The Associated National Electrical Wholesalers (ANEW) buying group has announced its sponsorship of EDATA, the electrotechnical sector’s award-wining data pool, which is managed by the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA). ANEW is the latest of 27 top supply chain sponsors – a mix of leading wholesalers, manufacturers, and buying groups – to give their backing to the data pool. Free to every EDA wholesaler and branch, EDATA puts the power of high-quality manufacturer product information at the heart of every wholesaler business decision.

Samantha McFall, CEO at ANEW, said, “On behalf of our wholesaler members, it is important for ANEW to endorse the data pool. EDATA is a powerful data engine, not only as a stand-alone resource, but also its seamless integration with the software wholesalers rely on – from ERP and inventory management systems to e-commerce platforms – ensures accurate, high-quality product information is at the heart of every wholesaler business.

“The market is tough and we need to make the most of the resources available to us. With EDATA manufacturers know their product data is represented correctly, and it gives wholesalers an edge over slower, less-informed competitors as their contractor customers receive accurate product info, improving trust and satisfaction.

“As wholesaler businesses become more digitised, trusted product data drives performance, scalability, and profitability. We strongly advise all our approved suppliers to get involved with EDATA.”

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, added “Having a leading wholesaler organisation like ANEW as an EDATA sponsors is more than a vote of confidence – it brings vision, experience, and a commitment to innovation that helps us ensure the data pool meets the evolving needs of wholesalers and manufacturers alike. Very importantly, it brings EDATA even closer to the ANEW members, who can benefit most from what EDATA has to offer and gives them a voice in the future development of the data pool. We look forward to working ever more closely with ANEW members in future.”

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Hispec Electrical Products has become the 100^th manufacturer to sign up to the EDATA data pool to share product information with wholesalers.

Since the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) launched the data pool in 2020 it has grown rapidly, attracting many of the leading brands in the UK’s electrotechnical sector. Now with over 297,000 products listed inside, manufacturers are seeing the commercial advantage in giving their wholesaler customers access high-quality product information and imagery in a central time-saving hub.

Chris Loughlin, Managing Director at Hispec, providers of Life Safety and Housing Solutions, commented: “Wholesalers are important sales partners and it’s clear the EDATA data pool is becoming the go-to resource for high-quality technically rich product information which they need in order to sell. Whether wholesalers are looking for product data sheets for tenders and sharing at the trade counter with a quote, or downloading bulk data for e-commerce or click and collect services, we want Hispec products to be front and centre of that process.”

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, said “This is a significant milestone for EDATA and a tremendous endorsement of the Association’s work to support our wholesaler members in their digitalisation journeys.

“Rich product information with depth technical spec is a powerful resource that inspires trust and ensures fewer product returns as contractors understand exactly what they are buying. Like all manufacturers in the data pool, Hispec will have the support of our expert team led by my colleague Richard Appleton, our Head of Digitalisation, to realise its potential. Not only will Hispec’s product information appear in the EDATA portal, they will also benefit from extra brand visibility through our multiple integration projects with providers of software and systems to the wholesale channel. Our aim is to attract at least another 20 leading brands by the end of 2025, with more growth targets beyond that, so there is still plenty to do.”

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Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, discusses why certification is more than just a checkbox exercise and evidence that a business has passed an annual assessment.

In the competitive environment of electrical contracting, certification is a tool that can help businesses stand out by demonstrating their commitment to meeting industry standards and to continued learning as the industry evolves.

Historically, regulations and standards have often been seen as correctional measures that are in place to prevent substandard work and provide recourse if it does happen. While that is a useful ‘last line of defence’ for consumers, we also need a more positive and proactive approach for our industry, one that enables companies who deeply care about their work to push the industry forward by improving professional standards across the board and ensuring there are benchmark levels of compliance, competence and safety.

