On the 31^st of August, Surge Protection Devices celebrated its 20^th anniversary, marking two decades of technical innovation and a continued commitment to advancing electrical safety.

Founded 20 years ago, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a leading UK specialist in lightning and surge protection, with its products now protecting installations around the world. From military bases and historic landmarks to factories, data centres and homes, its solutions provide vital protection against lightning and transient overvoltages.

The company’s growth has accelerated over the past eight years, with enhanced surge protection requirements within the BS 7671 wiring regulations helping to establish surge protection as an essential part of modern electrical infrastructure.

Alongside product development, Surge Protection Devices Ltd has placed knowledge sharing and education at the heart of its work. Through free accredited CPD training and active involvement in British Standards, the company continues to support electrical professionals and help raise industry standards.

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We hear from Robus on how modular solutions can provide a major advantage when it comes to sports lighting projects.

Sports lighting is having a major upgrade. Ageing metal halide and high-intensity discharge (HID) systems are steadily being replaced with LED technology across pitches and courts of every size. But that’s only part of the story. Expectations of what modern sports lighting can achieve have grown considerably, from smart controls to the high-performance illumination needed for televised sport, to entertaining crowds with dynamic lighting scenes.

This is putting electricians to the test. Not only do you need to keep pace with these developments, but you also need a solution flexible enough to adapt to different sports, classifications, and the shift from training sessions to matchday performance. That’s why this year, ROBUS launched STADION: a modular sports lighting solution designed to perform not just for the crowd, but for the installer.

From grassroots to national pitches

For years, achieving scale in sports lighting meant working across several product lines to cover different sizes of project. That meant juggling multiple SKUs, stock inefficiencies, and complicated systems. STADION takes a different approach.

Rather than specifying different luminaires for different applications, electricians can now build the exact output they need using stackable 600W modules. One modular range, three power options, and a contractor-led design built to adapt on-site.

Stackable power, scalable output

STADION is made up of individual light modules, each rated at 600W (84,000Lm). These modules can be stacked together to reach 1200W (168,000Lm) or 1800W (252,000Lm), all at 5700K colour temperature. That means you can easily scale from a grassroots court to a mid-tier club pitch and then to a national ground with the STADION range.

Precision aiming and adjustable brackets

Words you never want to hear from the pitch: “The light was in my eyes!” It only takes a couple of badly aimed luminaires to turn a great game into a frustrating experience. STADION is designed to minimise glare from the outset. Combined with the precision aiming device and adjustable brackets, offering ±90° on the main bracket and a further ±30° per module, electricians can achieve the accurate positioning needed to maximise illumination and minimise glare.

Mix and match optics with asymmetric lenses

Bright spots and dark patches can show up quickly across a pitch, even when the average lux reading looks fine on paper. STADION’s mix and match asymmetric lenses (narrow, medium, and wide) mean each light source can be fine-tuned to deliver consistent coverage exactly where it’s needed, maintaining uniform illumination across the entire playing surface.

Narrow and wide are assembled to order by ROBUS’s Customised Conversions Department, while medium is available as a stock item.

The next question is what that light needs to do, and the answer changes by the hour. As Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) grow in popularity, the same facility might host five-a-side football one evening and netball training the next, each with its own lighting requirements.

Energy efficiency is another important consideration. A training session doesn’t call for the same output as a live match, and running full power for both wastes energy.

Adaptable controls have moved from a nice-to-have to a necessity. STADION brings this flexibility together in one fixture, with 0-10V dimming, DALI, and DMX options.

0-10V covers reliable dimming for everyday use.

DALI brings intelligent, energy-saving management, useful where a client wants lighting levels to adjust automatically depending on use.

DMX is where things get interesting. It’s the same protocol used for concert and event lighting, and it turns STADION into a genuine entertainment tool. Think synchronised lighting scenes for player entrances, presentations, or special events.

Built to handle the elements

Add anti-corrosion die-cast aluminium, a 720-hour salt spray test, and a dual-layer tempered glass and PC lens protection, and the result is a fixture built to handle exposed, high-use sites without constant intervention. Wide airflow gaps between the cooling fins help dissipate heat efficiently, supporting long-term performance. The low-copper-content housing also acts as an effective heat sink while providing enhanced corrosion resistance.

And with up to 145Lm/W efficacy and an IP66/IK08 rating as standard, scalability doesn’t come at the cost of performance or durability.

