Image credit: Avinu

As buildings become more connected, energy-conscious and technology-driven, the expectations placed on building control systems are increasing rapidly. Developers, consultants, systems integrators and building owners are all under pressure to deliver infrastructure that is efficient, adaptable, compliant and capable of evolving over time.

One of the technologies increasingly at the centre of this discussion is the global KNX standard for smart building control.

Unlike proprietary systems tied to a single manufacturer, KNX is an open protocol used worldwide for the control and automation of lighting, HVAC, shading, energy management, security, metering and numerous other building functions. With thousands of compatible products from hundreds of manufacturers, KNX offers a level of flexibility and long-term value that traditional closed systems often struggle to match.

But beyond the technical benefits, KNX can also play a major role in reducing project costs, improving operational efficiency and simplifying future technology upgrades.

Reducing infrastructure and installation costs

One of the most immediate advantages of KNX is the reduction in cabling and infrastructure complexity.

Traditional building control systems often require multiple separate control networks for lighting, heating, blinds, sensors and other functions. KNX consolidates these systems onto a single intelligent control backbone. This can significantly reduce the amount of wiring, containment and hardware required across a project.

Fewer dedicated control systems also means:

• Reduced installation labour
• Less duplication of devices and sensors
• Simplified commissioning
• Lower maintenance complexity
• More efficient use of plant room and riser space

Because KNX devices communicate across a shared bus system, many functions can be achieved through software configuration rather than extensive physical rewiring. This becomes particularly valuable on larger projects where labour and infrastructure costs can escalate quickly.

For larger or more complex buildings, a KNX IP backbone seamlessly connects different areas, floors or buildings efficiently. This allows control data to be distributed across the wider building network, reducing the need for long or repeated control cable runs while supporting faster communication, easier expansion and more flexible integration with other building systems.

In retrofit environments, the benefits can be even greater. Existing infrastructure can often be upgraded in stages without replacing the entire control system, helping building owners spread investment costs over time while minimising disruption to occupants. KNX RF is already well established in areas where cabling is difficult, more recently KNX IOT connections provide almost limitless possibilities within the KNX secure framework.

Avoiding vendor lock-in

One of the biggest hidden costs in building controls is vendor lock-in. Many proprietary systems rely on a single manufacturer or specialist supplier for expansion, maintenance and future upgrades. Once installed, building owners can find themselves dependent on one ecosystem, with limited flexibility and rising long-term costs.

KNX takes a fundamentally different approach.

As an internationally recognised open standard, KNX allows compatible products from multiple manufacturers to operate together within the same system. This gives consultants, integrators and building owners far greater freedom when selecting devices and future suppliers.

The practical advantages are significant:

• Competitive pricing between manufacturers
• Greater product availability
• Reduced risk of product obsolescence
• Easier phased upgrades
• More flexibility during specification changes
• Longer operational lifespan of the overall system

This interoperability also helps future-proof buildings against changing technology trends. New products and innovations can be integrated into existing KNX installations without needing to replace the entire control infrastructure.

Lower energy consumption and costs

Energy performance is now a major driver in both new-build and retrofit projects.

With increasing pressure from regulations, sustainability targets and operational cost concerns, buildings must become more intelligent in how they manage energy consumption.

KNX enables integrated control strategies that can significantly improve building efficiency, including:

• Presence-based lighting control
• Intelligent HVAC optimisation
• Automated blind and shading control
• Daylight harvesting
• Load management
• Smart scheduling
• Occupancy-based climate adjustment
• Real-time energy monitoring

When systems operate together rather than independently, buildings can respond dynamically to occupancy patterns and environmental conditions.

For example, lighting, heating and shading systems can all react simultaneously to room usage and daylight levels. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption while improving occupant comfort.

In commercial environments, this can contribute to lower operational expenditure and support compliance with sustainability frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED and increasingly stringent energy regulations.

Importantly, KNX also provides the flexibility to refine and optimise control strategies over time. Buildings are rarely used exactly as originally intended, and KNX systems can often be reconfigured without major physical alterations.

Simplifying future technology upgrades

Technology evolves rapidly, but buildings are expected to last for decades.

One of the major challenges facing developers and building owners is ensuring that today’s smart building investments do not become tomorrow’s obsolete infrastructure.

