[ Focus: New members ]
bringing in new members from non-traditional areas of work that now clearly see the value in becoming a member of the association. In the May issue of ECA Today, two companies
working in the UK outside broadcasting industry were profiled, exploring their work within the sector and encouraging others to follow their lead.
Expertise Events and exhibitions company UK European Media Electrics is another non-traditional firm that has recently joined up as an ECA registered member. Upon being contracted to construct a large temporary corporate hospitality building in the 2012 Olympic Park, which was to be the largest temporary structure in the world, UK European Media Electrics turned to the ECA for its extensive support services and expertise. ‘There has been an influx of non-traditional
contracting firms joining up with the ECA because the association is both adaptable and
Signing up
UK European Media Electrics’ temporary structure at the Olympic Park was successfully executed, and operated throughout the Games. Here, the company’s managing director, Jonathan Coote, explains how the project was implemented – and how the ECA helped them along the way.
How did your 2012 Olympics project come to fruition? Jonathan Coote: We really wanted to get into this project, as the Olympics is one of the most prestigious events that a business can be involved in. Our company specialises in global events, such as motor shows, world expos and trade shows, and we knew this would be a good one to have on our CV. In December 2011, we started this project – it began as an ‘event style’ electrical installation and grew into a 2.2 Mw monster.
When did you first think about approaching the ECA? JC: At the start of this project, we quickly realised that we were entering an area of the industry that we had not had dealings with before. We had a look around, and found that the ECA fitted our needs and were open to electrical trades other than contracting.
Why did you want to join the ECA? JC: I think it was important for us
moving forward that we had backup and help from a recognised organisation like the ECA. Also, it gave our clients confidence in our level of work.
What did the ECA offer your business that you didn’t have before? JC: Back-up, support – and the logo, which we can now use. That gives confidence to our customers.
Explain how ECA membership was useful for your Olympic Park job? JC: Due to the number of people involved in this project and all the different regulations we had to meet, having the ECA on board helped us out with these and many other areas.
Since first approaching the ECA, have you discovered useful services or other benefits you weren’t previously aware of? JC: We recently used the services of the ECA for a job in Barcelona, Spain. We had to comply with certain criteria to work on the site and needed to find out if our electricians’ qualifications covered the Spanish requirements. The ECA helped us with this matter.
How did the ECA’s joining process work for you? JC: We found it very easy to get set up as an ECA member.
Did you face any challenges that were difficult to rise above on this project? JC: There were some issues that we had to overcome, such as granting ECA inspectors passes because of the tight Olympic security measures restricting access to the venues.
Are you now planning to move into new business areas? JC: Before this project, and prior to joining up as an ECA member, we were not as confident working on site contracting work. Things have now changed. After all the event jobs we have done this year, we will now embrace any new projects in these areas.
How do you see your business developing as a member of the ECA? JC: It’s still very early days for us, but we now know that with ECA support we can cross over into contracting work and do a great job. We will have to wait and see what exciting developments the future holds.
Does the evolving electrical industry offer more business opportunities? JC: There are always opportunities that need to be grabbed hold of. In these challenging times it’s even more important to be aware of what they are. I think if you keep an open mind, you can achieve anything.
I think if you keep an open mind, you can achieve anything
accommodating, and focused on providing solutions,’ says ECA Greater London regional manager Malcolm Conby. ‘After close liaison between UK Media and the Greater London regional team, we were able to adapt our joining criteria to suit UK Media’s business model, without compromising the association’s high joining standards. ‘As an ECA registered member, UK Media will
have access to a comprehensive range of benefits specifically selected to help them enhance profitability and business growth, in addition to the expert technical advice and guidance available to all members. ‘We aim to represent all of the electrotechnical
industry. Working methods and business practices are changing, clients’ requirements have become much more challenging, and our members are having to develop and revise their traditional portfolios. Our association is progressive, and it is best placed to help both old and new members to meet these 21st century challenges.’
November 2012 ECA Today 53
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