Two outstanding individuals in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry have won this year’s ‘Power Players’ initiative, recognised at a ceremony held on October 2, 2019 at Aerospace, Bristol. The initiative was supported by leading industry business, Schneider Electric.
Policy analyst, Nadia Smith of the Renewable Energy Association, and business mentor, Dan Jackson, were selected by an independent panel of industry experts, who judged entries based on five criteria: social impact, industry impact, collaboration, innovation and leadership.
Outside of work, Nadia is a part of the South East London Community Energy Cooperative, which helps install solar panels on schools and community buildings and uses the funds to tackle fuel poverty. Nadia has also just returned from Ghana, where she taught students practical business skills through the ‘Dream Renewables’ programme, which she co-founded.
Dan Jackson, also known to many as ‘Dans The Engineer’, impressed the judges with his sustained advocacy and support for small business owners. Having previously run an electrical business, he is now a business coach for tradespeople and business owners. He has also become a successful YouTuber, raising awareness of fundamentally important issues such as mental health, fair payment, and work-life balance.
ECA’s Energy Advisor, Luke Osborne, who was on the judging panel, comments, “Many congratulations to Dan and Nadia, and indeed to everyone who entered this year’s Power Players initiative. Both winners this year were able to show huge commitment to making significant contributions not just to their employers or within the industry, but to wider society.
“Once again, Power Players has recognised excellence from young people who have already made their mark in our industry.”
Nadia and Dan have won several prizes, including participation in a forthcoming fundraising initiative with the Electrical Industries Charity, a business trip to Schneider’s facility in the French Alps, and lunch with business guru, Sir John Parker.
Power Players winner, Nadia Smith, says, “I’m really proud to be part of the Power Players this year, and very thankful to the ECA team for their hard work in pulling this together. It’s great to have initiatives that celebrate the work of young people in the sector, not only to support their growth, but to also attract further talent into the engineering services sector.
“ECA does a sterling job of showcasing excellence in engineering services, and I’m excited to see where else the generous prizes from Schneider Electric and the ECA’s industry partners take me on my career path.”
Power Players winner, Dan Jackson, notes, “I feel so blessed to have won ECA Power Players 2019 amongst many amazing people who entered. It is fantastic to be recognised by the judges, who are industry leaders, for my efforts towards the electrical industry which I am very passionate about.”
The judging panel, led by FETA’s Russell Beattie, also included: ECA’s Luke Osborne, EDA’s Anne Vessey, Select’s Alan Wilson, and Tessa Ogle of the Electrical Industries Charity.
