Electrical Contractors' Association
| Abbreviation | ECA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1901 |
| Type | Trade association |
| Legal status | Non-profit company (No. 00143669) |
| Purpose | Electrical contractors in England, Northern Ireland and Wales |
| Headquarters | Lincoln House |
| Location |
|
Region served | England, Northern Ireland, Wales |
Membership | c. 3000 electrical contractors |
Group Chief Executive Officer | Steve Bratt |
Main organ | (President: Andy Basham) |
| Affiliations | Association Européenne de l'Installation Electrique, National Home Improvement Council, Specialist Engineering Contractors Group, Build UK |
Staff | 130 |
| Website | ECA |
The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) is the main trade association for contractors involved in electrical engineering projects in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. In 2010, it had over 3000 registered members - companies who collectively employed over 30,000 UK workers and generated annual revenues of over £5 billion (the UK electrical contracting industry is worth £10 billion). The ECA is currently either leading or active across various building services technical and training issues, and in particular those relating to electrical engineering, in both the domestic and commercial sectors.
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.
Electricity 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.
The Fire and Security Association is linked strongly to the ECA and the ECA's Scottish counterpart, SELECT.
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.[1]
Functions
The ECA website says it 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 training.
- 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 building services to enhance the profile and promote the use of Registered Members of all sizes.[2]
It represents the views of specialist electrical and other engineering contractors within contractor group Build UK and via the Specialist Engineering Contractors' Group. It holds a range of Electrical Industry Conferences, 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.[3]
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 - Mountsorrel
- Greater London - Romford
- North East - Darlington
- North West - Lymm
- Northern Ireland - Bangor, County Down
- South Wales - Cardiff
- West Midlands - Penkridge
- South East - Sevenoaks
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
- ↑ Prior, Grant. "ECA loses £26m in Lloyd's insurance nightmare". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
- ↑ About the ECA (website accessed 01 September 2010)
- ↑ ECA Today
External links
- http://electriciansderry.com/
- ECA website
- ELECSA
- Electrical Contractors' Insurance Company
- AIE - European Association of Electrical Contractors
- Graces Guide