Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desks? From a golf trophy to 14th and 17th Edition Wiring Reg's, find out more about the newly appointed ECA President by exploring what is on his desktop.
Born and Raised: Folkestone, Kent
Education and Qualifications: Electrical Installation Apprenticeship
Employment History and Memberships:
TM Saunders of Folkestone – Apprentice Electrician
TM Saunders of Folkestone – Electrician
Kent Police – Constable
TM Saunders of Folkestone – Electrician
GW&E Wright:
- Electrician
- Supervisor
- Estimator
- Contracts Manager
- Managing Director (present)
Electrical Contractors Association:
- Branch Chairman
- Regional Chairman
- Vice President
- Treasurer of Branch and Region (present)
- President 2013-2014 (present)
Joint Industry Board – Regional Committee Member (present)
Worshipful Company of Lightmongers – Member (present)
Future Goals for the Company: “My goal is to secure growth over the coming years whilst maintaining the high standard that our clients have learnt to expect when employing GW&E Wright,” said Phil. “It is important to maintain and grow our existing client base whilst looking for new areas of business.”
Future Goals for the Industry: “For many years I have seen our sector slip from the prestigious position in the construction industry we once held,” said Phil. “We have for years undervalued ourselves, whilst other industries have secured their place as the lead contractors. We should all work together to turn this around. Training is needed to secure our future – this has been declining over the years, which undoubtedly will leave us with a skills shortage in the future.”
Favourite Song: Me & Mrs Jones – Billy Paul
Favourite Movie: Top Gun – Tony Scott
Morning Ritual: Phil gets up early so he can have his breakfast whilst watching BBC news. He likes to eat a mix of four different cereals (Bran Flakes, Muesli, Crunchy Nut Cornflakes and Start).
1. ECA Local Service Award Certificate: In 2012, the ECA South East Region presented Phil with this local service award. “It’s always pleasing to be recognised and awarded by your peers,” said Phil.
2. Golf Trophy: This was presented to Phil following his year as Club Captain of Etchinghill Golf Club back in 2005.
3. Golf Ball and Tee Globe: A birthday present from Phil’s daughter, as he is a big fan of the sport. He describes the globe as a “real stress buster”, as the trick is to get the ball on the tee. “It’s not easy, but I find it calming,” said Phil.
4. Golf Club Pencil Case: This quirky desk item opens to hold pencils and was given to Phil by one of “best mates in the industry”.
5. JIB Handbook: “GW&E Wright is proud to be a JIB company,” said Phil, who also sits on the Regional JIB Committee. Phil thinks the book is an excellent reference for employee terms and conditions.
6. ECA 1901-2001 Centenary Book: “Issued to all ECA members on the celebration of the ECA Centenary, this is one of many in my collection of books, programmes and events that I have had the privilege to attend or receive during my career,” said Phil.
7. ECA Today: This is the ECA’s magazine, which now publishes four editions per year. “It’s a must to keep abreast of what is happening in our industry,” said Phil.
8. EDA Yearbook 2013: Phil views this book as a “must” to locate wholesaler branches. “My best wishes go to Dean Henry, EDA President for 2013,” said Phil.
9. 17th Edition Wiring Regulations: “Our industry bible and a must have for every contractors desk,” said Phil.
10. 14th Edition Wiring Regulations: These are the wiring regulations that Phil trained to. He still keeps them to “remember his past”.
11. Grade Cards: Another desk item from the beginning of Phil’s industry career, these are his original grade cards for Apprentice in June 1972 and Electrician Grading in October 1975.
12. ECA Business Card: Phil is the 100th ECA President and was recently inaugurated at the Electric Event. “I am looking forward to exchanging business cards with many ECA members, members from other trade associations and our supply partners during my term in office,” said Phil.
13. iPad: Phil is now on his second iPad and it is never far away from him. “In a world that demands instant decisions, this provides me with the tools to be able to keep in close contact with my office from wherever I may be,” said Phil.
14. Mug: Phil’s mug is hardly ever empty, as he “never says no to a cuppa”. His cuppa of choice is English Breakfast tea with milk.
15. Family Photo: This photograph is of Phil’s four children – Rebecca, Gareth, Christopher and Charlotte – and was taken at Christmas two years ago.
16. Lightmongers Certificate: Phil joined the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers back in 2004. The Company was formed in 1953 and was granted livery status in 1984.
17. Dollar Bill: Several years ago whilst GW&E Wright were partnering with Laing Homes, Phil attended a Mary Gober international training course that used this dollar bill as symbolism. “The bill has a simple message,” said Phil. “Never pass the buck and take ownership of the problem.”
18. GW&E Wright Website: Found at www.gwewrightltd.co.uk, here you can find information about the company and its services.