March 2014 www.eca.co.uk Features


22 HOW LONG WILL THE LIGHTS STAY ON? With the threat of power shortages increasingly real, we shine a spotlight on the key issues and explain how electrical contractors have an important role to play.


26 HEAT WAVE How the domestic roll-out of the Renewable Heat Incentive could prove to be a lucrative opportunity for the industry.


32 SMART THINKING Smart home technology is expanding beyond its traditional high-end market, providing a new avenue of businesses for savvy electrical contractors.


37 DRIVING FORCE ECA registered members qualify for fantastic rates on a wide range of Peugeot commercial vehicles, and can rack up some serious cashback in the process.


38 GET SWITCHED ON Get ready for The Electric Event 2014, staged at the ICC Birmingham from 28-30 May – we preview the ECA’s must-visit industry show.


42 KEEPING IT TOGETHER As the demands of the built environment grow more complex, it’s crucially important to use eff ective cable management solutions.


50 ON THE ROAD With criminals adopting ever more sophisticated methods to steal from and take commercial vehicles, we look at ways you can protect yourself.


52 NEED TO KNOW? PROJECT BANK ACCOUNTS We answer some of your questions about PBAs – one of the key business developments designed to address late payment.


55 FORWARD THINKING Profi les of two ECA members that are exploring new areas to help grow their businesses.


Power cuts could jolt the government out of its complacency and get a construction programme moving Page 25


22 30 March 2014 ECA Today 5


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