The Electrical Contractors' Association (now known as ECA) is the main trade association for companies involved in electrotechnical and other technical engineering projects in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. In 2016, it had some 2800 registered members - companies who collectively employed around 100,000 UK staff and operatives and generated annual revenues of over £6 billion (e.g the UK electrical contracting industry is worth in excess of £10 billion). ECA is currently either leading or active across a range of building and infrastructure issues, and in particular those relating to electrical engineering, mainly in the commercial, but also domestic, sector. Key areas of activity include: technical; standards; skills; health and safety; energy solutions; supply chain procurement and payment.
Video Electrical Contractors' Association
History
Founded in 1901, the ECA represents contractors who design, install, inspect, test and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and services. It was incorporated on 19 April 1916.
Industry improvements
The ECA played a particularly important part in the 1920s and 1930s when electric power was introduced to most houses. Before this time, and the formation of the National Grid, electricity was supplied at different voltages and frequencies.
Today, the ECA actively represents the electrical and electronic contracting sectors, taking a leading role in both technical standards (notably BS 7671) and professional competencies in both the domestic and commercial sectors.
It has diversified to cover not just electrical engineering, but also fire and security, datacomms, energy solutions, audiovisual and other services.
The Fire and Security Association is linked strongly to the ECA and the ECA's Scottish counterpart, SELECT.
In 2017 ECA surveyed its members on corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a precursor to further initiatives.
ECA recent finances
Although, for a trade association, the current financial position of the ECA is relatively strong, in November 2012, it was reported to have lost £26m through a "disastrous investment" in the Lloyd's insurance market, which required it to accelerate its plan to cut costs and restructure its operations.
Maps Electrical Contractors' Association
Functions
The ECA has three main aims:
- To provide support services to its Registered Members. These include advice on: technical issues, employment, health and safety, contracts, energy solutions and skills.
- To work with regulatory bodies, government and other opinion formers to build an efficient and sustainable industry, based on high standards of training and practice.
- To form strategic relationships with those who specify electrical and other engineering services to enhance the profile and promote the use of Registered Members of all sizes.
It represents the views of specialist electrical and other engineering companies within contractor group Build UK and via the Specialist Engineering Contractors' Group. It holds a range of Electrical Industry Conferences and other events, and the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year and Adult Trainee of the Year Awards annually.
Publications
It produces the ECA Today magazine every quarter.
The Managing Editor is Paul Reeve, ECA Director of External Affairs.
In addition to free material for its members, the ECA also provides free checklists for commercial clients on selected topics, such as Energy Solutions.
Location
The ECA head office is in Hammersmith, West London.
Regional offices
- Central South - Newbury
- East - Bury St Edmunds
- East Midlands - via Penkridge office
- Greater London - Romford
- North East - Darlington
- North West - Lymm
- Northern Ireland - Bangor, County Down
- South Wales - Cardiff
- West Midlands - Penkridge
- South East - Sevenoaks
- Western - via Newbury office.
See also
- Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union
- NICEIC
- British Cables Association
- International Electrotechnical Commission
- British Approvals Service for Cables
- British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association
- SELECT - the Electrical Contractors' Association for Scotland
- Electrical Safety First
References
External links
- ECA website
- Electrical Contractors' Insurance Company
- AIE - European Association of Electrical Contractors
- Graces Guide
Video clips
- One less thing to worry about
Source of article : Wikipedia
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