A year in office

On reviewing my term as ECA president, two main features stand out: the sea change that the industry is going through and the grass roots loyalty of the ECA membership through its 53 branches and 12 regions.

The structure and business environment of the electrical contracting industry is changing. This change is fundamental. We are seeing an increased use of PFI and framework agreements and there is a trend for major m&e companies to package out all works to others. Also, the introduction of Part P of the Building Regulations, the potential impact of the Fire Reform Act and the need to invest more in apprenticeships and training are all having a significant effect.

The changes being faced by our industry do not necessarily have to be viewed as threats; they also represent opportunities. Here, the ECA can and should help its members to realise fully those opportunities through innovation and efficiency, coupled with being more professional in running our businesses. And by members I mean all members: the small and medium-sized enterprises and the large contracting companies.

To this end, the ECA has developed a formidable range of business services that provide all members with support otherwise available only to large, multimillion pound companies – and even the large firms themselves make use of the services. These include technical advice, inspection and assessment services, employment assistance and commercial, contractual, credit control and insurance services, not to mention the health and safety support and a full range of training services. These range from short courses to apprentice training, with the ECA’s preferred provider, JTL, going from strength to strength.

The Association also provides a most effective focal point and voice for the electrical contracting industry. It often joins with others under the successful umbrella of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group to work with government and other industry sectors for the benefit of its own members and the industry as a whole.

In addition, great progress is being made in collaboration between the ECA and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA). Another outstanding example of recent successful collaboration is the development and launch of the Fire and Security Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cards with the British Fire Protection Systems Association and the British Security Industry Association.

The achievements of the ECA and the range of services it provides are considerable. On my travels and discussions with members I have found the levels of loyalty and commitment to the ECA to be very strong. Yet, on my visits to ECA regional conferences and meetings throughout my presidential term, I was sometimes struck by a lack of real knowledge and awareness of what the Association is and what it is doing. I urge the Association to redouble its efforts in addressing this.

As long as the Association continues to work to translate changes into opportunities, then it will continue to be well placed to serve its members

There remain, however, a number of ongoing issues that will need further development through careful and wise counsel. These include ECA and HVCA co-operation, specifically on difficult labour issues; the ECA’s work with Amicus and the Joint Industry Board; and getting true benefit from SummitSkills, recognising the Government’s emphasis on employer-led Sector Skills Councils. The ECA and its partners continue to strive to achieve labour arrangements that meet the needs of companies pressed with high expectations for their projects to be delivered efficiently. We are learning from the application of the Major Projects Agreement at T5 and seek solutions in negotiation with Amicus.

It is also important to get much closer to organisations such as The Federation of Small Businesses and Business Links, where some of the ECA’s regions are already fostering co-operation leading to a valuable source of help to members on such matters as succession planning and funding.

My year as ECA president has been one of the highlights of my professional career. It has given me a powerful insight into the real workings of the industry and our Association, together with a better understanding of the needs and demands of its members. From this, I have found that, as long as the Association continues to work to translate changes into opportunities, then it will continue to be well placed to serve its members and to ensure it plays a pivotal role in developing the specialist engineering industry.

It is not only our businesses that are important. The people who work in the industry and those who have at some time in the past are just as valued. I offer my congratulations to the industry charity, the EEIBA, on its centenary this year. The charity carries out excellent work, helping those in the industry, and their families, in times of need.

Finally, let me add how much I have enjoyed the support of ECA staff and my fellow ECA officers and I commend Bill Wright to the Association as its next president.