Trades
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Leading lighting designer and manufacturer, Ansell Lighting, has announced six strategic appointments as part of its ongoing growth and expansion strategy. Charlotte Jago has joined the company as Head of Commercial Finance and FP&A, alongside Matthew Clague who has been appointed as Head of Customer Success, Sam Henderson who joins the business as Project Manager …
Female tradespeople are significantly underrepresented in the UK. The skilled trade industry employs over two million workers nationwide, but, female tradespeople account for as little as 15% of the workforce at present.1 However, according to its latest ‘In-demand female trades’ report, MoneySuperMarket finds that overall demand for female tradespeople is increasing, with searches for ‘tradeswomen’ in the UK having …
The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) welcomes the Government’s decision to move forward with changes to The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 (PSSR) and the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification (IPS). But Government must now show that it has listened to industry concerns and put public safety at the centre of its plans. …
Elucian has strengthened its sales team having appointed Greg Butler as Area Sales Manager for West Scotland. Greg joined the business with more than 10 years of experience in sales and account management, having successfully managed sales across West Scotland for a leading machinery manufacturer. During this time, he built long-term relationships with customers across …
Commercial Lighting manufacturer, Whitecroft Lighting, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Steve Wilson as IT Director, supporting the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data-driven innovation. Bringing extensive experience in managing IT systems, Wilson will lead the strategic adoption of AI technologies, strengthen the company’s cybersecurity accreditation, and drive …
Weald Electronics Ltd., a major UK manufacturer of electrical connectors and accessories for defence and demanding industrial applications, have appointed Rayfast as their new UK distributor. Rayfast is a leading stocking distributor of quality interconnect solutions as well as high-performance harness components and electro-mechanical products. Their key markets include Aerospace, Defence, Energy, Industrial, Rail and Motorsport, …
Klein Tools UK have announced the expansion of their Renewable Solutions range, a purpose-built collection of tools and equipment designed to support electricians and installers working across solar, battery storage and wider renewable energy installations. The expanded range was shaped directly by feedback gathered on-site. Sam Horseman, Head of Product at Klein Tools, attended a …
Super Rod held its first Elite Testers Conference on Thursday, 9th July 2026, welcoming testers, partners and friends of the business to The Guildhall in the heart of Worcester for a day of conversation, collaboration and celebration. For Super Rod, the day was about putting its values into action: Listen, Innovate and Deliver. The testers …
NAPIT has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on enabling the safe deployment of plug-in solar technologies within the UK. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero asked for views on proposed amendments to the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 (PSSR) to allow plug in solar to connect via a BS 1363 …
Europe’s transition to electric mobility has entered a high-velocity phase. Over 1.2 million new battery electric vehicles (BEV) were registered in the first half of the year, according to the latest EV bulletin published jointly by New AutoMotive, Fier Automotive and E-Mobility Europe. June 2026 saw BEV records shatter across the continent, with monthly registrations …
The right summer workwear can help you stay comfortable and productive all day, but knowing what to look for takes a bit more thought than grabbing whatever’s in the wardrobe. Nick Poulson at Carhartt explains Ask most electricians what they wear on site in summer and it’s probably a battered T-shirt and whatever shorts are …
As CEF turns 75, it explores the biggest challenges facing electricians, according to attendees at its recent TechTalks Electricians are facing growing pressure from multiple directions. Regulations are moving fast and training obligations are increasing, especially around emerging technologies like EV charging and solar PV. Economic uncertainty is changing the way customers scrutinise costs, impacting …
WAGO, global provider of electrical interconnection, automation and interface technology, is celebrating its 75th anniversary of providing engineering innovation and trusted connections. As the business continues to invest in its UK and Ireland operation, broaden its automation offering through the next phase of industrial modernisation, this industry milestone reflects WAGO’s long-standing dedication to customers. Founded …
The Lighthouse Charity has published its 2025 Impact Report, demonstrating once again that they have risen to the challenge of delivering unprecedented and vital emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support in what has been another challenging year for the industry. Key achievements in 2025: Increased the charitable and leveraged support delivered to £6.3m. Supported 6,712 …
July 15, marks World Youth Skills Day, which celebrates the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. The 2026 theme is ‘Skills for a shared future’ aiming to answer a pivotal question: “What will it take to equip every young person with the competencies they need to thrive …
Jo Cox Energy data specialist IMSERV is strengthening its ability to help customers optimise building performance and accelerate decarbonisation following the acquisition of proptech company arbnco. The acquisition marks IMSERV’s third in 18 months, reflecting the company’s continued investment in building a connected platform that transforms energy data into practical insight for customers. Once integrated, …
July 15, marks World Youth Skills Day, which celebrates the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. The 2026 theme is ‘Skills for a shared future’ aiming to answer a pivotal question: “What will it take to equip every young person with the competencies they need to thrive …
Senior business leaders from T Clarke, Crown House Technologies, Emcor, Group Metropolitan, Sudlows, Phoenix ME and other contractors joined government departments, Skills England, Barbour ABI, JTL, JIB and Oxford University at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and BESA’s latest data centre skills roundtable to address one of the UK’s biggest growth opportunities. With more than …
West Northamptonshire is set to deliver one of the country’s most ambitious local on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging programmes, with Char.gy appointed to lead the rollout funded through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and backed by substantial private investment. Following a competitive procurement process, the partnership will deliver more than 3,000 EV …
Thousands of households are set to benefit from enhanced energy support as UK Power Networks launches a new four-year Enduring Partnership programme with Community Energy Pathways and Hope4U. The initiative has been designed to help around 60,000 customers facing energy challenges by providing both immediate assistance and longer-term solutions, helping households reduce costs, improve home …
DIY and trade retailer Toolstation recently joined forces with social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) to oversee a renovation project in Avonmouth, transforming and refurbishing the Avonmouth Community Centre Association (ACCA). The centre provides a friendly and accessible hub for the local community to engage in and enjoy throughout the year, with services including an …
As the mercury rises, Carhartt is making sure lunch breaks don’t wilt in the heat. Its insulated lunch coolers keep food cold, drinks colder and sandwiches sandwich-shaped, no matter how hot the sun gets. A warm snack and a tepid drink are not what anyone wants after a morning of hard graft. Carhartt’s lunch coolers …
A new alliance has been launched in London to help address the area’s electrical skills gap by bringing together local Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) Member businesses, training providers and the local authority. The Local London Electrotechnical Careers and Training Alliance (ETCA) covers East London and surrounding areas. It will support closer collaboration between employers, education …
For nine years, WIT Conference – the UK’s only annual conference run by tradeswomen, for tradeswomen – has brought together hundreds of tradeswomen from across the UK, creating friendships, mentoring relationships, business opportunities and growing a network of women supporting one another in industries where they remain a tiny minority. Once again, women travelled from …