While Covid-19 has been at the

Kevan Parker is managing director of Certsure

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

Without doubt, 2020 has been Published in mid-September, this document provides a year like no other, and as we the fi rst glimpse of the proposed changes that are enter autumn there are still due to be introduced in March 2022 and, as its name many challenges to overcome suggests, it is open for public comment. I encourage and opportunities to seize. While the majority of the you to use the opportunity to put forward your views. electrical contracting industry is back at work, the You will no doubt have seen communications eff ects of living with the pandemic are still present. from us on this topic, including a webinar detailing

Economic recession, health and social concerns the proposed changes and how they could impact and the threat of future lockdowns remain front-of- you and your business. You can view the session on mind, and rightly so. However, demand on the customer portal. Covid-19 is not the only issue I would like to close on some in play. There are other factors that deliver both opportunities and challenges for us all. ‘Covid-19 is not the only issue good news. I am delighted to report that NICEIC has once again been approved by the Scottish These include Brexit, the Scottish Parliamentary on the table’ government as an Approved Provider of Certifi er of Construction elections, and the renewed focus on renewable energy scheme for Electrical Installations to BS 7671 – and green technologies. More specifi c to our industry, testament to our collective eff orts in upholding there is also the conversation around the regulation standards and driving technical excellence. of electricians in Scotland. To keep you up to date on Until next time, please stay safe and look after these topics, we have provided an update on page 6. each other.

I would also like to highlight the Draft for Public Comment (DPC) relating to Amendment 2 of the All information in this Connections supplement is 18th Edition – BS 7671 – IET Wiring Regulations. correct as of 25 September.

NICEIC IN SCOTLAND/ MEET THE TEAM

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 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 worked for consulting engineers’ practices for 18 years, and was senior electrical engineer with WS Atkins. 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.

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. 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 qualifi ed supervisor for over 20 years.

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.