What's driving the mental health crisis among business owners?

Nearly all tradespeople who run their own businesses are struggling with stress or anxiety, according to new research published ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October The NOW Report 2026, produced by job management software firm Powered Now, found that 93 per cent of business owners and self-employed tradespeople feel stressed or anxious as a result of running their company, with 45 per cent experiencing the mental health problems regularly. The research found that admin and money concerns are the main causes, rather than the work itself. Tradespeople who handle their own admin spend an average of 5 hours 20 minutes a week on it, with 29 per cent setting aside more than seven hours for it. Nearly two thirds (62 per cent), meanwhile, complete admin tasks in the evenings and 43 per cent at weekends. More than a third (37 per cent) regularly do admin late at night or at weekends that they "wish they could avoid". More than half (55 per cent) believe they have "definitely or probably" lost a job because a quote went out too slowly. On average, tradespeople are owed £5,901 in unpaid invoices, and 26 per cent are owed more than £10,000. Two thirds (67 per cent) claimed to have had a customer deliberately delay payment, dispute an invoice unfairly or try to avoid paying. Half have been ignored by a customer after finishing a job, and 60 per cent have written off money because chasing it felt like too much hassle. The report also found that only 48 per cent of business owners surveyed had taken a week's holiday in the past year where they "fully switched off". Benjamin Dyer, CEO and co-founder of Powered Now, said: "Tradespeople aren't stressed about the work. They're stressed about everything around it. You finish on site, get home, and then the other shift starts: quotes, invoices and chasing money. We can't keep treating that as just part of being self-employed." Despite the pressure, 84 per cent of those surveyed would still recommend the trades as a career to a young person. Powered Now is encouraging tradespeople to check in on each other this week, and to point anyone who is struggling towards support. Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123 at any time, and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity supports people working in the trades. For more from Powered Now, click here.

UK electrical manufacturers report sharp sales slowdown as four in 10 operate at 70% capacity or below

UK electrical manufacturers reported a sharp sales slowdown in Q2 2026, with the balance falling 19 points from +23 in Q1 to +4, according to BEAMA's latest Market Pulse.   Four in 10 (40.7%) manufacturers reported operating at 70% capacity or below, while average capacity utilisation fell from 75% to 73%, its joint-lowest post-pandemic level. Investment and hiring intentions nevertheless remained positive, indicating that manufacturers retain the capacity and appetite to grow if demand improves.  Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, says, “The growth we should be seeing from electrification is not reaching manufacturers. Businesses can produce more, but weak sales and unused capacity make it harder to invest with confidence.   “Construction is an immediate concern. The Construction Products Association forecasts a 3.3% fall in construction output this year, including a 10% fall in private housing and an 8% fall in private repair, maintenance and improvement. Together, these form a substantial market for the heat sector. Housebuilders have land, but planning and connection delays are still holding projects up. Warm Homes initiatives have yet to create the consumer demand the heat market needs.   “Manufacturers cannot invest on policy ambition alone. Government now needs to turn its electrification commitments into demand. That means addressing the imbalance between electricity and gas prices and giving consumers a proposition that works for them. With more certainty about future orders, businesses will be better placed to follow through on their investment and hiring plans.”   The sales balance has fallen for two consecutive quarters, from +29 in Q4 2025 to +4 in Q2 2026. Manufacturers of Heating & Ventilation products reported a sales balance of -22.2, following a neutral result in Q1. Building Electrical Systems manufacturers recorded a positive balance of +33.3.  Building Electrical Systems members reported slowdowns and cancelled projects across new-build construction and the repair, maintenance and improvement market. Business optimism among manufacturers supplying construction-linked markets remained negative, with Heating & Ventilation recording a balance of -25 and Building Electrical Systems -8.3.   Across BEAMA’s membership, business optimism improved from -28 in Q1 to -12 in Q2 but remained below every quarterly reading recorded in 2024 and 2025.  Nearly three in 10 (29.6%) manufacturers reported capacity utilisation of between 51% and 70%, while around one in 10 (11.1%) were operating at 50% or below. Only around one in 10 (11.1%) reported operating above 90% capacity. Existing capacity would allow manufacturers to respond if demand recovers. In the meantime, underuse can weaken returns on previous investment and make further expansion harder to justify.  Manufacturers still plan to invest despite weak sales and unused capacity. The balance expected to increase capital investment over the next 12 months rose from +47 in Q1 to +51 in Q2. Product improvement was the most frequently cited priority at 70%, followed by plant and equipment at 65% and e-business, including AI, at 57.9%.  Hiring intentions remained positive at +39, showing manufacturers continue to plan job growth despite weak sales and unused capacity. Members continue to report difficulty fulfilling their recruitment plans because of shortages of skilled engineers and high labour costs. The five-year investment balance slipped from +68 to +66 but remained positive.  Manufacturers also reported higher raw material costs and renewed supply-chain concerns. Copper was the most frequently cited material, followed by steel, brass, aluminium and PVC resin. While availability caused fewer problems than price, some respondents again reported difficulty sourcing chips, semiconductors and microprocessors.  Some members linked price increases to conflict in the Middle East and shipping disruptions. BEAMA also warned that new UK steel tariffs could add to costs for domestic product manufacturers. 

