On Friday the 25th of November 2016 over 150 people including family, 45 members of staff with their partners and customers gathered at the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries to celebrate the 40th anniversary in business for ‘Derek Mitchell Electrical Ltd’
This year Derek Mitchell Electrical (DME) has been trading for 40 years after being established in 1976 by Derek Mitchell. Derek started trading as a single electrician in the Auchencairn & Castle Douglas area. He started the business trading from his sister’s (Roma) basement picking up work for local farmers and private home owners.
Very quickly Derek found his work load increasing so employed another electrician to assist him. The business continued to thrive as Derek always ensured all his work was completed to a very high standard. It was this high standard of workmanship which gained the trust of his customers and ultimately allowed him to expand, where he then acquired premises in Castle Douglas on the Abercrombie Road.
Over the years the business continued to expand with Derek then moving to new premises in Station Yard, Castle Douglas having out grown the Abercromby Road buildings. Some 20 years after starting the company in 1976 the business had grown to employ 8 staff, it was at this point Derek’s son Paul joined the business to assist his father. The business grew quickly with Paul at Derek’s side then more staff were employed; the area covered by the company at this point was the whole of Dumfries & Galloway with the odd job out with the region.
In 2000 and with Paul showing an enthusiasm for the business Derek decided to move onto new business interests leaving Paul to run the electrical himself (Derek still keeping a very close eye from the side-line). Paul continued to develop DME to the point in 2006 the company was working with 15 men on the tools and 3 office staff; at this point Paul needed to employ a manager to enable the business to move forward keeping up with customers’ needs and maintaining the high standard of workmanship, this position was filled and the company continued to grow at an ever increasing pace.
For the last 10 years Derek Mitchell Electrical has continued to grow from strength to strength serving customers all across the Dumfries & Galloway Region and traveling to central Scotland, even to Dublin at one point. The business now employs circa 50 members of staff and continues to grow whilst still maintaining the high standards of workmanship instilled into the business from day one.
- Agricultural
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Domestic
- Solar PV
- Wind Farms
- Maintenance Contracts
- Testing & Inspection
On Arrival on Friday evening at the glamorous event held in the Duncan rooms at Easterbrook, guests were welcomed by the Mitchell family with delicious cocktails presented in light-bulbs before being seated to enjoy a very moving speech by Paul, who spoke about his memories of his father and the 40 years of the business followed by an emotional poem read by Derek’s Son in Law Andy Davolls.
Paul also thanked his 3 longest working members of staff and their partners – Kenny Scott and partner Janey. Kenny has worked for the company since 26th March 84 a full 32 years and 7 months, Harry Murphy and wife Cynthia, Harry started 23rd April 84 a full 32 years and 6 months and Bruce Corrie and wife Denise Bruce has been with DME for 31 years and 3 months. There was also a presentation of several bouquets of flowers to the ladies that have supported DME over the years.
The evenings proceedings included the whole room taking part in a ‘Mannequin Challenge’ there was also a photobooth packed with DME props, plus there was a delicious cake which was cut by Paul and Charlotte Mitchell’s children Niamh and Ethan. Music and entertainment was supplied in the form of Raymond McQuarrie, and there was a buffet dinner and a free bar for all the guests.
Paul Mitchell said “ I am very happy that so many family, friends, customers and staff helped us celebrate the company’s milestone of achieving 40 years in business. We had a fantastic evening that ended up as a fitting tribute to my father Derek who sadly passed away this year. I would personally like to thank all the customers and staff who have supported us and made the past 40 years truly memorable. Without their support, dedication and commitment we would not be where we are at today. We look forward to the next chapter in the company’s history and will continue to raise the standards we have already set.”
Paul went on to say “What’s for the future? Well currently DME are constructing a purpose-built office, store and workshop in Heathhall Dumfries to supplement the current office & workshop at Castle Douglas as we have out grown our current building. Both premises will operate together for the future allowing DME to be better placed to serve all our valued customers. On a final note we would like to thank all our customers old and new for their support over the years and we look forward to working with you all in the future”.
For more information or to Contact DME visit their website at http://www.derekmitchellelec.co.uk/
Images Copyright R.B Photography
