Aspiring electricians progress in Screwfix Trade Apprentice contest

Four aspiring electricians have reached the semi-final stage of this year's Screwfix Trade Apprentice contest. Marking a decade of the nationwide competition, which shines a light on the UK and Ireland’s very best future talent, this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice received more than 1,800 applications, and entries have now been whittled down to just 33 individuals. This year’s final will return to London in May, where the top 10 apprentices will face a panel of industry experts to showcase why they believe they should be this year’s champion. Only one will be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice and receive a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training – everything they need to excel in their chosen trade. Lucas Whelan, 21 (from Liverpool) is studying Level 3 Electrotechnical NVQ at In-Phase Training Ltd. Speaking on his progression in the competition, he says, “I can’t believe I’ve reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024. I have overcome multiple adversities which stood in my way to succeed at my dream job. I also think if I had the chance to tell my story it could be beneficial to so many young people and potentially inspire them to go out and pursue a career as a skilled tradesperson in the future.” Lewis Finch, 21 (from Eastbourne), is currently studying City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Installation at JTL Learning Centre Eastbourne and was nominated by his employer, Derek Bulled, Director at Corin Dudley Electrical Services. Derek comments, “Lewis always does more than what is expected of him, helping other students on the course, and going the extra mile in his duties. His ability to quickly develop and master new skills has been instrumental in his progression towards becoming fully qualified. Lewis shows exceptional talent and potential and is willing to put in the hard work to achieve his goals.” Lewis says, “I’m really proud to have made it to the semi-finals and I’m excited to showcase my story so far. I hope it’s enough to secure my place in the final and be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024.” Ewan McGibbon, 20 (from Giffnock), is currently studying electrical installation at Cardonald College and was nominated by his employers, Frank Rooney, Managing Director and Heather Rooney, Operations Manager at T.R. Aitchison Electricians. They state, “Ewan has been our apprentice for over two years now. We feel he stands out from other tradespeople because of his kind, patient and understanding nature. He spends time with customers and explains what is being done so that they feel comfortable in their own homes.” Ewan notes, “For me, an apprenticeship isn’t just about learning new skills, it’s helped me unlock a passion. To reach the semi-finals is a result of my dedication and determination to embark on a successful career in the trades.” Archie Small, 20 (from Exeter), who is currently studying Electrical Installation at Exeter College, comments, “Reaching the semi-finals of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024 was a shock to be honest. I didn’t expect to be selected out of the many other apprentices that had entered this competition. Having been on my apprenticeship journey for over a year now, I’ve learnt so much in such a short space of time.” Archie opted for an electrical installation apprenticeship to gain the experience and qualifications needed to pursue his career ambitions. Having gained a distinction in his level 2 year of studying, Archie is now out on the tools and enjoying every minute of his apprenticeship journey. The judging panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. In addition, Astrid Arnold, winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, will also be at the final to talk about her own experiences and share some of the projects she’s been a part of since being crowned champion. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says, “The skills gap facing our industry is showing no signs of slowing down, so it remains as crucial as ever to highlight just how rewarding a career in the trades can be. “Once again, the calibre of entries this year has been amazing, and every one of the 33 semi-finalists are a shining example of how hard work and passion can take you anywhere. Regardless of who makes the final 10, they should all be incredibly proud of their achievement, and I have no doubt they’ve inspired even more people to consider a career in the trades. I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to the final in May!” To find out more about the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, visit www.screwfix.com/landingpage/tradeapprentice For more from Screwfix, click here.