For projects with particular site or specification requirements, STADION is also available with a Marine Grade option for coastal or high-corrosion locations, a 4000K colour temperature option where 5700K isn’t the right fit, and a 3000K option for warmer lighting schemes.

Complete solution

The demands of modern sports lighting can be complex, from meeting strict standards and balancing energy costs, to managing maintenance and environmental impact. Solutions such as ROBUS STADION offer a complete solution, from initial lighting design to aftercare support.

For further details, click here

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A new independent report commissioned by Klipboard has revealed that late payments have become almost universal across the wholesale and distribution sector, with 98% of businesses reporting overdue customer payments.

Based on a survey of over 300 distribution businesses and 250 trade buyers from across the UK, the research was commissioned to better understand how payment processes are affecting customer experience, operational efficiency and cash flow across the distribution sector.

The results explore the biggest payment challenges facing the industry, the causes and impact of late payments, the most common issues buyers have with payments and the ways customers would prefer to pay.

Key findings

• 98% of distributors deal with late payments
• 56% spend over six hours per week on manual payment admin
• 96% employ at least one person dedicated to payments and credit control
• 94% believe offering multiple payment options boosts customer loyalty
• Just 12% of distributors operate with a single payment provider

The findings suggest late payments remain a near-universal challenge for distributors, placing pressure on cash flow while creating additional work for finance and credit control teams. The issue remains firmly in the spotlight following the UK Government’s announcement earlier this year of new measures aimed at tackling late payments and strengthening protections for suppliers.

At the same time, distributors are under growing pressure to offer customers more choice in how and when they pay. While many businesses have introduced additional payment methods and providers to improve the customer experience, doing so can create disconnected systems, more manual administration and more difficult reconciliation. This ‘payment sprawl’ can make it harder to track and collect payments efficiently, contributing to delays and cash flow challenges.

Lochan Sim, VP of Payments at Klipboard, commented: “The research shows that late payments have become a fact of life for almost every distributor, creating unnecessary pressure on cash flow and placing a significant administrative burden on finance teams.

“The businesses we work with want faster, more efficient ways to collect payments – without creating additional complexity for their teams or customers. Our mission is simple: to give distributors access to modern payment technology that helps them get paid faster, operate more efficiently and make it easier for customers to do business with them. The easier you are to buy from and pay, the more likely customers are to come back and buy again.”

To download a copy of The 2026 Distribution Payments Report, visit: https://www.klipboard.com/payment-in-distribution

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Welcome to the September issue of PEW. Has it cooled down yet? As much as I love the summer the five (at the time of writing) heatwaves have become quite exhausting. But then for so many years we have complained that we’ve barely had a summer worth talking about at all, so I guess this is payback!

So just how hot is too hot? For the electrical wholesaling industry there is of course a knock-on effect. In our homes, factories and offices air conditioning gets switched on, refrigeration systems work harder and even the humble portable fan suddenly becomes a highly desirable bit of kit as we try to keep cool. So for wholesalers, heatwaves can provide a useful reminder of just how quickly demand can change. Products that might sit quietly on the shelves for months can suddenly become urgent requirements, while contractors can find themselves responding to customers who want cooling solutions installed earlier than yesterday.

It also highlights the importance of having the right conversations with customers. Is the existing installation capable of handling additional loads? Is the equipment being installed appropriate for the environment? Are customers looking for a quick fix, or is there an opportunity to discuss a more efficient, longer-term solution?

Heatwaves aren’t simply uncomfortable weather events. They are becoming an increasingly important consideration for the way we design, install and use buildings. The electrical system that was perfectly adequate when a property was primarily concerned with heating in winter may face very different demands when cooling becomes a regular part of summer life.

And while nobody wants to spend a perfectly good sunny day talking about distribution boards and electrical loads, that’s precisely where the wholesaler’s expertise comes into its own.

The industry has always been about more than boxes on shelves. At its best, wholesaling is about helping contractors find the right product, understand what they need and get the job done safely and efficiently.

So perhaps the next time somebody complains that it’s “too hot”, spare a thought for the electrical industry, because when the heat is on, there’s a good chance we’re working a little harder too!

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Check out the September issue here

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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Get yourself set for autumn with Knightsbridge and the chance to win a fantastic prize bundle, which includes a £250 Amazon gift card, a box of 10 SpektroLED EVO downlights and a five-pack of the company’s BT EVO bulkheads.

