There’s a tendency in business to focus purely on the measurable – margins, turnover, units moved. And of course, those things matter. But every now and then, it’s worth stepping back and asking a different question: what do we stand behind? Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools, shares why backing people and passion still matters.

Spend a day at a rally and it doesn’t take long to see past the noise. Between the engines, the mud and the movement, there’s a quieter rhythm underneath it all – preparation, problem-solving, people relying on instinct and experience to keep going when things don’t quite go to plan. It’s something that feels oddly familiar. For Jefferson Tools, that’s part of the reason rallying has never felt distant from the world of the trades but closely connected to it.

There’s a rawness to rallying. You can’t control everything, and when something goes wrong, you’re exposed. You’ve got to figure it out and keep moving. That’s not a million miles away from what a lot of our customers deal with every day.

More than the finish line

From the outside, rallying can look like speed and spectacle. But behind it is a discipline built on detail – long hours of preparation, constant adjustments, and an understanding that even the smallest failure can have consequences. Tools are part of that story, but they’re not the whole of it. It’s the people using them, the decisions they make under pressure, and the trust they place in what they have to hand. That trust is everything, whether you’re on a stage or on site, you don’t want to be second-guessing the basics. You want to know what you’re using will do the job.

Jefferson Tools’ involvement in rallying has grown quietly over the years, built on long-term relationships rather than one-off moments. Drivers like Frank Kelly represent something deeper than competition results. They are part of local communities, familiar faces at events, and examples of what sustained commitment looks like over time. That continuity mirrors the wholesale sector in many ways – an industry shaped by longstanding relationships, repeat customers, and trust built over time rather than overnight. 

The wider picture 

What often goes unnoticed in grassroots motorsport is everything that surrounds it: the volunteers setting up stages at first light, the small businesses that see a boost from a local event, the families who return year after year not just for the racing, but for the atmosphere.

It’s not dissimilar to the networks that keep the trade moving – a web of people, often behind the scenes, making things work. In a business landscape that increasingly leans towards immediate returns, long-term commitments can be harder to justify on paper. But not everything of value fits neatly into that model.

There’s a lot of focus now on what you can measure, but some things are about connection – recognising effort, backing people, and being part of something that means something to others.

The cars will change. The technology will move on. The commercial pressures will continue to evolve. But the essence of rallying, and the reasons people are drawn to it, are unlikely to shift in quite the same way.

It comes back to people who care about what they’re doing. That’s what you notice first, and that’s what stays with you.

For those watching from the sidelines, whether at a rally stage or on a job, it’s a reminder that some values are shared more widely than we might think.

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LEDVANCE highlights some of its initiatives that are helping to create a lasting impact beyond the product.

In the electrical and lighting sector, it’s easy to focus purely on performance metrics – efficiency, output, controls and compliance. These are, of course, critical. But increasingly, the industry is recognising that its role stretches far beyond specification sheets and installations. The most forward-thinking companies are those finding ways to connect with communities, inspire future generations and demonstrate real social value.

A standout example of this in action comes from LEDVANCE and its recent player escort initiative with SV Werder Bremen. While the campaign itself has now concluded, it serves as a powerful example of how a lighting manufacturer can step outside its traditional remit to create something genuinely memorable.

The concept centred around one of football’s most iconic moments: walking onto the pitch alongside professional players. For the February 2026 Bundesliga fixture between Werder Bremen and FC Bayern Munich, LEDVANCE offered 11 children the chance to experience exactly that – but with a creative twist that tied directly back to its core business.

Rather than running a standard prize draw, the company invited children aged six to nine to design and create their own football-themed lamps. Whether painted, crafted or drawn, each entry was a reflection of imagination, individuality and the connection between light and sport. It was a simple idea, but an effective one: encouraging creativity while subtly introducing younger audiences to the concept of lighting design.

Stepping into the spotlight

A panel of judges, including members of the LEDVANCE marketing and sales teams, selected the most imaginative entries. The winners were then given the opportunity to step into the spotlight in a way few could ever forget.

On matchday, those selected walked hand in hand with professional players onto the pitch, in front of thousands of fans. Each child received a full player escort kit to keep, along with tickets for an accompanying adult – ensuring the experience could be shared with family. The entire day was captured on film, creating a lasting reminder of what, for many, will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

While the experience itself is extraordinary, what makes this initiative particularly compelling is the thinking behind it. LEDVANCE didn’t simply attach its name to a sporting event; it created a meaningful engagement that links brand, creativity and community.

Importantly, this was not an isolated effort. The company has a track record of using its partnerships in football to deliver wider social value. Previous initiatives have included working with children from the Caritas Youth Care Center St. Vinzenz in Landshut, offering similar matchday experiences to those who may not otherwise have access to them. By continuing this approach, LEDVANCE is demonstrating a long-term commitment rather than a one-off campaign.