Schneider Electric introduces new EV charging solutions

Schneider Electric, an expert in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced new eMobility solutions to address the biggest challenges to electric vehicle (EV) adoption. These innovations will improve the reliability, speed, and convenience of EV charging in homes, workplaces and on the move, the company says. The company’s three new entries in the eMobility space include: EVlink Pro DC 180kW charging stations, its scalable charging solution for commercial environments; Schneider Charge, its new EV charging station for homes; and EcoStruxure for eMobility EV Advisor, an EV charging management platform which will improve charging station uptime and performance. Unveiled at its annual Innovation Summit on April 3rd, Schneider Electric’s new solutions will allow operators to effectively manage, monitor and maintain reliable charging infrastructure, helping to meet the forecast need for hundreds of millions of charging connectors by 2040. Managing charging networks, minimising downtime More than 60% of consumers globally cite concerns over charging infrastructure as a significant barrier to EV uptake. EcoStruxure for eMobility EV Advisor seeks to address these concerns by minimising charge station downtime. With real-time monitoring, analytics and remote management capabilities, this new software-as-a-service offer gives charge station operators valuable insights into performance, energy consumption and operational efficiency. Issues can then be swiftly addressed, helping to maintain power reliability and provide a convenient experience for EV drivers. EV Advisor helps business owners and operators reduce operational costs and time dedicated to managing EV charging systems. Businesses can control and optimise system energy use across multiple sites, improving revenue streams from charging. Charge to 80% in just 20 minutes With nearly 90% of EV charging expected to take place in buildings, Schneider Electric also announced EVlink Pro DC, a fast-charging station for the commercial and industrial built environments. Scalable from 120kW to 180kW, EVlink Pro DC maximises energy efficiency and minimises electrical costs through dynamic power allocation. This balances the amount of energy delivered to each vehicle according to need, reducing power loss across charging stations. The EVlink Pro DC 180kW enables vehicles to reach 80% charge in only 20 minutes, optimising energy use and shortening the time needed to get fleet vehicles back on the road. EV Link Pro DC will be available throughout Europe, as well as the Middle East, Africa, APAC and East Asia, by the end of the year. State-of-the-art home EV charging Schneider Charge, a smart EV charging station for homes, has been designed with ease of use, flexibility, safety, and efficiency in mind. With only just over half (51%) of EV owners worldwide having a charger at home, Schneider Charge offers a solution that is robust, cost-effective and simple to install. Through remote operation through the Wiser mobile app, or other EV charging apps, users can easily schedule, monitor and adapt charging times while taking advantage of dynamic tariffs to intuitively charge when electricity rates are lower. Schneider Charge also offers peace of mind with an anti-trip system, allowing EV charging without overloading or disrupting power supply. Schneider Charge will be made available throughout Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia by the end of the year. Skilled labour, from start to finish Reliable charging infrastructure is critical to accelerating EV adoption, but it requires skilled labour to install and maintain it. Thus, Schneider Electric also announced the expansion of its North America partner, Qmerit, a provider of distributed workforce management for EV charging, to European markets. Qmerit will connect customers with a network of expert professional installers, providing on-site support to ensure easy setup of charging infrastructure. This will strengthen Schneider Electric’s worldwide network of technicians who are committed to improving the performance of EV infrastructure and keeping assets running safely and efficiently. “We’re delighted to launch our eMobility solutions for faster, more reliable and convenient EV charging both at home and on the go”, says Nadège Petit, Schneider Electric’s Chief Innovation Officer. “Our new open platform software, EV Advisor, in conjunction with our EVlink Pro DC chargers, means operators can now benefit from a fully integrated solution to manage their networks. This helps them maintain uptime, removing EV drivers’ concerns about charge station reliability while on the road. Schneider Charge increases convenience for EV owners even further, bringing the full potential of EV charging to the home." Nadège continues, “Solutions like these are vital to addressing the biggest challenges to EV adoption, such as fast and reliable charging, and the management, control and installation of infrastructure. As demand for charging stations rises with the uptake of EVs, it has never been more important that our customers ‘stay in the driving seat’ when it comes to managing their own infrastructure.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Ceiling lamp conduit box casts new light for concrete structures

