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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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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Scolmore Group’s Regional Sales Manager Audra Fellows and Managing Director, Kevin Beech, recently tackled the Snowdon by Night Challenge in aid of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC).

Taking on the highest mountain in Wales, standing 1,085 metres, Audra and Kevin joined fellow fundraisers in a night-time ascent of Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa. Beginning in the town of Llanberis, located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, the challenge saw participants trekking to the summit under the cover of darkness, navigating a route that tested both physical endurance and mental resilience.

This initiative forms part of the Scolmore Groups ongoing support for the Electrical Industries Charity, an organisation with a long-standing history of providing vital assistance to individuals working within the electrical and energy sectors.

Having previously taken on the one of the biggest challenges of her life, Audra is no stranger to extreme challenges after successfully completing the 5895m climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Her participation in the Snowdon by Night event reflects a continued personal commitment to pushing boundaries while raising awareness and funds for important causes.

“It’s probably one of the most challenging things I’ve ever experienced” said Kevin Beech, Managing Director of Scolmore Group. “The climb itself was difficult enough, especially in the dark but the descent was even harder! Fantastic views from the top, great to have achieved it with such a dedicated group of people for our very own electrical industry charity”

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Welcome to the July/August issue of PEW. We’ll know by now if our home nations have progressed past the group stage of the World Cup – at the time of writing Scotland have won their opening game, with England yet to play. I am hoping that my own beloved Uzbekistan has fared OK – I have no personal connection other than they are one of my sweepstake teams and, as I do enjoy an underdog story, they are my adopted country this year.

If your life has not been consumed by football these past few weeks then you might have been more alert to the announcement by Ofgem that the energy price cap for households on standard variable tariffs will increase by 13% from 1 July 2026, with the annual bill for a ‘typical’ dual-fuel household rising from £1,641 to £1,862. The regulator said the increase was primarily driven by higher wholesale gas prices linked to instability in global energy markets.

While rising bills are unlikely to be welcomed by households or businesses, they re-emphasise the significant opportunities for electrical contractors and wholesalers prepared to respond to changing customer priorities.

Whenever energy costs rise, attention inevitably turns to reducing consumption and improving efficiency. For electrical contractors, that typically translates into greater demand for technologies that help customers take control of their energy use. Solar PV, battery storage, smart controls, energy monitoring systems and LED lighting upgrades all suddenly become more attractive.

The implications are equally significant for wholesalers. Demand for traditional installation products is not going to disappear any time soon, but gaining an all-important competitive advantage can be achieved by stocking a healthy mix of solar products, batteries, smart devices and energy-management technologies. Going the extra mile to offer technical support and product knowledge may also prove just as valuable as competitive pricing. As highlighted in a special report by Schneider Electric (see page 18), when visiting trade counters, almost three-quarters (71%) of customers rate knowledgeable staff as extremely important.

This issue of PEW has a bit of a motoring theme to it, as a feature from Rolec brings us up to speed with the EV industry, while in Soapbox Darren Binns of Jefferson Tools discusses the company’s involvement in grassroots motorsport.

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Check out the July/August issue here

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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This year marks a major milestone for Click Scolmore as the company proudly celebrates 35 years of continuous BSI Kitemark certification on its BS1363 socket outlets.

In a market where imitation products and misleading claims are becoming increasingly common, this achievement is more than a badge of honour – it is a powerful reminder of what genuine, independently verified quality looks like.

The BSI Kitemark has long been one of the most trusted symbols in the electrical industry. First registered in 1903, it confirms that a product has been rigorously tested, repeatedly checked and proven to meet recognised industry standards. It offers reassurance that what sits behind the faceplate is every bit as reliable as what you see on the surface.

That reassurance matters now more than ever. Copycat products and ‘like for like’ claims are increasingly finding their way into the market, and while many of these alternatives may look similar, the differences beneath the surface can be significant. Cheaper products often achieve their price point by substituting critical materials with inferior alternatives – thinner brass, or copper where brass should be – compromising durability, safety and long‑term performance.

Click Scolmore’s approach stands in stark contrast. Every product is designed in‑house in Tamworth, Staffordshire, by specialist teams, then developed in close collaboration with a small number of long‑standing overseas manufacturing partners. These factories operate exclusively for Scolmore, supported by investment in equipment, technology and skilled personnel. Regular site visits and strict quality systems ensure that every product meets the company’s exacting standards.