KNX helps address this problem through its long-term compatibility and scalability.

Because KNX is an open, manufacturer-independent standard, systems can evolve gradually rather than requiring wholesale replacement. New technologies can often be integrated into existing KNX environments, including:

• Energy storage systems
• Renewable energy integration
• Smart metering
• EV charging infrastructure
• IoT devices
• Building management systems (BMS)
• Voice control and user interface technologies
• Cloud-based analytics platforms

This staged upgrade approach can dramatically reduce lifecycle costs. Instead of removing and replacing complete systems every time technology advances, buildings can adopt improvements incrementally while retaining much of the original infrastructure investment.

For building owners and facilities managers, this creates a more sustainable and financially manageable upgrade pathway.

Improving coordination

Modern buildings are increasingly complex environments involving multiple specialist systems and contractors.

Poor integration between lighting, HVAC, security and energy systems can lead to inefficiencies, duplicated hardware and operational conflicts.

KNX is particularly effective because it provides a common language between different building technologies.

Rather than operating in isolated silos, systems can exchange information and respond intelligently to one another.

This integrated approach often results in better-performing buildings with fewer conflicts between systems and a more consistent user experience.

It can also simplify project coordination during design and commissioning phases, particularly when open protocols are specified from the outset.

Darryl Roberts, Managing Director of Avinu, comments: “At AVINU, we see first-hand how our clients increasingly value flexibility, longevity and true integration over the vast selection of short-term legacy and current product offerings. KNX provides a robust foundation that allows lighting, HVAC, shading, energy management and future technologies to work together as one intelligent truly integrated system. The real benefit isn’t just what KNX delivers today, but its ability to adapt and evolve with a building over many years.”

Open, interoperable buildings

The building industry is moving steadily towards open, connected and data-driven infrastructure.

Clients increasingly want systems that are flexible, scalable and capable of integrating with future technologies rather than isolated proprietary solutions.

While no single technology solves every building challenge, KNX offers a practical and proven framework for creating smarter, more adaptable buildings that can evolve over time.

As the demand for efficient and future-ready buildings continues to grow, open protocols such as KNX are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the next generation of building control systems.

*Images courtesy of Avinu

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Ansell Lighting has unveiled its S19 product catalogue, showcasing a host of new lighting innovations and enhanced support services for contractors.

S19 is the biggest Ansell catalogue yet and includes almost 50 new products and product upgrades, reflecting the company’s commitment to continuous innovation.

Key highlights of S19 include:

Exa C 

A new addition to the EXA collection – the EXA C is a purpose built padel court floodlight, with precision lenses for controlled beam distribution and uniform playing surface illumination.

Tornado Pro

The fully redesigned and upgraded Tornado Pro is a high spec, non-corrosive batten, designed for applications where performance, optical control and visual quality are critical.

XPRESS

The XPRESS clip-in emergency and microwave sensor converter kits are being rolled out across a number of popular products, following its launch on the Tornado Evo earlier this year.

S19 also includes details of Ansell’s extensive contractor support proposition, which includes a range of services, including streamlined deliveries with improved pallet labelling, on-site surveys, lighting design  and on-site warranties.

The S19 brochure is now available for download at: www.ansell-lighting.com/en/s19-catalogue. Printed copies can be ordered via the online platform or through your local Area Sales Manager (ASM).

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Brady Corporation has launched a new type of hybrid label printer that offers industrial label printing performance in a cordless, portable design.

Brady’s new BradyPrinter i4311 is designed to bridge the gap between stationary benchtop label printer power and mobile flexibility. A well known limitation for most mobile label printers is the maximum width of the label. Brady’s i4311 marks the new maximum label width at 101.60 mm for connected label printing systems that retain true portability.

The larger print width brings a lot more applications into the mobile label printing range, including perforated work-in-progress tags, common size rating plates and larger cable tags, wraps, sleeves, asset labels, component labels and GHS-compliant chemical labels.

The printer is powered by a battery that can handle 5,000 large labels on a single charge. Swapping batteries has been made easy and they can be charged in 3.5 hours.

The new BradyPrinter i4311 can print labels from phones, tablets and laptops, and even from central company systems using Brady’s software development kit or ZPL support. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the i4311 also features ethernet and USB-C connections.

