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How did you get into the industry?
I began working in the pneumatics industry before making the change to become an electrician. It began when one day I was wiring solenoid valves onto a small PLC system and was blown away.
I began my career in the electrical industry a little later than most, starting at age 20 as an electrician’s mate working on a subcontract basis. Determined to build a solid foundation, I decided to return to education and enrolled at Tamworth Collage on a day-release course for three years. It wasn’t easy – as a subcontractor, taking a day off for collage meant losing a day’s pay – but it was a worthwhile investment in my future.
During my time at Labrum Designs, I had the privilege of work alongside one of their leading refrigeration electricians, Mr. Kevin Donnelley. We quickly became great friends both inside and outside of work. Kevin was, and still is, an incredible mentor who took the time to show me the finer details of the trade – I can still remember him sketching electrical drawings on the roofs of cold rooms back in the day!
For two solid years, we worked together on large supermarket refits and industrial refrigeration installations across the UK, and even spend four weeks in the West Indies working on a new airport terminal. After around 4 years, I decided to seek full-time employment and step away from the unpredictable world of subcontracting, though Kevin and I remained close friends – often catching up on Saturday nights over drinks and a curry with our wives.
In 1999, Kevin founded Electric Technics Ltd, and I officially joined the company in 2001. Since then, the company has continued to grow and evolve – and I am proud to have been part of it’s journey from the early days to where it stands today. I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive for many years to come.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
In my day-to-day role, I actively oversee a range of retail and industrial electrical installations, working closely with refrigeration companies on projects that integrate network systems, BMS (Building Management Systems) and leak detection alongside core electrical installations.
I also manage a dedicated commissioning team, responsible for commissioning a wide range of refrigeration monitoring and control systems from some of the world’s leading manufactures. This hands-on involvement ensures every project we deliver meets the highest standards of performance, reliability and safety.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
No two days are the same in this industry – and that is exactly what I enjoy most. Every project brings new challenges, which keeps the work exiting and rewarding. What truly makes it worthwhile though, is the fantastic team I have around me. Their skill, dedication and teamwork make even the toughest days enjoyable and ensure we continue delivering high-quality results.
What do you think sets ET-L apart from others in the industry?
It is often difficult to define exactly what sets a company apart, but several key factors make ET-L stand out in the electrical and refrigeration industry. Above all, it’s our specialisation – our deep understanding on both electrical and refrigeration systems allows us to deliver integrated solutions that many general contractors simply cannot match.
We also pride ourselves on our hands-on approach, technical expertise and long-standing relationships with clients and partners across the UK and beyond. Every member of the team shares the same commitment to quality, safety and innovation, which has been the foundation of ET-L’s continued growth and success.
Our approach and Expertise
With the business being heavily involved in the Refrigeration and Leak Detection industry, we’ve developed, and maintained, the skills to assemble highly capable Installations, Commissioning, and Service Teams, as well as provide comprehensive technical support.
By multi-skilling our engineers, we ensure the same professional standards and work ethic are applied across every sector we operate in – including the Hotel sector, Power Quality sector and Building HVAC and Management systems.
Our Panel Building Department has played a major role in this success. Every new engineer begins their development journey there, spending at least six months gaining hands-on experience before taking on field responsibilities. This approach ensures our team not only understands the systems they install and commission but also embodies the high-quality ethos that defines ET-L.
What are your main goals for ET-L over the next few years?
As the industry continues to evolve, we’re increasingly being asked to provide turnkey solutions for automating processes within our existing customer base. With our in-house PLC programming team, we’re already well positioned to meet thus demand – but I see a clear opportunity to expand and strengthen this department over the coming years.
Our goal is to continue developing integrated, intelligent systems that bring efficiency, reliability and innovation to every project we deliver.
How would you describe ET-L in three words?
Supportive, Reliable and Committed.
What is one thing people might not know about you?
I have a real love for penguins – no matter how tough the day or week has been, seeing a penguin never fails to put a smile on my face.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I’m a big fan or rock music and love going to gigs and festivals whenever I can. My 20-year-old son plays in a band, and I enjoy supporting them as much as possible – both as a proud dad and a fellow music lover.
I also have a passion for travelling, having been lucky enough to take several road trips across the USA over the years. When I’m not at a gig or out riding my Harley, there’s a good change you’ll find me relaxing in an Indian Restaurant, enjoying good food and great company.
