Martin Bailey was inaugurated as the president of The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) for 2009-2010 at the opening of the organisation’s annual industry conference. 

Mr Bailey replaces outgoing president Allan Littler and brings with him almost thirty years of industry experience. He started his career at NG Bailey as a student apprentice in 1980, where he has since worked his way through the ranks to his most recent roles of managing director of the company’s M&E division and subsequently chief innovation officer for the organisation.

“Having long recognised the ECA’s valuable role in terms of industry knowledge and influence, it’s a huge honour to be inaugurated as president of such an established institution,” said Mr Bailey. “I’d also like to acknowledge Allan Littler’s contribution in a time of economic uncertainty, and thank him for all his hard work during his presidency.”

During his acceptance speech at the conference, Mr Bailey outlined his aims for the year ahead, particularly the commitment to delivering best practice and innovation which will be key to the electrical contracting industry meeting the challenges and opportunities that it will encounter in the tough economic climate we will face over the next year.

Another major focus during Mr Bailey’s term in office will be sustainability; ensuring members are conscious of the environmental agenda and equipped to meet the demands of governmental targets, including legislation and regulatory changes.

In order to meet these challenges head on and remain competitive going forward, the industry will have to continue its investment in training, a topic on which he shares the huge passion of former ECA presidents Allan Littler and Bob Hall, who introduced and pioneered the ECA’s £10million Training Fund in 2008.

Mr Bailey said: “In times like these, I believe that innovation is more important than ever. It should be an urgent priority for all contractors to implement smarter ways of working throughout the entire supply chain.”

Allan Littler welcomed Mr. Bailey to the role and wished him the best for the year ahead, saying: “Despite the difficulties faced by the industry, contractors represented by the ECA continue to be resilient. I have no doubt that Martin will be a strong and strategic president during these challenging times, and I pledge my full support for his term in office.”