MEMBER PROFILE FEATURES
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Governance Gordon’s extensive experience means he’s seen some big changes in the industry down the years. One that concerns him is the significant increase in the amount of paperwork firms and individuals must now complete. He said: “It’s affected everyone and it’s been accompanied by the passing of risk and responsibility down the supply chain.” Despite the hurdles faced over the years, he believes Aird Walker & Ralston’s continued success is based on the firm’s ethos of training, behavioural culture and strong governance. “Throughout its history, directors have focused relentlessly on the need to explore various industries for potential work, putting an emphasis on training and developing craft apprentices,” he said. “Our track record speaks for itself. Looking across Ayrshire you’ll find that many electricians served their time with us and former employees are running their own businesses or are successful with other organisations. Similarly, our switchboards, control panels and motor control centres have withstood the test of time and operate well beyond their designed life expectancy.” As the marketplace changes, so it is important to exploit new opportunities. Gordon explained: “While focusing on current markets among other things we’ve explored the renewable energy sector, providing switchgear and controls panels for solar systems and wind turbines. “We’ve provided control and
software systems for a hydrogen vehicle refuelling station. And we’ve developed a relationship with a local company who produce ‘brining units’ for the roads. These are a liquid alternative to hard grit/salt that’s monitored via telemetry. “We’re also
AS SEEN ON TV
Few electrical firms can boast that they have starred on the iconic BBC programme Tomorrow’s World, but Aird Walker & Ralston Limited can. Back in the 1970s one of the company’s
people – Harry Burns – invented a device to help those who were hard of hearing. Called the ‘Burns Aid’ it was installed at home. When a visitor rang the doorbell, the
device would make sure the lights in the house flashed to let the resident know
18 CABLEtalk AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019
someone was there. It was such a novel idea that Tomorrow’s World decided it was right for their show, which focused on technological breakthroughs and was one of the most popular programmes on TV. Gordon explained: “In its day, the
Burns Aid was a real success. “In fact, there are still some on the
go and we occasionally go out to replace, fix and or maintain them.”
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