SELECT, the authoritative trade body for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland, has elected Alick Smith, from Laurencekirk, as its new president. He replaces Douglas Geddes, who served in the post for two years.
At the same time, it has elected John Noble as vice president, replacing Mr. Smith in this role.
For Alick Smith, 59, the presidential position is the culmination of a lifetime in the industry. He started working when he was still 14, doing half days with a local firm. He became involved with SELECT when he was with Balfour Kirkpatrick and became a branch chairman in Aberdeen, undertaking valuable work on several key committees.
He was particularly influential on the Legal Committee (now the Commercial Committee) and the Technical and Employment Affairs Committee.
Alick intends to have particular input to the prestigious SELECT Awards, which recognize best practice in different areas of the sector, and he will be making his first awards speech as president in October this year.
He said the main issues facing the industry in his term of office would be the credit crunch and safety. He said: “People are beginning to talk about big projects coming through the pipeline and SELECT is investing heavily in being able to take full advantage of the upturn when it comes. There is plenty reason for optimism in this industry.”
Newell McGuiness, managing director of SELECT, said: “We are extremely pleased that Alick has been elected to the presidency of SELECT. He will be a very able successor to Douglas Geddes.
“Alick has strong experience in the electrical installation sector and gave sterling service for many years as chairman of our Aberdeen and North East Scotland branch. He steps up to the plate after two years as vice president and we’re looking forward to working with him very much.”
David Wright, Head of External Affairs at SELECT, said: “Alick will be a great asset to our outward-looking ‘ambassadorial’ activities as he already has a good knowledge of both our interactions with other industry bodies and of Scotland’s political environment.”
Vice president John Noble, the new vice-president, set up in business for himself in 1979 at the age of 21. His Bonnyrigg, Midlothian-based company, John Noble Contractors, won the accolade of Best Small Contractor at the 2007 SELECT/CABLEtalk awards ceremony.
Both these important posts will allow SELECT to continue to help shape the market climate. By representing the industry to government, SELECT influences legislation to create industry conditions which enable member firms to both provide a quality service to their clients and operate profitably at the same time.
For more information please contact David Wright, Head of External Affairs at SELECT , the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, tel. 0131 445 5577.
