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Emergency Lighting: A Key Priority Amid Building Remediation

Mackwell – David Lang-Smith, Sales & Marketing Director UK & Europe | Emergency Lighting Experts

Recent developments to the Building Safety Act 2022, alongside the introduction of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, have outlined significant changes to the UK’s approach to building safety and accountability. These changes have introduced a more stringent framework for ensuring that buildings, particularly those deemed high-risk, undergo appropriate and often overlooked due to funding, remediation. The introduction of remediation orders and a sharper focus on interim fire safety measures ensures that residents are protected while longer-term works are undertaken.

This renewed scrutiny is driving a wave of remediation activity across the country, particularly in residential blocks with already identified safety deficiencies. Since terrible tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire, attention has been placed on cladding and structural issues, alongside fire safety measures, such as emergency lighting. In the event of a fire or power outage, emergency lighting plays a primary role in supporting both evacuation and emergency response.

The updated legislation makes it clear that building owners and accountable persons must take full responsibility for the safety systems in place. For contractors, consultants and facilities managers, this presents a growing opportunity to bring existing systems up to standard and deliver new solutions that align with the legal and safety requirements.

The changes in legislation now place clear legal duties on the ‘responsible person’(often building owners or managing agents) to identify, fund, and carry out necessary remedial work to address risks to life in buildings. Specifically, the Building Safety Act introduced Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders, giving the Building Safety Regulator and the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) the power to enforce remediation of fire safety defects, including inadequate emergency lighting, faulty alarm systems, and other critical safety failings.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 further supports leaseholders by limiting the financial burden on residents, placing the onus directly on the responsible persons. Failure to follow these legislations can now result in legal penalties, and in extreme cases, criminal liability.

For buildings relying on interim measures such as waking watches, responsible persons can no longer delay action. Waking watches were introduced as a temporary fire safety measure in high-risk buildings, particularly those identified with cladding or fire compartmentation issues. Their incredibly costly but essential role provides on-site fire wardens who monitor the building around the clock and raise the alarm in the event of a fire. While intended as an interim solution, waking watches have faced significant scrutiny due to their astronomical ongoing costs and the inconsistency in effectiveness. As a result, regulatory focus has shifted toward replacing waking watches with more reliable, long-term safety solutions, such as the installation of compliant fire detection and emergency lighting systems.

Regulators are increasingly insisting that interim solutions be replaced with permanent, compliant safety systems. This shift shows that inactivity is no longer tolerated, and proactive, accountable remediation is now legally imperative.

At Mackwell, we know that emergency lighting is the foundation of an effective fire safety strategy. Our systems are designed to perform when it matters most, and with increasing focus on digital monitoring and data-led maintenance, we’re helping clients stay ahead of compliance. Our Automatic Test System (ATS), N-Light, helps clients stay ahead of compliance requirements. It can be easily integrated into existing buildings using our wireless technology, and with our cloud-based platform, users can remotely monitor one or multiple buildings. At Mackwell, we remain committed to delivering the technical support, guidance and high-performance solutions that building safety demands.

Emergency lighting is not a background detail – it’s a life-saving measure. As more buildings come under remediation scrutiny, now is the time to reassess, upgrade and invest in emergency systems that meet today’s expectations and tomorrow’s standards.

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industry updates

CU Phosco Named Sole UK Partner for Heper Amenity and Tunnel Lighting

CU Phosco is proud to announce its exclusive UK partnership with Heper, a
renowned family-run lighting manufacturer based in Turkey. This strategic
collaboration brings together two companies with deep-rooted legacies and a shared
passion for engineering excellence, sustainability, and lighting that enhances
people’s lives.

With over 130 years of combined experience – CU Phosco celebrating over 100
years of innovation last year, and Heper with more than three decades of expertise –
together, CU Phosco and Heper offer a more complete portfolio of lighting solutions
for UK specifiers – from road and pathway illumination to specialist tunnel and
amenity lighting. This partnership combines functional infrastructure with
architectural enhancement, delivering high-quality lighting with purpose.

