Click Scolmore has expanded its outdoor wiring range with the launch of the new Aquip66 13A FCU with passive RCD protection – a product that will help electrical wholesalers meet growing demand for robust, weatherproof and safety‑driven solutions.

With installers increasingly looking for reliable IP66‑rated outdoor power products that minimise callbacks and support compliance, the Aquip66 FCU gives trade counters a high‑quality, low‑return line that’s easy to recommend and trusted on site.

Engineered for use across a wide range of outdoor applications, the 1-gang Aquip66 unit is suitable for powering garden lighting, outdoor equipment and fixed appliances. Its IP66-rated enclosure provides a high level of protection against dust and water, ensuring dependable performance in challenging weather conditions as well as indoor environments where durability is essential.

At the core of the product is a 13A FCU that enables safe and regulated power supply. The addition of passive RCD protection offers an extra layer of safety by continuously monitoring leakage currents and automatically disconnecting the power supply in the event of a fault. This function helps reduce the risk of electric shock and supports compliance with modern safety expectations.

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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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IEC Lock, a company within the Scolmore Group, has announced the launch of its latest product – the easy grip handle. This new addition expands IEC Lock’s patented range of lockable connectors, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering practical, high-performance solutions for secure power connectivity.

The easy grip handle has been developed as a retrofittable accessory, designed to integrate seamlessly with IEC Lock’s existing C19 and C21 connector range. By introducing rear-release functionality, the handle enables easier and more efficient operation while maintaining the robust locking performance that IEC Lock products are known for.

Engineered with multiple contact points, the easy grip handle improves handling and usability, particularly in environments where access may be restricted or where frequent connection and disconnection is required. Its ergonomic design ensures a secure grip, supporting safe and reliable operation across a variety of applications.

The product is suitable for use in demanding environments, including data centres, broadcast facilities and medical settings. With an operating temperature range of -20°C to +100°C, the easy grip handle is built to perform consistently under challenging conditions.

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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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Unicrimp, a Scolmore Group company, has announced the expansion of its Q-Crimp fixings range with the introduction of a new white grommet strip.

Following the successful launch of the product in black, the addition of a white option responds directly to market demand and provides greater flexibility for a wider range of installation environments. Available in 3m, 5m and 10m lengths, this new product reflects Unicrimp’s ongoing commitment to developing practical, installer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of the electrical sector.

An essential component for consumer unit installations, the premium white grommet strips have been engineered for both durability and ease of use. Manufactured from a flexible yet hard-wearing material, they are designed to protect cables from sharp and abrasive metal edges, helping to ensure a safe and compliant installation. This makes them particularly suited to rewires and consumer unit replacements, where reliable cable protection is critical.

The heavy-duty white grommet strip can be easily cut to the required length, offering installers a convenient and efficient solution on site. Retaining the same performance characteristics as the original black version, the new white variant allows for improved aesthetic integration where required, without compromising on quality or protection.

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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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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

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Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement with Scolmore Group, which incorporates the Unicrimp division of cable accessories, explores how correct cable support prevents strain and damage – and why wholesalers are central to ensuring contractors have the right products to meet BS7671 requirements.

For wholesalers, cable support is more than a simple add‑on sale. With BS7671 placing clear obligations on installers to protect cables from mechanical strain and damage, contractors rely heavily on their wholesaler to supply compliant, high‑quality fixings and accessories.

Why cable support matters

Regulation 522.8.1 of BS7671 requires wiring systems to be selected and installed so that cables and their terminations are not damaged during installation, use or maintenance. In practice, this means contractors need access to a wide range of support solutions – and they often turn to wholesalers for guidance on what’s appropriate for each job.

Regulations 522.8.5, 522.8.11 and 522.8.12 go further, stating that:

• Cables must not be subjected to mechanical strain
• Supports must not have sharp edges
• Fixings must not damage the cable

This places real emphasis on choosing the right product for the right application – something wholesalers are ideally positioned to support.

