NICEIC recently delivered its latest TechLive event, bringing together electrical contractors and industry experts for a day of practical insight, technical learning, and five hours of CPD.
NICEIC TechLive Surrey, held at Mercedez-Benz World in Weybridge – which ECN had the pleasure of being in attendance for – drew a sell-out crowd, and covered everything contractors need to know from Amendment 4 of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, to renewable technology and recent updates to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS).
The event opened with a welcome from new NICEIC CEO, Clair Mowbray, outlining the purpose of NICEIC’s TechLive event series – to help contractors navigate industry change, strengthen their businesses and working together to maintain standards across the sector.
This was followed by a comprehensive review of key technical developments from NICEIC Technical Director Paul Collins, with Sam Donaghy, Head of Technical Advice and Practice who highlighted the latest updates impacting electrical work and compliance. Head of Training, Alex Robinson, then provided an overview of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), giving attendees valuable guidance on routes to qualification and workforce development.
Looking ahead to wider industry change, Dani Putney, NICEIC’s Head of Standards, explored major policy developments affecting the sector, including the Future Homes Standard and evolving building regulations, with a particular focus on implications for renewables and energy efficiency.
Alongside the technical programme, the event also placed a strong emphasis on business support and wellbeing. Representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shared practical advice to help contractors strengthen and grow their businesses, while the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) led sessions on mental health awareness and support, including ‘The Tools to Talk’, the mental health toolkit developed by NICEIC and EIC, designed to encourage open conversations and support for those who need it.
The event attracted an engaged audience of contractors looking to progress their businesses and seek out new opportunities. Some 14 exhibitors played a vital role on the day, showcasing new products and services to NICEIC-certified businesses and themselves gaining first-hand insight into the priorities and challenges facing electricians.
As 2026 also marks NICEIC’s 70th anniversary, NICEIC TechLive Surrey was also an opportunity to celebrate the businesses certified with NICEIC. This included three remarkable businesses continually NICEIC certified for 70 years: Crown House Technologies, T Clarke, and Paine Manwaring, who were presented their commemorative certificates by NICEIC CEO Clair Mowbray.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, comments, “NICEIC TechLive is designed to give attendees the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. It’s been fantastic to see such strong engagement here in Surrey.
“In all of the talks I was either delivering or joined, there were interesting discussions and active contribution from NICEIC-certified businesses on how the industry is evolving and how that is impacting their daily operations. It really highlighted their commitment to both improving standards and developing their businesses.”
Following the success of the Surrey event, NICEIC will continue its TechLive series later this year, with Sheffield set to host the next event on 30 September 2026. Contractors attending can expect another full day of expert-led sessions, practical guidance and opportunities to connect with industry peers and suppliers.
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