Electrical Industries Charity Supports Worker Facing Workplace Harassment and Coercive Control

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has highlighted the importance of confidential support and early intervention through the case of an industry professional who experienced workplace harassment and coercive control. Marie approached the charity in acute distress after experiencing ongoing harassment from a senior colleague following the breakdown of their personal relationship. The imbalance of power within the relationship had created a coercive dynamic that extended into the workplace. Following their separation, persistent harassment from her former partner created a hostile working environment, leaving Marie experiencing severe anxiety and emotional exhaustion. As her mental health deteriorated, Marie was signed off work on sick leave and began planning her resignation, placing her career and financial stability at risk. From her first conversation with the EIC, Marie received assurances that all support would remain strictly confidential, allowing her to discuss her experiences without fear of repercussions. Recognising the impact of the abuse, the charity arranged specialist face-to-face counselling with a therapist experienced in supporting survivors of abuse. Alongside this emotional support, the EIC worked with Marie to develop a practical plan for her future, helping her navigate a potential career transition and understand her options. Through specialist counselling and practical guidance, Marie gradually rebuilt her confidence, protected her employment rights and successfully transitioned into a healthier and more supportive working environment. Her experience demonstrates the serious impact that workplace harassment and coercive control can have on mental health, employment and financial security. It also highlights the importance of confidential assistance in helping individuals regain control of their lives. Anyone working within the electrical industry who is experiencing similar difficulties can contact the Electrical Industries Charity for support. For further information, contact the EIC Fundraising Team on 020 3696 1710 or email fundraising@electricalcharity.org.

RAW Charging Launches New Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Hub in Huntingdon

RAW Charging has opened a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Hinchingbrooke Business Park in Huntingdon, providing additional charging infrastructure for local businesses, commuters and visitors. Located on Kingfisher Way, close to the A141 and A1307 junction, the new hub features eight charging bays, comprising two 50kW and six 150kW chargers. All chargers support contactless and app-free payment, offering convenient access for drivers of all major EV models. To celebrate the launch, RAW Charging is offering free charging on September 30 and October 1 to drivers who register for its RAW Rewards programme. The promotional offer is available exclusively through the ChargePoint App and cannot be accessed using contactless payment. The Huntingdon installation forms part of RAW Charging's wider investment in high-speed EV charging infrastructure across the UK. The company works with major commercial property owners, including Aviva Investors, Landsec, Hammerson and Aberdeen, providing a turnkey service covering planning, grid connections, installation, operation and ongoing maintenance. For commercial landlords, the approach offers an opportunity to generate value from existing property assets while supporting sustainability objectives and the growing demand for accessible EV charging. Jason Simpson, CEO at RAW Charging, says, "We are delighted to bring our latest rapid charging hub to Huntingdon, at Hinchingbrooke Business Park, to support the needs of local businesses, employees and visitors. The convenient location just off a major A road makes this site an ideal stop for locals, commuters and holidaymakers to access quick and reliable charging." The new installation follows RAW Charging's recognition with the 2026 Zapmap Best Network Award and ICC Gold accreditation as the company continues to expand its UK charging network.

