It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we details who has gone where…

Laurie Wilson, Jean-Baptiste Praud, Gary Groves & Kath Kearns

CMP PRODUCTS

CMP Products – has announced a strategic restructure of its UK and Europe sales team.

As part of the new structure, Laurie Wilson has been promoted to Regional Manager (UK, Ireland & Europe and Central Asia), recognising more than a decade of contribution to the business. Jean‑Baptiste Praud has been promoted to Regional Sales Manager (Europe), while Gary Groves joins CMP as Regional Sales Manager (UK and Ireland) from Riello UPS. Jean‑Baptiste and Gary will report to Laurie, who in turn reports to CEO Vince Patterson. In addition, Kath Kearns will transition into a Key Account Manager (Europe) role, further strengthening support for strategic customers across the region. With nearly 39 years at the business, she has played a key role in driving growth and building strong, lasting relationships with customers across Europe, and her new role ensures continued focus on these key relationships.

Connor Mavers & Declan Shaw

ELUCIAN

Elucian has strengthened its regional sales team with the appointment of Connor Mavers as Area Sales Manager for the South-Central region, and Declan Shaw as Area Sales Manager for the South Yorkshire & East Midlands region. Connor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience within the electrical sector to the Elucian team. His background includes roles in quality and control, where he supported product testing and development, and contributed to achieving LIA‑accredited status for photometric testing. He has also worked in business development, broadening his commercial insight and strengthening his understanding of customer needs.

Declan brings over a decade of sales experience to the role, including several years within the electrical industry. Having worked for a national electrical wholesaler as an Account Manager before moving into manufacturing, he has developed a strong understanding of both sides of the industry and the challenges faced across the supply chain. This combined experience has helped him build strong customer relationships and develop a customer-focused approach to supporting accounts.

Harry Charalambous & Sean Mullan

UNICRIMP

Unicrimp has announced the appointment of Harry Charalambous as Area Sales Manager for the London, Reading and Oxford region, and Sean Mullan as Area Sales Manager for Northern Ireland.

Harry brings more than seven years of experience within the electrical sector. He spent six years in branch management roles with leading electrical wholesalers across London, where he built strong customer relationships and developed a deep understanding of the trade. Most recently, he served as an Area Sales Manager for a recognised lighting manufacturer, further expanding his technical knowledge and commercial expertise.

Sean joins the business with a strong background in branch management and customer-facing roles, bringing experience from both the electrical wholesale and motor industries. Most recently, he has worked within electrical wholesale as a Business Development Manager and Branch Manager, developing his understanding of the sector and building strong relationships with customers. Prior to this, he held branch management positions within the motor industry, where he gained valuable experience in sales, operations, and customer service.

Catch up on previous months ‘Movers and shakers’ articles here

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CMP Products is evolving its approach to community engagement in 2026, expanding its support to five carefully selected charities across the North East.

In recent years, the Cramlington‑based manufacturer of cable glands, cleats and accessories has supported a Charity of the Year, enabling focused fundraising and awareness activity. While this approach has been successful – including raising £20,000 for Anxious Minds last year – the company has chosen to broaden its support as part of its continued growth and commitment to making a more meaningful impact.

Under the new approach, CMP will support a small number of organisations whose work closely reflects the causes its people care about most and aligns with the company’s Vision, Mission and Values.

The organisations CMP will support are:

• FACT Cancer Support – Providing practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer across the North East
• Hope Centre (Cramlington) – A social ministries hub offering community support services including food and uniform banks and grief support
• Azure Charitable Foundation – Supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities, enabling greater independence through employment training and workplace partnerships
• Anxious Minds – Delivering early intervention and sustained mental health support for individuals and families
• Local dog and cat shelters – Helping care for and rehome animals in need within the region

This broader framework allows CMP to build deeper, longer‑term partnerships while giving employees more opportunities to contribute – whether through fundraising, volunteering, making donations or raising awareness.

Leanne Branfoot, Human Resources Advisor and Culture Champion at CMP, said: “Supporting our local communities has always been important to us. As CMP grows, we want our community impact to grow with it. The Group made the decision to expand beyond a single charity to enable us to reflect the passions of our people and respond more thoughtfully to different needs across the region.

