Graham Anslow is our ‘Sparky of The Month’.
Graham Anslow of Anslow Electrical in Shropshire talks to Zano Controls’ about the installer demand for home office installations and conversions, and the highlights of his career so far as an electrician.Name: Graham Anslow
Company: Anslow Electrical
Location: Newport, Shropshire.
Experience: "I undertook an advanced modern apprenticeship straight from school and now have over 20 years' experience in the trade. I handle predominantly domestic and agricultural electrical work."
Why did you become an electrician?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do before leaving school and I was always acting the class clown, so my parents suggested I get into a trade. In my eyes, it was either become an electrician or become a plumber and I picked the first one. I’ve always been good with my hands and had an eye for the neat and tidy and that skillset lends itself well to life as an electrician.
What do you enjoy must about your job?
I enjoy the freedom of not being told what to do - most of the time - and being able to make a difference. I love helping people out - it gives me great satisfaction.
What is the most interesting job you’ve completed to date?
There’s a few I could pick but the most memorable would be a job I completed in my early 20s. I was tasked with installing and wiring up a new milking parlour on a dairy farm completely solo. It was quite a big job and unlike anything I’d experienced before, especially considering it was up to me to complete the job by myself. It went better than expected - I thoroughly enjoyed the project, and I was really pleased with the result. At the end of the day, there really is nothing better than standing back and admiring your own work on show.
What are the biggest challenges you face day to day?
I’d say keeping motivated, as when self-employed you really do have to wear all sorts of hats. You’re the boss, the employee, the company secretary and sometimes even the cleaner. I’m no stranger to a dustpan and brush!
What services have been most in demand over the last few years?
As working for home has grown for obvious reasons, it’s got to be electrical work for home offices and home office conversions. Since the start of the very first lockdown, I've carried out a lot of electrical projects on garages being split up into office space. I’ve also experienced a big spike in demand for hot tub installations. As people struggled to get away or go on holiday, they looked to bring a little bit of luxury to their homes.
Fun fact about you?
I can’t think of a fun fact per se, but an interesting fact about me is I used to cycle 14 miles a day while I was an apprentice before I was able to drive. So, it really was no surprise that when I turned 17, I started taking lessons straight away and passed my test within 3 months.
Why is your impression of Zano?
I’ve heard very good things about Zano from all over social media and speaking to other sparks, so thought I’d give you guys a go. Price wise, you are competitive compared to others and the dimmers are so easy setup it’s a no brainer. Zano Controls are my go-to dimmer from now on.
What’s the biggest LED dimming problem you’ve faced?
Main issues are always flickering of lamps and fittings, and sometimes call backs due to dimmer setting issues. Thankfully, Zano solves these issues and leaves me with peace of mind once they’ve been installed.
Think you have what it takes to be our next Sparky of The Month? Share your installations and projects with us, and it may just be your face appearing in our next Sparky’s Corner! For any project or product enquiries, please call the team on 0345 519 5858 and we will be happy to help.
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