When was the organisation formed….how many members etc…
The CAI was established in 1978 from the NFAC – National Federation of Aerial Contractors. It’s name changed to encompass a broader remit that included manufacturers and distributors as well as installers of TV and Radio Aerials. From humble beginnings of about 30 members it has grown to a body that represents over 1,000 companies involved in all aspects of broadcast reception. There are around 700 companies involved in installation of some description. These members employ anywhere between 8,000 to 10,000 engineers.
Is your organisation growing…..?
The CAI saw rapid growth in the early 90s with the advent of satellite TV. Over 120 companies joined in one year. A levelling of applications occurred during the late 90s but another upswing was evident with the dawn of digital TV in the year 2000. Since then new applicants have averaged nearly 80 per annum based on nearly 10 new applicants being assessed by the CAI ever 6 weeks.
What the objectives…?
The CAI aims to raise standards within the industry by assessing all new applicants ability to work to mandatory codes of practice. It has full time staff also dedicated to industry representation at national and local government level. It also unites the industry on its common aims and provide up to date information for its members on technological change in broadcasting.
Can you suggest some notable achievements…?
Since taking on it’s administration, we have revived the fortunes of the All Party Parliamentary Cable,Satellite & Digital Group with much improved attendances and high calibre speakers like Emma Scott of Freesat.
We hosted the best attended Trade Fair in our industry for many years coupled with record attendance at a seminar. Over 200 listened to the Freesat talk by Rhys Jones, Commercial Development Manager.
Senior Executive Tim Jenks & Assessment ExecutiveKevin Dawson both achieved City & Guild Awards - Internal Verifier and Assessor status - respectively. The industry NVQ in Signal Reception has been established with CAI input.
The CAI Education & Skills Programme achieved new record high levels for number of engineers trained.
Earlier in the year we employed another full-time Assessment Officer Assessment - Ian Smedley.
In 50 words state why a rigger should join.
The CAI is the trade association with a long history of representation and recognised as the leading representative body in our industry. The logo is now a registered trade mark and recognised by housing decision makers as the logo associated with recognised industry codes and standards. The logo differentiates and installer from the rest and is a prime advertising tool reinforcing company status that has been assessed against standards. The public are referred to the CAI membership via logo recognition in the two major phone directories adverting trade services. The CAI has representation on national TV and radio as well as BBC local radio for impartial advice on reception matters.
What benefits do we bring the end user..?
The CAI polices the standards it imposes on its members and guarantees its members work to the consumer in respect of single dwelling installations. By referring to the logo the public are assured of a quality service at a fair price. The CAI office is manned by full-time staff and all calls are handled in-house – not by a call centre.
