Ovia has expanded its domestic lighting range with the launch of the Infinity COB LED Strip, designed to deliver smooth, dotless illumination for residential and commercial applications. Created to meet growing demand for discreet architectural lighting, the strip provides consistent light output and clean visual lines, making it ideal for kitchens, living areas and refined commercial environments.

Using Chip on Board (COB) technology, LED diodes are mounted directly onto a printed circuit board and coated with a phosphor layer that acts as a built‑in diffuser. This construction produces continuous, uniform light without the visible spotting common in traditional LED strips, resulting in a clean, continuous lighting effect.

The Infinity range includes Standard and Pro Series options to suit different project requirements. The Standard range delivers an average light output of 100 lumens per watt and is available in 8W and 12W versions, supported by a three-year warranty. For projects requiring brighter output and cleaner light, the Pro Series offers an enhanced output of 135 lumens per watt and is available in 6W, 9W and 12W variants. The Pro Series is backed by a six-year warranty, providing additional assurance for installers and end users.

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

Understanding contractor requirements

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

Stocking the right fittings

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

Solar lighting is another growth opportunity for wholesalers. Solar street lights provide complete independence from the power grid and, due to low maintenance and minimal operator costs, solar lighting has emerged as a popular and reliable source to power street lights. There are many benefits to solar street lighting with the main advantages being their energy efficiency and the ability to provide significant cost savings over time. Conventional street lights are dependent on electricity from the grid, which is often generated from non-renewable sources and can therefore contribute to air pollution. Other benefits include no cabling or excavation, resulting in easy installation and no risk from power outages. Ovia introduced its first solar power lighting solutions last year with a solar powered LED security floodlight and two solar powered LED street lights joining the company’s growing portfolio of exterior lighting solutions.

Controls that drive efficiency

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

Durability and compliance

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

Supporting good lighting design

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

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

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

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

Additional information can be found here

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An innovative addition to Ovia’s industrial Highbay range, the Inceptor Hi-Bloc is designed with both performance and versatility in mind.

The Hi-Bloc is a CCT and power switchable linear Highbay, aimed to deliver high-performance illumination across environments that demand both precision and intensity – such as warehouses, factories, gymnasiums and other large-scale, high-ceilinged industrial or commercial spaces.

The launch of the Hi-Bloc marks a strategic expansion of Ovia’s Highbay offering, with a deliberate shift toward an aesthetically unique yet highly practical product. The distinctive diffuser design not only elevates the visual profile of the fitting, but also supports superior glare control, with a UGR rating of ≤22. This reduction in glare significantly enhances the working environment in high-demand industrial settings, promoting comfort, focus and safety.

What also sets the Hi-Bloc apart is its distinct linear design, engineered specifically to improve lighting efficiency in tight aisles and long rectangular spaces. The Hi-Bloc’s rectangular form and narrow 72 degree beam angle focus light directly where it is needed most, ensuring optimal visibility in every corner of the space.

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Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia Lighting, looks at some of the essential lighting control technologies that can help provide energy-saving solutions for contractors.

As energy efficiency becomes an increasingly important consideration in commercial and residential projects, contractors are looking for reliable lighting control solutions that deliver measurable savings. Electrical wholesalers play a key role in providing access to these technologies, helping contractors meet client expectations while supporting sustainable building practices.

Lighting control systems don’t necessarily have to be complex or expensive. They can be simple and effective, offering benefits like energy savings and convenience. Simple systems are often less expensive to install and maintain than complex, networked systems. Popular control technologies include PIR sensors, microwave sensors and photocells, and an explanation of how they work, their advantages, and applications will help contractors choose the right system for the lighting projects they are working on.

PIR Sensors (Passive Infrared Sensors)

PIR sensors detect motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation caused by temperature shifts, such as a person entering a room. When motion is detected, the sensor activates the connected lights. After a preset time without further movement, the lights turn off automatically.

PIR sensors are passive, meaning they don’t emit any energy; instead, they passively detect infrared radiation. All objects, including humans, animals, and even inanimate objects, emit infrared radiation as a result of their temperature. A PIR sensor typically consists of a Fresnel lens to focus infrared radiation, a pyroelectric sensor to detect changes in infrared radiation, and an infrared filter to block out other light wavelengths. When a person or object moves within the sensor’s field of view, the infrared radiation pattern changes, and the pyroelectric sensor detects this change. This change in the infrared pattern triggers the PIR sensor, which then sends a signal to an attached device, such as a light or an alarm, to activate. PIR sensors detect a positive differential change as an object enters the detection area and a negative differential change as it leaves.

