The March issue of ECN is OUT NOW and packed with insights and information on the topics you care about.
From the Editor
It’s been a busy month here at ECN HQ! Kelly and I had the pleasure of recording a podcast with NAPIT’s Steve Humphreys and Andrew Duffen, where we delved into the topics of electrical compliance, safety and the skills gap. It’s a great listen that will be available soon on all major podcast platforms here.
We also had an insightful visit to the Proteus, M2, Tamlex and Centaur factories to learn more about their operations and processes. It was fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes – stay tuned for more details in a future issue of ECN.
In the news, a recent report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has highlighted the rapid growth of the UK’s net zero sector, which is expanding three times faster than the overall economy. The report has been well-received, showing that this sector not only creates high-wage jobs but also helps reduce carbon emissions while enhancing energy security.
In 2024, the net zero economy grew by 10%, contributing £83 billion in gross value added (GVA). The sector includes 22,000 businesses ranging from renewable energy to green finance, employing nearly a million people in full-time roles. The average annual wage in these businesses is reported to be £43,000, which is £5,600 higher than the national average.
While the UK economy has often faced criticism for being concentrated in London and the south-east and for its sluggish productivity growth, the net zero sector tells a different story. The report found that this thriving industry is more evenly distributed across the country. Major hubs of activity are located in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and south-west England, with net zero jobs increasing by 20% in Scotland since 2022. Additionally, net zero jobs are 38% more productive than the UK average, further highlighting the sector’s significant economic contribution.
This issue is a whopping 96 pages, packed with essential information. In our Interview, I speak with Jess Vailima, Managing Director of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), about the critical work the charity is doing to support individuals within the electrical and energy sectors.
This month’s features include Cable Management, Commercial Lighting, Tools & Test Equipment, and Wholesalers & Distributors, providing plenty of content to explore. Plus, in this month’s Competition, you can win four of Domus Ventilation’s newest fans – enter here from 2 March.
I hope you enjoy this issue – see you next month!
Carly Weller
Group Editor