UK Enterprise Awards 2021

70 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Apr21294 Electrical Contractor of the Year - Leicestershire Based in Leicester, Mealey Electrical Contractors Ltd was launched to provide a complete electrical service from conception to design, installation, maintenance and testing. Following its richly deserved success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2021, we got in touch with Patrick Mealey to find out more. Starting out on his own as a sole trader in 2008, Patrick Mealey began building what would become an award-winning firm of excellence. Thirteen years on from the founding of the business, Mealey Electrical Contractors Ltd is now home to more than twenty employees, as well as additional labour as and when required. To start, Patrick provides a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into its clientele. “As a company we have everything covered, including fire, security, BMS control and structured wiring. On a commercial level we typically provide electrical services for offices and exhibitions, whereas for industrial clients we work alongside warehouses and factories tackling various projects along the way. After starting out with largely small contracts and domestic work, we are now securing big contracts for blue chip companies whilst teaming up with local authorities, the NHS, utility companies and various education establishments. Working across Leicestershire and the wider Midlands areas, we ensure all work carried out is of the highest possible standard”. Since its inception, competition has remained an ongoing challenge for Mealey Electrical Contractors Ltd. However, as Patrick goes on to explain, its range of specialisms and client approach has enabled the firm to stay ahead of its closest rivals. “Alongside our primary services, we can offer expertise in ornamental lighting, flood lighting and fault finding. Additionally, thanks to a competitive pricing structure, fantastic products and first-class engineers, our client retention rate remains at a very high level”. Recently the firm was asked by De Montfort University to install outdoor lighting at the campus, as Patrick elaborates further. “Following a DMJ specification for the works, we were asked to quote the installation of new power and lighting at the Gateway Entrance. After winning the contract, we designed and installed a new feature light and we were in charge of moving the fire alarm”. Additionally, the firm was engaged by NMCN to carry out the design, installation, and commissioning of an electrical system at Brancote STC. “Once the route and designs were agreed upon we installed the containment required for the system. For all the power items and controls we put together, we developed a cabling schedule and considered the installation methods. To achieve this, we had to gather the relevant information from pump sets, distribution, equipment, heating loads and incoming power supplies. Once we were happy with our design, this was submitted to the client for approval. When approved, this information was passed onto our installation team to move the design forward. “To help with the installation on site, we put together an installation cabling matrix system which included a cabling marking system, cabling types, length, and sizes. Ultimately, this helped with the ordering of materials, the installation speed, and the time we spent on site. Once all the cabling was in place, labelled and terminated into the main MCP and the field devices, we carried out the electrical testing and commission of all the different systems. The reading was all recorded on our electrical testing programme once this information was completed and signed off by the QS.” Staff training and development continues to play a huge role in the success of firm as Patrick explains further. “A high percentage of our electricians have risen through the ranks, progressing from apprentice to fully qualified engineers. To further support their development, we provide additional workshops to enhance the training experience for our employees”. Finally, Patrick offers us his thoughts on the firm’s future prospects as we look ahead to the remainder of 2021 and beyond. “Relying on electricity like we do is perhaps something that we all take for granted. Here at Mealey Electrical Contractors Ltd, through constant development and an excellent working culture we get things working again. The outbreak of COVID-19 presented several challenges to us, but the safety of our clients and staff remained our number one priority. Hopefully with this now behind us, we will be able to focus on maintaining our reputation and growing as a company”. Company: Mealey Electrical Contractors Ltd Contact: Patrick Mealey Web: www.mealeyelectrical.co.uk Thirteen years on from the founding of the business, Mealey Electrical Contractors Ltd is now home to more than twenty employees, as well as additional labour as and when required.