Schneider Electric supports EV charging infrastructure with the launch of Canalis for EV
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, unveils the launch of Canalis for EV, a flexible and future-proof busbar solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Figures from the UK’s Department for Transport show that the domestic transport sector was responsible for 29% of total domestic emissions in 2023. There is an urgency and opportunity for the industry to transform the efficiency of transport and emobility while accelerating the energy transition. With the demand for EVs growing at a faster pace than the infrastructure is currently able to meet, Canalis for EV is designed to solve these challenges by focusing on building a scalable, future-proof EV infrastructure with the following features: David Williams, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Transactional Business UK&I said:“Schneider Electric’s Canalis for EV provides a flexible, scalable, and modular busbar system designed to seamlessly integrate with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution for outdoor applications. “With Canalis for EV, businesses can enjoy reduced installation time and costs, less civil work, maintenance-free operation, and the ability to easily expand EV charging capabilities as demand grows. This solution not only optimises operations but also positions businesses to meet the increasing demand for EV charging solutions, making them future-ready and environmentally responsible.” Related resources:
OG Swarfega® Original gets a 2025 Upgrade
For generations, Swarfega® Original has been the secret weapon for tradespeople. Battling grease, grime and the worst muck imaginable, it’s helped the hard-working tradespeople of the UK scrub up after the toughest shifts to leave a green legacy on sink edges up and down the country. But the time has come for a changing of the guard. That’s right – Swarfega® Original, the jar of green jelly that rings when it’s tapped and has that distinctive citrus smell, is officially hanging up its gloves. But fear not: this isn’t goodbye, it’s just the start of the next chapter. Swarfega® Steps Forward with a Bold New Range The brand is still very much here. The same guts, the same grit from the brand that’s backed builders, mechanics, farmers and workers since 1947. Because even legends need a bit of a spruce-up now and then, we are launching a new range to carry on the legacy with unbeatable power and protection. Built for Hands That Keep the World Working Swarfega is known as the brand for hardworking hands. It’s seen everything – through the oil and the grit. Now, this cult-classic brand is getting a fresh new look with Swarfega® Orange stepping into the limelight – all without compromising on the power and quality that has become associated with the Swarfega® brand. Full Scale Skin Defence System The Swarfega® brand isn’t just a hand cleaner – it’s a full scale skin defence system. Protecting, cleaning and restoring for hardworking hands. The new line up is simple, effective and built around a clear three-step process: Oil, grease, paint, tar – whatever the job throws your way, Swarfega® products keep you working. Smarter. Sharper. Still Swarfega The refreshed design brings a cleaner packaging that utilise pump bottles instead of tubs, bold colour codes, on-the-go and dispenser options that cut mess, boost hygiene and help protect hardworking skin. It’s everything you need, nothing you don’t. Built for The Next Generation Swarfega® is more than a name, it’s part of the job, passed down generations of mechanics, tradespeople and grafters. And now, with a bold new look and an even clearer product lineup, the brand is ready to help the next generation keep working. The new 1 litre and 5 litre Orange and Extreme products are available from May 2025, with more skin products coming in 2026. Find out more here.
