Frankfurt industry fair leads the way
In March, a large group of senior UK wholesalers and trade body representatives joined an Electrical Distributors Association (EDA)-led UK delegation to Frankfurt’s Light + Building 2024.
Quite simply, Light + Building is the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, and this year’s show majored on product sustainability and enabling connectivity. ECA Technical team members and ECA President-elect Stuart Smith joined the EDA delegation in Frankfurt, along with representatives from SELECT, BEAMA, BCA and the LIA.
The Frankfurt trade fair attracted over 150,000 visitors from around the world. Commenting on the show, EDA CEO Margaret Fitzsimons said “Light + Building is an international meeting place where innovators and visionaries show the future of the electrotechnical sector, and there is simply nothing of this scale and ambition in the UK”.
Productivity and sustainability on show
The ECA team was led by Director of Technical and H,S&E Mike Smith, who added “I’d like to congratulate the EDA for assembling a great delegation of experienced industry professionals and providing such an inspirational event schedule. Light + Build was far more extensive than I had ever imagined. It was particularly impressive to see how manufacturers have developed products with the contractor in mind, making them easier to incorporate into design and installation, and to maintain or upgrade”.
According to ECA’s Head of Technical Gary Parker “This was a wonderful opportunity to meet manufacturers who are developing innovative solutions to both engineering and environmental challenges. The EDA were perfect hosts for an event that excels in highlighting where the industry is now, and where it is going in the future.”
Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR added “Light + Build an enormous, industry-leading shop window that shows how the industry is pursuing product performance, sustainability and installer productivity. We were privileged to see product sustainability innovations that will be coming to the UK in the future.”
ECA works closely with its Members, industry partners and Government to raise the profile of electrical contractor in the transition to Net Zero Carbon. We produce regular guidance notes, technical bulletins, and industry updates to keep Members at the forefront of the Net Zero transition. Learn more here.
This article appears on the ECA news and blog site as 'Frankfurt industry fair leads the way' dated April 4, 2024.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles about electricity.
- Consumer electronics.
- Consumer unit.
- ECA articles.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrical system.
- Electrotechnical Assessment Specification.
- Human-centric lighting.
- Illuminance.
- Lamp efficacy.
- Light as a Service LaaS.
- Light obstruction notice.
- Light pollution.
- Lighting and energy efficiency.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Lighting control.
- Lighting designer.
- Lighting energy numeric indicator LENI.
- Lighting for circadian rhythms.
- Luminaire efficacy.
- Luminous flux.
Featured articles and news
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.



























