Life insurance is a vital component of financial security. In the unfortunate event of a policyholder’s death, it provides a lump sum payment to beneficiaries that can cover funeral expenses, replace lost income, and settle outstanding debts, including mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. This protection is especially important for those with young children, homeowners with mortgages, and business owners who wish to leave a lasting financial legacy.

Life insurance ensures your dependents are financially secure, allowing your family to maintain their standard of living during a challenging time, and alleviating the burden of financial concerns as they navigate their grief.

Life Insurance is usually something that people save for tomorrow, but anything can happen that can have a negative impact on your premiums or level of cover, such as your age, financial situation, illness, or accidents. The sooner you have appropriate cover in place, the more secure you will feel and the more control you will have.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the UK protection insurance market paid out an impressive total of £5.7 billion in claims in 2019, which included £1.6 billion for critical illness cover and £2.1 billion for life insurance.

Despite this, research from Royal London reveals that only 35% of UK adults have life insurance, leaving a significant number of individuals and families financially exposed in the face of a serious illness or untimely death.

If you’re interested in exploring your life insurance options, our Financial Planner, Anna Gooch*, is available to review your needs and help you find the right insurance provider for your situation. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take the first step towards securing your loved ones’ financial future today.

*Adams and Bowles Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place.

Welcome to the Electrical Industries (EIC) ‘Give up your Cup’ campaign that’s all about turning a simple daily indulgence into an act of generosity.

For just £3 a month (the price of a coffee), you can make a significant difference to your colleagues. By sacrificing a single cup of coffee you’ll be contributing to the work of the EIC.

Please join us in making a tangible impact on the lives of people in our industry by setting up a monthly donation today. Your support means the world to us and all the people we support and their families.

The EIC is dedicated to helping people in the electrical and energy industry. We offer a helping hand when things get tough. We can support you and your family with a variety of services and think of ourselves as an umbrella charity; when everything feels like it’s falling apart, we’re here to provide the shelter and support you need to weather the storm. Our services are free and confidential, we ensure that every person receives tailored support based on their unique needs. 

Please sign up today, it literally is the price of just one cup of coffee!

Donate Here

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Matt Smalls rows to the North Pole!!!

On Saturday, 15 March, Matt Small, Commercial and Finance Director at Aico, embarked on his first-ever rowing event—the 2025 Monford Challenge. Rowing alongside three teammates, Matt faced a gruelling 20km course on the River Severn, a test of both endurance and determination.

The challenge began with an upstream battle to the ‘North Pole’—the most northerly point of the River Severn—before turning for a high-speed race back downstream. Seasoned rowers had warned him, calling it “a killer!”, but Matt was ready to push his limits and take on the monumental task.

Matt’s vessel for the day was Jemima Fawr (Big Jemima)—one of the oldest and most battered boats on the course. Yet, despite her age, she was more than up for the challenge.

Starting at the back of the pack against a fleet of sleek Celtic Longboats, Matt and his team powered through, making impressive progress. “We started from the back of the pack, but we powered our reliable Pembroke through the field, overcoming early clashes of oars to make solid progress upstream, overtaking several Celtics along the way,” Matt recalled.

As the team approached the turn upriver, an unexpected tangle with a tree added to the day’s challenges. But the real test came on the way back.

“What goes up must come down,” Matt reflected. “We made our way back, only to find a headwind around every corner—which didn’t seem possible given the river’s route around Shrewsbury!”

With fatigue setting in, the race became a battle of mind over matter. Matt and his team dug deep, refusing to give up. As they passed through Shrewsbury, they managed a surprisingly strong final turn, leading into a head-to-head sprint to the finish line.

Despite the punishing conditions, Matt and his team crossed the finish line in 16th place overall and 2nd in the Pembroke class – an outstanding achievement for their first-ever rowing event.

Reflecting on the experience, Matt shared, “It’s a result that fills me with immense pride, especially considering it was our inaugural adventure in competitive rowing.”

Matt described the Monford Challenge as one of the hardest physical and mental tests he’s ever faced.

“This race was a true test of endurance. It pushed me to dig deep, reminding me how powerful teamwork, a positive attitude, and supporting each other can be – the same values that drive us at Aico to make a real difference,” he reflected.

Matt’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination, teamwork and resilience. His adventure on the River Severn was not just about rowing—it was about pushing limits and proving that, with the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be conquered.