That approach would not only benefit customers by providing them with clarity and confidence when dealing with businesses from an industry that can be complex to navigate but also the industry as a whole. We want to see businesses thrive over the long term, with trusted relationships growing across the sector as a whole. This sort of continuity and reliability is better for the businesses and installers that do great work, better for consumers, and better for the wholesalers and business services providers that operate in our industry and enable its daily operations.

That is where certification comes in. NICEIC-certified businesses proudly display their certification on their premises, vans, workwear and websites because they know the rigorous process they have been through to achieve it. When their customers see a mark of certification, they know they are dealing with a business that adheres to industry standards in terms of both safety and technical integrity. This implied trust is invaluable in an industry where reputations are hard won and easily lost. Certification with NICEIC assures clients that they are hiring a competent business, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Building credibility and trust

One of the most significant advantages of certification is the boost it provides to a business’s professional credibility. Being certified with NICEIC involves not just an initial assessment but also regular, ongoing surveillance assessments conducted by experienced assessors. This process showcases a business’s commitment to transparency and accountability by opening up its work to external scrutiny and demonstrating its adherence to the required standards.

Additionally, certification requires a commitment to lifelong learning through continuous professional development (CPD), reassuring customers that the skills and knowledge of certified businesses are current, rather than relying on training potentially received years ago. This combination of up-to-date skills and on-the-job experience provides customers with confidence in the quality and safety of the services they receive.

Access to expertise and resources

Being NICEIC-certified is not just about the logo that businesses can display. Beyond what is visible, there is a wealth of resources, including technical support, training and industry updates, available to certified businesses and their staff. These resources ensure that NICEIC-certified businesses have access to the information they need when they need it and can stay one step ahead. The ability to tap into this pool of knowledge can significantly enhance the quality of work they do and the service they provide.

Competitive edge

In the electrotechnical industry, differentiation is key. Being NICEIC-certified provides a competitive edge that sets contractors apart from their peers. It is a mark of excellence that can be leveraged in marketing and business development efforts. Customers are more likely to choose a certified business over one that is not, simply because of the assurances it provides them. This edge can be the deciding factor in winning contracts and growing your business.

Compliance and safety

Safety is paramount in electrical contracting, and being NICEIC-certified ensures that certified businesses are compliant with the latest regulations and standards. This compliance is not just about avoiding legal issues; it is about protecting lives and property. NICEIC-certified businesses are trained to perform their work safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring peace of mind for customers.

Support and advocacy

As well as our role as a certification body, NICEIC is an advocate for the electrotechnical sector. Certified businesses benefit from the support and representation that NICEIC provides. Whether it is making the case for sensible and practical regulations or providing guidance on best practices, NICEIC is committed to advancing the interests of its certified businesses and to the health and success of the industry as a whole. This advocacy ensures that certified businesses have a voice and are in a strong position to navigate new challenges that the industry presents.

Customer satisfaction

Ultimately, the goal of any business is to satisfy its customers. Being NICEIC-certified is a powerful tool in achieving this goal. Customers are the foundation of a successful business, and being NICEIC-certified helps ensure that businesses can consistently meet their customers’ expectations.

Certification is much more than a credential. In our sector, where it is entirely voluntary and depends on the proactivity of businesses wanting to prove their ability to deliver work that meets industry standards, it can be a key step on the pathway to success.

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Now in its 11th year, the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) held its annual Learning Achievement Awards recently at London’s Shard. The ceremony, where more trophies were presented than ever before, celebrates those working in the UK’s electrotechnical sector who have delivered excellence in their Apprenticeship or their EDA Product Knowledge studies.

The trophies were presented by EDA President, David Moore of Medlock Electrical Distributors (part of the ANEW buying group), and John Henry, Managing Director at EDA Apprenticeships Plus, the organisation which operates the Association’s Apprenticeship Service for Wholesalers and sponsors the Awards.

