Outdoor lighting is a fast-growing category for electrical wholesalers, driven by rising demand for safety, security, energy efficiency and outdoor living. Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia, part of Scolmore Group, highlights the key considerations wholesalers should keep front-of-mind when supporting contractors on outdoor lighting projects.

Understanding contractor requirements

Before recommending products, wholesalers need a clear picture of the contractor’s goals and application. Outdoor lighting can serve multiple purposes – safety and security, aesthetic enhancement, and enabling outdoor space usage after dark. Each application requires different fixture types, lumen outputs, beam angles, colour temperatures and control options. Strong consultation can ensure the contractor receives expert guidance on choosing the right lighting solutions for the particular project being worked on.

Stocking the right fittings

The outdoor lighting market continues to expand, with LED, smart and solar lighting leading demand. Advancements in LED technology – higher efficacy, better colour quality and longer lifespans – mean LEDs remain the default recommendation for many projects. LEDs can consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and have a longer lifespan, reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. With many commercial clients now pursuing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets, wholesalers can add value by highlighting the energy saving and sustainability benefits of LED upgrades.

Solar lighting is another growth opportunity for wholesalers. 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. 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. Ovia introduced its first solar power lighting solutions last year with a solar powered LED security floodlight and two solar powered LED street lights joining the company’s growing portfolio of exterior lighting solutions.

Controls that drive efficiency

Wholesalers can differentiate themselves by guiding contractors toward appropriate control options. Timers, photocells and PIR sensors ensure lights operate only when needed, reducing energy consumption and extending product life. Offering controls as part of a complete exterior lighting solution can also increase basket size and simplify contractor purchasing.

Durability and compliance

Exterior lighting can be subject to harsh environmental conditions, and therefore factors to consider include IP ratings, materials and temperature rating. Fixtures need to be rated appropriately for outdoor use, with sufficient protection against dust and water. Corrosion resistant materials such as aluminium, stainless steel or composite polymers are ideal.

Supporting good lighting design

A strong lighting layout is just as important as the fixtures themselves. Wholesalers who can discuss light distribution, uniformity, glare reduction and colour temperature will quickly build trust with contractors.

Ovia offers a free lighting design service, which provides contractors with professionally produced exterior lighting schemes. This support helps ensure compliance with relevant standards, accurate product specification and optimal light distribution across the project. The company also recently launched a new, advanced Lighting Design Calculator – an easy-to-use online tool developed to support contractors, wholesalers and specifiers in designing effective, regulation-compliant lighting schemes with ease and efficiency.

By directing contractors to these free services, wholesalers can add value by positioning themselves as a trusted, solutions-focused partner – helping build stronger, longer-term customer relationships.

For electrical wholesalers, exterior lighting is an opportunity to guide contractors toward safer, more efficient and more visually effective solutions. By understanding the application, recommending the right technologies, and highlighting emerging innovations such as solar and smart controls, wholesalers can strengthen contractor relationships and grow sales in this expanding category.

Additional information can be found here

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In a wholesaler’s world, ‘resistance’ isn’t something you measure – it’s something you manage. Right now, it’s showing up everywhere: in supplier costs, in delayed shipments, and in customers pushing back at the trade counter. In 2026, running a wholesale operation has become a balancing act where timing, pricing and stock decisions can make or break your margins.

Let’s start with the biggest pressure point: cable pricing. Copper surged earlier this year, briefly topping $14,500 a tonne. When that single material makes up roughly 70% of cable costs, it’s not just a market headline – it’s a direct hit to stock valuation and purchasing strategy.

For wholesalers, this has turned into a constant game of risk management. Buy too early, and you’re sitting on expensive stock if prices drop. Wait too long, and you’re exposed to spikes and supply gaps, resulting in tighter margins, more frequent price updates, and difficult conversations with contractors who are struggling to keep their quotes down.

Despite the pressure, the opportunity is significant. Demand across the sector remains strong, driven by large-scale infrastructure upgrades and the UK’s push toward Net Zero. For wholesalers, this means consistent throughput – but only for those who can anticipate demand in areas like solar, EV charging and battery storage.

Price increases, such as the recent 3.95% uplift in JIB rates, may help contractors offset costs, but they also reinforce the need for wholesalers to remain competitive while protecting margin. The real growth lies in supporting the shift toward greener technologies, where product demand – and margins – are often higher.