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Stress Awareness Month: A Call to Action from the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC)

Stress Awareness Month is a vital event observed every April, aimed at increasing public understanding of the causes and solutions for stress. Since 1992, this annual initiative has been championed by the Stress Management Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting better stress management techniques and fostering a healthier, more resilient world.

At the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of everyone in the electrical industry. As part of our ongoing efforts, we encourage you to take part in Stress Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on mental health, stress management and the positive actions we can all take to reduce stress in our lives and workplaces.

This Year’s Theme: #LeadWithLove
For 2025, the theme for Stress Awareness Month is #LeadWithLove. This powerful call to action emphasizes the importance of showing kindness, compassion and acceptance towards ourselves and others. In a world where stress is often fueled by division and conflict, choosing love as a guiding principle can create an environment of empathy and understanding. By leading with love, we can spark positive change in every interaction, whether through small gestures of kindness, offering support to those in need, or practicing self-love.

Why Participate in Stress Awareness Month?
Stress affects everyone, but together we can reduce its impact. By participating in Stress Awareness Month, you will:

Inspire Others: Encourage others to practice self-care and embrace kindness.
Increase Awareness: Learn about the causes and effects of stress and how it affects mental health.
Access Practical Tools: Discover effective stress management techniques and resources to improve your wellbeing.
Build Community Connections: Join a network of individuals working together to promote better mental health and reduce stress.

How You Can Get Involved
There are many simple ways you can contribute to Stress Awareness Month:

Practice Acts of Love: Small actions, such as being an active listener or showing appreciation, can have a big impact on reducing stress.
Support Self-Love: Take time for self-care and show yourself the same compassion you offer others.
Share Your Journey: Use the #LeadWithLove hashtag to share your experiences and acts of kindness.
Access Resources: Explore the wealth of free resources provided by the Stress Management Society, available on the EIC’s stress awareness pages. These resources offer guidance on stress management, mental health support, and how to integrate love into your daily life.
Book a Session: Take advantage of exclusive Stress Awareness Month rates for #LeadWithLove sessions that focus on improving workplace wellbeing.

Explore Stress Awareness Resources
To support you throughout Stress Awareness Month, the Stress Management Society has created a range of free resources, including practical guides, tips and tools to help you manage stress effectively. You can access these valuable materials here: Stress Awareness Month 2025 Resource Page.

Let’s make 2025 a year of compassion, kindness, and positive change—together, we can create a world where love leads the way.

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Win Big and Support a Great Cause with the EIC powerLottery!

Imagine winning £10,000 with a £1 ticket, what would you do? Escape to the Maldives? Buy that dream car? Well our latest winner, Lorraine George, has just done that and she is making a dream come true and is off to Thailand to celebrate her silver wedding anniversary .

With the Electrical Industries Charity powerLottery, this could become your reality, all while supporting a fantastic cause. In 2024, we gave £70,000 away in prizes and this year, you could be one of our lucky winners!

How It Works

The EIC powerLottery gives you the chance to win big cash prizes every month while supporting individuals and families in the Electrical and Energy industry.

For just £1 per ticket, you’ll be entered into a monthly prize draw with 30 cash prizes ranging from £50 to £500. Plus, there are two £5,000 jackpot draws each year and a huge £10,000 grand prize annually!

As one of EIC’s biggest fundraising streams, the powerLottery is an easy way to give back to your industry while giving yourself the chance to win. Sign up via Direct Debit and you’ll automatically be entered each month.

Why Join?

By playing the powerLottery, you’re not just in with a shot at winning big, you’re making a real difference. The Electrical Industries Charity provides mental health support, financial assistance, and crisis aid to those in our industry who need it most. Your participation helps fund life-changing services, ensuring that no one has to face hardship alone.

What Could You Do with £10,000?

Winning the jackpot could be life-changing! Here are just a few ideas:

Jet off on a dream holiday to a tropical paradise or adventure destination
Finally get that car you’ve always wanted
Treat you and your loved one to a luxury spa weekend for some well-earned relaxation
Indulge in a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Give your home a makeover or upgrade your gadgets

Get Involved Today!

Don’t miss out on your chance to win big and give back. Sign up today for as little as £1 per ticket and start making a difference in someone’s life, while potentially changing your own!

Join the powerLottery today, because when you play, everyone wins!

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We’re thrilled to be featured on The Renewables Podcast.

In this episode, our Vice President, Andy Reakes, dives into the vital support the Electrical Industries Charity provides to those in the electrical and energy sectors. As we mark 120 years of powering support, we’re grateful to Sam Featherstone and The Renewables Podcast for helping us share our mission.

