IndustryNews


Ruth Devine MBE becomes ECA President R


uth Devine MBE has become the 112th President at ECA (Electrical


Contractors’ Association). For the past 18 years, Ruth has been a


director of award-winning contractor SJD Associates, based in Milton Keynes. A prominent fi gure in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry, Ruth brings extensive industry experience, a deep commitment to apprenticeships and a passion for building a more inclusive and sustainable sector. Outside of her professional role, she chairs ECA’s Skills Committee; is employer chair of


The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP); is a founding member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Construction Route Panel and supports the Construction Leadership Council on skills issues. In 2023 Ruth was awarded an MBE in the


King’s New Year Honours list for her services to further education and apprenticeships. Jeremy Parkin, director at Powerlink Electrical


Services in South Wales, has been appointed as vice president of ECA, and Glenn Grant has been made senior vice president.


UK Digital Twin Centre opens in Belfast T


he UK Digital Twin Centre has offi cially opened in Belfast, marking a major


milestone in the UK’s digital innovation landscape. Delivered by Digital Catapult and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal and Innovate UK, the project is set to drive the next wave of industrial transformation by accelerating the adoption of digital twin technology across the UK’s critical sectors, projected to reach £62 million in GVA for the economy over the next decade. A Digital Twin is a dynamic virtual representation


(‘twin’) of a physical asset, process or system, bridging the physical and digital worlds. They turn data into real-time insights that can optimise performance, reduce costs and predict outcomes before they happen.


Daniel Thomas joins Scolmore sales team


At the Centre’s opening, the project’s co-


investing industry partners – Artemis Technologies, Spirit AeroSystems, and Thales UK – utilised the cutting-edge facilities, including the 360-degree immersive space and advanced technology lab, to demonstrate how digital twins are helping to solve complex operational challenges.


Barriers to net zero in schools despite enthusiasm, report fi nds


A


survey conducted by Baxi of 200 state school estates managers,


consultant engineers and M&E contractors found that while enthusiasm for net zero and support for low carbon heating systems in schools is thriving, persistent barriers remain. 90% of school estates managers who


responded agreed that net zero is a priority, and 99% of reported having a net zero plan


in place. Experience and satisfaction with low carbon heating systems within schools was also high, with 95% of school estates managers having replaced a fossil fuel boiler with a heat pump in their buildings previously and 97% viewing heat pump performance and operating costs favourably. However, the study also uncovered


signifi cant challenges faced by respondents when opting to install a low carbon heating system, such as technical diffi culties and the additional electricity capacity needed. Other challenges identifi ed included the fi nancial and technical feasibility of school heating system changes, infrastructure requirements and the length of project timelines, as any major refurbishment projects are typically restricted to the fi xed window of time of the summer holiday period.


S


colmore Group has announced the appointment of Daniel Thomas as new


group specifi cation manager for Wales. Daniel joins a growing specifi cation team which has responsibility for creating demand for products from the Scolmore Group portfolio across a variety of sectors. His focus will be on demand creation within


the Local Authority and Housing Association sectors across Wales, off ering expert education, technical support and specifi cation assistance on a wide range of products and standards. With over 21 years’ experience in the


electrical industry - predominantly within the fi re safety sector - Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role following time spent working closely with contractors and wholesalers. In his new position, Daniel will serve as a


key point of contact for clients, providing the support and guidance necessary to navigate the Scolmore Group’s product off ering, ensuring that projects meet the highest technical and quality standards and are delivered effi ciently.


ewnews.co.uk


June 2025 electrical wholesaler | 7


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