Peter's Story
I started off as an apprentice working for STC in the 70’s on the latest telephone digital exchange equipment. This gave me the start of a career based around electronics, defence, communications and control systems that would lead me to work on North Sea offshore production platforms and around the World on all forms of petrochemical / Process plant installations.
Commissioning Emergency shutdown systems which varied from sole responsibility to managing large teams commissioning multiple systems to bring online first oil and gas production.
In 2000 being away from home had run its course so I returned to my telecommunication roots running Euro Fibre ring installation and data cabling projects for the MOD. Finally set up a poling yard to run a new project as a subcontractor on the BT low wire upgrade.
The common issue with every project and company that I had worked for is the lack of trained staff required to deliver projects on time, safely and with quality. Believing I had the necessary experience and solutions to address this issue I decided in 2004 to form Project Skills Solutions.
History Timeline
PSS Installations throughout the years...
2006: The New (new) Office
Needing more room to expand, in the same year PSS moved from Basildon to Benfleet into space with 5 offices and plenty of room to grow. Now with two sides of the business – training and installation services – and the whole family working together, growth brought with it, entertainment, challenges and rewards.
Everyone worked hard to build the training course options and locations but the real growth was the cabling installation projects. Working on the contracts and looking for new clients made the team decide it was important to show commitment to quality. Therefore PSS engaged a consultant who brought our processes up to the requirement to gain our ISO 9001 accreditation.
2006: Training and MOD
Part of the requirement for telecommunication training was to gain the NRSWA qualification. PSS set up agreements with trading associations with several training centres to resell their courses, complimenting the telecoms training.
This was a time of dial-up broadband and few companies had websites. So, Peter set up a website from scratch by himself to help people find the courses they needed. Kay joined and doubled the staff count establishing the training side of the business, managing enquiries and training sales.
2007/08: Electrical Services
Our key client expanded their requirement from upgrading TA centres to installing fibre cabling on MOD bases across the UK.
This further requirement for a single source solution led us to provide electrical services, all of which had to be JSP 480 compliant. Luke, whose background was telecommunications, recruited electricians and took an electrical course himself. PSS gained NICEIC electrical contractor accreditation for their installation services.
The training services were also developing, and now running their own courses alongside reselling. We gained ILM centre status and ran leadership and management courses along with health and safety training. Then the MOD contract came to a natural end and the recession hit.
2013: New Office
It was a hectic start to 2013 as our new premises were an empty warehouse which we had to convert into offices. They had to be operational by the 31st January due to lease ending on our Benfleet offices.
Opting for an empty warehouse allowed us to design new offices and allowing space for workshops. This would meet the needs of our unique range of services across the two divisions. We worked around the clock to build offices, install all electrical and data cabling, HVAC and security systems. We succeeded and moved in on time with a seamless transition from one premises to the other.
2013 also saw us bring our HVAC services in house instead of using subcontractors. We increased our electrical works on commercial property requiring more staff and vehicles. Now we had full storage areas and workshop space to meet the demand.
2018: Growing Team
Rapid growth with more contracts in the social housing sector required us to add 10 more electricians, vans and equipment along with additional supervision and support staff to the team.
Contracts now also required fixed wire testing services on occupied and void premises along with all associated remedial works. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades are added as part of our contracted works.
2020 – 5-star electrical services award
Providing electrical maintenance & repair services 24/7 is challenging at the best of times but during the 2020 pandemic, it was on a new level. We maintained the ability to attend at short notice, diagnose the problem and have the required materials to effect a repair.
It was great to have our 5-star electrical services acknowledged independently.
So, we were super excited to have received a 5-star electrical services award for our performance from Plentific for our work in 2020.
2020 – Electrical Services Expansion
Our contract wins continued, with us now providing electrical services to 4 main contractors and in turn, multiple housing associations properties.
These contracts required us to provide EICR testing, void property electrical works, kitchen & bathroom upgrades, day-to-day and planned works. These services are provided 24/7, so we had to increase the number of electrical engineers and expand the office support team to meet the demand.
We grew an excellent reputation in the social housing electrical maintenance and repairs field.
2021 – Going Green
Our aim to start the transition to a more environmentally sustainable company vehicle fleet commenced in 2020. However, this was delayed due to the pandemic but recommenced in 2021.