Further supporting both pre-cast and in-situ concrete construction, enclosures expert Spelsberg has added a new large conduit box for ceiling roses to its IBT range. The U 120 GRO-3-CR is specifically designed for the UK market, providing UK fixing centres for ceiling mounting points for lamps that is ideal for modern residential and commercial building projects. Pre-cast construction involves the prefabrication of structural elements off-site, while an in-situ approach entails the pouring of concrete on-site. Time saving, cost-effective and space efficient, both methods provide the opportunity to easily incorporate electrical infrastructure directly into walls and ceilings. To achieve this, Spelsberg has developed the IBT system of boxes and inter-connecting conduit, which securely attach to formwork and ensure ingress-resistant apertures for the straightforward installation of sockets, lights, smoke detectors and other electricals once the concrete is set. The U 120 GRO-3-CR conduit box is an all-new addition to the IBT range, providing a mounting point for ceiling hooks, a recess for downlights and support for ceiling roses. Now, users of the IBT range can specify a ready-made solution for this lighting in pre-cast and in-situ construction projects. Specialised for the domestic market, the U 120 GRO-3-CR features a UK specific lamp mounting with locations for fixing screws to secure standard ceiling roses. Suitable for concrete slabs up to 75mm thick, the enclosure comes with sealing end-caps to ensure concrete doesn’t enter the box during pouring. An optional M5 threaded bushing offers a load capacity of 10kg to provide reliable holding of a ceiling hook and the enclosure is rated for use with halogen lamps up to 6.5W and LED lamps to a maximum of 3W. Chris Lloyd, Managing Director at Spelsberg, comments, “Pre-cast and in-situ concrete is being rapidly adopted in British construction projects, from hotels to residential developments. For the first time, this new conduit box provides direct support to contractors in the UK that want to expedite projects and deliver high quality ceiling fixtures for lamps.” As is typical with the Spelsberg range, the U 120 GRO-3-CR can be optimised to suit customer requirements thanks to the company’s in-house customisation service. Dedicated production capacity ensures that bespoke designs can be delivered on short lead times. Spelsberg’s experience supporting pre-cast and in-situ concrete projects, along with its central location in Telford, enables the company to offer timely delivery to building sites across the UK. For more from Spelsberg, click here.

Cygnus to showcase remote notification and monitoring platform

Following the success of its innovative SmartNet fire detection and alarm system range, Cygnus is to debut its remote notification and monitoring platform, Cygnus ALERT, for the very first time at The Fire Safety Event 2024 - a show dedicated to supporting industry professionals and organisations in enhancing and maintaining the high standards in fire safety management.   Cygnus ALERT serves as the perfect complement to SmartNet, an EN 54 certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system. Using Cygnus ALERT, integrators and site administrators can receive event, fault or mesh information in real-time, enabling swift responses to on-site situations. Designed for seamless integration with SmartNet systems, the Cygnus ALERT module can be fitted into the SmartNet control panel on-site during installation and can also be retrofitted into pre-existing installations.   Stephen Marsh, Head of Sales at Cygnus, comments, "We are excited to introduce Cygnus ALERT at the Fire Safety Event. We had a very successful show last year and a really positive response from the industry with the launch of our SmartNet solution. Now we’re back with this innovative accompaniment to the range, reinforcing our commitment to advancing fire safety technology. We believe the combination of SmartNet and Cygnus ALERT will empower individuals to enhance their fire safety protocols whilst simultaneously safeguarding lives and property more effectively."   Visitors to the Cygnus stand will have the opportunity to explore the SmartNet range first hand. It offers a reliable, robust and adaptable solution that is up to 20 times faster to install than other systems, Cygnus states. From the scalable SmartNet-Pro, ranging from a panel capability of 511 devices and up to 96 zones, with the ability to network up to five panels providing a combined solution of 2,555 devices; to the versatile SmartNet-100, enabling systems with up to 100 devices from one control panel, Cygnus ensures a fire detection and alarm system to meet diverse project requirements.   In addition to showcasing its products, Cygnus will also highlight its Cygnus Academy at The Fire Safety Event. The company recently launched its new Technology and Training Centre (TTC) in Meriden, Birmingham, which serves as a hub for innovation and marks a significant expansion of the Cygnus Academy. The academy provides high-quality training for installers seeking to enhance their knowledge of SmartNet technology and ensures they can install the system on-site.   For more information, drop by Cygnus’ stand 5/D10 at or visit https://www.cygnus-systems.com/. The Fire Safety Event 2024 will take place from 30th April – 2nd May at the NEC Birmingham.

