Neil Challenger

Business Manager

Emailinfo@pat-testing-wales.co.uk
Number07772 248705

As the Business Manager at PAT Testing Wales, Neil Challenger brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and customer-focused expertise to his role. Neil is the friendly face of the business and the primary point of contact for clients, expertly handling all aspects of scheduling, logistics, and customer inquiries. His commitment to delivering high-quality service and maintaining strong relationships with customers is evident in his personable approach and willingness to go the extra mile, ensuring that each client’s needs are met with efficiency and professionalism.

Neil’s career path has provided him with an impressive range of skills that are integral to his role today. Before joining PAT Testing Wales, Neil honed his customer service expertise working at Butlins Holiday Park, followed by several years as a bar manager. This experience refined his ability to manage diverse client needs, resolve issues with a calm and friendly demeanour, and provide a top-tier service experience. His background in hospitality and management gives him a natural rapport with clients and colleagues alike, as well as a keen understanding of how to deliver satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

Beyond his customer service expertise, Neil also brings valuable marketing and public relations experience to the table. As the driving force behind PAT Testing Wales’ marketing efforts, Neil takes charge of the company’s website and public communications. His proactive approach to promoting the business ensures that PAT Testing Wales maintains strong visibility and a positive reputation within the industry. By handling these responsibilities himself, Neil ensures that the company’s communications remain authentic, customer-centred, and fully aligned with its values.

Adding to his multifaceted skill set, Neil is also a qualified electrician. This technical expertise not only enhances his understanding of the industry but also enables him to provide informed guidance to customers, answer questions with authority, and offer valuable insights into the PAT testing process. His hands-on knowledge of electrical safety and compliance is a tremendous asset, enabling him to bridge the gap between technical accuracy and customer understanding seamlessly.

1. What’s your favourite part of your job?

I love the variety and challenge of the work – no two days are ever the same. Plus, meeting clients and helping them keep their sites safe always feels rewarding. There’s a special joy in knowing you’ve saved someone from an unexpected “buzz”!

2. What’s the most unusual item you’ve ever PAT tested?

A toaster that only toasted one side of the bread – turns out it was just “half-baked”! Also, once tested a vintage radio that looked like it had seen every decade since the ’50s… and probably hadn’t been dusted since then, either!

3. If you weren’t working in PAT testing, what would your dream job be?

Probably a professional tea taster – because who doesn’t want to drink tea all day and call it “work”? Either that or a motivational speaker for procrastinators, “Why put off tomorrow what you can put off today?”

4. What’s one thing you think every client should know about PAT testing?

It’s more than just sticking a green label on something. PAT testing is about safety and peace of mind. Just because an appliance looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean it’s safe inside – like that dodgy sandwich you forgot at the back of the fridge.

5. What do you usually do during your downtime on site?

Catch up on emails, drink a good cup of coffee, and mentally prepare myself for the next quirky piece of equipment I’m about to test. I’ve also become somewhat of a “workplace coffee connoisseur” over the years!

6. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to instantly know whether an appliance will pass or fail. Imagine the time savings! Or maybe telekinesis – that way I could just bring appliances to me instead of hunting them down all over the building.

7. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened while you were working?

Once, I accidentally startled a client when I told them their kettle was a “dangerous device.” Turns out they thought I was calling them dangerous. We had a good laugh after that and made sure the kettle was retired with honours.

8. What’s your go-to snack when you’re on the road?

Has to be a classic: biscuits! Specifically, anything chocolate-covered. They double as fuel and a little reward for a job well done. (No shame in celebrating small victories, right?)

9. How do you prepare for a long day of PAT testing?

Start with a hearty breakfast and a coffee or two. Then, a quick review of the day’s schedule to make sure I’ve got all the gear – nothing worse than realizing you’ve left the extension lead behind!

10. What’s your hidden talent that not many people know about?

I can do a pretty good impression of a buzzing fluorescent light. Comes in handy on the job for some light-hearted fun (pun intended).

11. If you could swap jobs with one of your colleagues for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could swap jobs with anyone on the team for a day, I’d probably choose one of our PAT testers. It’d be a great chance to dive back into the hands-on side of the work and see things from the ground up. Plus, there’s something satisfying about seeing first-hand the difference our testing makes for clients’ safety. It’d be a refreshing change from the usual office logistics and a reminder of why we do what we do!

12. What’s your favourite thing to do after a long day at work?

Unwind with a good book or a bit of DIY around the house. After a day of testing appliances, you’d be surprised how therapeutic it is to fix things without worrying about PAT labels!

13. If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at PAT Testing Wales, what would it be?

Take your time and double-check everything. Safety is everything in this job. And keep a sense of humour – it goes a long way when you’re dealing with fridges from the 80s!

14. What’s your favourite TV show or movie to binge-watch?

“Only Fools and Horses.” It’s a classic! You can’t beat a bit of Del Boy for reminding you to laugh, even when things don’t go to plan.

15. If you had to describe yourself using only three words, what would they be?

Energetic, dedicated, and… mildly caffeinated!