Types of support wholesalers should stock

Contractors expect wholesalers to carry a broad and reliable range of cable support options, including:

• Cable ties
• Cable cleats
• Cable clips
• Cable tie accessories
• Cable glands

Products such as Unicrimp metal cable cleats and Unicrimp brass meter tail glands are examples of items that help installers meet compliance requirements while ensuring long‑term system integrity.

The choice of fixing depends on:

• The installation surface (e.g., clips for timber, ties for basket tray)
• The cable type (e.g., cleats for SWA cables)

Wholesalers who understand these distinctions can better support their customers and strengthen their technical credibility.

Guidance contractors rely on

The IET On‑Site Guide (OSG) remains a key reference for installers. Appendix D provides recommended spacing for cable supports, with Table D1 detailing distances for accessible cable runs.

For example:

• A cable with a diameter up to 9 mm requires closer clip spacing
• Larger cables can be supported at greater intervals

Wholesalers who understand these guidelines can help contractors select the correct quantity and type of fixings – improving customer service and reducing returns.

Bending radii are also critical. Regulation 522.8.3 requires cables to be bent without placing strain on internal conductors. The OSG’s Table D5 gives examples, such as the minimum bending radius for 1.5mm² twin and earth.

Cable entry: a common point of failure

Wholesalers frequently supply the accessories that prevent damage at cable entry points.

Two issues must be addressed:

1. Sharp edges on metal boxes – requiring grommets or bushings
2. Strain on terminations – requiring proper support and compression glands

Stocking the right glands, grommets and strain‑relief products ensures installers can meet Regulations 522.8.5 and 522.8.12.

What this means for wholesalers

Electrical wholesalers are a vital link in ensuring safe, compliant installations. By offering a comprehensive range of cable supports – and understanding the regulatory drivers behind them – wholesalers can:

• Help contractors meet BS7671 requirements
• Reduce installation faults and call‑backs
• Strengthen customer trust
• Increase sales of complementary products

Unicrimp’s extensive range of clips, cleats, ties and glands gives wholesalers the opportunity to supply everything a contractor needs to install cables safely and compliantly.

Further details can be found here

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Click Scolmore has expanded its Flow lighting connection system with the launch of the new 6-pole range, delivering a future‑proof solution for advanced commercial lighting control.

Engineered for modern installations, the 6-pole system supports DALI, switch‑dim, and (0)1–10V dimming, giving contractors a simple plug‑and‑play method for creating intelligent, adaptable lighting schemes. It builds on the success of the 3‑ and 4‑pole products while offering greater capability for complex control requirements.

Installers benefit from Click’s proven screwless push‑fit technology, halving installation time and ensuring fast, safe and secure connections. Integrated cable clamps and rapid‑test features make maintenance and reconfiguration straightforward as building layouts evolve.

Designed for offices, retail, sports halls, and wider commercial environments, the 6-pole range is available with LSZH cabling for enhanced fire and environmental protection. Every project is supported by Ovia’s in‑house lighting design team, offering calculations, compliance guidance and tailored luminaire selection.

The 6-pole system forms part of the wider Click Flow Scheme, providing safer, more flexible wiring solutions with detailed technical reporting for designers and specifiers. While not compatible with existing 3‑ or 4‑pole Flow products, it represents a natural evolution of the range – meeting rising demands for energy efficiency, intelligent control, and adaptable commercial lighting.

For wholesalers, the new 6-pole range represents a strong opportunity to stock a high‑demand, future‑ready solution that aligns with growing requirements for intelligent lighting control. As part of the wider Click Flow Scheme, it offers a clear, specification‑driven product pathway that supports repeat business and simplifies customer choice.

For more information, visit the Click Scolmore website at https://scolmore.com, where a dedicated brochure covering the full Click Flow 6‑Pole range is available, or download the Scolmore Group app.

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices:

Q. What is the name of Click Scolmore’s lighting connection system?

A) Flight

B) Flash

C) Flow

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

Deadline for entries 30/06/2026

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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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