For wholesalers, 2026 is defined by volatility. Between extended lead times, fluctuating material costs and evolving regulations, success depends on agility, strong supplier relationships and the ability to guide customers through constant change. It’s no longer just about having stock on the shelf – it’s about having the right stock, at the right time, with the right knowledge behind it.

In this month’s PEW we have special features on renewables and green technology, home automation and, rather timely, outdoor lighting for the warm summer evenings we can (hopefully) look forward to in the next couple of months, as well as some encouraging apprenticeship stories from Ventilux in our Soapbox column.

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Editor

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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The Manrose Black Tiled Fan is an exciting new addition to the Manrose range. Boasting a sleek, bold design, it is engineered for performance and aimed at customers who want more than just functionality. Offering style, durability and quiet efficiency, the Manrose Black Tiled Fan ticks all the right boxes for modern households.

The Black Tiled Fan brings a fresh aesthetic with its black tiled fascia complementing today’s interior trends and fitting seamlessly into modern bathrooms and WCs. This is paired with a low sound level of only 38dB(A) at 3m and an impressive extraction rate of 75m³/hr (21 l/s). Developed with efficiency in mind, the fan features a low energy motor operating at a maximum of 16W consumption.

Offering electricians an easy install, the Black Tiled Fan is designed for wall and panel mounting, with its comprehensive range including a built-in timer model. Boasting Manrose’s trusted reliability, the fan is manufactured with thermoplastics for strength and durability, has an integral backdraught shutter, and features a high-quality, dependable, long-life motor warranted for a minimum of 30,000 hours, which all adds up to fewer callbacks for installers.

Providing performance you trust and design you choose, the Black Tiled Fan is stylish, reliable and easy to sell, delivering quiet, efficient ventilation for every bathroom. 

To view the full range of products from Manrose, please visit: https://www.manrose.co.uk/

HOW TO ENTER

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

Q: How many hours is the Black Tiled Fan’s long-life motor warranted to run?

A) A minimum of 20,000 hours

B) A minimum of 25,000 hours

C) A minimum of 30,000 hours

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

Deadline for entries: 31/05/2026

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Drug and alcohol misuse is becoming more prevalent in the workplace. Regular testing, within a drug and alcohol policy, can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of employees, with simple, non-invasive testing devices that can provide fast and discreet results. Mark Burrup, drug and alcohol testing expert at Draeger Safety UK, talks about the risks associated with substance misuse in the workplace and how to mitigate these risks to keep people safe.

Drug and alcohol abuse poses a serious safety issue for all businesses, but particularly so for those involved in safety critical roles such as electricians. In such scenarios, the misuse of drugs or alcohol – and even the effects of some prescription medications – has the potential to risk not only individual safety, but that of colleagues and members of the public, too.

In addition to the human cost, substance misuse across the UK results in billions of pounds in lost productivity and workdays, increased absenteeism and a substantially heightened risk of accidents. Impairment through drug and alcohol misuse can significantly affect judgement, slow reaction times and reduce hazard perception – dangerous for everyday tasks, but even more so for those handling tools and electrical equipment, where one mistake could cause serious injuries to themselves and others, as well as potential liability for their employer.

Side effects

Furthermore, it’s not just the use of illegal drugs which can pose safety risks; studies have shown that a combination of physical injuries and rising mental health issues in the industry has resulted in a significant increase in workers using prescribed drugs. While these treatments are beneficial, some – for example benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety, have side effects which can cause dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision and reduced concentration, potentially compromising safety.

Dräger has recently partnered with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to publish a new Best Practice Guide to provide the information and tools needed for companies to act decisively to manage the problem of drug and alcohol misuse at work. Clear policies, supportive interventions, employee education and proportionate testing programmes all play a vital role. By taking a proactive, evidence based approach, employers can better protect their workforce, fulfil their legal obligations and broader duty of care, and help prevent avoidable harm.

Research undertaken as part of The Dräger Safety and Health at Work (DSHAW) Report 2022  showed that 83% of workers would comply with a corporate drug and alcohol testing programme as they believe it is in everyone’s interest to be safe at work. This suggests that the proactive approach now being taken by many organisations is increasingly in line with workforce concerns and expectations.

A well thought out drug and alcohol policy, which includes awareness of when prescription medication is being taken, is especially important where safety-critical tasks (as defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)) or workplace driving are involved. A good policy will explain the risks and outline the strategy and controls adopted by the organisation to prevent – and where necessary manage – substance misuse among staff, while also being fair, transparent and consistent.

