Based in Claregalway, Co Galway, TFM Electrical Services Ltd specialises in electrical installation and maintenance services throughout the country’s western region. Building Ireland caught up with Managing Director Tom Fahy to hear all about the company – from its origins to the state of business today.
When Tom Fahy started up his electrical service firm a dozen years back, he did so with the intention of offering his clients quality work at competitive rates.
Today, the Galway native’s company provides exactly that and the proof is in the pudding, having carried out excellent work all throughout the west of Ireland since 2012.
TFM Electrical Services Ltd now employs nine full-time staff from its base at Claregalway Corporate Park, Baile Chláir, Co Galway and Tom’s sons Darragh and Michael are both an essential part of the team there.
Building Ireland touched base with Tom recently to find out all about the ins and outs of the business and the projects that it’s currently involved in.
“The company is established 12 years now this year, but I was trading for about 25 years before that,” the Thomas Fahy Electrical Ltd Managing Director outlined.
“It’s predominantly commercial work that I do here. We do a lot of the work for Born Clothing Ltd who have offices and shops throughout Ireland, for the Clybaun Hotel, and for the Connolly Motor Group (Volvo, Audi, Mercedes and Hyundai) in Galway as well.”
All of the services combined serve to keep Tom and his team busy 12 months a year.
Prior to TFM Electrical Services’ birth, Tom was a busy man as well, having hit the ground running with work as a self-employed electrician from the day he qualified.
Those were different times and the economic downturn of 2008 would reshape things for him, but it wasn’t long before he got up and running again with a new venture and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I’m a dairy farmer’s son and, once I was qualified, I was basically working for myself. I started off for maybe a year or two with one guy and slowly built it up,” Tom explained.
“Back around 2006/07, I would have had about 40 lads working for me and we worked nationwide but predominantly in the Galway area.
“Then, obviously, the crash came and Thomas Fahy Electrical became insolvent and ceased trading. Eventually, I started TFM Electrical 12 years ago and things have gradually picked up again.
“TFM Electrical started with four or five lads and I built it up again slowly. We could do with another one or two electricians at the moment but they’re just not there. They’re either working in Dublin or gone abroad.”
Right now, TFM Electrical Services operates with a compact and capable team which ensures that the company delivers the top standards of workmanship on each and every project.
That team is currently immersed in numerous different projects around the Galway region, which Tom himself was good enough to share some details on.
“2023 was a busy year and we always seem to have plenty of work on hand. As I said to you, we do a lot of work for Born Clothing and we’ve apartments up in Galway which include a restaurant,” he stated.
“This time last year, I was in a Volvo garage for Connolly Motor Group.
“We also have a lot of maintenance work and are always picking up new contracts as well.
“I don’t do a lot of residential houses but during Covid lockdown I completed a course for Solar PV panel design and installation. We have carried out a few jobs in this area every year since, but now I am beginning to do more and more of them.
“Our latest project is a 200kw (422 panel system) in a company in Galway called Dawn Lough for Macon Renewables.”
So, all of that considered, the burning question is what has been the secret behind the success of TFM Electrical Services to date?
How has a small start-up grown into what is now a thriving electrical services firm that holds a golden reputation amongst its clients out there?
For Tom, it of course comes down to a combination of factors, but he cites a few in particular as being key elements to this venture’s undisputed success.
“I think a lot of it is down to reliability. We’re always available for them if there’s a problem,” he pointed out.
“I think that’s a big part of it and good quality work and competitive rates. We have good standards of workmanship at all times here at TFM Electrical Services.”
2024 has already started in promising fashion for the company and, with it being so busy at the present time, are there any plans to try and add to the team at Lakeview Point?
“We have recently employed another Qualified Electrician and would be interested in employing another if they became available, and a few more apprentices,” Tom replied.
All in all, the Galway concern is in a good place moving forward as it targets more growth and projects/new clients along the way.
Looking at the coming months, the Managing Director kept it simple and straightforward when outlining his overall hopes for the business.
“If I could be as busy as last year, I’d have no problems,” he concluded.
Great to hear.
TFM Electrical
Office 16,
Lakeview Point,
Claregalway Corporate Park,
Baile Chláir,
Co Galway
H91 V672
Tel: (091) 799 877
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, June 2024, Vol 10 No 6
