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Presidential view Getting around


ECA president Paul McNaughton refl ects on the experiences of his opening few months in offi ce, and on what lies ahead


I


t’s sometimes hard to believe how quickly time has fl own since I was inaugurated as president at the ECA Electrical Industry Conference back in May. I’d been warned by past presidents how time seems to accelerate, but the three months or so since then has fairly zoomed by. I still feel a tremendous sense of pride to be representing


this great association at a wide variety of events, meetings and conferences both in the UK and abroad. Recently, in Helsinki, Finland, I attended the Annual Conference of the AIE (European Association of Electrical Contractors). It certainly was interesting to listen to colleagues from associations across Europe discussing the same issues as we face in the UK – and how they are confronting similar challenges. There was a lot of talk about the environmental agenda and sustainability as the way forward, with energy effi ciency, renewables and other carbon reduction initiatives presenting real opportunities for the electrical sector. Nevertheless, times remain tough in most European markets. Across Europe, however, it is recognised


that the role of electrical contractors is likely to evolve over the coming years, as the function of energy solutions provider becomes more important for customers looking to cut costs as well as reduce carbon emissions.


Opinions


In my column in the last issue of ECA Today, I touched on The Big Survey – the ECA’s major membership research initiative. As mentioned elsewhere in this issue, the response has been terrifi c, with members answering the online survey and engaging with the important issues we want to fi nd out about. While the association is still analysing the results, I’m pretty sure that the response to one of the questions – which asked whether members had met the ECA president – will become more positive over the coming months, as I get to visit more members across the regions.


At the time of writing this column (just after the closing date of The Big Survey) my visits to UK regional events have been limited to the South Wales region business day and weekend conference, and the South East region REC and business day. However, with the conference season getting under way, my schedule will be taken up with meeting members in regions up and down the country – something I’m very much looking forward to. I urge as many members as possible to come along to regional events, details of


which you can fi nd out about from your regional offi ce (see page 48 of this issue or visit www.eca.co.uk for up-to-date contact details). I’m very keen to meet as many of you as possible, to hear your views and listen to your concerns. It’s clear from The Big Survey response that members are interested in engaging with the association, so why not get involved in your local branch and make use of the services the ECA offers?


Apprentices rewarded


Starting as I did as an apprentice some years ago, the issue of apprenticeships is still close to my heart


Among the events I have attended over the last couple of months, the 2012 ECA Edmundson Awards were, once again, highly enjoyable and very encouraging. Starting as I did as an apprentice some years ago, the issue of apprenticeships and skills is close to my heart, and I take an active role on the ECA’s Education and Training committee. The ECA Edmundson Awards showcased some of the best talent in the industry, and it was great to see some of our best apprentices receiving the credit they deserve for their hard work and dedication. At my business, Darke and Taylor,


we are also committed to taking on apprentices – this year, we have eight new ones joining the firm. For the company, it makes good commercial


sense as an investment for the future. For the UK economy in general, real apprenticeships are hugely valuable – and vital if we are to address the looming skills crisis in the UK electrical sector.


About the author


Paul McNaughton Paul McNaughton is president of the ECA and managing director of electrical contractors Darke and Taylor. He has 38 years’


experience working in the electrical industry, and is an active member of the ECA’s Education and Training and Employee Relations committees. He also sits on the national board of the JIB, and is the chair of the London, South East and Southern RJIB.


This is an issue on which the ECA continues to lobby government. While it may be starting to focus on this area, in this and other sectors of UK industry, the Coalition must ensure the high quality of the apprenticeship ‘brand’ is maintained if apprenticeships are to be seen as a credible alternative to a university degree.


Skills


On the subject of skills, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate ECA past president Diane Johnson, our ECA skills ambassador, on winning the inaugural First Women in the Built Environment Award in recognition of her excellent work with the Wired for Success: ECA Women into Electrical Contracting initiative (see News, page 6). Finally, I hope to see as many of you as possible over the


coming months and to hear your many different views on our industry. This is your association, so I urge you to make the most of everything it has to offer.


September 2012 ECA Today 21


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