“It’s about supporting each organisation in the way that matters most – and ensuring our contribution is both meaningful and sustainable.”

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Cable runs in hazardous and potentially explosive locations need to be carefully planned, with every component chosen to meet strict performance and safety requirements. Lee Frizzell, CMP Products’ Technical Director, looks at their importance in these environments and how correct specification can be achieved every time.

The importance of cable glands simply can’t be underestimated – especially in hazardous and potentially explosive installation locations. Put simply, without the correct specification there’s the very real risk of gas migration and the increased danger that products aren’t able to prevent or contain an explosion.

Attention to detail

Of course, all aspects of cable runs in these kinds of installations demand exceptional attention to detail; with every component – from cables to junction boxes and everything in between – carefully specified to ensure they remain operational in times of system stress and prevent ignition of surrounding explosive atmospheres.

And while cable glands may seem a minor part of the specification challenge, it’s vital that they aren’t underestimated. They are, after all, the primary sealing point for cable entry and exit points and on top of that provide mechanical retention, environmental protection, earth continuity and, in explosive atmospheres, they help to prevent or contain an explosion.

Explosive atmosphere installations are classified into various types depending on the type of hazard; typically flammable gases, vapours or combustible dusts. In these situations, cable glands serve five essential functions:

• Explosion protection: Flameproof (Ex d) glands prevent flames produced by an explosion inside an enclosure from transmitting into the external atmosphere. While Increased Safety (Ex e) glands terminate and seal the cable into the enclosure, which itself contains certified components that cannot spark or reach temperatures high enough to ignite an explosive atmosphere.
• Gas migration prevention: Correctly specified or installed glands will prevent explosive gases travelling along cable runs into neighbouring equipment, causing explosion risks.
• Environmental sealing: Glands must block ingress of moisture, dust and corrosive elements. This is particularly important in offshore, marine or chemical processing plants.
• Mechanical stability: Pull-out resistance, or strain relief prevents cable damage and preserves safety over the equipment’s lifespan. 
• Earth continuity: Any armour or metallic screen in the cable is terminated and grounded inside the cable gland.

Safey first

If not correctly specified, then even a high quality cable installation and enclosure can become dangerously compromised. So, what steps need to be taken to ensure correct and safe specification?

There are several key steps that need to be taken; starting with understanding the environment in which the system will operate. This is classified by different zones – with Zones 0, 1 and 2 relating to explosive gas; and Zones 20, 21 and 22 concerning explosive dust.

These zones are then broken down to confirm the explosive atmosphere and subgroup and from there the type of enclosure protection concept needed can be identified. As mentioned, Ex d is flameproof, while Ex e is increased safety – no sparks or heat sources. There are also Ex i, Ex nR and Ex t options. The correct type of cable gland is then chosen to complement the enclosure. Problems arise if the wrong kind of gland is used – for example, fitting an Ex e gland on an Ex d enclosure is extremely dangerous.

The cable type then needs to be matched to the appropriate gland. For example, armoured cables require glands that can correctly terminate steel wire armour (SWA), steel tape armour (STA) or aluminium wire armour (AWA). The material of the cable gland itself, most commonly brass, nickel-plated brass, stainless steel or aluminium must also be selected appropriately.

Attention must also be paid to the cable’s inner bedding diameter, overall diameter, any armour or braid thickness and the applicable tolerances. Any uncertainty in selection risks compromising the cable or cable gland’s performance and overall system integrity.

The inner construction of the cable also needs careful consideration. For example, multicore cables increase the risk of gas migration and flame transmission through any gaps; to mitigate this risk and maintain Ex d integrity, a barrier type gland is required to seal directly around the cable inner cores. Barrier glands are mandatory for Ex d with unfilled multicore cables (per EN/IEC 60079‑14).

A correctly specified barrier gland will provide the peace of mind that gas will be prevented from travelling between the inner cores into neighbouring equipment or enclosures. This is essential in installations where explosive gases (e.g. hydrogen, acetylene, methane, ethylene) are present and pressure differentials exist.

Up to standard

As with every element of any cable installation, cable glands need to comply with industry wide standards. For projects following UKEX/ATEX or IECEx requirements, the key is the EN/IEC 60079 series and every explosive atmosphere cable gland we sell complies with the strict requirements of these internationally recognised standards.