At the same time, the initiative reinforces the company’s technical credentials. As the official lighting partner for Werder Bremen, LEDVANCE has played a key role in delivering modern, energy-efficient lighting at the club’s home ground, the Weserstadion. Beyond this, it has contributed to major projects such as the BayArena, home of Bayer Leverkusen, as well as a wide range of smaller-scale sports facilities.

This dual focus – combining engineering expertise with community engagement – is increasingly relevant across the electrical wholesale sector. Customers and partners are no longer looking solely at product performance. They are also asking what companies stand for, how they contribute to society, and whether they are investing in the future.

For wholesalers and contractors alike, there is a clear takeaway. Lighting is not just functional; it shapes experiences. From grassroots sports pitches to elite stadiums, the environments we help create have a direct impact on how people feel, interact and remember moments.

Creativity in outreach

Initiatives like the LEDVANCE player escort competition also highlight the value of creativity in outreach. By asking children to design their own lamps, the company moved beyond passive participation and encouraged active engagement. In doing so, it planted a seed – introducing the idea that lighting can be imaginative, expressive, and even fun.

There’s also a broader message here about accessibility. While large stadium projects often dominate headlines, LEDVANCE’s portfolio spans facilities of all sizes, ensuring that local clubs and community venues can benefit from the same level of innovation and efficiency. This inclusive approach mirrors the ethos behind the competition itself: opening doors and creating opportunities.

Ultimately, what sets this initiative apart is its balance. It celebrates technical excellence in sports lighting while simultaneously delivering a human story – one centred on excitement, creativity and inspiration.

For an industry sometimes perceived as purely technical, that’s an important reminder. Behind every installation is an opportunity to make a difference, whether that’s improving sustainability, enhancing wellbeing, or simply creating moments people will never forget.

And in this case, that moment was simple but powerful: a child stepping onto a football pitch, under world-class lighting, hand in hand with a hero.

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Paul Foulkes, Country Manager at Theben Automation, discusses the brand’s sustainability journey which started more than 100 years ago.

Sustainability in the electrical industry can sometimes feel like something that happens ‘somewhere else’ – in tender documents, environmental, social and governance (ESG) scorecards and corporate reports. Meanwhile, on site, the realities are far more basic: you want kit that works, turns up on time, lasts, and doesn’t create a mountain of waste to haul back to the van.

But the gap between those two worlds is closing. More projects now ask not only what a product does but how it’s made, what it’s made from, and what happens at end of life. That’s why it’s worth looking at sustainability through a lens that actually matches how the trade works: the product lifecycle.

At Theben, we’ve been thinking in those terms for a long time. Our story begins in 1921, when precision engineer Paul Schwenk started developing time switches. A time switch is a simple idea, but it carries a bigger message: buildings don’t need to run at full tilt all the time. They can be controlled, timed and made more efficient, long before ‘ESG’ was a common phrase.

Sustainability as a mindset, not a manifesto

There’s a temptation in corporate sustainability to drown people in technical detail.

Certifications, acronyms, scorecards. Those things have their place, but they don’t always land with the people who specify, stock and install electrical products.

What matters more is the simple principle we lean on: if we want to reduce impact, we can’t just tweak one thing. We have to look at the full story – where materials come from, how products are made and shipped, how they’re packaged and what happens at the end. That’s why we talk about the product lifecycle and everything that goes with it.

That ‘product lifecycle’ perspective can sound formal, but it’s really just common sense. If something is unreliable, hard to fit, over-packaged or replaced too soon, it creates waste, in materials and in man-hours. If it lasts, performs consistently and arrives without unnecessary rubbish, it reduces waste without anyone needing to make a big speech about it.

The long-term view

Looking back over 100 years, you can see that environmental thinking showed up decades ago in practical ways. For example, our history notes that in 1964 we installed a modern detoxification system to remove harmful substances from wastewater, alongside planted green spaces around the site. That isn’t a modern ESG campaign. It’s a snapshot of Theben making tangible operational choices – the kind that don’t get applause, but do change impact over time.

We’ve also linked comfort and efficiency for decades. In the 1960s, our heating controls were described as “comfort plus economy,” including night setback to help reduce fuel consumption. Different era, same aim: better control, less waste, better outcomes for the people using the building.

And when we talk about design, something we’ve invested in since working with

recognised designers in the 1970s, it’s not only about aesthetics. Good design supports usability and longevity. It helps create products people don’t want to replace simply because they feel dated or awkward.

Making it easier to do the right thing

Sustainability becomes real when it removes friction for the people doing the work. That’s why we focus on the unglamorous areas where decisions stack up: how products move through the supply chain, how they’re produced, how they’re packaged and how they can be handled responsibly at end-of-life.

On the packaging side, for example, our direction is to reduce unnecessary packaging and cut down plastic where we can, replacing it with cardboard or paper where it makes sense. It’s not the flashiest part of sustainability, but it’s one of the most visible to installers because it affects van waste, site housekeeping and disposal.

