High-voltage power contractors Smith Brothers has added a wealth of additional electrical engineering expertise to its portfolio, as six new faces join the Elland-headquartered firm – alongside a newly promoted MD.
After seven years with the electrical engineering company, former director Dave Ogden has been promoted to managing director. Celebrating 20 years in business, founding brothers Richard and John Smith will each remain in the organisation as joint chairman.
Joining the team as a site manager, Phillip Taylor brings 15 years of experience in electrical engineering following a career change from the armed forces. A member of the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), Phillip had been providing contracting services to Smith Brothers for 19 months before applying to become a full-time member of staff.
In addition, Elliott Johnson has come on board as a fitter, as he seeks to further progress within the sector. With a career spanning 15 years – and a range of roles – he brings a wealth of industry experience in both high and low voltage maintenance and construction.
Another new face is Adrian Pickles, the company’s newest high voltage supervisor and fitter. Having worked in the transmission and distribution equipment industry for over 30 years – as well as alongside Richard Smith prior to Smith Brothers’ inception – he boasts a proven track record.
Appointed as a project manager, Matthew Selkirk has 22 years of experience in the sector. With a broad knowledge and understanding of HV projects and their lifecycle, Matthew’s strong technical background in design compliments the existing Smith Brothers project management team, and its capability to deliver.
Completing the new-look line-up, Karl Gill has joined as an electrician, while Darrell Johnson – who has worked in the electrical engineering industry for 39 years – has been announced as the firm’s new health and safety manager.
Richard Smith, joint chairman said: “We’re celebrating our 20th birthday this year. As we look to support our growth plans, we’ve welcomed a number of contract and permanent members of staff – and are recruiting several more – in order to cement Smith Brothers’ position for another two decades.
“Dave Ogden has played a key role in developing the business over the last few years and we feel the time is right for him to take on the role of managing director. Both myself and John will remain in the business but will leave the day-to-day operations in his more-than-capable hands.”
