Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From wildlife calendars to safety lockout kits, 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 President, Douglas Geddes.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Douglas started his career in the electrical industry almost straight from school. After studying various trades at technical college for a year, he decided he wanted to be an electrician. Douglas then did a five year apprenticeship to become a qualified electrician. He was then offered a job with JB Mackenzie, where he eventually worked as a chargehand leading 18 electricians.
After building up a large and loyal clientele base, Douglas decided that there was enough work out there for him to start his own business. So in 1970, Douglas and his business partner, also a highly skilled tradesman, started up G&A Electrical Services.
“It wasn’t easy for the first few years,” said Douglas. “But it’s given a certain degree of independence – it’s good to make your own decisions.”
Just over 38 years later, G&A Electrical Services is still going strong. It’s even located on the same premises in Edinburgh. Douglas has always been a firm supporter of apprenticeships and always has one on his team.
Along with running a successful business, Douglas has another big role to fill. He is President of SELECT, Scotland's trade association for the electrical, electronics and communications systems industry. His affiliation with SELECT began when he registered his firm as a member for protection and technical services. From there he went on to branch meetings, sat on various committees and eventually went on to join SELECT’s Presidential Team. Now in his last year as President, Douglas wants SELECT members to achieve the recognition of local authorities, government bodies and institutions. “If you are using our contractors, you’ll be given a good quality installer,” said Douglas. “It’s all about raising standards.”
When he’s not hard at work, Douglas enjoys a good game of golf. He is also a member of fellowship organization, Rotary International, which organizes fundraising for local charities and is well known for their eradication efforts against polio. Recently, nine students in Edinburgh were funded to get their Masters Degree though the local Rotary International Club. Said Douglas: “The image of this organization might be of middle aged men in blazers, but we achieve quite a lot.”
1. “Let’s talk about Corstorphine” Magazine: Corstorphine is a suburb of Edinburgh that Douglas moved to in his youth. Being a history buff, he subscribes to this magazine that discusses this area. “It was a great place to live, plus I find history books fascinating,” said Douglas.
2. Mug of Coffee: Douglas drinks Nescafe cappuccino packs with not too much sugar. “When you get older, you need to keep your tummy down,” joked Douglas.
3. Glass Paperweight: This colourful desk decoration was given to Douglas and guests at a SELECT celebratory function.
4. Photograph of Daughter: Douglas keeps a photo of his youngest daughter, Caroline, in his briefcase and sometimes on his desk. It was taken during a school photo day in year six. Douglas also has two other daughters, Lucy and Emily.
5. Membership Success Award: SELECT won in this category at the Trade Association Forum 2008 Best Practice Awards. “Not only have we grown in membership, but very few of our members leave,” said Douglas. “We are very proud of that.”
6. Edinburgh A-Z: This map book is important for Douglas and his team, as they work all over the city. “My men would be very good taxi drivers - they’ve been all over the place,” joked Douglas.
7. Job Book: When it comes to logging information, Douglas forgoes complicated technology and uses tested and true pen and paper. “These jobs can be ten minutes or three weeks, from changing lightbulbs to rewiring buildings,” said Douglas.
8. 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations: This publication, which came into effect July 1, 2008, is constantly referred to by Douglas and his team. “It’s like our bible.”
9a. Lockout Kit: This safety kit is for safe isolation. It includes locks and gadgets to fit on fuseboards and main switches, preventing switching on again.
9b. SELECT Lockout Kit Prototype: SELECT is hoping to create their own safety kit for safe isolation.
10. 2009 Wildlife Calendar: Douglas treats his top customers to an annual Christmas Calendar gift. He’s been doing this for over 30 years.