Octopus Energy staff to be represented by UK’s largest trade union

Octopus Energy and UNISON have sealed a landmark deal which will see the energy giant’s workers represented by the UK’s largest trade union The energy supplier says it spoke to several unions in recent months, and UNISON stood out for its “commitment to the energy transition” and the “creation of good, unionised green jobs”. The […]

TrustMark appoints Guy Thompson as new CEO

TrustMark, the government endorsed quality scheme for home improvements, has appointed Guy Thompson as its new Chief Executive Officer Guy will join the organisation on 2 November, initially working alongside outgoing CEO Simon Ayers MBE before he moves into retirement. Guy brings extensive leadership experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors including regulated public-private […]

Electrical skills shortage persists in Kent’s £4.9bn construction sector

Electrical installation is among the trades facing a skills shortage in Kent – where the construction sector is worth £4.9 billion – according to new analysis from field service management platform Field Ascend Employers in the county have reported shortages in electrical installation, plumbing and heating, carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, plastering, scaffolding, groundworks and plant […]

SELECT honours former MD Wilson with Lifetime Achievement Award

Former SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has been presented with the trade body’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than 40 years of service to the Scottish construction industry The award, sponsored by energy technology company Schneider Electric, was presented to the industry veteran by association President Darren Crockett at the 2026 SELECT President’s […]

Recolight announces new appointment to board of directors

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has appointed David Barnwell to its board of directors, where he will represent Holophane, a UK manufacturer of sustainable LED lighting. The appointment marks the first time Holophane has held a seat on the Recolight board. David has been Managing Director of Holophane […]

ECS, NET integration speeds apprentice gold card applications

A new digital integration between National Electrotechnical Training (NET) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) will allow eligible apprentices to apply for their first ECS gold card more quickly. Previously, apprentices had to wait for a certificate from the Department for Education confirming they had successfully completed their apprenticeship before uploading it as evidence during […]

SELECT, SJIB, SECTT promote electrical apprenticeships

Scotland’s leading electrotechnical bodies are encouraging school leavers receiving their exam results to consider an electrical apprenticeship, highlighting growing demand for skilled workers across the industry. SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body; the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB); and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) say apprenticeships offer a route into careers supporting the […]

Frank Bertie retires as NAPIT Managing Director

Frank Bertie has retired as Managing Director of certification body and training provider NAPIT after two years in the role and more than 32 years as the organisation’s Technical Director. During his career at NAPIT, Frank has supported members with technical guidance, contributed to industry standards, and played a role in the development of electrical […]

LIA appoints new president

Trevor Grote, Managing Director of BELL Lighting, has been appointed President of The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), a UK trade body for lighting manufacturers and suppliers. The LIA represents more than 170 organisations across the UK lighting industry and supply chain, promoting standards, compliance, education, sustainability, and industry representation. Its members employ more than 10,000 people […]

SELECT elects its new President

SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, has elected Darren Crockett, Managing Director of Dundee-based electrical contractor RAS Crockett and Partners, as the association’s 68th President. The appointment was confirmed at the organisation’s AGM, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Queensferry on 4 June. Darren succeeds Mike Stark, who has completed a two-year term as President […]