Peppers Cable Glands, a long-standing name in hazardous area cable gland technology, has entered a significant new chapter in its leadership journey. On 1st August 2025, Tush Thakore officially stepped down as Managing Director after more than two decades in the role.

Tush’s tenure with the company spans an impressive forty years, beginning as Stock Controller before rising through the ranks to Sales Manager, Commercial Manager, and ultimately, Managing Director. His leadership helped transform Peppers from a trusted UK supplier into a globally recognised player, known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and technical excellence.

Colleagues and industry peers cite Tush’s people-first approach and strategic vision as instrumental in shaping Peppers’ strong reputation across international markets. His focus on long-term customer relationships and product standards helped strengthen the company’s place in the global hazardous area sector.

Though stepping down from the top role, he will remain closely connected to the business as a Director, continuing to offer strategic business advice and support.

Looking ahead, General Manager Grayham steps into a leading role, guiding Peppers into an exciting new chapter. Grayham played a pivotal role in shaping the business’s commercial strategy, driving recent investments in manufacturing capability. His appointment marks the beginning of a forward-thinking new era.

Under Grayham’s leadership, Peppers has expanded its Quick Response Cell and introduced new milling technology to enhance production speed and flexibility. The company is also placing greater emphasis on global market responsiveness and sustainable growth.

“This is an exciting time for Peppers,” said Grayham. “Tush has created something incredibly special here – a business built on values that customers trust. My job now is to carry those values forward while making sure we’re evolving in the right areas – investing in innovation, deepening our partnerships, and remaining agile in a changing market.”

Peppers continues to expand its global presence, supplying industries from oil and gas to renewables and manufacturing with technically robust solutions for hazardous environments. As the company looks forward to a new and exciting era, its commitment to excellence remains unchanged.

www.cableglands.co.uk

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has joined a broad coalition of organisations, led by Which?, urging the government to introduce strong secondary legislation to support the new Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act. The group is calling for clear measures to hold online marketplaces accountable for unsafe products sold through their platforms, ensuring a level playing field with traditional retail.

The health and safety sector has long seen the dangers of non-compliant and unsafe PPE entering the UK market through online channels. The PRAM Act, passed in July 2025, establishes a framework for a new duty on online marketplaces and equips regulators with tougher enforcement powers to protect consumers. However, the effectiveness of this framework will depend on robust and enforceable secondary legislation.

In an open letter to the Minister Justin Madders MP, the coalition sets out the strong consensus among UK businesses, consumer groups, and public safety organisations in support of secondary regulations that would:

·      Introduce a clear duty to make online marketplaces accountable for the safety of all products sold, including proactively preventing the sale of unsafe products on their platforms. 

·      Empower regulators to issue heavy fines or to then take further enforcement action for online marketplaces that fall short of the required standards.

BSIF CEO, John Hooker, comments: “The BSIF strongly welcomes the PRAM Act as a significant step in strengthening product safety and protecting the integrity of the UK marketplace. However, legislation on its own is insufficient. We share the view that only firm, consistently enforced rules with real sanctions will stop online marketplaces from enabling unsafe products to reach buyers.

“Robust enforcement is essential not only to safeguard buyers but also to guarantee fair competition for responsible businesses, including BSIF members, who invest in compliance and safety. We look forward to working closely with government, regulators, and industry partners to ensure the Act delivers meaningful improvements in product safety across all sales channels.”

 Policy leads at the Department for Business and Trade are currently preparing proposals for ministerial approval. BSIF will participate fully in all relevant consultations.

The Open letter 

Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced the launch of its innovative VA130 mobile valve, completing the Parker VA Series valve portfolio, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize mobile hydraulics. Drawing on decades of expertise in load-sensing directional control valves, the VA130 delivers industry-leading performance, exceptional controllability, and enhanced energy efficiency. Precision-engineered using high-grade materials, this valve offers unmatched flexibility and customization, enabling seamless integration into both simple and complex hydraulic systems across a broad range of applications.

The VA130 valve stands out for its modular design and versatility, allowing it to be tailored to meet virtually any hydraulic function requirement. As part of the VA Series, the VA130 is combinable with the VA450 and VA300 making it the ideal valve for compact valve solutions in machinery where there are varying needs in terms of flow. Combining the modularity and an extensive variety of valve functionalities and combination options, Parker provides customers with optimized solutions for their specific machine needs. The valve’s design incorporates function-adapted spools, pressure compensators, and load signal pressure limiters, all developed through Parker’s deep expertise in load-sensing technology. This innovative approach significantly reduces energy losses while boosting productivity, marking a new standard in energy-efficient hydraulic control.

