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How wind and waves, with a
Welcome to the latest edition of our Connections magazine, specifi cally for NICEIC registered contractors in Scotland
Emma Clancy is chief executive offi cer, Certsure W e could have called this magazine ‘the green issue’ because of its focus on renewable technologies.
On page 10, SNIPEF discusses the growing trend for air source heat pump installations, while our main feature on page 8 looks at how Scotland leads the way in the use of renewable technologies. This has created many opportunities for electrical contractors with the skills to carry out the work.
One company that is testament to this is BMM Energy Solutions, which specialises in the installation of electric vehicle charging points. The hard work is paying off : it is now witnessing a boom period as more people make the switch to electric vehicles.
Scotland’s geology and climate, which creates an abundance of wind, waves and tides, ultimately helps the country to embrace the technology, but there is also a fi rm commitment from government, which needs to be replicated across the rest of the UK.
In addition to erratic weather conditions, it would seem Scotland has a profusion of “unqualifi ed electricians”, according to some media reports. This “in-depth” report claimed that, of electrical trading fi rms in East Lothian, more than a third (35 per cent) were not registered with an approval or trade body.
These fi gures are a surprise to NICEIC.
Our own research, from publicly available data sources, was unable to validate the assertion and suggests the fi gure for non-registered contractors is somewhat lower.
My view would be that part of the solution is for the approval body to promote the benefi ts of belonging to a scheme and challenging ourselves to do better in promoting our services.
NICEIC IN SCOTLAND / MEET THE TEAM
STUART THOMPSON, SCOTTISH SALES MANAGER Stuart is an experienced commercial manager with previous experience of national account management, project management and marketing. Based in Scotland, he is responsible for NICEIC Scotland membership, and works with a wide network of members, key customers, stakeholders, business partners and specifi ers.
EDDIE ARROWSMITH, REGIONAL ENGINEERING MANAGER Eddie is NICEIC’s regional engineering manager, based in Aberdeen. He served his electrical apprenticeship with British Rail and specialised in DC systems, high-voltage AC systems and DC machines. He went on to work for consulting engineers’ practices for 18 years, and was senior electrical engineer with WS Atkins. YVONNE WARNER, AREA ENGINEER Yvonne is an experienced electrician and has worked in all aspects of the electrical industry, from domestic to commercial and industrial. In addition to her role as an electrical inspector, she assesses hazardous areas as well as MCS solar and wind.
JOE GALLAGHER, AREA ENGINEER Joe is a multi-disciplined engineer with more than 30 years’ industry experience, from small domestic to large-scale industrial projects. He is the MCS, CPS and Green Deal inspector for NICEIC, having previously worked as an assessor, centre manager and external verifi er. PHILIP MARTIN, AREA ENGINEER Philip is an electrical technician with more than 30 years’ experience in all areas of the electrical engineering and petrochemical industry. Previously a senior qualifi ed supervisor with British Gas, he helped establish its current quality auditing regime, which identifi es training needs for all electrical operatives.
EDDIE THOMSON, AREA ENGINEER Eddie has been an area engineer with NICEIC since 2001. After serving an apprenticeship with British Rail, he worked with several companies, carrying out electrical, lighting design and project management. He also spent some time in charge of a large maintenance and works depot. JASON TWELL, AREA ENGINEER Jason has been with NICEIC since 2016. After an electrical apprenticeship, he worked in building services, oil and gas, and utilities design and project management. He has also been electrical contracts manager for Dundee City Council and a senior lecturer for electrical at Dundee College.
LOUISE FRAME, AREA ENGINEER Louise covers the North Glasgow and Lanarkshire regions. She started her career with an electrical apprenticeship when she was 16. Since then, she has worked in homes, schools, offi ces and factories, theatres, sports stadia and museums. She became a QS and was in an electrical management role before joining NICEIC.
