spend –a rewarding experience

To make purchases even more enticing, Deligo is offering an exclusive opportunity to earn a credit note of up to £150.

Customers can participate by following these steps:

Purchase a bundle: Choose a preferred bundle from the website and make the purchase using the stock code (e.g. FIXING-BUNDLE).

Capture the display: Once the slat wall display is set up, take a snapshot highlighting its appeal.

Email the photo: Send the completed photo to marketing@deligo.co.uk.

Claim the credit note: Deligo will promptly reimburse with a credit note corresponding to the selected bundle.

“ Deligo’s innovative bundles are designed to effortlessly transform retail spaces into captivating showcases. ”

Bundles available

Fixing Bundle

90 packs of assorted fixings, 1 x header (Deligo or Xiphos), 25 slat wall stickers, ample slat wall hooks, and a squeegee for easy application of stickers.

Solar Bundle

Explore a variety of new products in the Solar Range, curated to meet diverse needs.

Terminal Bundle

Immerse in 44 lines of cord end and other terminals, ensuring a comprehensive solution for displays.

Xiphos Bundle

Dive into the world of Xiphos with 31 lines of tools, blades, drills, and bits, all crafted to perfection under the Xiphos brand.

Additional display option

For added convenience, Deligo offers a cardboard display unit perfect for trade counters, which makes products easily accessible and visually appealing, even in smaller spaces.

TO VIEW THE DELIGO BUNDLES ONLINE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ WAR028

1000’S OF SHOW DEALS ● TOP ELECTRICAL BRANDS ● FREE CPD SEMINARS ON WIRING REGS AMENDMENT 2, CIRCUIT PROTECTION, EICRs, EV CHARGING AND MORE ● FREE ENTRY ● FREE PARKING ● FREE PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN T-SHIRT ● FREE BACON ROLL

Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex, doesn’t just want to talk the talk, he wants to walk the walk too. Under his leadership, the team at the cable management manufacturer have been making significant strides to elevate its already well established, environmentally responsible product credentials, to mitigate the impact of its entire operation on the environment. Here, Jon discusses some of the initiatives that the company has undertaken over the last year to support this ambition.

Recycling and reducing waste aren’t new to us. For almost 30 years, we have been using thousands of tonnes of recycled material, originating from PVC-U window frames in the production of our cable management products. Last year, this totalled an average of 60% recycled content across all of our PVC-U systems.

We are, of course, immensely proud of our achievements in this, but one manufacturer alone cannot save the planet. We can make an even more significant change if manufacturers,

contractors, wholesalers and distributors also support the production and use of recycled products. At Marshall-Tufflex, we want ALL PVC-U cable management products installed in buildings to be manufactured with recycled material and we would like this to be a reality by 2028. This can be achieved with the support of the entire supply chain to stock, specify and install PVC-U trunking solutions with recycled plastic content.

We recognise that, to call on the industry to follow our lead, we need to demonstrate that we are truly living those examples throughout our business, not just via the products we sell. So, reviewing our own environmental impact and taking a proactive approach to reducing our carbon footprint and aligning our business practices with environmentally friendly initiatives across our entire operation was a natural next step for us.

We officially launched our ‘Journey to Net Zero’ last year and our strategy is to Measure, Reduce and Offset residuals. To achieve our Net Zero goal, we are reviewing three different kinds of carbon emissions and this is already changing

“ We want all PVC-U cable management products installed in buildings to be manufactured with recycled material.”

the way we work, whether it be the fleet we utilise, the energy we use, our gas and fuel consumption, and how we manage waste and our supply chain.

Positive change

We believe in the fundamentals of positive change, no matter the scale –whether that be small, incremental adjustments, through to larger scale policy renewals – it all makes a difference. For example, we are constantly seeking ways to reduce waste across our entire operation and now have dedicated facilities to recycle paper, cardboard, polythene, wood, metal, print cartridges and aluminium cans.

We have also taken a number of steps to reduce our emissions, including the installation of EV charging points at our head office and ensure that any new machinery aligns to specific energy saving requirements. For example, we recently invested into a new fleet of electric lithium-ion battery forklift trucks and new robotic machinery to increase production rates and packing times.

