TEC HN CAL K VA N I PA RKER
Facing the future Much of this year has centred on the impact of Covid-19 and adapting to the new realities. But there are other issues too on which we should focus
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ithout doubt, 2020 has been a year like no other, and as we enter autumn there are still many challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize. While the majority of the electrical contracting industry is back at work, the effects of living with the pandemic are still present. Economic recession, health and social concerns and the threat of future lockdowns remain front-ofmind, and rightly so. However, Covid-19 is not the only issue in play. There are other factors that deliver both opportunities and challenges for us all. These include Brexit, the Scottish Parliamentary elections, and the renewed focus on renewable energy and green technologies. More specific to our industry, there is also the conversation around the regulation of electricians in Scotland. To keep you up to date on these topics, we have provided an update on page 6. I would also like to highlight the Draft for Public Comment (DPC) relating to Amendment 2 of the 18th Edition – BS 7671 – IET Wiring Regulations.
Published in mid-September, this document provides the first glimpse of the proposed changes that are due to be introduced in March 2022 and, as its name suggests, it is open for public comment. I encourage you to use the opportunity to put forward your views. You will no doubt have seen communications from us on this topic, including a webinar detailing the proposed changes and how they could impact you and your business. You can view the session on demand on the customer portal. I would like to close on some good news. I am delighted to report that NICEIC has once again been approved by the Scottish government as an Approved Provider of Certifier of Construction scheme for Electrical Installations to BS 7671 – testament to our collective efforts in upholding standards and driving technical excellence. Until next time, please stay safe and look after each other.
‘Covid-19 is not the only issue on the table’
Kevan Parker is managing director of Certsure
All information in this Connections supplement is correct as of 25 September.
N I C E I C I N S COT L A N D / ME E T T H E T E AM STUART THOMPSON, SCOTTISH SALES MANAGER Stuart is an experienced commercial manager with 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 specifiers.
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 qualified supervisor with British Gas, he helped establish its current quality auditing regime, which identifies training needs for all electrical operatives.
NEIL STEWART, AREA ENGINEER Neil is our latest area engineer to join the NICEIC. Based in Livingston, West Lothian, Neil started off as an apprentice on new building and housing renovation with a small company in Edinburgh. Many years later, Neil has extensive knowledge in social housing, medical adaptations, the modular building industry and more. He has also been a qualified supervisor for over 20 years.
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 worked for consulting engineers’ practices for 18 years, and was senior electrical engineer with WS Atkins.
JOHN McELHATTON, AREA ENGINEER John is an electrical technician with extensive industry experience, having spent 20 years working on projects such as Wembley Stadium, IAH Pirbright, GCHQ and AWE. He has been a senior authorising engineer on both low and high voltage systems. John covers North East Scotland.
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, offices and factories, theatres, sports stadia and museums. She became a QS and was in an electrical management role before joining NICEIC.
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