Why I Work In… is a regular feature where we ask people about their jobs and the industry they work in. This time it’s Thomas Hall, director of TH Electrical (NW) Ltd in Huddersfield.
Tell us about TH Electrical (NW) Ltd
TH Electrical is an electrical contractor working with domestic, commercial and industrial clients across Yorkshire and the North West. We are NICEIC approved, meaning the highest quality of work is carried out across all of our jobs. We undertake all electrical work, from full and part rewires and alarms, to inspection, CCTV, underfloor heating and kitchen and bathroom installation.
What’s your role?
I am an electrician by trade, so that’s at the heart of what I do in the business. I work with a team of employees and third party contractors to undertake all electrical work, which includes the initial scoping stage, through to planning, pricing, undertaking the work and any finishing touches.
As I am also director of the business I run that side of things too, so everything from taking all enquiries, quoting, invoicing, employee progression, relationships and business development.
How long have you worked in this sector?
I have worked as an electrician for a little over 20 years. After leaving school at 16, I went straight into an apprenticeship which opened a number of doors for me and why I’m such an advocate of it today. I started TH Electrical in 2014 as a sole trader and became a limited business in 2017.
What skills make someone a good electrician / director?
First and foremost, a good electrician has excellent attention to detail. That is what sets us aside in the market – adding the extra level of finesse to a job makes all the difference to customers. I’d also say having a vision of the bigger picture and spotting issues before they happen helps to future proof work.
As a director of the business, essential skills also include keeping the team motivated and staying ‘on it’, while ensuring trust is gained from all customers and they receive the best value for money.
What’s your advice for people looking to get into the sector?
I’d say go for it. Work hard, seek out opportunity and put the hours in – you’ll soon reap the benefits. Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to access the market and get stuck into work while learning on the job. I have experience as an electrical apprentice myself and have had the pleasure of training a number of aspiring electricians through this avenue over the years, both with great success.
If you could describe your job in three words what would it be?
Fast paced, challenging and rewarding.
What do you love most about it?
The variety. We get to work in different locations and meet different people from all backgrounds. No two days are the same – we can be on a large scale commercial job for a month or so and then move through five plus different locations the next.
It has also opened up a lot of doors for me in working with a network of other trades. This has allows us to take on bigger scale jobs while also enabling us to make recommendations of trusted people to existing customers.
What word would your colleagues use to describe you?
Dedicated.
Where do you hope your career may take you?
I enjoy building the business and watching how far we’ve come in recent years. I hope to continue that work, build our client base and recruit new team members to set us in good stead for the future. I also hope to continue giving opportunities to local young people via our apprenticeship scheme, something I think is really important.
If someone is reading this and wants to work for you, what should they do?
Get in touch! A personal approach is always best for me, so pick up the phone and give me a call or drop me an email.