In addition to its superior performance, the VA130 offers multiple actuation methods — hydraulic or electrohydraulic — with optional manual lever control available in any combination within the same valve. This flexibility is complemented by the ability to combine the VA130 with tailor-made function manifolds, crafted from Parker’s comprehensive product range, to fully customize auxiliary function control. This integration reduces the number of system components, simplifies hydraulic system design, and enhances overall reliability and ease of maintenance.

The VA130 valve also incorporates advanced features designed to meet the rigorous demands of harsh operating environments. These include pre-compensated, load-independent flow control with function-adapted main spools for precise machine operation, LS pressure limitation, active tank gallery refilling, and emissions reduction technologies. Performance monitoring is facilitated through dedicated measuring points and Parker’s spool position sensors, available in both analogue and digital formats. Parker’s unique online configurator further streamlines development by providing instant access to automatically generated code reports, schematics, spare part lists, and 3D/2D models.

Targeted at key industries such as forestry, construction, material handling, and mining, the VA130 is ideally suited for a wide array of applications including forwarders, forestry harvesters, forest cranes, harvesting heads, mining machines, drill rigs, loaders, dump trucks, excavators, forklift trucks, material handling cranes, and reach stackers. With the VA130, Parker Hannifin continues to lead the way in delivering innovative hydraulic solutions that enhance machine performance, reduce environmental impact, and meet the evolving needs of modern industrial equipment.

For more information about Parker Hannifin’s VA130 valve, please visit: https://ph.parker.com/gb/en/product/mobile-directional-contol-valve-va-series/va130-mobile-valve

Stargate Hydrogen, a European-born deep-tech and green hydrogen technologies manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDI) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The signing accelerates Stargate Hydrogen’s activities in the Middle East region as the company is setting up its regional headquarters in Riyadh.

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for green hydrogen and deep-tech innovation, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals, a long-term national transformation plan announced in 2016, designed to diversify the economy and build a globally competitive society.

"This partnership with Stargate Hydrogen underscores a shared commitment to advancing green hydrogen technologies. By strengthening collaborative innovation between global leaders and local institutions, we help create shared opportunities that accelerate the Kingdom’s transition toward sustainability, while contributing to global progress in clean energy." said Dr. Yazeed, Executive Director of Institutional Funding, Acting Vice Governor for Ecosystem Development.

Under the terms of the signed MoU, the parties have agreed to collaborate on initiatives that will accelerate technology transfer and local innovation. Both parties will also explore opportunities to strengthen the regional hydrogen value chain, drive industrial decarbonization, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for sustainable energy technologies.

The key areas of cooperation include:

• Launching Stargate Hydrogen KSA, a new regional headquarters for Stargate Hydrogen in Riyadh, dedicated to advancing deep-tech solutions for green hydrogen production.
• Localizing Stargate Hydrogen’s proprietary technologies for deployment in the Kingdom.
• Building partnerships with leading Saudi academic institutions, such as KAUST, to generate intellectual property within the Kingdom.
• Collaborating with Saudi manufacturers to develop local production capacity for electrolyser technologies.

Marko Virkebau, CEO of Stargate Hydrogen, added:
 “Saudi Arabia offers a unique and globally competitive environment to scale transformative technologies. Through this partnership with RDI, Stargate Hydrogen will drive IP generation, support local talent, and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming a global leader in clean energy.”

The MoU establishes a joint steering committee to oversee progress and guide the partnership, supported by dedicated teams of both partners managing daily operations. Regular workshops and stakeholder engagements will ensure alignment across government, industry, and academia. The co-operation was facilitated by Apex Ventures, under RDI’s Global Startups Attraction Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, which directly supports the mission to localise technological capabilities and empower innovators.

By aligning Saudi Arabia’s long-term sustainability ambitions with Stargate Hydrogen´s technology and research expertise, the two partners set a new benchmark for international collaboration in advancing technology for green hydrogen production.

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of sophisticated capabilities to further the safety, health and wellbeing of defence and security personnel at DSEI 2025.  

Leading Dräger’s lineup is the Breathguard 2500, a carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gas detection device designed for continuous air monitoring when crews are within confined environments, such as military defence vehicles. The Breathguard is customisable with different alarm levels, and is designed to withstand extreme conditions such as shock, vibration, and high or low temperatures with electromagnetic compatibility.  

