November 21 2024
Church House, Westminster
Sponsored by
About the conference
This one-day event will be attended by 200+ government departments, manufacturers, retailers, importers, lawyers, fire and rescue services, and test houses.
The theme for the event is Time for Change, exploring the key trends impacting the electrical product industry.
We will investigate critical issues, offer solutions, and share insights on the growing need for electrical product innovation to help the UK successfully transition to a net zero future. .
A range of engaging presentations, panel discussions and fireside chats will cover topics from the impact of changes in government on risk and enforcement to Keeping safety at the forefront of net zero progress, a look at the changing tide of global markets as well as looking forward to what changes we see on the horizon.
Agenda
Hosts
Martyn Allen, Technical Director, Electrical Safety First
Martyn leads the charity’s electrotechnical team as an impartial centre of excellence for the safety of electrical installations and products – including representing consumer safety interests on a range of British, European and International Committees.
Originally trained as an underground electrician with British Coal, he worked in engineering risk management with Royal and Sun Alliance for 16 years before joining the Electrical Safety Council (the forerunner of Electrical Safety First) in 2006.
He is a chartered electrical engineer and corporate member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Lesley Rudd, CEO, Electrical Safety First
Lesley has worked in the energy industry throughout her career. Starting originally with British Gas in Newcastle she moved to London and worked on both gas and power projects in the UK and abroad. She later joined the Sustainable Energy Association, where she spent around eight years campaigning on sustainability and Net Zero, before joining Electrical Safety First in 2020 – a place where she was able to combine her twin passions for safety and sustainability.
Lesley was awarded an Order of the British Empire Medal in the 2020 New Year Honours list for services to UK energy markets and clean growth.
Susannah Streeter, Broadcaster and Analyst
Susannah provides award-winning analysis to the world’s media as part of her role as Head of Money and Markets for the UK’s largest retail investment platform, Hargreaves Lansdown.
As BBC anchor, with a career spanning two decades in broadcasting, she presented flagship global business shows on TV and radio, and now speaks at major conferences around the world, focusing on macro-economics, energy, sustainability, defence and artificial intelligence.
Susannah covers seismic changes affecting the retail landscape in the wake of the pandemic, digital shopping trends and sustainability targets.
Susannah is a popular podcaster. She hosts the HL Switch Your Money On investment podcast, presents the Tech Directions podcast with Microsoft and EY, anchored the How to Grow a CMO series, co-hosted the BackSpace and Beyond tech podcast, featured on BBC Radio 2, and was a presenter for the World Business Report podcast on the BBC World Service.
Speakers
Christopher Bell, Team Leader - Trading Standards, SCOTSS
Chris has worked in Local Government Trading Standards for over 20 years, specialising in Product Safety. Chris is the Team Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council Trading Standards, and is the Product Safety Lead for the Society of Chief Officers for Trading Standards for Scotland (SCOTSS). He represents Scotland on the National Product Safety Group (NPSG), a grouping of Local Authority Safety Practitioners, and is currently Vice Chair.
Tom Bell, UK+EU Regulatory Engagement, Amazon
Tom leads on UK and EU proactive regulatory engagement for product safety at Amazon, as well as coordinating regulatory engagement worldwide. Prior to joining Amazon 18 months ago, Tom worked in the product safety space for over a decade performing roles for both the Office for Product Safety and Standards, where he was Head of Testing Strategy managing a team of 12, and consumer group Which?, where he led the science team.
Jerry Burnie OBE, Head of Compliance, British Toy & Hobby Association
Jerry heads the toy safety advisory service of the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and is chair of their committees for Technical, Sustainability, Toy Retailer Safety Forum, and Regulatory Forum. These committee’s main role is to promote best practice through the support, education, and guidance for BTHA members in relation to safety, compliance, and legal issues. On behalf of the BTHA, Jerry sits on the BSI UK Toy Expert Committees for Toys, Transformers and Electrical Toy Safety.
Since 2018, Jerry has worked on the BTHA’s online marketplace project to try and ensure that toys sold by third party sellers on online marketplaces are safe and in 2023 was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to consumers and business for his work in toy safety.
Jerry previously worked for two of the largest UK supermarkets in safety roles and started work in toy safety in 1989.
Jack Cheeseman, Editor, Electrical & Radio Trading Magazine
Jack is the Editor of ERT magazine, which has been the leading publication for the electrical retail industry for 130 years! Each issue is packed with the latest news and in-depth features covering consumer electronics, home appliances and smart technology both in the UK and overseas.
At the helm for four years now, Jack is often conducting high-profile interviews with some of the biggest brands across the sector, as well as visiting many independent retailers for the magazine.
ERT is dedicated to highlighting and promoting excellence in the industry through its ongoing ‘Turning Point’ campaign, which is aimed at revitalising the traditional independent electrical retailer and encouraging growth through the sharing and adaptation of new ideas.