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The prestigious Belfry played host to an evening of collaboration, innovation and charity as Cembre welcomed key customers to their Partner Event. As a leading manufacturer in the electrical industry, Cembre has built strong strategic relationships with businesses. This event was not just an opportunity to strengthen those partnerships but also to champion a cause close to the industry’s heart—the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC).

The day began with a presentation and a factory tour, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at Cembre’s cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

As the sun set, guests gathered for a formal dinner, where the event took on an even more meaningful tone. This year, Cembre have chosen the Electrical Industries Charity as their Charity Partner of the Year, recognising the vital work they do in supporting individuals and families across the electrical sector. To help raise funds for the charity, a raffle and silent auction were held, with guests generously participating in the spirit of giving. By the end of the evening, an impressive £1,580 had been raised – funds that will go directly toward helping those in need within the industry.

Adding to the evening’s prestige was the presence of guest speaker Martin Bayfield. The former England rugby player, broadcaster and actor captivated the audience with his stories, blending humour, insight and inspiration. His speech resonated with many in the room, adding a unique dimension to an event that was already a standout occasion.

Kate Adamczyk, Director of Marketing and Business Development at she EIC, was in attendance, providing an opportunity to share more about the charity’s mission. The event not only generated financial support for EIC but also raised awareness among Cembre’s partners, ensuring that more businesses within the sector understand the crucial role the charity plays in the lives of those facing hardships.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Cembre’s Managing Director, Stuart Swalwell, remarked, “We are honoured to have hosted such a successful evening celebrating our partnerships and supporting the Electrical Industries Charity. This event not only strengthened our bonds with valued customers but also allowed us to contribute meaningfully to a cause that aligns with our values of community and support.”

The Cembre Partner Event was more than just an industry gathering; it was a celebration of collaboration, a testament to the power of giving, and a reminder that the electrical industry is strongest when it supports not just business growth, but also the well-being of its people.

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On a beautiful sunny day in Kent, the EIC’s Lucy Raemers was delighted to receive cheques from both Twelve Electric and ECA Maidstone for £12,500 and £5,000.

The “Twelve Electric Club” has existed since 1936. At first a few friends in the electrical industry met for a few drinks, a sandwich and a game of darts. After the war, it was agreed to meet on the first Wednesday of every month and decided to restrict the membership to Twelve, and so it has remained thus ensuring that thirteen never sit down at the table. The only ‘rule’ is that they have equal representation within the membership, thus four Contractors, four Wholesalers and four Manufacturers.

Now in their 88th year not much has changed in that time. They still meet up once a month to discuss news and events around our industry in Kent, as well as raising money for their industry charity, The EIC.

Thank you to all Twelve Electric and their supporters! The fundraising you do for us is invaluable and means we continue the great work of supporting our industry members through life’s challenges.

ECA’s South East region has been a big supporter of the EIC for a number of years now and raised vital funds for us at their 2024 dinner dance at the Ashford Hotel. They have an active Membership of over 260 companies across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Members range in size from sole traders to larger companies and work in both domestic and commercial settings.

A huge thank you to Astley Pung – Regional Manager and all at ECA Maidstone and their supporters.

A huge thank you to the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) for taking on an incredible challenge that will both raise awareness of the critical importance of high-quality, compliant emergency lighting and support the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC).

The EIC is committed to helping individuals and families in the electrical and energy industries during times of need, providing vital assistance regardless of the size or nature of the challenges they face. The LIA’s Night Challenge not only shines a spotlight on this invaluable work but also highlights the essential role that emergency lighting plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of us all.

The LIA team has been working hard to prepare for their ultimate test: a night-time ascent of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres (3,560 ft). Starting at 3 am, they will race to the summit before sunrise, aiming to complete the climb in under three hours — just before the emergency lighting runs out. This monumental feat is an excellent metaphor for the critical role emergency lighting plays in our lives, particularly when we least expect it.

By taking on this challenge at night, the LIA team is demonstrating their commitment to the cause and the challenges emergency lighting helps overcome — offering support and security when it’s needed most.

We’re truly grateful to the LIA, their members, and the companies involved for their dedication to this cause. Their efforts will make a tangible difference for those who rely on the Electrical Industries Charity, providing invaluable support when it matters most.

Thank you to everyone participating and supporting this challenge. Your contribution is lighting the way for so many in need! You can show your support here – https://www.justgiving.com/page/icel-snowdown-night-walk?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL