Spotlight on industry stars at SELECT Awards
The biggest, brightest and best from Scotland’s electrical sector were rewarded for their excellence this week at the 2019 SELECT Awards.
The 14th annual event was the largest yet, with more than 350 guests gathering at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow on Friday 11 October to see individuals and companies recognised for their outstanding performance.
Hosted by popular radio and television personality Shereen Nanjiani, and with entertainment provided by Beyond Broadway and Franco, the ceremony was attended by a wide spectrum of companies, ranging from major electrical enterprises to local firms.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the electrotechnical industry, a sector which underpins everything we do in our day-to-day lives.
“Scotland’s electrical trade has earned and maintained a reputation for quality, craftsmanship and excellence and SELECT has been instrumental in raising awareness of quality, safety and the highest possible standards.
“The 2019 awards were all about recognising top performers and once again we were astounded by the response from companies throughout Scotland. Every one of them was a worthy winner.”
As an example of the growth the sector has experienced, the Best Large Contractor award, sponsored by Megger, went to Ayrshire-based Booth Welsh, which has transformed itself from a local company in Irvine into a globally operating concern with hundreds of employees.
Alan said: “Scotland is very lucky have major players like Booth Welsh – which have gone out into the world and come back with hard-won export orders – in its industrial and commercial portfolio.”
The other award-winners on the night were:
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by The SJIB and Edmundson Electrical, won by Marc McQuade, who works with Weir & McQuiston.
EDA Scottish Section Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by EDA Apprenticeships Plus, won by Rian Keegan, who works with CEF in Glasgow.
Best Small Contractor, sponsored by ECIC, won by Aberdeenshire electrical company RH Electrical.
Best Medium-Sized Contractor, sponsored by Rexel, won by Interlink Lighting and Electrical, of Glasgow.
Best Delivery of Customer Service, sponsored by MacRoberts LLP, won by Electrical Solutions Network of Ayrshire.
Best Use of Training, sponsored by Aico, won by JFM Electrical, of Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
Best Visual Promotion, sponsored by Connect Communications, won by for the second time by Ideal Electrical Solutions, of Edinburgh.
Best Health and Safety Initiative, sponsored by Electrical Safety First, and won by EDI-Aberdeen Ltd.
Best Product, sponsored by CEF, won by Super Rod Ferret WiFi Inspection Camera and Pulling Tool
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Schneider Electric, was made to Bernard McAulay, Unite the Union’s national officer for construction, allied trades and technicians, who is also a member of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB).
Alan said: “Bernard’s focus over the course of many years of high-level union activity and negotiation has always been on the workers he represented and he has never sought the spotlight for himself.
“Like many of the people he represents, he has always been a hard worker. He is not only tenacious and determined but is well known throughout the industry as being very capable of driving a hard bargain on behalf of his members. We are delighted to be able to pay tribute to him.”
Find out more about the SELECT Awards at www.selectawards.co.uk