We also talk about the end of the lifecycle because it’s increasingly part of how products are judged. It’s not just “can it be recycled?” but “what happens next?”

That’s why our sustainability work includes how products can be returned into material cycles and how we look at more circular approaches over time.

One for all – all for one

Policies help, but culture decides whether anything changes. That’s why we’re open about the fact that sustainability only works if everyone owns it. Our “One for all – all for one” message puts it simply: sustainability, climate change and ecological diversity concern all of us – from apprentices to the board – and every contribution counts. We try to bring that to life in practical ways, whether that’s encouraging ideas that reduce day-to-day waste, supporting biodiversity initiatives, or looking for small changes that add up across a year.

What this means for the wholesale channel

The questions customers are asking are getting broader. It’s no longer only “does it meet the spec?” but also “does it meet the expectation?” That expectation now includes sustainability, not always in detail, but in credibility.

From a wholesale perspective, the value is in backing brands that can tell a consistent story: long-term thinking, practical improvements and a culture that treats sustainability as day-to-day responsibility, not a once-a-year announcement.

If we can keep sustainability grounded – less waste, better durability and more transparency across the lifecycle – then we’re not just responding to ESG trends. We’re continuing what we started back in 1921: helping buildings behave more intelligently, and helping the people who build them deliver better outcomes with less waste along the way.

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Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing at Draper Tools, highlights some of the company’s commitments to long-term sustainability.

We know that simply by being here and going about our business we affect the environment. However, we work hard to minimise that impact and strive to make a positive difference where we can.

Sustainability at Draper is not about one single environmental initiative. It’s about all areas of the business coming together and being accountable. From reducing plastics and carbon emissions to recycling, right through to supporting communities locally and internationally – we’re committed to continuous progress in all these areas and more.

Powered by the sun

We have two sites in the UK and we’re proud to say that they are fitted out with a total of over 1,000 solar panels. The large solar installation at our warehouse site was one of the most ambitious private solar installations in the region, saving over 100 tonnes of equivalent CO2 each year. Together with our recently completed second solar installation at our head office building, we’ll be preventing more than 150 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.

Heritage and green innovation

As a fourth-generation family business we’re committed to protecting tomorrow’s environment. We may be over 100 years old – but our continued investments into sustainability demonstrates how heritage and green innovation can go hand in hand. Our recently completed warehouse was built from the ground up with environmental efficiency in mind. Some of the key features include:

• 58% of our 2025 energy demand met by our solar panels
• Energy saving LED motion sensor lighting throughout the site
• A drainage strategy accounting for 100 years of expected rainfall
• Run-off water collection in a holding pond bringing environmental diversification

Driving change

We’re moving away from traditional fuels by increasing the percentage of electric/hybrid cars within our sales fleet and by transporting inter-site deliveries using a newly purchased electric van. We’re also working with freight forwarders delivering Draper consignments using electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

Responsible waste management

 Ongoing recycling efforts have seen the amount we dispose to landfill reduce significantly. In the last 15 years, we’ve reduced general waste by more than half. As a business, more than 80% of our waste is recycled.

For the past 24 years, we’ve been certified under the rigorous ISO 14001 environmental management standard. We happily meet the UK’s regulatory requirements to minimise the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) to landfill and to achieve high levels of collection of WEEE for environmentally sound treatment.

Any materials we can recycle we do – including everything from green waste to cardboard, batteries to oil, aerosols to wood waste and more.

One initiative that makes a huge difference is shredding cardboard boxes to recycle and using this as protective packing material in our dispatch cartons.

Slashing single use plastic

We have a dedicated sustainable packaging taskforce, including a Sustainable Packaging Coordinator to oversee our ongoing mission to reduce plastic from the packaging of over 10,000 product lines in the Draper range. For us, packaging needs to be efficient, sustainable and competitive, without compromising product protection and customer safety – a particular concern considering the types of products in our range.

We’re continuously analysing packaging data and sales trends across our entire range, identifying opportunities to make an impact in plastic usage. Once these opportunities have been identified, we open the conversation to review the alternative packaging options available and seek to reduce plastic weight, with a preference for plastic-free packaging and FSC-certified card. Where plastic remains in packaging, we focus on using recyclable plastics, containing at least 30% recycled material.

By redesigning packaging to remove and reduce plastic, we’ve reduced our plastic packaging output by between 10% and 20% year on year since 2023, amounting to a real-terms total reduction of 21% over that time.

Our mission continues as we consider every aspect of sustainable packaging and shipping and working hard to reduce pack weight with better packaging design. As an example, we ship wheelbarrows as stacked components and build them when they arrive – meaning we aren’t shipping empty air around the world. This level of consideration is constantly being applied to our product lines.

Committed to the future

 We know that true sustainability demands continuous improvement of both policy and implementation, and that’s something we’re committed to across the business, from supply chain to employee engagement and the community partnerships we forge.