“Heper shares our ethos as a family-run business driven by engineering integrity,
responsible manufacturing, and long-term partnerships,” said Matt Murray, Sales
Director at CU Phosco. “Their commitment to sustainability is impressive – from
recyclable packaging to a 100% solar-powered production facility – and their designs
complement and strengthen our existing product offering. Together, we can deliver
smarter, more sustainable lighting solutions for every part of the urban environment.”
Commenting on the partnership, Heper’s Can Gurel, International Sales
development Specialist, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with CU Phosco, a
company whose values and engineering-led approach closely align with our own. As
two family-run businesses with a strong commitment to responsible manufacturing
and high-performance lighting, we saw clear synergies from the outset. We’re
already collaborating on exciting projects, including Blackpool Tunnel and Alloa
Glassworks, and we look forward to bringing our complementary expertise together
to deliver more sustainable, future-ready lighting solutions across the UK.”

A Shared Vision for Responsible, Engineered Solutions

Both CU Phosco and Heper are family-owned businesses that value long-term
thinking, precision engineering, and sustainability. This shared vision underpins
every aspect of our partnership – from product development to customer support.
While CU Phosco continues its journey toward measuring carbon footprint and
exploring B Corp certification, Heper’s advanced sustainability practices – including a
fully solar-powered factory – offer valuable insight and inspiration. Both companies
are aligned in their ambition to push the boundaries of what responsible lighting can
look like in practice.

A Complementary Partnership
As leaders in their respective fields – CU Phosco in street, flood and high mast
lighting, and Heper in landscape, amenity and tunnel lighting – the partnership
strengthens both the breadth and depth of what CU Phosco can offer to the UK
market.

The expanded range means greater flexibility for specifiers looking for tailored, high-
performance and aesthetically driven solutions.

New applications will include:

Bollard Lighting – Sleek and efficient, ideal for pathways, parks and the public realm.
Tunnel Lighting – Robust and reliable lighting for high-performance and high-safety
applications.

Post-Top and Wall Lighting – Contemporary styling for urban, commercial and
residential applications.
All solutions have been developed with environmental responsibility in mind –
including optics designed to minimise upward light spill and support dark sky
objectives.

“This partnership isn’t just about filling gaps – it’s about expanding what’s possible,”
added Matt. “Our customers will now benefit from enhanced design choice, extended
application coverage, and the shared technical expertise of two lighting
manufacturers who care deeply about quality lighting installations and sustainability.”

Designed for the Future

Heper’s dedication to performance is reflected in its close collaboration with optics
specialist Bartenbach and its focus on responsible production. From LED bollards
with up to 12m spacing to precision tunnel luminaires, their range has been designed
with modern cities and infrastructure in mind.

With this partnership, CU Phosco reinforces its commitment to offering holistic, high-
quality lighting solutions that meet the evolving demands of specifiers and city
planners across the UK.

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industry updates

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SPECIFYING A BULKHEAD LED LUMINAIRE

Bulkhead LED luminaires are suitable for a wide variety of applications, providing general lighting. While there are many options available, newer models offer a wealth of benefits that can make installation more straightforward and deliver better results. Here Peter Alexander, Head of Sales UK and Ireland at LEDVANCE, discusses what to look for specifying a bulkhead.

Bulkheads are by design robust and durable. They primarily provide general lighting rather than a decorative solution, but this does not diminish the importance of considering different factors when specifying a bulkhead.

Given the need for bulkheads to be strong and offer longevity, it is wise to check IP and IK protection. These are clear indicators of what pressures and environments the fitting can withstand- and more importantly, operate safely within.

By choosing an IP rating of 65, you can be sure that the bulkhead offers the ability to withstand dust and water. This level of IP rating offers the highest level of dust protection, meaning it’s completely dust-tight. Regarding water, it’s protected against water jets from any direction. This makes an IP65 Bulkhead suitable for application even in arduous environments.

With regard to IK ratings, this scale represents a product’s resistance to external mechanical impacts. IK10 is the highest level, so specifying a Bulkhead at IK10 ensures it can withstand a significant impact without sustaining any damage.

Future-proofing is also a key factor. Look for a plug and upgrade system, such as the one featured in the new Bulkhead Combo from LEDVANCE. This luminaire provides optional integration of sensors and/or emergency modules, to enhance functionality as needs and requirements change, whilst also making it a low-cost solution to the end user.

Longevity is an additional important consideration. As bulkheads offer general lighting with a focus on function rather than form, there will be little need to change the luminaires to match upgraded decor or design. With this in mind, a solution that can be fitted and remain in situ for a long time is ideal. A lifespan of 50,000 hours is the perfect solution to deliver this, as not only does it reduce maintenance costs, but also time and resources, each of which limits carbon footprint.

