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

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Joshua Hammerton, co-founder of Enkin and former electrician, discusses smart dimming and its impact on the lighting sector.

The lighting industry is evolving faster than ever. Conventional control systems are giving way to intelligent, connected systems designed to enhance comfort, optimise energy performance, and support regulatory compliance. For electricians, a solid understanding of the technologies and standards underpinning smart dimming is no longer optional, it’s becoming a core part of modern professional practice.

Smart lighting has moved beyond novelty. Customers now expect lighting that integrates seamlessly with voice assistants, mobile apps and home automation systems. Whether in residential or commercial properties, demand is rising for reliable, flexible and energy-efficient lighting controls that are simple to install and maintain. The challenge lies in balancing sophistication with practicality. Many smart systems remain complex to configure, difficult to retrofit, or incompatible with existing wiring arrangements.

However, products like the Enkin ZDM150 Inline Zigbee Smart Dimmer represent a new generation of solutions designed with electricians in mind.

This dimmer module combined with Zigbee technology is designed to allow you to control your lighting from any location using a smartphone or tablet.

The ZDM150 dimmer module is supported by Zigbee protocol, providing you with state-of-the-art smart control. Allowing you to dim, turn your lights on and off, and even pre-set ambient moods for different times of the day when partnered with a compatible Zigbee enabled hub.

The dimmer module is ideal for those looking to upgrade their lighting control to a smart system without the need for extensive rewiring. Its compatibility with various smart hubs and ease of installation makes it a versatile choice for smart home enthusiasts.

Why choose smart dimming?

The Inline Zigbee Smart Dimmer offer a mix of convenience, energy savings, ambiance control, and automation. These positives appeal to customers and homeowners for the following reasons:

• Convenience & Remote Control

Control lights from your phone, voice assistant (like Alexa), or remote, even when you’re not home. Easily dim or brighten lights without getting up or reaching for a switch.

• Automation & Scheduling

You can set lights to automatically adjust based on time of day, sunrise/ sunset, or for when you are away. You can automatically dim lights at night for winding down or brighten in the morning to simulate sunrise

• Energy Efficiency

Dimming lights reduces energy usage and can extend the life of bulbs. Helps cut down electricity bills, especially with LED lights.

• Mood Scene Setting

You can create custom lighting scenes for moments at home such as watching films, dining, or reading. Smooth dimming lets you fine-tune ambiance to match your mood or needs.

• Integration with Smart Home Systems

Works seamlessly with other smart devices (e.g., motion sensors, door locks, thermostats) to create a cohesive smart home experience. You can automatically dim the lights when the TV turns on or when you leave home.

• Accessibility & Safety

This is a great feature for elderly or mobility-impaired users who may struggle with traditional switches. Lights can turn on automatically in hallways or bathrooms at night for safety. 

The Enkin Inline Zigbee Smart Dimmer is a compact, in-wall smart dimmer module designed to integrate traditional lighting circuits with modern smart home systems.

The ZDM150 also features a wiring option for both retractive, two-way and off retractive switches. With this unique feature you can still control your lights via touch, as well as with your device.

Here are the all-important key features:

• Easy push button setup
• Trailing/Leading Edge
• No Neutral required
• Soft start feature
• Silent & flicker free
• Self-Recovering Thermal Fuse
• Short Circuit & Overload Protection
• Manual dimming possible via a connected Retractive Switch(s)
• Supports Zigbee protocol for wireless control and automation (gateway/ hub required)
• Compatible with most leading Zigbee Gateways / hubs.

The electrician’s role in the smart era

Electricians are no longer just installers – they now bridge the gap between electrical safety, digital connectivity and user experience. As clients increasingly expect voice-activated and app-controlled lighting, professional electricians who understand the governing standards, procedures and design considerations will be able to lead these conversations.

Smart dimming isn’t just about convenience; it’s about control, efficiency and compliance. Smart dimmers represent a natural progression in modern lighting.

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

After the successful launch of its multi-way LED Dimmer DIMAX 540, Theben is now offering wholesalers the opportunity to demonstrate the USPs of the dimmer to their customers with an interactive trade counter display unit.

With the relevant valued stock order the Dimax 540 counter display will be supplied free of charge. The demo unit is compact so doesn’t take up much space on your trade counter and it can be easily transported, allowing your sales team the ability to demonstrate the DIMAX 540 at a customer’s office or even on site.

Boost visibility

The display will help boost the visibility of Theben Dimax within your branch. The interactive display allows customers to engage directly with the product, understanding the features and benefits in real-time. This hands-on interaction helps in making informed purchasing decisions, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.

The Dimax 540 dimmer (As seen on eFIXX) delivers seamless dimming control without the need for bulky knobs. Designed for electricians who need powerful solutions in tight spaces, this dimming module slips right into those tight spots like a dream. Imagine having the power of a full-sized dimmer in something that fits in the palm of your hand – that’s the magic of Dimax 540.

It is versatile in handling LED, incandescent or halogen lights. This innovative dimmer offers knob-free, flicker-free dimming up to 150W, multi-way control using only one dimming unit, and simplifies installations by removing the need for a neutral wire. It’s an ideal choice for modern and retrofit setups, ensuring ease of use and quick installation for electricians.

Maximise your sales potential

Equipped with demonstration units, the interactive countertop display allows customers to see the dimmers in action, enabling them to better understand the product and its application before making a purchase. The professional appearance and functionality of the display reflect the quality and innovation that Theben stands for, reinforcing customer trust and loyalty.

Enhancing your store’s interactive elements can significantly impact customer decisions. DIMAX 540 is distributed via Timeguard, please contact your Timeguard ASM for further details on how you can bring innovation and interaction to your sales floor with Theben.

For more information, click here

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