Nairn High Street electrical business Pat Fraser set for exciting new chapter
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A new chapter is starting for a long-established Nairn business.
Pat Fraser Radio & TV announced a change at the helm after owner Laurie Fraser decided to retire. Pat Fraser Radio & TV has been a well-known presence on the High Street for almost seven decades, originally opening its doors in 1956.
The new owners are keen to uphold the continuity of the services and products supplied to the customers & community.
Local businessman Andrew Macdonald, owner of Boiler and Valve Engineering Ltd and his business partner in this new venture Paul Tomlinson are excited to get started. Paul, a time-served Electrician and experienced Electrical manager, brings a wealth of domestic, commercial & industrial experience.
Good friends, Andrew and Paul are delighted to start this business venture together and make it a continued success. The business officially changed hands yesterday (Monday, March 3) and has retained all employees and services.
Pat Fraser Electrical will still be your white goods supplier and trusted electrical contractor. With the same friendly staff there to help you every time you call or come into the store.
Laurie’s father Pat founded the business in 1956.
It was an early start for Laurie in the business when he, as a small boy, started by rolling out drums of cable at the age of two or three.
Becoming a TV engineer in 1974, he then spent several years working away overseas, returning in 1982 and qualifying as an electrician. He has been in the trade ever since.
“We've dealt with virtually everything across the board - wind turbines, swimming pools, all sorts of things. And, although we are a small staff, we'll turn our hand to anything.”
Throughout the many challenges thrown at small local businesses over the last decades - the pandemic and increasing growth of online sales - Pat Fraser has remained a landmark in Nairn’s business landscape, with loyal customers spanning across generations. After so many years in the trade, Laurie said that the time felt right to retire.
Plans to give the shop a new direction with new owners, for Laurie, was a “natural progression” for the business.
“It's good to get some fresh blood in. I felt the business needed a lift - you need to have a big refresh every few years, you can't stay the same forever. “I wish the two gentlemen who are taking it on all the best, I hope they do very well”.
Whilst Paul has been working in the business, he has met many customers who have been very positive about keeping Pat Fraser's where it is. People like knowing that if they have any electrical work or if they have any white goods or small appliances that they need replaced or repaired, they can just pop along.
Businesses are about people, and it’s clear to see that the success of Pat Fraser is down to its people.
Growing the existing team’s skill sets is a focus of the new owners, they all bring a great positive attitude and embrace the new ownership. Whilst retaining the grassroots of the company Paul and Andrew will look to develop into new commercial, renewable, and industrial sectors. This will enable the company to provide sustainable employment for local people.
