Presidential view Main event
Incoming ECA president PHIL FAGG sets out his thoughts about the year – and challenges – ahead
W
hen I fi rst entered the electrical industry as an apprentice at the age of 15, I certainly could never have imagined myself some 42 years later becoming president
of the ECA. As my inauguration approaches, I feel immense pride and honour at taking on the role of the 100th president of this illustrious association. It is a genuine privilege, and I am looking forward to my year in offi ce. Back in 1971, when I joined TM Saunders in
Folkestone as a fi rst-year trainee, I could not, of course, have envisaged some of the challenges – and opportunities – now facing the industry. From the sustainability agenda and technological developments to the potential future skills crisis and construction downturn, there are many issues aff ecting member businesses – not only in the short term, but also as they prepare for the future. Having taken the path from apprentice to my
current role as managing director of electrical contracting fi rm GW&E Wright, based in Ashford, Kent, I am keenly aware of the diffi culties that our industry has endured during the recession, and the pressing issues aff ecting all electrical contractors. I also have personal experience of the importance of ECA membership. The association has been, without doubt, extremely valuable for GW&E Wright over the years. We have benefi ted from its fi rst class range of services – services that set the ECA apart as the ‘Gold Standard’ for the electrical contracting industry.
Making it count However, many ECA members still don’t realise the full extent of the services that the association has to off er, and I would urge them to take a close look at – and full advantage of – the numerous high quality services the ECA off ers, from up-to-date information on the latest standards and legislation to the fantastic range of expert support and back-up that ECA membership delivers. Whether you need legal or contracts advice, help with recovering debts, guidance on technology and technical matters, or information on health and safety regulations, the ECA provides the knowledge and expertise that can help you to run and grow your business. It is like a ‘back offi ce’ or ‘virtual safety net’ for members. Schemes such as the ECA’s Guarantee of Work and Bond also provide reassurance to clients that, when they employ an ECA registered member,
18 ECA Today June 2013
When clients employ an ECA registered member, they are getting a high-quality service delivered by the best in the business
they are getting a high-quality service delivered by the best in the business, fully backed up by the electrical industry’s trade association. Membership continues to be, for us, money well spent – every year.
Regional support At GW&E Wright, we have also found great value in the support of the ECA regional ‘family’, discussing common issues and concerns and receiving guidance and advice from other members at diff erent levels within the sector who share similar experiences. The region remains an invaluable resource; it can inspire you to explore new areas of work and help support your existing business with its expertise. It also off ers an important social dimension for meeting associates and friends within the industry. I fi rmly believe that you get out what you put
in and, having been an active member ar branch, regional and council level, I can tell you that this has been hugely benefi cial for our business. If, like me, you are passionate about this industry, I would encourage you to get involved – not only to help run your own business eff ectively, but also to help shape the future of your association and our sector. The ECA South East region, of which GW&E
About the author
Phil Fagg will be inaugurated as the ECA’s 100th president, for 2013-14, on 20 June. He is managing director of Ashford-based electrical contractor GW&E Wright, having been in the industry for more than 40 years.
Wright is a member, has become very important to me, and I would like to thank the many friends and associates there for their support. I am very much looking forward to visiting all the other ECA regions over the coming months. While my inauguration at the ECA conference on 20 June will be a hugely important personal occasion for me, The Electric Event at which it will take place is also very signifi cant for the industry. It’s the event we have been waiting for. As well as the high-level ECA annual conference, it brings together a new series of Technology Live! workshops and a Meet the Suppliers exhibition, ending with the fi rst ECA Annual Awards at a Gala Dinner. The Electric Event will be the industry event of the year, so please come along. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank Paul McNaughton for his excellent work as ECA president over the past year. Over the coming 12 months, I will be working hard, too, to promote members’ interests – and to ensure that members also make the most of the great services and support the association off ers. We are a member organisation, here to serve the members, and we will do all that we can to help.
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