Electrical Contracting News (ECN) July 2017 | Page 33

INTERVIEW firms have a monopoly on a vast swathe of graduates at the moment, and they are not limiting themselves to just business and finance students. Many are spending four years studying engineering or other STEM subjects, yet are then being enticed into a market which will not capitalise on the high volume of knowledge these graduates have accumulated. Ultimately, the electrical industry will find itself at the heart of effecting major infrastructure change in the coming years, meaning it is an incredibly exciting place to be. As a whole, we really need to work as hard as possible to communicate this excitement and maintain a healthy pipeline of talent – both at apprentice and graduate levels – to ensure the industry can really take advantage of the opportunities that are being afforded to us. Are there any sectors that Legrand would like to explore that it hasn’t done yet? If you had asked me that question a few years ago then I would have said ‘yes, plenty’. However, we have worked incredibly hard over recent years to develop our presence in a number of core vertical markets, such as data centres, healthcare, hospitality, education, building services, commercial offices, residential, industrial and transport. It may sound like a lot but we have heavily invested, both through R&D and acquisition, to develop our reputation as a total solutions provider to customers in these industries. For example, our acquisition of both Tynetec and Jontek bolstered our offering in the assisted living market, and last year’s purchase of CP Electronics has helped us enhance an already strong commercial lighting offering for the commercial building, healthcare and education markets. However, we are not standing still by any means and are always on the lookout for further ways to better support our customers in our chosen verticals. Given the sheer volume of opportunity stemming from the greater connectivity we are able to enjoy in both our personal and professional lives, we are very excited by what the future holds for us. Do you have any big industry predictions for the next 5-10 years? The increasing role of technology in our homes and businesses continues to have a major impact on the way that we live and work and I can’t see that changing. Through the development of smart hand held devices, consumers are already aware of the potential technology can bring and it’s only going to intensify. I firmly believe that this is just the beginning of our connected world and it’s important that electricians and electrical engineers understand its potential to help their business to grow. Remember too, that it’s not just new installations – it will be the ongoing maintenance of them in years to come – offering a real growth potential. Smart technology, for me, will be king in the coming months and years, and simplicity is essential. From controlling your heating from a smart device, right through to your blinds, lighting and AV equipment – the potential is huge, but most importantly the technology is here already. Developing systems and solutions that are both simple to use and install is key, but where the technology really brings it home is the ability it has to enhance the life of an individual or a family. What’s great is that technology has moved beyond gimmicks and people are beginning to see the real potential it can bring. Yes of course, there will always be a market for widgets that control your coffee machine, but the real potential is where people can check the wellbeing of their nearest and dearest, 100 miles away; or can control their security system, their heating and their entertainment from a single device, all while saving energy. Technology has the potential to help people live life better every day, and that’s a wonderful thing to be a part of. All in all, the future for the electrical industry looks bright. Not only is the industry succeeding in the traditional elements of specification and installation, but is also now embracing the smart world and all that that entails. 7newstarters... and thewebsite towatch! Beginning with seven core products, the Emelux website will be expanded month-on-month to include products needed on every type of lighting project, covering interior and exterior areas, commercial, education, industrial and even domestic applications to provide general lighting, corridor lighting, stairwell lighting and standard and emergency lighting. All Emelux products will be available with a next day delivery meaning they can complete a project even when design and purchase decisions are left until the last minute. Emelux products are tested and selected to provide h igh quality, competitively priced lighting equipment to comply with the relevant British and European safety standards and are CE marked. Visit www.emelux.co.uk for regular and comprehensive product details, and for sales and for any further information, including photometric details, please contact: [email protected] Halo Cirrus LED circular surface and suspended luminaires LED circular amenity luminaires Discus Stratos LED circular luminaires LED square amenity luminaires Arrow LED batten luminaires ‘Developing systems and solutions that are both simple to use and install is key,’ Stave LED batten luminaires Spear LED batten luminaires (continuous system) www.emelux.co.uk July 2017 | 33 the website to watch