Screening programmes

Many companies are now carrying out or introducing in-house testing for alcohol and drugs, using simple non-invasive devices that are quick, discreet and easy to use. Breathalysers capable of analysing a person’s breath alcohol content are commonly used as part of screening programmes, and innovations such as the greater use of digital and connected technology, as well as data management software, make both recording and the management of test results and data much simpler.

In addition, as the requirement for more portable and discreet methods of drug testing has risen, there has been an increase in demand for saliva based drug screening kits. These can be used to screen for a range of drugs – including opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepines and THC (cannabis) – and give a reliable indication of recent drug use. Saliva based test kits also provide rapid results, allowing a manager to take immediate action to protect workplace safety – for example, by suspending the employee from work pending further investigation and testing.

For more on this topic, click here

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The elegant collection includes five sleek and modern luminaires, suitable for use in kitchens, wardrobes and other undercabinet applications.

The Reveal luminaires are designed for quick and easy installation thanks to plug-and-play functionality and a four-way splitter that connects and powers up to four lights, with a low 12v voltage (12V) system for safe and efficient operation.

Providing perfect accent lighting for any style of kitchen, the Reveal designs include:

• Reveal L – a sleek, L-shaped undercabinet light in polished silver finish with touch-free wave control
• Reveal R – a circular 120mm luminaire and available in black and silver
• Reveal P – a streamlined undercabinet light with touch-free wave sensor and integrated USB-C/USB-A charging ports, in silver and black
• Reveal H – a stylish, silver baton-shaped touch-free luminaire available in 450, 600 and 900mm lengths with dimmable option
• Reveal T – a modern triangular-shaped luminaire with touch-free wave sensor, dimmable option and available in silver and black

For functionality purposes, Reveal P has integrated USB-C and USB-A charging ports, offering convenient power options for mobile devices and accessories.

Find out more here

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In this month’s Face to Face we speak to Joshua Hammerton, co-founder of Enkin, to find out more about current lighting trends and the company’s recent activities.

Q. What is the connection between Enkin and The Soho Lighting Company?

The Soho Lighting Company products are highly technical, but we quickly realised we needed a specialist electrical division within the group, to support the brand for lighting control systems. Enkin provides the dimming and control technology used inside Soho Lighting’s decorative switches, dimmers, sockets and lighting products, both connected through Soho Electrical Group.

Enkin was built from the foundation of trying to help electricians with common industry issues such as buzzing and flickering.

Q. What are the lighting growth areas to keep an eye on?

As a lighting control technology brand there any many areas of growth for Enkin. These include:

• Smart lighting integration – including app and voice control with simple retrofits that convert standard lighting into smart systems.
• LED dimming compatibility- electricians want a single dimmer that works across multiple LED types.
• Luxury layered lighting – where multi-way dimming allows complex lighting layouts for scene control, mood lighting and multi-room zones.
• Energy-efficient lighting – homeowners using smart dimmer/ automation to reduce energy consumption. LED lighting helps but smart tech is key. Rental properties using smart control to switch off lights when guests vacate.
• Hidden Inline dimming – design trends favour hidden control where dimming modules are concealed behind switches and fittings to support minimalist interiors. Smart control without visible tech.
• Lighting for mental wellbeing – dim-to-warm technology reducing brightness and blue light exposure to support relaxation, better sleep and improved mood, reducing stress and anxiety.

Q. What are some of the products and systems currently proving popular with contractors and end users?

Electricians value Enkin products for their exceptional compatibility and reliable performance. Our dimming modules are popular as they simplify LED dimming, eliminate common issues like flicker, support multi‑way control and work with a wide range of switch plate systems. All while remaining easy for electricians to install.

Popular products include IDM250 In‑Line Dimmer, ZDM150 Zigbee Smart Dimmer, PDM400 high‑capacity modules and 250W true multi‑way dimmers. We aim to continue developing products that solve common industry issues such as buzzing and flickering, directly meeting the needs of electricians.

Q. What is Enkin doing to shake up the dimming industry?

Our core strengths are advanced safety features and ease of installation. With years of hands-on experience in the field, we recognised the need for safe, reliable lighting control products, addressing a critical concern for electricians. At the same time, we focus on designing products that are straightforward and efficient to install.

Looking ahead for 2026, we are continuing to innovate with new technologies not yet seen in the market, while maintaining our commitment to reliability, safety, and installation ease for electricians.

Q. How have Enkin and The Soho Lighting Company incorporated sustainability into their design process and business practices?

