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As part of the major refurbishment of 1 Basinghall Avenue, Equation Lighting has designed a lighting scheme that helps redefine how global bank Standard Chartered’s London headquarters is experienced, transforming key client and workplace areas into a series of connected, people-focused environments that support collaboration, wellbeing and flexibility. The project forms part of a long-term …
Lack of sleep has been ranked as the biggest long-term health concern for UK tradespeople, according to new research from Tradesman Saver released for Mental Health Awareness Week (11th to 17th May). Early starts, physically demanding work and financial pressures mean many are regularly running on too little rest, raising the risk of illness, injury and burnout. Almost half (48%) put a lack of sleep at the top …
The American Coatings Association (ACA) recently presented John Vanderpool, senior vice president of True Value Manufacturing and General Paint Manufacturing, with its Industry Achievement Award. Vanderpool received this honor during the ACA’s Industry Awards Dinner, held before the American Coatings Show in Indianapolis. The Industry Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their specific contributions to an …
Ashley: So, to start, can you tell us a little bit more about the prevalence of silica in the workplace? Why is it such a concern? Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/products/podcasts/Preventing-Silica-Exposure-in-the-Workplace.html.
Ian Austwick and Emre Yilmaz LED & Power Ltd, established in 2019 in Middlesbrough by co-owners Ian Austick and Sam Garbutt, has been acquired by private investor Emre Yilmaz for an undisclosed sum. The deal originated after the directors became aware of Mr Yilmaz’s previous acquisition of Harvey Electrical Services last summer and made contact …
James Huntington Tridonic UK, a global leader in lighting technology and smart building solutions, today announced strategic leadership changes designed to enhance its digital service footprint and expand its reach into the data-driven solutions market. Effective 1 May 2026, James Huntington is promoted to Projects, Solutions and Services Sales Manager, whilst Simon Blazey transitions into …
A training programme that broadens access to electricity jobs and supports Britain’s power needs triumphed at the Learning Excellence Awards. UK Power Networks was recognised for its outstanding contribution to technical training development through the Craft Attendant Programme, which received the Merit award in the Technical or Engineering Training category in London. Craft attendants support …
Social landlords in England are being urged to act now or risk fines of up to £40,000, as new electrical safety checks come into force, a charity is warning. The legislation, which came into force on 1 May, will introduce stronger protections for millions of people living in social rented homes. It will require social landlords to ensure that electrical installations, as well as any electrical equipment they …
Table of Contents Toggle Start by Asking Around Check Their Credentials Get Multiple Quotes Look at Reviews, But Read Them Carefully Understand What You’re Paying For Watch Out for Storm Chasers Don’t Skip the Contract Think About the Long Run Final Thoughts Images Links Most homeowners don’t think about their roof until something goes wrong. …
By Scott Jerousek First and foremost, I would like to congratulate this year’s class of Top Guns recipients. Take a moment and let it sink in—you’re being recognized by your industry as the best of the best. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a well‑deserved acknowledgment of hard work, dedication and the ongoing pursuit of …
By Mike Aylen In a recent post on social media, I recounted a question I am often asked by retailers: “What is the easiest way to improve margin?” My answer is always the same: “Start with the margin you are losing right now that you don’t know about.” I think it would be fair to …
By Jeremy Melnick What’s the shortest amount of time a new hire has lasted on the salesfloor before quitting or being fired? A month? A week? A day? An hour? For me, it was 10 minutes. “I don’t sweep or dust,” the new associate said. That sentence ended the shift and the job. As extreme …
According to the Q1 2026 Farnsworth Contractor Index conducted by The Farnsworth Group, finishing professionals are already showing confidence about business activity and revenue impact in 2026. Paint & Decorating Retailer broke down the data from the study, revealing pros’ expected growth in the next year, a key audience retailers should tap into this year. …
Staying in tune with the best options in the abrasives and sanding tool categories is an essential practice for retailers who offer a full range of painting supplies. By strategically organizing products, prioritizing quality and leveraging customer feedback in this category, your store can better serve both contractors and DIYers. Hear from three retailers who …
Celebrating its 20th year honoring trailblazing retailers in the channel, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has named its 2026 Top Guns Awards honorees. This year’s honorees include: David Enmark, CEO of The Helpful Hardware Co.; Ash Ebbo, CEO of Clement’s Paint; Jason Blair, CEO of TAL Building Centers; and Denise Brookhouse, CEO …
Makita has built a global reputation for tools that perform day in, day out, on demanding work sites. That same practical, performance-first approach now defines the new Makita Workwear range – tough, considered and built for real working environments. Developed by Castle Clothing – the team behind TuffStuff Workwear – and drawing on over 50 …
Scolmore Group company, Unicrimp, a leading player in the cable accessories sector, continues to support professional electricians and installers with a comprehensive portfolio of Q-Crimp conduit accessories. The extensive Unicrimp conduit accessories range has been developed with the installer in mind, combining robust materials with practical design features to streamline on-site installation while delivering long-term …
Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, has announced the launch of Pitch Finder, a new high‑performance LED sports floodlighting system engineered specifically for professional outdoor sports environments. Designed to deliver precise, reliable and energy‑efficient illumination, Pitch Finder offers a scalable and fully configurable lighting solution suitable for facilities of every size – from local training …
Leading fire and security solutions supplier, ESP, has invested significantly to introduce a new name to the fire and safety alarm sector with the launch of Espire. Espire is a comprehensive range of high performance fire and CO alarm products that has at its core quality, reliability and innovation. Sitting as a separate brand under …
Click Scolmore has announced the launch of Elucian’s new 10kA 3 Pole + Switched Neutral Bi-Directional RCBO, further expanding its comprehensive circuit protection portfolio. Developed in response to growing market demand, the new 10kA 3 Pole + Switched Neutral Bi-Directional RCBOs are supplied with a one metre Neutral fly lead and are available in a …
Click Scolmore has reinforced its commitment to product availability and contractor convenience with the announcement that its expanded range of laser etched Mode 20A Double Pole switches and 13A Switched Fused Connection Units will now be offered entirely as stocked lines. The move sees seven product types across the popular Mode wiring accessories range available …
Earlier in this issue, we met this year’s first Top Guns Awards honoree, Ash Ebbo, who shared how important it is to empower the next generation in the independent home improvement channel to become its next leaders. Engaging with the next generation at the store level is crucial for the success and future growth of …
As the only event uniting the entire independent channel, the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI) promises to deliver practical takeaways, interaction with top industry vendors and chances to connect. Taking place July 29-30 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and hosted by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and The Hardware …
Celebrating its 20th year honoring trailblazing retailers in the channel, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has named its 2026 Top Guns Awards honorees, including Ash Ebbo, CEO of Clement’s Paint in the Austin, Texas, area. “Top Guns honorees are pillars of innovation and forward-thinking, and have helped grow their businesses through strategic …