‘Hands-on’ role ensures business keeps booming

Since then, with him at the helm, its sales have quadrupled and, despite the downturn, its success has exceeded all expectations.

Now he is also a finalist in the Mail's Business Awards in the Gosschalks Solicitors-sponsored Young Businessperson of the Year Award.

A network infrastructure and AV solutions company, the firm supplies, installs and maintains cabling, networks and systems across the educational, commercial and public sector markets.

Its clients include Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull College, Scania, NHS Hull, Corus, BT, Humberside Fire Authority and North Lincolnshire Council.

The company currently employs more than 20 people and anticipates taking on 10 more staff this year to cope with its booming business.

Mr Bland, who started his career as a sales account manager for a local stationary and printing company, is a managing director whose hands-on approach means he also serves as project manager on large contracts.

PDS operations director Glen Davis said: “Quality assurance and high standards come from the top down, with Iain setting extremely high goals for the team,” said Glen.

“He plays a very active role in ensuring that we keep pace with current developments and trends in the very challenging and constantly evolving marketplaces that the company operates in."

The directors' desire to expand has already led to the acquisition of another Hull business, Galloway Electronics, which in turn meant a move to larger, purpose built offices on Geneva Way to accommodate planned further acquisitions and mergers.

Mr Bland said: “The workforce will continue to grow. There is plenty of work out there and we have already won some really prestigious contracts."