The Association’s CEO, Margaret Fitzsimons, said, “This is the largest trophy presentation in the history of our Learning Achievement Awards, celebrating 22 deserving winners. Representing both Wholesaler and Manufacturer businesses the length and breadth of the UK, these winners are selected based on their exemplary results. It was a pleasure to meet and chat with them and an honour to celebrate them as shining examples of success in the UK’s electrotechnical sector. Congratulations to all the winners and, of course, their managers and mentors, who play such an important role in their careers.”

The 2025 Learning Achievement Award winners are:

• Bradley Howard, Medlock Electrical Distributors (part of the ANEW buying group)
• Jacques Eyre, Eyre & Elliston Holdings Ltd (part of the ANEW buying group)
• Joshua Hobbs, LH Electrical Ltd (part of the AWEBB buying group)
• Devon Greening, Devondale Electrical Distributors Ltd (part of Grant & Stone) – (part of the AWEBB buying group) –Award collected on Devon’s behalf by Darren House, Managing Director, Grant & Stone
• Callum Ford, CEF Ltd
• Taylor Rees, CEF Ltd
• Charlie Cooper, AIB Electrical Wholesale (Glasgow) Ltd (part of the Fegime UK buying group)
• Savana Benecke, AT&T (GB) Ltd (part of the Fegime UK buying group)
• Leila Gab, Rexel UK Ltd
• Joshua Smith, Western Automation (part of Stearn Electric Co Ltd)
• Cameron Moss, Stearn Electric Co Ltd
• Luke Miller, 7 Core Electrical Wholesale Ltd (part of The IBA Buying Group)
• Paul Wogden, Olympic Fixings (EDA Affiliate Manufacturer) – Award collected on Paul’s behalf by the EDA’s Diana Gaina
• Emma McCorkindale, Deta Electrical Company Ltd (EDA Affiliate Manufacturer)

A further set of Awards were presented to these eight individuals who have studied all 12 EDA Product Knowledge Modules and achieved the top Distinction grade across the board:

• Dusan Balog, Edmundson Electrical Ltd
• Steven Bridges, Edmundson Electrical Ltd
• James Bonser, Electric Center
• Jack Butler, Lockwell Electrical Industrial
• Abbie Bayley, Edmundson Electrical Ltd
• Max Jones, Edmundson Electrical Ltd
• Rodney Richardson, Rexel UK Ltd
• Andrew Campion, Kingfisher Lighting Ltd (Luceco Group) (EDA Affiliate Manufacturer)

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The economy and opportunities for business growth, circularity and sustainability, societal change and its impact on attracting and retaining the next generation of talent were among the strategic themes discussed at the EDA’s Power It Up Industry Insight Conference on Wednesday 13th November 2024.

Over 190 senior leaders from 94 EDA businesses, plus representatives from the electrical contracting sector and from trade associations along the supply chain, travelled to Crewe to hear from UK and International speakers on these topics of strategic significance to the UK’s electrotechnical sector.

The conference was opened by Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA and Chris Ashworth, EDA President and CEO at CEF.

The impressive speaker programme included entrepreneur, architect, innovator, inspirer and visionary Thomas Rau, who had travelled from the Netherlands to deliver “From Exit to Exist”, challenging business leaders to turn their thinking about the linear economy completely on its head and to recalibrate the relationship between humans, the planet, and our closed system of natural resources.

Margaret Fitzsimons, EDA CEO, said “Our aim with this Conference was to engage and stimulate delegates by getting the right people in the room and the right topics on the agenda. We took people out of their comfort zones and asked them to think out of the box. But it wasn’t all just blue sky thinking, we also gave them practical solutions to current problems that they could implement straight away.”

The day conference was followed by an evening networking drinks reception and dinner, hosted by the voice of University Challenge, Roger Tilling. After dinner speaker Nicolas Hamilton, racing driver champion, a member of Channel 4’s Formula One coverage team, held the room with his personal story of overcoming adversity to become the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship.

A raffle in the evening raised £2,940 for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The cheque was presented to Jeremey Saunders, Global CEO at CEF, and President and Chair of the EIC, by special guest Nicolas Hamilton.

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