M&E bodies discuss “convergence”

The HVCA and the ECA signed a commitment to work towards this goal earlier in the year and now both associations are sending consultation papers to their members to gauge feelings on the move.

HVCA president John Miller said: “This has to be what the members want. There will be no bullying or railroading: the consultation will set out why we believe a convergence to be good for our members, but if they don’t want it we won’t do it.”

This long-mooted step means the two associations could become one multidisciplinary body in the near future.

Miller said: “The convergence has been proposed for multiple reasons, including a demand for a combined solution by clients and the threat our member companies perceive from the strength of merged trades unions – we don't want to be vulnerable to being played off against one another.

“The convergence will also give us more lobbying power with government, and, with social, environmental, regulatory and accreditation matters all now similar for the two associations, I believe it is the way forward.”

The two associations are already involved in a joint programme that includes funding and resourcing sustainability-related activities; developing training and competence standards; and offering guidance and support on sustainability to members.

ECA director David Pollock agreed the ECA and HVCA must work together if they are to deliver for members.

“Associations need to work on a joint electrical and mechanical basis. If we don't do that we will be unable to deliver for m&e companies and crucially, we will miss the chance to give a better deal to the single-discipline companies that make up the majority of our memberships,” he said.