The Soho Lighting Company integrates sustainability into both product design and business operations. Through responsible sourcing and natural materials, long-lasting, repairable product design, using recycled materials, reducing plastic packaging, creating energy-efficient LED lighting, supporting community sustainability initiatives as well as pursuing B Corp accreditation. Sustainability and environmental responsibility are embedded both into the design process and the wider business strategy.

Enkin are proud to be driving the innovation behind such beautiful, high-quality decorative lighting products.

Q. What are Enkin’s primary aims and objectives for the years ahead?

Our core focus is to be the leading brand in the market for safe and reliable lighting controls, delivering consistent reliability and safety to wholesalers and contractors.

As an innovative company, we have a robust five-year roadmap for growth and expansion, including new product ranges, software enhancements, and digital solutions. We are continually designing and innovating to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Find out more about Enkin here

Catch up on previous ‘Face to Face’ articles here

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The BATM collection of modular LED from Knightsbridge offers distributors and installers a practical solution that simplifies stock management while meeting a broad range of lighting requirements.

Designed to deliver maximum versatility with fewer components, the range includes single-colour and tri-CCT, quad-wattage variants. At the heart of the BATM series is its adaptable modular construction. Each unit can be upgraded to include emergency functionality, microwave sensing, or a combination of both through simple plug-and-play add-ons.

New to the collection is the BATMCRN, a high-efficiency batten for installation into perpendicular wall and ceiling junctions to optimise illumination while minimising glare and dark spots. The design frees up ceiling space, allowing for the integration of other safety products such as emergency signage, making it ideal for narrow corridors and confined spaces.

With performance of up to 140 lumens per watt, the range offers a meaningful improvement in energy efficiency over traditional luminaires. This translates into lower running costs, reduced environmental impact, and long-term financial benefits.

For ease of installation, the fittings incorporate push-fit terminals for rapid wiring, loop-in/loop-out capability, and both rear and end 20mm conduit access points.

Find out more here

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Ian Murphy, R&D Manager at Ventilux, looks at the opportunities that outdoor emergency lighting can present to wholesalers.

Emergency lighting is often associated with corridors, stairwells and plant rooms, but external environments present just as many safety-critical challenges. For wholesalers supplying electrical contractors and beyond, understanding how outdoor luminaires can support both compliance and environmental responsibility is increasingly important.

The external envelope of a building is no longer just a transitional space. Car parks, walkways, entrance routes and perimeter areas must remain safely illuminated during mains failure. At the same time, environmental legislation, biodiversity policies and planning conditions are placing greater scrutiny on how – and what – we illuminate after dark. This presents a clear opportunity for wholesalers to offer solutions that combine robust emergency performance with responsible exterior lighting design.

Local authorities and planners are placing growing emphasis on reducing light pollution and protecting nocturnal wildlife. For emergency lighting in outdoor areas, this creates a balancing act. Installations must remain compliant, reliable and effective in an emergency while avoiding unnecessary uplight, glare and ecological disturbance. Forward-thinking manufacturers are now responding to this challenge, and wholesalers are ideally placed to support contractors by offering products that address both performance and sustainability.

Demanding environments

Ventilux’s Alpha has been developed as a robust outdoor luminaire engineered for long-term performance in demanding environments. Constructed from high-quality die-cast aluminium and rated IP65 and IK10, it is designed to withstand weather exposure, impact and potential vandalism – essential considerations for emergency escape routes, perimeters and public realm applications. However, durability alone is no longer enough. A defining evolution within the Alpha is the introduction of new 2700K LED plates. This very warm colour temperature significantly reduces blue and ultraviolet wavelengths compared with traditional cool white sources. In practical terms, this supports bat-friendly lighting strategies and reduces insect attraction, helping projects meet environmental conditions without compromising safety. For wholesalers, this represents an important talking point, as contractors are increasingly asked to justify lighting choices as part of planning submissions or sustainability assessments. Being able to offer a luminaire that supports biodiversity objectives adds tangible value beyond price and availability.

Emergency lighting outdoors must be dependable but controlled, and one of the major contributors to environmental light pollution is uplight and sky glow. Poorly directed luminaires spill light into the night sky, reducing visibility of the stars, disturbing wildlife and impacting nearby residents. Alpha’s downward light projection ensures illumination is delivered only where required, supporting safer navigation during an emergency while reducing unnecessary environmental impact. This controlled distribution also improves visual comfort, creating more pleasant nighttime environments, which is increasingly valued in residential and mixed-use developments.

