Ian Wright

Ian started his career as an indentured apprentice electrician working for a medium sized electrical contracting company in Watford. During his apprenticeship he gained valuable experience in most areas of electrical installation, particularly on the industrial control front.

Ian attended the George Stephenson Engineering College, where he gained a Full Technological Certificate, Ordinary National certificate, and latterly, a Higher National Certificate.

He then joined a company primarily involved in Industrial switchgear and controls and gained experience in switchgear design, process controls, mechanical handling. In 1972, he became Engineering Director of the Company responsible Design and Manufacture.

In 1974, Ian founded ICW Electrical Design and Engineering Services Ltd, subsequently known as ICW Switchgear Company and ultimately ICW Power.

During 1987, as a candidate for mature membership, Ian wrote a paper for the Institute of Electrical Engineers entitled 'The Design Aspects of a Package Sub-Station'.

During his 28 years with the Company Ian built an organisation employing in excess of 150 operatives spread across five locations with an annual turnover approaching �40,000,000. Through Ian's vision and direction the Company became the market leader in the design and implementation of power systems, switchboard manufacture and component supplies.

In 1999 the Chief Executive Partnership acquired the Company. Ian was appointed Chief Executive Officer and retained a significant shareholding in the Company. In December 2000 Ian collected the award for the fastest 50 growing companies in the UK. At the beginning of January 2002 he resigned and disposed of his shareholding.

Throughout his time with that Company he dealt with a multitude of professionals from Countries worldwide including Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya, Nigeria,Ghana, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and the USA.

Ian's engineering and innovative skills are widely recognised within the Industry, as is professionalism and integrity.

Ian was formally a Chairman of EIEMA, and a leading contributor to the switchboard division technical committee, not least for his work on 'Forms of Construction' and fully insulated busbar systems.

In addition he carried out numerous studies on short circuit capability, temperature rise and conventional cooling within low voltage switchgear at high loads.

Furthermore, he pioneered 'thermal Imaging' techniques for safe use within commercial switchgear and was at the forefront of the BSRIA guide.

Ian also produced papers and spoke at several seminars held by BSRIA on the subject of harmonic effects on switchgear.

Having negotiated early release of his restricted covenants, Ian has now resumed his professional life as a power engineer.