EDITORIAL
MOVERS & SHAKERS …
Delivering Innovation
EDITORIAL
SMART OBJECTIVES
Believe it or not , the world has got smarter – and will continue to do so . I ’ ve had a busy start to 2017 , with various pro duct launches to attend , and almost all of them have had a ‘ smart ’ element to them . Where once upon a time the subject of smart technology might have skirted around the fringes of the building trade as a whole , its prominence has grown and has become the main driver of new innovations in the electrical trade . Manufacturers have known about and forecast the potential of smart technology for some time , but based on discussions I ’ ve had with some of them , they have experienced some difficulties in bringing their innovations to the mass market . Part of the concern lay in the fact that a lot of this technology was new to not just the end user , but to contractors as well , and therefore a lack of awareness of the benefits or skills in installing the products , meant they were not reaching their target consistently . Manufacturers , however , are wise to
Russell Drury , Editor
this and we are seeing more and more of them offering training workshops on their new products so that contractors can not only increase their own knowledge , but can confidently pass this information on to their customers , some of whom might still be doubtful and daunted by smart technology . As well as these workshops , the industry events calendar is now full of trade shows and conferences dedicated to smart buildings . Of course it is impossible for any busy tradesperson to attend all of them , but it is worth getting to as many as possible .
ECN , as you might have noticed , has covered smart technology more extensively in the last couple of years , and this month we have an extra treat for you – a Home Automation & Intelligent Buildings pull-out supplement , which looks at some of the industry ’ s latest developments and viewpoints .
Smart buildings , in the long term , will make our lives easier and safer , and our living and working environments more comfortable and energy efficient . Our industry is in a prime position to help deliver – it ’ s an opportunity not to be missed .
Robus has announced two senior management appointments . John Humphery has been promoted to UK & European managing director . In his new position , John will draw on his extensive sales and marketing experience to bring fresh energy and a harmonised approach to Robus ’ European business . Mick Slein has also been promoted to commercial director , where he will use his skills to lead the LED Group ’ s greatest investment areas of RD & I and NPD into a promising future .
Marco ’ s expansion into Northern Ireland , the Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man continues to gather pace with the appointment of industry expert Gareth Howes . Gareth has over 20 years ’ experience working in the cable management industry having previously worked with businesses including Schneider and Mita .
MOVERS & SHAKERS …
Adi Group has hired Steven Farmer as chief operating officer to help fulfil its pledge to create 500 new jobs and double its turnover by 2020 . Steven join s the Group from construction engineering company Mabey Hire . Prior to that , Steven was employed in senior management positions at construction and rail companies , such as Balfour Beatty and Jarvis . He is also a qualified electrician and began his career as an electrical contractor .
Unitrunk has appointed Neil Bullock to the role of business development manager with responsibility for working with customers and suppliers in the East Midlands region . Joining Unitrunk with more than 20 years ’ experience in the M & E sector , Neil has specialised in cable management for the past 12 years . His career also includes a recent role with the Energy Industries Council ( EIC ).
Delivering Innovation
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