Executive opinion Dawning of a new era The electrical contracting industry is facing a new


environment that offers opportunities as well as challenges, as ECA group chief executive offi cer Steve Bratt explains


I


n 1859, Charles Dickens opened A Tale of Two Cities with the line: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. These words are equally applicable to the electrical contracting industry in 2011. Why is this so? Well, huge pressure on margins, a lack of


available work and escalating material prices are just three factors which are contributing to the ‘perfect storm’ that our industry is experiencing. If the latest construction forecasts are to be believed, it could get even worse before it gets better. So, while it is diffi cult not to be negative, it is important that


any new opportunities are grasped with both hands. At the recent ECA Electrical Industry Conference, industry leaders gathered to identify and assess these opportunities. Chief among them was the carbon reduction agenda


and how it will open new doors. Research suggests that between now and 2050, anywhere between one and six buildings will need to be retrofi tted with energy effi cient technology every minute. This startling statistic – combined with the development of a smart grid, the installation of smart metering technology and rising energy prices – will undoubtedly drive demand for energy effi cient buildings.


will need to move into this area in order to reap the fi nancial benefi ts on offer. It is my sincere hope that ECA members embrace this


change and demonstrate the type of leadership that they are capable of. Rather than fragmenting, we need to learn from previous experience and join together as a united front – one that exercises its considerable might and resourcefulness. In the past, we have been guilty of focusing on division


It is my sincere hope that ECA


members embrace this change and demonstrate the type of leadership that they are capable of


Green Deal The Green Deal stands to become the biggest home improvement programme since the Second World War, and recently the government announced a set of recommendations to ensure high standards of installation and protection for homeowners. The measures outlined will make a signifi cant contribution to the scale of the energy reduction projects taking place across the country. Although some scepticism exists about the Green Deal’s


expected levels of success, it is clear that it represents a massive opportunity for the electrical contracting sector. The ECA recognises this, and it is why we have been lobbying the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to include active measures, such as lighting, building controls and KNX technology, within the scheme. So what does all this mean for the electrical contracting


industry? One major change will be the rise of energy solutions providers – businesses that are able to provide services to building owners to enable them to improve their environment and save money. Electrical contracting fi rms


About the author


Steve Bratt Steve Bratt was appointed group chief executive offi cer of the ECA in October 2010. He joined the ECA as chief operating offi cer in 2007, and became deputy CEO in February 2010.


and self-interest. For example, many of you will recall when the fi re and security industry was a part of general electrical contracting, but gradually splintered off into its own defi ned sector. This should not be allowed to happen with the installation of energy effi cient technology. The ECA is at the forefront as far as leadership and cooperation are concerned, and I’m delighted that we have joined forces with the NICEIC to work on the report: 2021 Vision: The Future of the Electrical Contracting Industry. Its aim is to provide a long-term view of what will happen within the sector over the next 10 years. The report identifi es the scenarios that are likely to shape the industry and will examine the character and structure of the wider construction industry, the economic


outlook, client and main contractor requirements, the range of work likely to be undertaken, the knowledge and skills that may be required, and key product development and installation trends. It is a truly exciting and worthwhile collaboration, which


I hope signifi es the start of a relationship that will bring signifi cant benefi ts to the industry as a whole.


Going forward Finally, and continuing the theme of change, the recently published Government Construction Strategy document makes interesting and encouraging reading. It recognises that the existing procurement strategy is wasteful and that new methods must be sought. It was particularly pleasing to note that the routes under consideration are collaborative in nature and include initiatives such as project insurance, improving speed of cashfl ow through the use of project bank accounts, and a recognition of PAS 91. This should be welcomed by the entire industry, and our


job now is to assist with implementation and make sure that the moves outlined become a reality.


July 2011 ECA Today 13


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