George Robertson Ltd is providing in-kind support for The Tall Ships' visit to Lerwick in July. The company are supplying and installing washing machines and tumble dryers for the laundry facilities for the Tall Ships fleet as they are berthed in Lerwick Harbour. After the event, the machines will be resold at a discounted price, so there will be bargains to be had!
George Robertson Ltd is proud to serve the local Shetland community, having done so for the last 75 years. They are Shetland’s leading electrical appliance retailer (GR Direct), electrical contractor (GR Contracting) and kitchen studio (GR Kitchens). They are very much a Shetland business, with all three shareholders and over 30 staff based locally. Like The Tall Ships, young people play a crucial role in George Robertson’s operations.
Ashleigh Hughson (17) started working within GR Direct as a Sales Advisor in the summer of 2022. GR Direct is the retail arm of George Robertson Ltd, it provides a wide range of electrical appliances from trusted brands, at competitive prices, all sold locally from their shop at the Hillhead and via their new online retail website https://shop.grdirect.co.uk/. Ashleigh joined the business just out of school.
“When I applied for the job, I knew George Robertson Ltd was a well-regarded local company, but I hadn’t realised how many services it provides, and how busy it would be.
I really enjoy working here. There are so many new things to learn about, and I’m constantly meeting new people. I enjoy helping customers and finding answers to their problems”.
Jack Mcshane (16) is a first-year electrical apprentice at GR Contracting. GR Contracting are a team of experienced electricians that provide professional, reliable, and cost-efficient electrical contracting services within domestic and commercial sectors. Jack started working for George Robertson Ltd in early 2022 after leaving school. Following a year working building up experience and knowledge working alongside all the electricians, Jack will start college in Aberdeen in September.
“I applied to do my electrical apprenticeship with George Robertson Ltd, as I knew as a company it has a good reputation throughout Shetland. Also due to its size that there would be a wide variety of work to learn from.
Since starting, I have learnt so many different aspects of electrical work, but I do enjoy working on the new builds the most. This first year learning the basics has stood me in good stead for starting college in September.
Our work takes us across the whole of Shetland, and I really enjoy how different each day can be. Another great part of working here is we have a really good fun as a team.”
Louise Laurenson (25) is a Trainee Kitchen Designer with GR Kitchens. Louise has been working for George Robertson for over five years, initially in the shop as a Sales Advisor before latterly moving into her trainee position in GR Kitchens.
“I’m a creative person so I really enjoy being able to apply this in my work, alongside my practical knowledge in appliances from my time on the shop floor, it’s a good mix.
I really love being able to help customers create the kitchen they’ve always wanted; it’s really satisfying work.
It’s a great and humbling place to work, surrounded by supportive seniors and amongst a super broader team.”
Beyond this, George Robertson Ltd over the years have provided several work placements for young adults through the successful SIC Bridges Project, this has enabled young people to access short term work experience within a local business serving the community.
All the young people mentioned fall within the 15-25 years age category that The Tall Ships Races looks to provide with sail training opportunities - showing how aligned the two organisations' values are.
Anna Moar, George Robertson Ltd Director said:
“Young people are really important to the operation of George Robertson Ltd. We are always keen to give the younger generation opportunities to learn within our company, we find often they train and develop within our business and remain part of our team for a long time.
An important part of being a local business is to support opportunities for local young people, whether that is through work experience, an apprenticeship, traineeship, or as permanent member of staff.”
For more information on George Robertson Ltd visit www.grdirect.co.uk
Shop online on their NEW GR Direct website https://shop.grdirect.co.uk/