The ECN Awards 2024 are now open for entries!

On 5 December 2024, 23 deserving winners will be taking home a coveted ECN Award from the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry. Companies in the electrical contracting industry are leading the way in innovation and are constantly striving to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in all sectors, and we believe it is important to recognise their efforts and achievements. If you feel your product, company or project deserves an ECN Award, please enter. Has your company released an outstanding product between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024? Has your company completed a superb project between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024?  Is your training scheme worthy of an ECN Award?  Is your apprentice a shining example of the industry’s future talent? Is your company the best manufacturer, wholesaler/distributor or contractor out there? Can you think of someone who should hands-down win the Special Recognition Award? If the answer is YES to any of these, please ENTER NOW! It’s free to enter – simply click on the links below. Products Cable Product of the Year Cable Management Product of the Year Circuit Protection Product of the Year Fire Safety Product of the Year HVAC Product of the Year Lighting Product of the Year Software/App Product of the Year  Tools/Testing Product of the Year Wiring Accessories Product of the Year Sustainable Products EV Charging Product of the Year Power (including Solar PV) Product of the Year Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year Projects Lighting Project of the Year Sustainable Project of the Year Overall Project of the Year Training Training Provider/Initiative of the Year Apprentice of the Year  Companies Manufacturer of the Year Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year (three stores or more) Contractor of the Year (turnover under £5m) Contractor of the Year (turnover over £5m) Special Award Special Recognition Award Entries are open until 13 September 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Carly Weller.  For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Byne.

Powerful partnership puts solar and wind projects on the map

A free new tool has been launched for local authorities to quickly identify potential locations for green energy projects. Across London, the East and South East, 80% of local authorities have declared a climate emergency and most are creating energy plans. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity in these areas, has combined 18 datasets in one place to help guide local authorities in finding future sites for community-owned wind and solar farms. The new IRENES (Integrating RENewable energy and Ecosystem Services in environmental and energy policies) tool at ukpowernetworks.opendatasoft.com combines spatial and land use datasets for ground-based solar PV and onshore wind, over 18,000 square kilometres. It also takes into account physical characteristics such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and solar irradiance, data along with the existing local electricity network. Data can easily be filtered, and layered with other useful Net Zero datasets in UK Power Networks’ Open Data Portal, to view the energy capacity currently available. Users can generate an easy-to-understand map, with traffic light colour coding showing locations for new projects. This collaborative project is led by Anglia Ruskin University and University of East Anglia, and supported by UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the Greater South East Net Zero Hub. It lives up to the Energy Data Taskforce: A Strategy for a Modern Digitalised Energy System report commissioned by Government, Ofgem, and Innovate UK which sets out five key recommendations to modernise the UK energy system and drive it towards a Net Zero future. UK Power Networks’ funding quickly helped scale the original scope from five county councils, to 133 local authorities serving 5.6 million residents within just six months. Lynne McDonald, head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator, says, “This partnership showcases our DSO’s collaboration across sectors to support local authorities in easily accessing essential data for their decarbonisation plans. “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge with our colleagues in energy, data and academia. We encourage local authorities to make the most of this new tool, shape our network investments and drive sustainable change together – empowered by data and digital tools for effective, place-based decision-making.” Peter Gudde, Net Zero programme lead at Greater South East Net Zero Hub, adds, “The Greater South East Net Zero Hub has been supporting the development of the IRENES Land Use Tool to enable locally developed renewable energy generation. We are pleased to see collaboration between two of the South East region’s leading universities and UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator in support of the public sector and their area commitments to facilitate Net Zero. We look forward building upon that cross-sector working relationship.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