Schneider Electric Appoints New VP of Finance, UK and Ireland
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has appointed Jacqui Whitaker as its new Vice President of Finance, UK and Ireland (UKI). Jacqui will lead the UKI finance team, focusing on maximising investment returns, supporting growth opportunities, and driving forward Schneider Electric’s broader sustainability goals. She steps into the role with nearly a decade of international experience with Schneider Electric, having led the international business finance function across 100+ countries in South America, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Her business and commercial focus, coupled with expertise in dealing with hyperinflation and foreign exchange instability, have equipped her with the resilience and scenario planning skills necessary to navigate the current UKI market. Prior to Schneider Electric, Jacqui held leadership roles at Eurostar in the UK. Speaking about her appointment, Jacqui Whitaker, Schneider Electric’s Vice President of Finance for UKI said: “Schneider Electric has a mature and very successful business here, but I am looking forward to finding additional growth opportunities and making it operate even more effectively as the demand for clean energy increases in the region.” Kelly Becker, Schneider Electric’s President UK and Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands said: “Jacqui has excelled as a finance leader at Schneider Electric, clearly demonstrating excellence in execution as well as driving key finance transformation initiatives. Jacqui’s extensive experience, having worked in multiple finance functions internationally and in the UK, gives her the experience and perspective needed to support our UKI growth journey.” About Schneider Electric Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitalisation to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centres, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a. sustainable future for all. www.se.com
Daikin Champions Net Zero with Launch of New D-Carbonise Partner Status
In a significant update to its Commercial Installer and Partner Programme, leading climate control specialist Daikin has launched the new D-carbonise Partner Status – a scheme designed to recognise and reward installer businesses that are taking steps to embrace sustainability and reduce their own carbon emissions. Developed to support the industry as it transitions towards a more sustainable future, the D-carbonise Partner Status gives commercial installers formal recognition of their drive towards net zero, while also providing the tools and resources to win new projects, attract customers and stay ahead of industry changes. With commercial clients increasingly focused on the sustainability of end-to-end supply chains, being able to differentiate their businesses in this way will be a significant plus point for D-carbonise Partners. Achieving the D-carbonise Partner status, allows installers to signal their commitment to delivering high-calibre installations that adhere to firm quality guidelines, as well as demonstrating that they are engaged on a structured carbon reduction path for their business. Steve Molloy, Daikin UK’sSustainability & Commercial Solutions Manager commented: “By championing best practices and advocating for energy-efficient technologies and services, such as Daikin’s VRV5, the new CZ-HT High Temperature Commercial Heat Pump and Partner With Confidence services, our D-carbonise Partners can position themselves as trusted leaders within their field. “Through this new addition to our partner programme, we are building a reliable network of professional contractors who drive project success and, together, demonstrate our commitment to decarbonising the whole supply chain.” Becoming a D-carbonise Partner comes with a range of benefits designed to support business growth and sustainability efforts. In particular, D-carbonise Partners can access financial support from Daikin’s Business Development Fund (BDF) for green accreditations, and funding towards developing an independently verified Carbon Reduction Plan. Additional BDF contributions available to D-carbonise Partners include 100% funding for Partner With Confidence services and 50% contributions towards dual-branded charity and sponsorship initiatives, plus they can earn £5/kg into their BDF for reclaiming R410A refrigerant. Alongside the funding support, partners enjoy increased brand recognition and promotion through featured case studies and visibility on Daikin’s installer locator, and exposure to corporate clients and key accounts, as well as increased opportunities to network with consultants and specification professionals at Daikin events and seminars. To become a D-carbonise Partner, installers must meet a set of criteria intended to ensure that all partners uphold the highest standards of environmental and operational excellence. To qualify, companies must have a verified carbon reduction or net zero plan in place and achieve at least Bronze level in the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Membership of at least one recognized industry body such as Refcom Elite, BESA, Quidos F-Gas Premium, MCS or equivalent is also required, as is maintaining a social value plan that demonstrates measurable positive impacts on society and the environment. It is also expected that partners will be purchasing Daikin Decarbonisation products including R-32 VRV, CZ-HT High Temperature Commercial Heat Pump, and Partner with Confidence services, as well as collaborating with Daikin on case studies where possible. Finally, F-Gas records must be shared on a system-by-system basis with detailed information about each system type, initial charge, additional charges, and end-of-life recovery data (without requiring customer/site names.) The launch of the D-carbonise Partner Status comes alongside a wider update of the Commercial Installer and Partner Programme, which includes higher spend criteria, matched by new benefits at every level of the Certified Installer and D1 Partner programme, all underscored by Daikin’s no-fuss warranty commitment. Key improvements to the programme mean that Certified Installers will now receive BDF to spend on Daikin products and services a higher cap on their BDF. To encourage sustainable business practices, D1 and D1+ Partners will also earn £3/kg for reclaiming R410A refrigerant, plus double BDF for every VRV R-32 unit purchased and a special bonus for sharing annual F-gas refrigerant reclaim data. To encourage installers to make a positive social contribution, a new option has been introduced allowing customers to use up to £1,000 of their BDF on funding dual-branded charitable and sponsorship initiatives. For more information please visit: Commercial | Daikin.
