feature: ESF ’24 Conference Knowledge is power – power control


adds safety and opportunities IER have been provided with the latest news from Electrical Safety First, a campaigning charity that aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by electricity both in UK businesses & homes.


Learning how to adapt and innovate. As innovation and new technology take us ever closer to an all-electric future, the Electrical Product Safety Conference taking place on Thursday, 21st November 2024, at Church House, Westminster, London, is committed to spotlighting the safety and lifespan of electrical products to benefit the retailer and consumer alike. Now in its 16th year, this industry-leading


event serves as a platform for experts and leaders to delve into pressing issues, offer solutions, and share insights into the evolving landscape of electrical product safety. The theme for this year is “Time for Change”


which resonates with the industry’s need to adapt and innovate in the face of evolving challenges. With a focus on key trends impacting the electrical product industry, attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring engaging presentations, panel discussions, and fireside chats. Critical topics up for discussion this year include:


 the impact of changes by government on risk and enforcement  keeping safety at the forefront of net zero  


the changing tide of global markets emerging issues on the horizon


Several major speakers are already confirmed, including:  Sarah Smith, Deputy Chief Executive, Office for Product Safety and Standards, Department for Business and Trade  Jerry Burnie OBE, Head of Compliance, British Toy and Hobby Association  Wolfgang Weber, Senior Director, Global Head of Regulatory, Legal Council and Business Ethics Officer, Ebay 


Susannah Streeter, Global Financial


Commentator, and former BBC Business Anchor  Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive, Electrical Safety First 


John Herriman, Chief Executive, CTSI [Chartered


Trading Standards Institute]  Sylvie Gallange-Alwis, Partner, Signature Litigation Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical


Safety First, says: “Each year, our conference serves as a platform for industry professionals and leaders to come together, exchange insights, and drive change in the electrical product sector. I am looking forward to the valuable discussions and collaborations that will emerge from this year’s event.”


Summer 2024


Bridging the skills shortage Collaboration was a key theme running throughout our major new electrical industry event held in April, which focused on how to move the sector forwards in both skills and standards as we get ever closer to the UK government’s 2050 net zero carbon target. Delivering the keynote address at the


Installation Seminar, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Don Foster of Bath said it was clear that electrical


PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE


Do you have a great safety idea, project, or prototype? Entries are now open for our Safety Innovation Award 2024, which recognizes and rewards great ideas to help protect consumers against electrical dangers. It’s free – and easy – to enter and gives you a


great opportunity to showcase your innovative project or product to retailers, manufacturers, and distributors. Your project or product does not need to be complete – it can be in the creation/prototype stage. Simply let us know what you’re working on, and we’ll provide the information you need to enter. Previous winners include:


 HobSensus, a safety device that turns kitchen hobs off when left unattended.  The SmartLINK Gateway, keeping homeowners and landlords up to date with the status of their alarm systems.  E-Bulb, the world’s smallest fire extinguisher. To find out more about the award and details


on how to enter, visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ award


professionals should work up solutions to put to the UK government for a “major contribution”. He said: “With the development of new


ways of heating and powering homes – such as through the wider use of heat pumps and solar panels – and the impacts of other new technologies, we need to ensure both new and existing electricians and affiliated trades are trained and capable of working with them. “There is clearly an urgent need for action


in addressing the skills gap in relation to electricians. As we move towards net zero, we will be relying more and more on electricity in our homes and buildings. We must ensure our ever more complex domestic electrical systems are safe at the point of installation and remain safe over time.” Under the theme “Switch on to the big


issues” the half-day event at IET [Institution of Engineering & Technology] London, sponsored by AICO [Ainsworth Company] and CEF [City Electrical Factors] covered growing the installer base and discussed the challenges in finding enough suitable trainers. Additionally, how funding for the


apprenticeships and providing support for apprentices and their employers was explored, particularly for the 80% of small and medium sized organisations which may lack the capacity to offer the variety of work needed within the apprenticeship. Looking ahead to the annual Electrical Product


Safety Conference, entries are now open for the Safety Innovation Award 2024 and reviewing the recent Installation Seminar for the electrical industry. electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/events/


www.ierdaily.co.uk | 35


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40