Dräger’s pilot mounted, in mask gas and pressure monitoring system, AviAir, will also be an important feature of Dräger’s stand. Developed to help explain ‘Unexplained Physiological Events’ (UPEs) during flight, the AviAir is designed to monitor pilots at the point of ‘most environmental challenge’, not only monitoring the pilot, but also the physical environment, including aircraft manoeuvres. The aircrew-worn data collection and monitoring device utilises Dräger core gas sensors from Dräger medical devices for Oxygen (PIA) and Carbon Dioxide measurement (ILCA2), in use globally within the medical industry today. Benefits include visualised respiration, identification of trends and learning from cause and effect.   

Providing long-duration critical gas detection capability in austere environments is Dräger’s X-GEM. Visitors to the event will see how this intelligent gas detection module has the potential to form the basis for a new generation of gas measurement devices. It can evaluate Dräger's electrochemical sensors, to provide a digital and easy-to-read total measured value. It has stripped back all the features of a gas detector to purely focus on the measurement functionality, which will allow the device to rapidly integrate into third party systems or bespoke capabilities for Defence & Security.   

Attendees will also be able to view ColPro, a Dräger Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection system that safeguards military personnel against CBRN threats. ColPro is designed to produce a positive pressure inside the protected cell, ensuring that contaminated air can’t reach the interior. The device offers effective protection against threats such as respirable dusts, contaminated particles, aerosols, bacteria, viruses, toxins, chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). Dräger tailors the system to the specific application for either stationary or mobile use. 

Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager, Engineered Solutions and Government Agencies at Dräger says Dräger is looking forward to an important opportunity to exhibit its capabilities at the pivotal event for the global defence industry: “Our established expertise in medical and safety technology means we have solutions to a vast range of threats and hazards. At Dräger, our openness to new and innovative approaches drives us to apply the latest technology to our devices and leverage a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. DSEI is an important event to share details on our lifesaving technology.”  

DSEI UK 2025 takes place on 9-13th September at Excel London.   

Dräger’s stand number is N2-105  

The global shift towards net-zero emissions has placed Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) at the forefront of industrial decarbonization strategies. By capturing CO₂ at its source and securely storing or reusing it, CCUS can help reduce the impact of high-emitting processes across sectors such as power generation, manufacturing, and refining.

However, the success of CCUS projects depends on more than just capture and storage technologies. Continuous, accurate monitoring of CO₂ levels plays a important role in maintaining safe operations and protecting personnel. Undetected leaks or unsafe concentrations of CO₂ can pose serious safety risks, particularly in confined or low-ventilation areas, as well as undermine the environmental benefits of the technology.

Gas detection systems provide this additional layer of protection. By offering constant oversight, they help identify leaks early, verify containment integrity, and maintain safe working conditions. Both fixed and portable detection solutions have a role to play—from monitoring key points in the capture process to overseeing pipelines, compression facilities, and long-term storage sites.

MSA Safety has developed detection technologies suited to the unique demands of CCUS, combining robust hardware with flexible deployment options. These systems can integrate into broader process safety strategies, supporting operators in managing risk and maintaining operational efficiency.

As industries invest in decarbonization, the integration of effective gas detection is a practical step that reinforces safety, environmental responsibility, and public trust. CCUS has the potential to be a vital contributor to global climate goals—when supported by technologies that make safe and reliable implementation possible.

More information on the role of gas detection in decarbonization is available at MSA Safety Decarbonization.

SPE Offshore Europe (OE25) has reaffirmed its position as Europe’s leading offshore energy event, welcoming more than 25,000 professionals to P&J Live in Aberdeen between 2–5 September 2025, in what was widely regarded as a landmark week for the sector.   

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) — the UK Trade Association for the Safety Industry — has launched Bad Vibrations, a new campaign aimed at tackling confusion and raising awareness around Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Each year, more than two million people in the UK are at risk of developing HAVS due to prolonged use of vibrating tools. This painful, sometimes irreversible condition affects blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands and arms, yet with the right precautions, it can be prevented.

Recognising that existing technical literature on HAVS can be overwhelming, the BSIF Measurement and Instrumentation Special Interest Group, which brings together test houses, certification bodies, manufacturers, and distributors, has developed Bad Vibrations, an accessible guide designed for everyone, from frontline tool users to workplace managers.

The guide breaks down key topics in clear, practical language, including:

• What HAVS is and where it occurs
• Which tools pose the greatest risk
• Methods for controlling exposure in the workplace
• How vibration is measured and quantified
• Relevant standards to be aware of
• Helpful links for those wishing to explore specific aspects in more depth

BSIF is calling on organisations, members, and industry partners to help spread the word. By sharing Bad Vibrations, businesses can empower their teams with practical knowledge and reduce the risk of HAVS in the workplace.

The Bad Vibrations guide is free to download now here: bsif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Bad-Vibrations.pdf