Congratulations to Derek on 25 years

Climbing the career ladder at HF

As April comes to a close, it marks a significant milestone for our Mechanical & Electrical division as we proudly celebrate 25 years since Derek Murray first walked through our doors as a first-year apprentice.

Derek joined HF while studying electrical installation at Cardonald College, part of Glasgow Clyde College, beginning a journey that would see him grow from a young apprentice into one of our most valued Contract Manager.

From his first day on-site, Derek demonstrated the work ethic, curiosity and commitment that we value so deeply at HF. Like many apprentices who have joined us over the years, Derek brought with him a desire to learn and a willingness to work hard — qualities we aim to nurture through our well-established apprenticeship programme. At HF, we have always believed in investing in people, and Derek’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved when potential is met with the right support, training and opportunity.

After completing his apprenticeship, Derek became a full-time electrician working from our Glasgow branch and quickly worked toward gaining his Approved Electrician status. His technical knowledge, reliability and ability to lead made him an ideal candidate for further progression. Today, he is one of our trusted Contract Managers, overseeing projects across Scotland — from hospitality venues and pub fit-outs to manufacturing facilities, commercial offices and beyond.

Derek’s hands-on experience ensure that HF’s projects are delivered with the same commitment to quality and safety that have been the cornerstone of our business for decades. He works closely with clients and teams alike to ensure that every job, no matter the size or complexity, is completed to the highest standard while his work ethic and consistency serve as a daily reminder of the value that long-term development brings — not just to the individual, but to the company and its clients as well.

“Derek is the perfect example of what can be achieved through our apprenticeship programme. He’s someone who’s taken full advantage of every opportunity, embraced the HF values, and helped shape the culture that we’re known for. We’re proud to have people like him leading our teams and inspiring the next generation.”

John A Ferguson
Managing Director,  HF Mechanical & Electrical

Derek’s journey is far from unique within HF, and that’s exactly how we’ve built the business. Our investment in apprenticeships isn’t just about filling roles — it’s about creating careers. We see apprentices as the future of our company, and over the decades, many of our most senior staff have began their HF journeys the same way Derek did: as young trainees looking for a path.

Through close mentorship, technical training and a strong focus on our core values (safety, people, integrity, and quality) we aim to guide every apprentice into becoming not just a skilled tradesperson, but a true ambassador for our company. We believe that by embedding our values early, we create professionals who carry them through every job, every customer interaction, and every decision they make on-site.

“Derek has played a vital role in demonstrating what’s possible at HF. He’s always been someone the younger lads look up to, not just for his knowledge, but for the way he carries himself and gets the job done. We rely on experienced professionals like Derek to pass on the standards and mindset that set us apart in the industry.”

Robert Campbell
Contracts Director, HF Mechanical & Electrical

At HF, we often say that our people are our strongest asset — and it’s careers like Derek’s that give that statement weight. His journey is a testament to the success of our apprenticeship strategy and the long-term relationships we aim to build, both within our teams and with our clients. By investing in our people, we ensure that our standards remain consistent, our culture continues to thrive, and our clients receive the very best service, every time.

As we celebrate Derek’s 25-year anniversary, we’re not just recognising a milestone — we’re celebrating a story of growth, loyalty, and leadership. And we look forward to seeing how his influence will continue to shape HF for many years to come.

Here’s to Derek Murray — a true HF success story and a vital part of our team.