Darren Crockett elected new SELECT President at 114th AGM
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This year’s AGM saw a changing of the guard at SELECT as we welcomed a new President and Managing Director and paid tribute to several long-serving stalwarts of the association.
Members, staff and office bearers assembled at the DoubleTree by Hilton Queensferry on Thursday 4 June for the annual get-together, which saw a new Presidential Team elected for 2026/27.
First up to the podium this year was outgoing President Mike Stark, who welcomed guests and told them: “Last year was a significant one in the association’s history as we celebrated our 125th anniversary. This was a proud moment to reflect on the strength, resilience and achievements of SELECT and to celebrate the people and businesses who continue to shape the association.
“While it was important to recognise this landmark, we remain firmly focused on the issues that matter most to our Members and ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism across the sector.
“This year has already seen significant changes both in the association and wider industry, but whatever happens, Members can be assured that we will continue to offer the best possible service and retain our position as Scotland’s best and biggest construction trade association.”
After his introduction and approval of the 2025/26 Annual Report, it was down to official business as Mike handed over to Jeremy Chittleburgh, Senior Audit Partner from association auditors Chiene and Tait, who led Members through the accounts.
Next on the agenda was the annual subscription and turnover levy for 2027 and training and development levy for 2027/28, which were both approved by Members.
It was then on to the main business of the day as Mike announced that Darren had been elected as the new President of SELECT for 2026/27, with former Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch Chair David Harris being confirmed as Vice President.
After being handed the President’s medal, Darren paid tribute to his predecessor, saying: “Mike has overseen some significant changes during his time in office, including reorganisation of Central Board, the hugely successful 125th anniversary events, a change in our membership criteria and the appointment of our new MD. In addition, he has been a fantastic ambassador for SELECT, home and abroad.”
After Mike said a few words thanking the Members and his fellow office bearers, there was another presentation as SELECT stalwarts John Noble and Alick Smith were made Honorary Members in recognition of their tireless dedication to the association and wider industry.
New Managing Director Sharon Miller then took centre stage as she outlined her priorities for the year ahead, including regulation, apprenticeships and payments.
Sharon also paid tribute to outgoing MD Alan Wilson, telling guests: “Alan’s leadership of SELECT and the wider construction sector has been outstanding and he’s handed me an association in good shape, with a talented team and dedicated Members.
“For that I am very grateful indeed and I join you all in wishing him the very long and happy retirement he thoroughly deserves.”
Sharon also revealed that, from 2027, SELECT would not collect subscriptions in December or January, with Direct Debits now starting in February. She added: “We are always seeking ways to make life easier for our Members wherever we can, so this will leave more money in your pockets at the times you need it most.”
The formal proceedings were followed by the traditional update from the Technical Services department, with new Director Robert McGoogan providing an overview of the new SELECT membership criteria and their alignment with the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS).
Earlier in the day, the SELECT Central Board met for its second quarterly meeting of the year, during which the Management Team and Branch representatives attended to discuss progress and priorities of the association for 2026 and beyond.
As well as the Presidential Team, attendees included Stewart Anderson and Eric Rae from the Aberdeen & North East of Scotland Branch, Chic Dobie and Jim Cooper (Ayrshire) and Greg Hutchings and Matt Burton (Dumfries-shire).
Also in attendance were fellow Branch officers Alasdair Noble (Edinburgh & South East Scotland), Sean Harkin and Alan Watt (Glasgow & West of Scotland), Mike Campbell (Inverness & North of Scotland) and Scott Lamb (Lanarkshire).
Other guests included Ruth Devine, Immediate Past President of the ECA, SELECT Immediate Past President Alistair Grant and SELECT Past Presidents Alick Smith and Donald W Orr.
Following official proceedings – which included confirming Mike Campbell as new Depute Vice President – Mike Stark presented outgoing Managing Director Alan Wilson with a special tie pin in appreciation of his seven years at the helm of SELECT.
Alan – who will depart at the end of August – then gave a short speech in which he paid tribute to the association’s people, telling Central Board: “It has been a privilege to represent the Members and I am proud of what SELECT has achieved. Thank you everyone for your help and support.”
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