Nearly half of Brits don’t know about the lifesaving Residual Current Device
Research commissioned by NICEIC finds that 46% of Brits dont know what a residual current device is and less than 20% know whether their home has one. As summer approaches, the nation’s use of electrical outdoor appliances and gadgets will increase. But given recent research found 96 percent of garden electrical products fail safety tests due to substandard plugs, counterfeit fuses, and water ingress, your home’s Residual Current Device (RCD) could be lifesaving. But what is an RCD? According to a new survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by NICEIC – the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical industry – half of Brits don’t know, while only 16 percent of the public know if their home is fitted with one. The survey results highlight a significant lack of knowledge about this vital home electrical safety device among both homeowners and renters. RCDs are designed to automatically cut off power if an earth fault is detected in indoor and outdoor electrical circuits, helping to prevent electric shocks, fires, and potentially expensive damage. It is recommended that they are tested regularly by pressing the test button on the RCD every six months. The data also reveals that young people (aged 25-34) are the most likely to say they know what a Residual Current Device is, with just 32 percent being unfamiliar with the device. 29 percent know their home has at least one RCD. By comparison, 52 percent of respondents aged 55 and over are unfamiliar and only 17 percent know if their home has RCDs installed. Regionally, awareness is lowest in Northern Ireland and Wales, where half of respondents (50 percent) said they did not know what an RCD is. The Northwest follows closely behind at just over 49 percent, with the East of England at 48 percent. At the other end of the scale, the Northeast has the highest awareness level, with only 35 percent unaware of the device, followed by Greater London (40 percent) and the East Midlands (41 percent). At the city-level, Liverpool residents are the least aware, with 55 percent saying they don’t know what an RCD is. This was followed by Norwich (53 percent) and Cardiff (52 percent). However, Newcastle residents are the most aware, with just 35 percent unfamiliar with an RCD, followed by Nottingham (39 percent) and Edinburgh (40 percent). There are also marked differences between homeowners and those privately renting. 49 percent of respondents living in private rental accommodation don’t know what an RCD is, compared to 44 percent of homeowners with a mortgage and 43 percent of homeowners without a mortgage. This highlights the importance of renters understanding their home electrics to ensure they understand whether their landlord is complying with the latest safety regulations and maintaining electrical systems. Paul Collins, Technical Director of the NICEIC, explains why Residual Current Devices are important… “Whilst there are some regional differences when it comes to awareness of RCDs, the research does show that there is a lack of knowledge across the board. “Because Residual Current Devices ensure that certain electrical faults are detected and power is quickly shut off, they play a crucial role in preventing electric shocks, fires, and other potentially life-threatening accidents. “If you notice your RCD tripping repeatedly, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong, and your RCD has done its job – this should not be ignored. It indicates a fault that will require attention. Don’t take the risk of leaving it unchecked. “RCDs are easy to test. Simply press the test button on your RCD every 6 months – this is a quick and simple way to make sure your RCD is working correctly. “When you press the test button the RCD trips and the power is switched off. However, if the RCD doesn’t trip, it may indicate a problem, and you should contact a NICEIC-registered electrician to have it checked. “It’s crucial that homeowners understand the importance of having a fully functioning RCD in place, and that any electrical work, including the installation or replacement of an RCD, should always be carried out by a NICEIC-registered electrician. “If you’re unsure or uncomfortable testing your RCD yourself, a registered electrician can carry out a full safety check to ensure everything is functioning properly, giving you peace of mind.” Visit niceic.com/find-a-tradesperson/ to find a NICEIC-registered electrician.
