Marking its 12th year, the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) hosted their annual Learning Achievement Awards recently on the 37th floor of London’s iconic Shard. The 2026 ceremony honoured 21 outstanding individuals from across the UK’s electrotechnical sector, recognising exceptional achievement in Apprenticeships or the EDA’s award-winning Product Knowledge programme.
Bringing together EDA businesses from every corner of the country, the awards shine a spotlight on those who have demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous development. Presenting the trophies on behalf of the Association were EDA President, David Moore, Director at Medlock Electrical Distributors (part of the ANEW buying group), and John Henry, Managing Director at EDA Apprenticeships Plus, the organisation which operates the Association’s Apprenticeship Service for Wholesalers and also sponsors the Awards.
Winners were accompanied by those who had played an important role in their journeys – parents, partners, mentors, and managers – allowing them to share the special moment of recognition together. Citations for each winner were read by representatives from their businesses, bringing personal stories to life. As journeys, sacrifices, challenges overcome and milestones reached were recounted, each award presentation deeply personal, memorable, and often moving.
The Association’s CEO, Margaret Fitzsimons, said,
“Each year our Learning Achievement Awards remind us just how much talent exists within our sector and gives us an opportunity to get closer to those who will be the future managers of our businesses. It was a privilege to celebrate the success of our winners with their special guests at The Shard, a venue that was specially chosen to reflect the aspirations we encourage across our membership: to aim high and rise to the top.
“The achievements we are celebrating today are built on training programmes that deliver real impact. Since we gathered here last year, our 12 EDA Product Knowledge Modules have received a second Princess Royal Training Award – national recognition of the measurable difference this learning makes to both individuals and businesses.
“Congratulations to all our winners, and to the managers, mentors, and families whose guidance and encouragement plays such an important role in shaping these success stories.”
