At BEAMA Installation’s annual conference the departing president, Geoff McCann of Electrak, highlighted the red tape that threatens to damage the competitiveness of the UK electrical installation and cable management sector.

McCann said: “The current over-regulation of business in the EU damages our competitiveness and our economies, driving manufacturing out. Where manufacturing goes, r&d will surely follow.

“Rules and regulations increase costs and since 2000, regulation affecting business has increased by 40%.

Although the government pays lip service to manufacturing, it seems to think it inevitable that production will move to low cost countries. However, they hope to keep innovation and skilled engineers here. We need to make Britain a better place to do business. We need to cut regulation and cut taxes.”

Chris Thomas of Electrium took over the presidency of BEAMA Installation from McCann at the conference. He will serve a two-year term.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor