ECA Electrical Industry Conference 2011
A round-up of the highlights of the electrical industry’s premier event S
timulating, informative and inspiring, the ECA Electrical Industry Conference 2011 gave
delegates plenty to think about, as this year’s key industry event focused on the theme ‘Adding commercial value – from concept to delivery’. The ECA’s premier event – which this year was held in Marbella, Spain – delivered a thought-provoking programme of presentations by senior industry figures and leading guest speakers from the business world. It also provided a unique forum for discussion of key issues affecting the industry.
Delegates were engaged with
a range of perspectives on the current and future shape of the electrical contracting industry, with speakers covering a wide range of subjects and viewpoints. The sustainability agenda was,
again, a major theme of the conference, with many speakers from the UK and Europe reflecting on the opportunities that legislation and regulation offer for specialist electrical contractors. While speakers acknowledged the challenging UK market, and were realistic about the UK economic recovery, there was a positive underlying tone to the conference. Some presentations looked at
the latest technological solutions as potential opportunities for electrical contracting businesses, with areas such as smart metering, energy efficiency solutions, building management systems, photovoltaics and other renewables, and even electrical vehicles, opening up the market for switched-on ECA members. The conference also saw the inauguration of the ECA’s
new president, Alun Pearson, from South Wales region, who succeeds Diane Johnson after her hugely successful year in the role. Running from 14-21 May in the luxurious surroundings of the Gran Meliã Don Pepe hotel, the conference combined serious business with a relaxing environment, enabling delegates and their partners to enjoy a range of activities and social events in and around the area. As usual, the conference sponsors provided memorable entertainment for members, ranging from an opening night barbecue and informal cocktail parties to the traditional black-tie ECA Gala Dinner.
Over the next few pages,
we report on some of the key highlights from the conference presentations...
The conference began with the traditional inauguration of the new ECA president for the year, with incoming president Alun Pearson receiving his chain of office from Diane Johnson. In front of assembled delegates, the new president, in turn, presented the senior vice president badge of office to Paul McNaughton. The ECA’s first female president was also presented with her immediate past-president badge. In his opening address to the
n
conference, president Pearson – only the second ever president to come from Wales – re-iterated his commitment to promoting the interests of ECA members and the electrical industry. He also highlighted the initiatives the ECA is implementing to support members and to promote opportunities for new business. ‘Raising the profile of the electrical sector is only one part of what the ECA does. Let’s not forget all of the other things. We actively support our members in the smooth running of their businesses by helping with technical, contractual, and employee relations as well as health and safety guidance.’
Addressing opportunities the
sustainability agenda presents, he told delegates: ‘Electricity is at the heart of everything we do, from lighting to building controls. Properties simply couldn’t function without it. That’s why we have a vital role to play in making the built environment sustainable.’ But he concluded: ‘Talking is one thing – it’s important that we begin to turn these opportunities into reality; now is the time for action.’
PRESIDENTIAL PRESENTATION
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ECA Today July 2011
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