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There’s a tendency in business to focus purely on the measurable – margins, turnover, units moved. And of course, those things matter. But every now and then, it’s worth stepping back and asking a different question: what do we stand behind? Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools, shares why backing people and passion still matters.

Spend a day at a rally and it doesn’t take long to see past the noise. Between the engines, the mud and the movement, there’s a quieter rhythm underneath it all – preparation, problem-solving, people relying on instinct and experience to keep going when things don’t quite go to plan. It’s something that feels oddly familiar. For Jefferson Tools, that’s part of the reason rallying has never felt distant from the world of the trades but closely connected to it.

There’s a rawness to rallying. You can’t control everything, and when something goes wrong, you’re exposed. You’ve got to figure it out and keep moving. That’s not a million miles away from what a lot of our customers deal with every day.

More than the finish line

From the outside, rallying can look like speed and spectacle. But behind it is a discipline built on detail – long hours of preparation, constant adjustments, and an understanding that even the smallest failure can have consequences. Tools are part of that story, but they’re not the whole of it. It’s the people using them, the decisions they make under pressure, and the trust they place in what they have to hand. That trust is everything, whether you’re on a stage or on site, you don’t want to be second-guessing the basics. You want to know what you’re using will do the job.

Jefferson Tools’ involvement in rallying has grown quietly over the years, built on long-term relationships rather than one-off moments. Drivers like Frank Kelly represent something deeper than competition results. They are part of local communities, familiar faces at events, and examples of what sustained commitment looks like over time. That continuity mirrors the wholesale sector in many ways – an industry shaped by longstanding relationships, repeat customers, and trust built over time rather than overnight. 

The wider picture 

What often goes unnoticed in grassroots motorsport is everything that surrounds it: the volunteers setting up stages at first light, the small businesses that see a boost from a local event, the families who return year after year not just for the racing, but for the atmosphere.

It’s not dissimilar to the networks that keep the trade moving – a web of people, often behind the scenes, making things work. In a business landscape that increasingly leans towards immediate returns, long-term commitments can be harder to justify on paper. But not everything of value fits neatly into that model.

There’s a lot of focus now on what you can measure, but some things are about connection – recognising effort, backing people, and being part of something that means something to others.

The cars will change. The technology will move on. The commercial pressures will continue to evolve. But the essence of rallying, and the reasons people are drawn to it, are unlikely to shift in quite the same way.

It comes back to people who care about what they’re doing. That’s what you notice first, and that’s what stays with you.

For those watching from the sidelines, whether at a rally stage or on a job, it’s a reminder that some values are shared more widely than we might think.

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Unicrimp has strengthened its bootlace ferrule range with the introduction of two sizes: 16mm and 35mm. These additions build on installer and wholesaler feedback, expanding the range so customers can now access the full spectrum of sizes from one trusted supplier.

The introduction of these larger ferrule sizes further enhances Unicrimp’s comprehensive offering, giving electrical professionals an even more practical and convenient solution for terminating multi‑stranded cables safely and cleanly.

Feedback from the market had consistently identified the absence of 16mm and 35mm sizes within the existing Unicrimp bootlace ferrule offering. In response, Unicrimp has acted to address this gap, ensuring that customers can now source a complete and more practical range from a single, trusted supplier.

Key product benefits include:

• Improved wire safety
• Versatile range of sizes and colours
• Provides a clean end termination to multi stranded cables
• Insulating sleeves designed to accept tri-rated cables

The new 16mm and 35mm bootlace ferrules are available in Ivory French and Red French finishes, aligning with industry conventions and supporting clear identification during installation.

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Sync Energy has unveiled a new all-electric Roadshow Van designed to bring its range of EV charging and home energy solutions directly to electrical wholesalers and contractors across the UK.

The mobile showroom is visiting wholesaler branches, trade counters, customer sites and industry events, giving installers the opportunity to explore products first-hand, speak with technical experts and learn more about the support available from the Sync Energy team.

Designed as a practical demonstration space, the van showcases products from across the Sync Energy portfolio, including domestic and commercial EV charging solutions and home energy technologies. Visitors are able to see product features in action, discuss installation requirements and take part in live demonstrations and CPD sessions.