Phil Clark, Emerging Energy Technologies Lead, National Fire Chiefs Council
Phil joined Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in 1993 and has held a number of roles across the Service, spending a lot of his career in Fire Safety. Between 2022 and 2024, Phil was seconded to National Fire Chiefs Council where his role was to work full time to co-ordinate the work of the fire and rescue service across Prevention, Protection and Response.
His work has been heavily dominated by the proliferation of lithium ion batteries within our built environment and as well as supporting the fire and rescue service, spends a lot of time supporting industry and Government Departments. Now working back in Tyne and Wear, Phil continues to support NFCC as the Energy Technology Lead.
Will Creswell, Deputy Chief Executive, Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), Department for Business and Trade
Will leads the OPSS work to provide a strong evidence base supporting product regulation and policy development. It includes wide-ranging functions covering science, engineering and technology, testing and research, digital and tools, data, intelligence and risk analysis, border controls and incident management. He is also Chair of the OECD’s Working Party on Consumer Product Safety and co-chairs joint sessions with the overarching Committee on Consumer Policy. Particular areas of interest include: development of new risk methodologies, particularly considering new harms related to ‘smart’ technologies, and energy storage (lithium-ion batteries); and challenges for regulation in the circular economy.
Will has been a UK civil servant and regulator for over three decades, working across a wide range of policy and regulatory issues. He was previously Head of Consumer Protection at the UK Food Standards Agency before joining the team in 2017 at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to establish OPSS, the UK's national product regulator.
Sarah-Jane Dobson, Partner – Global Head of Product Liability and Product Risk (Safety and Regulatory Compliance), Ashurst
Sarah-Jane leads the global product litigation and product risk (safety and regulatory) practice. She acts on regulatory, litigious and policy matters across the full product lifecycle in respect of product safety, compliance and product liability and consumer litigation matters.
In product litigation, she has extensive experience defending corporate clients in high-stakes litigation, including notably the highest profile products-related class actions in Europe and unprecedented criminal investigations in respect of breaches of product safety regulations. She also handles product liability claims, regulatory enforcement actions, inquests, public inquiries (including acting as a Core Participant product manufacturer in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry) and judicial reviews.
In product safety and regulatory, she provides commercially-focused advice across the full product lifecycle from market entry due diligence, regulatory compliance, advertising issues to global product recalls. She has been involved in some of the largest global matters, including product launches and product recalls in respect of 193+ jurisdictions.
Sarah-Jane holds prominent leadership positions – including as a Member of the Board of Directors for ICPHSO and as a Chair of International Legal Issues for DRI's Product Liability Committee.
Charalambos Freed, Vice President – Standardization & Government Relations, Nilfisk A/S
Charalambos leads the standardization and government relations work at Nilfisk covering household, commercial and industrial appliances including use in explosive atmospheres. He chairs various Technical Committees within Trade associations, additionally, global (IEC), European (CENELEC), Canadian, German, Greek, and other standardization committees covering safety and performance of appliances.
Sylvie Gallage-Alwis, Partner, Signature Litigation
Sylvie is both an avocat à la cour in France and a solicitor in England and Wales. She has 15 years’ experience in complex disputes linked to products, namely product liability, product safety toxic tort, mass litigation/class actions, regulatory compliance and environmental/ESG matters. She represents manufacturers across industries including life sciences, automotive, electronic products, cosmetics, energy and food. Sylvie is an active member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA) and attends International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) events.
John Herriman, Chief Executive, Chartered Trading Standards Institute
John has worked in a wide variety of regulated industries, from telecoms through to education, and this has provided him with a deep understanding of the importance of effective regulation. His career has also given him a rich diversity of perspective on how different sectors operate, and how they can work together successfully.
Driven by a strong sense of public duty and social purpose, John is driven by the values that sit at the heart of Chartered Trading Standard Institute's (CTSI) work as the professional body for trading standards where he is Chief Executive. He is also consciously aware of the responsibility professional bodies have to use their expertise and experience leading discussions on key issues affecting society.
John is a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, supporting initiatives to bring communities closer together across the capital. Professionally he is a Chartered Engineer but has also studied extensively across different disciplines and holds a number of fellowships. Externally he is a charity trustee, as well as serving in the Royal Navy as Reservist.
Laura Jamieson, Prevention Co-ordinator, Trading Standards Scotland (COSLA)
Laura has been with COSLA for 14 years and has worked across many teams including Employers, Children and Young People and the Migration, Population and Diversity before joining the team that would become TSS in 2014. Laura leads on the prevention agenda including stakeholder engagement and campaign development.
Laura sits on the CPP Communications Group, the Multi Agency Campaign Group and the Adult Support and Protection National Communications Group. Laura also has a background in intelligence and analysis having previously worked for Strathclyde Police, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue respectively.