OMRON reveals ultra-compact power relay for high-voltage battery safety
OMRON Electronic Components Europe has introduced the G9EJH-1-E ultra-compact DC power relay, delivering a space-saving solution for inrush protection in battery-charging systems up to 800V. With class-leading dimensions of 31mm x 27mm, and 30mm high, the relay also meets the IEC 60664 insulation distance specification to satisfy stringent reliability and safety standards. With its high maximum voltage and industry-standard insulation distance, the G9EJH-1-E is well suited to use in battery energy-storage systems (ESS). The compact dimensions, as well as 12V coil-operating voltage, simplify integration in pre-charging, auxiliary power, and main charging systems in hybrid and electric vehicles (EV/PHEV). Also, its 800V capability meets the needs of the automotive market as typical vehicle battery voltages continue to rise, targeting greater efficiency and faster charging. With SPST (single-pole single-throw) normally open contacts, the relay operates in series with a current-limiting resistor for inrush protection. Capable of carrying a sustained current of 15A, and handling inrush current up to 30A, the G9EJH-1-E operates and releases within 30ms to provide fast-acting protection. The contact resistance is less than 100mΩ, ensuring minimal power loss when turned on. On the other hand, the insulation resistance of 1000MΩ and dielectric strength of 2500V between the coil and contacts ensures robust performance in harsh conditions. Housed in a 6-pin PCB-mount package, the G9EJH-1-E is suitable for automated or hand soldering and ensures flexibility for assemblers while simplifying field repairs. With a mechanical lifetime rated for over 200,000 operations and specified for operating temperature from -40°C to 85°C, the G9EJH-1-E ensures outstanding reliability in automotive and industrial environments. The relays are ready now for use in on-board chargers (OBC), service equipment (EVSE), and grid-connected energy-storage (BESS) applications. For further information on the G9EJH-1-E power relay visit: https://components.omron.com/eu-en/products/relays/G9EJH-1-E
Lyte Ladders Launches New Glassfibre Combination Ladder
Lyte Ladders & Towers, the UK’s leading manufacturer of professional-grade access equipment, has announced the launch of the GFLCL – Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder, specifically developed for tradespeople working in electrical environments. This newly developed ladder combines Lyte’s trusted UK manufacturing with dielectric safety, having been independently tested by BSI. It has achieved EN131 Professional certification, making it ideal for electricians, facilities management teams, utilities providers, and contractors who require high safety standards on site. Key Features: Quotes from Managing Director, Stuart Price “We know electricians and tradespeople need ladders they can rely on when working in potentially hazardous environments with live electrical currents. Our new Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladders combines strength, flexibility, and verified non-conductivity, all backed by UK manufacturing. It’s exactly what our customers have asked for.” About Lyte Ladders Lyte Ladders has been a trusted name in the ladder manufacturing industry for over 75 years, known for producing durable, high-quality ladders for professional use. Their products are manufactured in the UK, ensuring stringent quality control and prompt delivery. For more information, visit their website at www.lyteladders.co.uk.
Tradespeople shortage: UK’s most in-demand trades revealed
The UK is facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople – and demand has never been higher. Households across the country now make over half a million (615,280) online searches each month for local tradespeople. But where in the UK is demand for skilled hands the highest – and which trades are the most sought after? Keen to find out, the experts at Hillarys analysed search volume data across the nation to identify the tradespeople most in demand, both regionally and nationally, as well as the most ‘repair-prone’ towns and cities. 