Party conferences offer a brilliant opportunity for ECA to raise its profile and its concerns with a whole raft of parliamentarians. This year it was more important than ever, with the largest ever intake of new MPs with little knowledge of our industry. I visited Lib Dem. conference in Brighton and Labour conference in Liverpool with the aim of putting ECA firmly on the political map.
ECA are well placed to work with the new government as several of their missions rely on the electrical sector to deliver for them. ECA’s priorities - business resilience, skills for the future, and the safe transition to net zero - align with the Economic Growth, Net Zero and Breaking down barriers to opportunities missions.
It was noticeable how much I had to return to first principles with many of the new MPs and Ministers, a theme found outside of the conference circuit too. I spent time explaining the vital part electricians play in providing the safe and reliable electricity we all enjoy today. I outlined why it is important to collaborate with industry when developing training and apprenticeships. And of course, the critical role of industry-agreed competence standards to prevent future tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower Fire.
In both conferences I found a surprising degree of understanding about the issues facing SMEs. Late payments (which has since seen legislation enacted), employment concerns, and cash flow. In both conferences I made sure ECA’s priorities were heard. In Liverpool I was delighted to receive a warm response from the Chancellor to my question about gender diversity in the electrical industry.
The most important reason for attending conferences was that ECA was there, and seen to be there. It is strategically important to be visible at these events, to ask questions in a public arena, and to stand alongside industry colleagues on matters of concern. With the power and resources of the hydrogen lobby, it is hardly a surprise to see them at every fringe event. Hydrogen is often on the lips of many parliamentarians. While hydrogen has its place in the path to alternative energy sources, it is not the best route to achieving the legally binding net zero targets which are only six years away.
Electrification is of course the route advocated by ECA. It was therefore good to see strong representation from other parts of the electrical industry. When our voices combine the electrical lobby is strengthened, but it could be stronger. Labour conference provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with other electrical organisations. Other parts of the industry are experiencing issues similar to ECA Members and firmly support our positions on skills (scroll to bottom), safety and business.
I’ve come away from both conferences with little fresh political knowledge. Not much can be said by either government or opposition until more is known. Everyone is waiting for the budget on 30th October. Yet, I had a real sense there is a job to do in educating our politicians about the concerns of our industry. There are abundant opportunities for the electrical industry to support cross party goals and we must capitalise on this moment. I do sense, for the first time for a long while, that our knowledge and experience is being heard and recognised.