Five channel firms unite to form new entity with £100m-revenue plans

Boston Networks, Pinacl, Pinacl GDA, 2020 Vision Systems and PEL Services rebrand under North banner

Five channel firms owned by private equity firm Aliter Capital have been combined to form a new entity called North.

Glasgow-based Boston Networks, Wales-based Pinacl and Pinacl GDA, Birmingham-based 2020 Vision Systems and London-based PEL Services have united to rebrand under the North banner, which plans on hitting £100m-revenue in the next three years.

The firms specialise in networking, safety and security and have secured £30m-plus forward order book since the pandemic began.

Their union is part of Aliter's strategy to build a modern infrastructure, smart buildings, Internet of Things and security solutions business.

The new entity has added "strategic appointments" to its team and intends to hire more to its 250-strong headcount.

The creation of North gives birth to a collaborative business which offers a unique breadth and depth of expertise across the Internet of Things (IoT), networking and connectivity, and safety and security.

"This remarkable year has seen a shift in the way we all live and work, with working from home now a reality for many now and into the future," stated Rob Bardwell, North's group executive chairman and former chief exec of Pinacl.

"Technology and network solutions have never been more pertinent for companies and we know they are now high up on the board agenda of every organisation.

"While most sectors have experienced a heavy burden from COVID restrictions, the tech industry is well placed for a steady stream of business and we will be the gold star option."

North intends to target local and regional authorities with rolling out IoT infrastructures nationwide. It has already secured a contract with Hammersmith and Fulham council valued at over £4m, as well as inking deals on several public sector projects totalling £18m.

Scott McEwan, North's group executive director and former CEO of Boston Networks, said: "Throughout the pandemic, all of our constituent companies have bucked the trend by securing major contract wins which have added to our growth trajectory and it's a very exciting time for North to be born.

"In recent years we've gone from strength to strength, and through bringing each of the group's companies together we have a unique offering and expertise within the business to tackle the challenges of our customers across the UK and globally.

"Covid-19 has put network infrastructure and the safety and security of people, buildings and assets at the top of the agenda for both private sector companies and the public sector as they require robust and secure systems at the heart of their organisations during the pandemic and in the future."