This controlled, transparent and accountable supply chain is not something that can be casually replicated. Yet some suppliers continue to imply that their products come from the same factories or are made to the same standards. Such claims mislead customers and undermine the importance of verified testing and approvals. Without the BSI Kitemark, there is simply no equivalent assurance of safety or performance.

As Click Scolmore celebrates 35 years of holding one of the industry’s most respected quality marks, the message to the market is clear: don’t judge a product by its appearance alone. Judge it by its testing, its materials, its provenance – and by whether it carries the Kitemark that proves its quality.

Commenting on the achievement, Shahm Barhom, Managing Director, Product Certification, BSI, said: “Marking 35 years of BSI Kitemark certification is a significant achievement and reflects Scolmore’s enduring commitment to quality, safety and trusted performance.

“Scolmore’s longstanding certification demonstrates not only compliance, but a proactive approach to maintaining the highest standards over time. We are proud to recognise this achievement and to support organisations like Scolmore that are dedicated to delivering excellence over the long term.”

Find more industry news 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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Setting goals in the electrical industry is essential for maintaining standards, meeting deadlines, and ensuring safe and efficient delivery of work. Whether working on installations, maintenance, or large-scale projects, clear goals help provide structure and direction.

However, the demands of the industry, tight deadlines, long hours, and high responsibility, can sometimes lead to pressure and imbalance.

Maintaining balance is key. Goals should support both performance and wellbeing, not come at the expense of safety or personal health. In a sector where attention to detail and decision-making are critical, fatigue, stress, and poor mental wellbeing can increase the risk of mistakes. Looking after yourself is not separate from doing a good job – it is a fundamental part of it.

Personal wellbeing in the electrical industry is often challenged by factors such as early starts, physical demands, travel, and high expectations. Over time, this can affect energy levels, focus, and mental health if not managed well. Recognising this early and building healthy habits can make a significant difference.

Understanding how to set realistic and sustainable goals is particularly important in this environment. Effective goals in the electrical industry are often:

• Clear, specific, and aligned with project requirements
• Realistic within time, staffing, and resource constraints
• Flexible to adapt to unexpected changes on site
• Focused on safety and wellbeing, not just productivity

Rather than focusing only on completing tasks quickly, it is important to prioritise doing the job safely and correctly. Consistent, steady progress, supported by good wellbeing, leads to better long-term results.

A useful way to check in with your own balance and wellbeing is to reflect on how your work is affecting you:

• Do I feel focused and in control, or constantly rushed?
• Am I getting enough rest and managing fatigue?
• How is my mood and stress level outside of work?
• Am I looking after my physical health as well as my workload?
• What is one small thing I can do today to support my wellbeing?

If you notice signs such as ongoing fatigue, irritability, lack of focus, or low mood, it may be time to take action. This could include taking proper breaks, speaking to a supervisor, adjusting your workload, or reaching out for support.

Looking after personal wellbeing can include simple but effective actions:

• Taking regular breaks to rest and reset
• Staying hydrated and eating regularly
• Getting enough sleep, especially during busy periods
• Making time outside of work to switch off and recharge
• Talking openly about stress rather than carrying it alone

It is also important to support others in maintaining both balance and wellbeing. In the electrical industry, strong teamwork and communication are essential, and people may not always speak up when they are struggling.

You can support others by:

• Checking in regularly with colleagues
• Encouraging open conversations about wellbeing and workload
• Being aware of signs of fatigue or stress in others
• Promoting a culture where asking for help is accepted
• Leading by example in working safely and taking care of yourself

Creating a supportive environment benefits not only individuals but the safety and performance of the whole team.

Ultimately, goal-setting in the electrical industry should not just be about getting the job done, but about doing it safely, sustainably, and in a way that protects your wellbeing. When personal health is prioritised alongside performance, it leads to better outcomes for individuals, teams, and the work itself.

For more information, click here

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By the time you read this we will just be a few days away from the start of the 2026 World Cup. Out of mild curiosity I had a look back to the June 2022 issue of this magazine to see if I had referenced the tournament at all on this page. I’m sorry to say I did not – but then even my faintest interest in football did not get off the ground until Euro 2024 – it’s amazing what the possibility of winning a sweepstake can do, although sadly my plucky Albanian team didn’t come through for me in the end.

