Obituary: Henry McKay Simpson

ECA is saddened to hear of the passing of Henry McKay Simpson (aka Harry), a former Director of ECA.

Harry was appointed Director of ECA in 1984. Under his leadership, ECA developed innovative approaches to the various challenges and opportunities facing the electrotechnical industry in the latter part of the last millennium.  

With the founding of the Construction Industry Board (CIB) in 1995, Harry played a key role on the Constructors’ Liaison Group (CLG), recognising that the electrotechnical sector could face possibly overwhelming commercial challenges.

This led to the establishment of a parliamentary and public relations group to lobby for legislation to support fairer construction contracts. The results of this initiative are still apparent today in ECA’s and Actuate UK’s ongoing campaigns for fairer business practices across construction.

The CLG activity also encouraged Members to play a more active role in ECA’s public affairs work, for example through meeting local MPs. This increased activity laid the groundwork for much of ECA’s public affairs and public relations work today.

Through the 1990s, Harry managed important internal developments at ECA, including innovative strategies to streamline the Association’s consultative and decision-making processes.  He also oversaw the successful development of the ECA insurance subsidiaries.

Condolences from all at ECA go to his family.