The New MCG Industrial Three Phase Distribution Board
The launch of the new MCG Industrial Three Phase Distribution Board marks more than just the introduction of a new product. It represents a forward-thinking approach to power distribution, built from the ground up to address the real-world challenges faced by electrical engineers, contractors, and commercial clients in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. We consulted electricians during the design phase, the result? A board that avoids their frustrations and now delivers a robust, spacious, logical layout that supports rapid installation. Range Consists of 4, 6, 8, 12 & 16 way, complete with 125A isolator switch, prewired T2 SPD and protective MCB. Features Optional Accessories: Extension box, cable box, connector block & a single phase conversion kit. Launch and Availability The new board was launched at the UK’s biggest electrical event #CEFLIVE2025 at the NEC on the 5th & 6th June. Martin Berriman, Divisional Manager from MCG Industrial said: “The feedback at CEF Live on the new board was fantastic, contractors had the opportunity to get hands on with the product and could see firsthand how quick and easy the product was to install. Many of these customers vowing to use on their next project.” Available now, for further information contact MCG Industrial on 01302 342 642 or alternatively by e-mail: info@mcg.co.uk. Scan the QR Code to watch our MCG Three Phase Distribution Board video.
Industry expert says Scotland needs double the number of electricians to hit net zero
Scotland needs double the existing number of qualified electricians if it hopes to make a successful transition to net zero, one of the country’s foremost construction experts has claimed. Professor Sean Smith says more recruitment is needed to keep pace with the growth in the renewables sector – and that there is an unprecedented pathway of work and a “golden travel ticket” for those who undertake suitable upskilling and training. The distinguished academic, who is Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, makes his comments in the latest edition of the Sparks’ Remarks podcast from SELECT, the largest trade association in Scotland. Speaking to award-winning journalist Kim McAllister, Professor Smith said the future is bright for Scotland’s electricians but the country needs to upgrade both its infrastructure and educational opportunities to ensure it is at the forefront of green technology. Professor Smith, who is also Chair of Future Construction in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The number of people currently studying electrical engineering or to become an electrician is up across the sector, and you could probably fill our universities and colleges twice over, which is great. “But do we need more? Yes, probably double the number really, which rather begs the question: Do we need to expand our facilities and resources to meet that demand? “Part of the hurdle is also to make sure we make people aware of the scale of work on offer because the consideration of just how much is coming for the sector is unprecedented; never before in its history has there been such a pathway of work to come. “It has taken the last 90 years to create the electricity system we now enjoy, but to meet the transition away from fossil fuels we’ll need to build at least five times the amount of infrastructure in the next 20 to 25 years, so the opportunities are really exciting. “Probably no other sector has had such an opportunity to make such a transitional national change that affects all our lives. And so it’s really exciting for the entire electrical sector of what’s to come and the role it will play; it’s absolutely fundamental and is just tremendous. “However, to create the infrastructure that we need going forward, like electric vehicles (EVs) and charging points, there are some significant issues with current grid capacity, and particularly when we look at localised sub-stations, particularly across the Central Belt.” In the episode, entitled Unprecedented Opportunities Ahead for Electricians, Professor Smith said people should see being a qualified electrical professional as their passport to lucrative and rewarding work anywhere in the world. He said: “We need to encourage many of our workforce, particularly young people, to see our industry as a golden travel ticket, so once you become an electrician or electrical engineer you can move anywhere. “I myself worked in Canada, Italy and Germany so I’d certainly encourage other people to travel and work overseas to see other cultures and how things operate. “Obviously we’d love them to return too, so hopefully in the future they can bring that knowledge back with them and make good use of it in the homeland.” Professor Smith also said that the switch to renewable technology would also require “a huge culture change” and for the public to be convinced that going green was cheap and efficient. He said: “People want more confidence and less stress, such as range anxiety and want to know that there will be charging points not only installed but reliably working. So that’s another opportunity for the sector to intervene and support that. “Across the UK, 75% of charging points are in private households, with only 25% in public locations, so we need to ramp that up. To do that, we again need to look at sub-stations because we have the renewable power but need to amplify the infrastructure to support it.” He added: “The thing with new technologies and all new systems is that they can take a bit of time to bed in, but there have certainly been better technologies coming through that make things more efficient “However, we need to make things more cost effective because we can’t leave people behind. We need society to come with us as this is their future as much as it is the industry’s.” Listen to the new episode of Sparks’ Remarks here.
