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EUROPEON FOCUS


>>> Continued from page 35


some of the major preoccupations expressed by society since COVID-19. To do this, we singled out three priorities: ●Mitigating climate change with a green recovery ●Improving indoor life quality ●Transforming ways of working. For each of these priorities, we explained how electrical contractors can make a diff erence while expanding their business as follows.


Mitigating climate change with a green recovery


Many recent polls show that ecological concerns have risen more than ever in 2020. Elections in several EU countries were characterised by a surge in ‘green’ votes, while sales of electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and energy-effi cient heat pumps have risen considerably. Many voices have echoed the need to restart our economy on greener grounds and the UK Government itself is calling for a “green recovery”.


Electrical contractors must be ready for this green transition, keeping in mind that fi rst movers will reap most of the benefi ts. A prerequisite is to be able to install and operate technologies such as solar panels, EV charging points, integrated battery storages or smart meters.


But this is not all – we must shift


from a ‘product’ to a ‘service’ approach. Electrical contractors are best


positioned in the value chain to advise clients on a series of upgrades that they can do in homes and businesses to save energy, foster circularity, improve predictive maintenance and so on. Contractors should also be able to explain the new support schemes that public authorities are implementing in the fi eld of energy transition. Such expertise has a cost and if we do not take the lead, others eventually will.


Improving indoor life quality


Successive lockdowns and curfews imply that we spend more time at home. Altogether, this


36 CABLEtalk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021


situation exacerbated citizens’ need of ‘feeling good at home’. In order to work, study or simply stay at home in the most comfortable way, it is more essential than ever to rely on enough light and a good supply of energy, ventilation, heating and excellent connectivity. Upgrading one’s house can also be viewed as a safe investment in current times. Here again, electrical contractors can bring value to their client by proactively presenting to them a wide range of solutions to upgrade their indoor life quality.


It is also important to communicate to clients that electrical contractors know how to work under COVID-19 rules, thanks to clear guidance.


“With this report, we hope to trigger a refl ection on how electrical contractors can up their game”


Indoor life quality is not limited to houses. Indeed, we still need to go to offi ce and public buildings from time to time. In order to do it in a safe way and reduce the risk of contamination, electrical contractors can propose contactless technologies such as


automatic lighting and heating systems, hands-free taps and toilets and automatic doors.


Transforming our ways of working One of the obvious new trends is the fast digitalisation of working dynamics. But why does this matter to electrical contractors?


Firstly, many contractors


Martin Bailey


are involved in fi bre-optic and data installation. Connectivity is key for remote working and with many prejudices against digitalisation now being vanquished, this will convince clients to equip themselves with digital devices in offi ces or even at home. Second, looking at electrical contractors’ businesses, they have also had to take a leap and embrace digitalisation, for example using social networks to advertise their services and planning digital instead of face-to-face meetings with worksite partners. At EuropeOn, we also believe that digitalisation can foster cooperation. In the past few months, we might not have been able to meet, but we have maintained contact via digital tools. In this regard, we have been


very impressed by the collaborative and successful work done by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, of which SELECT is a leading member. In addition, many trade organisations, including SELECT, have developed e-learning to ensure that professionals keep up-skilling. All in all, EuropeOn’s report showcases six main areas of business opportunities for electrical contractors, with national and local examples. While we focused our refl ection on positive opportunities, we also identifi ed areas of vigilance, such as shortages in the workforce and a drop in new orders. Finally, we expressed a series of asks for policymakers to support a job-driven recovery.


With this report, we hope to trigger


a refl ection on how electrical contractors can up their game. Looking for new or rising business opportunities is crucial and so is getting closer to clients and decision- makers. We also need to broaden our hard and soft skills and become more attractive to young professionals.


With thanks to Julie Beaufi ls and the EuropeOn Executive Group.


Download and read a digital copy of the EuropeOn report at


bit.ly/EO-report


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