Editorial
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From the editor... W
elcome to the March issue of ECA Today. As we approach spring and the economic recovery continues to take shape, I guess it’s inevitable that talk turns to green shoots. Cautious optimism appears to be a growing mood in the sector, and sentiment appears broadly more positive than at this time last
year. As we continue into 2014, while it’s true that confi dence is returning to the industry, challenges remain to ensure that the upturn in construction is sustained, and that businesses in our sector are ready and able to meet the opportunities that lie ahead.
Support This month, the ECA is launching a new campaign – Surviving the Recovery –
aimed at helping members through this potentially tricky period when business priorities and operating circumstances begin to change. It will raise awareness of the issues the economic upturn can present, and is designed to help prepare them for what could be a turbulent period. It will highlight the unique range of services, guidance, support and advice that the ECA off ers – available in bad times as well as good – and how these can help and support your business, particularly during the early stages of the recovery. Make sure you take full advantage of what your trade association is off ering, as it could really make the diff erence in how your business develops. The Electric Event – the ECA’s unique industry show, which is being staged for
the second year running at the ICC Birmingham, from 28 to 30 May – is another opportunity for members to consider the future of their business and how it might develop. As well as focusing on the fundamentals of what makes a business work, the combined conference, exhibition, workshop and awards event is guaranteed to deliver fresh ideas, expert insights and new perspectives on the electrical sector, helping to identify areas of growth and potential opportunity. You can read more about this essential event on pages 38-41.
Opportunities Throughout this issue of ECA Today, we explore sectors and technologies where
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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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ECA T oday would like to give a special
acknowledgement to our launch partners and thank them for their continued support.
March 2014 ECA Today 3
opportunities are growing – such as renewable heating (pages 26-29) and smart home systems installation (pages 32-36) – and profi le companies that are moving ahead into new areas to expand their businesses (pages 55-58). We also look into the very real scenario of power shortages – and blackouts – in the not too distant future, and explain how electrical contractors have an important role to play, as energy solutions providers, in mitigating some of these problems for domestic and commercial clients (pages 22-25). Enjoy the read. See you again in June’s issue.
Phil Lattimore Editor
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