PDS AWARDED EAST RIDING LEISURE BRIDLINGTON CONTRACT

PDS awarded East Riding Leisure Bridlington contract

Paragon Data Services has been awarded a contract to install the data cabling infrastructure for the new £25M leisure centre in Bridlington. The Hull-based company fought off stiff competition to win the contract, which was awarded by contractor BAM Construction.

The leisure centre is due for completion in Spring 2016 and will boast a variety of state-of-the-art facilities including rock climbing, a splash zone and a health suite. Construction started on the new complex in autumn 2014 and has quickly taken shape over the past year with much of the external work now completed.  

The contract win comes at a busy time for Paragon Data Services, as they have just helped prepare Cottingham High School for the new term with fibre and data cabling. The company is also working on a variety of installations across the country with various clients.

Iain Bland, Managing Director of Paragon Data Services, said: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside BAM Construction on the new East Riding Leisure Bridlington project. The new centre will breathe new life into the area and will be a valuable facility for the local community.

“The PDS team have been working extremely hard on several big jobs over the summer and we have a steady stream of new business enquiries to take us until the end of the year and beyond. We’re looking forward to getting started on lots of new projects and continuing to grow the business.”

Paragon Data Services supplies a wide range of services including network and data cabling, wireless networks, business telephone systems and Induction loops. The company employs 30 people and has offices in Hull, Newbury and London. In 2014, Paragon Data Services achieved Safecontractor accreditation and became a Living Wage Employer.

6 Top tech tips for small businesses

There’s no denying that technology can help small businesses to run more efficiently whilst growth is taking place. However, aside from staff costs, IT can be the second biggest outlay for start-ups. As a small business owner, it’s vital that you choose your tech wisely to get the best fit for your business and the most out of your investment.

Below we’ve shared our top tech tips for small or start-up businesses:

Know when to outsource

When you’re working with smaller budgets, it can be tempting to “have a go” at installing or fixing tech yourself. However, more often than not, it’s more cost-effective to enlist the help of an expert rather than wasting hours of your own time that could be spent growing the business!

Do your research and don’t scrimp

Whilst it’s tempting to “make do’ with cheaper alternatives and free software, you should really invest in a solution that will grow with your business. Think to the future and remember, whilst technology is a significant investment, the most expensive options aren’t always the best choice! Ask the experts and research your industry to determine what you actually need from CRM systems to boardroom tech.

Adopt mobile

As an owner of a small business, you’ll understand the value of having accurate business information at your fingertips 24/7. Most modern offices embrace some form of mobile working, whether that’s picking up emails whilst out and about, working remotely from home or presenting to clients. Each individual business is different, but investing in company smartphones or tablets could help your business to run more seamlessly.

Consider video conferencing solutions

Having a high quality video conferencing solution can allow you to expand your business nationally and internationally without the expense of travel. Having a high-tech boardroom will also make you look professional and give visitors to your business a great first impression!

Embrace the cloud

The cloud can offer cost effective document storage and is great for broadening collaborative working within your team. There are lots of options out there to help you run your business that can be scaled up or down as required. However, if you’re relying on the cloud, it goes without saying that your broadband needs to be up to scratch and reliable!

Make sure your internet is reliable

Most businesses require some sort of internet connectivity, and it’s vital that this be reliable. Just a short outage can have a big impact on business, particularly if you communicate with your customers or sell online. You should invest in a good wireless router and choose the right business broadband for your operation. For the fastest speeds and optimal efficiency, you should consider fibre broadband and have your wifi networks installed by a supplier who offers good technical support if something goes wrong.

If you’d like any further advice on the tech you need to help streamline your business, get in touch and we’ll arrange a free consultation.

PDS installs tech at iconic Halifax visitor attractions

We’re delighted to be working in partnership with building engineering contractor, Stothers, to install new tech solutions at two iconic landmarks in Halifax, The Piece Hall and adjacent new Central Library.

This is one of our largest projects to date and after a stringent tender process we beat national competition to deliver a variety of services including:

• Public Address System
• Facilities for the Disabled including Disabled Toilet Alarm & Disabled Refuge systems and Hearing Induction Loops
• Structured Cabling and Telecomms
• Access Control
• CCTV
• Intruder System
• Fire Detection

Piece Hall is currently undergoing a £19M transformation project, funded by the Heritage Lottery and Calderdale Council, and is due to open its doors this summer with new cafes, restaurants, independent shops and creative business premises.

