SELECT has presented its most prestigious honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to its southern counterpart, the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), recognising the organisation's outstanding service to the electrotechnical sector.

The accolade was announced during last week's 125th Anniversary Grand Ball, acknowledging the ECA's unwavering contribution since 1901 – one year after SELECT was established north of the Border.

The award was handed over in front of 300 guests at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on Friday 14 November, at a celebration hosted by TV and radio personality Fred MacAulay and sponsored by the Scolmore Group.

Introducing the recipient, SELECT President, Mike Stark, said: "As well as being a great supporter and ally of SELECT over the years, tonight's winner has worked tirelessly to improve standards in the electrical industry.

"They are patient, knowledgeable, always eager to help and go the extra mile to ensure that electrical contractors of all sizes have the help and support they need to carry out their work safely and to the highest standards.

"SELECT is proud to call our winner a close friend, and a younger sister. So I am delighted to present the 2025 SELECT Lifetime Achievement Award to the ECA."

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Accepting the honour on behalf of the ECA were Group CEO Steve Bratt and President Ruth Devine MBE. Steve said: "Everyone likes a prize, especially from an elder sibling, but we've just won a prize from an organisation that is 125 years old and has done amazing things for the Scottish electrical contracting industry and knows us very well. So the fact they have chosen us for this award is a real honour.

"On behalf of our President, all the staff at ECA, and all of our members, a real big thank you for such an honour and we look forward to working with you for another 125 years."

Ruth added: "This award is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges the long-standing collaboration between our two associations.

"Together, we have championed apprenticeships, strengthened competence, and supported businesses to deliver safe, high-quality work in a fast-changing industry. On behalf of our members, staff and volunteers, I want to thank SELECT for this exceptional recognition."

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: "The ECA has been a steadfast partner and a vital force for good in our industry for more than 120 years. Its expertise, leadership and commitment to raising standards have benefited not just its members but the entire electrotechnical sector across the UK.

"We are delighted to honour its remarkable contribution with our Lifetime Achievement Award; it is an accolade richly deserved."

The 125th Anniversary Grand Ball brought together SELECT Members, political leaders, senior decision-makers and industry partners to celebrate the founding of the world's first electrical trade association.

The event also acknowledged the ongoing support of sponsors and Associate Members including CEF, Edmundson Electrical, Wylex, Morton Fraser MacRoberts, Schneider Electric, OCS and ECIS.

SELECT's Lifetime Achievement Award remains the organisation's top honour, with previous recipients including Past Presidents John Noble and Alick Smith and industry payment specialist Len Bunton.

A full report and additional images will appear in the forthcoming edition of SELECT's cabletalk magazine.