When discussing sustainability with contractors and specifiers, energy efficiency is often the first metric considered. While LED technology plays a crucial role in reducing operational energy consumption, product lifespan is equally important. Alpha’s die-cast aluminium housing provides excellent corrosion resistance and structural integrity. Combined with IP65 ingress protection and IK10 impact resistance, this robust construction significantly reduces the likelihood of premature failure. Fewer replacements mean lower embodied carbon over time, fewer site visits and reduced material waste. For contractors and management companies responsible for maintaining external emergency lighting systems, this translates into lower lifecycle costs and improved reliability. For wholesalers, offering products designed for longevity strengthens relationships with professional installers who prioritise dependable performance over short-term cost savings.

Integration

Emergency lighting can no longer be treated as a standalone compliance item. It must integrate with wider architectural, environmental and sustainability objectives. By stocking and promoting solutions that reflect this shift, wholesalers position themselves as knowledgeable partners rather than transactional suppliers.

Modern exterior emergency lighting demonstrates that it is possible to combine industrial-grade durability with environmentally responsible illumination, precise light control and extended service life. By addressing both compliance and ecological impact, these approaches bridge the gap between functional performance and sustainability.

For today’s electrical wholesalers, understanding and supplying lighting that meets these evolving expectations is no longer optional; it represents the future direction of responsible outdoor emergency illumination.

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Setting the benchmark for professional skills development in the UK’s electrotechnical sector, the EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence.

The EDA’s training module Renewables including EV Charging, is now in its 3rd edition, and covers:

• Promotion of uptake of renewables
• Solar photovoltaic
• Electrical energy storage systems
• Electric vehicles
• Heat Pumps
• Wind turbines
• Energy conservation

The more you know, the more you sell

Interest in renewables training is on the up: demand from EDA businesses for the Renewables including EV Charging module increased by 73% between 2022 and 2025, reflecting the electrotechnical sector’s shift towards green tech.

To meet this growing demand, the EDA also launched a new series of Mini Modules. The first, A Closer Look at Heat Pumps, is FREE to all who successfully complete the Renewables module – helping you turn customer questions into confident sales.

Unlock your free heat pump mini module

If you have already completed the Renewables module, but have not yet claimed your copy of A Closer Look at Heat Pumps, scan the QR code below.

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Renewables including EV Charging module and 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 the purpose of an inverter in a PV system?
Q2: What is the nominal capacity of a battery?
Q3: What does the acronym ‘ICE’ stand for when describing a motor vehicle?
Q4: Give three advantages of a hot water heat pump.
Q5: Name the two main types of wind turbine.
Q6: Name the two ways of achieving voltage optimisation.

Scroll down for answers

Answers

Q1: The inverter in a PV system is there to convert the DC input, produced by the PV cells,
into a 230 V AC 50 Hz output and synchronize it with the mains supply frequency.
Q2: How much energy a battery can nominally deliver from full charge.
Q3: Internal combustion engine.
Q4: Energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, space saving, integration with renewable
energy  sources.
Q5: HAWT (Horizontal axis wind turbines) and VAWT (Vertical axis wind turbine).
Q6: Adjusting the step-down transformer ‘taps’ or by fitting a voltage stabilization unit.

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done.

3 – 5 out of 6: Time to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and build confidence.

Less than 3: EDA Product Knowledge Training needed.

Watch the video and download the Course Directory

There’s plenty of information online at www.eda.org.uk, including a video and a downloadable Course Directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules.

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk

For more information, click here

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Bunker Load-Up’s brand new stackable drawers make storing, transporting and organising essentials even easier.

Busy tradespeople can choose a complete, fully built storage system such as the five-piece load up drawer stacking system or purchase individual drawers to create a custom storage set up. The new modular drawers can be put together with a choice of Bunker’s tough toolboxes, durable organisers, worktops and more.

Each modular accessory in the Load Up range is fully interchangeable and stackable, so your customers can load them up, stack them up and swap them out to suit their needs.

Whatever and wherever the job, with the Bunker Load-Up Stacking system your customers can securely transport all their kit to site with ease. Bunker Load-Up boxes and drawers seamlessly stack together offering total flexibility. What’s more, both the drawers and boxes feature tough locks for maximum security. With Bunker’s high-impact resistant construction and heavy-duty wheels, tradespeople can take on any terrain too.

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