About Us

ABOUT US

Staffway Electrical is a family owned business, passed through multiple generations of the Oatway family in Seaford & Newhaven. Started by Grandpa Graham in 1964 with his engineering and marine background, re-directed and organised by Alan for over 30 years and now handed down to Aidan to continue the friendly and reliable service that the company is so proud of.

A HISTORY:

Graham was born in 1933 and started his career as a toolmaker for Parker Pen, one of the biggest companies in Newhaven at the time. For 20 years he helped oversee the Parker Victory Pen model design, solely made within the UK factory. (*see footnote) In 1964 he merged his skills into a new business venture ‘Staffway Engineering’ with one of his good friends. This was based in the Newhaven Quarry and specialised in building Crittall Windows- bespoke steel window frames. The name ‘Staffway’ was a combination of their last names.

Staffway Engineering had a roaring trade, able to open a second branch in Croydon as well as having a side business in a powder paint plant.

Graham then funded an additional sideline ‘Staffway Marine’ specialising in boat engineering, design and building. Here he finished The Newhaven Sea Warrior 27, finished in 1984 – a fishing boat that implemented additional design safety features making it particularly tough and still operational today.

Graham could turn his hand to anything, had priceless knowledge of design, multiple practical design skills and had a dedicated workshop at home where his family often found him tinkering on an additional side project. He was often described as Caractacus Potts from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, ever creative and handing down his practical, hands-on approach to his son Alan.

Whilst Alan was inspired by the engineering work his father was involved in, he wanted to branch out into the modern world of electronics. His first job was working for a precision gauging equipment company for the plastics and rubber industry. Factory work? then putting himself through college to get certified to set-up his own electrical business.

Alan became self employed in with the name ‘Staffway Electrical’ as a nod to his father. Over 30 years he built up a reputable and successful electrical business; working from large commercial factories to local domestic homes. He had a loyal and happy client base.

At age 19, Aidan got interested in the business of becoming an electrician and Alan assisted by enrolling in an apprenticeship scheme to train Aidan. For five years, they worked as a father & son team completing multiple local projects and learning the skills required to qualify for his City and Guilds AM2.

When qualified, Aidan flew the nest and took up a position as a maintenance electrician at Lewes Prison. Over five years he gained independent hands-on experience in a challenging, exciting atmosphere. His loyalty and hard work gained him a promotion to electrical supervisor.

Aidan is now picking up where Alan left off giving Staffway Electrical another generation of business.

Info on Parker Pen Factory – http://www.ournewhaven.org.uk/page_id__585.aspx

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