CES warns infrastructure gap continues to hold back commercial EV adoption

Renewables energy specialist CES says a two-fold infrastructure gap continues to hold back EV adoption across the UK’s commercial fleet sector. The Midlands-based company says a widening gap between the UK’s EV adoption ambitions and the availability of specialist charging infrastructure is continuing to deter businesses from making the switch to electric. The company – which delivers end-to-end commercial EV charging solutions for fleet depots, logistics operations and manufacturing sites – says a parallel gap in understanding how to fund and plan depot charging projects is further hampering progress. CES managing director Joe Collison says, “The number of electric commercial vehicles in the UK rose by 31 per cent from 2024 to 2025, showing that operators want to make the switch. “But research from Arval shows that 41 per cent of fleet decision-makers said the quality of the national charging infrastructure was still a big obstacle to pursuing those ambitions. “Meanwhile businesses are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape particularly when it comes to depot charging projects. The closure of the Depot Charging Scheme, rumours of planned changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) transition mandate and associated uncertainty over the timeline for commercial EV adoption all spread confusion among businesses. “It is essential that the new government moves quickly to bring real clarity to the area and help companies such as ours, which have a strong track record of helping businesses to make the switch to commercial EV.” Joe says that Shropshire-based CES continued to do everything it could to plug the infrastructure gap and support the transition. “We speak to operators every week who are ready to commit to electric vehicles but don’t yet have a viable charging strategy. The DCS has helped, but many businesses still need our expert guidance on what funding is still available, what timelines are involved and what they can do now to start future-proofing their operations. “We remain committed at CES to providing the technical expertise, the financial modelling and the end‑to‑end delivery that fleets need to make confident, informed decisions.” Joe adds that workplace charging demand was rising sharply, driven by both commercial fleets and businesses preparing for the upcoming phase‑out of new diesel vans and trucks. He points out that the industry must now focus on scalable, future‑proofed depot charging solutions that support real‑world operations rather than short‑term compliance. “The UK cannot meet its electrification targets without robust depot charging,” he says. “We expect further government support to follow the DCS, but businesses shouldn’t wait. Early planning is essential and the operators who act now will be the ones best placed to manage costs, secure capacity and keep their fleets moving.” CES has established itself as an expert in renewable energy systems and decarbonisation projects, completing several notable projects including flagship DAF dealerships in Leeds and Leicestershire and a recent BYD showroom conversion in Trench alongside Ample Power Ltd.

CU Phosco Supports Accessible Streetscape Project in Eastbourne

An accessibility-focused streetscape project in Eastbourne has seen CU Phosco supply specialist lighting columns designed to improve safety and independent navigation for blind and partially sighted pedestrians. The project, located along Victoria Place on Terminus Road, forms part of wider redevelopment works connecting Eastbourne railway station with the seafront. Funded by Eastbourne Borough Council using Levelling Up Funds, the scheme was delivered by East Sussex Highways, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Living Places and East Sussex County Council. Working closely with East Sussex Vision Support, CU Phosco supplied 21 lighting columns, comprising a mixture of 5m and 8m designs incorporating Heritage brackets to complement the surrounding streetscape. A key feature is the introduction of yellow banding at head, chest and waist height to improve column visibility for pedestrians with varying levels of sight impairment. Column positioning was also carefully considered to accommodate pedestrian movement and guide dog users. James Powis, Key Accounts Manager at CU Phosco, says, "This project was very different from a conventional column installation because accessibility considerations were central to the design process from the outset." Consultation included site walk-throughs, discussions about pedestrian movement and demonstrations illustrating how different visual impairments affect visibility. James adds, "The team carefully considered pathway widths, pedestrian pinch points and the movement of guide dog users to help create a route that felt safer and easier to navigate." The completed scheme aims to improve pedestrian safety and confidence while maintaining the visual character of Eastbourne's town centre. Steve Saunders, Campaigner Quality and Access Lead at East Sussex Vision Support, says, "You listened. It was important that this approach was carried through so that this seafront town is accessible to all. It makes a massive difference to visually impaired people and we hope to see similar schemes rolled out across East Sussex and beyond."

