SUPPLEMENT FEATURE MARKET REVIEW
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 2017 Predictions from industry professionals
LOOKING AHEAD Emma Clancy, CEO Certsure (NICEIC & ELECSA)
rying to predict the future has proven to be the pursuit of the brave. We recently undertook a mid- point review of the
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predictions made in 2021 vision (the industry research undertaken with ECA in 2011) and it is quite remarkable to see what has changed over the past five years. I only have to say Green Deal and you’ll understand what I mean. Further to this, there are a number of things
which are likely to impact our industry over the coming months.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY LEGISLATION Currently swishing its way around the halls of Westminster is the Housing and Planning Bill. Although still only a proposal, it is likely the Bill will become legislation in 2017/18. Among the various recommendations within
the Bill is one that would make it a mandatory requirement for all private sector landlords to
carry out an electrical safety check every five years. At present, whilst it is necessary for landlords to ensure electrical installations are kept in safe working order, there is no legal requirement to confirm that electrical installations are regularly checked, unless they are a House of Multiple Occupancy.
BONFIELD REVIEW After months of delay it is likely the Bonfield report will finally get to see the light of day in early 2017. The government is in dire need of getting its green policies back on track and we hope the Bonfield Review will provide some clear guidance for those who have committed time and resource to installing such measures. There is a suggestion that it will look at the interfaces between the regulations and the framework of standards. This is with a view to determine whether clarification is required to help consumers. I shall be making a Christmas wish that all those involved consult with industry more effectively than has been
Opportunities for the electrotechnical industry Steve Bratt, ECA CEO
Brexit is likely to be a defining issue for the business community over the coming years, but positively our sector currently sees this as largely an opportunity, rather than a threat. In a recent ECA survey, some 46 per cent of respondents said Brexit will have a positive impact on their company in just five years’ time. Business for electrical and building services contractors continues to be strong and turnover results from the ECA’s Building Engineering Business Survey in Q3 2016 found that eight in 10 firms say turnover increased, or stayed the same. Their expectations for Q4 2016 are some-what down however, so we will be monitoring the situation closely. Five years ago, the ECA and NICEIC launched a landmark publication called ‘2021 Vision’, which assessed where the industry would be 10 years later. Most of the predictions in 2021 Vision have generally held. What is clear is that developments in the electrical industry continue apace, with growing business opportunities for forward-looking contractors, installers and consultants. Contractors continue to expand into technology-driven areas such as renewable energy installation, data centres, fire and security, major outdoor installations, and more. It’s also worth noting that the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations will be out for consultation
in the near future, which will define some of the foremost standards under which the electrical industry operates. Furthermore, some developments are fundamentally reshaping our industry such as the increasing reliance on low carbon electrical energy. This is providing new opportunities for contractors, such as the installation of electric vehicle charging points and energy storage batteries. As a result, the ECA will be putting additional focus on energy infrastructure. The ECA recently joined forces with the Considerate Constructors Scheme as part of our efforts to
uphold industry-wide socially responsible behavior, on issues such as sustainability and supply chain best practice. ECA will be looking to progress work in this area in 2017. There’s no doubt that 2017 is set to be a pivotal year for our industry, and indeed the wider business
community. It’s therefore vital that the sector continues to adapt to the fast moving business climate, and embraces the commercial opportunities which come our way.
S4 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 | PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
the case to date and ensure that the current landscape is understood.
18TH EDITION Work is already underway on the 18th edition of BS7671 IET wiring regulations. The Standard is due to be officially published on 1July 2018 with a six month transition period. The 18th edition will include numerous
changes relating to electrical safety with some suggestions that it will include some significant content around energy efficiency. The inclusion of energy efficiency is so that electrical installations can provide the required level of service and safety for the lowest electrical consumption. This could potentially stimulate activity in this area. Here at Certsure we will be working hard to
make sure our business is ready to support contractors with all they need to know in terms of information, training and books.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING By continuing to look ahead, we can ensure our customer offering allows contractors to take full advantage of opportunities as they arise. In 2016 we set up links with BEAMA and manufacturers across the HVAC sector to look at developing training in this important area. As homes become more energy-efficient,
the lack of air quality decreases which has been linked to respiratory issues and skin disease. A well designed mechanical ventilation system has been identified as the best solution to tackling the problem. It is estimated that there are now more than 30,000 MVHR installations a year in the UK, and The Zero Carbon Hub VIAQ Task Group believes it will become the dominant form of ventilation in most new homes post-2016. This means that there are opportunities for
electrical contractors to get involved, but undertaking the correct training and developing competency will be crucial.
CERTSURE Keeping up with modern technology is vitally important for NICEIC and ELECSA and we will be making improvements to our offering online. This includes a new customer portal where contractors can update and maintain their own details on our website. Offline, we are working with more partners than ever to encourage women into the industry as part of our ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign. Finally, we will be adding new courses to our training suite to ensure contractors have access to all the latest information and resources to make their business stand out.
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