The roadshow has been created to make it easier for busy contractors to engage with the brand, access technical guidance and stay informed about the latest developments in the renewable energy sector.

Chris Green, Marketing Director at Luceco Group, said: “The Roadshow Van gives us an excellent opportunity to meet the contractors and wholesalers who work with our products every day.

“It’s about more than displaying products. It allows us to demonstrate how the solutions work in real-world applications, answer questions face-to-face and provide practical support directly to installers.

“We know contractors value products that are reliable, easy to install and backed by knowledgeable support, and this roadshow enables us to deliver that experience directly to them.”

Selected roadshow events will also feature CPD opportunities, product promotions and interactive activities.

For more information and to see where the Roadshow Van will be visiting next, click here

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The all-new Bobcat Safety Footwear incorporates Redbacks Leaf Spring Technology to absorb shock, reduce fatigue and provide all-day support for feet, knees and back.

For busy installers, contractors and other tradespeople working 10-12-hour days, often outdoors, it is especially important to prioritise wearability during the summer months, particularly as the UK recently recorded its hottest day in May on record. With this, Overland Shoes has asserted the critical role that the right pair of safety boots or shoes can play in reducing heat, improving comfort and making long hot days feel more manageable.

Among the extensive range, key summer solutions include the Knox, an athletic-inspired work trainer made from lightweight, breathable nylon and featuring a FITLOCK speed-lacing system for a secure, easy and comfortable fit throughout the day. Equally, the Rockford, shown in cool grey, is a durable, lightweight trainer-style shoe designed with a reinforced woven nylon upper and rubber toe guards to deliver all-day comfort and protection shift after shift.

Offering a significant opportunity for merchants and distributors to tap into the lucrative summer footwear opportunity, the Bobcat Safety Footwear launch is supported by a major national marketing and PR campaign, alongside dedicated PoS materials and social media promotion.

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ESP explains how an end‑to‑end fire system support sets contractors – and wholesalers – up for success.

For electrical contractors navigating the increasingly complex world of fire safety compliance, having a manufacturer that offers more than just products can make all the difference. Equally important is having a wholesaler who can connect them to the right technical support from the outset. ESP has long recognised this need, and over recent years it has built a comprehensive support framework that wholesalers can confidently offer to their customers – guiding contractors from the earliest design discussions right through to final commissioning and certification.

What sets ESP apart is not simply the breadth of its offer, but the way its services integrate into a smooth, contractor‑friendly workflow that wholesalers can rely on to enhance their own customer service. The company’s Fire System Design Service and Fire Commissioning Service have become established pillars of support for installers across the UK – and together, they form a complete package that helps contractors deliver compliant, reliable systems with confidence.

Design support  

ESP’s design service has become a go‑to resource for contractors of all sizes, from local electricians to national contracting firms – often accessed via their preferred electrical wholesaler. By directing customers to ESP’s design team, wholesalers can provide added value at the earliest stage of a project. The service provides expert guidance in selecting the right products and creating a scheme that meets both the project’s objectives and all relevant regulations.

The process begins with an initial discussion to understand the site, the risks, and the client’s requirements. From there, ESP’s design team gathers measurements, drawings and specifications. For larger or more complex projects, a site visit ensures every detail is captured accurately.

With this information in hand, ESP produces a full design proposal, complete with system drawings, device schedules and a quotation. Crucially, the process is collaborative: contractors and the ESP design team work closely together to refine the scheme until it meets every requirement.

The service also extends beyond fire detection. ESP’s design team supports CCTV, Emergency Lighting, Access Control and Disabled Refuge systems – giving wholesalers a single point of contact for multiple safety disciplines. Enquiries are welcomed from both contractors and wholesalers, with a dedicated channel available at design@espuk.com.

Commissioning  

Once installation is complete, ESP’s Fire Commissioning Service provides the final layer of assurance. Delivered by qualified commissioning engineers located throughout the UK, the service ensures that every ESP fire system is tested, configured, and certified in line with BS5839‑1.

The commissioning process includes:

• Full verification of installation quality
• Device testing and loop integrity checks
• Panel programming and cause‑and‑effect configuration
• System performance testing
• Certification issued prior to handover

For contractors, this removes uncertainty and reduces liability. For wholesalers, it provides a valuable after‑sales support option that strengthens customer relationships and reinforces trust in the ESP brand. For end users, it provides confidence that their system has been installed and commissioned to the highest standard.

