As continuous ventilation continues to gain momentum across the UK, Ashley Smith, Product Manager at Vent-Axia, explains why dMEV is becoming an increasingly valuable category for electrical wholesalers looking to grow sales, support installers and meet rising demand for higher performance ventilation solutions.

Demand for decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) is continuing to rise as the market shifts towards continuous ventilation solutions. With continuous running dMEV now accounting for around one in four fans sold into the UK, the category is creating a significant opportunity for electrical wholesalers. By stocking high quality, feature-rich dMEV products, wholesalers can support electricians with advanced ventilation solutions while benefitting from growing market demand and higher-value sales.

For wholesalers, this presents an opportunity to expand product ranges and support installers with ventilation products that offer more than standard intermittent extract fans. Continuous-running dMEV units are increasingly being selected by electricians and households, creating ongoing demand for products that combine energy-efficient performance, quiet operation, improved indoor air quality, and straightforward installation.

As installers look to offer customers improved ventilation solutions, wholesalers that stock reliable and innovative dMEV products are well placed to become trusted supply partners while increasing basket value and counter sales opportunities.

Higher value sales

Stocking premium dMEV products allows wholesalers to help electricians upsell more advanced ventilation solutions to customers. Products offering intelligent controls, quiet running and improved IAQ provide clear differentiation compared to more basic extract fans, helping installers secure higher-value projects, offering an upsell or spec-break opportunity.

For example, the Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse has been designed as a next-generation continuous-running dMEV that combines premium performance with a competitive trade price. This creates an attractive over-the-counter sales opportunity for wholesalers looking to offer electricians a feature-rich ventilation solution that is easy to recommend and install, with the quality, reliability, and innovation installers expect.

As consumer awareness of IAQ continues to grow, products that provide healthier indoor environments are becoming increasingly attractive. The PureAir Cleanse delivers continuous, energy-efficient ventilation while operating at near-silent noise levels, helping improve comfort within the home. Its sleek, modern circular design also gives installers a product that is visually appealing as well as high performing.

Driving added value

For wholesalers, stocking advanced ventilation products can help increase sales opportunities and provide electricians with clear upgrade paths for customers.

The PureAir Cleanse range, for example, includes models with humidity control, timer and integrated IAQ sensing, allowing electricians to choose solutions suited to different property requirements. Features such as these enable wholesalers to offer products across multiple price points while supporting customers looking for enhanced functionality.

Vent-Axia’s PureAir Cleanse is also the industry’s first dedicated continuous-running dMEV to feature an integrated IAQ sensor. Combining intelligent humidity control with advanced air quality sensing, the unit can detect, measure, and respond to chemical pollutants, specifically total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), which are commonly generated through everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and showering.

When pollutant levels increase, the fan automatically boosts extraction rates to help maintain healthier indoor air conditions. For wholesalers, innovations such as integrated IAQ sensing create strong sales opportunities by providing installers with a premium, technology-led ventilation solution that addresses growing concerns around air quality and occupant wellbeing.

Comfort

Quiet operation is another increasingly important consideration within the residential ventilation market. Homeowners expect ventilation to operate effectively without causing disruption, particularly within bathrooms and living areas.

The latest dMEV products are therefore designed to run almost silently in the background while continuously maintaining airflow. The PureAir Cleanse, for example, features intelligent control logic that adjusts airflow smoothly and proportionally, helping reduce unnecessary noise and nuisance tripping.

Additional features such as patented delayed comfort control and intelligent light-switch logic further improve household comfort by helping minimise disturbance during night-time bathroom use. These types of features provide wholesalers with additional selling points when supporting installers and contractors looking for premium ventilation solutions.

Installation

Ease of installation remains critical for electricians, making installer-friendly design an important factor when wholesalers select ventilation products to stock.

Products that simplify installation and commissioning can help reduce time on site while improving installer satisfaction and repeat purchases. The Vent-Axia PureAir Cleanse has been designed with this in mind, offering quick installation alongside high-pressure development and a silent mixed-flow impeller that allows the unit to meet the requirements of many domestic applications without requiring a traditional centrifugal fan.

Additional features including flexible wall and ceiling mounting, compatibility with low ceiling voids, an IPX5 rating and simple speed adjustment controls all help streamline installation and commissioning.

Additional information can be found here

Find more industry features here

The post Why dMEV is a growing sales opportunity for electrical wholesalers appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

A look at the latest display solutions to help your in-store purchases.