This Grade I listed building was originally built to support the trading of “pieces” of cloth in 1779 and has been at the centre of cultural life in Halifax for hundreds of years. It even has a claim to fame, having featured in the 1996 British comedy, Brassed Off.

Next door, a new £9.5M Central Library and Archive has been constructed to help improve services for the local community. New technology has played a pivotal role in the new library design. It features self-service kiosks, touch screens at key points throughout the building and tablet PC’s in the children’s area.

Piece Hall Project Director said: “With a project of this scale, you must work alongside a large number of organisations to ensure key milestones are met and budgets aren’t exceeded. This is why we decided to work with PDS, as it was incredibly beneficial for us to have one specialist company that could provide all services under one roof, this then allowed our team to deal with just one project manager and one team of multi-disciplined engineers for the vast range of services required.

“PDS are installing everything from data and telecommunications equipment right through to accessibility and security systems. Their team are highly professional and are undertaking the work to the highest of quality.”

PDS Managing Director, Iain Bland, comments: “Winning projects such as this one allows us to seek out new technologies and ensures that we gain yet further valuable experience to pass onto our vast customer base at all levels – be that £50 or £500,000 contracts”

Young talent from two local companies work together to set up new office

An award-winning apprentice from Hull firm Paragon Data Services (PDS) has recently worked alongside a group of young creatives to get their new office up and running. Jordan Ayscough was taken on by PDS full time after finishing his apprenticeship and installed new equipment and data cabling for StrawberryToo, a creative marketing agency in Hull staffed entirely by graduates and apprentices.

Jordan has been with PDS for three years and during this time he completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in Insulation and Commissioning of Electronic Systems. In 2014 Jordan won Apprentice of the Year at the Hull Tech Campus and also won Humberside Apprentice of the Year. He is now helping to train his own apprentice, Connor Young, who worked with him on the StrawberryToo project.

Jordan said: “For StrawberryToo we tested existing data points, tidied up the cables on show and installed a projector, two PA speakers, an amplifier and media player that links up to speakers. Working with PDS has been a great experience so far. I’m now running my own projects and helping to train Connor. I’ve learnt a lot since I joined PDS and their support throughout my apprenticeship has been great.”

PDS is committed to taking on and training apprentices and felt Jordan would be the perfect fit for the StrawberryToo job, given the StrawberryToo team is made up of young professionals going through a training process like he did.

Iain Bland, Managing Director of PDS, said: “PDS has its roots in this type of work. We started out working on small installations and built our way up to working on large projects too. We still complete a high proportion of small jobs throughout the year and are always looking for new members of staff to help us facilitate the growth of the business.

“We offer apprentices two options when they join us – they can either come to us via the Council-run training scheme or they can follow our own mini apprenticeship scheme to become engineers. When StrawberryToo approached us to work on their office we knew Jordan was the man for the job. It’s great to work alongside another local company who is as committed to training Hull’s young talent as we are! We wish them the best of luck with the new agency.”

James Greenwood, Digital Director of StrawberryToo, commented: “We’re really impressed with the work PDS has done for us. We launched our recruitment drive at the end of summer 2014 and are now set up in our new office at The Maltings in Hull City Centre. We are passionate about helping to advance the careers of young creatives in our region and welcomed the opportunity to work with Jordan on the office set up. The end result looks great and we’re sure we’ll be working alongside PDS again in the future.”

StrawberryToo opened for business in late summer 2014 to employ, train and mentor local talent in a real working environment. StrawberryToo is a unique concept and will support Hull’s growing digital and design hub by encouraging creative graduates to stay in the area and develop “battle ready” marketing stars.

In 2014, Paragon Data Services achieved Safecontractor accreditation and became a Living Wage Employer. The company currently employs 30 people and has offices in Hull, Newbury and London. Paragon Data Services supplies a wide range of services, including data cabling, wireless networks, CCTV, public address and voice evacuation systems, audio visual systems and hearing induction loops.

PDS engineers achieve CSCS Gold Card accreditation

Paragon Data Services’ Senior Engineers have recently achieved accreditation from the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) after completing an NVQ level 3 to gain their CSCS Gold Cards. The cards allow the company’s engineers to have supervisory access to construction sites in the UK, and confirm they have the correct qualifications and training to work in the industry.

Five of Paragon Data Services’ Senior Engineers started the 12 month NVQ course in 2014 including Keith Parkinson, Richard Lloyd, Paul Taylor, Gary Dunlin and Wayne Harper. In addition, Engineer Adam Regester who joined after the course started is also now undertaking the diploma. 