Independent recognition through BAFE accreditation

ESP’s commitment to quality is further reinforced by its BAFE SP203‑1 accreditation for fire system design. This accreditation – awarded only to organisations that meet strict third‑party certification requirements – places ESP on the National BAFE Fire Safety Register.

For contractors, this means the design service they rely on is independently verified as competent, compliant and aligned with all relevant British Standards. For wholesalers, it provides a strong assurance that the support they are recommending is backed by recognised industry credentials – a powerful advantage in a sector where accountability and traceability are increasingly important.

A complete package

With its established design service, nationwide commissioning support, extensive product portfolio – including the latest two‑wire fire systems – and a team of experienced technical specialists, ESP now offers contractors a truly end‑to‑end fire systems solution.

Wholesalers benefit equally, gaining the ability to offer their customers not just products, but a complete support ecosystem that spans design, installation guidance, and commissioning. This strengthens customer loyalty, enhances the wholesaler’s technical credibility and helps ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish.

In a market where compliance, documentation and reliability are under greater scrutiny than ever, ESP’s integrated approach gives contractors – and the wholesalers who support them – exactly what they need: confidence, clarity, and a partner that adds value at every stage of the project.

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Killian’s story is one many parents will recognise. When his teenage daughter began self-harming, his world shifted overnight. He made a heart-wrenching but vital decision to separate from her mother and relocate, taking a substantial pay cut to be closer and provide consistent care.

But emotional strength alone isn’t always enough. That’s where the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) came in. Recommended by his manager, Killian reached out – and was met with empathy, practical support, and a plan tailored to his family’s needs.

The EIC quickly arranged counselling sessions for Killian, giving him a confidential space to cope with the pressure and emotional toll of parenting through a mental health crisis. His daughter was already receiving professional clinical help, but the EIC rightly recognised that supporting the caregiver was just as essential. Killian needed time, space, and emotional tools to process his experience, manage stress, and remain a stable presence for his daughter – and the Charity ensured he had that support.

These sessions became a valuable outlet, helping Killian regain a sense of control and perspective during a deeply unsettling time. By looking after Killian’s wellbeing, the EIC helped protect the long-term wellbeing of the entire family.

Beyond emotional care, the EIC offered Killian financial guidance, knowing that his reduced income could present future challenges. Although he opted not to take the budgeting meeting at that time, knowing it was available gave him reassurance and a sense of stability. He understood that if his circumstances changed again or became more difficult, help was still there – compassionate, non-judgemental, and always ready. This safety net allowed Killian to focus on what mattered most: his daughter’s recovery and his family’s future.

The EAP doesn’t just respond to emergencies – it provides structured, long-term support. Killian was paired with a caseworker who maintained contact, helping him feel connected and cared for as he navigated his daughter’s recovery and his own emotional wellbeing.

By combining financial insight, emotional support, and flexible case management, the EIC’s EAP proved to be a stabilising force in Killian’s life.

If you or someone in your organisation is struggling, don’t wait. The EAP is here for all those in the electrical and energy industries, offering confidential, compassionate help.

For further information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly – 020 3696 1710, fundraising@electricalcharity.org or click here

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Click Scolmore has expanded its outdoor wiring range with the launch of the new Aquip66 13A FCU with passive RCD protection – a product that will help electrical wholesalers meet growing demand for robust, weatherproof and safety‑driven solutions.

With installers increasingly looking for reliable IP66‑rated outdoor power products that minimise callbacks and support compliance, the Aquip66 FCU gives trade counters a high‑quality, low‑return line that’s easy to recommend and trusted on site.

Engineered for use across a wide range of outdoor applications, the 1-gang Aquip66 unit is suitable for powering garden lighting, outdoor equipment and fixed appliances. Its IP66-rated enclosure provides a high level of protection against dust and water, ensuring dependable performance in challenging weather conditions as well as indoor environments where durability is essential.

At the core of the product is a 13A FCU that enables safe and regulated power supply. The addition of passive RCD protection offers an extra layer of safety by continuously monitoring leakage currents and automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. This function helps reduce the risk of electric shock and supports compliance with modern safety expectations.

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