Unicrimp has reinforced its commitment to supporting electrical wholesalers with the introduction of a comprehensive suite of point-of-sale (POS) solutions, designed to maximise product visibility, streamline merchandising and ultimately drive sales.

Q-Crimp countertop fixings POS

Created to support the newly launched Q-Crimp Fixing Additions range, this countertop display showcases the Plus Series high-performance woodscrews alongside Bullfix fixings. The updated packaging is fully recyclable and features a universal branding approach, reinforcing sustainability while maintaining strong shelf presence. Additionally, the fixings are supplied in contractor-friendly trays, improving usability on-site and enhancing convenience for installers.

Trade Tub floor stand display

The Trade Tub POS stand is a flexible, dual-section unit designed to optimise in-store merchandising. The lower section is configured to hold trade tubs, ensuring easy access to high-demand products, while the upper section offers wholesalers the freedom to customise displays according to their specific requirements. This adaptability enables distributers to tailor their offering to suit customer demand and available retail space. 

Slat wall display

A key component of the POS offering is the Slat Wall Display system, which will allow wholesalers to present Unicrimp’s diverse product ranges in a structured and visually engaging manner. These boards are highly versatile and can be configured to suit a variety of retail environments. Wholesalers can select from brand-specific boards, each carefully curated to highlight the distinct features and benefits of individual product lines, ensuring a clear and intuitive customer experience.

Catalogue dispenser

To ensure wholesalers have access to up-to-date product information, Unicrimp also provides a dedicated catalogue dispenser. This solution is designed to neatly house current catalogues and supporting literature, enabling customers to easily access detailed product specifications and guidance at the point of purchase.

Marketing support

In addition to physical POS solutions, Unicrimp provides extensive marketing support through the marketing hub on its website. This resource offers wholesalers access to a wide range of tools, including online ordering, product literature, imagery, and video content, enabling a fully integrated approach to product promotion.

Electrical wholesalers looking to enhance their in-store offering and benefit from Unicrimp’s POS displays and wall boards are encouraged to contact their local Unicrimp sales representative for further information, or click here

Find more ‘Point of Sale’ features here

The post Point of Sale: a suite bit of business – Unicrimp’s latest POS solutions appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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

The post Taking Stock | Editor’s Viewpoint appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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

Find more ‘EDA Insight’ articles here

The post EDA Insight: Powering sales growth through renewables training appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

A look at the latest display solutions to help your in-store purchases.

Live Electrical is giving wholesalers a simple, effective way to boost counter performance with its growing range of premium POS displays.

With the brand continuing to strengthen its position in the market, and coming off its busiest quarter yet, more branches are turning to Live Electrical stands to improve their counters, tidy their ranges and drive additional sales.

Live Electrical’s POS displays are designed around the needs of both the branch and the customer. Key products are presented in a clear, structured layout that is easy to navigate. Bold, consistent branding ensures the range is immediately recognisable, enhancing visibility on busy counters and reinforcing brand confidence. By placing consumer units, devices and accessories front and centre, branches make it easier for installers to identify the products they need, reducing the time spent searching and increasing overall counter efficiency.

POS displays also create an opportunity to encourage conversation and highlight additional products. With items neatly presented and easy to reach, staff can advise on alternative options, sizes or complementary devices, naturally supporting upselling and cross-selling without extra effort, supporting stronger customer loyalty and repeat visits.

Key benefits of Live Electrical POS displays:

Instant visibility: Eye-catching branding that grabs attention at a busy counter

Clear product layout: Easy-to-navigate stands that help customers find what they need in moments

More customer interaction: Displays that spark conversation, upselling and product recommendations

Stronger loyalty: A professional, consistent brand presence that encourages repeat visits

Trade counter uplift: A simple, effective way to refresh your counter and boost sales

Operational efficiency: Reduces stock search times and eases pressure on counter staff

As Live Electrical’s reach continues to grow across the UK, the company remains focused on giving wholesalers practical tools that make a measurable difference.  The firm’s POS stands remain one of the easiest, most effective ways to raise visibility, improve branch presentation and support customer engagement.

Wholesalers looking to maximise the potential of their trade counters and highlight a trusted, high-demand product range can contact Live Electrical to get their branch equipped with a POS display today.