While we are proud of the strides we’ve made in reducing emissions and waste, we know there is more that we can do. We’re setting ambitious targets, investing in green innovation and sharing our progress. This is a long-term journey, and we are in it for the long haul.

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Mould has become the topic everyone is talking about, and not just the housing sector. Since Awaab’s Law was announced, damp and mould have been in the news, and this is having a knock-on effect that is being felt through the supply chain. For electrical wholesalers, ventilation is suddenly a hot topic, and Positive Input Ventilation is flying off the shelves. Andy Inskip, Sales Director at Manrose, explains.

Mould is in the news. With Awaab’s Law coming into force for social housing landlords on 27th October 2025, there has been a huge surge in awareness about the health risks of living with mould. Social housing landlords now have to investigate and fix damp and mould problems within strict timeframes, but the ripple effect has reached beyond the social housing sector. Private landlords and homeowners are now paying attention too, and they are looking for quick, effective solutions. For electrical wholesalers, this means they are seeing a surge in Positive Input Ventilation (PIV).

Nationwide problem

Awaab’s Law was introduced after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by mould in his home. The new legislation aims to stop that ever happening again, forcing social housing landlords to act fast when tenants report damp or mould. Since 27th October 2025, social landlords are required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants, within fixed timescales. They also have to address all emergency repairs, whether they relate to damp and mould or any other hazard, as soon as possible and within no longer than 24 hours.

While the law only applies to social housing, it has raised public awareness about the dangers of damp and condensation. Homeowners who once ignored black spots on the bathroom ceiling or musty smells are now taking them seriously. Newspapers and social media are now full of mould horror stories, and that is driving consumers to look for preventative solutions, not just a quick wipe with bleach.

Mould is a nationwide problem. The English Housing Survey recently revealed that around 5% of English homes have damp problems, the highest in five years. Condensation is the biggest culprit, affecting 3% of homes overall, and rising to 7% in local authority properties. That is almost a million homes in need of better ventilation

This demand is not slowing down. As Awaab’s Law came in, it highlighted how important it is to keep our homes dry and healthy. The shift in awareness means wholesalers and contractors are increasingly fielding questions about ventilation, condensation and indoor air quality (IAQ). And PIV is becoming the go-to fix.

Positive Input Ventilation

PIV works by drawing fresh filtered air from the loft and gently introducing it into the home. This positive pressure pushes out stale moisture-laden air, reducing condensation and preventing mould from forming.

It is simple, effective and ideal for retrofits, which is exactly what many homes in the UK need. For electricians PIV is a breath of fresh air since it is effortlessly installed. Simple to fit and commission in any size loft, only a hole in the ceiling is needed to fit the diffuser and no external cut outs are needed.

Designed to make both electricians’ and electrical wholesaler’s lives easier, PIV like Manrose’s Lo-Watt Pivotal comes complete with a ceiling diffuser, flexible duct and G4 filters, plus hanging kit and floor mounting base as standard, so there is everything that is needed to complete the installation. Meanwhile, a handle incorporated into the unit makes it easy and safe to carry the PIV which is especially useful when lifting through loft hatches.

The unit is supplied with a diffuser to be installed in a central location within the property e.g. in the main hallway of a bungalow or in the landing in a conventional property. The unit is easily set to the appropriate speed at installation based on the size of the property. Natural leakage points that are present in all properties, as well as purpose provided exhaust points, enhance the air change.

Once the PIV is installed, depending on the property, it could take between a few hours to a few days to start to see the effects and may take a couple of weeks for the areas affected with mould to dry out completely. So, households should be happy with seeing a solution that works so quickly.

Cost of living

Another feature wholesalers should also make electricians aware of is the low running costs of the latest energy efficient PIV. This will make PIV attractive for households in the current cost-of-living crisis. The latest PIV continuously ventilates silently in the background while in ‘Trickle’ mode and uses less energy than a standard lightbulb. They can also recover warmth from the loft air during winter, helping to lower heating bills.

Breathe easy

PIV also provides whole house air purification and humidity control, which adds up to a great solution for households. PIV isn’t just about stopping black mould, it also improves IAQ, reduces allergens and creates a fresher, more comfortable home.

Wholesalers can also reassure their customers that PIV units will not cause an irritating cool draft either. Many units come with a comfort heater which tempers the incoming air. For example, the Lo-Watt Pivotal range includes a heater and non-heater model, the Lo-Watt Pivotal with 500W heater helps reduce the chill as fresh air enters the property.

With this new, increased demand for PIV, being ready with the right stock, product knowledge and advice will make wholesalers a key part of the solution, helping electricians meet demand and helping households breathe easier.

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Martin Thompson, Technical Services Manager & Sustainability Lead from Tridonic UK, gives an insight into the manufacturer’s current focus on sustainability and plans for the future to keep driving towards Net Zero. He also shares the successful overhaul of Tridonic’s Spennymoor facility, using the sustainability principles that the company is renowned for.