Welch’s Transport opens megawatt eHGV charging hub at Cambridge HQ

Welch’s Transport has opened a new megawatt-scale eHGV charging hub at its Cambridge headquarters as part of eFREIGHT 2030.   Powered by Voltempo’s HyperCharger technology, the new Duxford hub features six high-power charging bays, with two full-length drive-in, drive-out bays for complete tractor and trailer combinations and four tractor-unit bays, delivering up to 1MW of power dynamically distributed across the site. The Cambridge hub joins Welch’s six-bay 1MW charging hub at Bedford, also delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, giving the family-owned operator high-power charging infrastructure across both of its depots. Welch’s began its electric HGV journey in 2023 with a 19-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide. In October 2024, it became the first operator to put an electric tractor unit on the road through eFREIGHT 2030, introducing the first of two 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T delivered through the programme. Further investment has seen a third E-Tech T and a DAF electric tractor unit join the fleet, with three 28-tonne Renault Trucks E-Techs also on order. By January 2027, 12% of Welch’s fleet will be electric. The early investment in electric trucks and charging infrastructure forms part of Welch’s long-term commitment to zero emission freight and its strategy for commercial growth. The 90-year-old, fourth-generation family haulier recently reported record profits following a series of major contract wins, with its sustainability credentials playing an increasingly important role in securing new business.  Chris Welch, Managing Director, Welch Group, says, “We made the decision early on that we wanted to be at the forefront of electric freight, but it has always had to make commercial sense. We’ve invested in the trucks, learned how to operate them in the real world and now have the high-power infrastructure at Cambridge and Bedford to support the next stage.  “We’re growing the business and winning significant new contracts, with our sustainability credentials increasingly important to customers. Our investment in electric freight is supporting that growth and strengthening our proposition as we compete for new business.” Both Cambridge and Bedford hubs sit within the UK’s largest depot charging network under eFREIGHT 2030. Through Voltempo’s DepotCharge model, Welch’s is opening spare capacity at both sites to approved third-party fleets, improving utilisation and generating new revenue from its charging infrastructure. For local operators, this provides access to secure, bookable and cost-competitive charging, helping remove one of the key barriers to accelerating the uptake of eHGVs. Simon Smith, CEO of Voltempo, which leads eFREIGHT 2030, says, “This is an exciting milestone for Welch’s and eFREIGHT 2030 as we build out the UK’s largest network of megawatt-scale depot charging infrastructure, putting the high-power charging in place to support electric HGVs in real-world operations. “The opportunity now is to make that infrastructure work as hard commercially as it does operationally. Combining high utilisation with access to competitively priced energy helps drive down charging costs and strengthens the business case for electric HGVs, and demonstrates how the investment made through eFREIGHT 2030 is having an impact far beyond the consortium itself.” The British-designed Voltempo HyperCharger has been developed specifically for heavy-duty freight applications. It can deliver up to 1MW of dynamically distributed power across multiple chargepoints, allowing vehicles to be charged according to their energy requirements and departure times. Dr. Harsh Pershad, Innovation Lead for Zero Emission Vehicles at Innovate UK, who are delivering the Zero Emissions HGVs and Infrastructure Demonstration Programme (ZEHID) on behalf of the UK Government’s Department for Transport, which supported the project, adds, “When I visited Welch’s Duxford depot recently, I was impressed by Welch’s forward-thinking and holistic approach to sustainability.  "Today’s opening of the MegaWatt-scale charging hub developed by Welch’s and Voltempo through the ZEHID-funded eFREIGHT2030 project is an important milestone: It shows that electric HGVs and infrastructure are feasible today for mid-size hauliers. By offering to open access to charging for other businesses, Welch’s and Voltempo create the conditions to increase use of electric HGVs in Cambridgeshire. We hope this collaborative model will be replicated across the UK”. eFREIGHT 2030 is part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.  The consortium is introducing 88 electric HGVs and establishing charging infrastructure across 36 sites, including 25 megawatt-scale charging hubs, as part of a multi-year real-world evaluation of zero-emission road freight. 