PIR sensors offer a number of advantages. They are energy-efficient – lights activate only when needed, reducing energy usage and helping to lower energy bills.  They are convenient, as they eliminate the need for manual switches. They can offer customisable settings, with sensitivity and timing adjusted to suit specific needs.

PIR sensors are commonly used in in lighting for security and energy-saving applications, particularly in areas with intermittent use like hallways, driveways, bathrooms, and around entrances, such as front doors, porches, and gardens.

Microwave sensors

Microwave sensors work by emitting low-power microwave signals (usually at 5.8 GHz) and detecting reflections from nearby objects. They use the Doppler Effect to emit low-level microwave signals across a detection area. These signals reflect off objects and return to the sensor. Any changes in the echo pattern caused by movement trigger the lights to turn on. Unlike PIR sensors, microwave sensors can detect movement through thin walls or glass.

Microwave sensors offer a number of advantages. They operate effectively across all temperatures, unlike PIR sensors which may be affected by heat or cold. They can detect motion through non-metal materials, allowing hidden installations or integration into luminaires. They also offer energy savings as they can include advanced features like daylight harvesting, dimming options, and RF communication to control multiple luminaires simultaneously. Their dust-proof and smoke-proof design ensures a longer lifespan compared to PIR sensors.

Microwave sensors are ideal for large commercial buildings, hybrid workspaces, and areas requiring precise occupancy-based lighting control. They are also suitable for outdoor installations where environmental conditions might affect other sensor types.

Photocells

Photocells measure ambient light levels using photoresistors or photodiodes. Lights automatically turn on when surrounding light falls below a preset threshold (e.g., at dusk) and switch off when sufficient daylight is present (e.g., at dawn).

Energy efficiency is one of the advantages of photocell technology. By preventing the use of unnecessary lighting during daylight hours, energy savings of up to 40–84% can be achieved, depending on usage.  Because they prolong lamp lifespans, they can offer cost savings through the reduction of electricity bills and maintenance costs. They provide hands-free operation for outdoor lighting systems like streetlights or garden lights and they can be integrated with smart systems for remote monitoring and control.

Photocells are widely used in outdoor lighting systems such as streetlights, car parks, and gardens. They are also integrated into smart city infrastructure to optimise energy consumption based on real-time conditions.

Crucial controls

PIR sensors, microwave sensors and photocells can each play a crucial role in lighting control. Each lighting control technology offers unique benefits tailored to specific environments. PIR sensors excel in residential spaces for convenience and security, microwave sensors provide robust solutions for commercial settings with advanced features, while photocells are ideal for outdoor applications focused on daylight optimisation. By integrating these technologies strategically, significant energy savings can be achieved while enhancing functionality and sustainability.

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Ovia’s expanding Utility range of luminaires now includes the new, improved Evo Orb LED bulkhead. Designed to adapt to any environment, it delivers flexibility, longevity and energy efficiency in one compact unit.

Distinguished by its sleek 78mm depth, the Evo Orb combines a contemporary design with robust engineering. With an IK08 impact rating and IP65 ingress protection, it offers exceptional resistance to dust, water, and mechanical impact – making it ideal for demanding environments.

Delivering an impressive 120 lumens per watt, the Evo Orb features power-selectable outputs of 10W, 13W or 15W. It also offers CCT selectable options of 3000K, 4000K, or 6000K, providing customisable lighting solutions to suit a wide range of applications.

It is available in four versions – standard, microwave, emergency and microwave and emergency – ensuring both energy efficiency and full compliance with the BS5266-1 emergency lighting standards. It comes with a five-year warranty.

Evo Orb offers quick and easy installation, with clever features to ensure a smooth install every time.