A further milestone for us is becoming Planet Mark certified, which not only provides third-party verification on our environmental credentials, but actively encourages us to do better. To re-certify, we must reduce our carbon emissions by at least 2.5% every year. Being part of this organisation also helps us identify areas for improvement, where we can set credible carbon emission reduction targets and take meaningful steps towards our Net Zero goals.

looks for ways to use environmentally friendly packaging or to minimise packaging whilst ensuring that our product is well protected and delivered in excellent condition. New product packaging is due to be introduced this year which utilises 100% recycled cardboard and is 100% recyclable.

Going for gold

To support our objectives and provide partners with increased insight into our sustainability performance, we have been assessed by EcoVadis. We are proud to have been awarded the silver rating for our ongoing commitment to sustainability and are now working towards gold.

EcoVadis allows us to get a deeper understanding of our supply chain and means we can share key sustainability metrics with electrical wholesalers.

Zero Team, who ensure we remain focused on, and accountable to, the standards and goals we want to achieve. The team is headed up by Ketlyn Silva, who is our Quality and R&D Manager and since joining Marshall-Tufflex in 2021, she has championed this movement and has been instrumental in helping to engrain the philosophy in our culture and daily operations,

We know that we can’t achieve Net Zero on our own, and that’s why we’re calling on our customers and partners to join us. We all have an impact, no matter how small. By stocking and promoting sustainable products manufactured from recycled materials, wholesalers can help stimulate a real step change across the industry.

The construction industry is the UK’s largest user of natural resources and the largest producer of waste, as well as being a huge contributor to carbon emissions. To reduce this impact and to achieve real results, the whole supply chain needs to work together to foster positive change.

Our holistic approach to reducing our environmental impact also includes our new packaging charter, which continually

Our achievements have been made possible thanks to the collective effort and support of all our employees and the initiatives that have been led by our Net

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler .

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information

Carl Kammerling International Ltd ...............(page 33) www.rdr.link/WAR100

D-Line (Europe) Ltd ........................................(page 39) www.rdr.link/WAR101

Danlers Ltd ......................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/WAR102

Deligo Ltd .........................................................(page 3) www.rdr.link/WAR103

ELEX ................................................................(page 47)

www.rdr.link/WAR104

Elite Security Products ..................................(page 25) www.rdr.link/WAR105

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd ...............(page 52, obc) www.rdr.link/WAR106

Hoyles Electronic Developments ....................(page 5) www.rdr.link/WAR107

Knipex Tools UK .............................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/WAR108

Lawsons Fuses Ltd .........................................(page 43) www.rdr.link/WAR109

Ledvance Ltd ..............................................(page 2, ifc) www.rdr.link/WAR110

Linian Supply Co Ltd ......................................(page 44) www.rdr.link/WAR111

Luceco Plc .......................................................(page 14)

www.rdr.link/WAR112

Metrel UK Ltd ..................................................(page 31)

www.rdr.link/WAR113

Metway Electrical Industries Ltd ...................(page 21)

www.rdr.link/WAR114

ML Accessories Ltd ..........................................(page 9)

www.rdr.link/WAR115

NVC (Manufacturing) Ltd ................................(page 11)

www.rdr.link/WAR116

Olympic Fixings Products Ltd .......................(page 37)

www.rdr.link/WAR117

Ovia Lighting ..................................................(page 16)

www.rdr.link/WAR118

Portable Appliance Safety ............................(page 23)

www.rdr.link/WAR119

Recolight Ltd ..................................................(page 29)

www.rdr.link/WAR120

Schneider Electric Ltd ....................................(page 17)

www.rdr.link/WAR121

Scolmore International ....................................(page 4)

www.rdr.link/WAR122

Sevadis .............................................................(page 7)

www.rdr.link/WAR123

Stearn Electric Company Ltd ........................(page 26)

www.rdr.link/WAR124

The IBA ....................................................(page 51, ibc) www.rdr.link/WAR125

Unicrimp .........................................................(page 28)

www.rdr.link/WAR126

Wiska UK Ltd ..................................................(page 38)

www.rdr.link/WAR127