Ablectrics Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 05 Oct 2015Ablectrics on Gloucester Road in Bristol has to be one of the oldest independent businesses in Bristol. They specialise in electrics and lighting and the family run enterprise has been going strong for over 40 years.
365Bristol caught up with the owner Fraser Besant to find out more about Ablectrics and the secrets of their success.
1. When was Ablectrics set up and can you let us have a brief history?
Ablectrics first opened back in 1974 by my father Andy Besant and I took over the business in 2010. We still specialise in electrics and lighting and provide outstanding customer service to both our trade and public customers. Moving with the times we have recently launched our brand new website www.electricsandlighting.co.uk for those clients that wish to browse our product catalogue or order online.
2. Are you from Bristol?
Yes, born and bred Bristolian!
3. How's business?
Very good, since the recession things have been extremely positive. We are able to offer a wide range of services at Ablectrics and customers often come to us for advice. As lighting designers we are also able to provide bespoke solutions whether for a house, restaurant or large venue.
4. Any particular products or styles that are worth a mention in the electrics and lighting sector presently?
Our selection of genuine vintage lighting gets the most interest. Our unique collection of Mole Richardson Hollywood film set lights which we convert into vintage floor lamps are very popular and we love refurbishing and reconditioning your bespoke pieces!
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5. How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
Bristol is great. We have lots of loyal customers, top tradesman and a huge number of projects and extensions going on which keeps us busy.
6. Where do you see Ablectrics in 5 years time?
Continuing to provide an excellent service at our Gloucester Road shop with perhaps a warehouse somewhere in St Werburghs which is our next project. It would be great to have a new showroom and Cheltenham looks like a potential market.
7. What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
Offer a good service at a fair price and on time. Never go back on your word and people will buy from you.
8. Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
Steak of the Art is the best steak, The Mint Room in Clifton for the best curry and Wallfish Bistro is the best restaurant all round for a quiet meal in Bristol.
9. What’s your favourite things/places about/in Bristol?
I do love the Gloucester Road, the shop owners and all round mix of independent shops, bars and cafes are great.
10. If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
My trousers.
Ablectrics, 131 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8AX
Tel: 0117 9425355
Web : www.electricsandlighting.co.uk
Email : sales@ablectrics.com
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
