Michael Napier is our ‘Sparky of the Month’.
Michael Napier, of WBB Electrical Services, speaks to Zano Controls in this quick-fire round of questions, including Michael’s journey into the electrical field, an exciting church rewiring project and his previous stint as a multi-award nominee.
Name: Michael Napier
Company: WBB Electrical Services
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Why did you become an electrician?
I always wanted to be a spark from a young age, although it didn’t transpire the way I thought. After the school days were over, I ended up working for Northern Rock Building Society, where I met my now wife. After the financial crash in 2007, I was made redundant and started to help my wife’s dad - he ran an electrical business with some onsite labouring work. I loved the work and craic onsite, so decided to give it a proper go and started my electrical apprenticeship, aged 22.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety of work we do – it really keeps me on my toes. We could be wiring up a 3 phase 50kW motor one day, and fixing Mrs Miggins’ cooker the next!
What’s the most interesting job you’ve completed to date?
That would probably be one of our most recent projects. This was the rewiring and relighting of St. Gabriel’s Church in Newcastle. Within the loft space, there was the old gas lighting pipework and connections.
What are the biggest challenges you face day-to-day?
Payments and retentions are the biggest thing for us. When working for larger clients, it can sometimes be a battle to paid correctly – and on time. 60 and 90-day payment terms are fairly common. I’m very passionate about getting a fair payment term agreement in place for small contractors like us.
What services have been most in demand this year?
For us, our business is really split into two camps. The first one is our BMS controls wiring division, and the second is our commercial electrical division. Both sides of the business have had a great start to the year, with our order book being completely full until the summer.
Fun fact about you?
Not sure how fun this is, but during my apprenticeship I was in the running for JTL’s National Apprentice of the Year for 3 years in a row. On my final attempt, I was sat on the top table with the head of JTL and other industry big cheeses. Naturally, I thought the award was in the bag, and was contemplating on how to spend my winnings – but they decided to award someone else. I still think it was a setup to this day!
How did you find out about Zano Controls?
I discovered Zano through your Twitter account.
What’s the biggest LED dimming problem you’ve faced?
Matching the LED lamp to the switch has always been a bit of a pain. Also, general flickering issues (hopefully not with us!).
What’s your go-to Zano product?
The ZGRIDLED range. It has great adaptability when retrofitting into existing grid switch applications.
If you could rewire anyone’s house, who would it be?
That would probably be big Alan Shearer. He is an absolute idol of mine. Also, I think his rewire would keep me and the lads very busy, judging by the size of his mansion.
Think you have what it takes to be our next Sparky of The Month? Be sure to share your installations and projects with us, and it may just be your face appearing in our next Sparky’s Corner! For any project or product enquiries, please call the team on 0345 519 5858 and we will be happy to help.
#TeamZano