Thorne & Derrick Celebrates Local to Global over 40 Years
Evolution from Local Distributor to Trusted International Partner for High Voltage, Process & Hazardous Area Solutions – Thorne & Derrick Celebrates Local to Global over 40 Years Thorne & Derrick International, a leading distributor of power systems, hazardous area equipment, and process heating solutions, is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1985 by Victor Thorne and Brian Derrick, the business started trading as Thorne & Derrick from premises in Brislington, Bristol. From the outset, the Company built a strong reputation, representing world-renowned manufacturers such as 3M Electrical, Band-It, and Cembre, supplying their market leading products to critical infrastructure projects and industries. In 1988 expansion came with the acquisition of Reid Brothers (Glasgow), strengthening the Company’s presence in the strapping and load securing market. A major milestone came in 1992, when Richard Derrick began operating in the Northeast of England working from a home office in Fenham, Newcastle. Initially Richard focused on selling Electrical Trace Heating solutions from Raychem, but after a move to Gear House in Gateshead, the Northern business expanded into the LV and HV power market. After 23 years, the office relocated to the current Northern headquarters at Lumley Court, Chester-le-Street which is the engine room of the company’s sales and marketing activity today. In 2015, Reid Brothers was purchased from Thorne & Derrick International, in a management team buyout and is still thriving today. Meanwhile, after 31 years in Brislington, Bristol, significant business growth forced a relocation in 2016 to Whitchurch, Bristol, where it continues to operate as the Company’s central warehouse and administration centre, coupled with a very strong Export and UK sales department. Over four decades, Thorne & Derrick International has grown from its initial team of 6 to over 30 staff and from a first order of just £500 in August 1985, the Company is now on track to deliver over £20 million turnover in the very near future. From the 1980s onwards, the Company has played an important role in serving the Oil & Gas, Process and Petrochemical sectors, and that has been central to its growth. As these markets continues to change, the business has expanded its product range in support, ensuring continued relevance and service excellence. “As Managing Director, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built over the years. Our strong focus on investing in young talent through apprenticeships has not only helped shape skilled professionals, but has also fostered a culture of loyalty and dedication,” said Richard Derrick. “It’s rewarding to see so many of our people grow with the Company. Their expertise and commitment are at the heart of our continued success.” The team of technical sales engineers, sourcing specialists and customer service advisors, deliver a single-source logistics solutions across the UK and internationally, supporting projects in more than 120 countries across five continents, offering rapid delivery and tailored supply strategies. With global electricity demand predicted to more than double by 2050, Thorne and Derrick International are strengthening and extending their world class supply chain to support grid-scale projects to drive our sustainable energy future towards net zero through renewable energy, digitalisation and decarbonisation of industry. Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading distributors of High Voltage Power Cable Accessories and Hazardous Area Electrical supporting critical infrastructure across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, petrochemical and process sectors. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial markets.Bottom of Form About Thorne and Derrick International Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets. Visit their website here.
NAPIT Returns to Installer Electric at Installer Show 2025
NAPIT are once again excited to be attending this year’s Installer Show at the NEC in Birmingham from June 24-26. The NAPIT stand can be found at 5F72 and will focus on education, providing training opportunities with hands-on learning and networking. There will be a chance to meet senior staff, including NAPIT experts in the technical, scheme, standards and training areas of renewable energy. Visitors to the NAPIT stand will also be able to view and purchase essential publications, approved training courses, along with the associated practical rigs, as well as certified scheme application. There will be various discounted offers available on the day, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the government funded ‘Heat Training Grant’ for Air Source Heat Pump installers. Steve Humphreys, NAPIT Technical Commercial Manager, will be appearing in a number of seminars during the event. These include one for installers entering the sector on June 24 at 12:50 and June 25 at 2.35 in the Solar Pavilion, Solar PV system performance, expectancy vs reality at 2pm on June 24 at Installer Electric and ‘where can domestic battery storage systems be installed?’ on June 25 from 12pm in the Installer Electric area. Andrew Duffen, Technical Commercial Engineer at NAPIT, will be taking part in a session on safety in specific home improvement installations between 2pm and 3pm on 25 June and a forum on installers’ biggest challenges on June 26 between 11.30am and 12.30pm, both in the NHIC Knowledge Hub. NAPIT Commercial and Compliance Director Stephen Melton, also on Thursday’s ‘powering the future’ discussion at 1pm, said: “The Installer Show is a great opportunity for us to engage with our members, talk to new installers interested in becoming certified and share our team’s wealth of technical knowledge with visitors. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for professionals to gain hands-on knowledge, connect with industry experts and stay ahead of the latest developments in the renewable microgeneration industry.” Register for the Installer Show 2025 here.
