Ian Wright, Chairman

Ian began 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.

Throughout the 1980's and 1990's Ian was heavily involved with Data Centre critical facility design and engineering and a leading proponent modularity and commonality within centres.

In 1999 the Chief Executive Partnership acquired the Company and Ian was appointed Chief Executive Officer. In December 2000 Ian collected the award for the fastest 50 growing companies in the UK. In January 2002 Ian left the Company to pursue other business interests.

Throughout his time with ICW he conducted business 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. Formally a Chairman of EIEMA, and a leading contributor to the switchboard division technical committee, his contribution included papers on 'Forms of Construction' and fully insulated busbar systems as well as 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.

Following his departure from ICW Ian has continued his business activities in the field of engineering design and implementation and has interests in Ian Wright Associates, Powermode, Powermode-Tela and Galileo Connect.

Hobbies: Football (Arsenal), Motor Racing, Swimming, Skiing and Golf.