Jim Grant's Retirement

Jim Grant’s Retirement

Jim Grant retires from Proteus Switchgear after nearly 37 years’ service.

Jim originally got into the electrical industry when he completed an electrical apprenticeship in 1971 from Napier Technical College in Edinburgh, making him a qualified electrician. With this new title under his belt he decided he wanted to go to Australia. Jim became a £10 Pom and set off on a 6 week sail over to Australia where he would become a senior foreman and electrician working on larger projects in Sydney.

Jim came back to allow his children to meet their grandparents and ended up staying here as he was offered a job working in Kent for MEM Switchgear before joining CEF Brighton West in 1986. During the next 9 years, Jim opened two satellite branches that matured into full stores. In 1995, Jim became a Projects Engineer for Proteus Industrial and following this became a National Projects Manager.

Jim has become a well-known, experienced and knowledgeable individual within not only the company but the industry as a whole. We would like to wish Jim all the best for his retirement and thank him for his dedicated service.

Jim will not have it easy once he has retired, he has a list of things to get on with including decorating the house and sorting out the garden and shed. During his downtime from these other activities he hopes to spend more time with his grandchildren and friends both locally and in Australia. When he can find the time, Jim has said he’s looking forward to getting back into archery which used to be a hobby of his.

Finally, there was a few more questions we wanted to hear from Jim before his departure:

1. What was your first job?

My first job before my electrical apprenticeship was working on a farm.

2. Are you a tea or a coffee person?

Coffee, and usually too much of it!

3. Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

I used to collect match box cards. I’ve got over 400 of the bloody things – I’m willing to sell you some if you like? *The design and marketing team politely declined*

4. What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

It has to be Australia, but we always go to Australia.

5. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

My father. He used to say, “It doesn’t harm you to do a hard day’s work.”

6. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt whilst working at Proteus?

Be honest with your customers. You have to be honest with them!

7. What’s your favourite part about your job?

Getting to meet so many people every day.