• Quick connections – the fast-fit terminal block allows tool-free wiring for a quicker install. The integrated Molex style connector ensures a secure, plug-and-play connection, saving time on every job.
• Quick-release clip – the gear tray comes pre-attached to the diffuser. It can be easily disconnected from the base using the quick release clip. A suspension wire allows the diffuser to be removed for easy installation and access, without it being separated from the base.
• Secure and quick entry – the diffuser easily twists off the base for quick access during installation or maintenance. A security screw is included to firmly lock the diffuser in place once fitted.
• BESA mountable base – designed to align with standard BESA box spacing for quick and secure mounting, with no need for additional brackets or adaptors.
• M20 Gland entry points – featuring four M20 gland entry points for flexible wiring options. The bezel also includes knockouts to accommodate glands.

Featuring step dim corridor function, the microwave sensor version activates on motion and steps down to 10% or 30% when no movement is detected, delivering energy savings without compromising safety and making it ideal for corridors, stairwells and low-traffic areas.

Optional self-testing is offered with the Evo Orb emergency versions, allowing you to choose between Standard and Self-Test Emergency modes by selecting the position of the switch.  This allows flexibility, enabling the Evo Orb to be retro fitted into existing systems without compromising the test schedule.

Watch the Ovia Evo Orb video at: https://youtu.be/0fr_eHNhIuc

For more information: www.oviauk.com

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning a £200 One4All voucher courtesy of Ovia, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices:

Q. What depth does Ovia’s sleek Evo Orb have?

A) 68mm

B) 78mm

C) 58mm

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

Deadline for entries 30/09/25

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Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has introduced the Berula, a new linear batten multicurrent LED luminaire that is designed to deliver superior performance, flexibility and ease of installation.

A high performing luminaire, the Berula is available in Microwave Sensor, Emergency, and Microwave Sensor and Emergency versions, and also comes in three different lengths and wattages. This luminaire is built for convenience and durability and offers a range of features and benefits to enhance the installation process and its performance:

• Full plastic diffuser makes it light and easy to install.
• Polycarbonate end caps with 20mm conduit knockouts provide added versatility.
• A programmable Microwave Sensor allows the customisation of sensor settings based on the installation environment.

Operating at an impressive 120lm/W, the Berula comes in three different sizes and wattage combinations – 1,200mm (20-35W); 1,500mm (30-52W); 1,800mm (35-61W).

With its advanced features and high efficiency, Ovia’s new linear batten is ideal for a variety of environments, including commercial spaces, classrooms, car parks, and domestic settings such as utility rooms and garages.

The Berula comes with a five year warranty.

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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…

CHRIS GREENWOOD
ESP

ESP has welcomed Chris Greenwood as the new Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands and South Yorkshire regions. Chris brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be a valuable asset to ESP as the company continues to grow and develop its product portfolios.

In his new role at ESP, Chris will be responsible for developing and strengthening customer relationships across both independent and national levels. He will also ensure that wholesalers stay informed of the latest developments, technologies and regulations as ESP continues to broaden its product ranges.

Chris comes to ESP with over 20 years’ experience in the electrical industry. Having worked extensively in both manufacturing and distribution sectors, he has gained the knowledge and skills necessary to seamlessly transition into his new role.

DAN ELLAMS
ELUCIAN

Following huge, continued success for its Elucian range since it entered the consumer unit market in 2021, Scolmore Group has invested in a dedicated focus for the category and has appointed Dan Ellams as the Elucian National Sales Manager.

Dan will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment of a newly formed external sales team, with a view to building on and developing the sales growth business strategy.

Dan brings 18 years’ experience within the electrical industry to the role, having begun his career as a qualified electrician. He then transitioned into sales with a leading electrical wholesaler, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the market. This was followed by a move into manufacturing, spending a large proportion of this period working within the switchgear market. This is when he developed a real passion for this particular aspect of the industry and has brought him to his current role with Elucian.

ANDY TAYLOR
SCOLMORE

Scolmore is pleased to announce the expansion of its sales team with the most recent appointment of Andy Taylor as the new Area Sales Manager for the Berkshire, Sussex and Surrey regions. Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, having worked as a branch manager for several leading electrical wholesalers. His years of managerial expertise and relationship-building will be key assets as he joins the Click team.  He will focus on maintaining and nurturing strong relationships with key customers, as well as identifying new market opportunities, potential customers and key accounts for sales expansion.

