Mr Smith previously held a variety of commercial roles at SES Engineering Services over the past 25 years and was most recently the firm’s estimating and sector director, working on projects totalling tens of millions of pounds.

From 2017 to 2018, Mr Smith was also ECA president, driving forward the interests of the sector and helping it face the challenges of Brexit, unfair payment practices and skills shortages.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining ECA in this exciting role, having supported the association in various capacities over the past 20 years. I am looking forward to using my industry knowledge to help ECA members grow their businesses and navigate the challenging commercial environment.”

Steve Bratt, ECA chief executive, added: “Having Mike Smith on the team further cements ECA’s strong leadership team. Mike’s extensive knowledge, experience and expertise will help ECA power ahead and lead the electrotechnical and engineering services industry to success.

“On behalf of ECA, I would like to warmly thank Steve Martin for the instrumental work he has done for ECA, its members and the wider industry during his tenure.”