Dr Thorsten Müller Appointment Luceco appoints Dr Thorsten Müller as Chief Executive Officer

At first glance, a chief executive appointment at a manufacturer might seem far removed from the day-to-day realities of first fixes, testing schedules and certification. But leadership changes at companies like Luceco are worth paying attention to, because manufacturers shape the products that end up in consumer units, ceiling voids and driveway charge points across the country. Luceco supplies lighting, wiring accessories, EV charging equipment and portable power, and the decisions made at board level influence which product lines get investment, how quickly new ranges reach wholesalers, and what technical support and training material sits behind them. Dr Thorsten Müller's background in lighting, electrification and energy management is a strong signal of where the sector expects growth to come from — and it mirrors the direction of travel that electricians are already seeing on site. That direction matters for anyone planning a career in the trade. The electrification agenda covers far more than replacing fittings: it takes in LED and connected lighting controls, EV charge point installation, solar PV and battery storage, load management and smart home systems. Manufacturers investing heavily in these areas are effectively betting that demand for installers competent in them will continue to rise. For an apprentice or career changer, that reinforces the case for building a proper foundation first — the Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation, followed by an NVQ Level 3 and the AM2 for full qualified status — before layering on specialisms such as EV charging or solar and battery storage. Employers and scheme providers will still expect the core competence, and no manufacturer training course substitutes for it. There is also a practical point about keeping current. As product technology evolves, so does the regulatory framework around it, from the requirements for EV installations in Part 722 of BS 7671 to the arrangements for prosumer low voltage installations and the ongoing amendments to the Wiring Regulations. Electricians who hold an up-to-date 18th Edition qualification and the 2391 inspection and testing suite are in a far better position to specify, install and verify newer product ranges correctly, and to have informed conversations with clients about what is genuinely suitable. Industry news like this is a useful reminder that the equipment side of the trade is not standing still — and neither should the qualifications behind it.