15 most in-demand tradespeople in the UK based on ‘near by’ searches Rank Tradespeople Average monthly search volumes Percentage of searches (%) 1= Locksmith near me 110,000 17.50% 1= Plumber near me 110,000 17.50% 3 Electrician near me 90,500 14.40% 4= Gardener near me 33,100 5.26% 4= Roofer near me 33,100 5.26% 6 Builder near me 27,100 4.31% 7 Handyman near me 22,200 3.53% 8= Carpenter near me 18,100 2.88% 8= Chimney sweep near me 18,100 2.88% 8= Pest control near me 18,100 2.88% 8= Plasterer near me 18,100 2.88% 8= Upholsterer near me 18,100 2.88% 13= Joiner near me 14,800 2.35% 13= Tree surgeon near me 14,800 2.35% 15 Gas engineer near me 12,100 1.92% For the complete data, please click here. Locksmiths and plumbers top the charts, each seeing a staggering 110,000 average monthly searches, accounting for over 17.50% of all trade-related searches. From emergency lockouts and plumbing disasters, these are the home nightmares troubling UK households most. Electricians hold the third spot with 90,500 monthly searches, contributing to 14.40% of total tradespeople searches. With the growing adoption of smart home technology, routine electrical inspections are becoming increasingly important. Gardening and roofing services tie for fourth place, each receiving 33,100 searches every month, making up 5.26% of all trade-related searches. The fluctuating British weather likely fuels the need for frequent roof repairs and regular maintenance. Just behind are builders, handymen, and carpenters, with average monthly searches of 27,100, 22,200 and 18,100, respectively. UK’s home repair hotspots: Where are tradespeople in highest demand? Rank Town/City Most in-demand trade Monthly searches per 100,000 residents for tradespeople 1 Newcastle upon Tyne Electrician/Locksmith/Plumber 1,331 2 Manchester Locksmith 1,284 3 Bolton Plumber 948 4 London Locksmith 927 5 Bournemouth Locksmith 892 6 Birmingham Electrician/Locksmith/Plumber 852 7 Middlesbrough Locksmith 757 8 Rochdale Electrician/Plumber 748 9 Stockport Electrician/Locksmith/Plumber 719 10 Leeds Locksmith 714 For the complete data of all 91 towns and cities analysed, please click here. Newcastle tops the list as the UK’s most ‘repair-prone’ city, with a staggering 1,331 monthly searches for tradespeople per 100,000 residents. Electricians, locksmiths, and plumbers are among the most sought-after professionals, each attracting around 590 monthly searches. Newcastle’s colder, wetter climate compared to other parts of the UK likely accelerates wear and tear on homes, driving up demand for skilled tradespeople. Manchester follows closely behind in second place, with a high monthly search volume of 1,284 searches per 100,000 residents. Among all trades, searches for “locksmiths near me” dominate activity in the North West city, averaging 1,600 monthly searches for the profession alone. This could be due to more frequent lockouts, keyhole issues, or simply a growing need to upgrade home security, given the city’s vibrant nightlife. Bolton, the Greater Manchester town, claims third place with a solid 948 monthly searches for local tradespeople per 100,000 residents. Plumbers emerge as the most in-demand trade in the area, indicating potential common issues like leaks, clogged drains and pipe damage in Bolton homes. London takes fourth place, with 927 monthly searches for tradespeople per 100,000 residents. The UK is home to the oldest housing stock in Europe, with older properties being more common in London and Wales – likely contributing to the high demand for repairs. Locksmiths are the most sought-after in London – no surprise, given that the capital’s crime rate stands at 146% above the national average as of March 2025. Where in the UK are tradespeople in lowest demand? Rank City Most in-demand trade Monthly searches per 100,000 residents for tradespeople 1 Newport Plumber 52 2 Nottingham Plumber 63 3 Hastings Electrician/Locksmith/Plumber 112 4 Sunderland Electrician 119 5 Cambridge Plumber 133 6 Rotherham Plumber 153 7 Birkenhead Plumber 157 8 Leicester Electrician/Locksmith/Plumber 161 9 Bexley Locksmith 162 10 Grimsby Plumber 164 Newport takes the title of the UK’s least ‘repair-prone’ city, recording just 52 monthly searches for tradespeople per 100,000 residents, hinting at a population less reliant on trades services. Nottingham isn’t far behind, placing second with only 63 searches per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, Hastings claims third place with 112 searches per capita, suggesting a relatively lower need for home repairs. Further north, Sunderland follows suit, registering just 119 monthly searches. Rounding out the five areas with the lowest demand for trades is the historic city of Cambridge, with just 133 searches per 100,000 residents. Yvonne Keal, Senior Product Manager at Hillarys, commented: “A spike in home repairs and improvements around May is common. With longer days, milder weather, and a cluster of bank holidays, homeowners tend to feel more motivated during this period to attempt to tackle jobs they’ve been putting off. It’s a natural time to look at their living space with fresh eyes and start ticking off those to-do lists. “Interestingly, our study shows that the type of tradesperson most in demand varies by location, which could reflect regional priorities, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Larger cities like London and Manchester see particularly high search volumes for locksmiths, possibly due to higher footfall and security concerns, while areas with older housing stock may show greater demand for plumbers and electricians.”