The CSCS Gold Card accreditation is part of Paragon Data Services’ continued commitment towards the professional development and training of its staff, as Iain Bland, Managing Director, says:

“Since establishing Paragon Data Services it has been a key objective of mine to ensure our team members are given every opportunity to gain new qualifications and training. Our engineers are highly experienced and do a fantastic job, so it’s fitting that they have now achieved accreditation from the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry.”

As well as completing the NVQ level 3, Paragon Data Services’ Engineers are currently undertaking an Asbestos Awareness Course.

In 2014, Paragon Data Services achieved Safecontractor accreditation and became a Living Wage Employer. The company employs 30 people and has offices in Hull, Newbury and London. Paragon Data Services supplies a wide range of services including network and data cabling, wireless networks, business telephone systems and Induction loops.

PDS Engineers pass PASMA and IPAF certificates

We have recently supported the PDS engineering team to help them gain their PASMA and IPAF certificates.

The Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) certificate proves the competency of our team when working on mobile access towers. It ensures they comply with Work at Height regulations and is the recognised authority for health and safety in this field.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. It provides advice and information on interpreting legislation and working safely via its training scheme.

We are always looking for ways we can help our engineers to improve their skills and ensure they are well equipped for working in a variety of environments.

Well done team PDS!

What you need to know about CCTV regulations

If you’re thinking of installing CCTV at your business premises, or have done so already, you’re in good company. Thousands of businesses and organisations from factories to schools are enjoying the many benefits that CCTV can offer. This is mainly thanks to advances in technology that has made monitoring in the workplace cheaper and easier than ever before.

There are a variety of reasons businesses decide to install CCTV cameras. They can help to remotely and cost effectively safeguard and monitor your business, staff and property. Cameras can also ensure that health and safety rules are being complied with, prevent misconduct and improve productivity.

When installing CCTV, business owners must comply with legislation, as unwarranted use of CCTV has led to tighter regulation under the Protection of Freedoms Act.

There are a number of steps that employers need to follow that can also help to develop a relationship of trust with their employees. Firstly, they should carry out an impact statement to justify the use of CCTV. This statement should identify the purpose and negative impact of any monitoring, plus highlight any obligations the employer has once monitoring starts (such as notifying employees etc.)

Once an impact statement is in place, staff must be told about the CCTV monitoring and why it is being done. This could be done via an employment contract and signs must be displayed on the premises. Often it is useful to have a code of conduct policy that covers workplace monitoring.

At this stage employers must be clear on the levels of privacy an employee should expect, for example where the monitoring will take place, explain how the CCTV will be used and where the footage will be stored. Unless told otherwise, an employee can safely assume the CCTV is used for security purposes only. If the CCTV is set up to detect crime, it cannot be used to monitor staff performance. If it is to be used for any other reason, such as performance monitoring, staff must be told at the outset.

Those involved with the monitoring must be made aware of their confidentiality obligations and follow the Data Protection Act to ensure they act responsibly. People with access to the recordings should be limited and recordings should not be kept longer than necessary. Safeguards must also be in place to prevent unauthorised access to the security footage.

Finally, employees should be given the opportunity to voice their concerns about CCTV in confidence.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has written a code of conduct which is available at ico.gov.uk if anyone would like to find out more about this issue.

Would your business benefit from installing a hearing induction loop?

There are more than 10 million people living in the UK who have some form of hearing loss, that’s 1 in 6 of the population with more than 800,000 considered severely or profoundly deaf. So, assessing where your organisation could benefit from being ‘deaf aware’ could have huge benefits for your business and encourage people to choose your services.

Making your business more accessible not only to clients, but potential employees, can develop your business and improve the accessibility of your services. With a potential market share of £4 billion a year it also makes financial sense to assess your organisation’s needs with regards to installing a hearing induction loop.

The Equality Act 2010, which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, states that you must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ so that your services are accessible. Without making these changes, you may be discriminating against people and could face legal action.

So what are induction loops? A Hearing Induction Loop enables people with hearing loss to hear sounds more clearly by reducing the effect of background noise. For example, in banks or shops, they help people to hear staff more clearly and in cinemas or theatres they can enable people to hear performances better. There are different pieces of equipment depending on the type of service or business that you may need to consider.

A Portable Loop provides limited coverage and is really designed for one to one conversations for people with hearing loss. A Room Loop is designed for larger areas and is ideal for auditoriums, entertainment venues, large meeting rooms and lecture halls. A Counter Loop is specifically designed to provide hearing facilities to premises such as shops, banks, post-office counters and transport.

