From Pallets to Projects with Paul Dark

Paul had professional photos taken during a bespoke project at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, circa 2017–2018.

Paul at 4’11 as a 16-year-old apprentice

Celebrating the Good Old Times:

From Pallets to Projects with Paul Dark

Times change — the tools we use, the systems we install, the way we work. But the heart of JCW has always been the same: our people.

That’s why we are proud to launch this series of stories from long-standing members of staff, capturing the good old times alongside the many steps forward. Told through the voices of those who built, learned, laughed and grew with us, these memories remind us that progress is about far more than technology - it’s about the connections we make along the way.

Early Days and Challenges

When Paul Dark first walked through the doors as a 16-year-old apprentice, he stood just 4’11”, too short to reach the workbench. “They got me a pallet to stand on,” he laughs, remembering the good-natured teasing that quickly became part of everyday life. His first week’s wage? £57.46.

Each week, Malc Mason and Dave Scotson would measure and weigh him, a ritual that became part of the team’s camaraderie. One manager even doubted Paul would ever be strong, or tall enough to become an air conditioning installation engineer. Paul, of course, proved them wrong.

He began his apprenticeship under the guidance of Trevor Holland, building HVAC units for British United Shoe Machinery, before completing his training with Mick Stevenson. From those early days at Wathes Air Conditioning, through company name changes — AC 2000 and Electrum Services — and moves from Frog Island to Leycroft Road, Paul steadily built his career. By the age of 20, he was finally out on the road as an Installation Engineer.

Learning the Trade

“I started as an apprentice, then became an engineer’s mate while completing my City & Guilds in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at Baysford Hall,” Paul explains. Working life in the mid-1990s looked very different. Engineers were contacted by pager — just a beep, no message. When it went off, Paul would have to find a BT phone box and use a phone card to call the office.

The air conditioning units themselves were huge, assembled on site and running on refrigerants such as R22 or 502. Today, systems are smaller, smarter and more efficient — and Paul, thankfully, is no longer 4’11”. Over the years, he has seen the business grow and evolve into the JCW we know today.

The Personal Touch

It wasn’t all hard graft. Trevor Holland once encouraged Paul to make full use of the free vending machine — perhaps hoping a steady supply of snacks might help him grow a little quicker. It’s these small gestures and shared jokes that made the early days so memorable.

Memorable Projects and Lasting Friendships

Paul fondly recalls working on Safeway projects in seaside towns, staying in caravans with Mick Stevenson. On a couple of occasions, Mick even brought his family along, turning work trips into beachside memories. Those experiences forged friendships that have lasted decades.

Today, Paul is our Installation Supervisor, travelling up and down the country and bringing with him a lifetime of experience and dedication.

So, what’s changed? “Technology, for sure,” Paul says. “Back then, everything was manual — no smartphones, no fancy tools. But what’s stayed the same is the people.”

The good old days aren’t just behind us; they’re what we bring to work every day. From friendships forged on job sites to lessons learned the hard way, our journey is shaped by people and moments. Here’s to honouring where we started — and celebrating how far we’ve come, together.

Paul Circa 2001

A classic moment at a Christmas do, Paul in the BACK spoRting “curtains.”

Paul received his 30‑year service recognition in 2021, presented BY Mick Stevenson

The Industry Today

So, what’s changed? “Technology, for sure,” Paul says. “Back then, everything was manual — no smartphones, no fancy tools. But what’s stayed the same is the people.”

The good old days aren’t just behind us; they’re what we bring to work every day. From friendships forged on job sites to lessons learned the hard way, our journey is shaped by people and moments. Here’s to honouring where we started — and celebrating how far we’ve come - together.

The Stories Continue…

Watch out for the next story in our series, as we continue to share memories from long-standing members of the JCW team. More people, more moments and more reminders of what has always made this company special.