"Well that was interesting" - That was my facebook and twitter response on Stirling Weather to being caught up in the heavy rainfall on Monday evening (24 June 2019). A tweet and phrase I came to slightly regret saying after seeing and realising the damage the rainfall and subsequent floods brought to some businesses and homes in parts of Stirling.
While "it was interesting" to be out and about during our worst flooding in many years it certainly is not how those who's properties have been affected by the water damage will feel. But as the week progressed the word "interesting" could again be used to describe our weeks weather in Stirling. An article in our electrical trade magazine highlighted a new report that's estimates that up to 15,000 extra skilled electricians will be required in the UK over the next 5 years.
New technologies around smart homes, electric vehicles and Wi-Fi were amongst the main new services stated for increasing demand for skilled installers but it was the section on apprenticeships that caught my eye. It was pleasing to read that an electrical apprenticeship is still a highly rated initial career move and that it was still evident for employers to receive a return on investment to employ apprentices. 6/6/2019 Home Renovation CalculatorBeing involved in the construction / services industry I like from time to time to highlight some useful websites, tools and advice that can help with your latest home improvement project. Sainsbury's bank have published a home renovation calculator that tries to give an indication of what different types of home improvement projects may have on the value of your property. * The below link is direct from Sainbury's Bank and I have no affiliation or opinion on the details contained at the below link. Check out the handy Sainbury's Bank Home Renovation Calculator. 26/5/2019 In With The NewSome of our Stirling Electrical team are just back from working in Rothesay installing new external LED lighting.
Out trip to the Isle of Bute was to replace near 20 year old metal halide fittings which had lasted well in the west coast sea air, but the time had come to replace them. So it was 'in with the new' LED lights which will be now be lighting up our customers building. 20/4/2019 Marathon RunningSo in one week I will take part in the Stirling marathon, or as its been branded this year the Great Stirling Run. The event is now in its 3rd year and it's a scenic marathon starting and finishing in the City of Stirling while taking in the surrounding rolling countryside to the north of the city, passing through small towns such as Doune, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan where the locals come out in force to support the runners.
Now let me be honest from the beginning, I am no running expert, while I was actively fit playing football at a reasonably competitive youth level up until my late teens, for the next 16-17 years I let myself go, fed up with sport, giving no thought to exercising or what I was eating, I was just being consumed with work and business and as my business developed and grew and I became more office based instead of doing physical work my weight ballooned. 7/4/2019 LED LightingStirling Electrical Services recently replaced old fluorescent lighting for new LED ceiling panels giving a crisper white light to the treatment rooms and communal areas at Body and Sole Healthcare in Stirling.
The new LED lights offer more efficient running costs and also make for a cleaner finished look. 25/3/2019 Elex Manchester 2019I recently attended the ELEX exhibition in Manchester where all things electrical trade were on show and discussed.
It's important to keep up to date with the latest electrical news, regulations and equipment which is why I travel south every few years. Stirling Electrical Services are a proud member of SELECT and it is through them that myself and our other electricians update our electrical training and qualifications with their excellent training courses, but I always feel with electrical wiring regulations that it's good to have a different perspective and opinion which is why attending the seminars at this event by IET and NAPIT makes it worthwhile visiting. Plus there's also a free Bacon Roll and plenty of pens to be had.
Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. were delighted to be involved in the refurbishment of Gallery Two at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, one of Stirling's finest attractions and we wish them success with the new gallery.
It's well worth a visit - some fabulous art on show. I would like to thank the members of our own team and other contractors who were part of the project. Below you will find the official opening announcement and official photos from The Stirling Smith facebook page as well as some of our own work photos during the project. The previous lighting track, power outlets and cabling were removed with the installation of new cables and power outlets including new lighting track with LED lights which highlights superbly the art on display. 10/3/2019 Storage HeatersWe recently completed the installation of a number of storage heaters for a commercial client in Stirling.
Storage heaters are still required in certain properties and these new Lot20 energy efficient heaters were the ideal choice. 28/2/2019 Wallace MonumentThis week we finished an office refurbishment job in Edinburgh installing new computer network and power outlets, meanwhile back in Stirling we are inside this famous monument working on the new exhibition project ahead of #wallace150 celebrations. #lighting #power#audiovisual The National Wallace Monument
24/2/2019 Stirling Alarms Customer SupportCUSTOMER INFORMATION
18/2/2019 Electrical Work StirlingIn recent weeks we have been working at some of Stirling’s most famous historic locations and on Monday we started a refurbishment project at The National Wallace Monument.