Upskilling to Win: Why Training Keeps Trade Businesses Competitive
Upskilling to Win, by entrepreneur and business mentor, Mike Greene Award-winning teams aren’t built from luck. The current environment presents pressing challenges to trades businesses, as costs rise, and recruitment dwindles. However, these issues don’t need to last forever, and forward-thinking companies can bounce back from productivity failure with a refreshed outlook and crucially – a plan fit for the future. Thanks to technology, company directors can be crafty about how they address internal pitfalls and boost business with streamlined operations that buy back time so time can be spent developing skills to cultivate employee’s ambitions and promote more apprenticeships. If you want a winning team, you need to invest in winners, and winning teams only have the best players. That starts with training, development, and paying for quality, not just hiring cheap labour and hoping for premium results. I have personally worked with hundreds of trade businesses and observed thousands more across all sectors. One truth stands out: the businesses making the most money are the ones with the best people. Upskilling doesn’t need to be overwhelming; it’s about identifying the skills gaps and filling them with accessible resources and rigorous mentorship. For example, providing certifications for EV charging installation, solar panel wiring or smart system integration are all worthwhile to remain competitive and take advantage of emerging technology. Charlie Mullins, founder of Wefix, is a prime example. He pays his team massively over the market rate (sometimes double). Why? Because he only wants the best. He knows that great tradespeople do better work, win better reviews, and create loyal customers that return. We need to let go of this idea that being “competitive” means being the cheapest. This outdated outlook is a key reason for industry decline as companies struggle to reconcile with expensive equipment and labour costs. Delivering exceptional value that allows you to charge the right price and still make a healthy margin is what will ultimately keep your business afloat. Without that margin, there’s no reinvestment, no growth, and no real future. In addition, cheap labour often means poor results, high churn, and constant firefighting. To avoid constant turnover, consider reframing your onboarding process. For instance, in electrics, be more specific in your job description. List skills which will deliver experienced candidates, don’t be vague and demonstrate the opportunities for career advancement, for example workshops and free on-site training courses. When you invest in your people, training them, backing them, paying them well, your business rises above the rest. Remember, price is not value. Value is the benefit your customer receives, not just the number on the quote. Reliability. Cleanliness. Communication. Consistency. Punctuality etc. These are the real reasons customers stay loyal, and why they’ll pay more. Want to futureproof your business? Start with your people. Support them by providing clear pathways to growth. Upskilling isn’t a one-off endeavour; it’s a commitment to continuous improvement and monitoring to ensure customers are getting the best type of service and your company is the stand-out in a crowded market. There are tons of talented tradesmen and engineers, but if their expertise isn’t tapped into, industries will quickly fall behind again. The only way to charge more is to be worth more. Justify your prices by keeping on top of your team’s output, customer reviews and internal dynamics. There is no room for mediocrity, so don’t be afraid to re-invent the wheel and bring your company into the 21st century. Mike Greene – Entrepreneur, Leadership Mentor, and Philanthropist Mike Greene is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his extensive background in executive leadership, strategic business growth, and philanthropic endeavours. With a keen eye for innovation and a knack for fostering strategic partnerships, Mike is committed to cultivating strong corporate cultures while leveraging his business acumen to drive positive social impact and support local communities. Mike’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent is evident in his investment portfolio, which includes over 30 start-up and growth businesses such as Shazam and Chargemaster. Currently, he serves as a mentor and strategic advisor to over 40 UK businesses, providing invaluable guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Mike’s influence extends into the media realm, where he has been featured on Channel 4’s “Secret Millionaire” and is a regular commentator and pundit on business-related topics. Following the programme, which had a great impact on him, he sold his main business and took a three-month sabbatical with the personal challenge to raise £100,000 for 100 charities in 100 days. He was successful in this bid and was inspired to go on to commit one-third of his time to help charities and mentoring people to change their lives for the better. Renowned as a sought-after public speaker, he has delivered keynote addresses on business, investing, property, and education across the UK, Europe, US, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, he is the esteemed author of the book “Failure Breeds Success”. As the Founder and CEO of Global Research Business, Mike successfully led the growth of a multi-million pound global research enterprise, ultimately orchestrating a highly profitable exit and the rebranding of the company as Lumina Intelligence. Mike’s influence extends beyond his own ventures, as he has served as a main board advisor and speaker at events for numerous global corporations spanning various sectors including energy, retail, consumer goods, food and beverage, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Notable engagements include advising industry giants such as BP, Tesco, Coca Cola, and GSK. Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has held various executive positions across multiple industries, driving strategic change and growth. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest Chairman and longest-serving board member of the Association of Convenience Stores, advocating for over 33,500 small retail establishments in the UK. Beyond the boardroom, Mike is actively involved in large-scale property development projects in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire region, contributing to urban revitalisation and community enhancement efforts. Driven by a passion for giving back, Mike has dedicated his time and resources to various philanthropic causes. From serving as a Trustee
