Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From funny shaped golf balls to the Scottish JIB’s newest handbook, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of SELECT Managing Director, Newell McGuiness.
From trainee technician to SELECT Managing Director, this dedicated industry leader has been moving Scotland’s trade association for the electrical, electronics and communications systems industry forward.
Born and raised in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, Newell started his career in the industry at the young age of 15. His first job was as a trainee technician, working for the Northern Ireland Electricity Service, where he worked for eight years, gaining his professional qualifications. Newell then moved to Aberdeen, working as a Divisional Electrical Engineer for Grampian Regional Council. Upon being offered the position of Technical Officer at the ECA, Newell then relocated to London. In 1989, Newell moved back to Scotland to fill the role of Head of Technical for SELECT…and he has been there ever since, now holding the prestigious position of Managing Director. When Newell’s predecessor retired in 2004, he was selected for the position. “We’ve grown enormously in the past few years – to the point where we represent the entire industry in Scotland,” said Newell. This growth has led to an expansion of the current premises, which will soon include the addition of the ESC’s Scottish office. “My long term focus is to see SELECT’s Walled Garden as the centre of the building service industry, bringing it all together to support each other.”
Along with being an influential electrical industry professional, Newell is a keen athlete, cycling long distances to work and back as often as possible. He even used to run at an international level, but had to switch to cycling after knee complications.
1. Filofax: Also known as Newell’s “bible”, it goes with him everywhere and contains important letters, contacts and notes. “I am at an age where if I don’t write it down it doesn’t get done,” said Newell.
2. Tyrone Crystal Paperweight: This beautiful glass gift was given to Newell by his late father.
3. Corks: Newell and his team popped open a couple of bottles of champagne in celebration of his promotion to Managing Director. One of his colleagues then inserted silver coins for good luck and happiness, which is now kept by Newell as a memento from the occasion.
4. Photograph of Newell and his Wife: Taken at the ECA Electrical Industry Conference, this photograph is of Newell and his wife. Said Newell: ‘Dianne has been a great support for me over many years and is now a well recognised face in the electrical industry herself!’
5. Iconic Photo: This famous photo from 1932, called “New York Construction Workers Lunching on a Crossbeam”, is kept by Newell as a reminder of the poor safety conditions faced by workers during those times. “Part of our role is to be very active with health and safety,” said Newell. “We’ve come along quite a bit since then.”
6. Guinness Stress Ball: Newell’s favourite drink is the also the design of this stress ball. “The Irish do enjoy a pint,” said Newell.
7. Golf Ball: This elliptical shaped “Golf Cross” ball (which is a New Zealand variation of golf) was given to Newell as a gift from his brother, who lives in New Zealand.
8. Golf Trophy: Newell won this trophy at a golf championship held by his local golf club in North Berwick. “I didn’t really want it in my house, plus it lets people know I am a keen golfer”.
9. CABLEtalk Magazine: This award winning monthly magazine is an essential read for electrical installers in Scotland. This particular publication covers the recent SELECT Awards Ceremony. “These awards are becoming part of the Scottish industry calendar,” said Newell. “They are really adding value to the industry.”
10. Scottish JIB Handbook 2008-2011: This “brand spanking new” and attractive handbook is a useful tool for both employers and employees, as it discusses the rules on industrial relations. Newell is also the Director of the Scottish Joint Industry Board and a strong believer in the value of the close working relationship with Unite the Union provided by the SJIB.
11. SELECT Website: Found at www.select.org.uk, here you can find the latest news and information training, publications and membership.
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