2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the famous building commemorating William Wallace and The Battle of Stirling Bridge. 26/1/2019 Customer ReviewLatest customer feedback on our electrical service via an online review website
www.stirlingelectrical.co.uk "Our mental health affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can feel just as bad, or worse, than any other illness" - SAMH website - www.samh.org.uk
I believe one of the biggest health challenges we currently face in the modern world is also still one of the least talked about and perhaps still thought of as a taboo subject. Great work has been undertaken in recent years in raising awareness of mental health and the importance of sufferers talking and seeking help but there's still a long way to go before mental health is taken as seriously as a physical health problem. I, like many others, face challenges each day, week, month and year with coping with my thoughts in everyday family and business life. On the days that don't go well for me, it affects my mood, my thoughts and my actions. There have been a few serious low points for me over the years but thankfully I have found and invested in methods and tactics that help me cope. From meditating, journalling, joining groups, to paper exercises such as asking myself a series of questions about my thoughts I have been able to help ease any major issues I could have had. One of those methods of coping is running - I have found changing my physical state either with running or a brisk walk to be one of my best tactics to help my mind and thoughts. Unfortunately there are many people affected by mental health - many people in everyday walks of life who from an outside perspective seem happy, seem successful and seem contented with life. But on the inside they are not coping with their thoughts. They are in a dark place inside and don't know what to do to help ease their troublesome thoughts. In recent years there has been an increase in awareness regarding mental health but there is a long way to go before, not only at public level but also at government level, mental health issues are deemed as important as a physical health issue. This year as part of my Stirling Marathon 26.2 mile challenge I would like to raise awareness and would welcome your support in donating to help the Scottish Association of Mental Health and the work they do to help and care for those affected by mental health. Please consider donating at www.scottmclean.charity Thank you for your Support Scott McLean www.scottmclean.scot 26/12/2018 Festive Offer10% OFF SALE NOW LIVE
January is the time to upgrade/install your Intruder Alarm or CCTV system as our 10% OFF festive offer is now live. All you need to do is submit your requirements at the link below over the festive break to receive 10% off your quotation price with January install. Homes and Business properties in #Stirling, #Falkirk & #Alloa areas. 10% OFF by clicking the link & submitting your details:- http://www.stirlingalarms.co.uk/contact.html 27/11/2018 Home SecurityDo you really know who is installing the security system in your property? We work hard to maintain and are proud of our NSI GOLD accreditation. It is widely recommended in the UK that you use NSI or SSAIB approved installers for your Security Alarm system. Watch this video clip from Fake Britain to see how easy it is to fall into the trap and trust rogue installers. Using an NSI approved installer such as Stirling Alarms gives you confidence in the integrity of the alarm system installation, maintenance and 24/7 monitoring process. 11/11/2018 Remembrance SundayThe village of Cambusbarron, Stirling remembered today all those that fell during the Great War.
For my generation World War 1 feels such a long time ago, with World War 2 feeling closer to our time as that war is more associated with being around the birth of our parents and the stories they could pass on to us. Unless you go deep into studying the history of WW1 I don't think we truly can appreciate the atrocities that our grandfathers and great grandfathers went through in that conflict. Like many millions throughout the world, today my family and I took time to remember and pay our respects to the millions that fell and who sacrificed to allow many future generations hope and opportunity. 10/11/2018 Christmas Security
10/11/2018 Macmillan Coffee MorningA massive thank you to all our team plus friends, family, suppliers, delivery drivers and our postman who all donated towards the Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee morning recently held at our Stirling Electrical/Alarms office.
The campaign to regulate the electrical industry in Scotland reached the Scottish Parliament today with a debate in the main chamber following a motion put forward by Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP.
The campaign to 'Regulate Electricians as a Profession' is led by electrical trade association SELECT and is supported by Unions and other industry bodies. Today's debate is an important milestone in the campaign process bringing the need to improve electrical safety in homes and business properties to MSP's, parliament and the wider public. Further information on the campaign:- - Electricians as a Profession - The Case for Regulation - Scottish Public Expresses shock and disbelief as SELECT reveals dangers of rogue electricians - Article 1 - Article 2 - Article 3 - Article 4 The debate can be viewed here thanks to Scottish Parliament TV. 22/10/2018 Scottish Parliament - ElectriciansLater this week myself and fellow electrical colleagues will attend the Scottish Parliament.
