Bedford-based business, Wadys Electrical & Mechanical Building Services, first formed in 1959 and since then has gone onto work on countless projects across the residential and commercial industries.
The company’s story first started as JA Wady Electrical Contractors Ltd, named after its founder, John Wady. In 1996, John’s son, Doug, took over to lead and grow the company. After 25 years at the helm, in 2021 Doug took on the role of Chair, with Dave Bishop stepping into the Managing Director role.
Over the years, the company has worked on many big projects including Luton Airport, Jaguar Land Rover dealerships, theatres, leisure centres, and various hospital works, including a busy and open Accident & Emergency department at a local hospital.
The team at Wadys are also passionate about supporting those in the local community. Across the last 66 years, the business has supported various charities and initiatives, including food banks.
The value of NICEIC certification
Wadys has been NICEIC-certified since 1968, and recently celebrated 57 years as an NICEIC-certified business. During this time, the company has had a fantastic working relationship with the certification body and the area engineers assigned to the company. Doug recalls many successful and productive visits over the years and says, “During these visits, the area engineer is not just here to check what we’re doing; they’re here to educate us too. We’ve had some great advice over the years.”
Doug highlights in particular examples of best practice from across the industry and helpful information about the theft of tools from vehicles. In a constantly evolving industry, Doug and Dave both praise the communication from NICEIC that keeps them updated with new regulations.
Dave adds: “NICEIC is a great organisation and has been very helpful to us over the years. One of the main benefits of NICEIC certification for us is that customers know the brand and it’s a benchmark in the industry. For us, that’s what stands out.”
Renewable technology
As many have experienced across the industry, Wadys has seen the demand for renewables grow, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Dave says that, “Whilst we offer EV charging installations, most of our renewable work sits within wider projects rather than as a standalone job.”
Many electricians from the company have completed some form of NICEIC training, mostly undertaken at the certification body’s headquarters in Dunstable, which is located just 20 miles away from Wadys’ Bedford base.
Investing in the future
The company has a long history of working with apprentices, with its longest serving apprentice spending 49 years at the business before retiring. At Wadys, Dave and Doug recognise the value of apprenticeships and supporting young people to build a successful career in the construction industry.
The company works closely with local colleges and secondary schools, attending career events and talks to share the benefits of a career in the industry and offering an alternative option to the usual university route.
It’s not just electrical apprentices that the company takes on; a few of the office staff in its HR and finance departments have also joined the business through the apprenticeship route.
Investing in the future is something that the whole team at Wadys is passionate about. Dave concludes: “Apprenticeships are definitely the way forward for the industry and will help to fix the skills shortage.”
“NICEIC is a great organisation and has been very helpful to us over the years".
Dave - Wady's Electrical & Mechanical Building Services