MARK HUMPHRY
OVIA

Ovia has welcomed Mark Humphry as the new Regional Sales Manager overseeing the Midlands area. Mark joins Ovia following eight years working in the electrical industry, where he held a number of key sales roles with several leading players in the lighting and electrical sectors. His extensive background has equipped him with the insights and expertise necessary to make his mark at Ovia. In his new position, Mark will lead the company’s regional sales strategy, focusing on driving sales growth and expanding Ovia’s market presence, leveraging his experience to build strong relationships with key customers.

Catch up on previous month’s ‘Movers and shakers’ here

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Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia, shows us how to take Christmas lighting to a whole new level with the Inceptor Intense LED strips.

The tradition of putting up Christmas lights dates back to 1882, when the first Christmas tree illuminated by electric lights was introduced in New York. Edward Johnson, a friend of the famous inventor Thomas Edison, was responsible for this innovative display. We have come a long way since those days and, no longer satisfied with the customary string of coloured lights adorning the tree, we are looking for other ways to lighten up our homes during the festive period.

The Ovia Inceptor Intense 24V LED strips provide an ideal way to decorate all areas of the home, providing millions of different colour options to really bring Christmas to life. Use them to frame doorways, around the edges of mirrors, across mantlepieces, to name just a few of the endless options.

The strips are available in cool white, warm white and RGBW and they come in four pre-cut lengths – 0.5m, 1m, 2m and 5m. They use a plug and play system, which makes installation quick and easy.

IP20 and IP65 rated, the LED strips come in the following variants:

–           7.2W standard with 60 LEDs per metre in warm white and cool white

–           14.4W standard with 120 LEDs per metre in warm white and cool white

–           7.2W RGBW with 48 LEDs per metre, offering up to 16 million colour options

–           14.4W RGBW with 60 LEDs per metre, offering up to 16 million colour options

Set up is easy in four simple steps:

• Peel the adhesive back from the chosen LED strip and place down on a clean and even surface.
• Utilising the plug and play connections, connect the end of the LED strip to one of the driver leads.
• Connect the driver lead to the chosen LED driver. Then ensure the LED driver is connected to the mains.
• Switch on the power.

With a variety of strips, connectors and drivers available in the range, their use goes well beyond the festive period. Installers have the flexibility for complete customisation, whether working within domestic, retail, or outdoor settings.

There is a simple LED Tape Configurator on the Scolmore Group app which allows you to create the perfect LED strip setup with an easy step by step guide.

For more information visit: www.oviauk.com

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A new addition to Ovia’s extensive lighting portfolio is the Sentro – a range of IP65-rated Frameless LED Floodlights designed to thrive in the most demanding environments.

With its frameless design allowing edge to edge lighting, the Sentro offers a stylish and contemporary lighting choice.

An ideal solution for lighting large outdoor areas, these versatile luminaires are supplied in a black finish as standard and they are available in a variety of wattages – 10W, 20W, 30W and 50W – in standard or PIR variants. A choice of warm white or cool white colour temperature options is also available with all wattages.

Sentro is the first frameless IP65 rated floodlight that offers a PIR version. The PIR version has a 120-degree PIR detection angle and an 8m detection range and features an override function. The luminaires are supplied pre-fitted with one metre of cable and come with an adjustable and angled bracket for installer convenience.  A three year warranty is offered.

A brochure featuring the new Sentro Floodlight Range can be viewed on the Ovia website – www.oviauk.com – and on the Scolmore Group app. It is also featured in the new Issue 5 Ovia Catalogue.

A new addition to Ovia’s extensive lighting portfolio is the Sentro – a range of IP65-rated Frameless LED Floodlights designed to thrive in the most demanding environments. With its frameless design allowing edge to edge lighting, the Sentro offers a stylish and contemporary lighting choice.

An ideal solution for lighting large outdoor areas, these versatile luminaires are supplied in a black finish as standard and they are available in a variety of wattages – 10W, 20W, 30W and 50W – in standard or PIR variants. A choice of warm white or cool white colour temperature options is also available with all wattages.

Sentro is the first frameless IP65 rated floodlight that offers a PIR version. The PIR version has a 120-degree PIR detection angle and an 8m detection range and features an override function. The luminaires are supplied pre-fitted with one metre of cable and come with an adjustable and angled bracket for installer convenience.  A three year warranty is offered.

A brochure featuring the new Sentro Floodlight Range can be viewed on the Ovia website – www.oviauk.com – and on the Scolmore Group app. It is also featured in the new Issue 5 Ovia Catalogue.

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