Global home automation and smart device adoption has continued to scale rapidly, with household penetration rates at roughly 64% in the UK, according to data examined by Clearly Automate. Homes all over the world actively use connected tech, driven heavily by convenience, security and energy management concerns.

Screenshot 2026 08 25 095205 EW September - The EW Awards are nearly here!

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Weโ€™ve got two excellent features on the topic of home automation in this issue. Firstly, Nick Gwilliam of Ansell Lighting takes a look at the smart lighting category, and explains how electrical wholesalers can build a smart lighting offering that meets the convenience, personalisation and efficiency expectations of modern homeowners. Turn to page 30 to read more.

On page 20, meanwhile, Repenic, a newcomer to EW, discussed the market opportunity offered by smart wiring accessories. โ€œAs smart home products become an everyday electrical essential, too much of the buying journey is happening without wholesalers in the room, says Repenicโ€™s Liam Cater.

The September issue of Electrical Wholesaler is the last issue that will go out before this yearโ€™s awards. Taking place as usual at the beautiful Chelsea Harbour Hotel on 24 September, the awards celebrates of excellence in the sector, with the very best brands, wholesalers and professionals rewarded for their outstanding contributions. You can take a look at the list of finalists for 2026, as well as book your tickets, at electricalwholesalerawards.co.uk.

Elsewhere in the issue, we share our usual news, views, products and installations from market-leading businesses across the sector, including an update on Circular Lighting Live from Recolight, and a guide to the trends shaping the electrical industry in 2026 from CEF.

Enjoy the issue!

Bryony Andrews, Editor

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