Over three centuries in business

A look into the origins of HF and our company philosophy.

You may have heard us, from time to time, mention that HF’s family culture stretches back over three centuries in business. But what exactly do we mean by that and why is it relevant to our business today?

When we talk about our history and the family culture behind HF, we are often referring to where it all began and the companies original founder, Hugh M Fulton.

Hugh M Fulton began his career, like so many of our modern day electricians, as an electrical apprentice in the late 1800s working for a company called Claude Hamilton.  Now known as CHES, a part of FES.

Over the following decades, Hugh Fulton graduated from apprentice to electrician and eventually became one of the most highly regarded electricians in the country. Something which was recognised when he became President of the Electrical Contractors Association of Scotland in 1937.

The original Hugh Fulton Electrical Ltd company was founded in Glasgow just 15 years later in 1952 and then in 1981, HF Electrical Ltd was established and became the first of what we now know as HF branded companies.

Over the following four decades, we have diversified and developed abreast of industry advancements and have grown into a group of world-class companies leading the way in next-generation technologies; and all with a family continuity at management level which is rarely seen.

HF Group (itself formed in 2007) is what can be seen as the umbrella company for the other brands within HF. This allows these individual companies to continue to trade under their own name whilst being part of the HF Group and allow for their own future growth.

Why does this matter?

HF’s family culture means much more than dates and numbers. It’s quite literally, the core of the business. We consider all of our employees as part of the family and invaluable assets to our ongoing success. So we continually invest in training and development, allowing the entire team to share in a thriving and mutually supportive working environment. This philosophy and the way that we operate as a business can trace its roots back over three centuries ago when Hugh M Fulton first began as an electrical apprentice.  That philosophy and his recognition of the vital benefits that apprentices can bring to a business like ours has continued into the 21st century as we continue to grow into a group of world-class companies leading the way in next-generation technologies. Faced with today’s business challenges – recessions, pandemics, takeovers and mergers, this is testament to HF’s truly outstanding approach.

A career with HF as an apprentice

Are you looking for more than just a job? Are you looking for a career?
At HF you can do just that. One that promises unique challenges, a varied workload and great career progression opportunities within the company.

We are always looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join us as apprentices and continue the legacy that Hugh M Fulton first founded over three centuries ago.

We have so many success stories within HF; from the almost endless number of
electrical apprentices who have forged successful, long spanning careers with us, to those who have moved from one division of HF to another as they grow and seek new challenges.

“ An apprenticeship with us opens the door to a rewarding lifelong career.
The majority of our apprentices have stayed with the company and forged real careers with us. And all without the financial pressures of student debt. ”

Hugh R Fulton Managing Director

What we are looking for…

Whether it be plumbers, electricians, gas engineers or intruder alarm installers, we are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who want to develop their career and make HF their home.

The benefits of being an apprentice…

• Gain hands-on experience
• Benefit from our support system
• Gain industry-recognised qualifications
• Learn the industry
• Improve your employability
• Get paid to learn

If that sounds like you then we want to hear more about you.