After founding "She's Electric" in 2010, working as an Electrician and running my own business for 12 years, I now work as an Energy Project Manager for Oaksmere Design. My role focuses on energy saving for blue chip clients helping them to achieve their carbon neutral net zero goals. I feel massively passionate about championing how amazingly rewarding and diverse a career in the Construction Industry can be for absolutely anyone but especially women. We need strong role models who can show what is possible and offer support and guidance. It would be fantastic a career in construction could be considered a first choice and not a last resort by the education sector.
Mark Coles Head of Technical Regulations IET
Mark Coles served his apprenticeship as an electrician with the UK Atomic Energy Authority and worked on many projects including the decommissioning of Windscale Piles 1 & 2, decommissioning of the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR), Cement Encapsulation Plant, commissioning of THORP (Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant) and the Auto-Sampling Pneumatic Transfer System at Sellafield, Cumbria. Mark worked as Contracts and Project Manager in electrical contracting at Canary Wharf, London, and then held the post of Operations Engineer with NICEIC. Mark is Head of Technical Regulations at the IET and is responsible for the development of BS 7671, IET Guidance Notes and Codes of Practice.
James Curnow Electrical Engineer James Curnow Electrical Engineer
James has worked in the electrical industry for more than 20 years. James started out working on the tools on commercial, retail and residential projects, and has since held roles in project management, working on retail and office fitouts. James has worked in the public sector since 2010, and is currently working as an electrical engineer and manages electrical projects from the client side. James creates videos for his YouTube channel and also volunteers in his spare time.
Sam Featherstone Director Oval Renewables
I have been the owner / director of Oval Renewables Ltd since it's inception around 2 years ago. Oval is focused on high levels of workmanship and service that builds on my 10+ years of experience in the renewables sector. The main types of work we complete are solar PV installations, battery storage and backup systems and electric vehicle chargers. I have a true passion for this area as it is essential to try to preserve our world, it's also just really cool and interesting technology! We try to make entertaining and engaging content across all of our social media platforms to promote, teach and inspire!
Ruth Devine Managing Director SJD Electrical
Ruth Devine owns a high-growth SME electrical contractor. She's a strong advocate of apprenticeships and education. Ruth worked with other employers to develop the trailblazer Electrician Apprenticeship standard, joining IfATE's Construction Route Panel in 2017. Ruth chairs the ECA's Skills Committee and the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership. She is part of the Construction Leadership Council's Skills Network and represents the cross-governmental Construction Skills Delivery Group industry. Ruth is an alumni of the Goldman Sachs's 10,000 small business growth programme and gained her MBA at Aston University.
Robert Weller Principal Consultant Electrical Investigation Ltd
Rob is a Chartered Electrical Engineer and has worked as a technical specialist for most of his career. He has worked for, and with UK Network Operators, Industry Bodies and Utility companies to provide technical consultancy and policy services. He has served as a forensic investigator and expert witness and has investigated over 300 electrical fires and/or shock incidents. He maintains links with academia and leading UK consultancies and organisations such as IET and ENA to carry out research and development work to improve electrical safety.
Ian Clark Lecturer North Lindsey College
I started out my career as an electrical apprentice in 1981 joining British Steel. Moving away from the industry I tried other things but the oldelectrical trade never left me. I eventually set up on my own NICEIC Approved Contractor status maintaining domestic/small commercial installs. I had a Change of direction when I was invited to become electrical contracts manager for a building firm whose primary business was social housing. During that time I had always been interested in teaching so undertook the necessary training to become a tutor and finally moved over to North Lindsey in 2017
Simon Smith Director SA Energy Ltd
Simon started life as an electronics engineer, software developer, builder of custom track cars and at some point, qualified electrician. The last 15 years have been dedicated to the renewable energy sector. Starting with LED lighting and controls, then moving into the early solar PV industry. The last 12 years Simon has been installing all types of solar PV, energy storage and heat pump systems. Now running SA Energy Ltd, designing and installing as well as consulting on projects around the UK.
Tom Shelbourne Business Owner West Country Tech
Business owner of West Country Tech. We specialise in the installation of CCTV, internet and Wi-Fi, predominantly on farms and rural businesses. 10 years of working in the smart home, commercial audio visual and networking industries, in London, Australia and finally Devon, finally found me starting my own business. Today, we are a team of 6 growing every year. My inspiration is my family, wife, 2 boys and a dog and being the best possible boss and inspiration possible for my staff at work and my family. The sky is the limit. My biggest advice if you want to do your own thing or excel at anything, watch videos, listen to content until it becomes a part of you.
Shahid Khan is the technical manager for the ECA and is primarily involved with electrical standards committees and codes of practices. He is a degree-educated engineer who holds a First Class Honours degree in Building Services Engineering. He possesses years of varied industry experience and a background in delivering accredited electrical training to blue-chip organisations. He is a Member of the IET, Won the Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Engineering, and is identified as a future standards maker as part of the IEC Young Professionals Program.