At Tridonic, we’ve worked hard to establish a reputation across the global lighting sector for our sustainable lighting solutions that are manufactured responsibly. Our commitment to environmentally friendly lighting technology is based on a vision of realising the full potential of light and making a positive contribution to the planet and community through our solutions.

Of course, this has to be underpinned by a commitment to improving our own practices and policies. We formalised this back in 2021, when we created the ‘Sustainable Tridonic’ sustainability strategy and more recently our UK specific sustainability pillar in the Tridonic360 campaign. This strategy holds us to account on how we minimise the environmental impact of processes across our value chains. Organised into three pillars, the sustainability strategy gives us and our partners a clear focus on how we can work together to reduce our environmental footprint for a sustainable future.

The first pillar is sustainable products, which sets out how we minimise resource consumption, using materials more efficiently and increasing the proportion of recyclable raw materials. Circular design concepts are proven in our Cradle to Cradle (C2C) LED drivers and modules, products created for the long-term allowing them to be reused in a new cycle. Our goal is to align our premium product portfolio by 2030 with the Cradle to Cradle design concept.

Looking further at our own practices, we have continued to implement circular processes and optimise production for sustainability. The company’s packaging has been converted to 80-90% recycled cardboard, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The second pillar is being a partner of choice. This is where we build responsible and sustainable cooperation with trust based collaboration – as an employer or technology partner, and with our suppliers.

The final pillar is environmental protection. Here we focus on reducing CO₂ emissions across our company’s value chain. We also concentrate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our manufacturing sites’ production and operation processes. It is through this pillar that we have undertaken a recent overhaul of our Spennymoor facility, using a range of Tridonic lighting solutions.

The Spennymoor site, which encompasses a Tridonic factory, test facilities and offices, is a prime example of how facilities managers can have a data-driven workplace strategy to drive long-term sustainability.

A recent upgrade to the facility’s lighting, using Tridonic solutions, has delivered an array of impressive energy savings and associated cost reductions. The upgrade has been completed utilising the introduction of Tridonic’s Building Asset 360 market approach, which included the replacement of outdated fluorescent lighting to LED lighting and controls.

Building Asset 360 market approach is built on the principle of seeing luminaires as more than just sources of light and enables the exploration of data on the performance and health of each luminaire.

This market approach encompasses all Tridonic solutions including wireless lighting and wireless emergency lighting. It also embraces the interoperability between other systems such as BMS for a market that is requiring retrofit solutions. In many cases, it can leverage assets that already exist with the building.

The result over just the initial three phases of the upgrade – offices, production hall, warehouse, compressor room, outside canopy and mezzanine – delivered savings of approximately 181MWhrs per annum. This is a 50% saving, securing a reduction in energy expenditure of £65,000 each year.

Spennymoor is now a fully-functioning, sustainable workplace that is not just collecting data, but converting these valuable insights into actions that make a big difference. This is not the end of the journey for Tridonic, however, and further energy saving projects, such as the implementation of daylight harvesting, are in the pipeline for the future.

Tridonic will maintain momentum in innovating and exploring new ways to reduce our carbon footprint, while supporting clients and partners to do the same.

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Sustainability has shaped KNIPEX for over 140 years. But today, the challenge is bigger. From climate-friendly steel to global partnerships, David Barnes, Sales and Marketing Manager, explains how responsible toolmaking can shape a better future.

When people talk about sustainability in manufacturing, it is often reduced to carbon targets and compliance checklists. These matter of course, but at KNIPEX it goes much deeper. Sustainability has been part of who we are for over 140 years, but it’s no longer enough just to do better than yesterday. Our challenge now is to rethink how we design, source, produce and recycle across the entire supply chain, because we believe we have a responsibility – to the environment, to our communities and to the generations who will use the tools we make.

Targets backed by action

This mindset drives our approach to our operations. We have set ourselves a clear goal: to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, using 2020 as our baseline, and by 2045 we aim to be climate neutral across the board. It’s a tough target, but we are already making great progress.

Since 2020, we have cut our emissions by a third. A big part of that is thanks to switching to 100% green electricity and 100% biogas in our operations, but we are also investing in long-term change. We promote e-mobility with our company’s electric cars and our public e-charging station, which runs using the solar power we have been self-generating since 2011 (and we are continuously expanding that capacity). We have even started converting our first large power units to run on hydrogen – another step towards decarbonising production.

Over 83% of our pliers now come in packaging made entirely from recycled material and all our plastic handles are made with recycled content. Inside our factory gates, it’s about considering waste a resource, not a problem; steel, wood, cardboard and other residual materials are fully recycled.

