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02/07/2007 12:04:58 - NCN Forum June 2007
"Would the formation of a UK based trade association specifically for installers and integrators of communications network infrastructures in order to further their aims, address collective issues and share knowledge be a good idea? If so, what would be the best way of achieving this?"
I bet some of you would say that we already have one. Wrong, most of the current trade bodies seem more focused on squeezing your hard earned cash than providing a service. Sorry, did I forget that you do get the nice logo for your business cards and the lure of essential to attend conferences in far flung exotic locations. Now you’re talking! Just need the boss to sign the travelling expenses off. Let’s not forget the letters after your name are also of great importance. But how does that actually help installers and customers?? Not a lot is my view.
Yes, we would greatly benefit from a UK based trade association. But it needs to be set up and led by the member companies themselves. It could agree “realistic” installation standards and perhaps help with the current Health and Safety minefield. If well managed, it would be adopted as a standard that customers recognize and thus promote a realistic and practical approach to installation. Note the word “practical”. If you implemented the installation methodology that some bodies recommend there would be no way, short of rebuilding, that a cabling system could be deployed in the majority of buildings in the UK. Another benefit would be a forum where companies in the industry can meet, debate issues relevant to the industry and discuss policy. The gossip potential alone would be superb. This industry has traditionally been steered (not to be confused with led) by the manufacturers and bigger companies. Surely its time to change and get something sensible in place.
date:02/07/2007 12:04:58
