PW Pro Elec

18/08/2026

A slightly unexpected start to my working day. I’ve opened the shutters to let a little light in… BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. 🐝
Cue a rather enthusiastic swarm of wasps, who decided my ear was fair game.

And if that wasn't enough. The rest of the job involved working in an insulated loft space, in this heat, with a walking platform approximately 6 inches wide, less in some places and my foot decides to go through the suspended ceiling!

So, today's working conditions:
🐝 Wasps: aggressive
👂 Ear: very red
🔥 Loft: basically an oven
🚶 Walking platform: less than a foot wide
⚡ Electrician: questioning his life choices

Not every job is glamorous or comfortable. And not every job goes quite to plan!

I'm sure most tradespeople could tell a story or two about the interesting places they've had to work, the things they've discovered, or the conditions they've had to endure.

12/08/2026

There’s something rather special about seeing the finished result of a job, especially when you’ve only ever seen it in daylight, one part at a time.

Our long-term client had a vision for creating a social space for his gîte guests, and Paul was asked to bring the electrical side of that vision to life. Then this photo arrived in our inbox with the words

“This is stunning!”

And honestly, seeing the finished space lit up at night, we can see exactly what he means. Even for electricians, it’s moments like this that remind you that sometimes, you’re not just doing a job; you’re helping someone create something they’ve imagined.

And that’s pretty satisfying. ⚡️

11/08/2026

If we knew then what we know now. A reflection of our 14 years in France, through the eyes of running a business. Not going to give it a glossy front, because, as many of us tradespeople and self-employed business owners know, it is not easy. But Micala sums it up rather nicely....
https://www.marketingfortradesmen.fr/blog?p=14-years-in-france-what-france-taught-us-about-business

Fourteen years ago, we arrived in France. Our glasses weren't rose-tinted. They were probably green, because we didn't know much.

We thought the challenge was migrating to France and getting the business up and running. The business registration itself was surprisingly easy. It was everything we didn't know that came afterward that taught us the most.

Fourteen years of French bureaucracy, business structures, accountants, URSSAF, TVA, regulations, cash flow, clients, reputation, relationships, business challenges, changing direction, and learning how to keep a small trades business moving forward.

As we start our 15th year in France, I've been reflecting on what those 14 years have really taught me about business, people, resilience, reputation, and knowing when to ask for help.

I've written about it here. https://www.marketingfortradesmen.fr/blog?p=14-years-in-france-what-france-taught-us-about-business

And perhaps, more importantly, about why those lessons now shape the work I do with other business owners.

10/08/2026

Well, this feels like a little milestone... 🎉 Our first customer feedback form as PW Pro Elec has landed!

New business name. New systems. New chapter.

But the same commitment to doing things properly and looking after our customers.

And we're delighted that our very first feedback has been so positive.

PW Pro Elec
Formerly Paul Wilkins Electricien

05/08/2026

Man and van... reunited! 🚐⚡

After more than two months without a work van, we're delighted to say Paul is back on four wheels!

Our trusty old Transit served us well for many years, but when its journey came to an end, we never imagined quite how challenging life would become without it.

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for PW Pro Elec with our Peugeot Expert.

Thank you to everyone who has been patient and supportive over the last few months while we juggled work, borrowed transport and the transition to our new business.

It was worth the wait... now it's time to get back to doing what we do best. 🚐⚡ Onwards and upwards!

05/08/2026

27/07/2026

If you haven't already seen it, we'd like to help spread the word.
A collection point has been set up in Ruffec to gather essential supplies for those affected by the devastating wildfires in the Gironde, the Salle Louis Petit, Av. du Professeur Girard, (next to Intermarché in Ruffec)

This appeal has already been shared across many local Facebook groups, but we'd be grateful if you could help it reach even more people by sharing it with your friends, family and local communities.

Every donation, no matter how small, is a wonderful gesture of solidarity and support for those who have lost so much. ❤️

**************************************************************

Collection point: Ruffec 16700
🔥GIRONDE WILDFIRES: a solidarity effort is underway.🔥
The Bordeaux metropolitan area is facing further evacuations. The specific needs are listed below.
‼️ For the North Charente area, donations can be dropped off at the Salle Louis Petit, Av. du Professeur Girard, (next to Intermarché in Ruffec) ‼️
Starting Monday, 27th July
🔸10:00am - 12:00pm 🔸
🔸14:00pm - 18:00pm 🔸
PRIORITY NEEDS ARE:
- Drinks (water, sugary drinks)
- Children's toothbrushes
- Disposable cutlery, plates, and cups
- Bed sheets
- Dry food items (e.g. crisps, madeleines, loaf cakes, breakfast biscuits, jams, cakes, baby food, coffee, tea, sugar)
- Baby hygiene products (diapers: sizes 1, 7, and 😎
- Hygiene products for the elderly (adult diapers and incontinence pads)
- Booster seats (car)
- Sleeping bags
- Bath towels
- Summer clothing (all sizes, for adults and children)
OTHER NEEDS INCLUDE:
- Diapers, wipes, baby bottles, infant formula
- Gel water, purees, fruit compotes and yogurts for the elderly
NO OTHER FOOD ITEMS
- Paper, colouring books and coloured pencils for children
- Books and magazines (not just for children)
- Sleep masks and earplugs
- Power strips and extension cords
- Pillows for elderly residents of care homes (EHPAD)
- Privacy screens, blankets, folding beds and sheets
- Hygiene products (shower gel, soap, sanitary products)
- Hand/face towels
- Tea towels
- Disposable tableware (cutlery, plates, cups)
- For animals: cages, leads, food bowls, dog and cat kibble, litter
Please prioritise these items to best meet the needs of the people being sheltered.