UK encouraged to prioritise cyber security with EV charging points

In a move to propel the Electric Vehicle (EV) transition within the UK, the Department for Transport has announced new measures to accelerate the installation of EV infrastructure following the announcement in December to install 30,000 new charge points. This will be achieved through offering grants to public schools, nurseries, and local authorities. With that said, Bureau Veritas emphasises the critical need to also focus on cyber security risks associated with the growing EV infrastructure, especially with the recent National Grid warning associated with EV owners. George White, Senior Consultant for EV charging at Bureau Veritas, is bringing attention to the vulnerabilities in the EV space and how they can be addressed. He explains, “In the pursuit of this electrified future, the digital aspect is rife with evolving cyber security threats that could potentially compromise the integrity of EV charging points. Unauthorised access through unprotected network or peripheral device interfaces poses a huge risk, as does firmware-based attacks that manipulate voltage settings, potentially causing major damage. The UK Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 states that charge points must be designed, manufactured, and configured to provide appropriate protection: Against the risk of harm to, or disruption of, the electricity system Against the risk of harm to, or disruption of, the relevant charge point For the personal data of the owner and any other end-user of the relevant charge point George continues, “Ensuring the supplier of charge points adheres to this before they ship is key to ensuring that the right levels of security are maintained over its lifetime. Before charge points are shipped, we recommend thorough pre-installation inspections. This includes scrutinising passwords, ensuring software is up to date, validating security configurations, secure communication, data inputs, and ease of use. These assessments aim to identify and rectify security gaps before installation, saving time and resources. “Firstly, the software must be capable of secure updates, employing cryptographic measures to protect against cyber attacks. Regular security checks during setup and periodic updates are also essential, with owners responsible for verifying the authenticity and integrity of each update. Furthermore, sensitive security considerations, such as credentials, should be stored securely, avoiding hard-coded information, and designed to verify authorised access. “Charge points must also be able to encrypt all communications to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data, preventing unauthorised access or tampering. Along with this, the configuration should verify data inputs, discarding unverified data to prevent potential security vulnerabilities. Lastly, and quite importantly, for user convenience and compliance with privacy regulations, charge points should be designed for ease of use, minimising owner inputs, and allowing straightforward deletion of personal data. “Cyber security is not a luxury but a necessity in the EV space. Bureau Veritas's comprehensive approach, from third-party risk reviews to ongoing maintenance assessments, ensures a robust cybersecurity framework for the entire EV ecosystem, that we encourage companies to incorporate into their security measures and planning”. Secura, a Bureau Veritas company, offers its cyber security services as three standalone engagements or as part of a holistic program. The services include third-party risk reviews, pre-installation inspections, and ongoing maintenance and maturity assessments, and also ensures the reliability and security of EVCS in Europe. For more from Bureau Veritas, click here.

One year to go for UK EV charge point grants

The countdown clock is ticking for installers and their customers to access UK Government grants towards electric vehicle (EV) charge point installations. Businesses, landlords, flat owners, renters and households who park on the street have, from 31 March 2025, one year left to claim the hundreds of pounds available for each charge point installed. Many of the schemes involve the installer applying for the grants. Most of the financial incentives still available from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) will close on 31 March 2025. The schemes were designed to encourage EV adoption now that the purchase grants for electric cars are long gone (although the Plug-in Van and Truck Grant runs until 31 March 2025 with purchase discounts for individuals and organisations). The grants with one year to run are: The Workplace Charging Scheme: Offers businesses, charities and public sector employers up to £350 per charging socket, for up to 40 sockets in total across each applicant’s site or sites.  State-funded education institutions: 75% off the cost to buy and install charge points up to a maximum of £2,500 per socket and 40 sockets across all sites. Infrastructure grant for staff and fleets: For wider building work to install multiple charge point sockets now and in the future; up to £350 per charge point socket installed and up to £500 per parking space enabled, to a maximum of £15,000. Charge point and infrastructure grants for landlords: Up to £350 per socket for up to 200 each year for residential properties and 100 commercial properties. Infrastructure grants for the wider work needed to install multiple charge points are £500 per parking space, for charge points installed now or envisaged in the future. For renters or flat owners: Up to £350 to install a charge point at a dedicated off-street parking space. Households with On-Street Parking: Up to £350 for EV drivers who are installing a cross-pavement solution to enable them to use a home charge point for an EV parked in the street outside their home. Daniel Forsberg, Marketing Manager EVSE at charge point manufacturer CTEK, says: "There is just one year left to access these OZEV grants, which are helpful in making EV charging infrastructure more accessible and its installation more affordable. “CTEK's EV charging solutions, especially the robust CC3 charge point which is built to last and futureproofed with the latest communication and security standards, complement OZEV's grants by providing easily installed, reliable and efficient charging, ensuring employers, renters, flat owners and landlords can confidently invest in EV charging.  “The grants are a big incentive for customers to get their EV charging in place within the next 12 months, and OZEV-approved installers will also be keen to maximise the number and size of projects they can achieve before the end of March next year.” For more from CTEK, click here.

