[ Report: ECA Electrical Industry Conference 2012 ] DAY THREE
An optimistic but realistic tone was set for delegates at the last business session of the conference by Chris Ashworth from the Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG). He discussed opportunities arising from the sustainability agenda, including the Green Deal, FITs, the RHI and energy efficiency – and how electrical contractors need to focus on communicating with the consumer to deliver solutions. ‘You’re going to have to sell this in yourselves – you’re going to have to create awareness and create demand to take this forward,’ Ashworth told delegates. ‘It’s about your interface with the customer.’
Working for sustainability n
Ashworth said ‘So there’s real desire there to see it moving forwards.’
‘My view is that [the Green Deal] will be an
opportunity,’ he continued. ‘Even if it’s only 10 per cent of what the government’s claiming it’s going to be, it will be an opportunity and it’s one that we want to take advantage of and go forward with.’ Ashworth also outlined the significant
He reviewed some of the government schemes and regulations that presented opportunities for electrical contractors, looking in some detail at the forthcoming Green Deal. Although he was critical of the government’s handling of the Green Deal, Ashworth acknowledged that there was political will to see the scheme succeed. ‘All of our political parties want it to happen,’
opportunities arising from the maintenance market for renewables and other technologies now being introduced into homes. He suggested electrical contractors adopt a proactive way to promote their services at key times when consumers are receptive to change – such as when having other work done on the house, moving home and so on. Creating awareness and interest in energy saving technologies is essential, and contractors have an opportunity to develop a role as trusted energy solution providers on both the residential and commercial side. This role is likely to become more important as the continuing rise in energy costs impact on householders.
MEETING CHALLENGES
Delegates were treated to a wide-ranging address on opportunities for electrical
contractors from experienced parliamentarian Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan. Lord O’Neil discussed the issues surrounding the rebuilding of both the UK’s energy system and energy generation capability to create cleaner and less polluting systems to replace the country’s ageing power stations. Despite the cost of investing, doing nothing wasn’t an option, he said. Getting the proper mix is the cheapest solution, he said, but doing nothing is the most expensive.
He touched on energy saving and the forthcoming smart meter rollout: ‘It’s not just about helping people understand how much they consume,’ he said, ‘it’s providing the utilities with the kind of information that enables them to start
offering not just commercially sensible, but environmentally attractive packages of tariffs, both to industry and domestic users.’ He stressed the opportunities that this presented, both with the core smart meter installation and other elements of the required infrastructure. ‘I think this is going to be big business,’ he said. While he raised questions about current microgeneration offerings, he pointed to the National Grid’s recently announced £31bn programme for upgrading its grid between now and 2020, suggesting that it would mean a lot of work for electrical contractors. Lord O’Neil warned about some of the potential drawbacks of the Green Deal for contractors – such as sub-contracting for retail giants who are likely to enter the sector – and the complex issues that could put off consumers. Acknowledging the struggling
economy, Lord O’Neill still maintained that there were opportunities, from areas such as electricity generation, electric vehicle infrastructure, energy efficiency and sustainability objectives.
This year’s guest speaker, designer Wayne Hemingway MBE, created a real buzz among delegates as he recounted his rise from rags to riches: from selling second-hand clothing on Camden Market to running a multi-million pound fashion label – and his foray into design in the built environment. Hemingway entertained delegates with insightful thoughts and fascinating anecdotes from throughout his career as he and his partner, Gerardine, established the Red or Dead brand, making some interesting and very relevant points about brands and values. As well as charting the rise of
Red or Dead, he spoke about his other projects – including the design of a new housing development for Taylor Wimpey Homes. He was invited to participate in the 750-homes project in Gateshead after criticising other new housing
54 ECA Today July 2012
Design matters n
developments. After much research, he delivered something different that offered a more community-friendly and engaging environment, with character and individuality – built for the same price as a standard development. Hemingway’s entertaining and inspirational presentation was an appropriate way to bring down the curtain on the business sessions of the 2012 conference.
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