Exclusive: how to win more landlord and letting agent work
Andrew Heppinstall, founder of Leeds-based agency Unavoidable Marketing, offers ten practical ways electricians can secure more landlord and letting agent contracts Rented homes are one of the steadiest sources of work an electrician can have. In England, private landlords have had to get the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years […]
Electrical industry leaders react to Autumn Budget 2026
Leaders from across the electrical contracting industry have shared their thoughts on the Burnham Government’s first Autumn Budget On Wednesday (29 October), Chancellor John Healey MP set out the UK Government’s tax and spending plans amid mounting pressure to tackle the rising cost of living. Key points include a one-off £100 payment for up to […]
How growing class sizes impact learning outcomes
Shaun Newton, Electrical Installation Curriculum and Development Manager at Smart Energy Training, on why growing class sizes are the leading cause of poor outcomes for learners on electrical courses Around five years ago college classes had a maximum of around 16 people, but it’s been a long time since I walked into a classroom with […]
The cyber threats SMEs and sole traders can’t afford to ignore
Rob Rees, Divisional Director of insurance firm Markel Direct, highlights the common cyber threats facing SMEs and sole traders as electrical contractors turn to social media to entice new business A recent study by Markel Direct revealed that over half (54%) of small business owners spend one-to-three hours per week making content for social media, […]
What does the Autumn Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Chancellor John Healey has delivered his first Autumn Budget amid mounting pressure to tackle the rising cost of living and ease the burden on businesses. From higher tax-free mileage rates to minimum wage increases, here are the key announcements for electrical contractors Tax-free mileage rates increased Electrical contractors who use their own vehicles for work are […]
Exclusive: when unplugging doesn’t stop RCD trips
Usman Ahmed Zafar, founder of emergency electrical support firm Grip Electric, highlights the importance of thorough investigation after a Portsmouth call-out involving persistent RCD tripping led to the discovery of a fault on a ring main A customer in Portsmouth reported RCD tripping even when everything was unplugged. For an electrical contractor, that description is […]
Budget ‘must target cost pressures’ to stimulate trade sector
Trade Direct Insurance has urged the UK Government to reduce cost pressures and implement targeted relief to help tradespeople capitalise on surging business demand ahead of the Autumn Budget It comes after the trade insurance provider polled tradespeople to find out how their business has performed in 2026, as well as what the biggest pressures […]
Exclusive: 10 marketing tips for electrical contractors in 2026
Andrew Heppinstall, founder of marketing agency Unavoidable Marketing, shares ten practical ways electrical contractors can strengthen their online presence and attract new customers When ECN last ran marketing tips for trade businesses in 2022, most customers found an electrician through Google, a recommendation, or a directory listing. They still do. What has changed is how […]
Manufacturer reports surge in compliance queries from contractors
Safety, compliance and clear technical evidence are becoming increasingly important across the construction and cable containment sectors, as manufacturers come under greater pressure to demonstrate their products are fit for purpose The shift reflects the wider change in the industry since the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, which claimed the lives of 72 people. The failures […]
Awaab’s Law Phase 2: 5 things you need to know
From 30 November, electrical hazards in social homes in England fall under Awaab’s Law’s fixed repair deadlines. Here’s what electricians and contractors working in social housing need to know What is Awaab’s Law? Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in his social home. It […]