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For 125 years, ECA and its Members have been at the forefront of every major advancement in the electrical sector – from the earliest days of electrification to today’s smart, integrated systems. Proud of our legacy, we continue to lead with purpose – embracing change, tackling challenges, and shaping the future of our industry.
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The National Electrical Contractors’ Association was founded as the first national body representing electrical contractors at a time when electrification was rapidly transforming Britain.
Its mission was clear: to set professional standards, improve training, and promote safety in a fast-growing industry.
When ECA became incorporated, it gained a legal identity, which boosted its credibility and made it easier to represent its Members.
This change meant ECA could work more closely with government, regulators, and training bodies, while growing its services across the country. Therefore, it marked the shift from a trade-led group to a recognised national organisation, supporting the electrical industry with legislation, training, standards, and advocacy – a role it still plays today.
The war posed major challenges for ECA and its Members. Many skilled electricians were called up for service, materials were in short supply, and supply chains were disrupted. At the same time, demand for electrical expertise soared in military and industrial settings, proving just how vital electricity was to national infrastructure.
This period paved the way for post-war electrification and greater respect for the trade. Despite being a young organisation, ECA stepped up to support contractors and maintain standards, highlighting the need for qualified professionals, structured training, and national coordination areas it would strengthen after the Armistice.
After the war, electricity became essential to rebuilding the nation, and ECA needed strong leadership to rise to the challenge. Bringing in Leonard Tate, a dynamic and experienced administrator, gave the Association the stability and vision it needed.
His appointment overall marked a significant turning point, and under his guidance ECA secured financial stability, forged industry partnerships, and drove constitutional reform, laying the foundations for decades of progress in training, regulation, and advocacy within the Association.
ECA's move to Savoy Street, Strand in London showed ECA’s growing role in modernising Britain’s post-war infrastructure.
The creation of The National Register of Electrical Installation Contractors, now known as NICEIC, was set up by the industry as a voluntary body to protect the public against unsafe electrical work and help them identify competent contractors.
This was one of the first big steps towards defining competence and accountability in electrical contracting – a clear forerunner to today’s regulatory frameworks. ECA also played a central role in this development, stabilising its position as both a policy influencer and a champion of quality standards.
The Electrical Association for Women (EAW) was founded by Caroline Haslett to encourage women to join and work in the electrotechnical industry. At the time, it was revolutionary – promoting electricity as a liberator from domestic chores and championing technical education for women.
ECA supported and often collaborated with EAW, sharing the goal of a more informed and inclusive industry. Initiatives like EAW’s apprentice medal scheme inspired skill and pride among apprentices – values that remain central to ECA’s training and recognition programmes today.
As electricity use grew in homes and businesses, many non-specialists lacked up-to-date knowledge on safe installation.
Safety First helped close that gap by promoting better coordination between trades and reducing risks. It positioned ECA as not just a trade body but a public educator and safety advocate, reinforcing its leadership in best practice and anticipating today’s focus on compliance, risk management, and collaboration.
The war put huge pressure on skilled labour and supply chains, but it also highlighted how essential reliable electricity was – for factories, hospitals, air-raid precautions, and military command centres.
Electrical contractors were vital to home-front resilience, and ECA worked closely with government to ensure Members supported the national effort. It helped coordinate labour, keep apprentice training going under tough conditions, and maintain standards despite shortages. This period cemented ECA’s role as more than an industry body; it became a key partner in national infrastructure and emergency response.
When World War II ended and Britain selected its first peacetime Labour Government, ECA moved quickly to support the reconstruction demands of post-war Britain.
Working with the Electrical Trades Union, it launched the National Apprenticeship Scheme to meet the urgent need for skilled electricians. The scheme standardised training, improved quality, and ensured a steady supply of qualified workers – very essential for safety and the rapid electrification of homes and industries. This partnership highlighted ECA’s leadership in workforce development and its commitment to collaboration, setting a model that raised professionalism and cemented the industry’s reputation.
Within this period, ECA also introduces its innovative 'Safe Hands' device, designed to keep workers' hands away from hazardous impact zones, pinch points, or suspended loads during tasks.
As electricity became more widespread and complex, consumers needed confidence that work was safe and reliable.
ECA responded by introducing the Guarantee of Work Scheme, setting benchmarks for professional standards, reducing disputes, and promoting accountability. This early move in quality assurance and consumer protection later evolved into today’s Warranty Scheme, which continues to uphold ECA Members’ reputation and support industry growth.
ECA and the Electrical Trades Union set up the Joint Industry Board (JIB), which became a cornerstone of the UK electrical contracting sector.
It set clear benchmarks for wages, working hours, benefits, and training, which not only led to the professionalism of the industry, but also balanced employer and worker needs as it created a structured approach to skills development and industrial harmony.
ECA introduced the Edmundson Electrical Awards to shine a spotlight on outstanding apprentices in the electrotechnical industry.
This award consistently celebrates talent, dedication, and achievement, giving the next generation the recognition they deserve. In 2025, the Edmundson Award celebrated its 50th year anniversary.
