WITH the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2023 taking place at the Inn At Dromoland on November 16, we continue the countdown by speaking to business people from County Clare.
Next up in this series is David Hedigan of Ecolect Technical Services Ltd, an Ennis-based leading provider of innovative mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering solutions. This series is brought to you in association with McKeogh Gallagher Ryan.
Where are you from?
Cooraclare, Co Clare
Tell me about your business?
We are an Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Company based in Ennis. We work mainly in Energy / Pharmaceutical / Industrial / Hazardous Area Sectors.
Is there anything that might surprise readers about Ecolect Technical Services Ltd?
We are trading in Ireland and UK and have also completed contracts in Europe. Won Generation Apprenticeship ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year Award 2022’.
What was your first job and what age were you?
Farming with my uncle Martin from a young age
What are your strongest memories of that?
Lovely times spent with him in the tractor going to the creamery and great friendship built up
Weirdest job you ever had?
Working on the Oil Rigs 100 miles off the Nigerian coast in the Delta Region. Always the fear of an invasion by Pirates and on high alert at all times.
If you could have chosen a different career path, what would it be?
Carpenter
Is there anybody in business that has inspired you?
Michael O’Leary’s straight-talking attitude.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in business?
The work life balance. Long hours are required for starting and running a business and sometimes can be to the detriment of family life. Striving to find that balance can be challenging and means consciously managing your time and energy to meet both professional and personal commitments.
If you could start again, is there anything you would do differently?
Be more aware of the resources and supports available for business startups and reach out for some assistance and advice.
Can you give advice to anybody considering going into business?
Working hard and long hours does not get immediate results, but perseverance pays off and sometimes you learn a lot from your mistakes.
What is your favourite book?
Anything by Andy McNab
What is your favourite film?
The Replacements
What was the first CD / tape / record your purchased?
That’s what I call music 1993
Who is your sporting hero?
Roy Keane
What was your favourite holiday?
Recent trip to Edinburgh with Family – I worked & they shopped!!
If somebody could play you in a film, who would it be?
Jason Staten
Three things you’d bring to a desert island?
Knife, Fishing Net, Hammock
What is your favourite saying / quote?
‘Things happen for a reason’