With varying kick-off times, and subsequently extended opening hours for the UK’s pubs, not to mention the numerous ‘Fan Parks’ dotted around the country, the World Cup is expected to trigger an unprecedented, simultaneous surge in residential and commercial power consumption. It also serves as a timely reminder of how the UK’s electrical trade is one of the essential engines behind modern entertainment and infrastructure. Just imagine the scenario if there was a power cut during a penalty shoot-out – it would be worse than when our Wi-Fi service goes down!

For many of us, sport and other forms of entertainment and leisure are a vital way to have something different to focus on outside of work. Some people might enjoy their work while for others it is something they must endure in order to pay the bills and put food on the table – but rarely is a job easy or stress-free every single day. Whether it’s watching a football match, going to the theatre or a taking a walk in the countryside, we all need that ‘escape’ on a regular basis to clear our heads and take a mental breather.

I am writing this column during Mental Health Awareness Week (11th-17th May 2026), which offers an important opportunity for the UK’s electrical industry to confront a challenge that has too often remained hidden behind hard hats, deadlines and long shifts.

However, attitudes are beginning to change. Across the UK construction and electrical sectors, more employers are recognising that mental health deserves the same attention as physical safety. Toolbox talks now increasingly include conversations around wellbeing, while training organisations are encouraging managers to identify signs of burnout, depression and stress before problems escalate.

A safer industry is not only one with fewer accidents, but one where people feel supported, valued and able to speak openly when they need help.

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ 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…

Ben Swift, Lee Hems & Samuel Ferriday

OVIA

Ovia has announced three key appointments to its UK sales team as the business continues its strong growth trajectory. Ben Swift has joined as Regional Sales Manager for the Southern Region. Ben brings over 20 years of experience within the electrical industry, predominantly in lighting and the wholesale market. His career includes senior roles with a number of leading players in this sector.

Joining Ben’s Southern team is Lee Hems, appointed Area Sales Manager for East Anglia and Essex. Lee brings over six years of experience in the specification lighting market, having progressed through several technical and customer facing roles. Lee’s strong technical background, customer‑focused approach and deep understanding of lighting solutions will support Ovia’s continued expansion across the region.

Ovia also welcomes Samuel Ferriday as Area Sales Manager for the West Midlands. Samuel joins with over a decade of experience in the electrical wholesale sector, having progressed through sales, account management and branch management roles.

Flavie Lowres

RECOLIGHT

Recolight has announced the appointment of Flavie Lowres as Environmental Metrics Manager. Flavie will play a pivotal role in supporting the lighting industry in the adoption of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Flavie joins Recolight with a distinguished track record in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), EPDs, and the circular economy of construction products and buildings. Flavie is a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and chairs their Construction Materials Group Board and is also Sustainability Champion at the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS).

Dr James Ezhaya

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

Schneider Electric has appointed Dr. James Ezhaya as Senior Vice President, Industrialization and Supply Chain for the Power Products Division. The appointment reflects Schneider Electric’s continued focus on strengthening industrial execution and supply chain performance to support the division’s growth and customer needs.

James has served as the Vice President of Quality & Customer Satisfaction, Sustainability and Operational Excellence for the Power Products Division, joining Power Products in 2022. He has demonstrated his ability to strengthen quality performance, accelerate sustainability integration, and embed continuous improvement disciplines across the division.

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

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Marshall-Tufflex has opened a new Customer Experience Centre in Manchester, creating a dedicated facility for customers and partners across the electrical industry.

The purpose-built centre has been designed as a hub for meetings, product demonstrations and training, allowing the company to host customer visits, CPD sessions and technical presentations. It also provides visitors with the opportunity to explore Marshall-Tufflex’s cable management solutions and discuss applications with members of the company’s team.

The facility showcases a wide range of cable management systems, including Basor metal cable management products such as wire basket, ladder, tray and trunking systems. Visitors can also view the company’s PVC-U cable management range, which includes trunking and conduit manufactured using recycled PVC-U.

Other displays highlight Marshall-Tufflex’s underfloor-to-desk solutions designed to manage power and data connections from raised floors to workstations, as well as GRP cable management systems suited to harsh or corrosive environments.

In addition to product displays, the centre includes meeting and training facilities, featuring a conference room that can accommodate up to 18 guests in a boardroom layout or 35 theatre style. Two breakout rooms, seating four and eight people respectively, are also available for smaller meetings and discussions.

Marshall-Tufflex says the new Manchester facility reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting contractors and wholesalers with practical environments where they can learn more about products, applications and best practice.

Find more industry news here

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