Andrew Bellas Lecturer Lincoln College
My goal is to inspire and produce highly skilled and productive Electricians to enhance the local economy and enable all learners to become financially stable throughout their working life. Encourage local electrical companies to embrace CPD increasing their knowledge to drive growth in their productivity and improve the take up of apprenticeships. My most valued achievements to day include being a father to three fantastic children, EFIXX College of the year, being a fully qualified Electrician, Queens Birthday Honour's List, and Running Royal Navy Field Gun.
John Williams Group Specification and Trade Director Luceco Group
John Williams has gained vast experience within the electrical industry over the last 35 years. With a focus on lighting, he's led teams across specification, wholesale, retail and OEM channels. John is now responsible for trade and specification projects within the Luceco Group in the UK and various overseas markets. One of John's primary aims is to build relationships with contractors and champion high standards and achievement within the industry.
Mark Butcher Commercial Director Laser Electrical Services Ltd
Mark is one of the founding members of Laser Electrical Services Ltd operating as Commercial Projects Director with over 25 years' experience within the electrical industry. Mark's role consists of design, business development and leading his team of engineers to provide continuity and seamless transition through all stages of electrical projects to provide clients with a professional service. Marks ethos continues to build successful company’s based on teamwork, long lasting partnerships, rewarding staff, investing in apprentices with an open mind to new ideas and innovation as the business continues to evolve year on year.
Timothy Benstead
Managing Director Tim Benstead Associates Ltd
Tim has spent over forty years in the electrical industry having served his time in an electrical contracting firm in Scarborough. He has worked in domestic, commercial and industrial installations and subsequently spent some 16 years as a lecturer. Since 2006, Tim worked for the Electrical Safety Council as a Senior Standards Engineer and as Principal Technical Author for Certsure LLP. Tim was responsible for the technical output of the NICEIC for some 8 years. Tim is Chair of JPEL64/B and a member of JPEL64. He is also BSI committee member of FSH12/1 dealing with BS 5839.
Joe Robinson Technical Editor eFIXX
Joe entered the electrical industry via the tried and tested means of an apprenticeship starting at the age of 16. With nearly 25 years of experience with electricity he's seen the industry from almost every angle, from house-bashing to working air-side on fire training simulators at key UK airports. He's also been a project manager, a designer and a teacher, and is now a Technical Editor for a leading creator of online content for electricians and learners alike.
Gary Hayers Editor eFIXX
Gary Hayers has been involved in the electrical industry for over 30 years in different capacities, He started out as an apprentice working on domestic, commercial and industrial installations before spending 19 years as an inspiring college lecturer. This got him started on his Youtube channel, GSH electrical, which has reached over 11 million people during 5-years on the platform. He produces training videos for the younger generation who are aspiring to be electricians. He is currently an editor for eFIXX, who recently hit an amazing milestone of 200,000 subscribers on Youtube.
Nick Raimo Founder EV Nick
Nick is an early electric car adopter who decided back in 2017 to start a Youtube channel based around electric cars and the tech connected with them. He's also currently the only person to of independently reviewed and tested the majority of UK sold EV charge points. He knows how the apps work, how to install them and what customers want from an EV installer.
Stephen Smith CEO EV-Comply
Stephen Smith is the CEO of platform d-risk Ltd & EV comply; he has worked from the tools to the boardroom. Working within the energy efficiency and renewable sectors for over 15 years, he has gained knowledge and experience at every level. His SAAS company has picked up achievements and awards designing leading software solutions for the sustainability sector. His company's solutions focus on simplifying operations and processes without compromising on quality, standards and compliance. 'EV-comply' is fast becoming the market-leading business solution for EV charge point installers.
Dean Barrett Managing Director The Rolec Group Ltd
I've been in the industry for over 38 years, I've seen many changes over that time, and am always look for innovation and change. I look forward to contributing to the judging panel this year, and hope to see both quality and forward thinking businesses making a difference to our industry.
Paul Elcock Managing Director Docs-Store
Paul Elcock has over 30 years’ experience in the electrical supply chain industry and is passionate about great customer service. As the Head of NICEIC Direct for 9 years he was responsiblefor the product range through to fulfilment and the development of the electronic certification. He established Docs-Store in Feb 2021 offering compliance documentation and independent electrotechnical publications.
Paul Drosihn General Manager Digital Illumination Interface Alliance
Paul is a highly qualified and experienced management professional with more than 30 years’ experience in the electronics and LED lighting industries. He has held a number of senior roles in management, sales,operations, business development and strategic marketing, at companies involvedin electronics, manufacturing and management consulting. He is a Member of IEEE and AMBA, and a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.
