EIC President Alison Chappell and Vice President Andy Reakes reflect on why this year’s powerBall felt so significant. Celebrating 120 years of the Electrical Industries Charity and coming together as an industry made the night especially memorable. Both highlight the power of connection, with Alison valuing the chance to thank supporters and Andy emphasising how heartwarming it is to see contractors, manufacturers and distributors united in one room with a shared purpose, supporting a common cause.

What makes this year’s powerBall particularly special?

Alison Chappell: Very much the fact that we are celebrating 120 years of the Electrical Industries Charity and that we are so close to reaching the full £120,000 fundraising challenge. powerBall is a wonderful chance to hopefully get all the way there. It is also a moment to say thank you to everyone who has supported the charity throughout the year. I really hope all those wonderful people had a fantastic evening.

Andy Reakes: For me, it is the ability to bring people together. powerBall is such a great mix of contractors, manufacturers and distributors all in one room. powerBall gives the industry a reason to come together and connect. I have always believed the charity should support people from apprenticeship through to retirement, and powerBall really shows that in action. It is a special night that brings the whole industry together across different trades. It’s just such a lovely experience.

To anyone who hasn’t been to powerBall before, how would you describe the event?

Alison Chappell: It is an absolute whirlwind of entertainment. There is never a dull moment. There are so many opportunities to catch up with people in the industry you haven’t seen for ages. The entertainment is always brilliant, the food is great, and it is just a magical evening.

Andy Reakes: It is not something you can picture until you are here. You have to see it, you have to live it, you have to breathe it. The show and production are always spectacular, but what makes it stand out is the camaraderie and the shared purpose behind it. That’s why we’re all here. There is a real sense of generosity and community. You have to come; this is the place to be!

Looking back on this year, what are you most proud of achieving with the EIC in 2025?

Alison Chappell: Personally, one of the highlights was joining Jess on the Kilt Walk in Scotland. I had a hip injury a few weeks beforehand, so I was not completely sure I would manage it. But I did, and we had a fantastic time walking the fourteen and a half miles. It was a great fundraising moment, but also such a lovely opportunity to get to know people from the team and other supporters along the way because of the nature of the walk, you can chat with people along the way. It was fabulous!

Andy Reakes: Starting the year with the Jail or Bail campaign felt like a moment that brought everyone together. Trustees, supporters and people from across the industry took part. It gave us a real boost and set the tone for the rest of the year. It showed the best of the industry at its most united and generous. Now we know the charity smashed its target of raising an extra £120,000 to celebrate 120 years of the EIC, I could not be prouder of the team and all those who have supported this amazing cause.

What have you enjoyed most about this year’s powerBall?

Alison Chappell: Honestly, it was seeing everyone genuinely enjoying themselves. So much hard work goes into powerBall and there are so many people behind the scenes who put months into making it happen. Watching all of that effort come to life is something I never take for granted. I always stop for a moment, look around the room and think, yes, all that work led to this. A night where people can relax, celebrate and feel part of something special.

Andy Reakes: I love Theatreland’s show, having people out of their seats right from the start and, bringing together all those different West End performances is incredible. This really set the tone for the rest of the evening. But really, the best part is the conversations. Having the opportunity to hear different experiences from across the industry and seeing how many people care about giving back. This is the one time of the year where everyone comes together with the same purpose: supporting electricians, apprentices, families and retirees. That shared mindset is powerful and such a wonderful thing to see.

Looking ahead to 2026, are there any projects or initiatives you are particularly excited about?

Alison Chappell: I would like to continue building momentum around getting more individuals directly involved with the charity. Whether that is through individual fundraising, participating in the big challenges, or by becoming ambassadors. The more people in the industry feel connected to the charity, the more they feel it belongs to them and that they can help shape it. That is something that we started this year and which I think has made a really positive impact. It would be great to see that getting even more momentum during 2026.

Andy Reakes: Supporting apprentices and those coming through into our industry is always the priority for me. Too many young people can slip through the gaps, and I never want to see that happen in our industry. We have strong support systems, but we can always do more. Helping people into the industry, into training, into stable housing and through to completing their apprenticeships is vital. That is where I want us to keep focusing.

How have you marked 120 years of the Electrical Industries Charity this year?

Alison Chappell: At the very start of the year, we took part in the fundraising challenge ‘Jail or Bail’, which was quite daunting at first, going into the unknown! But great fun once we were into it. Throughout the year I have stayed involved behind the scenes on different things and kept in touch with Jess and the team as everything has progressed. It has been lovely to be part of it through the year.

Andy Reakes: For me, this year has really been about driving fundraising momentum and strengthening the EIC community. I’ve focused on opening the door for more companies and individuals to get involved, not just as supporters, but as active participants who understand the impact the charity has on our industry, and also to more individuals to raise awareness of good work of the EIC. A big part of my role this year has been raising awareness of the support available and encouraging organisations to build the EIC into their own wellbeing priorities. Seeing more contractors engage, fundraise, and give back has been hugely rewarding, and playing a part in that growth has been a meaningful way to honour the 120-year anniversary of the charity.