MKW Electrical Contractors has been named Electrical Business of the Year at the North East 2026 Local Awards, recognising a trusted local electrical contractor that has built its reputation on exceptional workmanship, honest advice and a customer experience people genuinely remember. Founded in 2017 by Matt Ware, MKW Electrical Contractors provides reliable domestic and commercial electrical services across the North East. From homes and rental properties to businesses and larger commercial environments, the company has grown by focusing on doing things properly, communicating clearly and treating every client’s property with respect. For the MKW team, this award is a proud milestone. It recognises not only the quality of the electrical work they deliver, but also the values behind the business: professionalism, trust, accountability and a belief that customer service within the trades can, and should, be better.

A North East Electrical Contractor Built on Trust

MKW Electrical Contractors was founded with a simple but powerful aim: to deliver high-quality electrical work with a level of professionalism and communication that clients would remember for the right reasons. After several years working in the electrical industry, Matt Ware saw an opportunity to build a company that placed the client experience at the centre of the service, not as an afterthought. From the beginning, the goal was never to become the biggest electrical contractor in the region. Instead, MKW set out to build a reputation for doing things properly. That meant turning up when promised, taking pride in the details, offering honest advice and making sure clients felt respected throughout the process. In an industry where people can sometimes feel uncertain about what work is needed, what it will cost or whether they are being given the right guidance, that approach matters enormously. Today, MKW Electrical Contractors works with homeowners, landlords, businesses and letting agents across the North East. Much of the company’s growth has come through word of mouth, referrals and client recommendations, which is one of the strongest signs of trust in the trades. When a customer is confident enough to recommend an electrician to friends, family or colleagues, it says more than any advert ever could.

Raising Standards in the Electrical Trade

What sets MKW Electrical Contractors apart is the way the business focuses just as heavily on the client experience as it does on the electrical work itself. Technical competence is essential, of course. Customers need qualified electricians who understand regulations, safety, installation standards and the practical realities of working in homes and commercial spaces. But MKW has always believed that clients deserve more than simply having a qualified person arrive and complete a job. The company has taken inspiration from some of the UK’s leading customer-focused brands and service businesses, studying how they communicate, build trust and create excellent experiences. MKW then adapted those principles to the electrical industry, creating systems and processes designed to remove uncertainty and give clients confidence from the first enquiry through to completion. That approach is part of a wider mission to help modernise customer service within the trades. MKW wants to prove that professionalism, communication and customer care can sit comfortably alongside outstanding technical workmanship. The team does not see itself as “just electricians.” It sees itself as part of a movement to raise standards, showing that tradespeople can deliver a smooth, transparent and memorable service while still doing the practical work to the highest level.

A Business Built Around Communication and Care

For many clients, electrical work can feel stressful. They may not understand the condition of their installation, the urgency of a repair or the technical language used to explain a problem. In those moments, communication is just as important as workmanship. MKW Electrical Contractors understands that clearly, which is why the business has built its service around clarity, reassurance and honest guidance. From the first point of contact, MKW aims to keep clients informed. That means explaining what is happening, providing clear information, setting expectations and avoiding the vague answers that can leave customers feeling frustrated. Whether the job is small or complex, the goal is always the same: make the process easier for the client. This customer-first approach is supported by a team that shares the same values. Every member of MKW takes pride in their work, respects clients’ homes and businesses, and looks for ways to improve. That consistency matters because a company’s reputation is shaped by every visit, every message, every quotation and every finished job. MKW has built trust by making sure those small details are handled properly, again and again.

Growing Through Reputation and Recommendations

One of MKW Electrical Contractors’ biggest achievements has been building a reputation that clients genuinely trust. Since 2017, the business has grown from a small local electrical contractor into a recognised name across the North East, working repeatedly with homeowners, landlords, businesses and letting agents who value reliability and professional service. That growth has not been driven by chasing size for the sake of it. Instead, it has been built through consistent standards, strong relationships and client recommendations. In the electrical industry, repeat work and referrals are a powerful measure of success. People do not recommend contractors lightly, especially when the work involves safety, homes, workplaces and investment. MKW is particularly proud of the systems and standards it has introduced to improve the customer experience within the trades. By combining high-quality workmanship with structured processes, clear communication and genuine client care, the company has shown that electrical contractors can deliver a level of service that feels polished, professional and reassuring. Winning Electrical Business of the Year validates those values and reinforces the belief that doing things properly is the right way to grow.