Karter Kane, Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, Electrical Safety First
Karter joined Electrical Safety First as a Policy and Public Affairs Advisor in January 2022 after completing her Master’s degree in politics at Strathclyde University. She is based in Glasgow and works to develop government relations and policies across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Since joining the charity, she has been involved in campaigns around product safety on online marketplaces, electrical safety checks in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland and expanding consumer awareness of electrical safety risks.
Sharni Keating, Research and Outreach Officer, Electrical Safety First
Sharni joined Electrical Safety First in September 2023, after relocating from England to Scotland in 2021 and completing her Master's degree in Criminological Research at the University of Stirling. Now based in Glasgow, she plays a key role in running the annual Electrical Safety Fund, overseeing initiatives across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the North East and North West of England. Sharni is also involved in research projects focussing on product-related injuries and the electrical challenges faced by vulnerable populations and those living in alternative housing types.
Samuel Lawton, Senior Scientist, Exponent. Ph.D., CSci, MIMMM
Samuel is an expert in batteries and energy storage with extensive experience in failure analysis, pack design, quality evaluation, factory auditing, and thermal testing and cell testing. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and is currently a Senior Scientist at Exponent, where he leads complex projects focused on battery performance and safety.
In his role, Samuel specializes in root cause failure analysis, thermal event investigations, and product validation. He is proficient in X-ray computed tomography, non-destructive and destructive cell testing, and bespoke abuse testing. His previous work at OXIS Energy Ltd included developing novel anode protections and unique cathode materials for advanced battery systems.
Minister Justin Madders
Justin was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for
Business and Trade on 9 July 2024. He represents the constituency where he lives, Ellesmere Port and Bromborough. He studied law at the University of Sheffield and worked as a solicitor, specialising in employment law, before entering politics.
Justin previously lead the labour opposition on Cheshire West and Chester Council and led
the council of Ellesmere Port and Neston borough. He was first elected to the UK parliament
in the 2015 election as the MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston. Justin held a number of
shadow ministerial positions including, Shadow Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy, Shadow Minister for Secondary Care, Workforce and Patient Health and Shadow
Minister for Business, Employment Rights and Levelling Up.
Niamh McBride, Local Authority and Environmental Partnerships Manager, Material Focus
Niamh leads the local authority and environmental partnerships at Material Focus, the not-for-profit leading the UK wide Recycle Your Electricals behaviour change campaign. Her work helps drive the organisation’s mission to make it easier for millions of people in the UK to fix, donate and recycle their old and unwanted electricals.
At Material Focus, Niamh oversees numerous partnerships aimed at increasing public awareness, enhancing consumer, retailer and producer education and participation in making it easier for the public to recycle their electricals. Her work has led to the development of a number of successful partnership campaigns with local authorities across the UK, that have significantly helped boost public awareness and understanding of electrical recycling.
David McKnight, Head of partnerships, UL Standards & Engagement
David develops partnerships to share safety science knowledge and advance advocacy with corporate leaders, trade association leaders, policymakers, and consumers.
He has spent several years building and expanding partnerships in various roles. Before joining UL Standards & Engagement, David served as Vice President of Business Relationships and Partnerships for The Manufacturing Institute, the nonprofit workforce and education partner of The National Association of Manufacturers. Prior to that position, he led corporate relations and communications at the Agricultural Retailers Association, a trade association focused on legislative and regulatory issues.
David holds a B.A. in political science from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia.
Graeme Milne, Chief Executive, REPIC
As REPIC’s Chief Executive, Graeme Milne is responsible for the strategic direction of the UK’s leading household WEEE producer compliance scheme. His role includes overall responsibility for the operation of REPIC’s collection and treatment contracts, support for scheme members and liaison with senior UK and EU government and industry stakeholders to influence future regulation.
Prior to his role at REPIC, Graeme spent 12 years in senior positions at Viridor, one of the UK’s leading waste management companies, where he was responsible for the company’s WEEE recycling division and business-wide strategic sales function. He has also worked for Coca Cola Enterprises and bespoke environmental consultancy, Katalyst Business Consulting offering circular economy solutions.
Heidi Ranscombe, Policy Manager, AMDEA
Heidi leads engagement on smart technologies, frameworks for the energy efficiency and durability of appliances, as well as UK-EU trade issues. She also manages its member panels responsible for smart appliances, spares and servicing. Her previous role was as a Senior Public Affairs Advocate in the energy team at Citizens Advice, transferring in from the International Team of Consumer Focus.
Before this Heidi worked in Brussels. Her role in managing and setting up European industry advocacy coalitions at Edelman followed her work at PriceWaterhouseCoopers where, initially joining a team set up to advise PwC clients, she later transitioned to a role representing PwC service lines within the EU institutions.
