It is with sadness we that we let you know of the passing of Alan James Thompson, Managing Director of EE Thompson and Son from 1972 to 2009

He leaves behind his beloved wife Renee, his daughter Jane, son Stuart, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Growing up in Preston, Alan developed a passion for electrical work early on by helping his father, Ernie, who founded EE Thompson & Son Ltd in 1946.

Alan began working at age 15 with a local electrical contractor to learn the trade. Alan wanted to spread his wings and see the world and so joined the Merchant Services as an electrician. His seafaring career took him all over the world over a span of 12 years, eventually rising to become Electrical Officer for several prestigious shipping lines including Cunard’s The Queen Mary.

During this time, Alan became a father to Jane, and with Ernie’s health declining, he returned home to help run the family business and raise his family. His son Stuart was born in 1973, by which point Alan had taken over the running of the business.

Alan was passionate about professionalising the business and building on the strong foundations laid by his father. He focused on quality workmanship, appearance, and training – values shaped during his time at sea and upheld by the Company today.

He was an early adopter of formal standards, implementing and achieving certification to BS 5750 (now ISO9001) in the early 1990s, making EE Thompson & Son one of the smallest companies to achieve such a standard at the time.

In 1992, the Business won the Electrical Reviews “Electrical Contractor of the Year” Award. This success was driven by Alan’s vision and commitment to quality.

The Company joined the ECA in 1975 and Alan immersed himself in the association at every level – from local Preston branch meetings to national roles, ultimately becoming ECA President in 1996. This was a highlight of his professional life.

Alan was a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and championed the development of JTL, aiming to set a benchmark for the industry. He also worked with closely with the JIB advocating for the priorities of small Companies who are the backbone of the industry.

Alan’s ehots and values live on in EE Thompson & Son today, the Company he saw through huge changes in the industry and wider world.

Alan had many great loves in his life, his wife Renee, his children, grandchildren and great grandchild.  These were closely followed by his love for golf, Preston North End and of course EE Thompson & Son.

His lasting legacy in the industry will speak for itself in the numerous apprentices who have trained under his tenure and beyond.  Those apprentices going on to forge successful careers in all aspects of the industry at home and abroad.

Rest in Peace Alan.