Vocational GCSEs Must Be Backed by Industry Support to Close Skills Gap

The introduction of vocational GCSEs could help tackle skills shortages across construction, engineering and manufacturing, but the Government must ensure businesses have the work and resources needed to support young people entering these industries. Paul McFadyen, Chairman at metals4U , has welcomed plans to introduce vocational GCSEs from 2029, alongside a target to create 200,000 additional work experience opportunities for under-16s. However, he warns that new qualifications alone will not solve the skills shortage without clear routes into apprenticeships and employment, supported by sufficient industry capacity. Paul says, “With new vocational GCSEs set to be introduced from 2029 for 14-year-olds, alongside a national target for employers to create 200,000 additional work experience opportunities for under-16s, the Government is delivering on its manifesto commitment to value the ‘hard hat as much as the graduation cap’.¹ With subjects set to include construction, manufacturing and engineering, this is a positive step towards building skills from the ground up and encouraging more young people to consider careers in industries that have a significant skills gap. “From an industry perspective, we welcome anything that gives young people greater exposure to the construction and manufacturing industries and challenges the idea that there is only one route to a successful career. However, creating the qualification is only the first part of the equation. The Government also needs to ensure there is a steady pipeline of work, enough employer capacity and the right infrastructure around these pathways to turn vocational education into sustainable routes into employment. He adds, "Additionally, consideration of what happens after that initial exposure is essential, as a vocational GCSE should be the beginning of a pathway, not the end of one. There needs to be a clear progression from classroom learning into work experience, apprenticeships and ultimately skilled employment, with schools, colleges, employers and local authorities working together to make those connections. “This is where the 200,000 work experience target could be particularly important. Giving a young person the opportunity to see what a career in construction, engineering or manufacturing actually looks like can help them understand whether it is the right career path for them and potentially address the dropout rates we’ve seen across the sector, with construction apprenticeship completion reported at 58.3%.² Paul continues, "However, there is also the wider issue here around whether businesses actually have the work and resources to support the next generation. Construction output fell by 0.5% in the three months to July 2026, while output in the second quarter remained 2% lower than the same period a year earlier.³ If businesses are already dealing with uncertainty around workloads, taking on an apprentice or providing meaningful work experience can become a significant commitment, particularly for smaller businesses. “This is particularly relevant for the steel industry, which sits at the heart of so many of the industries these vocational routes are designed to support. The House of Commons Library describes steel as strategically important to the UK’s national security and economic resilience, with the material essential to construction and infrastructure, including rail and energy networks. At the same time, the sector has faced significant structural challenges, with UK steel production falling from 15 million tonnes in 2000 to around 4 million tonnes in 2024, while employment has fallen from around 50,000 to 37,000 over the same period." “Alongside this, businesses need the resources and financial support to make these placements available, as well as meaningful for young people. A positive sign is that the Government has said mayors and local authorities will have a role in connecting schools with employers, which will be important in ensuring opportunities reflect the skills and recruitment needs of different regions. Paul concludes, "For smaller businesses in particular, taking on an apprentice or providing work experience is a genuine investment of time and resources. At metals4U, we’ve seen first-hand the value of developing people through practical experience and giving them the confidence and skills to build a career within the metals industry. However, training can be costly in both time and money, so it’s promising to see the Government’s plans for a Youth Guarantee Programme, which includes free apprenticeship training for SMEs, backed by £820m over the next three years. The Government has also announced that SMEs taking on new apprentices aged 16 to 24 will receive a £2,000 apprenticeship incentive from October 2026.⁵ However, it’s important to ensure that businesses taking on apprentices have the right paperwork to receive this payment. “If the Government can match these new vocational routes with a strong pipeline of work and make it straightforward for SMEs to participate, we could see a much stronger connection between education and the skilled careers our industries need. The ambition is there; the next challenge is making sure businesses have the capacity and support to deliver it on the ground.”  