Contrasting views of electrical careers highlighted in new podcast

An experienced lecturer and an up-and-coming learner from the same college have both talked frankly about the challenges and rewards of apprenticeships in the latest podcast from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and trade association SELECT. Andy Mackintosh and apprentice Ryan Murray from UHI Inverness discuss the respective ends of their electrical journeys in the fourth episode of the popular Sparks’ Remarks series. In the first half of the podcast, Andy discusses the changes he’s seen after being at the heart of the student journey for 15 years – and says that while teaching methods may have evolved, the end result is still just as rewarding. In the second half, Ryan – a second year apprentice employed by ANM Electrical in Inverness and currently training under Andy – tells the podcast how he initially studied as a panel beater, but soon realised his future prospects lay in the electrical sector. The 24-year-old reveals, “It was something I always fancied doing. I have quite a few friends who were in the trade already, so from hearing their stories and how they were getting on at work, it just seemed like a fit for what I wanted to do in my life. I'm loving it." Like the previous episodes, the new podcast is aimed at existing and would-be apprentices and their employers, and is hosted by journalist Kim McAllister and Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT. The first three episodes of Sparks’ Remarks feature apprentices at all stages of their training who are now looking forward to a challenging career both at home and further afield. Fiona Harper, CEO-designate of SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board(SJIB), says, “This latest podcast looks at the process from the standpoint of the teacher and the student and has some revealing insights into what makes apprenticeships so valuable as a learning experience.” For more from SECTT, click here.

CEF returns to sponsor the Sustainable Products Category

Electrical Contracting News is excited to announce that CEF will be returning as sponsor of the Sustainable Products Category at the ECN Awards 2024. The ECN Awards 2024 will take place on 5 December 2024 at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry.  The Sustainable Products Category comprises the EV Charging Product of the Year, Power (including Solar PV) Product of the Year and Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year awards.  CEF says it is proud to be sponsoring the Sustainable Products Category - as the expert supplier of electrical products and services for professional electricians and installers across the UK, CEF is deeply committed to sustainability and innovation.  Established in 1951, CEF boasts nearly 400 branches nationwide and a global presence across the USA, Canada, Ireland, Spain and Australia. The wholesaler stocks over 40,000 products from 300+ suppliers available for next-day delivery via cef.co.uk.  CEF’s goal is to be a leader in the sector and a force for good, with a focus on people, the planet and communities. The company is using B Corp’s holistic framework to shape its Sustainability and Social Value Strategy, with the aim of becoming a B Corp. Partnering with EcoVadis, CEF assesses its sustainability efforts across a range of criteria, including environmental impact, labour and human rights practices, operational ethics, and sustainable procurement.  The wholesaler is proud to have been awarded EcoVadis Silver medal.  CEF wants its journey to inspire others to become a force for good and drive positive change in the industry and society.  By sponsoring the ECN Sustainable Products Category, CEF champions eco-friendly innovation and excellence that drives positive change for a cleaner future for all. Companies in the electrical contracting industry are leading the way in innovation and are constantly striving to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in all sectors, and ECN believes it is important to recognise their efforts and achievements. If you feel your product, company or project deserves an ECN Award, please enter. Entries will open soon, so stay tuned for the announcement, which will include instructions on how to submit your entry. If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Byne on 01634 673163.