Humble Beginnings in Local Education. PDS started in March 1998 when husband-and-wife team Owen and Karen Gregory saw an opportunity to serve the local education sector. With the launch of the National Grid for Learning (NGFL) initiative, schools across the UK required new network cabling (Category 5 at the time) to deliver internet access in every classroom. PDS stepped in to fulfil this critical need, specialising in structured cabling installations for educational institutions.
Expansion and Diversification. By mid-2003, PDS had established itself as a leading installer of structured cabling for both educational and commercial sectors across Yorkshire. Their dedicated engineering teams tackled projects of all sizes, from single data outlets to large-scale fibre optic cable installations. Recognising a growing demand, PDS also began specialising in audio-visual (AV) solutions, equipping classrooms and workspaces across the UK with projectors and screens.
New Leadership, Continued Growth. After eight years of remarkable growth, Owen and Karen Gregory decided to explore new opportunities. In January 2006, a chance encounter led Iain Bland to acquire PDS. A seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in sales and project management, in February 2006 Iain took the helm and relocated the company to larger headquarters, setting the stage for PDS’ next chapter.
Strategic Expansion and Acquisitions. PDS continued its upward trajectory. Glen Davis joined the leadership team as a new director, and the company solidified its position as the go-to provider for structured cabling and AV solutions for many leading blue-chip corporations in Hull. Recognising a strategic opportunity in the evolving market, PDS acquired Galloway Electronics in March 2009. This highly successful Hull-based business brought expertise in public address, evacuation systems, and induction loops, significantly expanding PDS’ service portfolio.
A Decade of Resilience and Innovation. The next ten years saw PDS navigate the ever-changing market landscape, emerging even stronger. The company secured prestigious projects like becoming a strategic supplier for the next phase of BSF Schools and Academies in Hull, successfully completing numerous healthcare projects across the region, and undertaking large-scale national rollouts for companies like Blacks Outdoors and JD Sports.
A defining moment came in 2012 with PDS’s first integrated services project – the Kensington Leisure Centre in London. Delivering fire detection, public address systems, structured cabling, and CCTV, this success story became a springboard for a strategic shift. PDS recognized the growing demand for comprehensive solutions and began expanding its offerings to encompass fire, data, security, and a broader range of services.
A Powerful Partnership. March 2020 marked a significant step forward for PDS as we became part of the 24-7 Group of Companies. This strategic move built upon our successful collaboration in the past on large-scale projects. As a member of the 24-7 Group, PDS continues to operate autonomously while leveraging the group’s extensive resources and expertise. This powerful partnership has allowed us to accelerate our growth while maintaining our commitment to exceptional customer service.
