[ ECA members: 100 years ]
Pitts Wilson Electrical (ECA member since 1911)
Pitts Wilson Electrical was formed 10 years ago when two long-standing electrical contractors, WD Wilson and Son and Pitts Electrical, merged into one substantial company. Pitts Wilson Electrical now has a turnover in the region of £20 million, and more than 110 graded operatives, from apprentices through to technicians, working on their comprehensive engineering and installation projects. Both companies were founded in Bradford,
WD Wilson in 1910 and Pitts Electrical in 1954. In its early days, WD Wilson was an engineering company that mainly worked within
the textile industry. The company really came into its own when electricity was put into textile mills. Pitts Electrical also focused much of its work in the textile industry but also took on public works. Both company founders were very good friends who were well known within the industry and the ECA. WD Wilson joined the ECA as a member in 1911, but the Pitts Wilson connection with the organisation goes beyond this – Mr. Pitts held the prestigious title of ECA president in 1979. Pitts Wilson director, Eddie Kendall, believes that the ECA sets certain standards to adopt, such as best practice, that really help keep businesses up-to-date and moving forward. The technical and legal help, as well as insurance and HR services, are ‘value for money’ services that Pitts Wilson turns to the ECA for. ‘I do believe that out of the fi rst 100 companies to join the ECA, there are only six
left, which makes this something to be proud of,’ says Pitts Wilson director, Eddie Kendall. ‘We’re here because we care about what we do. We don’t move faster than we can walk, and we are very customer-service orientated. And luck probably has some element as well.’ A recent highlight in the Pitts Wilson portfolio was the new headquarters of
Morrison’s Supermarkets. This design and build project entailed lighting installations, small power, standby generation and UPS installations – all creating a highly effi cient building. ‘We are looking forward to the future,’ says Eddie. ‘I’ve been in the industry for over 40 years and have seen some good times and some bad times – we’re still here.’
About the author
Frankie Snobel Françoise (aka ‘Frankie’) Snobel is a freelance journalist who has been covering the electrical industry for more than four years online, in print and on camera.
Humber Electrical (ECA member since 1910)
Hull-based fi rm, Humber Electrical was founded in 1908 by Mr William Shuttleworth and is now in its third generation of family ownership. The company started off specialising
in marine and shipping work, and has now extended its services and grown the scale of its operations to also include electrical engineering, panel building and land based commercial and industrial electrical contracting. Humber Electrical is still largely associated with the shipbuilding industry and is currently involved in the building of luxury super yachts and naval vessels. Director Mike Mills has helped grow Humber
Electrical into the company it is today. Says Mike: ‘We’ve had our ups and downs and have seen some good MoD work and luxury yacht projects.’ Humber Electrical joined the ECA as a member in 1910, and Mike believes the regional organisation of ECA is an important factor. ‘It gives us a chance to meet up with other members
in the area to discuss matters and to get to know local employers,’ says Mike. ‘We also use the ECA for back-up for grievances and contractual problems, or if we have any technical questions. Their professional team can help on the matters we need and assist our business.’ Humber Electrical experienced a noticeable change in the company during the changeover from old-fashioned type switchgear to electronic switchgear. Being an ECA member gave them the support needed, such as the ECA’s assistance for technical advice and information about the new installation regulations needed. Being a part of the ECA’s ‘100 Club’ is a proud
accomplishment for Humber Electrical, as they weren’t expected to last a hundred years. ‘We’d like to think we’ll be around for the next one hundred,’ says Mike.
March 2011 ECA Today 49
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