Overcoming the Challenge of Changing Expectations

Like many growing businesses, MKW Electrical Contractors has faced challenges around recruitment, demand and maintaining standards as the company has expanded. But one of the biggest challenges has been changing expectations within the trade industry itself. Historically, many clients have become used to poor communication, missed appointments, vague quotations and a lack of transparency from contractors. Because of that, some customers almost expect the process to be difficult. MKW has worked hard to challenge that expectation by building a business where communication, accountability and customer care are treated as essential parts of the job. That shift required commitment. It meant developing clear systems, investing in people, refining processes and staying disciplined as demand increased. Rather than chasing growth at any cost, MKW focused on building the right team and making sure every client received the same high standard of service, no matter the size of the project. Those challenges have helped shape the business into what it is today and strengthened its belief that excellent workmanship and excellent service should always go hand in hand.

Recognition That Came From Client Trust

One of the proudest moments in MKW Electrical Contractors’ journey has been winning Electrical Business of the Year North East. What made the recognition especially meaningful was knowing that it ultimately came from the trust and support of clients. Since founding the company, MKW has worked hard to build a reputation around quality, professionalism and customer care. Awards like this matter because they offer a moment to pause and reflect on how far the business has come. In the day-to-day world of electrical contracting, the team is often focused on enquiries, site visits, installations, inspections, quotations and customer support. Recognition gives everyone a chance to step back and see the bigger picture. The award feels like a milestone for the entire team because it reflects the values the business has lived by since 2017. It shows that customers notice the care, planning and effort behind the work. It also confirms that MKW’s approach is connecting with people across the North East. For a business built heavily on reputation, client-backed recognition is one of the greatest compliments possible.

Supporting Otis and His Family

Another proud moment for MKW Electrical Contractors was being involved in fundraising and support efforts for Otis and his family. Like many people across the region, the team was deeply moved by Otis’s story and wanted to do what they could to help. Members of the MKW team gave up their own time outside normal working hours to carry out electrical work free of charge and support the family where possible. It was not done for recognition or publicity. It was simply the right thing to do. For the team, the experience was a powerful reminder that being a local business is about much more than the services you provide. Seeing local businesses, tradespeople, clients and members of the wider community come together to support a family facing unimaginable challenges was incredibly moving. It showed the strength of the North East community and the impact people can have when they choose to help. For MKW, that moment reflected something central to the business: success brings responsibility, and local companies have an important role to play in supporting people when they need it most.

Giving Back to the Community

Supporting the local community has always been important to MKW Electrical Contractors because the business was built within that community. Many of its clients, suppliers and team members live locally, so giving back is not something separate from the business. It is part of who they are. The support for Otis and his family is one example of this, but MKW’s community focus goes further. The company is passionate about supporting the local economy by working closely with local suppliers, wholesalers, tradespeople and business owners wherever possible. These relationships help create opportunities, keep investment in the region and strengthen the network of businesses that support one another across the North East. MKW is also committed to training and developing the next generation of electricians. The company supports apprentices and trainees at different stages of their careers, investing time, knowledge and resources into helping them grow both technically and professionally. In an industry where skills and standards matter deeply, passing on knowledge is one of the most valuable contributions an experienced business can make.

Proudly Rooted in the North East

Being part of the local area is at the centre of everything MKW Electrical Contractors does. The company was founded in the North East, the team lives here, their families are here and most of their work takes place within the communities they call home. MKW does not see itself as a business simply operating in the North East. It sees itself as part of the North East. That connection is reflected in the company’s logo, which features St Mary’s Lighthouse, one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. The lighthouse was chosen because it represents strength, reliability, guidance and a deep connection to the coastline and communities that have supported the business since day one. Many MKW clients are not just customers. They are neighbours, friends of friends, local business owners and families the team may see again in everyday life, whether at the supermarket, a school event or walking along the coast. That creates a level of accountability and pride that cannot be manufactured. Every job contributes to the reputation the company has built in its own community, and that matters deeply to the team.

