The Electrotechnical Joint Industry Board (JIB) and Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) hosted a celebration to mark the official opening of our refurbished office space on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
The JIB partnered with design and build contractors Workplace Creations and project management consultancy EEDN on the project. We were also proud to work with a JIB member company J Brand.
Guests from JIB member companies, electrotechnical industry leaders and representatives from Swanley Town Council, joined us to see the improved office space, meet the team, and hear about the work we do:
- Baroness Wendy Alexander of Cleveden, Chair of the JIB, opened the event. She highlighted the JIB’s work in facilitating industry discussions – between the Electrical Contractor’s Association (ECA), Unite the Union and other stakeholders – to set the highest employment standards. She also spoke about how JIB administers ECS, which leads the way in cardholder competence verification.
- Andy Reakes, JIB COO, took the opportunity to promote the work of the Electrical Industries Charity where he serves as Vice-President. A prize draw on the day raised more than £330 for the charity.
- Jay Parmar, JIB Chief Executive explained the significance of the refurbishment as a milestone achievement for the JIB. He introduced Harry Price, Apprentice at JIB Member Company J Brand, who shared his experience of working on the refurbishment project.
- Councillor Keith Mitchell, Mayor of Swanley talked about how the JIB’s continued presence in Swanley helps support the local workforce and demonstrates that this is a town worth investing in.
Commenting on how the refurbishment aligns with the JIB’s mission and future, Jay Parmar Chief Executive said:
“Today isn’t just about bricks, cables, and freshly painted walls. It’s about transformation of space, of culture, and of the way we collaborate. This building will stand as a meaningful part of the JIB’s illustrious legacy and reflects the professionalism, care, and commitment that define the JIB and the wider industry we serve. We wanted this building to showcase the very best of our industry. That meant proudly working with a JIB member company, J Brand.”
Harry Price, Apprentice at J Brand said: “It felt good to be helping rebuild the place that helped build opportunities for people like me.“
Members of the team demonstrated to guests, some recent innovations in the technology that supports the ECS card scheme including:
- Identity verification using biometric facial mapping
- Remote invigilation for online assessments
- AI-enhanced application and automation functions.
The JIB has taken the opportunity, offered by the refurbishment, to honour some of the people who have made a major contribution to the organisation over the years. The new meeting spaces within the office will be called:
- The Latham Room – named for Sir Michael Latham, a Conservative MP and Chair of the JIB from 1997 to 2012. Best remembered for his influential 1994 report on the UK construction industry, ‘Constructing the Team’.
- The McNaughton Room – Paul McNaughton had a decades-long career with JIB Member Company Darke & Taylor. He was President of the ECA (2012-2013), held board positions at Certsure and JTL, served on the JIB National Board (2005-2022), chaired the London, South Eastern and Southern Regional JIB and was a member of the ECS Steering Committee.
- The Spiers Room – William (Billy) Spiers has served as a member of the JIB National Board for more than 20 years and is an active and influential official at Unite the Union
- The King Room – Geoff King was appointed as the first Director of the JIB in 1968 and was instrumental in building the foundations of the JIB’s governance, operations and credibility.