National Electrotechnical Training (NET) was established to give the industry a unified approach to apprenticeships and skills development. This move continued to reinforce ECA’s commitment to high-quality training and building a strong, skilled workforce for the years ahead.
ECA and Unite the Union joined forces to create JTL, an organisation focused on managing training in the electrical sector. A decade later, JTL became a charity and has since grown into one of the UK’s top three work-based learning providers.
This venture not only strengthened trust among contractors and businesses, but also reinforced ECA’s image as a forward-thinking leader dedicated to shaping the future of the electrical sector.
ECA celebrated 100 years of its establishment and service for its Members, and marked the occasion with a major safety campaign called Zero Accident Potential (ZAP), as part of an industry-wide inititative to cut accidents, hazardous situations and occupational ill-health in the industry.
This continously proved ECA’s dedication to protecting contractors and promoting a culture of safety.
The Fire and Security Association (FSA) was formed by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and Scotland’s SELECT trade association to support businesses specialising in electronic fire, emergency, and security systems.
As the leading trade body in this fast-growing sector, the FSA provides a dedicated platform to raise industry standards, promote best practices, and help Members grow and adapt. By co-founding the FSA, ECA strengthened its role as a comprehensive industry leader, increasing tailored resources, representation, and training for fire and security specialists.
Steve’s appointment at the helm of ECA has seen major impact in the electrotechnical industry – from ECA campaigning for Government to take action on reforming late payment and retention practices; to working with Government on the Building Safety Act, which has fundamentally changed how the industry operates.
Also during his tenure, harnessing clean energy safely has been at the root of ECA’s work. The Leading the Charge and Electrifying Our Future campaigns have shown what ECA Members are doing to ensure the right competency and skills are there to help meet the UK’s carbon neutral targets by 2050. ECA has also voiced the need for apprenticeships to be more affordable to businesses and the return on investment needs to be seen quicker.
As ECA's first ever female President, Diane was instrumental in the creation and launch of the Wired for Success campaign to overcome the under-representation of women in the electrical contracting sector. The initiative provided many unemployed women with a tailored two-year training course to kick-start an electrical career.
Following the campaign’s success, Diane wanted the same principles applied across the country and to other trade professions. As a result of her efforts, Diane was subsequently nominated for the First Women Awards, which recognised trailblazing women who lay the foundations for the next generation of female talent. She was also a key figure in the launch of TESP.
Certsure LLP was created both by ECA and Electrical Safety First to offer certification and professional services for the building services sector, mainly through the NICEIC and ELECSA brands.
This partnership made it easier for contractors to access trusted quality checks and support, helping raise standards and boost professionalism across the industry.
ECA introduced its annual Industry Awards to celebrate the best in the electrical contracting industry, showcasing innovation, excellence, and best practice among Members.
Winners were chosen across eight categories at the time – including Contractor of the Year and Excellence in Training and Development, were selected by independent judges. These awards not only recognise outstanding achievements but also help raise standards and profiles, reinforcing ECA’s role as a leader in quality and professional growth.
The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) was set up by ECA alongside JIB, SELECT, SJIB, and Unite the Union to drive skills development across the electrotechnical industry.
Working with other partners like JTL, NET, and IET, TESP brings the sector together to shape training and ensure the workforce has the right skills for today and the future.
Brexit brought big challenges for the electrotechnical sector, like supply chain delays, rising costs, and new rules on labour and standards.
However, ECA stepped up, providing clear guidance, lobbying for fair trade terms, and helping Members navigate compliance and workforce changes. This proactive approach didn’t just ease the transition; it cemented ECA’s reputation as a trusted leader and problem-solver, showing Members they could rely on ECA when it mattered most.
ECA introduced the Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances (ETCAs) to connect Members, skills providers, and local authorities.
The goal? To help ECA Members train and employ competent professionals in their region. Each ETCA brings together local Members, education providers, and other stakeholders to create action plans that improve skills and career opportunities in the electrotechnical sector.
Ruth Devine MBE became ECA’s second-ever female President – a near revolutionary moment for ECA and the industry. Her appointment showed ECA’s commitment to diversity and fresh thinking, while her focus on skills and training reinforced ECA’s role as a modern, forward-looking leader.
This move didn’t just make headlines; it mostly strengthened ECA’s reputation as an organisation that champions progress and sets the pace for the future.
ECA published its provoking Blueprint for Electrification, setting out 10 key recommendations to speed up the UK’s shift to clean energy.
Top proposals included creating a national electrification taskforce, overhauling training to prioritise apprenticeships, offering grants for qualified electricians, and streamlining building regulations to make homes “electric-ready”. The report also called for fair payment terms, support for UK manufacturing, and a national awareness campaign to tackle misinformation.
These steps aim to put electricians at the heart of the net-zero journey and reinforce ECA’s leadership in shaping a greener future.
ECA introduced the Growth Hub as a one-stop resource to help ECA Members grow their businesses.
It currently brings together practical tools, expert advice, and tailored support on everything from winning work and improving efficiency to navigating new markets.
Overall, the Growth Hub reinforce ECA’s continuous commitment and effort to help Members thrive, adapt, and stay competitive in a fast-changing industry.
