ASLEC and HEMSA have agreed to merge and form a new organisation called the Highway Electrical Association(HEA). The two organisations,which represent highway electrical contractors and lighting manufacturers in the sector,said the initiative is the culmination of work carried out by both ASLEC and HEMSA Councils during 2011 in order to"re-focus on members'needs.The new organisation said it wouldl aim to"reflect the sector and future aims of promoting the HEA standards and having them recognised and accepted as industry standards,and increase the HEA influence across the industry,working with contracting organisations,DSOs and clients". Announcing the new structure and organisation,ASLEC chair Mike Stephens said:"This is an historic association event and marks a step change in the evolution of ASLEC and HEMSA". HEMSA chair Terry Dean added:"This important step has the unanimous backing of both Councils as well as all the voting members,which has been very positive and encouraging.It brings a clear common aim to all organisations and individuals associated with the highway electrical sector". A statement released by the new organisation revealed changes in its governing body."This will now be the HEA Council,formed from the ASLEC Council and an HEA-HEMSA Council to deal with matters relating specifically to manufacturers and suppliers.There will be a formal co-opting between the Councils to improve communication.The new structure has been designed to encourage ease of access for those wishing to be elected onto council,and to enable recognised deputies for council members,when required,"the statement read. The HEA members have signed up to a newly established,common Code of Conduct based on Office of Fair Trading best practice.Gareth Pritchard,chief executive,said:"This is an important and exciting step forward to bring renewed focus to providing member services and standards for all those working in the highway electrical sector.All contracting organisation members,as well as a number of manufacturers,clients and overseeing organisations embrace best practice by adopting the key principles of the Highway Electrical Registration Scheme(HERS),and these standards are augmented in the new HEA Code of Conduct.HERS registered clients and overseeing organisations will be able to benefit from the support and advice supplied through HEA".
As part of this process,the Highway Electrical Academy has been re-named the Highway Electrical Sector Academy,in order to ensure clarity with stakeholders.
The HEA(formerly ASLEC-HEMSA)Annual Conference and Exhibition on 24th November 2011 will officially launch the new organisation,at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport.