For further details, click here

Find more ‘Point of Sale’ features here

The post Point of Sale: Bright Ideas at the Counter – Live Electrical’s POS displays appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Ronald Moeskops, Trade Marketing Western Europe at LEDVANCE, discusses emergency lighting built for installation readiness.

Emergency lighting is a fundamental component of building safety, helping to ensure that occupants can safely exit a space in the event of a power failure or emergency. In commercial, industrial and public environments, the correct specification and installation of emergency luminaires is essential not only for safety but also for compliance with current regulations and standards.

When planning an emergency lighting system, specifiers and installers must consider a range of practical factors. Light output and coverage, emergency duration, environmental protection and long-term reliability all influence the effectiveness of the system. Installation efficiency is also a key consideration, particularly on projects with tight deadlines, complex access or high-traffic areas. Increasingly, flexibility and futureproofing are also valued, allowing systems to adapt as building use or requirements evolve. Modern emergency luminaires are therefore expected to combine robust performance with practical, user-friendly installation features.

Streamline installation

LEDVANCE has expanded its emergency lighting portfolio to address these needs, introducing solutions designed to deliver both dependable performance and installation readiness. The Emergency Twin Spot luminaire is tailored for applications where high-visibility, directional lighting is essential. Suitable for indoor and outdoor environments, its IP65-rated housing provides protection against dust and moisture, making it ideal for warehouses, car parks, plant rooms and external escape routes. The two adjustable spotlights enable installers to direct light precisely along defined escape paths, optimising coverage while minimising unnecessary illumination. Equipped with a LiFePO4 battery, the luminaire ensures a minimum of three hours of emergency operation and is supplied with mounting accessories to streamline on-site installation.

Complementing the Twin Spot is the Wallpack Combo IP65 luminaire, which introduces LEDVANCE’s Plug & Upgrade concept to outdoor emergency lighting. This modular approach allows the Wallpack to be installed initially as a standard luminaire, with emergency functionality added later via an emergency kit if required. Such flexibility is particularly valuable for projects where emergency lighting requirements may change during the course of construction, or where budgets and programmes call for a phased installation. Options are also available with or without an integrated photocell, providing additional adaptability for exterior applications.

Smoother delivery

Both solutions highlight the growing importance of installation readiness in emergency lighting design. By combining robust construction, compliance with current standards and flexible installation options, these luminaires allow contractors to deliver reliable, safe and future-ready solutions without unnecessary complexity. They also reduce the potential for errors or delays on site, supporting smoother project delivery and long-term system performance.

In addition to safety and compliance, durability and low-maintenance operation are increasingly important considerations. The IP65-rated housings, high-quality materials and extended battery life of these luminaires help ensure reliable performance in demanding environments, whether exposed to moisture, dust or occasional impact. By addressing both operational and practical requirements, LEDVANCE’s new emergency lighting solutions demonstrate that safety, efficiency and flexibility can be successfully combined in modern external and internal applications.

For electrical wholesalers, this represents an opportunity to offer products that meet the evolving expectations of specifiers and installers. Modern emergency luminaires are no longer simply safety items; they are practical, adaptable solutions that help projects meet regulatory, operational, and on-site challenges while supporting long-term performance and reliability. By combining reliability, flexibility and ease of installation, modern emergency lighting can truly support both compliance and long-term operational efficiency.

Further details are available here

Find more industry features here

The post Emergency lighting built for installation readiness appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Welcome to the October issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

My column in September drew some amusing comments from colleagues, in particular the opening paragraph about my referencing seeing Fatboy Slim and Kaiser Chiefs at the Latitude Festival this summer. The inference from some was that I was only including this information to appear ‘cool’ to my readers. Nothing could be further from the truth of course, but to avoid such accusations I shall avoid any further mention of music festivals – a decision I reached while I sipped champagne at the Burghley Horse Trials.

The weather was warm enough to make us believe that summer was still going strong but a few days later I started seeing Christmas products in the shops and my heart sank just a little – we’ve not even had Hallowe’en yet! I do believe retailers are just trolling us now. We have Christmas adverts playing on the radio and television, so by 1st December you are already sick of the festive songs you used to love – and I’m not sure I can take any more hype about the new M&S, John Lewis or Boots seasonal commercials. It won’t be long before they’re being directed by Steven Spielberg and getting a Leicester Square premiere!

I would be curious to know how early electrical wholesalers decorate their stores, if at all. Sure, you’ll get the odd customer coming in looking for some new fairy lights, but I’m not convinced reindeer-themed workwear or tools wrapped in tinsel will be huge sellers…(famous last words). All this premature marketing must work though and, despite all my ranting above, the date and location for our office Christmas dinner have already been confirmed.

Moving on, October is also when we see the weather really begin to turn, and I start wondering how long I can survive before I give in and switch the heating on. From a personal and selfish point of view, yes I want to be warm and comfortable but I also want to keep my energy bills down. With my professional hat on, and as someone who has spent years writing about the built environment – I am also thinking about my environmental impact. Energy efficient heating systems are going to play a crucial role in the UK’s decarbonisation journey and we are likely to see the emergence of systems once considered niche, like electric radiant heating, into the mainstream. Schwank’s article on page 22 goes into more detail about the benefits radiant heating can bring to large premises like factories and warehouses.

Also this month, Knightsbridge highlights some current trends in wiring accessories on page 27, and we learn about Tridonic’s plans for sustainability and Net Zero in Soapbox on page 48.

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

The post Getting Cooler | Editor’s Viewpoint appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

AI is now impacting every industry and the electrical wholesaler sector is no different. Wayne Fraser, Chief Information & AI Officer at Klipboard, looks at how AI in electrical wholesale can power smarter trade decisions.

With the rapid acceleration of EV infrastructure, the growth of smart homes, and the increasing adoption of renewable technologies, the electrical wholesale sector is becoming more complex – and more central to the wider economy. Our industry is no longer just about supplying product; we’re enabling critical national infrastructure. And with that shift, the operational pressures have grown. Businesses now face tighter margins, higher customer expectations, and a growing demand for technical expertise. That’s where AI comes in. Not as a future promise, but as a present-day necessity.

From discussion to deployment 

Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen a fundamental shift in how wholesale distributors – particularly in the electrical space – are approaching AI. It’s moved beyond boardroom conversations and into real operational impact. Across the UK wholesale distribution market, nearly 50% of businesses now rank AI as a top investment priority. And for good reason: the challenges we face aren’t getting simpler. AI isn’t hype anymore, it’s how we start to solve long-standing problems at scale.

Tackling long-standing operational friction

Electrical wholesalers, more than most, have always had to deal with intense stock complexity. Whether it’s tracking reels of cable by the metre, handling variants of the same product line with minor but critical technical differences or managing customer-specific pricing agreements across thousands of SKUs, these are problems that don’t lend themselves to manual workarounds. Historically, many of these processes were either spreadsheet-based, or bolted onto ageing ERP systems. That’s not a sustainable approach for organisations that want to lead in today’s climate.

What we’re seeing now is the market turning to the next generation of software. Platforms where AI is built-in from the ground up. Take inventory management, for example. At Klipboard, the ERP One platform integrates natively with AI tools to support intelligent stock forecasting. By combining internal sales history with external data points – such as seasonal demand, project timelines, and even shifts in EV infrastructure investment – merchants are able to make smarter decisions about what to stock, when to reorder, and how much capital to commit. 

Rethinking logistics

The benefits don’t stop at the warehouse. Logistics and fleet operations are evolving too. In distribution, the cost of delivery has always been a delicate balance between efficiency and service. Kilpboard has integrated AI-led auto-routing into its Transport Management (VIGO) platform. By using live traffic data and historical delivery performance, Klipboard helps drivers complete more drops per shift, reduce fuel usage, and improve on-time performance, all while supporting the sustainability commitments that more of our customers now expect.

Supporting the frontline with smart tools

At the same time, we’re seeing AI enhance the customer experience, both online and at the trade counter. AI-powered assistants, like Klipboard Copilot, are helping branch staff and customer service teams to quickly answer common questions about stock availability, pricing, and delivery updates. These tools aren’t designed to replace people, they’re there to support them. By handling repetitive or routine requests, AI frees up teams to focus on what really matters: building customer relationships, solving more complex problems, and driving additional value through every interaction.

There’s a lot of noise about AI – but in many cases, it’s just old automation with a new label. What has changed is the processing power availability has grown year on year and also LLM’s capability and availability, thus enabling a much richer experience.

Scaling for the future

For electrical wholesalers, the stakes are high. The product catalogue is expanding. Customer demand is rising. And the old ways of working simply don’t scale. AI offers a clear path forward. It enables leaner operations, reduces overstock, improves fulfilment accuracy, and supports better service delivery – without the need to grow headcount.

