THE WINNERS
Lighting Product of the Year
Sponsored by KEW Electrical
WINNER: Zumtobel – Sceno Luminaire
The biggest selling points for the panel were SCENO’s LEDs great focus and its versatility for lighting designs in retail in general, as it is not necessary to change the whole installation to get a totally different feel in a shop.
Innovative Product of the Year
Sponsored by AP Haslam
WINNER: Aico – Homelink Connected Home Solution
The powerful insights provided by HomeLINK and its ability to promote a safer, healthier and more sustainable home really made an impression on the judges. The panel classified it as a must-have for both private customers and social housing projects.
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Edmundson Electrical
WINNER: Cameron Gorman – B.I. Electrical Services (NI) Ltd (Greenview)
Cameron Gorman is only in the second year of his apprenticeship but made an impression with his natural ability to lead and excellent attitude towards learning and developing his skills. He shows tremendous ambition and a great understanding of the industry.
Unsung Hero Award
Sponsored by Collingwood
WINNER: Philip Irvine – City Electrical Factors (CEF)
Philip Irvine has been at CEF for 28 years and brings his enthusiasm from work to the great outdoors. He teaches map reading and mountaineering skills to young, underprivileged people and promotes treks and hikes to raise money for charities.
Special Recognition Award
Sponsored by BM Electrical
WINNER: George Stothers – GS Stothers Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
For the past four decades, George Stothers has contributed to the electrical sector through his dedication and tireless hard work. His journey hasn’t been free of setbacks, but his initiative, hard work and discipline are an example to everyone.
Special Recognition Award
Sponsored by BM Electrical
WINNER: Peter McKearney – PMcK Electrical Contractors
Peter McKearney’s entire professional life has been dedicated to excelling in the electrical industry. Through his sheer hard work, modern innovation and determination, PMcK has gone from a small family business to securing million-pound contracts in the UK and Ireland.
Manufacturer of the Year
Sponsored by Klauke
WINNER: Robus
The LED Group (ROBUS) is proud to feature the title of the largest lighting Irish company in the world, and the judges were extremely impressed by how this family-run company competes with foreign giants with its head held high.
Wholesaler of the Year
Sponsored by Precision Cables
WINNER: City Electrical Factors (CEF)
According to the judges, CEF is simply changing the face of wholesalers. The company has been modernising the industry by developing opportunities with their TechTalks and podcasts, which show they are at the cutting edge of the industry.
Lighting Project of the Year
Sponsored by Kempston Controls
WINNER: Lightsource – Strokestown National Irish Famine Museum
The judging panel was impressed by how Lightsource’s lighting made the exhibition come to life. In a museum, the lighting design is just as important as the artefacts, and Lightsource did an outstanding job.
Domestic Project of the Year
Sponsored by Rointe
WINNER: CDE NI Ltd – College Square East Apartments, Belfast
The panel was impressed by the quality of this installation and all the positive feedback from CDE NI’s client, saying it is simply refreshing to see a contractor listening and reacting to the customer, with superb results.
Small Commercial Project of the Year
Sponsored by Timeguard
WINNER: Haughey Electrical Limited – Enniskillen Workhouse
Haughey Electrical impressed the judges by showing great creativity and imagination while implementing a strategic vision of conservation and refurbishment. They allowed the project to reveal the historical significance of the site while bringing it into the present.
Medium Commercial Project of the Year
Sponsored by Ecovolt
WINNER: AG Electrical – Bullitt Hotel Restoration Works
AG Electrical performed brilliantly according to the judges, especially in the tough conditions after the fire at the hotel and the tight timeframe for completion. The installation also displayed a full range of electrical disciplines.
Large Commercial Project of the Year
Sponsored by Pro-Tray
WINNER: Dowds Group – Ulster University, Belfast
KINDLY SPONSORED BY: Pro-Tray
Dowds Group impressed the panel not only with the scale of the project but especially with the innovation and quality of their work. The judges highlighted their impressive engagement with clients, consultants, supply chain, end-users and the public.
Specialist Contractor of the Year
Sponsored by Knightsbridge
WINNER: Scan Alarms & Security Systems (UK) Ltd.
The panel complimented Scan Alarms & Security Systems on surpassing all expectations after being bought by SECOM PLC. The judges also commended the company for bringing in extra skills from the UK to guarantee its strong position in NI.
Small Contractor of the Year
Sponsored by Metcollect
WINNER: Matt Thompson Electrical Contractors
Matt Thompson Electrical Contractors has been building successful relationships for almost 20 years in the industry and its excellent work has stood the test of time. Even with a small team, they feature an impressive volume of domestic and commercial projects.
Medium Contractor of the Year
Sponsored by Megger
WINNER: Braham Group
Braham Group has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and the judges classified the management by the new generation at the helm as “impeccable” and crucial for making this family-run business simply outstanding.
Large Contractor of the Year
Sponsored by Snickers
WINNER: NUGENT
The judges’ decision came down to NUGENT’s wealth of knowledge and state-of-the-art projects that make the contractor synonymous with excellence. According to the panel, they are setting the bar even higher for the industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by NAPIT
WINNER: Derek Thompson – ETT (Posthumous entry)
Stephen Melton, Napit (centre) presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Derek Thompson’s sons, Mark and Andrew.
Derek Thompson
In February 2022, the electrical industry lost a strong advocate, great ambassador, and friend in Derek Thompson. Derek was a former ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year, JIB electrician, Managing Director, ECA Branch Chairman and CEO of the Electrical Training Trust / SparkSafe. Throughout his career, he was focused on increasing the professionalism of the electrical industry and his dedication to improving quality and raising standards is to be commended.
Derek was widely known as CEO of the Electrical Training Trust (ETT), a non-profitable organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and employers to enhance their skills and prove their competence. During his time at ETT, Derek championed the employer-led, Level 3 electrical apprenticeship programme and helped train over 4,500 apprentices to the industry-recognised standard.
In 2009, the ETT Board commissioned research into an Electrical Licence to Practise solution as concerns regarding the detrimental impact of unqualified and underqualified workers entering the sub-contract supply chain had continued to grow.
Derek worked with employers, workers and the wider industry to develop the first UK online electrical Licence to practise system. SparkSafe incentivises the recruitment of apprentices and encourages the workforce to remain up to date with national standards.
Derek believed in doing things the right way and upholding standards. He had a plan for the sustained success, development, and improvement of the industry. He was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to many.
Derek’s vocation for inspiring people wasn’t limited only to this professional life. After the sad diagnosis of lung cancer, he attended chemotherapy sessions and, according to his sons Mark and Andrew, regularly talked to quieter patients, telling them to keep fighting. He was known for his love for camping and hiking and, after his lung surgery, made it to the top of the Mourne Mountains for one last expedition.
Derek never once complained and remained upbeat, always putting others first.
Derek passed away at the age of 62 and is missed by his sons and Karen, his childhood school sweetheart. They were married for 40 years.
