Introducing: Mark Tate, Electrical Division
Joining 186
I’d been working closely with 186 as a sub-contractor for a while and knew the business well. I was enjoying the work, and the client feedback was good, but on a personal level I was at the stage where I was looking for a new challenge.
I knew that 186’s long term strategy was to develop the electrical provision, so I approached them with some ideas, and we started to investigate working together.
The discussions went well, and we all agreed the best way forward was to start an in-house electrical division and here we are!
We achieved NICEIC accreditation quickly which enables us now to provide clients with a full one-stop-shop.
186 can now do all electrical works associated with any project. Everything from installations, maintenance, and design for commercial, industrial and domestic premises, which is key for a seamless service delivery for clients.
With my previous electrical experience this enables us to provide more specialised services that are becoming more sought-after by the end user by way of integrated door access systems, fire alarm systems, CCTV and integrated cabling installations.
What type of work do 186 undertake?
Works include design, maintenance and installation of both analogue addressable and conventional automatic fire alarm systems; door access control installations incorporating audio video; and proximity control through multi storey buildings (multi occupancy).
We deliver integrated cabling installations including Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7, Cat 7a; lighting and emergency design and installation; general electrical maintenance and installation; electrical installation condition reports; covering domestic commercial and industrial.
All works certifying to BS 7671 standards and are widely used in commercial premises for end of tenancy (dilapidation) agreements.
Supporting Great North Air Ambulance
We’re delighted to deliver continual works at the Great North Air Ambulance, providing lighting power data and back up supplies for the ongoing day-to-day use of the facility whilst also providing an emergency service should the need arise.
As you can imagine that’s a nice project to work on and a vital service for people of the North East, so we are delighted to be able to support their work.
Old Exchange multi storey office block
We have delivered full lighting and refurbishment of the common areas at the Old Exchange in Darlington which is a multi-storey office block in Darlington town centre. In addition to the lighting refurb, we delivered a fully integrated staff and visitor access system linking to the three floors of the multi tenancy building.
Delivering Commercial and industrial projects
In terms of commercial and industrial projects, there are ongoing works at WG Jones, in Co Durham installing dedicated supplies for heavy machinery, CNC equipment and treatment plant. We are delivering ongoing works, including recommended works after Dilapidation reports at Belasis Court, Billingham. We are working with the Wolverston Group at Unit 1, Grindon Way, installs for full door access systems providing individual access rights and a role call for fire safety.
Teesside International Airport
It was good to be involved in the installation works for the newly formed café within the entrance lobby at Teesside International Airport
We are hoping to be involved in the proposed border force works shortly, working closely with the onsite electrical engineers to ensure they receive exactly what they require.
Growing the team
Due to the volume of work, I’m pleased to say we’ve had to grow the in-house team.
We now employ a full-time electrician, a full-time sub-contractor and an electrical apprentice which has all been great news.
Our clients have responded, and we are now actively seeking full time employees to assist with the development of this division.
We work both as electrical only and integrated with the wider 186 team so there’s plenty to do. We have found that clients love this approach, and we hope to do more of this type of project work going forward.
As the company gets busier, which it is, the electrical division gets busier and that’s where we have got to! It’s a great time to be involved.