About Us
Meet the People Behind NEBS
Director | Electrical & Project Delivery
Dave Nicholls
Dave is the sort of person who struggles to walk into a building without looking at how it's been put together. Whether it's the lighting, the layout or something that could have been done a little better, his mind is usually already working out how he'd approach it. It's an occupational hazard, apparently.
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His career began in 2006 as an apprentice electrician, before going on to serve in the British Army as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers. Both experiences helped shape his practical approach to problem-solving, his attention to detail and, perhaps most importantly, his ability to remain remarkably calm when things don't go to plan.
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And that's probably when Dave is at his best. When a project throws up an unexpected problem, deadlines are looming or the pressure is on, he's the person you want in your corner. He has an ability to cut through the noise, focus on what matters and find a way forward without adding to the drama.
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In 2015, Dave established his own electrical contracting business, building it into a respected North West company delivering domestic and commercial projects. He later progressed into senior management within the facilities and construction industry, ultimately becoming Chief Operations Officer. Along the way, he's managed everything from straightforward electrical installations to complex, multi-trade refurbishments, coordinating architects, building control, contractors and clients from start to finish.
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Despite the senior titles and larger projects, Dave has never lost his love of the practical side of the job. He's just as comfortable discussing a project in a boardroom as he is picking up his tools and getting stuck in.
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Today, he brings that experience to Nicholls Electrical & Building Services, the family business he runs with his wife, Michelle. Whether it's an additional socket, a full rewire or a larger refurbishment, his philosophy remains the same: do what you say you're going to do, communicate clearly and take pride in the finished result.
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Away from work, Dave is a family man who enjoys keeping fit, good food and the occasional adventure. Although he's excellent at managing complicated projects and keeping a cool head under pressure, family logistics are another matter entirely. Fortunately, Michelle has that department well and truly covered.
Director | Operations & Customer Care
Michelle Nicholls
Every good business needs someone who knows exactly what's going on, what needs doing next and where everyone is supposed to be. At Nicholls Electrical & Building Services, that person is Michelle.
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Methodical, organised and with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is the person who keeps everything moving behind the scenes. She's a firm believer that doing a good job isn't just about the work itself; it's about answering the phone, keeping people informed, turning up when promised and making the whole experience as straightforward as possible.
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Michelle's career didn't actually begin in construction. She started out in beauty therapy before moving into business administration, joining an electrical contracting company as a bookkeeper in 2015. It wasn't long before her natural ability to organise people, processes and just about everything else became apparent.
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Over the following decade, Michelle developed extensive experience across finance, payroll, office management, fleet administration and team leadership. As Lead Administrator within a growing facilities management company, she managed a team of five, supported board-level operations and played an important role in navigating some particularly challenging periods for the business.
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Those experiences have given Michelle a real appreciation for the importance of good communication, careful planning and following things through. She knows that having tradespeople working in your home can be disruptive, and that a friendly voice, a clear answer and a little reassurance can make all the difference.
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At NEBS, Michelle is often the first person customers speak to. From arranging appointments and responding to enquiries to keeping the paperwork in order and making sure nothing slips through the cracks, she's the steady hand behind the day-to-day running of the business.
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Michelle is every bit as organised at home as she is at work. She's the family's chief planner, organiser and the person who makes sure everyone actually gets where they're supposed to be. Dave might be able to manage a building site, but when it comes to organising a family holiday, Michelle knows better than to leave things to chance.
When we're not working...
Running a business together means Dave and Michelle spend rather a lot of time in each other's company. Fortunately, they still seem to get along!
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Outside of NEBS, life revolves around their two boys, keeping active and making the most of their time together. They're both regulars at the gym, enjoy good food and love getting away whenever the opportunity arises. They're just as happy camping and enjoying the great outdoors as they are wandering through the bustling Medina in Marrakech, discovering somewhere new and inevitably finding somewhere good to eat.
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They work hard, enjoy life and believe that the best things are built on strong foundations — whether that's a home, a business or a family.Â
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And while they make a pretty good team at work, there's one very clear division of responsibility at home: Michelle plans the adventures. Dave just needs to turn up.