In November 2021, PACE Networks, the power grid infrastructure company, celebrates 10 years since its foundation.
The business’ roots go back even further, to the 1960s, when co-founder Brian Cullum started an apprenticeship with the Eastern Electricity Board. Brian moved on to work in the supply of specialist electrical equipment, managing regions, working in acquisitions and launching a company, which he went on to sell.
Then, in 2011, Brian came together with his son, Jon, to create PACE Networks Ltd. PACE has since worked on projects with all the major UK DNOs and TNOs.
PACE Networks says that its unique selling point is the fact that it develops long-term relationships with suppliers and customers, enabling innovation and service that deliver real value. More than 20 Type Approvals have been obtained, across a product range that includes insulators, surge arrestors, vibration and spacer dampers, tension clamps and detection and monitoring solutions. In recent years, PACE has introduced services such as stocking and, in 2021, corona camera inspection and reporting, to enhance customers’ project and maintenance efficiency.
There have been some notable highlights in the company’s history:
- Delivery of over 1,000 vibration dampers for a 132kV re-stringing project, where delivery times were tight and tied-down
- Working with TNOs and DNOs to trial and adopt composite insulators to achieve benefits around weight, install time and safety
- Development of a 275kV prototype steel pole, including construction method statement
With a Rail division that has also now worked on every significant UK rail electrification project since 2011, PACE is truly a key power grid partner.
Gavin Smith, Managing Director, noted, “Being close to our customers is the foundation of everything we do. Alongside investment in our people and processes, this is our focus for 2022 and beyond.”
Jon Cullum is also looking forward, “I expect the next 10 years to be busy, as the authorities grapple with decarbonisation and the changing nature of power networks. I believe that we will add further value through specialist services that complement our core technologies, and we continue to seek out partners from around the world that enable us to bring technology to operators in the UK and Eire.”
In celebration of 10 years, PACE is keen to support others and learn more about how it can help the industry it serves. With this in mind, the company will make a charity donation on behalf of everyone from the industry who completes a short survey on its website.