Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desks? From a plane ticket to China to EEIBA’s Annual Report, find out more about Ian Humphreys, B.I. Electrical’s Managing Director by exploring what is on his desktop.
Born and raised:
Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Qualifications:
HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Employment History:
Ian joined DM Engineering as an Apprentice back in 1983 and went on to become their Contracts Manager. From there he went on to establish his own business, B.I. Electrical Services in 1989 (the same week he got married!).
Goals for B.I. Electrical Services:
To become known as an international brand in the next 12/18 months
Goals for the Industry
Ian would like to see Regulation for qualified and competent electricians becoming law which would remove the rogue traders from the industry and put all Electrical Contractors on a level playing field.
Morning Ritual:
“I must have two cups of coffee before I can speak, work or play,” said Ian.
Favourite Song:
Is this love by White Snake - “From the days when I had long hair,” said Ian.
Favourite Movie:
Independence Day - Roland Emmerich
1. The Plimsoll Report: “It provides a reminder of the great progress that BI Electrical Services has made, given we are currently celebrating 25 years in business,” said Ian. BI Electrical Services was recently named, by industry analysts Plimsoll, as one the top performing electrical contracts in the UK and 4th best UK Trading Partner. “It’s testament to the high quality workmanship and customer service we consistently deliver.”
2. Corporate Events Brochure: Teamwork is really important at B.I. Electrical Services and they try to organise a number of corporate events each year to recognise the hard work of their staff. At the moment they are reviewing a number of events for the next team event.
3. Investors in People Document: “We recently were recommended for Investors in People Award which reflects the fact that we work very hard to be an employer of choice,” said Ian. “By ensuring people are in the right positions, we provide a high quality of work and high customer service. We have a very meritorious culture reflected by the fact that those joining as apprentices could become Company Directors and this is the case of our current Director, Andrew McClenaghan who is now a shareholder.”
4. Air Ticket to China, Invitation from Chinese Government and Gift:
BI Electrical recently embarked on an international expansion to China which has resulted in the creation of 26 new jobs. These items represent the effort that went into organising the trade mission, including the travel arrangements, receiving an invite from the Chinese Government to visit and being warmly received by businesses in China who provided a symbolic scroll as a leaving gift.
5. Notebook: Ian is always on the go, so technology plays an important role in keeping him in touch with customers and colleagues. He still prefers the notebook over the iPad. “Old habits die hard,” said Ian.
6. Portuguese Level 2 Language Book: For the last 13 years, Ian has been holidaying in Portugal. He is now making a serious effort to learn the language.
7. BI Electrical Service Corporate Video: As part of their international expansion drive, BI Electrical commissioned Voltimum to produce a short company overview video for their trips to China. “So far the feedback has been great,” said Ian.
8. Family Photo at EEIBA Event: This photograph is of Ian and his wife, Kathy, taken at his first engagement as EEIBA President. “This was a particularly proud moment for both myself and my family back in 2009,” said Ian.
9. BI Electrical Website: Found at www.bielectrical.com, here you can read about the company’s services and latest news. BI Electrical recently undertook a major marketing drive, including a new website, which is now bookmarked as Ian’s homepage.
10. EEIBA Annual Report: “I am a firm believer in giving back to the industry. That’s why I took on the role as Vice-President and eventually President of EEIBA for 2.5 years – the first person to do so in over 100 years,” said Ian. “Today, I am a personal trustee, so an EEIBA annual report is always close to hand.”