Assessing the accessibility issues of your business and choosing the right induction loop for your organisation will provide the best possible experience for customers and staff alike. Ensure you use a qualified and trusted installer who will provide advice on the most suitable loop for your premises.

For more information or advice about hearing loops, deaf awareness or any other issue relating to this article, please visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

Iain to smile through pain of 440 mile birthday bike ride

When it comes to suggestions for how to celebrate your 40th birthday, not many would choose a 440 mile bike ride from London to Edinburgh.

But that’s exactly how Hull businessman Iain Bland has marked the milestone occasion, pledging to get on his bike and raise funds for families in need of a well earned break. 

Mr Bland, Managing Director of Paragon Data Services, has long been a supporter of Hull based charity The Smile Foundation. His company has supported the charity in providing Audio Visual equipment for its highly successful Devil’s Kitchen events, helping it become a huge hit and branch out nationwide.

Now, Mr Bland has agreed to mark the milestone of reaching his 40th birthday and supporting 40 Devil’s Kitchen events, to raise funds for Smile’s latest charity project. Smile by the Sea will see funds raised to provide short holiday breaks for East Yorkshire families in need and Iain has agreed to get on his bike with Smile’s fundraising manager Andy Barber to cycle the length of the country as the first event to raise cash for the new charity; “Here at Paragon we have always believed in investing in our community to help make it stronger and working with The Smile Foundation has been incredibly rewarding” said Mr Bland “We were celebrating the fact we had supported 40 Devil’s Kitchen events and my 40th birthday, when Andy suggested this bike ride. I’m not sure how he convinced me, but we have been delighted with our partnership with Smile, and of course the success of Devil’s Kitchen and are fully committed to continuing our partnership and supporting new projects. We are particularly excited by this latest project to help give families breaks they deserve” 

From this summer Smile by the Sea will provide breaks for people from East Yorkshire who find themselves facing difficult times through illness, bereavement or disability. It will allow registered charities to refer families or individuals for a break, provided by Smile, at a time when they need it most, at no cost to themselves. It will provide breaks ranging from quiet getaways for couples or families facing the challenge of living with a loved one dealing with dementia, to fun-filled trips to the seaside with fish and chips and ice creams for ill youngsters. “The idea is simply to take away their worry and concern for just a few days and create lasting happy memories” said Mr Barber. “We will be working closely with Paragon on the continued development of our events, but I thought it best to help celebrate Iain’s 40th birthday with a short 440 mile bike ride from London to Edinburgh. Paragon Data Services have been a rock for us with the Devil’s Kitchen events and we are delighted to have their ongoing support”

Andy and Ian will stage their fundraising bike ride between 4th – 8th June – if you would like to make a donation and support Iain then please click the link below to show your support – any amount would be greatly appreciated!!

http://www.justgiving.com/Iain-Bland

£1m new contracts sparks jobs surge

Paragon Data Services is expanding off the back of deals in East Yorkshire and London. The company has signed up East Riding College and Kensington and Chelsea Leisure Centre, as well as expanding its work with retailer JD Sports.

Managing Director Iain Bland said: “We’ve secured quite a number of new contracts and we’re expanding to meet demand. Because of the extra engineering and business work we need more staff, we’re just starting a major recruitment drive.”

The college has brought Paragon in to install wiring at a new campus being built in Beverley’s Flemingate and its Kensington work involves supplying electronic equipment.

Another £700,000 of contracts are still in the pipeline. Mr Bland said: “We’re just in the process of adding another ten staff if the right people come along and they will all be based in Hull. We’re looking for a mix of both experienced people and apprentices. Some will cone on as engineers and hopefully we will get some senior engineers on board as well.”

Paragon is also investing in its business, spending up to £15,000 on new customer service and management software. It is part of a drive to grow turnover to £5m in the next few years. Growth has already been sharp. The company is expecting to do about £3m of business in 2014, up from £145,000 when Mr Bland took over in 2005. The firm weathered the recession well due to a wide spread of customers across different sectors. He said: “We were heavy in manufacturing and very heavy in education. A conscious decision was made to go out and spread our customer base across every different vertical sector and as many different market places as we could. We handle orders from £50 to £500,000 – regardless of how big our biggest order is, we still do the little things.”

The approach has seen Paragon move offices three times since 2005 as it grew. The firm was a small-scale operation in Thorngumbald when Mr Bland came in. It now has London and Berkshire offices as well as a headquarters in Stoneferry Road, East Hull