82 | CONTRACTING Harkness Electrical We take pride in our extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry to bring you professional, reliable and quality service - every time. Your one-stop shop for vehicle servicing, repairs and maintenance. +64 6 876 0876 | 021 0233 9396 | admin@kpmautomotive.co.nz v Experienced Technicians Quality Servicing Trusted By Our community www.kpmautomotive.co.nz PLUMBING & HOT WATER CYLINDER REPAIRS Regardless of your plumbing problems, our highly trained plumbers will repair it, replace it or unblock it. 06 877 5674 mepplumbing.hb@xtra.co.nz mepplumbing.co.nz Business part of the Hawke’s Bay landscape Commercial and industrial jobs now comprise a large share of the workload, particularly in lighting installation and maintenance. T T Russell Fredric After four decades in business, Colin Harkness is still focused on doing the basics right – clear communication, quality workmanship and no surprises when the bill arrives. The owner of Harkness Electrical, Colin began his career as an apprentice during the late 1970s, and has overseen the business through a period of significant change across both technology and customer expectations. Harkness Electrical has been part of the Hawke’s Bay landscape since 1992, delivering wiring, lighting, heating, and ventilation solutions in residential and commercial work. “Just being honest and real, and doing a good job – that’s always been the main thing for us,” Colin says. The business has grown incrementally, and is currently supported by a team of nine, reinforced by a strong family dynamic, with multiple family members involved in the business, including in technical and office roles. “Most of the team are family, and that’s how it’s grown over the years,” Colin says. A long-term succession plan is already in motion, with eldest son Josh stepping into a leadership role as operations manager. Commercial and industrial jobs now comprise a large share of the workload, particularly in lighting installation and maintenance. Projects range from various new work and upgrades through to ongoing servicing for established clients, while residential work continues to provide a consistent base, from rewires and repairs to ventilation and heating systems. Over time, the nature of that work has shifted. Earlier years were focused on straightforward installations, but today’s mix reflects a more complex and connected environment. LED lighting has replaced older systems, while products such as SmartVent and heat-transfer systems are now standard features in many homes. “It’s changed a lot – there’s a lot more technology now. You’ve just got to keep learning and keep up with it,” says Colin. That willingness to adapt extends beyond tools and technology. During the past seven to eight years, the business has taken part in a mentorship programme with Profitable Tradie, which is helping reshape how it operates internally. “They teach you how to run a business, not just be a sparky. Things like understanding your numbers, staffing, planning – all that stuff we didn’t really know before.” The programme has influenced everything from recruitment to financial planning, with a stronger focus on culture and long-term sustainability. It has also provided connection with other businesses facing similar challenges. “It gives you a wider view. You realise you’re not the only one dealing with things, and you can learn from how others are doing it.” That clarity is reflected in how the company approaches its customers, with quotes being structured to minimise unexpected costs. “We try to allow for everything at the start so people know what they’re in for,” says Colin. “We don’t like hitting them with extras later – we’d rather be upfront, even if it costs us jobs.” That approach is backed with a set of formal guarantees, including a seven-point satisfaction guarantee, a 730-day extended maintenance guarantee, and a $20,000 workmanship guarantee. These reinforce a long-standing commitment to standing behind completed work. As the industry continues to shift, Harkness Electrical remains focused on adapting where needed, while holding on to the values that have underpinned it for more than three decades; consistency, honesty and quality workmanship that generates repeat business. “We stand by what we do, even if something goes wrong down the track, we’ll sort it,” says Colin. “We want customers for life, not just one job.”
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