SELECT, the campaigning trade body for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland, paid a touching tribute to a distinguished past president of the organisation at an awards ceremony in Glasgow on 14th October
On an evening in which the Electrical Contractor of the Year was named as the CableCom Group, SELECT remembered the late Douglas Geddes, who died in March this Year. The accolade reflected the substantial influence which Douglas had on the electrical sector over a career spanning many years and, in particular, the special contribution he made to the SELECT awards.
The award, a delicate rose bowl, was collected by his partner Sheena. Newell McGuiness, SELECT Managing Director, who presented the rosebowl to Sheena said: “Dougie served SELECT as president from 2007 to 2009. As with every aspect of his career, he gave the post his all and made a significant contribution to the organisation.
“We were all deeply affected by his loss earlier in the year and we are pleased to be able to demonstrate to Sheena and her children tonight just how important Dougie was to us all.”
The presentation was made as part of the 2016 SELECT awards which was held at the Radisson Blu in the centre of Glasgow.
It was attended by a wide range of companies, from major electrical enterprises to local firms, illustrating the diversity and strength of Scotland’s electrical sector. Glasgow-born Douglas went into the electrical industry almost straight from school, serving a five-year apprenticeship. Once qualified, he worked with JB Mackenzie, eventually becoming a charge hand leading 18 electricians.
In 1970, with a business partner who was also a highly-skilled tradesman, Douglas went into business on his own account as G&A Electrical Services, which is still operating in Edinburgh. As a former apprentice himself, he was a keen advocate of the value of apprenticeship schemes and supported the many training initiatives run by SELECT from its Walled Garden HQ near Edinburgh.
His affiliation with SELECT began when he registered his firm as a member for protection and technical services. From there he went on to branch meetings, sat on various committees and eventually went on to join SELECT’s Presidential Team. In his spare time he enjoyed golf and charitable work as a member of the fellowship organisation Rotary International.