Linked closely to this is performance and efficiency. As bulkheads can be on for long periods of time given the areas they illuminate, looking for high-levels of efficiency is beneficial. Choosing a Bulkhead of 120lm/W will deliver this. With regard to performance, specifying an ultra-low flicker solution will ensure a comfortably lit environment that ensures optimum occupant safety.

Finally, flexibility and customisation options are incredibly helpful. Being able to specify one solution with the ability to match the requirements to the application allow for an easy and adaptable installation. 

For example, the new LEDVANCE Bulkhead Combo features three selectable wattages – 9, 13, and 16 – and three colour temperatures to choose from – 3000K, 4000K and 5700K. By offering this customisation, the bulkhead becomes an adaptable lighting solution that meets the needs of a wide variety of installations.

By understanding these considerations and factors for specifying a bulkhead, the most robust solution, that also delivers excellent performance, can easily be identified. And, by choosing an LED bulkhead from a trusted lighting manufacturer, peace of mind and reliability will also be assured.  

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industry updates

TRILUX Supports Flexible Learning Spaces in N Family Nursery Rollout

N Family Club, a leader in early years education, partnered with TRILUX to
deliver a high-end lighting solution for their expanding network of award-winning nurseries.
Working closely with the client and M&E consultants Plenarius Design, TRILUX designed a
flexible, energy-efficient scheme that enhances both indoor and outdoor spaces.

N Family Club is redefining early years education through outstanding environments that feel like a
home-from-home for families and educators alike. When it came to lighting, the nurseries needed
solutions that matched their innovative vision: elegant, adaptable, and energy-efficient.
TRILUX worked directly with N Family Club and M&E consultants Plenarius Design to deliver the
project, designing flexible lighting schemes tailored to each nursery locations’ unique character
while maintaining a consistent quality experience across all sites.

The client sought a lighting partner that could deliver exceptional design, practical functionality, and future-proof solutions. TRILUX impressed with its strong product portfolio and the flexibility to adapt designs for the specific demands of each site – whether conversions of historic churches, galleries, or purpose-built spaces.

Peter Spencer MCIOB, from N Family Club, commented: “TRILUX offered exactly what we
needed, with a range of high-quality fittings that meet both our aesthetic design standards, and
operational requirements. They have been proactive from the outset in helping find solutions to
address the specific demands of each project and supporting our design and construction teams in
providing expert knowledge and advice to ensure we achieve the best possible results.”

Working closely with the client and contractors, TRILUX supplied all fittings onsite, ensuring a
streamlined process from specification to installation.
The lighting design was centred around creating a high-end look and feel while supporting the
nurseries' flexible learning environments. Thanks to the wide range of optical systems in E-Line
Pro, each area could be individually tailored, offering excellent glare control and a high colour
rendering index of Ra >90 – perfect for stimulating young minds.

Indoor lighting was carefully zoned to match learning activities, from focused tasks in classrooms
to playful spaces like the Atelier art rooms. Meanwhile, robust external lighting ensured outdoor
learning areas remained accessible and welcoming in all seasons – a key part of the N Family
Club educational philosophy.

Mike Cheeseman, Plenarius Design, M&E Consultants, commented: "TRILUX's expertise in education lighting was invaluable. Their understanding of how light influences learning
environments helped us achieve exactly what the client wanted – outstanding spaces that support
both child development and operational efficiency."
Leatherhead was one of the key sites under this major rollout, with TRILUX solutions now forming
the benchmark for all future N Family Club projects. The lighting toolbox includes:

• E-Line Pro/Finea continuous-row system – flexible optics for multiple applications
• SNS compact LED downlights – high visual comfort and low glare
• Siella G8 recessed luminaires – for bright, UGR<19 glare free spaces
• Olisq – decorative wall luminaires for circulation and breakout areas
• Oleveon Fit – robust surface mounted luminaires for back of house
• Emergency Lighting variants
• External lighting – including Combial floodlights, 8841 bollards and Skeo Curv for car
parks and outdoor play spaces

By delivering a full solution covering every area of the nurseries – inside and out – TRILUX
demonstrated its expertise and flexibility once again.