The SpektroLED EVO downlight combines flexibility with easy installation, offering selectable wattages, colour temperatures and interchangeable bezel finishes. Available in fixed, tilt and smart versions, it can be set to either 5W, delivering up to 465 lumens, or 7W, delivering up to 795 lumens, using a switch on the lamp body. Four CCT options are available, selected via a sliding switch, while the LED has a 60° beam angle. The tilt version can be adjusted through 90° and magnetic bezels in six finishes provide further scope for customisation.

With a dimmable lifespan of 50,000 hours, the downlights are fire-rated for installation in solid timber, web joist and I-joist applications for up to 90 minutes, depending on the material. They are also IC-rated to maintain the efficiency of mineral wool insulation in the ceiling void. An IP65 rating from below makes EVO suitable for bathrooms and wet rooms.

The robust and straightforward-to-install BT EVO is a versatile bulkhead designed to suit a wide range of applications. Three wattage choices – 9W, 14W and 18W – can be combined with CCT options from 3000K to 5700K. Additional versions include emergency, microwave sensor, corridor function, emergency corridor function and emergency daylight sensor options. Bezels are available in standard round or eyelid styles, with matt black, chrome and grey finishes.

Established in 1998, Knightsbridge is a leading name in the UK electrical sector, supplying a comprehensive range of quality wiring accessories together with interior, exterior and commercial lighting products.

For more information please visit: https://www.mlaccessories.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning this prize bundle, simply choose the correct answer from the options below:

Q. What is the dimmable lifespan of a Knightsbridge SpektroLED EVO downlight?

A) 30,000 hours

B) 40,000 hours

C) 50,000 hours

Simply fill out the form below and tell us your answer for the chance to WIN!

Deadline for entries 30/09/26

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Siemens has introduced the SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device (ECPD) to the UK market, offering a new approach to protecting low-voltage electrical systems with response times up to 1,000 times faster than conventional electromechanical circuit protection.

Designed for use in electrical distribution boards and control cabinets, the semiconductor-based device can reduce the energy released during a short circuit by up to 99.5%, helping to minimise equipment damage, reduce downtime and improve system resilience.

Combining circuit protection, switching, measurement and communication functions within a single unit, the SENTRON ECPD also enables remote diagnostics and switching, making it particularly well suited to remote or difficult-to-access installations. Siemens says the integrated design can reduce the space required within electrical panels by up to 80%, depending on the application.

The device forms part of the wider communication-enabled SENTRON portfolio and can be configured using the SENTRON Powerconfig app, while integration with SENTRON Powercenter gateways allows performance data and diagnostics to be monitored locally or in the cloud.

Jacob Wells, Product Manager at Siemens UK & Ireland, said: “As UK sites become more electrified and more connected, circuit protection needs to become smarter too. SENTRON ECPD gives installers, panel builders and operators a future-ready way to protect circuits, monitor performance and support uptime.”

Suitable for commercial, industrial and infrastructure applications, the SENTRON ECPD has been developed to help improve safety, simplify panel design and enhance the reliability of modern electrical installations.

For more information, visit: https://www.siemens.com

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UK-based lighting manufacturer Thorlux Lighting has marked its 90^th anniversary throughout the summer with charity events and the opening of a refreshed visitor centre at its Redditch, Worcestershire headquarters. As the company continues to innovate and works towards a validated net-zero target, its future remains bright.

Founder Frederick William Thorpe first manufactured Thorlux luminaires in 1936. Based in a small factory in Small Heath, Birmingham, the company initially made vitreous enamelled steel reflectors.

This was the beginning of a journey that would see Thorlux grow into a globally recognised manufacturer of luminaires and lighting control systems, becoming the largest company in the FW Thorpe Group.

Thorlux has installed a spinning lathe used since the 1930s as the centrepiece of its refreshed Thorlux Application Centre. The centre also includes an improved Emergency Lighting Experience, providing guests with a realistic, educational power failure escape scenario.

Thorlux remains at the forefront of modern UK luminaire manufacture, with multi-million-pound investments in advanced technology at its Redditch factory. The company still proudly makes over 90% of its products in the Midlands, employing five hundred people locally. Thorlux specialises in energy-efficient, sustainable products, and is working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

Mark Stevenson, Marketing Lead at Thorlux, said: “90 years is a major milestone for Thorlux. As a proud UK manufacturer, it is important to reflect on our accomplishments so far – from pioneering energy-saving controls to relighting the clock faces of Big Ben – while keeping our eyes on the future. The best is still to come!”