On Thursday 25th October just after First Ministers Questions a debate brought forward by MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone will take place to support the Regulation of Electricians as a Profession. I have mentioned on this blog previously about an ongoing campaign by electrical trade association SELECT to bring legal status to electricians as a 'Profession' - similarly like Gas engineers, essentially making it mandatory that those that carry out electrical work in Scotland be fully trained and have up to date qualifications to carry out such work. Currently anyone with no training or qualifications can carry out electrical work and legally at the moment there is nothing stopping them carry out such work, if this work is carried out by someone with no formal electrical training or past qualifications that have no or little relevance to the latest electrical regulations then the work could cause harm to property and put lives at risk. Presently the homeowner or business property owner has no mandatory regulated formal way of checking the qualifications of the person carrying out the work. The parliament Motion calls for support in regulating the electrical industry where only those with up to date and ongoing electrical training and qualifications can carry out electrical work within Scotland and for a mandatory regulated register of qualified electricians/companies. Failure to do so and still carry out electrical work would then be illegal - similar to Gas work. The campaign by the hard working group at SELECT has gathered pace and now has the support of other electrical organisations and trade unions and will now have a voice at this parliament debate. I have today written to my local MSP highlighting this campaign and parliament debate and will update with more news later in the week after the debate on Thursday. In the meantime if anyone has any questions or queries about why the Regulation of Electricians as a Profession is important please ask in the comment section below or in a reply to my social media posts. 8/10/2018 22 Years - Thank You22 years ago today (8th October) my business life began with an electrical job at Smiths Restaurant in Stirling.
It's been a long journey since then with so many ups and downs and so many wins and losses where every day there is another lesson to be learned. Thank you to all who have supported me and Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. (SES) over the past 22 years, especially my very supportive wife. 30/9/2018 It's A Team EffortWatching Europe regain Golf's Ryder Cup you cannot fail to witness the emotional scenes displayed by the winning Europeans. Of course winning an event such as the Ryder Cup will always spark emotions from the winning team but I believe the success and especially the margin of victory for Europe over their opponents USA comes down to a major factor, which is that Europe play as a team. Yes, in golf, football, rugby and any team sport to succeed at the highest level there is no doubt you require individuals with the highest skill and ability but individuals with the highest skill and ability is not necessarily always a good thing if they don't have the fire and commitment to fight for and help other members of their team. You can relate to this throughout any team sport at any level from kids through to world class teams and you can also relate to this in business. As an employer with a growing team of electricians ideally I require a team who can carry out as many of the different skillsets and services required from an electrician but I would be foolish to believe every single electrician on my team can carry out all the different skills and services required. Training and guidance is provided to each individual for them to gain new skills over a course of time but I must initially work with my team around the capabilities of the individuals. And while training and guidance takes place I will be working and reminding each individual that they are part of a team, that when one person wins and completes a job that the end customer is happy about then it is a win and accomplishment for us all - for our team. We win together and we also pull together when required. Team members digging deep and helping each member of their team to succeed the same way as they would do so for themselves is the ultimate goal for leaders in team participation. So in your own world of team's whether that be in sport, business or work what more can you do to help out another team member say solve that problem, move the project forward, complete that task, give them a helping hand or provide support and motivation at your next game or match. One for All and All for One. Oh, and what a brilliant team effort and victory - well done Europe. 29/7/2018 Ice Skating90 days ago as part of one of my 'Fun' goals to achieve in this quarter I said I wanted to have a go at Ice Skating. Not once before had I tried it in my life. Today I hit my target. But after the first 10 minutes on the ice I was tapping out. I couldn't move forward, I couldn't move away from holding onto the side. I was finished. After standing at the side for a few minutes and after a good few deep breaths I quickly threw that 'finished' story out of my head. Back on the ice, I was re-focussed. What I hadn't realised before was that I had about a hundred teachers all around me. I stood and watched, I took in how they moved on the ice, how they balanced. I stood and watched how they flicked their feet and the motions they made. Ok, lets go again then I said to myself. Slowly and uneasily...I managed to move forward and I moved away from the side. Around and around the rink I went. I stopped at times, I rested, I looked at others again to learn more. I was now moving faster, I was feeling more comfortable - it also helped that I had tightened my boots. Around and around the rink I went......thud. The more comfortable I felt with the level I was at the faster I pushed myself. But this created a new challenge - it was now time to fall down. As my confidence grew, I wanted to expand, I wanted to move faster, I wanted to be more graceful. But that brings with it new challenges. Thud, Thud, Thud....it's bloody sore falling on hard ice, that's something else I've learned as well today. 90 minutes later, sweating (how can that be in an ice rink) I was skating and still falling over but where I had came from to where I was now in the space of 90 minutes was massive. From, wanting to quit after 10 minutes, to simply changing the story in my head that ice skating was too difficult and I couldnt do it, to watching and learning from others around me. From falling down, bruised and sore, I got back up and tried and tried again. Dancing on Ice is a long way off, infact skating for more than 2 minutes without falling on my arse will still take many more hours to achieve. But funny how the above is just like all the things we achieve in life. From fear and dread to begin with, to taking small steps, making mistakes and learning from those mistakes to eventual improvement and success as long as we persevere and put in the hard work. I dread to think what my next 90 day 'fun' goal will be. 28/7/2018 PodcastMy new podcast is now available where I will discuss business, fitness and family.
Hopefully I will provide some words of wisdom along the way. The podcast is available to listen and subscribe to on a host of popular platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Full details are on my new podcast page. |
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