At Raiden Electrical, building a successful electrical contracting business has always been about more than just wiring and installations—it’s about vision, resilience, and delivering excellence. In this exclusive feature from Electrical Times (March 2025 edition), co-founder Harrison Drake shares his journey from apprentice to entrepreneur, offering valuable insights for anyone thinking about starting an electrical company or growing within the industry.
Can you walk us through your career to date?
My journey in the electrical industry began when I was an apprentice, I was eager to learn and develop my skills. I started with the basics, working alongside some great electricians who taught me the foundations of electrical work. It was a lot of hands-on learning, where I not only learnt how to be an electrician, but also learned the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and safety.
After completing my apprenticeship, I moved on to various roles within different companies, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to expand my skill set. As I gained experience, I started taking on larger projects, eventually transitioning into subcontracting, where I developed a deeper understanding of the business side of the industry. This shift was key in shaping my decision to co-found Raiden Electrical Contractors with my business partner, Adam.
What inspired you to get into the electrical industry, and how has the industry evolved?
I was always drawn to problem-solving and working with my hands since I was young. My dad was a builder, so I’d often help him out with projects, so getting into the electrical industry just felt like a natural fit. The industry itself has changed a lot, especially with the rise of smart technology, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainability. The rapid pace of technological advancements and the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions have opened up the door for us to expand our business into more areas within the industry.
During your time as a subcontractor, what were some of the most challenging projects you worked on?
As a subcontractor, I worked on large-scale residential projects. One of the most challenging was a new development of flats and houses. The project faced delays, resulting in tight timeframes to complete the work. It tested our ability to work as a team, coordinate with other contractors, and perform under pressure. These experiences taught me the importance of clear communication, time management, and working collaboratively, all of which are lessons I’ve carried with me.
You’ve teamed up with Adam to set up Raiden Electrical Contractors. How did you come together, and what was the initial vision?
Adam and I crossed paths through another electrician and we began working together. We were both motivated to create our own company and wanted to create something where we could have full control over the work we produced while maintaining high standards. Raiden Electrical Contractors was born out of our shared passion for excellence in electrical services and our desire to build a team that could truly stand out in the industry.
What would you say has been the key to maintaining a successful partnership?
Mutual respect and clear communication. We both share the same vision but bring a different set of skills to the business, from operations to client relationships. We’ve learned that it’s important to listen to each other’s ideas, be open to compromise, and remain focused on our long-term goals. Building trust and maintaining a professional yet personal relationship has been the foundation of our success.
Running a business in a competitive market can be tough. What strategies did you implement to stand out?
Early on, we focused heavily on providing a great customer experience and going the extra mile. We made sure that every project, big or small, was completed with the highest attention to detail and that our clients were satisfied every step of the way. Additionally, we built a strong reputation through word of mouth and referrals, which helped us establish trust within the community.
As the company grows, what is the next milestone or goal for Raiden Electrical Contractors?
As Raiden Electrical Contractors continues to grow, we are focused on expanding our team of skilled professionals, further cementing our reputation in the high-end residential sector, and branching into commercial projects. One of our goals is to diversify our services, integrating more smart home and automation technology. We also plan to branch into the solar sector, providing clients with energy-saving solutions.
High-end luxury refurbishments and new build projects bring a unique set of challenges, from intricate design specifications to working with top-quality materials. These projects require understanding what the customer wants and executing to a high standard. It’s challenging to meet these expectations of clients while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, they also present great opportunities. These projects allow us to showcase our expertise and also fine-tune the way Raiden operates and allow us to constantly evolve the business.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own electrical business?
The most important advice I’d give is to understand the industry and trends whilst building strong, reliable relationships. Focusing on the inner workings of your business partnered with understanding your market and prioritising quality and customer service can set you apart from the crowd. Starting a business is exciting, but it’s your resilience and passion for what you’re building that keeps you going. Be ready to adapt because your one-year plan can change in a month, and you’ll be back to the drawing board.
To read the full March 2025 edition of Electrical Times magazine, click here
Raiden Electrical Contractors specialises in high-end residential and commercial electrical projects, delivering smart, energy-efficient solutions across London and its surrounding areas.
If you’re looking for a trusted electrical contractor, get in touch by visiting www.raidenelectricalltd.co.uk/contact-us