Early in March I attended the Electrical Distributors ’ Association ’ s ( EDA ) annual dinner and awards at the InterContinental Hotel on London ’ s Park Lane . It was a very enjoyable evening , where the EDA ’ s new president , Simon Barkes , was officially introduced , after taking over the role from Tom Jones . Simon is managing director of BEMCO and has his eye on preparing the EDA ’ s members for the digital future , beginning with its ETIM-UK campaign to overhaul product data for the UK . Having spent some minutes with Simon before the dinner and awards got underway his passion and dedication to the industry clearly emanated as he spoke and I have no doubts that he will continue to build upon the excellent work of his predecessors . Also formally announced was the EDA ’ s championing of a new Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship Standard . Part of the government ’ s Trailblazer apprenticeship initiative , the Standard has been developed by a team of industry experts from employers in electrical and related supply chains and is due for launch later this year . Keep an eye on the ECN website for further updates .
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Russell Drury , Editor |
WELCOME , MR PRESIDENT ( NOT THAT ONE ) We at ECN have been following with a keen interest the progress of the nine trekkers , led by the Electrical Industries Charity ’ s Tessa Ogle , towards the summit of Mount Killimanjaro . We are therefore very happy to hear that the whole team has returned safely following their 10-day adventure , their mission proudly accomplished . The ‘ Challenge for a Cause ’ has so far raised over £ 45,000 for the Hendrie family . I ’ d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone involved in this courageous feat , and I hope to catch up with some of the team members in the next few months to hear about their experiences .
In this month ’ s ECN we have three special features ; Cable management , Lighting , and Fire detection & safety . In our supplement last month we covered in detail the advantages offered to the electrical contracting industry by smart technology , and lighting and fire detection are two of the sectors that it can benefit the most . Articles from Tyco ( page 41 ) and LED Eco Lights ( page 62 ) in particular expand on this in detail .
Another feature of note in this issue can be found on page 38 , where Luke Czerpak of Eaton Electrical delves into the issues of electrical renovations in historic properties – such as Buckingham Palace . I can neither confirm nor deny that Her Majesty is an avid reader of ECN , but I am certain this article would peak her interest !
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ESP has announced the promotion of Lynsey Gray to the position of regional sales manager . Since joining ESP Lynsey has been instrumental in developing and building strong relationships at branch and regional levels within ESP ’ s customer base . She will now take full responsibility for the Northern Sales Team consisting of North East , North West and Scotland sales areas .
The LED Group is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Phil Hunt to UK sales director . Phil has been with the business for 14 years and has progressed from area sales manager to regional manager and regional director and has excelled in every role he has undertaken . Phil brings his customary sales focus , tenacity , hard work and strategic and tactical nous to the new role .
Venture Lighting Europe has appointed three new directors , Paul Mettham , Yvonne Savage and Chris Alexander and promoted Phil Croker to senior management in order to reinforce Venture Lighting Europe ’ s business success and company growth .
Gary Turner has been appointed non-executive director to join Prolojik ’ s senior team and drive the business ’ growth strategy . Gary ’ s extensive commercial background , which includes leadership roles at Fagerhult Lighting Group and Whitecroft Lighting among many others , will now support the development of Prolojik ’ s commercial and operational strategy .
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