Family firm keeps on going by keeping its customers satisfied

One South Yorkshire electrical engineer has managed to do just that, however, on the back of long-standing work with long-standing clients like the Cutlers' Hall, the Leadmill nightclub and English Heritage.

James Fulton & Son, based in Ranmoor, in south Sheffield, works in domestic, industrial and commercial fields, as well in student accommodation. The firm has eight staff, having never had more than 10, and will soon mark eight decades in business – although who will take over when the present owner, Jim Fulton, retires, is a mystery.

Mr Fulton, preserves the link with his grandfather, who set it up after leaving Clydeside, in Scotland, during the Depression.

"He probably felt it was a growing city. He was an electrician and established himself as an electrical contractor," Jim Fulton said.

Although Mr Fulton's father, Eric, and grandfather, have died, there is another connection with the past in the form of Mick Staveley who, apart from two years on national service, has been with the business since joining as a school-leaver in December 1952.

The 72-year-old now works two days a week fixing equipment in the workshop and is still in demand because he has the expertise to repair old fittings, such as a light from Cutlers' Hall which says "Ladies' cloakroom".

"He has a wealth of knowledge," said Mr Fulton. "He helps me out and knows a lot of the older customers."

The work has changed, however. South Yorkshire's once-great steel and engineering industries have declined, and Mr Fulton said fewer houses are being built in the centre, while factories are sacrificing maintenance in an attempt to cut costs. It has hit the firm's turnover, although profits have been held up by regular clients.

It is to these organisations, as well as to the firm's willingness to live up to its commitments, that Mr Fulton ascribes the firm's longevity.

The 56-year-old, who is an extreme fell runner and competes regularly in the Lake District and Derbyshire, said he is not yet thinking about retiring because he would miss the contacts he has made in the industry,

"I have got a lot of friends through work and I never see them when I am not working. If I was not coming here, I would lose that side of my life."

There is a question-mark over the firm's future, however, because none of Mr Fulton's children, now grown up, have ambitions to go into the business.

"It could be the end of the line," he said, because Mr Fulton's sons are a teacher and a decorator and his daughter is a leisure manager.

Secrets of long-lasting success

Many businesses have risen and fallen over the last 80 years but James Fulton & Son has kept one of its clients through the entire era.

It has been working for Loxley Brothers, the Sheffield printers, since the electrical engineers was set up.

Other regular clients also include Sheffield Cathedral and churches across South Yorkshire.

Jim Fulton, owner of the business today, said the keys to longevity were fairness, doing a decent job, being fair and looking after its customers.

"Turn up when you say you will. You only exist because the customers pay you," he said.