Northern Bear : New appointments at J Lister Electrical

It has been a year of big changes for York-based electrical contractors J Lister Electrical. In January the company was acquired by Northern Bear plc, joining a group of specialist building businesses. In July it moved premises and in November it announced two significant new appointments. All this took place while conducting successful business during a pandemic.

Matthew Gabbitas has been appointed to the board as Contracts Director. He has been with the company for 19 years and has taken on extra responsibilities since the change of ownership. Matthew, aged 49, has been employed in the electrical industry all his working life, progressing from apprentice, electrician, inspector, estimator, manager and now director, always keeping his knowledge right up to date.

Matthew said: 'I am delighted to be appointed to the board. J Lister has been an important part of my life and will continue to be so. It is a strong business with a healthy future.'

Also in November, Kevin Baxter was appointed to the new position of Fire Alarm Division Manager.

Kevin has over 40 years' experience in the fire alarms sector including installation, servicing, sales and project management. He has worked on many large commercial and industrial sites including nuclear power stations.

Kevin's immediate objective is to implement the comprehensive quality management systems required to get J Lister Electrical accredited by the BAFE Fire Safety Register.

Kevin said: 'Achieving this will open the doors to contracts for bigger projects with government, local authorities and major companies. There are four modules: design, installation, commissioning. and servicing. We hope to have full accreditation by the end of 2021.'

Managing director Nigel Shorney said: 'We identified an opportunity to grow the fire alarm division of our business. We were lucky to find Kevin who has the skills and experience to drive this forward.'