Darren Jones MP visits the NAPIT training centre for electricians and plumbers
Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, has visited the NAPIT Training Centre in Avonmouth to see the work being done to train and upskill electricians and installers of low carbon technologies. NAPIT represents over 20,000 skilled installers across the UK’s electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration, and building fabric sectors and has been a leading voice in raising standards within the electrical industry for over 30 years. The training centre offers courses in solar PV, fire detection and fire alarm systems, energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging installations and essential electrical safety and regulations. Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT said: “We are grateful to Mr Jones for taking the time to visit our centre in his constituency. “NAPIT and its members will be key to ensuring there are sufficient skilled installers in the electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration trades and will be on the front line of the transition to Net Zero. “We are keen to promote the growth opportunities to our members from the Government’s housebuilding and clean energy initiatives and are pleased to be able to support those wanting to upskill and take advantage of those opportunities here in Bristol.” Darren Jones MP said: “The transition to Net Zero is in the DNA of this government because it is the route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs for this country. “I was delighted to hear about the work that NAPIT is doing here in Bristol North West to certify, train and upskill people for the skilled jobs that will be created.” For more information on NAPIT training centres, visit their website here.
Solar PV Panels PLUS Battery Storage Heralds a New Dawn of Opportunity For Electrical Installers
For experienced electricians, now presents a prime opportunity to expand your qualifications into solar PV panel installation and electrical energy battery storage. The UK is still firmly committed to its Net Zero 2050 target, a pledge that hinges significantly on scaling up renewable energy sources. This commitment is creating a robust and rapidly expanding market for solar and battery technologies. Demand for skilled installers is soaring. The UK’s solar capacity is projected to increase five-fold by 2030, with battery storage also experiencing dramatic growth, doubling within the next few years. This surge translates directly into a wealth of job opportunities, with the solar industry alone expected to create tens of thousands of new roles by 2030. Electricians already possess the foundational electrical knowledge, making the transition to these specialist areas a natural and efficient progression. Furthermore, government initiatives are actively incentivising adoption. The 0% VAT rate on solar panels and retrofitted battery storage systems until March 2027 significantly reduces upfront costs for consumers, driving further demand. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) also provides homeowners with payments for surplus electricity, making solar an even more attractive investment. XS Training now offer an on-site 3-day course in Solar PV Systems and a 2-day course in Energy Storage Systems, at their Training & Test Centre in Leeds. They offer this as separate courses or as a combination of the two. These are delivered from City & Guilds and are one of the current qualifications required to gain MCS accreditation. Many energy companies require MCS for any excess energy that is exported back to the grid to be paid to the customer. By acquiring these new qualifications, electricians can diversify their skillset, enhance their earning potential, and secure their careers in a future-proof industry. They’ll be at the forefront of the UK’s green energy revolution, contributing directly to a sustainable future while capitalising on the significant growth in the renewable energy sector. Get in Touch with XS Training & Find Out More TODAY. Website: https://www.xstraining.comEmail: enquiries@xstraining.comTelephone: 0800 170 0294
Starkey Electrical adds to awards haul at prestigious business awards
A family-run electrical business, Starkey Electrical, has achieved an awards quad trick after being named winners at the Central England Prestige Awards for the fourth year running. Starkey Electrical was named ‘Electrical Contractor of the Year 2024/25’ in recognition of its positive engagement with customers, high-quality reviews and testimonials and for having built up a loyal customer base in its local area of Stourbridge. The win marks the fourth consecutive award Starkey Electrical has received at the annual ceremony, which this year took place at Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield on Monday, 26th May – and the second time the team has won in this category. The company, which was founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Lisa Starkey, has also previously been awarded ‘Sustainable Electrician Company of the Year’ and ‘Electrician of the Year,’ making it a Prestige multi-award winner. Stuart Starkey, managing director at Starkey Electrical, said: “To be recognised for an award once is a huge achievement, but four times is incredible. As a small company, we have always strived to provide a world-class, exceptional end-to-end customer service and, of course, do an excellent job in the process. “Our team continues to grow from strength to strength and this award is testament to the exceptional talent of our team, who always go above and beyond for our customers – a commitment that has now been recognised and rewarded four-fold. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey over the past 16 years and continues to do so.” The Prestige Awards believe that SMEs are the backbone of any economy and were set up to celebrate businesses and individuals consistently offering excellent products and services, while also making an impact in their communities. Starkey Electrical is MCS certified and provides building automation, solar PV, energy efficient LED lighting and EV charging services to clients in residential developments, leisure, education, healthcare and industrial facilities. For more information, please visit https://www.starkeyelectrical.com/