As N Family Club continues to expand across the UK, TRILUX remains a trusted partner, helping
create inspiring, sustainable environments where the next generation can flourish.
For further information on TRILUX’s educational lighting range please visit:
https://www.trilux.com/en/applications/education/educational-institutions/

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industry updates

THE LIA ANNOUNCES SIMON WESTON CBE AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR ICEL EMERGENCY LIGHTING CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE

Each year, key stakeholders from across the emergency lighting supply chain gather to discuss upcoming changes affecting the sector. This year, The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA), is delighted to announce that its keynote speaker headlining its 2025 programme will be Simon Weston CBE.

Simon is a British Army veteran renowned for his charity work and remarkable recovery from life-changing injuries sustained during the Falklands War. In 1982, he was aboard the RFA Sir Galahad when it was attacked and destroyed in the Blue Cove Air Attack, suffering burns covered 46% of his body. He has become well-known across the UK and abroad, notably for redefining his role in life, and his message is one of achievement, of triumph in the face of adversity, and of seizing the moment and succeeding.

Connecting with the conference, Simon will be discussing the importance of Emergency Lighting and how a lack of it in his accident impacted him greatly.

In addition to Simon’s keynote speech, throughout the day the programme will cover a wide range of topics relevant to emergency lighting, presented by leading industry experts.

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, said: “The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference is a vital event for those working in the sector to network, develop their knowledge and keep to date with key developments.

“We’re excited that Simon Weston will be joining us to deliver the keynote speech. Not only are his experiences linked closely to the importance of emergency lighting, he is also a truly inspirational figure that I know all attendees will be waiting to hear from.

For more information, visit https://www.thelia.org.uk/member-services/events/icel-emergency-lighting-conference.html

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Lucent Lighting at the Heart of the National Gallery’s NG200 Transformation

The transformation of the National Gallery in London, one of the UK’s most renowned cultural destinations, features extensive lighting solutions from Lucent Lighting. As part of the Gallery’s £85 million NG200 Welcome building programme, Lucent’s luminaires have been used extensively throughout the Sainsbury Wing, supporting a major reimagining of the visitor experience.

Led by Selldorf Architects, an internationally renowned New York practice headed by Annabelle Selldorf, and developed in close collaboration with heritage architects Purcell, the scheme carefully balances architectural sensitivity with contemporary design. The grand re-opening of the Sainsbury Wing coincides with the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary, marking a significant evolution in the institution’s history.

The completed phase one of the redevelopment includes a newly designed main visitor entrance and foyer, as well as a new Espresso Bar, Locatelli restaurant and bar, bookshop, Gallery shop, event space, Supporters’ House – due to open on the 2nd of June and the Pigott Lecture Theatre. With these new facilities and amenities, the Gallery is better equipped to welcome the millions of visitors it receives each year – an audience that has grown significantly since the Sainsbury Wing first opened in 1991.

Lucent Lighting worked closely with the design team to deliver architectural lighting solutions tailored to the unique character and functionality of each space. From hospitality areas to circulation zones, Lucent’s luminaires offer a balance of performance, visual comfort and aesthetic integration.

A key element of the lighting was the integration of tuneable white luminaires across several key areas. This dynamic lighting allows the colour temperature to be adjusted, offering flexibility to support a wide range of functions. By allowing precise control over colour temperature, Lucent’s luminaires offer exceptional versatility, enabling the lighting to be adapted for a variety of uses. This flexibility ensures that each space can respond to the evolving needs of the National Gallery.

The lighting solutions also support the wider aims of the project: to improve accessibility and create a more inclusive experience for the diverse range of UK and international visitors

Looking ahead, phase two of the NG200 programme is set to begin in Spring 2026, focusing on the creation of a new research centre, reading room, lecture room, offices, and artists’ studios. A key structural addition will include a new stair connecting the Sainsbury Wing’s Theatre Level with the Wilkins Building’s main stair.

Lucent Lighting specialise in high-performance architectural lighting, offering a broad portfolio of precision-engineered luminaires that are designed to integrate seamlessly into complex and design-led environments. With a reputation for technical excellence, bespoke solutions, and close collaboration with architects and designers, Lucent’s involvement in the National Gallery’s NG200 programme reflects their commitment to delivering lighting that excels.

