Almost 200 senior figures from the UK electrical sector attended the lunch, which was preceded by a press briefing, a tour of Kensington Palace and a drinks reception on the terrace.
The EDA was formed in 1998, having been previously known as the Electrical Wholesalers Federation (established in 1914) and represents the electrical wholesale distribution industry within the UK. Its members account for around 80 per cent of the industry and include the biggest names in the industry, as well as regional and local family run operations.
A raffle was held for the Electrical Industries Charity. Introduced by Pauline Cooke, president of the Electrical Industries Charity, the raffle raised just over £1,900. The prize, tickets to Old Trafford in the corporate hospitality suite, was won by Geoffrey Barkes, past EWF president and formerly of BEMCO.
Steve Bratt, CEO of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), gave a Loyal Toast after lunch, and Richard Shaw, managing director of GreenBrook Electrical, addressed the guests on behalf of affiliated members. The lunch was 
concluded with a heartfelt speech by Ray Evans. the EDA’s outgoing director.
