Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From big Buddha figurines to Kylie chart toppers, 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 NICEIC Chief Executive, Jim Speirs.
From royal garden parties to having his belly rubbed, this electrical industry expert is leading the NICEIC Group towards excellence, through providing a wide range of training, technical support and certification services.
Born and raised in the little village of Winchburgh, this strapping Scotsman started his extensive career in the electrical industry at the tender age of sixteen. Jim’s first step on the career ladder was as an apprentice armature winder for a motor and generator manufacturer, where he then quickly relocated into the testing department.
He eventually moved on to work as an electrical inspection engineer for consulting organization, Bechtel International. For just over thirteen years, Jim travelled all over the UK and Europe inspecting electrical equipment making sure they were up to standard. Jim then worked in a supervisory role for Shell Projects for the North Sea, “ensuring all the equipment going offshore met specification”.
From there he found work with railway signalling and manufacturing giant, GEC Alstom, eventually moving up the ranks to London Project Director. He worked on big resignalling projects including the Tilbury Southend Line, also known as the “misery line”. With his impressively broad industry background, Jim’s next big move was to revamp the NICEIC into the commercial NICEIC Group. Starting out as Managing Director of NQA and Director General of NICEIC, Jim is now Chief Executive of the 2006 formed NICEIC Group.
“People will say it is a different organization now,” said Jim. “We are much more focused on the customer and are continuing to build on that, adding even more value.” And if that wasn’t enough on his plate, Jim is also the Director General of the Electrical Safety Council, President of the EEIBA, and Chairman of the Board for the Chartered Quality Institute. With such a busy and interesting life, it only makes sense that the desk of Jim Speirs follows suit.
1. Caricature of Jim: The Electrical Times wrote an article on Jim, which included a very accurate caricature. He requested a copy and now keeps it in a frame. “It’s when I had some hair,” laughed Jim.
2. Hands-free Torch: This handy head device for contractors is not on the market yet. The NICEIC uses them as giveaways.
3. NICEIC Group Magazines- Autumn 2007:
a) NQA Reporter: Walking softly: How to minimise your environmental footprint
- NQA Reporter is a quarterly business improvement magazine for NQA clients. Autumn 2007’s focus is on sustainability and reducing climate change.
b) Connections: 17th edition: All you need to know about the new wiring regulations
- Connections is a quarterly magazine published by the NICEIC for Approved Contractors, Domestic Iinstallers and specifiers. It offers helpful technical advice, industry news and training. The Autumn 2007 edition focuses on the quickly approaching 17th edition.
4. Fitness Package Documents: The NICEIC Group is looking to set up a staff gym in their building to encourage healthy exercise habits and foster good staff relationships.
5a. Sixties Summer Love CD: Jim is transferring these 50 greatest love songs onto his wife’s MP3 player for their upcoming Caribbean cruise holiday. “I’m under instructions by the ‘guv’nor’”, laughed Jim. “This music takes me back to when I was a youth.”
5b. I♥2 Party CD: Another CD Jim claims is for his wife’s MP3 player. Artists include Shaggy, Hot Chocolate, and Kylie, all of which are perfect for some soon-to-be beach fun.
6. Golfer Figurine: Jim has a passion for golf and therefore has lots of golf memorabilia. He has been golfing for over 40 years, but can’t seem to find enough time these days to enjoy the sport.
7. Selection of Tea: Every time Jim visits China for business ventures, he is presented with Chinese tea. “I find it quite refreshing,” said Jim.
8. Buddha Figurine: Jim was given this figurine by his Shanghai clients for his 60th birthday. “I am affectionately known by the Chinese as the ‘Big Fat Buddha’,” said Jim. “When I go to China they often rub my belly for good luck.”
9. Blackberry PDA: Despite his hectic schedule, Jim avoided owning a PDA until recently. Now a Blackberry buff, Jim won’t be turning back. “My Blackberry is invaluable with all the travelling I do,” said Jim. “I wouldn’t be without it now.”
10. NICEIC Registration Roadshow Pamphlet: NICEIC is holding a series of seminars for non-NICEIC registered installers and contractors. Here they can find out more about NICEIC (and the quickly approaching 17th Edition), meet technical experts, and receive registration and training discounts along free scheme transfers. Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase books and merchandise.
11. NICEIC Guide to Enrolment: NICEIC has over 15,000 registered contractors who are the “cream of the industry”. This guide explains the enrolment process, periodic assessments, and the requirements to become and remain a registered installer/contractor with the NICEIC.
12. 16th Edition of the Wiring Regulations: Jim uses it as a “good reference guide”, as many people call and email him with wiring regulation queries.
13. Photograph of Jim and his wife at Royal Garden Party: Jim and his wife attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, where they mixed and mingled amongst some of England’s finest. “I didn’t meet any royalty though,” said Jim. “There were thousands of people there, as it is quite a big garden!”
14. NICEIC Group Homepage on Computer Monitor: Plenty of information on NICEIC and their wide array of industry offerings can be found on their website at www.niceicgroup.com
15. Cuddly Toy Monkey: This cute little pressie is a gift from his wife. “It reminds me who the boss is,” joked Jim.
16. Photograph of a dapper Jim and his wife: Jim and his lovely wife, Tina, put on their finest threads for her graduation ball, as one year ago she completed her nursing degree.
17. EEIBA President's Badge of Office: This is Jim’s second year serving as President for the EEIBA, a charity organization that helps the needy and distressed who work or have worked in the UK electrical and electronic industry. “The EEIBA has terrific charitable aims,” said Jim.