Project credits:

National Gallery London NG200 Sainsbury Wing

Architecture Team: Selldorf Architects (Design Architect) Purcell (Heritage Architect) Vogt (Landscape Design)

National Gallery – Director: Gabriele Finaldi / Deputy Director: Paul Gray / Project Director NG200: Sarah Younger

Project Team(consultants) – Client Project Management: The NG200 Project / Project Manager and Cost Consultant / Gardiner & Theobald / Construction Manager: Sir Robert McAlpine with Blue Sky Building / Structural Engineers: Arup Services / Engineers: Arup / Sustainability Engineers: Arup / Pedestrian Flow: Arup / Acoustic Engineers: Arup Lighting

Consultant: L’Observatoire International / Planning consultant: The Planning Lab / Access Consultant: David Bonnett / Associates Wayfinding & Graphics: Thomas Matthews / Community Engagement: Kaizen / Access consultant: Jane Simpson / Access Approved Inspectors: AIS / Chartered Surveyors / Fire Engineers: OFR / MFD/Thornton Tomasetti / Business Case Advisory Services: Colley Associates / Communications: London Communications Agency (LCA) / Vibration Consultant: Bickerdike Allen / Café /Espresso Bar furniture design (on ground floor): Studio Linse / Espresso Bar design(on ground floor): Selldorf Locatelli / Restaurant interior (on mezzanine level): LXALocatelli / Cocktail bar(on mezzanine level): Selldorf / bookshop design (both mezzanine level and ground floor) :BoRFK/Ryder Gallery / Shop (on ground level): RFK / Ryder Digital / Visitor experience: The Office of Future Interactions

Photography: Edmund Sumner

Products:

Sainsbury Building

Custom Triple Plus XL Bevel Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

Edge90 Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

Edge90 Asymmetric WallWasher c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

Axis Mini Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

ProSpex Performance 140 Accent downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

Plus XL Bevel Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

ProSpex 100 trimmed Asymmetric WallWasher c/w 3000k static source

Wilkins Building

Plus XL Bevel Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

Edge90 Accent trimmed downlight c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

ProSpex 140 trimmed Asymmetric WallWasher c/w 4000k-1800k Tuneable White source

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industry updates

Light Forms Creates Outstanding Custom Lighting for the Overbury Office, Manchester

The recently transformed Overbury office, located on the 13th floor of Chancery Place, Manchester, offers a vibrant and sustainable workspace with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation. SpaceInvader and Light Forms collaborated to create an inspiring, high-performance environment that reflects Overbury’s design vision and its connection with nature.

The design brief centred around a future-forward and functional office that meets the diverse needs of the team while also implementing organic features. This intuitive workspace is home to private focus rooms, informal meeting rooms, and a wellness retreat, promoting flexibility and sociability.

A standout feature of the new design is the sculptural ceiling, inspired by Overbury’s nautilus shell brand identity. This bold element not only enhances the office’s aesthetic appeal but also serves an acoustic function, improving sound quality throughout the space

The bespoke lighting for the unique nautilus shell design was developed by the Light Forms team, who crafted a custom, made-to-measure solution using their Lightplane and Serpentine luminaires. A series of shorter lengths were used to form the spokes radiating from the centre, allowing each segment to fit seamlessly into the curvature of the ceiling.

In the meeting rooms, it was essential that the lighting profiles were made to the millimetre so that they ran exactly from one wall to the other. In the main corridors, the Serpentine fixture was made to measure and custom-curved to follow the natural flow of the space.

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project, reflected in the use of organic shapes and biophilic elements, low-carbon materials, recycled finishes, and a variety of energy-efficient lighting solutions.

The carefully considered design enhances staff well-being and comfort, fostering a collaborative atmosphere while promoting creativity and productivity within a flexible, dynamic environment. The result is a seamless blend of creative technology and natural forms.

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, said, “This project was a unique and exciting challenge to work on, and has proven that creating custom lighting doesn’t need to be expensive. We are proud to offer affordable made to measure solutions which can fit the unique needs of any project. Overbury’s new Manchester office design has benefitted staff, clients and the brand by providing an environment that embodies the company’s ethos of unbeatable quality and innovation.”

Project credits:
Client & Main Contractor – Overbury
Interior Designer – SpaceInvader

Electrical Contractor – E&ES Electrical Contractors

Lighting Manufacturer – Light Forms

Photographs – SG Photography Ltd.