Oxfordshire County Council advances LED lighting upgrade with Acrospire Heritage Programme

Acrospire is supporting Oxfordshire County Council’s ongoing heritage lighting replacement programme, supplying LED lanterns designed to preserve the character of historic streets and landscapes while improving energy efficiency and long-term performance. Across Oxfordshire, heritage lighting plays an important role in shaping the character of streets, parks and residential areas. From the tree-lined avenues of North Oxford to rural villages and protected landscapes, these lanterns contribute to how places feel and look after dark while supporting safety and accessibility. Oxfordshire has approximately 2,358 heritage lighting assets across the county. At the same time, around a quarter of Oxfordshire falls within nationally protected landscapes, including the Cotswolds National Landscape, Chilterns National Landscape and North Wessex Downs, where preserving local character, tranquillity and dark skies is an important consideration. As part of its maintenance strategy, Oxfordshire County Council is progressively replacing ageing heritage lanterns with LED alternatives. The aim is not simply to improve efficiency, but to retain the appearance and character of the existing installations while extending the life of heritage columns and supporting the Council’s wider sustainability goals. “Our strategy is to maintain the existing lighting levels that are equivalent to the original lighting classes; for instance, M3, M4 for traffic routes, and anything from a P2 to a P4 for residential areas, and P5 for remote footpaths. This approach ensures we meet the lighting & safety standards plus preserve the aesthetics while making progress toward sustainability,” explains Anthony Palman-Brown, Team Leader – Electrical at Oxfordshire County Council.  Acrospire supplied a range of heritage luminaires as part of the programme, including over 700 Durham lanterns with frosted bowls and 350 Muirfield lanterns, with additional installations planned for a further 350 Muirfields and 111 Streetcare lanterns. The products were selected both for their lighting performance and for their ability to match the aesthetics of the original heritage lanterns. The Durham lanterns were specified with frosted bowls to recreate the classic mid-century design the area is known for, helping the new installations blend comfortably within sensitive heritage and residential environments. All lanterns were specified at 2700K colour temperature, supporting a warmer, more natural appearance suited to historic streets and protected landscapes. The lanterns also support part-night dimming, allowing Oxfordshire County Council to operate lighting more efficiently while maintaining appropriate lighting levels for different road classifications and applications. Installations span a variety of environments, including residential streets, traffic routes and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where considerations around visual impact and environmental sensitivity are particularly important. A key element of the programme has been working with existing heritage columns. Acrospire worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council and its contractor VolkerHighways to help overcome the practical and engineering challenges associated with the older columns.  “We’ve focused on finding solutions such as bespoke brackets and mounting arrangements and different bowl options, ensuring compatibility while recreating an aesthetic befitting of the area, allowing the Council to modernise its lighting stock without losing any character,” explains James Brooker, Area Sales Manager, Acrospire. “Working with existing heritage columns and brackets can present challenges, but retaining and upgrading these assets is often the most practical and sustainable long-term approach.” “From planning through to installation, collaboration across the project has been key,” says Leigh Burgess, VolkerHighways. “The programme has required a flexible approach due to the variety of heritage infrastructure involved, and Acrospire has worked closely with the team to help keep installations progressing smoothly.” The programme supports Oxfordshire County Council’s wider ambition to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while preserving the distinctive appearance of the county’s streets and public spaces.

Two JTL Apprentices Named Among UK’s Best at ECA Edmundson Awards 2026

Two JTL apprentices have been recognised among the country’s leading electrical apprentices after reaching the final three of the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026. Ethan Timmins, employed by Derry Building Services Ltd, and Samuel Leonard, employed by PA Collacott & Co, were both highly commended at the awards ceremony held at Trinity House in London. Now in its 51st year, the awards recognise outstanding electrotechnical and engineering services apprentices for their technical skills, professionalism and contribution to the industry. As runners-up, Ethan and Samuel each received £2,000 in prize money and a state-of-the-art toolkit. Ethan Timmins says, "It’s a huge honour to be named a finalist for the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award. I want to thank the team at Derry Building Services for their support throughout my apprenticeship, and my Training Officer, Daniel Clifford at JTL, for pushing me to get the best out of every placement." Samuel Leonard says, "Making the final three of the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award means a huge amount to me and something I will always be proud of. I would like to thank my employer PA Collacott & Co for all their help and support over the years to help put me in this position, and JTL for their help during my college and final apprenticeship year." The double recognition continues JTL’s track record of producing finalists and winners at the awards, highlighting the quality of its apprenticeship programmes and the support provided by employers. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive at JTL, says, "Huge congratulations to both Ethan and Samuel on being named finalists for the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award. To have two of our apprentices reach the final three, out of candidates from across the country, is a brilliant achievement and a real reflection of the standard of training and support they’ve had throughout their time with JTL."