Once again, we have reached the final issue of the year.
With the days growing colder and nights drawing in, thoughts will be turning to boiler servicing and the cost of heating homes. Baxi’s 2024 Installer Survey demonstrated that although heating engineers play a key role in promoting the switch away from gas boilers, currently they are held back by an unfortunate trifecta of lack of practical training, overly complex government incentives and sluggish consumer demand. Ian Trott, Baxi’s head of UK training, believes that the transition to low-carbon heating will require “more targeted interventions” to help overcome these barriers. You can take a look at further survey insights on page 27.
Many industry stakeholders are disappointed that these “targeted interventions” are missing from Rachel Reeves’ first Budget, which she delivered to Parliament on 30 October. Although the Budget contains a number of positive steps for the electrical sector, such as encouraging house building and taking up low carbon technologies, a more specific roadmap with practical details would help to ensure meaningful change. On page 18, we have platformed some responses to the Budget from key industry voices.
Elsewhere in the issue, you can read features from Scolmore and Sangamo (24, 25) as well as an exclusive interview with Nigel Harvey, CEO at Recolight (22).
Plus, as always, we share our usual news, views, products and installations from market-leading businesses across the sector. Our cover story this month (10) showcases a cornerstone of innovation in the lighting and smart controls industry: Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd.
Sending all our readers best wishes for a peaceful festive season and a very happy new year, from all in the EW team.
Bryony Andrews , editor 