Over half of our greenhouse gas emissions are generated in Scope 3 – indirect emissions that originate from sources outside KNIPEX’s immediate control, such as transportation of materials and emissions from externally sourced raw materials. Steel production is a carbon-intensive process and the lion’s share of these Scope 3 emissions comes from the steel used to manufacture our high quality pliers. But we are committed to achieving our climate goals.

Climate-optimised raw materials will play a big part here and we are working closely with our long-time steel supplier, the Swiss Steel Group, to reduce emissions at the source and make sustainable steel a core part of our production. We were the first tool manufacturer to purchase Green Steel Climate+, a product made using hydro-powered electric arc furnaces and 100% recycled scrap. The carbon saving is huge; compared to conventional crude steel, emissions are cut by 98% per tonne, marking a huge shift in how raw materials can support Net Zero goals.

Thinking in circles, not straight lines

Our sense of responsibility doesn’t stop at our own factory gates; it also shapes how we work beyond them and has led to our involvement in initiatives like Circular Valley. For those who haven’t come across it, Circular Valley is a regional project in Germany that brings together manufacturers, researchers and start-ups to explore real-world solutions for a circular economy.

Through Circular Valley, we have supported efforts like Plastic Fischer, a start-up company that is the first in the world to tackle river plastic, working to intercept it before it reaches the ocean. With our backing, it has removed over 70 tonnes of plastic from the Ganges’ tributaries and created local employment in the process. It’s a clear example of how partnerships can make a global impact, even if they start small.

We are committed to climate protection on an international basis. Since 2016, for example, we have been involved in a project aiming to regreen areas of the Libyan desert with our local cooperation partner SEKEM. So far, 49,366 trees have been planted, which annually offset 1.804 tonnes of CO2.

The truth is, we live and work thanks to the world around us. The conditions and resources we rely on, air, water, raw materials, aren’t infinite. At KNIPEX, we believe that acknowledging this is essential for business. We want to be a good employer, a reliable partner and a positive presence in society. Success matters to us, but not at any cost. We are guided by long-term thinking and a belief that you can run a responsible, profitable business without cutting corners.

The demand for sustainably made tools is also growing. Whether it’s working on public sector sites with procurement requirements or just doing their bit for the planet, tradespeople increasingly want to know that the products they are using have been made responsibly.

At KNIPEX, we don’t claim to have all the answers, but we are taking action. From cleaner steel and recycled packaging to solar energy and international reforestation, we are proving that toolmaking can be both high quality and low impact. It’s not about ticking sustainability boxes, it’s about doing what’s right, now and for the future, and we are proud to play our part.

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Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, discusses why certification is more than just a checkbox exercise and evidence that a business has passed an annual assessment.

In the competitive environment of electrical contracting, certification is a tool that can help businesses stand out by demonstrating their commitment to meeting industry standards and to continued learning as the industry evolves.

Historically, regulations and standards have often been seen as correctional measures that are in place to prevent substandard work and provide recourse if it does happen. While that is a useful ‘last line of defence’ for consumers, we also need a more positive and proactive approach for our industry, one that enables companies who deeply care about their work to push the industry forward by improving professional standards across the board and ensuring there are benchmark levels of compliance, competence and safety.

That approach would not only benefit customers by providing them with clarity and confidence when dealing with businesses from an industry that can be complex to navigate but also the industry as a whole. We want to see businesses thrive over the long term, with trusted relationships growing across the sector as a whole. This sort of continuity and reliability is better for the businesses and installers that do great work, better for consumers, and better for the wholesalers and business services providers that operate in our industry and enable its daily operations.

That is where certification comes in. NICEIC-certified businesses proudly display their certification on their premises, vans, workwear and websites because they know the rigorous process they have been through to achieve it. When their customers see a mark of certification, they know they are dealing with a business that adheres to industry standards in terms of both safety and technical integrity. This implied trust is invaluable in an industry where reputations are hard won and easily lost. Certification with NICEIC assures clients that they are hiring a competent business, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Building credibility and trust

One of the most significant advantages of certification is the boost it provides to a business’s professional credibility. Being certified with NICEIC involves not just an initial assessment but also regular, ongoing surveillance assessments conducted by experienced assessors. This process showcases a business’s commitment to transparency and accountability by opening up its work to external scrutiny and demonstrating its adherence to the required standards.

Additionally, certification requires a commitment to lifelong learning through continuous professional development (CPD), reassuring customers that the skills and knowledge of certified businesses are current, rather than relying on training potentially received years ago. This combination of up-to-date skills and on-the-job experience provides customers with confidence in the quality and safety of the services they receive.

Access to expertise and resources

Being NICEIC-certified is not just about the logo that businesses can display. Beyond what is visible, there is a wealth of resources, including technical support, training and industry updates, available to certified businesses and their staff. These resources ensure that NICEIC-certified businesses have access to the information they need when they need it and can stay one step ahead. The ability to tap into this pool of knowledge can significantly enhance the quality of work they do and the service they provide.

