Tickets selling fast as ECN Awards 2026 approaches

The countdown is on to the ECN Awards 2026, which will bring together some of the biggest names in the electrical contracting industry to celebrate the companies, products, projects and individuals making a difference across the sector Taking place on 3 December at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry, this year's awards will recognise excellence, innovation and achievement across a wide range of categories, highlighting the people and businesses helping to shape the future of the electrical industry.  Tickets for the evening are still available, but be quick, as they're selling fast. The awards span four key areas: Products, Projects, Training and Companies. Product categories include Cable/Cable Management, Circuit Protection, EV Charging, Fire Safety, HVAC, Lighting, Power (including Solar PV), Security, Software/App, Sustainability, Test Equipment, Trade Tools and Wiring Accessories Product of the Year. Meanwhile, the Projects categories will recognise outstanding work in EV charging, lighting and sustainability, while the Training awards will celebrate the next generation of electrical talent through Apprentice of the Year, alongside organisations making a difference through training provision and initiatives. The Company categories will recognise achievements across the supply chain, with awards for Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and Contractor of the Year in both the under and over £5m turnover categories. ECN Awards gears up for another memorable evening Following an extensive judging process, an independent panel of industry experts has selected this year's finalists, with competition particularly strong across several categories. The awards provide an opportunity to recognise the commitment, expertise and innovation that continue to drive the electrical contracting industry forward. On the night, attendees will enjoy a three-course meal, a chance to network with the best and brightest in the industry and dance the night away with one of the UK's best ABBA tribute bands, ABBA Dream. With the finalists now confirmed, anticipation is building ahead of what promises to be another memorable evening celebrating the very best of the electrical industry. Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist, and best of luck to all those hoping to take home an ECN Award. For more on the ECN Awards, click here.

C-TEC's free CPD event hailed a 'huge success'

C-TEC's free CPD event "proved a huge success" with delegates from schools, colleges, councils and fire specialist companies who gathered at the life safety systems manufacturer's Wigan facility on Wednesday (4 November) Worth four hours of CPD points, the event covered lockdown procedures, low-cost fire system upgrades and Equality Act compliance through three seminars: •     An overview of Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025): What you need to know, the solutions available and how to comply. •     Equality and Accessibility legislation in the UK, the solutions available and how to ensure you comply. •     How to upgrade an old fire system to a state-of-the-art addressable system capable of lockdown functionality, internet connectivity, powerful false alarm reduction and more. The day ran from 10am to 4pm with registration starting at 9.30am. As well as the seminars, delegates enjoyed lunch and a tour of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The day ended with a Q&A session with C-TEC’s MD and standards expert, Andrew Foster. Factory tour 'a real highlight', says C-TEC marketing lead Said Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Director, says; “We were delighted with the response to our Education Day. Feedback from delegates has been excellent. "Many told us they came away with a much clearer understanding of the legislation and practical, cost-effective ways to comply. The factory tour and Andrew’s Q&A session were real highlights. Given the level of interest, we will definitely be running more events like this in the future.”  For more from C-TEC, click here.

ESR launches plug-in solar safety guidance for consumers

The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) has published new guidance to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing plug-in solar devices With plug-in solar devices becoming an option for households looking to generate renewable energy and reduce electricity bills, the ESR is warning that consumers need to consider more than simply buying a product from a supermarket, DIY store or online retailer. The guidance outlines the steps needed to ensure devices are compliant, suitable for the property and installed safely. Compliant plug-in solar devices should meet the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification and be clearly labelled with a statement confirming compliance. Product labelling should also identify the manufacturer, model or serial number, voltage, frequency, current, rated power, IP rating and protection class. The ESR advises consumers to purchase devices from reputable suppliers, follow the manufacturer's instructions and never modify any supplied components, including plugs, cables, inverters, panels and connectors. Where possible, devices should be connected to a suitably located and protected external socket-outlet nearby. Cables should never be trapped in doors or windows, as this can cause damage, while poorly routed or secured wiring can create trip hazards. Before purchasing a device, consumers are strongly advised to arrange for a qualified and competent electrician to carry out the necessary checks on their electrical installation. ESR supports renewable energy innovation The ESR also recommends contacting insurers before buying a system. Those living in flats or apartments may need approval from the building owner, while tenants should seek permission from their landlord. Managing agents, planning authorities and other relevant parties may also need to be informed. Following installation, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must be notified within 28 days. Instructions supplied with a compliant system should explain how to complete this process. The ESR says the guidance is intended to support not only consumers but also organisations and professionals helping people consider plug-in solar. Letting agents and landlords can share the resource with tenants and residents to explain the permissions and safety checks that may be required. Organisations can use it to raise awareness and direct consumers towards consistent information, while electricians can share it with potential customers to highlight the importance of professional electrical checks before installation. Nick Hayler, Chair of the Electrical Safety in the Home group, says, “We support innovation that can help households embrace renewable energy and reduce their bills, but it has to be done safely. Consumers should follow the guidance and use a competent and qualified person to help ensure their plug-in solar device is suitable and installed correctly.”

