Editorial
From the editor... W
elcome to the November issue of ECA Today. There was certainly no problem deciding what the cover story was for this month’s edition – the historic partnership agreement between the ECA and the Electrical Safety
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The opinions expressed in editorial material do not necessarily represent the views of the Electrical Contractors’ Association. Unless specifi cally stated, goods or services mentioned in editorial or advertisements are not formally endorsed by the ECA, which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.
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November 2012 ECA Today 3
Council (ESC) has been described as a ‘defi ning moment’ for the electrical contracting industry, and promises a new era of unity for the sector. The fi rst fruits of the partnership – the Electrical Safety Register – is something
that will benefi t both electrical contractors and consumers, for whom a defi nitive database to help fi nd quality electricians will be warmly welcomed. The establishment in April 2013 of a new jointly-owned company, Certsure LLP, to operate ELECSA, ECA Certifi cation and NICEIC brands, also promises a number of benefi ts to their respective customers. Partnership between the most important bodies in the electrical industry should also ensure that the sector has a consolidated voice when talking to government on issues of common interest. At a time of signifi cant change, new challenges and opportunities, the move is
undoubtedly a positive step for the industry. Nonetheless, we expect that many ECA members and others within the electrical industry will have questions about what the new partnership means for them, so on pages 26-29 of this issue, we explain what it is all about, answering key questions about the partnership, its implications for the industry and plans for the future.
Moving ahead On another positive note for the industry, in this magazine we also have an update
on The Electric Event – the ECA’s all-new conference and exhibition (and more) that’s being held at the ICC Birmingham in June 2013. Combining the annual ECA Electrical Industry Conference, Technology Live workshop sessions, a Meet the Suppliers exhibition and the ECA Gala Dinner – including the fi rst ECA Annual Awards – it is shaping up to be the industry event of the year. You can fi nd out the latest on pages 37-39 of this issue. Taking a broader view of the industry, on pages 54-58 we feature an in-depth
update on how business information modelling (BIM) is becoming increasingly important for the electrical contracting industry, while on pages 30-34 we assess the impact of recent changes in the 4th Edition IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection Testing on the portable appliance testing sector. And, as part of our series on high-profi le projects that ECA members have been heavily involved in, on pages 40-45 of this issue we throw the spotlight on St George’s Park – the FA’s new centre of excellence for English football.
Reader survey While there’s plenty going on in this issue for readers to catch up on, we’d also like to
catch up with you – to fi nd out what you think about ECA Today. It is your magazine, so we want to make sure it provides you with the best possible articles, information and opinion. Please take time out to answer the survey questions on pages 35-36 of this issue or visit the survey online – it’s quick and easy, and will be extremely useful for us. And, as a small incentive, you could win a new iPad Mini in a free draw for respondents. Finally, everyone at ECA Today would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a hugely enjoyable festive season and a very prosperous New Year.
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