On top of this, glands should carry certification markings that match the explosive atmosphere classification of the system; with temperature ratings that meet or exceed site requirements; gland materials match environmental and chemical exposure profiles; and Ingress Protection (IP) ratings align with enclosure and site specifications. Any deviation can make the entire installation non-compliant.

And the specification challenge doesn’t end there:

• Corrosion resistance requirements instruct the choice of product material and coating or plating
• Thread type mismatch is a frequent cause of installation error. Enclosure and gland entry threads need to match in type, length and taper. For Ex d, minimum thread engagement must also meet EN/IEC 60079-1

And, of course, and it should go without saying – the manufacturer’s installation instructions need to be followed precisely.

Structured approach

Cable glands may be small, but their importance in hazardous and explosive atmospheres is mighty. They protect personnel and infrastructure by maintaining the integrity of the system. Incorrect gland specification or installation increases the risk of a catastrophic explosion, gas migration, or moisture ingress.

By following a structured approach — beginning with proper explosive atmosphere classification and matching gland design to cable type, through to confirming certification, assessing environmental conditions and ensuring correct thread engagement — engineers and installers can achieve the right cable gland specification every time.

Additional information is available here

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It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we details who has gone where…

Demos Hoursoglou

CMP PRODUCTS

CMP Products has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to drive productivity and sustainable growth across the division. Demos Hoursoglou brings extensive senior leadership experience across a range of engineering and manufacturing environments, with a strong track record of delivering operational transformation programmes.

Drawing on this experience, he will focus on aligning operational strategy with CMP’s long‑term business objectives to drive sustainable improvements in global performance. His priorities will include enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening safety standards and investing in people development across the organisation.

James Huntingdon & Simon Blazey

TRIDONIC UK

Tridonic UK has announced strategic leadership changes designed to enhance its digital service footprint and expand its reach into the data-driven solutions market. James Huntington has been promoted to Projects, Solutions and Services Sales Manager, whilst Simon Blazey transitions into the role of Major Projects & Digital Services Manager.

By aligning these leadership roles with the company’s digital services roadmap, Tridonic UK aims to deepen its penetration into the data-driven solutions market, providing end users with unparalleled asset management and energy-efficient insights.

Carey Guerin-Oliver

AEMT

The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) has appointed Carey Guerin-Oliver to support members in implementing and progressing through its Codes of Practice, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to raising standards across the repair of rotating electrical equipment.

Carey joins at a pivotal stage in the rollout of the Codes, which are designed to establish a consistent, structured framework for electromechanical repair facilities. Her role is centred on helping members understand what is required, begin their compliance journey, and progress towards independent verification.

Catch up on previous months ‘Movers and shakers’ articles here

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It wasn’t that long ago that you’d find expensive cable management systems with cables installed, operational and apparently secured using cheap cable ties rather than cable cleats. Thankfully, things have moved on a great deal since those dangerous days, but there are still plenty of pitfalls to beware of. Lee Frizzell, Technical Director of CMP Products, offers advice on what to consider when specifying and installing cable management products.

From our perspective as a leading manufacturer of cable glands, cleats and accessories, we do have very specific areas of expertise within the cable management arena – namely the operational safety of the system once installed and the delivery of the peace of mind that it won’t cause untold damage in a short circuit situation.

Choices

It is though worth nothing that any element of a cable management system needs to be carefully considered, and products selected and chosen wisely – whether it be a choice between cable ladder or tray; the depth of channel; the chosen product’s weight bearing capacity; the cable formation; corrosion resistant capabilities etc. One wrong choice or the selection of an unproven product made on price alone could undermine an entire system and lead to costly maintenance, repairs and possible catastrophic failure.

When it comes to cable cleats and working with CMP, we always aim to get across the key fact that their importance must never be underestimated. Cable cleats are safety critical products that need to be correctly specified to safely secure electrical cables not only during normal operating conditions, but also ensuring they are able to withstand extreme dynamic electromagnetic forces during a short circuit without sheath damage.

Effective cleating of cables by using a tested, proven product ensures the continuation of potentially vital electrical supplies and prevents cables leaping out of their containment systems during a short circuit, which would pose a very real threat to the building’s integrity and the lives of those in the vicinity of the affected installation.

