The Electrical Contractors’ Association has announced the acquisition of Elecsa, the Part P competent persons scheme provider, from the Glass and Glazing Federation. The move sees insurance benefits for ELECSA firms.

The ECA has bought Elecsa, the operator of a Part P competent persons scheme authorised by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), from the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) for an undisclosed sum.

The GGF said that the sale came as part of a decision to streamline its business activities and the electrical sector elements no longer fit with its plans for the future.

David Pollock, ECA director, said: “We saw this purchase as an opportunity to ensure that healthy competition was maintained between the five authorised Part P schemes, while equally ensuring that standards were upheld. As a champion of best practice, the ECA is well placed to support Elecsa contractors with the requirements of Part P.”

Graham Hinnett, chief executive of Elecsa, says: “This is very positive news for Elecsa members. The ECA is the industry’s premier trade association and Elecsa is a young company that has gone from strength to strength. With ECA support and backing we believe that Elecsa will continue to thrive.”

Contractors on the Elecsa scheme will not receive ECA membership as a result of the buyout but membership is open to them, subject to the same qualification criteria and terms and conditions as all other contractors. Elecsa registered firms will now be able to benefit from the ECA Part P warranty, operated by its insurance company ECIC.

The Elecsa competent persons scheme will run entirely independently from the BRE Certification Part P scheme, which the ECA will continue to assist. The other full scope schemes in the market are run by NAPIT, the NICEIC and BSI.