Industry insight - Electrical Compliance and Safety

ECS has built a successful electrical business by focussing on the needs of social housing providers. We caught up with Steve Skillern, head of technical, to discover the secrets of how they manage over 25000 electrical installation condition report (EICR) visits a year.

By Gary Hayers
Monday 19th August 2019

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Some of the fastest-growing electrical contracting businesses are those that specialise in a particular application. From electric vehicle charging to smart homes, a growing demand creates excellent business opportunities. Reflecting the increased scrutiny of the social housing sector, Pete McGowan decided in 2015 to rebrand his business Electrical Compliance and Safety (ECS). The rebranded business now has a complete focus on testing, remedial works and upgrades, mainly within the social housing sector. Clients include Methodist Homes, Your Housing Group, WM Housing Group, Nottingham City Homes and Notting Hill Genesis, to name but a few.

Video Interview: Steve Skillern, head of technical at ECS

Process is key

Specialism enables a business to build up valuable sector knowledge, which can then be used to increase productivity. Coordinating thousands of electrical testing and remedial activity visits is a mammoth task. In response to the challenge, ECS has developed a great software platform which essentially automates the entire business process. The unique software platform allows the electricians to document and record the work on-site, communicate back to the office for technical advice and schedule any follow-up visits with the tenants. Housing provider clients also have direct access to the platform so they can monitor performance and validate compliance.

Growing the niche

The sector focussed approach is paying off. ECS has grown to over 120 employees based from offices in Corby, Brighton, Widnes and a Glasgow. The systems and procedures developed, for electrical compliance, have created expansion opportunities beyond electrical testing. ECS recently acquired Total Environmental Compliance, a specialist water safety and legionella consultancy. This bolt-on acquisition is a stepping stone to building a full service incorporating electric, water, gas, fire and asbestos compliance.