We all knew that it was only a matter of time before news of the m&e sector’s major players axing jobs became a disturbing norm

Haden Young may be in the redundancy spotlight this month, but sadly the trend is becoming prevalent throughout the industry as firms struggle to stay afloat within the current recession.

Yet surely there remain other options that do not involve discarding skilled electricians, with families and mortgages to pay, as if they are nothing more than expendable burdens?

Within the car industry, manufacturers have instigated temporary production cuts, offered sabbaticals to staff and introduced three or four day weeks.

Isn’t it about time that the m&e contracting sector became a little more enterprising when it comes to riding out the storm?

In the current climate, the idea of joining an optional scheme to certify competence in the installation of microgeneration technologies would seem absurd to many contractors.

Why should ailing businesses wrap themselves up in more red tape when they are already forking out around £300 per year for Part P accreditation, especially when government grants to push forward green technologies have all but dried up?

There is, however, another reason to invest in microgeneration certification, despite – or more precisely because of – the economic downturn.

Public sector contracts will be helping many businesses to keep afloat during the next year or so, with positive growth predicted for publicly funded areas such as health and education.

New build schools are positively awash with environmentally friendly services, and joining a certification scheme may well win you the contract.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor