Edmiston Brown: craftsmanship, adaptation and reputation

Edmiston Brown’s story stretches back to the early 20th century, beginning as a small local contractor in Glasgow. They were one of the first electrical businesses in the UK certified by NICEIC in 1957. NICEIC caught up with former Director Charlie Riach and current director Cameron Lister to hear more about how the business’s long history has shaped the company’s approach today.

Adapting through the years

When Charlie joined Edmiston Brown in the late 1960s, the electrical trade looked very different to today. There were no computers, phones or online resources. Everything from drawings, to estimates and notes were produced by hand. “There were no computers … everything was handwritten. You’d go to a job, sketch it out, measure it, and take buses across town with tubes and plans under your arm”, Charlie explains. This era demanded technical skill and personal judgement, qualities that still shape the company’s identity.

Cameron, part of the newer generation of leadership, acknowledges that innovation has made work faster and more efficient, but he believes some traditional techniques are still essential. He stresses the value of apprentices learning fundamental skills “Power tools have made life easier, but they’ve taken some of the skill away. It’s still important that apprentices learn the traditional ways of working”. Even as technology has changed the day to day reality of installation and design, Edmiston Brown has maintained a culture centred on accuracy, care and pride in workmanship.

A culture built on safety, standards and professional discipline

The regulatory landscape has changed dramatically over the decades, and the expectations around safety and regulation have grown. Cameron notes that overwhelmingly the changes have made the industry safer and more professional. “Even in my time, I’ve noticed a big difference. Back then no one would bat an eyelid if you climbed scaffolding or worked at height without protection. You couldn’t do that now – and that’s a good thing.”

Edmiston Brown’s commitment to doing things properly has been widely recognised. In 2017, the company won the SELECT award for the best electrical safety product in Scotland, an achievement that reflects the seriousness with which they approach risk management, especially in complex environments like pharmaceuticals, rail and large commercial settings. For the team, compliance is not an administrative burden but a core part of who they are.

Growing into a multi discipline specialist

A pivotal moment came almost 50 years ago when the company became heavily involved in ScotRail and Network Rail projects. Cameron says “I think getting involved with ScotRail 40–50 years ago really catapulted us. Around 75% of their lighting columns and booking offices have been done by us.”

Their patented light shunt switch which are still required for certain rail applications speaks to a business that doesn’t just follow industry change but innovates within it. This reputation led them into highways, major breweries, large pharmaceuticals, and long standing commercial relationships.

Certification: a constant through change

For a company that has survived technological revolutions, generational shifts, and economic ups and downs, one constant has been their certification with NICEIC.

Cameron acknowledges that maintaining certification takes commitment, time, and cost, yet the company has never questioned its importance. “Some clients still tell you being NICEIC certified is a must. People see it on the vans or the website and know you’re a good contractor. It’s a reputation thing” he explains. For Edmiston Brown, certification underpins that reputation, offering reassurance to clients and differentiating the business from its competition.

Charlie reinforces the point and succinctly describes the philosophy that guides the company’s approach to standards, saying “you’re only as good as your last job.”

Training tomorrow’s workforce

Like much of the industry, Edmiston Brown faces challenges in attracting and developing new talent. Rising costs, the demands of college learning and changes in generational attitudes all play a role.

Despite these hurdles, the company continues to train both apprentices and adult learners, passing on the skills and values that have defined it for decades. Their commitment to developing people reflects the same long term mindset that has shaped their history.

A legacy built on craft, integrity and certification

From hand drawn plans carried across town to the complex, safety critical installations in rail, pharmaceutical and commercial environments it is known for today, Edmiston Brown’s journey parallels much of the change in the electrical industry itself. Their story reflects a commitment to skill and craft, passed down through the company’s many generations. Adaptability in the face of all that change and an unwavering commitment to safety has been key to Edmiston Brown’s reputation, built over decades of getting things right.