Helping Clients Through Honest Advice

One of the most memorable themes across MKW’s work is the trust people place in the company during stressful situations. The team regularly works with elderly clients, vulnerable homeowners and families who may not fully understand the condition of their electrical installation. In many cases, clients have been left worried by conflicting advice or concerned about the safety of their home. One particular customer contacted MKW after being told by another contractor that extensive electrical work was urgently required. After carrying out an independent inspection, MKW found that much of the recommended work was unnecessary. The team explained the situation clearly, carried out only the essential improvements and saved the client a significant amount of money. What stood out most was not the technical work itself, but the relief on the client’s face when they realised someone was taking the time to explain things honestly. Moments like that remind the team that being an electrician is not just about wiring and regulations. It is about trust, reassurance and helping people make informed decisions when they may feel uncertain or under pressure.

A Client-Nominated Award Win

Winning Electrical Business of the Year is especially meaningful for MKW Electrical Contractors because the nomination originated from one of its own clients. That makes the recognition deeply personal. It shows that customers not only appreciate the service they receive, but also want to see the business acknowledged for the standards it upholds. For MKW, client support is the strongest measure of success. A business can invest in branding, systems and training, but it is the customer experience that ultimately decides whether people come back, leave reviews or recommend the company to others. The award reflects that customers have noticed the effort behind the service and believe the business deserves recognition. This kind of support also strengthens the relationship between MKW and its clients. It confirms that the values the company has built itself around are not just internal principles; they are felt by the people who use the service. From honest advice and tidy workmanship to clear communication and respect for each property, the details matter. This award shows that those details are making a real impact.

What Winning Electrical Business of the Year Means

For MKW Electrical Contractors, winning this award is both a proud moment and a validation of the journey so far. Since 2017, the business has focused on building trust, delivering high standards and creating a better customer experience within the electrical industry. The award confirms that this approach is working. It also recognises the whole team. Every person involved in MKW contributes to the reputation the company has built, whether they are speaking with clients, carrying out work on site, supporting apprentices, organising jobs or helping improve internal systems. The win belongs to everyone who has played a part in maintaining the standards clients now associate with MKW. Most importantly, the award reinforces the company’s belief that the trades can offer a customer experience that is professional, clear and genuinely memorable. MKW wants to continue raising expectations and showing that electrical contractors can combine technical excellence with outstanding service. This recognition is a reminder that clients value that approach and want to support businesses that do things properly.

Looking Ahead With the Same Values

As MKW Electrical Contractors continues to grow, the focus remains on maintaining the values that have brought the business this far. Growth is important, but not at the expense of standards, trust or customer care. The company has already shown that it is willing to be deliberate, careful and consistent rather than rushing expansion for the sake of size. The future will continue to involve investment in people, training and systems. Developing apprentices and trainees will remain a key part of the business, helping shape the next generation of electricians and supporting the long-term future of the industry. MKW understands that good electricians are not created overnight. They need guidance, experience, technical training and a strong example of how to treat customers properly. The company will also continue refining its customer journey, learning from feedback and looking beyond the trade industry for inspiration on service, communication and professionalism. The aim is simple: keep improving, keep raising standards and keep delivering work that clients are proud to recommend.

Thanking Clients, Team and the Local Community

MKW Electrical Contractors is grateful to every client who has trusted the business since it began. The company’s growth has been shaped by customers who returned, recommended the team to others, left reviews and supported the business through word of mouth. That trust is never taken for granted. The business also recognises the importance of its team. Every member of MKW plays a part in delivering the standard of work and service the company is known for. Their pride, professionalism and commitment are central to the business’s success. MKW also thanks the local suppliers, tradespeople, businesses and communities that have supported its journey across Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, North Shields and the wider North East. The company is proud to represent the region and proud to contribute to the community that helped build it. As Electrical Business of the Year, MKW Electrical Contractors stands as a strong example of what can happen when technical skill, honest advice and exceptional customer care come together. The business was founded to do things properly, and this award shows that clients across the North East believe it is doing exactly that.