Feature Industry Comment
Getting the best from the Green Deal O
Above: Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO
Right: the Green Deal could be a very welcome source of business for SMEs
n 28th January DECC finally launched its long awaited Green Deal to mixed stake- holder reviews. The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), took to the airwaves to point out that, despite being the “Government’s flag- ship green initiative”, customer aware- ness is desperately low. Our own survey, carried out in con- junction with YouGov at the end of December, showed that 98% of people don’t fully understand the Green Deal, but over half said they would be inter- ested in a scheme like it, once it was explained to them.
So, the key to the Green Deal is to convert potential interest into work for contractors on the ground. In order to do this there are at least four possible routes to work, all of which require certification or other demonstrated competence. These include becoming an authorised Green Deal Installer, a supplier to an authorised Green Deal Installer, providing ancillary work such as wiring installation on a Green Deal project, or becoming a Green Deal Energy Advisor. However, many firms may find them- selves in something of a catch-22. To get the work, you need a working relation- ship with at least one Green Deal Provider (GDP), who will, naturally, prefer to deal with authorised installers. However, becoming an authorised Green Deal Installer requires an upfront investment of time and money, which is a difficult decision if there are no defi- nite work opportunities.
Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO, takes a look at how contractors can make the most out of the Green Deal
What to do? However, there are ways around this. A contractor could contact selected GDPs directly and ask how to get on their supplier list. Small firms could also join a reputable group that repre- sents similar sized contractors who, having found potential Green Deal work can arrange for GDP involve- ment. Alternatively, contractors could join a trade association that brokers member contact with GDPs. Most Green Deal models show a GDP - usually a major consumer brand or big contractor - at the centre of delivery, farming out work to accredited installers (GDIs) and even energy assessors. Yet small, compe- tent contractors can boost customer choice, service flexibility and even innovation under the Green Deal. That is why the ECA has been involved in discussions with DECC and others on maximising opportuni- ties for SME contractors. As a result, DECC has been looking at other delivery models, including the ‘Retrofit Works’ initiative, which is supported by the ECA and others. Retrofit Works, which aims to launch later this year, will be a network of competent SMEs who already energy assess and refurbish buildings. Its main goal is an early, and profitable, role for SMEs under the Green Deal. For contractors, business opportuni-
ties in the energy arena depend on the breadth of measures it can install. For many, this could mean diversifying into new types of installation, or taking the more traditional route of teaming up with other contractors who can bring vital additional skills to a project. The Green Deal could be a very welcome source of business for SMEs but to win the work, contractors may need to broaden their capabilities. Those that do will be in pole position to pick up forth- coming Green Deal, and other energy related work in both the domestic and commercial sectors.
New landmark industry conference
ECA
www.eca.co.uk T: 0207 313 4800 Enter 215
he Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has launched a new event to be held at the ICC Birmingham on 20th- 22nd June. The Electric Event will com-
T Electrical Engineering APRIL 2013
bine a gala awards dinner, a high level conference, exhibition and technical workshops. The Electric Event celebrates electrical excellence and brings together, under one roof, everything the electrical contractor needs to successfully run their business. Sponsored by leading manufacturers, wholesalers and industry bodies, the event includes the inauguration of the new ECA President for 2013/14, and the ECA’s Annual Conference, with a motivational closing session led by explorer and former Castaway star Ben Fogle. A range of leading figures from industry will deliver presentations on Building Information Modelling, Home Automation, Intuitive Buildings and Smart Technologies and a range of technical workshops will
take place alongside a trade exhibition fea- turing more than 40 companies. The event concludes with the first ever ECA Gala Awards Dinner, hosted by come- dian Marcus Brigstocke on 22nd June. These awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of ECA members over the last year.
Bratt said, “This event is unlike any- thing the ECA has ever done, and we believe it will set a new standard for con- ferences and exhibitions in the electrical sector. Anyone wanting to learn about the latest industry developments and how they can grow their business over the next year cannot afford to miss this event.” Delegate rates start from £25+VAT for day two. For more information or to regis- ter to attend, visit
www.electricevent.co.uk.
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