All the latest news from ECA regions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – we report on stories from members about their local association activities
New regional manager for East Midlands
Ben Delaney has joined the ECA as the new regional manager for the East Midlands region. Ben comes to the ECA from the
National Federation of Builders, where he held a similar position, with responsibility for supporting construction businesses across the Midlands. Before this, he spent several years in the Hull and Humber, and Black Country Chambers of Commerce in policy and lobbying
roles, working to represent the interests of businesses to local and national government. Commenting on his new appointment, Ben said: ‘I am
delighted to be working for the ECA and to have the opportunity to work with such a wide range of supportive and dedicated members. I inherit a well-organised and motivated region from Chris Harvey, and I hope to continue the essential work of recruiting new members and ensuring that all current members are able to take full advantage of the benefi ts on off er through ECA membership.’
In memoriam
Greater London region mourns the loss of Derek Burrington Wheatley, who was its regional manager until his retirement in 1996.
Derek joined the ECA on 13 June 1960 when London member V J Stock was ECA president and Lesley Penwill was ECA director. He retired after 36 years’ service in February 1996. In those early days, Derek
not only looked after London, but as secretary of the London
and Home Counties section, his work encompassed the regions of Northampton, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Staines and Windsor. He organised all the training courses for ECA members’ management personnel, as well as the London Region conferences at the Connaught Rooms. For many years he was also responsible for apprentice training, and many present-day members owe him a debt of gratitude for his encouragement and support. After retiring from the ECA, Derek became the Learned Clerk
of the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers and, in the latter days Derek was appointed clerk emeritus. He died on 18 January 2014 in a nursing home in Sussex, after a long illness. All who knew him will remember his vitality and organisational skills, and we send our condolences to his family.
A good morning for business
More than 100 clients attended two business mornings in the ECA Central South region to listen to presentations on topics including building information modelling (BIM) and smart metering, as well as receiving an update on the work of the ECA. The region has always promoted good working relationships and boasts almost 200 companies signed up for the ECA Client Associate scheme. Other activity in the region saw the ECA Oxford, Southampton and Bournemouth & Dorset branches hold very successful black- tie dinner dances, with more than 600 people attending. In excess of £3,000 was raised for charity. In addition, the Central South and South East regions have
successfully introduced ‘Next Generation’ forums to their calendars. Aimed at the future owners, directors and senior managers within ECA member companies, the forum provides an opportunity for like-minded individuals to meet and discuss important areas of business. So far they have had presentations from experts on areas such as insurance and how to reduce your risk; basic company fi nance; and marketing via social media, with many more planned. The forums have been so successful that it has been decided
that the initiative will be extended to all ECA regions. Any members wishing to fi nd out more should contact their local regional offi ce.
Coming up, the Central South region will be holding its popular annual members’ business morning on 29 April, which will be followed by an open-forum REC meeting. Details of this free event are available from the regional offi ce (see page 62).
46 ECA Today March 2014
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