A fond farewell to Davie McIlroy

We Bid a Fond Farewell to Electrical Inspection Champion David “Davie” McIlroy

When David McIlroy first walked through the doors of HF as a fresh-faced apprentice in 1977, he joined a small Glasgow firm that would one day grow into one of the UK’s most trusted M&E specialists. Forty-eight years later (over two separate stints), Davie’s story has become woven into the fabric of HF and the story of our growth into ‘A Company Well Connected’. This month, after an extraordinary 23 years of combined service, Davie is hanging up his tester probes, retiring from a role that helped define HF’s reputation for uncompromising electrical safety.

A Circular Journey of Craft and Commitment

Davie’s career traces a full circle. Having completed his apprenticeship with us in 1981, he honed his craft at City Bakery’s Balmore facility, then broadened his skillset with another Glasgow contractor. But HF’s pull proved strong and in 2007 – exactly 30 years after his first day – he returned to take charge of electrical inspection and testing across the central belt. It was a timely homecoming. Demand for fixed-wire testing, periodic inspection reports and PAT services was climbing as new regulations tightened duty-holder responsibilities and we needed to ensure that we grew with the times, entrusting someone who’s work ethic derived from the very heart of HF’s values.

Safety. Every recommendation Davie made, whether replacing a cracked socket or upgrading an obsolete RCD, stemmed from the belief that everyone deserves to go home safe.

Integrity. If tests revealed non-compliance, Davie called it exactly as he saw it, even when it meant uncomfortable conversations.

Quality. As a product of the HF Apprentice Programme, it should come as no surprise that Davie embraced our high standards and ensured that the rest of his team followed suit.

“Davie represents everything we stand for as a business – loyalty, quality workmanship and a deep sense of responsibility to our clients. As a family-run company, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships, not just with customers but with our people. Davie’s journey from apprentice to today is a shining example of what’s possible when you invest in your team and treat them like family. ”

Hugh Fulton, HF Group Managing Director

Apprenticeship: The HF Way

That journey from apprentice to senior inspector embodies a pattern that has driven HF for decades. More than half of our current qualified electricians started in our apprenticeship programme. Investment in apprentices is not altruism; it is strategy. In a market where skill shortages jeopardise project timelines, our apprenticeship pipeline ensures we can staff projects from Lerwick to Land’s End without compromising standards.

Looking Ahead

As Davey settles into retirement (first stop: a well deserved break to Cyprus), we move forward buoyed by his example.  Davie’s retirement comes at a time when HF’s electrical inspection arm is larger and more technologically advanced than ever.

“That’s exactly how I wanted to leave it. Strong, future-proof and still run by people who care.”

Davie McIlroy

Our mission remains clear: to deliver mechanical, electrical and fire & security services that embody Safety, People, Integrity and Quality. Our method also remains clear: develop apprentices, nurture loyalty, celebrate dedication.

It is tempting at moments like these to dwell on the talent we are losing. Yet Davie himself would be first to remind us that an inspection sticker is only as good as the next inspection. The HF family thanks him for the countless safe systems he leaves behind and for proving, once again, that when you invest in people, the returns last well beyond any single career.

Enjoy the sunshine Davie. Your legacy is already lighting the way.