From music festivals to sporting finals, mass participation events are an economic and cultural lifeline for cities. But in an increasingly digital world, they also place enormous strain on public infrastructure – particularly mobile networks.
Across the UK, there’s mounting pressure to upgrade underground infrastructure; lighting, power, broadband, and EV charging all require greater capacity, yet this expansion collides with an already congested network of roads, utilities, and public spaces. Digging new trenches in these environments risks traffic chaos, community disruption, and high reinstatement costs.
With Christmas just weeks away, streets across the UK are beginning to sparkle. But beyond the festive glow, many public spaces grow darker, emptier, and, for some, more intimidating.
As global temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, outdoor infrastructure—including lighting—is being pushed to its limits. In regions where summer temperatures regularly soar to 40–50°C, the performance, durability, and safety of exterior lighting systems face unique challenges. Here's what you need to know.
From illuminating motorways and city streets to enhancing public safety and urban design, exterior lighting plays a vital role in modern infrastructure. Behind every lighting column, bracket, and luminaire is a team of skilled professionals in manufacturing—designing, building, and innovating the systems that keep our world visible and safe after dark.
The UK is racing to deliver the next generation of connectivity, but the journey isn’t straightforward. While demand for 5G coverage continues to soar, the infrastructure required to make it a reality is facing significant challenges.
In the world of exterior lighting, reliability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether illuminating motorways, parks, industrial estates, or residential streets, galvanised steel lighting columns offer unmatched performance, longevity, and peace of mind. These zinc-coated columns are engineered to thrive in the harshest outdoor environments, making them the smart choice for modern lighting infrastructure.
Outdoor spaces come alive at night when they’re lit properly. Whether it’s a park pathway, a residential walkway, or the entrance to a commercial development, good lighting makes people feel safe, welcome, and confident about where they’re going. One of the most effective — and stylish — ways to achieve this is through bollard lighting.
From local parks and residential walkways to university campuses and urban walkways, good pathway lighting plays a critical role in creating spaces that feel safe, accessible, and welcoming — especially after dark.
At CU Phosco, we believe the future of our industry depends on the people we develop today. This June, we ran a week-long roadshow for our five Contract Service Division apprentices - a hands-on, cross-site learning experience designed to provide a 360-degree introduction to CU Phosco and what we stand for.
Whether a short urban underpass or a longer, high-speed tunnel through the countryside, lighting must do far more than illuminate. It needs to reassure, guide and protect - ensuring visibility, supporting driver confidence, and helping to prevent sudden braking that can lead to collisions.
Meet the Team Series: Sandie Robertson, Commercial Assistant in our Contract Services Division. Sandie joined CU Phosco in March 2022 and plays a vital role in supporting the team and ensuring everything runs smoothly.