Alan Sellers, Principal Product Compliance Consultant, RINA
Alan has over 16 years of experience in product development and manufacturing and is currently consulting in product compliance. Throughout his career, he has worked across diverse sectors, including oil and gas, household appliances, and outdoor cooking.
As a co-host of the BSI’s The Standards Show podcast, Alan helped bring the often overlooked world of standardization into focus, connecting it to everyday life by sharing the stories behind the standards.
In addition to his consulting work, Alan serves as the chair of the UK technical committee responsible for developing safety standards for household appliances. He is also a nominated expert in several international working groups supporting this effort.
With his deep expertise in conformity assessment, product development, and international standardisation, Alan offers a unique perspective, skillfully guiding innovative and complex products through the evolving regulatory landscape to gain access to markets worldwide.
Sarah Smith, Deputy Chief Executive, Office for Product Safety and Standards, Department for Business and Trade
Sarah is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business & Trade. She leads the UK Government’s approach to product regulation and market surveillance, and legal metrology, including administering new sovereign functions such as designating standards and operating regulatory approvals processes and leading the programme on ports and borders interventions.
Sarah has worked extensively with policy departments and regulators in the UK and overseas as a technical expert, and frequently delivers keynote speeches and panel sessions at national and international conferences and events. Prior to joining the Civil Service, Sarah was a trading standards professional working in the local government sector in a variety of leadership, policy and operational roles. Sarah is a member of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. She received the OBE for services to businesses and consumers in 2019.
Claire Temple, Partner, Cooley (UK) LLP
Claire is a partner in Cooley’s product compliance and liability team. She specialises in advising clients on regulatory risk, compliance and litigation issues. She helps clients who deal with products and consumers.
Claire works with them to help bring both digital and physical products to market, advising on labelling, packaging, regulatory approvals and engaging with regulators and consumers. She also has significant expertise in coordinating and delivering business critical international regulatory and compliance advice and delivering complex multi-jurisdictional projects.
Wolfgang Weber, Associate General Counsel, eBay
Wolfgang heads eBay’s Global Regulatory and Criminal & Regulatory Investigations teams and has been with eBay since 2003. His responsibilities include eBay's policies on prohibited items and compliance of items on the eBay marketplace as well as co-operation with law enforcement and regulatory authorities around the world.
He has over 25 years of international experience in the areas of eCommerce, compliance and cybercrime. Prior to joining eBay, Wolfgang worked for various companies in the telecommunications industry, including in the area of regulation and as a data protection and security officer.
And more to be announced.
Interested in event speaking opportunities?
Electrical Safety First’s ‘Electrical Product Safety Conference’ is the leading annual industry event, bringing together experts and leaders to explore critical issues, solutions and insight into safer electrical products – from conception, through manufacture and production to sale.
The conference is attended by designers, retailers, manufacturers, product testing houses, regulators, trading standards, Government bodies and safety experts.
We encourage our speakers not only to share their best practice cases, but also to look to the future on upcoming developments the electrical product sector.
The event is a platform for speakers to share expertise, future-proof their business, get feedback about ideas from fellow professionals and meet potential clients.
If you or anyone you know is interested in speaking at the event please get in touch by emailing ellen.vester@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
Key questions
Why should I attend?
Our speakers share their best practice cases and look to the future on upcoming developments in the sector. If you want to see safety and resilience develop in your business and get feedback about your ideas from fellow professionals, this is the right place to do it.
Who is it for?
Government departments, manufacturers, retailers, importers, lawyers, fire and rescue services, and test houses.
How can I register?
You can register by visiting the booking page.
Can I bring a guest?
Yes, but your guest would need to also register – we have two for one offers to take advantage of.
What happens if I cannot attend?
We regret that we are unable to issue refunds. If you cannot attend, please tell us as soon as possible - your ticket may also be given to a colleague.
Who do I contact with any questions?
Please email ellen.vester@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
Sponsorship
For sponsorship opportunities please contact ellen.vester@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
Headline sponsor
UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships and advocacy. Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables innovation and grows trust by convening experts and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future.
Visit ulse.org for more information.
Sponsors
Supporters
Marketing Partners
Testimonials
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, a great group of people and a really well thought through series of panels, presentations and discussions.
Katie Prescott, The Times
The conference was excellent and my thanks to all the presenters and organisers.
Peter Brownhill, YotoPlay
Every attendee within TS I have spoken with thought it was the best event of the year. What I like about the event is that you have people from industry who really share their passion for the products they are responsible for. It is a wonderful opportunity for those involved in manufacturing, engineering, promotion, and regulation to share best practice.
Cenred Elworthy, Trading Standards, Royal Borough of Greenwich
I think this event was the best one yet! The format worked well, and the narrative flowed from previous conferences and across the panels / speakers very well.
You had a good mix of experts on the panel and I love Slido for questions.
Judith Peacock, Currys