Competitive edge

In the electrotechnical industry, differentiation is key. Being NICEIC-certified provides a competitive edge that sets contractors apart from their peers. It is a mark of excellence that can be leveraged in marketing and business development efforts. Customers are more likely to choose a certified business over one that is not, simply because of the assurances it provides them. This edge can be the deciding factor in winning contracts and growing your business.

Compliance and safety

Safety is paramount in electrical contracting, and being NICEIC-certified ensures that certified businesses are compliant with the latest regulations and standards. This compliance is not just about avoiding legal issues; it is about protecting lives and property. NICEIC-certified businesses are trained to perform their work safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring peace of mind for customers.

Support and advocacy

As well as our role as a certification body, NICEIC is an advocate for the electrotechnical sector. Certified businesses benefit from the support and representation that NICEIC provides. Whether it is making the case for sensible and practical regulations or providing guidance on best practices, NICEIC is committed to advancing the interests of its certified businesses and to the health and success of the industry as a whole. This advocacy ensures that certified businesses have a voice and are in a strong position to navigate new challenges that the industry presents.

Customer satisfaction

Ultimately, the goal of any business is to satisfy its customers. Being NICEIC-certified is a powerful tool in achieving this goal. Customers are the foundation of a successful business, and being NICEIC-certified helps ensure that businesses can consistently meet their customers’ expectations.

Certification is much more than a credential. In our sector, where it is entirely voluntary and depends on the proactivity of businesses wanting to prove their ability to deliver work that meets industry standards, it can be a key step on the pathway to success.

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David Williams, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Transactional Business for the UK & Ireland, explains why electrical professionals are the true trailblazers powering the sustainable revolution.

When we look back at our sustainability journey up to now, it is clear that electrification is at its heart. From the wide-scale introduction of electricity 100 years ago to harnessing it to power a sustainable future today, one thing remains a constant – electrical professionals powering change behind the scenes.

In fact, they have always been the true trailblazers. Between contractors, engineers and electricians, they collectively ensure the transition to a more electrified and energy efficient world is as safe, effective and sustainable as possible. With an increase in innovative and sustainable technologies and the growing momentum of renewable energy sources, these key industry players are the impact makers helping us to embrace this new world of opportunities.

From system integration to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) to dealing with new sources of electricity and connected electrical heating, these technicians face a challenging future. Let’s take a look at the role these trailblazers have played up to now, how their job will evolve going forward, and consider how partnerships and training can power sustainable success.

A century of electrical evolution

Reflecting on the last 100 years, the role of electrical workers is now unrecognisable. As the trailblazers leading the charge into a new world of electrification in the 1920s and 30s, they were front and centre of the world’s technological revolution. In an era where the average person had little to no understanding of electricity, electrical technicians were the noble pioneers learning how to install or repair electrical systems and bring society into a new era. As the experts who brought light to homes, installed the first electrical appliances and ensured that the new technological innovation was safely integrated into everyday life, they were the people making a serious impact on society.

This pioneering spirit meant that early technicians were keen innovators and problem-solvers, working with rudimentary tools and facing challenges that would be unimaginable today. With the concept of electrification so new, the equipment they dealt with was often bulky, complex and dangerous. In the 1950s post-war boom, when electrical appliances became household and business staples, and moving into the computer age of the 1980s and 1990s, technicians had to adapt and evolve. They had to think, and learn, quickly, transitioning from installing basic lighting and power outlets to handling much more complex systems.

These trailblazers laid the groundwork for the modern electrical systems we take for granted today.

Today’s electrical complexities

Now, a new set of challenges is on the horizon as the world becomes increasingly connected and electrified. The role of an electrical practitioner has expanded beyond simple installations and repairs. Modern technicians must now act as installers and system integrators, capable of managing and connecting a wide array of devices and systems in any type of building. There are four key focus areas as we look to the future:

System integration: With the rapid increase in smart equipment and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, specialists need to understand how to integrate various connected appliances and sensors. From lighting systems to smart thermostats to security cameras, professionals must ensure that all devices must work seamlessly together, systems are installed correctly and that communication between these systems is smooth and efficient.

The rise of EVs: As electric vehicles become more popular in the transition toward a sustainable future, electrical professionals are increasingly tasked with installing and upgrading EV charging stations in homes and businesses. This task requires a deep understanding of electrical load management and the ability to ensure that the charging station is safely connected to the building’s electrical system.

Energy efficiency and renewables: With energy efficiency becoming a priority, many homes and businesses are adopting connected systems that allow remote control and optimised energy use. Electrical professionals now play a critical role in installing and maintaining these systems, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. The shift to sustainable energy sources – like solar panels and heat pumps – requires skilful and safe integration into existing technologies.

Digitalisation: Moving forward we need to make sure our systems are future ready and give us the insights we need to be proactive. Digitalisation and the use of advanced technology solutions, such as our own Acti9 active safety system – powerful tools to navigate modern electrical challenges. With increased visibility into how systems perform, technicians can anticipate, diagnose and address potential issues in real time before they become major issues.

