Electrical Industry Awards 2026 – ‘And the winners are…’

The Electrical Industry Awards are often seen as a celebration for established businesses, but the list of winners also shows where the sector is heading. EvoEnergy, a specialist in solar PV and battery storage, was one of the three organisations to take home two awards. That points to how central renewable and low-carbon technologies have become to mainstream electrical work. NAPIT's double win is also significant. As a government-approved competent person scheme operator, NAPIT plays a key role in how electricians self-certify notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations and demonstrate ongoing competence. For trainees and qualified electricians alike, the winners reflect an industry that increasingly values technical skill alongside demonstrable compliance and up-to-date knowledge. The organisers noted that this year's awards came against a backdrop of new regulations and evolving standards, and anyone working in the trade will recognise that pressure. Recent amendments to BS 7671 have introduced new requirements around prosumer installations, energy storage and protective devices. Further revisions to the Wiring Regulations will continue to shape how installations are designed, inspected and certified. Staying current with the 18th Edition and any subsequent changes is not optional for electricians who want to stay registered with a competent person scheme. Inspection and testing competence, typically evidenced through a qualification such as the City & Guilds 2391, remains one of the most sought-after skills among contractors handling periodic inspections, EICRs and commissioning work. For those at the start of their careers, recognition of firms like C&B Electrical Contractors is a reminder that the businesses doing well are typically those investing in their people. Progression usually begins with foundational qualifications such as the 2365 diplomas, followed by on-site competence assessment through an NVQ Level 3 and the AM2 to achieve full electrician status. From there, many electricians choose to specialise in growth areas such as solar PV, battery storage or EV charging, where demand for qualified installers continues to outpace supply. Industry awards may only last a single evening, but the trends behind them are a useful guide for planning long-term skills development.