The Electrical Show

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan break down the key announcements from the latest budget and explore what they could mean for the electrical sector and construction industry as a whole.

Joining them are Nikki Davis from Leeds College of Building, Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at the ECA, and Alicia Hempstead, Van Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.

They discuss apprenticeship opportunities and the ongoing skills shortage, changes to taxation and mileage allowances, support for green energy, and whether the government is doing enough to support electrical contractors and small businesses.

With van insurance premiums and vehicle running costs continuing to rise, Alicia shares some advice on what tradespeople can do to keep their costs down.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan zig zag through the different career paths available to electricians. They reflect on their own journeys, discuss the roles they’ve found most rewarding, and reveal the jobs they would — and wouldn’t — want to take on.

From solar PV and battery storage to EV charging, industrial maintenance, fire alarms, data centres and smart home technology, they explore the pros and cons of a range of specialisms.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan take a look at the tools and equipment that genuinely earn their place in the van, the gadgets that turn out to be a waste of money, and whether expensive tools really make you a better electrician.

They discuss the pros and cons of buying duplicate tools, managing stock and supplies, keeping up with new innovations and avoiding equipment becoming obsolete.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan explore whether electricians should have their own compulsory accreditation scheme, following SELECT’s campaign in Scotland to protect the title of electrician.

They’re joined by plumbing and heating industry expert Jimmy Hendry to discuss how Gas Safe works in practice, how engineers are vetted, the benefits and frustrations of the system, and what reforms might be needed.

Thomas and Paul debate what a register of competency could look like in the electrical sector, whether it would genuinely tackle poor workmanship, and what a good or bad version of the scheme might mean for contractors.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Neil Claxton, the Scottish electrician recently named Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, to find out what sets the very best tradespeople apart.

They discuss the skills, attitude, professionalism and work ethic that can take an electrician from simply getting by to becoming one of the best in the business. 

Thomas and Paul debate who else in the electrical and wider construction industry deserves recognition — and whether industry awards should be about technical ability alone, or also recognise customer service, helping others and running a great business.