Final thoughts

AI won’t transform the industry overnight. But the shift is already underway. It’s already transforming from what used to be just a buzzword, to now cementing itself as a business-critical function in the distribution sector across the board. The businesses that act now, and who invest not in buzzwords, but in capability, will be the ones that have the greatest chance of success in the future.

To uncover more, click here

Find more industry feature articles here

The post How can AI in electrical wholesale power smarter trade decisions? appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Mike Collins, Managing Director at Ovia, shines a light on some of the issues facing electrical wholesalers and how Ovia is helping to mitigate those challenges.

The lighting industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by shifting technologies, regulatory updates and market pressures. At Ovia, we recognise that our wholesaler partners face daily challenges in maintaining competitiveness and delivering value to contractors, specifiers and end-users.

Product proliferation and complexity

The transition to LED, connected lighting and increasingly sophisticated control systems has expanded product offerings dramatically. Wholesalers now manage more SKUs, often with highly technical specifications, while customers expect instant product knowledge.

Prices for panels, battens, downlights and basic floodlights have dropped significantly over the past 5–7 years and the commoditisation of LED lighting has led to increased competition from brands on price with near-identical specifications, eroding differentiation.

Price competition

There is intense competition from online sellers and direct imports, and market saturation. Contractors and facilities managers now price-check online, putting pressure on wholesalers, requiring them to differentiate beyond pricing alone.

Supply chain pressures

Global supply chain volatility, fluctuating demand and long lead times can leave wholesalers struggling to maintain the right stock levels while controlling costs.

Digital expectations

Contractors increasingly expect online ordering, instant stock visibility and digital tools for quoting and submittals, pushing wholesalers to enhance their digital capabilities.

The value of a brand

In today’s competitive lighting industry, where technology rapidly evolves and prices fluctuate, a strong brand is one of the most valuable assets a lighting manufacturer can possess. Beyond logos and marketing slogans, a brand encapsulates trust, quality and a promise that customers rely on when choosing lighting solutions for their homes, businesses, or cities. A respected brand demonstrates consistent product quality, longer warranties and a proven track record.

Trust and reliability

Lighting is integral to safety, productivity and comfort. When customers select a lighting brand, they are not just purchasing a product; they are investing in reliability. A well-established brand assures architects, contractors and end-users that the luminaires will perform as promised, meet compliance standards and be supported with service throughout their lifecycle.

Ovia, a well-established brand following more than six successful years operating within the lighting industry, has the backing of Scolmore Group. As a family-run business for more than 36 years, the company is agile, able to make decisions quickly and react to market changes to continually deliver improved products and services. A sustained programme of reinvestment in the business infrastructure as well as its people, is what drives the business.

Differentiation in a crowded market

The lighting sector is saturated with manufacturers offering similar specifications and technology. A strong brand differentiates a manufacturer beyond technical data sheets, signalling design leadership, sustainability commitments and innovation.

A partnership with Ovia guarantees a range of high quality, value-for-money products backed up by excellent local stocks, next day delivery and outstanding customer service.   We are committed to helping our customers sell our products and this is demonstrated through our proactive marketing effort, attendance and support for trade events and helping them make the most of the training opportunities we offer to ensure the end user gets the best possible products and solutions for the job.

Driving customer loyalty

In a field where product life cycles can span years, a brand is what keeps customers returning. Positive experiences with product quality, responsive support and consistent performance build emotional loyalty, turning customers into long-term partners rather than one-time buyers.

Find out more here

Find more industry feature articles here

The post Ovia shines a light on some of the issues facing electrical wholesalers appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Kilpboard explain why now is the time for UK electrical wholesalers to digitise

​The UK electrical wholesale market, valued at £4.28 billion in 2024, is experiencing significant shifts driven by digital transformation and sustainability initiatives (AMA Research, 2024).

To remain competitive, electrical wholesalers are increasingly adopting digital technologies to enhance operations and customer service. By integrating advanced technologies, wholesalers can streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction, positioning themselves competitively in a rapidly evolving market.​ The timing has never been better for electrical wholesalers to embrace digital transformation.

What is digitisation?

Digitisation describes how companies can improve their processes and operations through digital technologies. For example, digitisation could involve implementing a new ERP system to streamline inventory management. Alternatively, it could provide real time stock visibility, helping electrical wholesalers in preventing costly overstocks.