Put simply, for any electrical installation to be deemed safe, cables need to be protected and restrained by devices proven to withstand the forces the cables generate – especially during a short circuit. This is exactly what our cable cleats are designed and tested to do.

Cleat considerations

There are a variety of things to consider when specifying cable cleats, but two key points that could make all the difference are:

• Trust – There are lots of cable cleats out there and it’s fair to say they can look very similar and claim to have very similar attributes. Therefore, it’s important to specify with confidence. You’d think twice about buying an expensive new phone from an unknown telecoms manufacturer, so don’t do the same with cable cleats. Look at the company behind the product; their technical expertise; the post-sales support they offer; where else have their cleats been used and are any of the installations similar?
• Testing – Will the cable cleats you’re considering be up to the job? Some manufacturers will highlight the strength of their products based solely on a static mechanical tensile test. Unfortunately, this can be misleading as the forces applied in this type of test are applied in a slow and controlled manner, unlike in a short-circuit fault, where dynamic forces are applied almost instantaneously and oscillate in every direction. A short circuit test really is the only reliable way of knowing a cable cleat can withstand a specific set of fault conditions and is essential for anyone, anywhere to specify with confidence.

Trust and testing carry over into cable glands and accessories, where they really should be at the heart of every specification decision.

Also necessary for consideration across the cable management spectrum, are the environment of the installation and fire safety properties of the products. For environmental compatibility, you must consider everything from operating temperatures to UV and corrosion resistance. And when it comes to fire resistance, cable cleats must have the same flame retardancy as the cable they’re securing.

Cable glands

Cable glands require additional consideration due to the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI) – something that is governed by the EMC 2014/30/EU Directive. This enforces limitations on all electrical and electronic equipment that may cause or be affected by EMI and requires that products must not generate unwanted electromagnetic pollution or interference and that they must be immune to a reasonable amount of noise pollution or interference.

However, there is a significant oversight at the point of cable entry into an electrical enclosure. By adding openings in enclosures, pathways are created to allow noise to breach the shielded enclosure. Unterminated or poorly terminated cable shields can allow noise to be carried into the enclosures, acting as antennas to radiate noise onto sensitive circuits. Grounding the cable shield effectively inside a cable gland at point of entry eliminates a potential noise pathway and reduces the risks of radiated emissions being carried into the enclosure.

Cable glands that employ a robust 360° circumferential termination of the cable screen, shield braid or armour (e.g. with a cone and clamping ring, or a dedicated EMC continuity device) in their metallic body, contribute to the electromagnetic compatibility of installations through reliable low impedance connections. Stats that are backed up by a number of industry studies into the role they can play in EMC protection.

It’s therefore vital that specified cable glands have been tested for attenuation of EMI and provide the protection required. Underspecified cable glands could cause significant issues to the integrity of the electrical systems on which they are fitted.

Proven solutions

When it comes to improving electrical safety, whether it be with the intention of protecting people, power supplies or data, it’s imperative that every potential step is taken to ensure the systems are the most robust they possibly can be. As such, suitably proven cable management products need to be given careful consideration so that they don’t become the weak link in system – causing operational failure and tarnishing reputations.

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CMP Products recently welcomed regional managers and their sales teams from 14 different countries to its Cramlington headquarters for its annual global sales conference.

The company, which is part of the British Engines Group and actively sells its cable products across six continents, welcomed guests from the Americas, Canada, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, France, German, Netherlands, India, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the UK.

Vince Patterson, CEO of CMP Products, said: “As a business with a truly global reach we’re all very used to communicating and working remotely from one another, but the benefit of getting together for a week every year to discuss all aspects of the business simply can’t be underestimated.”

“We share everything from ideas and best practice through to new training techniques and company plans in a setting that enables everyone to provide valuable input into the ongoing development of the company.”

This year’s conference, which ran from February 26th to March 1st, included live demonstrations of a number of upcoming products; a factory tour to showcase new technology and machinery; and a review of global marketing activity for the year ahead. Meanwhile, regional teams provided presentations on the company’s five-year growth plans and other commercial activity. It was attended by 40 people, comprising all six regional sales managers and their full sales support teams.

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