Lighting Up Young Lives: EnergyAce’s Partnership with Wigan Youth Zone

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EnergyAce believes that creating brighter futures starts with supporting the communities around us.  

That’s why our ongoing partnership with Wigan Youth Zone (WYZ) holds a special place in our hearts. For years, we’ve supported this remarkable charity that transforms the lives of young people in Wigan and Leigh.  

Their 2024 Impact Report showcases the incredible difference they’ve made – and we’re proud to have played a part. 

A Year of Impact and Growth 

Wigan Youth Zone is a hub of opportunity and support for over 5,000 young members. In 2024 alone, they recorded more than 50,000 visits. From free meals to mental health support, everything they offer is an investment in brighter futures.  

Our donation of £1,500 directly contributed to sustaining their essential programmes and creating new opportunities. 

This year, Wigan Youth Zone made impressive strides in several areas: 

  • Raising aspirations. 93% of members reported feeling more confident about their futures, with noticeable gains in physical health (83%) and determination (81%). 
  • Reducing isolation. By encouraging real-world connections, youth zones help young people step away from screens, with over 93% saying the experience positively shaped their lives. 
  • Providing critical support. Over 5,300 free meals were served, and 643 safeguarding concerns were managed with care and professionalism. 

Stories That Inspire 

Behind the numbers are real people with incredible journeys.  

Take Steven, for example. After struggling with confidence and direction, he joined Wigan Youth Zone’s Pathway 2 Employment programme. With the help of caring youth workers, he gained the skills and self-belief to secure a full-time care assistant role.  

Stories like Steven’s remind us why this partnership matters. 

WYZ’s new initiatives, like the Life Skills+ programme and Step Up sessions, are breaking barriers for young people. By providing safe spaces, mentorship, and resources, they’re helping kids thrive in school, work, and life. 

The UFC partnership was another standout moment this year, offering members once-in-a-lifetime experience with MMA champion Tom Aspinall and former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev. These events inspire young people to dream big and discover their passions. 

Join Us in Supporting Wigan Youth Zone 

At EnergyAce, we’re committed to making a difference, but this is a collective effort. WYZ’s work is only possible thanks to the generosity of their supporters. Together, we can continue to create brighter futures for young people in our community. 

If you want to join us in supporting this incredible cause, here’s where you can make a donation: https://www.wiganyouthzone.org/support-us/donate-today/. 

Achieving Excellence: Gary Vizard’s Journey with the ECA

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At EnergyAce, we don’t just follow standards – we help set them. As active members of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) since 2010, we’ve built a reputation for quality, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions.

Leading that charge is our Managing Director, Gary Vizard, whose commitment to the electrotechnical industry goes beyond EnergyAce’s success.

From Local to National Leadership

Gary’s leadership within the ECA didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a steady climb built on experience, respect, and a deep understanding of what the industry needs to move forward.

2020: As Chair of the Lancashire & Fylde Branch, Gary championed local businesses, ensuring members had access to the resources, guidance, and advocacy needed to thrive.

2021: Joining the North West Regional Executive Council (REC) broadened his impact. Gary brought that same local focus to a wider platform, contributing to strategic decisions that supported businesses from small contractors to industry heavyweights.

2023: Gary was elected Vice Chair of the North West REC. Under his leadership, they worked on initiatives to raise standards, improve safety, and push for innovation across the industry.

2024: Now, as a member of the ECA National Council, Gary is representing not just Lancashire, not just the North West, but the industry as a whole. He’s helping to shape the future of electrotechnical excellence on a national scale.

From local branches to the national stage, EnergyAce’s leadership has always focused on one thing: driving real progress. Because when the industry gets better, everyone wins.

A Moment of Recognition

At the ECA North West Region Dinner Dance in October 2024, Gary was presented with his “chains of office”. This marked the culmination of years of hard work and the start of an even bigger responsibility.

Reflecting on the honour, Gary said:

“I am very proud to represent both the local area and our North West Region at national council to help drive the future of our industry.”

“I am also very proud to give back to an industry that has given so much to me and my business in our journey for excellence.”

What Is the ECA?

The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) is the UK’s leading trade association for the electrotechnical and wider engineering services industry. Founded in 1901, the ECA has spent over a century setting the standard for excellence, safety, and professionalism in the sector.

Representing businesses of all sizes – from small contractors to large firms – the ECA works tirelessly to:

  • Raise standards, ensuring its members meet the highest technical, safety, and environmental benchmarks.
  • Advocate for the industry, acting as the voice of electrotechnical professionals on issues that matter, from regulation to skills development.
  • Support growth by providing resources, training, and business support to help members thrive in an evolving landscape.

ECA membership is a mark of trust, demonstrating a company’s commitment to quality and compliance. For clients, it’s the assurance that work will be done right – safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

For EnergyAce, being part of the ECA means aligning ourselves with the best in the industry, contributing to a community that drives real progress, and leading change.

EnergyAce: Delivering Excellence Every Day

At EnergyAce, we don’t believe in quick fixes or empty promises. Since 2002, we’ve been helping businesses across the UK – and beyond – save energy, cut costs, and reduce their carbon footprint.

  • Lower Energy Bills: By identifying inefficiencies and implementing tailored energy-saving systems, we help clients cut costs without compromising operations. Whether it’s through power factor correction, voltage optimisation, or active harmonic filtration, every solution is designed for maximum impact.
  • Reduced Maximum Demand: Controlling energy demand is about more than savings – it’s about future-proofing. We help businesses lower peak usage, manage their energy flow, and avoid unnecessary penalties.
  • Carbon Compliance and Sustainability: For companies under increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, we provide practical ways to reduce carbon emissions and hit compliance benchmarks without breaking the bank. From small changes to large-scale systems, we make sustainability achievable.

If you’re interested in saving money, futureproofing your growing business, or reducing your carbon footprint, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.