In either case, such innovations are no longer just nice to have. These days, industry leaders see digitisation as essential to a successful, modern electrical wholesale business.

The evidence why speaks for itself. Early adopters routinely report that digitisation has helped them increase productivity, reduce operational costs, and quickly adapt to market changes ‘on the fly’ while having fully comprehensive control of their stock.

Should wholesalers invest in digital transformation today, or take a wait-and-see approach?

At klipboard, the new name for Kerridge Commercial Systems, we think the time to act is now, and for the following reasons:

Enhanced efficiency and productivity

Electrical wholesalers dealing with complex inventory and high-demand supply chains can replace inaccurate and labour-intensive paper-based systems with precise, real-time digital solutions. By adopting mobile technology on the shop floor and in the warehouse, businesses can eliminate paper duplication, streamline order processing, reduce costly errors, and improve stock management. This not only enhances overall efficiency but also cuts processing time, reduces waste, and helps wholesalers save thousands on administrative overheads.

Real-time data and analytics

Digital ERP systems provide instant insights and snapshots into a wholesaler’s daily operations. As a result, there’s no longer any need to spend days or hours running reports. All the data they need to make better decisions and improve performance is at their fingertips.

Also, using an ERP system makes identifying emerging trends much easier. When stock and balance sheets are input digitally, sophisticated algorithms make it much easier for users to successfully forecast demand.

Total inventory management

Keeping accurate stock records is crucial for electrical wholesalers, especially during busy periods. Digital ERP software gives wholesalers a suite of tools to manage every aspect of their inventory, helping them maintain optimal stock levels.

Additionally, by ensuring the right products are always available when customers need them, a fully digitised wholesale business is better able to maximise its sales all year round.

Enhanced customer service

In business, building trust through professional relationships is key, and today’s digitised electrical wholesalers can offer a seamless and personalised customer experience that their paper-based rivals can’t. For example, a digitalised wholesaler’s system will have customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities that help them see client preferences, purchase history, and overall engagement.

Accordingly, it’s easy for digitised wholesaler to offer customers tailored promotions. And, of course, faster and more accurate order processing is another example of how digitisation can help improve electrical wholesaler’s overall level of customer service.

Streamlined financial management

Wholesale businesses embracing digitisation can also optimise cash flow with integrated accounting and financial reporting features. It’s also possible to automate whole processing tasks, such as the administration of accounts payable, removing the need for paper administration, meaning wholesalers can now redeploy valuable resources where they’re needed most.

Enhanced supply chain management

Effective supply chain management is critical for electrical wholesalers’ reputations and cash flow. However, digitising this process through a cloud-based ERP system makes it easy to optimise procurement processes, manage supplier relationships, and ensure timely delivery of materials.

Compliance and risk management

One regularly overlooked but critical part of modern business is complying with industry regulations and standards. One of the easiest and most reliable ways of doing this is by digitising how your electrical wholesale business administers sensitive information. Users scan documents onto a secure, cloud-based ERP system, where they’re available for audits and inspections.

Integration with ecommerce

As the electrical industry increasingly moves online, ERP systems’ integration with ecommerce platforms means that wholesalers can tap into new revenue streams. By offering online ordering and customer self-service options, businesses can expand their reach and access new markets at any time.

Sustainability and waste reduction

Digitisation contributes to sustainability by optimising resource usage and reducing waste. Fully digital ERP systems encourage their users to send PDFs instead of printing and collating their user manuals online, again dramatically helping cut carbon usage. Further reductions occur in the full digitisation of paper-based processes and monitoring systems that help wholesalers eliminate unnecessary fuel waste with their deliveries.

Maximise sales

The Luckins online catalogue is an essential sales tool for electrical wholesalers, offering up to date product information, on over one million items from hundreds of manufacturers. With detailed specifications, images and related accessories, it helps wholesalers better meet customer needs.

By integrating Luckins enriched product data in to their ecommerce and in store experience through ERP software, electrical wholesalers can now see another benefit of digitisation and offer comprehensive product information, enhanced ecommerce capability and improved customer service.

Conclusion

Going digital is the only way electrical businesses can stay successful in an increasingly demanding and competitive marketplace. Those businesses that have yet to enjoy the benefits of digitalisation should act before they are left behind.

To learn more about how the ERP solutions and integrated apps from klipboard can help your business trade more profitably, click here

Find more industry opinions here

The post Why now is the time for electrical wholesalers to digitise appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.