Presidential view Fit for the future
New ECA president PHIL FAGG urges members to engage with the association to help prepare their businesses for new opportunities
R
eceiving my presidential badge of offi ce at the beginning of the ECA Conference on 20 June was a very proud, special moment for me. It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of the 100th president of this
great association, and I’m looking forward to meeting as many members as possible from across the regions during my presidential term. Fittingly, perhaps, my inauguration took place at
the start of the ECA’s all-new Electric Event – marking a signifi cant moment for the association too. Bringing many elements together to create a new,
fresh format – incorporating the ECA conference, exhibition, workshops, awards ceremony and gala dinner – was a huge challenge, which was met with great commitment and skill by the conference working party and, especially, the team at the ECA. The three-day event was extremely successful, and
it was pleasing to see so many members at the ICC Birmingham. Broadening the appeal of the traditional overseas ECA Electrical Industry Conference was one of the key factors behind the new UK-based event, so we were delighted that so many of you took the time to experience it – whether visiting for one day or attending for the full programme. The inaugural ECA Annual Awards ceremony was
a fantastic climax to The Electric Event. Staged as part of the traditional end-of-conference gala dinner, it was a great way to recognise the achievements of members over the past year. The ceremony itself was highly enjoyable and entertaining, but the positive, appreciative response to the award-winners from the audience of fellow electrical industry members was also impressive. There was a fabulous atmosphere, and the occasion set down a real marker for the future. My congratulations go to all the winners, details of whom you’ll fi nd elsewhere in this issue. We are now looking forward to building on this
success at The Electric Event 2014 which, once again, will be staged at the ICC.
Participation Over the course of The Electric Event, delegates to the full three days were treated to a fascinating conference programme of keynote presentations from business speakers and industry experts, covering a wide variety of topics designed to provide members with an insight into new markets and opportunities – and to stimulate thoughts about the future.
18 ECA Today September 2013 A particularly inspirational talk on the last day from
You can help shape the future of the industry – and your association – by having your say
adventurer and TV presenter Ben Fogle encouraged delegates to grasp opportunities – to get up and do it rather than simply thinking about it. While we’re not all likely to follow his example of rowing across the Atlantic or running through the scorching Sahara desert, the message of engagement and action is an important one that every member can apply. Over the coming year, as I travel around the
country attending ECA events, I will be encouraging members to become more engaged with the association – to make the most of the opportunities it off ers. Getting involved – from branch and regional level up to national committee level – provides a terrifi c opportunity to meet like-minded people and attend business events where you can learn about new technologies, relevant legislation, and so on. You can help shape the future of the industry – and your association – by having your say. Just a little of your time can reap huge benefi ts for
your business. By participating at local level, you can also share problems, get quality advice and learn from the experience of other businesses facing similar issues.
I will also continue urging members to take full
advantage of the wide range of services that the ECA off ers. From contract and legal advice, updates on standards and legislation to help with debt recovery, technical guidance and heath and safety information, the association can act as your ‘virtual back offi ce’, providing expertise and support to help run and grow your business. And it’s all just a quick phone call away. Also, the ECA Guarantee of Work and Bond add real value, delivering solid backup for the work of ECA members – providing important reassurance for both your existing clients and potential new customers.
About the author
Phil Fagg is the ECA’s 100th president. Managing director of Ashford-based electrical contractor GW&E Wright, he has been in the industry for more than 40 years.
In shape As the economy shows the fi rst tentative signs of recovery, there is no better time to ensure that your business is ready and prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. With its services and support, the ECA can help you get in good shape and be fi t for the future. It’s a key time for the industry, and as we prepare
for the conference season ahead, I hope many more members will take the opportunity to get involved. ECA membership delivers tremendous value – so make sure your business takes full advantage of it.
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