Iris HV Engineering – Powering the infrastructure behind everyday life
Most of us probably don’t give much thought to what happens when we switch on a light, charge our phone or turn on the kettle.
However, behind those everyday actions sits a complex network of electrical infrastructure. And that’s where Iris HV Engineering comes in.
Based at Terry Dicken Business Park, Iris HV Engineering provides specialist high-voltage engineering services. These range from complete substation design through to commissioning and ad hoc consultancy.
But what does that actually mean?
I met with owner Chris Jones to find out more.
So, what exactly do they do?
In simple terms, Chris works with the substations that connect the electricity network.
“Basically, anything electrical that you switch on in your house will ultimately be powered through a substation,” he explained.
“You’ve got infrastructure that’s 80 or 100 years old, alongside other parts that may have only been created in the last six months. It all needs to work together safely, and that’s what this is all about.”
Chris designs and commissions substations. Design covers the initial layout and technical planning. Commissioning, meanwhile, involves testing the systems to make sure they operate correctly and safely.
He also works with control systems, which operate on the lower-voltage side of the infrastructure.
It’s a highly technical world, but Chris has a knack for making it sound surprisingly straightforward.
From trainee engineer to business owner
Chris has worked in the industry since 2004.
After studying for an HND in Electrical Engineering at Teesside University, he spotted an advert for a trainee engineer with National Grid.
“Back in those days, people used to cut job adverts out of magazines. Someone handed me one for a trainee engineer at National Grid.”
That decision shaped the next 18 years of his career.
Chris started as a trainee engineer before moving into commissioning. He spent much of that time working on substations across the region.
“Somebody needs to do the final checks. It’s about making sure everything is safe before it’s put into operation.”
After 18 years with National Grid, Chris decided it was time for a new challenge. He moved into design and worked as a contractor for several other businesses.
Then, two years ago, he decided to take the next step and Iris HV Engineering was born.
Solving problems that aren’t always easy to see
So, what sort of problems do clients bring to Chris?
One of the most common involves getting access to the electricity grid.
“Finding somewhere to connect that hasn’t already been taken is very common. You also need to make sure there won’t be any outages.”
Meanwhile, equipment lead times and the correct personnel have become another challenge.
The industry is extremely busy, so finding the right equipment can take time. As a result, clients often need to consider alternative approaches.
That’s where Chris’s experience can make a real difference.
“One of the advantages of working with us is that we have worked in almost every substation in the North East. During that time we have developed an extensive network of experienced contacts covering a variety of electrical disciplines.”
That experience brings something a drawing simply can’t provide.
“You can look at a drawing, but having that personal experience is much more valuable.”
An industry changing with the times
The electricity network hasn’t always looked the way it does today.
“When I started, the network was set up for old-fashioned power stations, such as coal.”
Then came the growth of renewable energy.
“Wind farms came along, so we now have to redesign and commission systems to incorporate those different energy types.”
And the change doesn’t stop there.
Iris HV Engineering has also been working with battery storage companies. These systems allow energy generated when you may not need it to be stored and used later.
“So, when the wind blows, you’re now able to store the energy it generates in giant batteries.”
As the UK continues to develop its renewable energy infrastructure, demand for specialist engineering is growing too.
“It’s a really thriving industry and a good business to be in at the moment.”
Who is Iris HV Engineering looking to work with?
With the business now established, Chris is keen to connect with new customers. In particular, Iris HV Engineering is interested in working with renewable energy businesses and larger industrial customers.
The company can provide expertise to help reinforce networks across Teesside, covering transmission, distribution and renewable generation.
It’s an area where Chris’s combination of hands-on experience and technical design knowledge can be particularly valuable.
Finding a base at Terry Dicken Business Park
After years of site-based work, Chris wanted somewhere to properly establish Iris HV Engineering.
“To operate efficiently as a business, I needed a base location. Somewhere professional, without distractions, where I could use a whiteboard and have team calls.”
He wanted to be in Stokesley. Fortunately, the right space soon became available at Terry Dicken Business Park.
“I immediately found that the business park had availability. It was ideal in terms of distance and size.”
There’s another advantage too.
“I love how close we are to Stokesley High Street and Stokesley School where my daughter is a pupil . It’s so convenient.”
Although Chris has only been at the park for a few months, he’s already getting involved with other businesses. He’s used the website services of Catch Design Management and bought branded clothing through Direct Business Supplies.
It’s a small example of the connections that can quickly develop when businesses share a location.
What’s next for Iris HV Engineering?
For now, Chris is focused on continuing to build the business and working with customers across the Teesside area.
And although high-voltage engineering might sound complicated, his approach is refreshingly simple.
Make sure things work, make sure they’re safe, and use experience to find the right solution.
If your business needs specialist high-voltage design, commissioning or consultancy, Iris HV Engineering can be found at Office 11, Unit 2, Roseberry Court, Terry Dicken Business Park, Stokesley, TS9 5QT or visit their website
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