NAPIT Leads Successful Sponsored Walk on Bolsover Loop
A team of enthusiastic employees from NAPIT, a Bolsover-based company at the forefront of developing green skills and compliance, led a successful sponsored walk on the newly waymarked Bolsover Loop on Friday, May 23. The sponsored walk raised money for mental health charity Samaritans, while celebrating the opening of the newly waymarked route through the stunning Bolsover countryside. The event brought together NAPIT staff and supporters, who collectively walked 22 miles from their HQ at Pleasley Vale Mills, along scenic trails that showcase the natural beauty of the local area, from rolling hills and woodlands to panoramic viewpoints and historic paths. The walk, organised in partnership with the Bolsover Place Programme team, marked one of the first events exploring the newly waymarked route, which extends through Clowne, Creswell, Bolsover, Shirebrook and Pleasley; developed to encourage outdoor activity, support local tourism, and improve access to the countryside. “We’re incredibly proud of our NAPIT team for coming together to support such a worthy cause,” said Mike Andrews, Divisional Managing Director for Phenna Group and Bolsover Place Board member. “The walk gave us a chance to connect outside the workplace, give back to the community, and enjoy the fantastic new trails right on our doorstep. We even got the sunshine!” Funds raised will go directly to Samaritans, supporting their work in providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The success of the walk also highlighted the potential of the new routes to host future events and community initiatives, with many participants praising the clear signage, accessible route, and breathtaking scenery. The new signage and waymarking have been made possible through UK Government funding, via Dragonfly Management (Bolsover) Ltd and Bolsover District Council. You can visit the NAPIT website here.
SELECT calls for MSPs to ensure Scotland’s future is powered securely
Trade body (SELECT) issues urgent call to action in manifesto for 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections to create a stronger sector and safer society Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has issued an urgent three-point plan for action as part of its manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections. The campaigning body, which represents electrotechnical business who between them employ 19,000 electricians across Scotland, is urging all political parties to work with it to secure a safer society, stronger industry and successful transition to net zero. Launched at the association’s recent AGM (Thursday 5 June), the manifesto is calling for action in three key areas: Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Scotland stands at a historic crossroads. As we transition to a low-carbon economy, our nation’s future depends on a safe, skilled and strategically empowered electrotechnical workforce. “As the world’s oldest electrical trade association, and the body that represents the electrotechnical contractors of Scotland, SELECT calls upon policymakers to support a bold new vision that will enable us to power progress together. “This is a moment when our political representatives can seize the initiative and bring in the measures for which we have been campaigning for many years in the long-term interests of all the people of Scotland.” On regulation, SELECT is calling on the next Scottish Government to legislate for statutory protection of title, so only those who meet nationally recognised qualifications should be allowed to use the title ‘electrician’. On skills, the association wants politicians to commit to a just transition for the electrotechnical workforce by offering accessible and lifelong learning, expanded, modernised and future-proofed apprenticeships and additional support for SME contractors. On renewables, SELECT is calling for any government to put electricians at the heart of its energy strategy, recognising the electrotechnical sector as essential infrastructure for net zero and local energy resilience and empowering electricians to lead in energy projects. SELECT President Mike Stark said: “Scotland’s net zero goals depend on new technologies such as heat pumps, EV charging, smart grids and energy storage, which must be installed and maintained by competent, properly-trained and future-ready professionals. “In addition, Scotland’s vast renewable energy potential, from offshore wind to domestic solar, also requires a national electrotechnical workforce capable of turning potential into power and trusted Scottish businesses. “By introducing these measures, public safety, consumer protection and professional pride will all be strengthened, lives will be saved and money currently used to fix poor work will be used in a better way.”