The paperwork mistake which could cost contractors thousands

With late payments estimated to cost the UK economy £11 billion annually, electrical contractors are being warned that cash-flow problems could start long before customers receive an invoice According to Richard Skelson, Managing Director at field service management software Field Ascend, missing job sheets, delayed engineer sign-offs and incomplete paperwork can leave completed work unbilled for days or even weeks. "When an engineer finishes a job, it's easy to assume the business is one step closer to getting paid. However, missing job sheets, unsigned paperwork or incomplete reports can leave completed work sitting in the system without an invoice ever being raised," he says. "For smaller trades businesses, even a few days of delay can put pressure on cash flow, particularly when wages, materials and fuel still need to be paid for. The problem with administrative delays is that they often go unnoticed until someone starts chasing an outstanding payment or reviewing the accounts." Skelson warns that if several engineers are completing multiple jobs each day, missing paperwork can quickly build up and businesses may have thousands of pounds' worth of completed work waiting to be invoiced without realising how much money is tied up in the process. Contractors advised to get head start on job reports "Relying on paper job sheets or engineers returning to the office to submit reports creates unnecessary delays, especially when teams are travelling between different customer sites," he continues. "When information is missing, office staff have to spend time contacting engineers, checking job details and requesting signatures before they can issue an invoice. That additional work can slow down the entire payment process." Skelson advises that one of the simplest changes businesses can make is requiring engineers to complete job reports and collect customer signatures before leaving the site. "Having job information available to the office as soon as work is finished makes it easier to raise invoices promptly. A daily review of completed but uninvoiced jobs can also help identify delays before they turn into bigger cash-flow problems," he says. For more from Field Ascend, click here.

EAS changes: electricians face new Level 3 requirements

As of October, electricians working for scheme-registered businesses may need to demonstrate individual Level 3 qualifications in several areas, with electrical distributor CEF highlighting the need for accessible training to help contractors meet the new requirements Changes to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) could leave some electrical contractors facing additional training and qualification requirements, as the industry adjusts to a greater emphasis on individual competency. Since October 2026, individuals working for companies registered with scheme providers, including NICEIC, NAPIT, ECA and SELECT, are required to demonstrate formal individual Level 3 qualifications in Solar PV, Electrical Energy Storage (EES), Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC), Micro Wind and Periodic Inspection and Testing. The changes represent a shift away from relying solely on the Qualified Supervisor model, towards more formal recognition of individual competency. However, while the move is intended to strengthen standards across the sector, awareness of the requirements has been inconsistent, leaving some businesses facing challenges in securing the necessary qualifications while maintaining their existing workloads. Electricians and contractors face training challenges Some businesses have taken steps to prepare for the changes, while others are only now becoming aware of the requirements through conversations on site, industry events and electrical wholesalers. For contractors already working to full capacity, finding the time to undertake additional training can be difficult. Taking electricians away from site can mean lost earnings, disrupted schedules and additional costs for travel and accommodation. For larger businesses, the challenge is multiplied across teams, with employers needing to balance operational demands against the need to upskill their workforce. Sole traders can face an even greater challenge, with training potentially requiring them to step away from their business entirely. For many electricians, the issue is not necessarily a lack of practical experience, but the need to formally demonstrate competency through the required qualifications. Finding training that accommodates existing workloads, while providing the necessary practical experience and assessment, is therefore becoming increasingly important. CEF expands access to Level 3 training CEF is highlighting its TechTraining programme as a way for electricians to access City & Guilds-approved Level 3 qualifications across the UK. The programme includes Wiring Regulations, Inspection and Testing, Solar PV installations, Electrical Energy Storage and Electric Vehicle Charge Points. To reduce the need for long-distance travel, CEF offers online learning and remote examinations for theory-based courses, including Wiring Regulations and EV charging. For practical disciplines, the company's mobile renewables workshop travels nationwide, providing an equipped training environment featuring a roof rig, inverters and batteries. Candidates can design, install and commission systems as part of their training, providing practical experience alongside the theoretical knowledge required for qualification. Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions at CEF, says, “We know it’s not easy for electricians to take time out for training, especially when they’re already busy. What we’ve focused on is making that process more convenient by making training more local, keeping it practical where it needs to be, and giving people flexibility where we can. “If we can make it easier for someone to access the training they need, that’s what matters.” Growing demand for CPD and qualifications The increased demand for training extends beyond the latest EAS changes, with new technologies, updated regulations and expectations around standards and safety contributing to the need for ongoing professional development. CEF says it has delivered more than 1,100 CPD-accredited sessions over the past year through its wider CPD programme, including CEF Live and TechTalks. For more from CEF, click here.