Electrum Services (ECA member since 1907)
There is more than a century of heritage behind electrical, air conditioning and mechanical services company, Electrum Services. Founded in Leicester in
1903 as TH Wathes & Co Ltd. by Thomas Herbert Wathes, this family-run business started out as electrical contractors, installing generators, telephones and electric bells. Throughout the years, the company has also serviced radios, televisions, refrigerators and even automobiles. ‘We’ve changed as the industry has changed,’
says Electrum Services operations director, Steve McKeown. ‘We have identifi ed the strengths of the business and went with those. We have found our niches.’
Over the past 108 years, Electrum Services has expanded its services and evolved into a market- leading air conditioning, mechanical and electrical installation company. With its head offi ce still based in Leicester, Electrum
Services underwent a management buyout in 2010. ‘The management buyout has given us a new lease of life,’ says Steve. ‘We have eliminated central overheads and can now focus on investigating new revenue streams and new markets, while continuing to focus on our electrical and mechanical services.’ Electrum Services joined the ECA as a member
back in 1907, and more than 100 years later still values the services offered.
‘Being a member of the ECA gives you credibility,’ says Steve. ‘The ECA keeps us up-to-date with commercial developments and improvements in technologies and products. Also, the back up services that the ECA offers are useful for a company of our size. And to have the organisation lobby on our behalf is important.’ Steve believes future challenges for the industry lie in advancing technologies and the demand for multi- skilled engineers. ‘There is a need to innovate and embrace technology to a level that a few years ago would have been unthinkable in an industry as traditional as ours,’ says Steve. ‘We need to ensure customers see value in our business through meeting all of their requirements. They expect engineers to be trained to exceptionally high standards and to deliver more services in each visit.’
Celebrating a century of membership and achievement – Frankie Snobel talks history with the ECA’s exclusive 100 Club
lectrical power has been shaping the world for more than 170 years, from the fi rst commercial electrical telegraph in 1837 to today’s highly complex technologies and infrastructures. The UK electrical industry has persevered through more than a century of massive political,
technological and economical changes, growing into a multi-billion pound trade and continually advancing this country forwards into the future. Founded in 1901, the Electrical Contractors’ Association was established to represent the interests of some of the fi rst British electrical contractors and support them through the revolution that lay ahead. Now the UK’s leading electrical contractors’ association, the ECA provides a comprehensive fi rst-class range of tools and expert support services to more than 3,000 of its registered members. But what about those who were with the ECA from its early days? ECA Today is proud to share with you the achievements and history behind six successful companies that have been members of the association for more than a century.
Albert Innes (ECA member since 1909)
This third generation family-run electrical contracting company was established in 1905, installing generators in Yorkshire country houses and bringing electricity to the streets. With its headquarters based in Leeds, Albert Innes now concentrates most of its business in commercial and light industrial projects and currently employs around 25 operatives. Albert Innes’ biggest single job in recent years was the £1.5m rejuvenation and refurbishment of Bangor University in North Wales, where fi ve derelict listed buildings were transformed into a state-of-the-art
management centre. The installation consists of HV and LV distribution, architectural lighting, external feature lighting, small power, fi re and intruder alarms, CCTV, audiovisual technology, access control and IT services. Albert Innes joined the ECA back in 1909 and as a member values the
practical help that the ECA provides, such as industry updates and advice on legal matters. Albert Innes’ managing director, Geoff Innes, feels that the regional meetings held by the ECA provide useful opportunities to get feedback from local competitors and to chat about the common problems faced. ‘ECA membership is recognised as an indicator of an established electrical contracting company,’ says Geoff. ‘We feel the ECA adds kudos and prestige to our business.’ With tough economic times challenging the industry, Albert Innes has turned to its regular clients for repeat business.‘Times are hard, so we have turned to our core business – local councils, the National Trust and building societies,’ says Geoff. ‘Right now our main aim is to slim down and concentrate on core clients and wait for things to pick up.’ Geoff has secured a strong management team in place to carry the company
forward once his retirement days beckon. This young and ambitious team were brought in as apprentices, who have worked their way up the ranks to and are now helping Geoff run the business. ‘The future will go forward with them,’ says Geoff.
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ECA Today March 2011
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