ASSOCIATION NEWS
Government consultation welcomed for retentions and late payments ECA has welcomed a new Government consultation proposing measures against late payments, and reforming cash retentions, as part of the new Small Business Strategy launched on July 31. The construction industry relies on excessively-delayed payment periods, which disproportionally impacts the cashflow of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the supply chain such as electrical contractors. The Government’s consultation is part of an economy-wide policy commitment to tackle late payments, help small businesses thrive and grow a skilled, competent workforce to deliver housing and infrastructure projects which meet net zero targets. With 99% of construction companies SMEs and poor cashflow a major concern, construction has more reported insolvencies than any other area of commerce. Rob Driscoll, ECA Director of Legal & Business, said, “In recognition of the need to ‘go further, faster’, Government’s engagement on how to reform retentions marks a seminal once-in-a-generation moment for the industry to come together and shape reform in an area which has stifled growth, innovation and training, crippling supply-chain cashflow and amplifying the repercussions of insolvency for over a century.” ECA is also calling on all trades at all levels of the supply chain to share how late payments impact their mental health.
‘ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATIONS G94 MANAGING THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROVISION OF MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY’ HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY ENA… ECA influences electrical safety guidance launched across the UK
Members of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) have been instrumental in new guidance published by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) to ensure safety around secondary low-voltage electrical supplies. The guidance could play a major role in applications for life safety services and the roll out of electrification such as electric vehicle charging. Buildings such as hospitals and high- risk residential buildings rely on this secondary source of energy supply, which is usually conducted through generators. The generators ensure consistent, uninterrupted use in the event of a power cut or fire and can be lifesaving in situations such as when surgery is taking place or fire alarms and sprinklers need to be activated. In 2023, ECA members told the trade association that it was difficult to apply for multiple low-voltage supplies where additional capacity or a secondary source was required. This was due to having to navigate a myriad of operators which manage the electrical distribution across the UK, and inconsistencies with
guidance between them. ECA met and worked together with ENA to discuss these issues and find solutions. ENA took all comments into consideration before publishing Engineering Recommendations G94 Managing the Risks Associated with the Provision of Multiple Connections in Close Proximity. Darren Crannis, Technical Manager at ECA, said, “Back in 2023, many of our members faced real challenges when applying for multiple low- voltage supplies, especially to support growth and the roll-out of low carbon technologies like EV charging. “Through a series of round-table discussions and close collaboration with the ENA, we helped shape Engineering Recommendation G94. This new guidance provides much- needed clarity and consistency for managing the risks of multiple connections in close proximity. We’re proud to have contributed to its development and fully welcome its publication.” G94 can be downloaded for free at: www.ena-eng.org/ena-docs
www.eca.co.uk
ECA - T: Alfie Watterson, NI and ROI Regional Manager, +44 (0)7971 141911 - E: alfie.watterson@eca.co.uk
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52 | IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE
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