Get more details at: www.thorlux.co.uk/

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Snickers Workwear has announced a new charity partnership with Band of Builders, reinforcing its commitment to supporting people working across the UK construction industry.

The partnership will see the two organisations collaborate on a range of fundraising and awareness initiatives, while Snickers Workwear will also supply free workwear to hundreds of Band of Builders volunteers undertaking charitable projects across the country.

Band of Builders provides practical, financial and wellbeing support to members of the construction industry and their families facing illness, injury or other life-changing circumstances. Through its nationwide volunteer network, the charity delivers projects and assistance designed to make a lasting difference to those in need.

The collaboration also aims to raise awareness of the challenges affecting tradespeople, both on and off site, while highlighting the importance of supporting the industry’s workforce.

Ben Stacey, UK Sales Manager at Snickers Workwear, said: “The construction industry is built on teamwork, resilience and looking out for one another. Band of Builders embodies those values every day through the incredible support it provides to people facing difficult circumstances. We are proud to name Band of Builders as our chosen charity and look forward to working together on a range of initiatives that will make a real difference to construction workers and their families.”

Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, added: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Snickers Workwear, a brand that is trusted and respected by construction workers across the UK. Our mission is to ensure people don’t have to face their challenges alone through practical projects, financial assistance and wellbeing support.”

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Enhancing its portfolio and high and low bay luminaires, Ansell Lighting has added the Opti-Lux Pro to its range.

Designed for use in retail and commercial applications, the LED high bay delivers 150lm/W efficiency and features an etched diffuser for glare-free illumination.

The Opti-Lux Pro is power selectable from 60W to 200W and colour selectable between 3000K and 4000K, offering a range of output and temperature options for warehouse and retail units requiring reliable, high-quality lighting.

Developed to give installers greater flexibility and speed up projects, Opti-Lux Pro features a quick access gear tray with push fit connectors and is supplied with both a suspension kit and surface bracket.

A stand-out feature is the inclusion of a Zhaga socket allowing plug and play sensors including MWS, PIR and Casambi wireless control to be used with the product. This allows for easy senor changes, while the adjustable detection range and hold time enables customised lighting control and energy efficiency.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, said: “Opti-Lux Pro has been developed with both installers and end-users in mind. We wanted to create a lower glare high bay luminaire that not only makes installation as straightforward as possible but also delivers the reliability and quality of light that warehouses and retail units rely on every day.”

For more information visit www.ansell-lighting.com

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Bobcat Safety Footwear has secured a trio of major stockists just months after its launch.

Among the latest additions is MacGregor Industrial Supplies (MIS), one of the largest independent industrial suppliers in North Scotland – serving the industrial, construction and engineering sectors across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire. Selected Bobcat boots and shoes are now available through MIS’s extensive branch network and online platform, with 24/7 trade account ordering and daily delivery services. To celebrate the launch, MIS is offering complimentary footwear from the Bobcat range with every Bobcat equipment purchase or hire.

Versatile Equipment, the UK’s number one Bobcat dealership serving London and the South East, has also added Bobcat Safety Footwear to its offering, providing customers with easy access to the brand’s innovative boots and shoes alongside its construction and industrial equipment.

Safety-Shoes.co.uk, an leading online safety shoe supplier, further expands Bobcat’s national footprint, making the range accessible to customers across the South of England.

This follows a growing network of PPE and workwear specialists across the breadth of the country now stocking Bobcat Safety Footwear, greatly increasing availability and accessibility for customers across the UK.

Peter Lawson, Brand Manager at Overland Shoes, the footwear powerhouse behind Bobcat Safety Footwear launch, commented: “Since introducing the Bobcat Safety Footwear range just months ago, the response has already surpassed our expectations. Clearly, the market has been crying out for a range that combines standout style, all-day comfort  and uncompromising protection – and Bobcat delivers on all three at a mid-market price point. Quite simply, there’s nothing else like it today.

“It is therefore incredibly exciting to have such highly regarded stockists on board. This is another step forward in expanding our national reach and delivering trusted products that combine comfort, protection and reliability.

“We encourage any merchants or distributors interested in stocking our products not to delay and to get in touch today, we’ll be happy to help.”

For more information please visit www.bobcat-footwear.com

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