News / Local business
Family-run electrical store marks 50 years of trading
The story begins in 1974 when Andy Besant, a local electrician, opened up a wholesale electrical store on Gloucester Road.
Over the years, it has become a reliable trading point among trades people, as well as household customers. This year marks the 50 year anniversary of Ablectrics as one of the oldest electrical stores in Bristol.
The store that was on Gloucester Road for years moved to its current premises on Zetland Road in April 2022 under the leadership of Fraser Besant, who took over from his father back in 2015.
Speaking to Bristol24/7 on Ablectric’s 50 year journey, Fraser, the current owner and managing director said: “We are a proper independent family owned company. We started on Gloucester Road where we traded for over 40 years.”
Fraser could not think of a time he did not know of Ablectrics as he grew up surrounded by a “cornucopia of lights, fittings and wirings”. His own journey with the family business began as a shop assistant while still in his teens.
The new premises on Zetland Road is the home to Ablectrics and Fraser Besant Lighting and Cineworks – photo: Milan Perera
At the age of 23, he began working full time in the shop and eventually took it over three years later. With Fraser at the helm, Abletrics stopped running the electrical contracting side of the business but opened a new venture with Fraser Besant Lighting.
With the fast changing landscape of electrics and business practices, the family-run business has seen off many a challenge and is eager to build on their legacy.
Fraser said: “Over our 50 year history we have adapted to ensure our continued success. Launching a new website in 2010 has allowed us to expand our customer base and sell nationwide.”
Fraser Besant Lightings has had its own journey with designing and manufacturing handmade light and fittings in Bristol.
Fraser spoke with pride on the design and manufacturing arm of the business. The designs vary from quirky and humorous to stately.
He said: “In 2015, we created a unique brand of lighting which we design and hand make in Bristol. This is sold all over the world and we have had orders as far as Australia. Our award-winning lighting design service is popular with clients all over the UK.”
In 2022, Fraser added another feather to his burgeoning business portfolio with the opening of Cinemaworks, a luxury home cinema demo room in collaboration with Owen Maddock, expert home cinema designer.
The store boasts of an extensive stock of lights and fittings – photo: Milan Perera
He also reiterated his commitment to sustainability in terms of repairing and giving new lease of life to old fittings and lights rather than condemning them to landfill.
According to Fraser, despite its recent ventures, Ablectrics is firmly committed to the family’s founding ethos. He said: “At our core, we have continued to supply electricians and builders all over Bristol as this is what we are best known for. It has been a very busy 50 years and we have so much more planned.”
Some of the quirky designs have been a hit with clients – photo: Milan Perera
Finally, he thanked the loyal clientele and invited them to the business’ big birthday party, saying: “All of this would not be possible without the continued loyalty and support of our amazing customers, from Bristol and all over the UK. We have been lucky to work on some epic projects and homes and wanted to thank them all for 50 years of business. Join us for our summer birthday party on Saturday, June 1.”
Ablectrics has been a popular wholesale electrical store for the last 50 years – photo: Milan Perera
Ablectrics started its journey in 1974 from its former store on Gloucester Road – photo: Milan Perera
Main photo: Fraser Besant
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