Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desks? From Cardiff Blues season's tickets to a Green Deal document, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk.
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Born and raised in Cardiff, Alun found his career calling after being offered an apprenticeship with a small Cardiff-based electrical contractor. After serving his apprenticeship and becoming a qualified and confident electrician, Alun decided to start up his own company. In 1988 Alun formed A. Pearson Electrical Contractors and with the help and support of his wife (who tackles the administrative work), they have created a successful family business. Working through two recessions, Alun believes he is now a stronger business man who knows his market. When his business started to grow, Alun joined the ECA for their support. He then worked his way up the ranks through the ECA Cardiff branch as Branch Chairman, REC Chairman and Regional Treasurer into his current role as ECA President. Alun’s firm has five operatives and their work includes electrical installation in refurbishments and new builds, reactive maintenance and test and inspection. He believes his company stands out and has stayed strong because of their professional and personal service with their client base. “Our operatives are known on a first name basis,” said Alun.
With his busy ECA business and social schedule and successful electrical contracting firm, Alun finds himself mastering the art of diary juggling. In his role of ECA President, Alun hopes to help contractors push forward into the green agenda. “Electrical contractors are in the front line of the sustainability drive,” said Alun. “They need to be aware and ready to go.”
1. Who’s Who Award: Alun has been recognised a successful business owner and was entered into the prestigious Who’s Who book and awarded this plaque.
2. ECA Local Service Award: This certificate was given to Alun in recognition of his outstanding service the Electrical Contracting Association for South Wales.
3. Tools: These manual tools (hand drill and pump screwdriver) are used to remind Alun’s operatives of his hard-working electrician days, when battery operated tools weren’t around to make things easier.
4. Ceramic Figurine: Alun was given this as a gift from his friends when they were travelling in Dubai, as he supposedly resembled the figurine at the time (he had a beard back then).
5. Rugby Programmes: Alun is a collector of rugby match programmes – these are just a couple (England vs. France).
6. ECA and the Green Deal Document: This pamphlet was created by the ECA to educate electrical contractors about the Green Deal. Contractors can read through this document to help decide whether or not to move forward and become MCS accredited to enable customers access to the Feed-in Tariffs.
7. NICEIC Help Chart: These helpful guides are “something that you give to your operatives” to help explain things such as earthing and bonding and why it must be checked.
8. 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations: Also known as the “Electrician’s Bible”, Alun uses this booklet as a reference when needed.
9. ESC Best Practice Guide: This guide on Periodic Inspection Reporting is a good working document to refer to when faced with installation challenges.
10. Stress Toy: A mini and squeezable version of the regulations, this toy is handy when Alun needs to vent a bit of stress after a busy day.
11. Photograph of Family: This recent photograph of Alun’s family was taken in Marbella after the ECA Electrical Industry Conference, where Alun was inaugurated as President. Alun’s family came down for a holiday to celebrate his new role and this photo includes his three children, their partners and his three grandchildren.
12. Perfect Day Grog: Named ‘The Perfect Day’, this Grog shows rugby player Scott Gibbs scoring a famous try when Wales beat England 32-31 on 11th April 1999 at Wembley Stadium. Alun is a collector of Grogs and this one holds a special place in his collection.
13. JIB Handbook: Alun refers to this book if and when he needs to sort labour relation issues for employees.
14. Call Job Sheet: This important document logs calls and operatives for Alun’s reactive maintenance clients, which includes local breweries.
15. Drawings: Alun is in the midst of redeveloping his office and these drawings are of the new accommodation that is about to be built. After his presidency, Alun will be demolishing his old office, where he will then rebuild it according to this design.
16. Diaries: To help keep himself well-organised and on top of his agenda, Alun uses a couple of diaries. This helps him strategically juggle his appointments with his firm and with the ECA so that there are no scheduling conflicts.
17. Speech and Invitation to Presidential Dinner and Dance: Alun is the second Welsh President in the ECA’s long Presidential History and is honoured to be in the role. Held in Cardiff, this event celebrates Alun as ECA President. Alun is a bit anxious about presenting his speech. “This is something that doesn’t come naturally to me,” said Alun. “Giving speeches isn’t usually something that comes with being a trained electrician.”
18. Congratulatory Card: Given to Alun after his Presidential Inauguration by his proud family. Inside “little scribbles” can be found, compliments of his grandchildren who wanted to congratulate their grandfather in their own little way.
19. Voltimum Website: Alun has been using the Voltimum website for the past few years. He finds the catalogue helpful for O&M Manuals and uses the Q&A’s as part of his toolbox.
20. Cardiff Blues Season’s Ticket: Alun was born a rugby supporter. His dad used to take him to games as a child and his passion for the sport has been going strong ever since. Alun now brings his family to games – even his daughter has been known to paint her face blue in support of Cardiff. Alun’s wife, Jane, is also a season ticket holder.
21. Blackberry: This handy piece of technology keeps Alun in contact with the office when he is away on Presidential business.
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