Whangarei's Ben Scotland fulfils ambition to set up own electrical business

Ben Scotland, Scotland Electrical. Photo/ Michael Cunningham

Ben Scotland has fulfilled a long-held ambition to own his own electrical business.

The 25-year-old has stamped his surname on the enterprise, calling it Scotland Electrical which specialises in residential, commercial and maintenance work.

Whangarei born and bred, Scotland received all of his education locally, including at Whangarei Boys' High School.

He left school at age 16 and started his electrical apprenticeship almost immediately after with a local company, but the plan was to work for himself once he was qualified, which he has now achieved.

Scotland, who has been self-employed for three months, said the hardest part of setting up a business was all the paperwork, spending evenings sending out invoices and quoting jobs.

However he said he was setting up systems to be more efficient so he could spend more time on the job. Scotland has also been plugging into his uncle's electrical knowledge as he recently retired from the industry.

Scotland has been working on his own mostly but for some jobs, such as cabling, he will call on another electrician to help out. He also returns the favour.

Scotland has a total of nine years of experience in the electrical industry, including his apprenticeship.

He said he decided to use his surname in the business title as people knew his family in Whangarei, plus it showed commitment when you put your name to something.

Scotland said he was committed to quality electrical work something he said he learned while working on the $50 million Helena Bay Lodge.

He said he was already "a bit of a perfectionist" but the time spent working there cemented his commitment to quality in both workmanship and materials used. He has made this approach his professional point of difference.

When Scotland does have some spare time he enjoys playing rugby, surfing, diving, fishing and spending time with mates during summer at Wellingtons Bay.

His goal for the future is to buildup the business into a successful electrical service company, employing extra staff to help the business succeed. He hopes to have someone working for him within 12 months.