Powering a sustainable future

Electrical professionals remain just as vital to progress today as they were in the early 1900s – but what does that role look like in practice? As more organisations prioritise electrification and sustainability to power a better future, skilled electrical partners are helping drive meaningful progress toward Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets.

At Schneider Electric, we closely monitor and measure our impact across a range of transformative ESG goals – a commitment that has earned us the title of World’s Most Sustainable Corporation for 2025 by Corporate Knights. This recognition marks Schneider Electric as the only company to top the Global 100 ranking twice, having first led the list in 2021. It highlights both our longstanding dedication to sustainability and the significant gains that can be achieved through strong partnerships with skilled electrical professionals.

A key factor in this success has been surpassing our goal of providing access to green, reliable energy for 50 million people, alongside our ongoing upskilling efforts. In an industry defined by rapid technological change and growing sustainability demands, continuous training is essential for electrical professionals to navigate complex systems and emerging technologies. To support this, we’ve trained over 763,000 people in energy management and recently partnered with Enactus, empowering university students from 10 countries to develop entrepreneurial solutions addressing social challenges tied to the energy transition.

Ultimately, a truly sustainable future can only be achieved with the help of electrical professionals. Throughout the past century, they’ve been at the forefront of technological evolution – and that remains the case today. As sustainability challenges evolve, these key players will continue to adapt and innovate, and it’s up to industry partners to provide the tools, training and guidance they need to lead the way.

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Fergus founder Dan Pollard highlights the issue of mental health in the workplace and offers some tips on how tradespeople can support each other’s wellbeing as well as their own.

At Fergus we are calling for greater attention to mental health in the workplace. Fergus believes that efficient workload management and transparent communication are key factors in reducing stress and anxiety, both of which are often precursors to mental health issues. This year, Fergus has been using its platform to highlight how job management tools can contribute to creating healthier, more supportive work environments.

World Suicide Prevention Day, held every year on September 10th, aims to raise awareness about suicide and the steps that can be taken to reduce its occurrence globally. While the conversation about mental health has gained momentum in recent years, workplaces continue to be a significant source of stress for many individuals.

At Fergus, we understand that the pressures of work can take a toll on mental health. We’re committed not only to helping businesses manage their operations more efficiently but also to creating environments where employees feel supported, reducing the risks of burnout and mental strain.

A constant state of urgency

The physical exhaustion and chronic pain associated with physically demanding work also affects mental wellbeing and we need to be talking about it. Time pressures add another layer of stress, as tradespeople often find themselves meeting tight deadlines and managing emergency callouts, which makes them feel like they are living in a constant state of urgency. Those that own their own business or are sole traders have the added stress of keeping admin at bay, cash flowing and jobs coming in, so it’s just a pipe ready to burst without an outlet.

Fergus’s job management software offers solutions that address some of the key stressors in the workplace. Features such as efficient workload distribution, clear task tracking and enhanced communication tools help alleviate anxiety, foster transparency and prevent feelings of isolation among employees. By automating and streamlining processes, Fergus enables teams to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Job management isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about ensuring that teams are not overwhelmed and that communication is clear and consistent. These are essential for creating a mentally healthy workplace.

Healthier work environments

Fergus is encouraging businesses across the UK to prioritise mental health by utilising job management software to create safer, healthier work environments. The company is also exploring partnerships with mental health organisations to provide direct access to professional resources through its platform. Integrating features like mental health break reminders, anonymous feedback tools and easy access to counselling services can further promote a supportive culture within organisations.

Fergus has come up with a few suggestions on how tradespeople – and their mates – can better look after their mental health.

Tip 1: Speak up, mate

Here’s a hard fact: according to Mates in Construction, construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. Don’t bottle it up. If something’s weighing you down, don’t keep it to yourself.

Tip 2: Keep an eye out for your mates

Safety is teamwork, and so is mental wellbeing. If you see a mate struggling, don’t turn a blind eye. Asking a simple “You alright?” can be the first step in making a big difference.

Tip 3: Limit alcohol and substance use

We all enjoy a cold one, but moderation is key and a clear mind is better than a foggy buzz. Try swapping out a beer for a book or a movie night with friends or family. If you are really struggling to steer away from alcohol in a social setting, give a zero-alcohol option a go.

Tip 4: Take a break

We often think pushing through the pain is the answer, but that’s a quick ticket to burnout city. We all need a breather, whether it’s a weekend off or even a longer break, and stepping away gives your mind a chance to reset.

Tip 5: Get physical and eat right

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But physical activity releases endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters. Even a simple 30-minute walk after work can help clear your head. It’s tempting to grab fast food for lunch, but your body – and mind – need better fuel. Poor diet contributes to poor mental health, and a balanced meal with fruits, veggies and lean protein can boost your mood and energy.

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