Our initial plan to chose EV vehicles as our company cars came up for renewal (or the purchases of any new cars that are required) has resulted in 3 fully electric cars now in the fleet.
The biggest change will be to replace our fleet of diesel vans with Electric Vehicles. The first step in the transition is the installation of the EV Charger at the offices.
2022 – Fibre Cabling Services Division
We have been providing fibre optic cabling services since 2006 but this year we have greatly expanded our fibre cabling service capability.
The Government’s manifesto commitment was to deliver nationwide gigabit-broadband by 2025. That target was revised in November 2020 to a minimum of 85% of premises by 2025. This has led to a massive demand by altnets to get subcontracting companies on board to help achieve these targets.
We have been approached by several companies to provide a range of fibre optic services. Our existing teams were involved mainly with high-level testing and fusion splicing. These new contracts have required us to provide the full range of fibre cabling services including TRR test rod and roping, Subduct Installation, blown fibre and PON works. This has required us to increase our fibre optic cabling teams by recruiting experienced personnel as well as training those new to the field. Our advantage being that with our training division we can train novices, supporting them to become fully qualified whilst allowing us to meet our client contract requirements.
2023 – Expanded and Upgraded Fleet
We required additional engineers and fleet vehicles to meet the demands of clients who placed their trust in our services and expanded contracts with us.
Continuing to strive towards our sustainability and greener company goals, over this year as the fleet expanded, it was also upgraded to meet the latest ULEZ standards whilst keeping us looking smart – reflecting our high standards of work and professionalism.
2023- PSS Installations Gains New ISO and SMAZ Accreditations to Enhance Client Services
ISO and SMAZ Accreditations – What They Mean for You
In Autumn 2023, PSS Installations renewed ISO9001 and achieved two new certifications: ISO14001 for environmental management and ISO45001 for health and safety. These certifications form an Integrated Management System (IMS), ensuring we meet the highest standards in quality, sustainability, and workplace safety.
We have also secured SMAZ accreditation, replacing SafeContractor. This further ensures that our installation services fully comply with Health and Safety at Work regulations, offering clients the highest level of protection and peace of mind.
Benefits of Working with PSS Installations
By choosing us, clients gain a partner committed to:
- Quality Assurance (ISO9001): Delivering consistently high standards across all projects.
- Environmental Responsibility (ISO14001): Minimizing the environmental impact of our electrical services.
- Health & Safety Compliance (ISO45001, SMAZ): Prioritizing the safety of our team, your staff, and your premises.
Our SMAZ accreditation further demonstrates that we meet stringent health and safety standards required for all projects, large or small.
Ongoing Support with Citation Services
To ensure continued compliance and safety excellence, we partner with Citation Services for expert advice and guidance on all health and safety requirements.
2024- 20 Years of Project Skill Solutions
Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: A Milestone for Project Skills Solutions
We are thrilled to announce that Project Skills Solutions has reached a significant milestone: 20 years of continuous service. Since our inception in 2004, we have successfully navigated industry challenges, economic downturns, and even the global pandemic to continue providing high-quality services to our clients.
A Remarkable Achievement in the Construction Industry
Reaching the 20-year mark is no small feat in the construction and electrical contracting sectors. On average, many businesses in our industry face significant hurdles and don’t survive past the first 5-10 years,
The pressures of thin margins, fluctuating material costs, and economic instability often lead to short business lifespans. Despite these challenges, Project Skills Solutions has survived and thrived, making this milestone an extraordinary achievement.
Why This Matters for Our Clients
For our clients, this 20-year milestone represents more than just longevity. It speaks to our commitment to quality, reliability, and client satisfaction. Here’s why you can trust us with your next project:
- Proven Stability: Many companies struggle to last even a decade, but our two decades of operations demonstrate a solid foundation and sustainable growth.
- Experience and Expertise: With 20 years of experience, we’ve developed the expertise to handle projects of all sizes across various sectors, from commercial electrical installations to complex project management.
- Adaptability: Surviving through economic downturns and a global pandemic shows our ability to adapt to changing market conditions while continuing to deliver excellent services.
A Strong Foundation for Future Growth
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future. We continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, staff development, and robust health and safety practices to ensure we provide the highest standards for our clients. This commitment is underlined by our ISO certifications and the recent addition of SMAZ accreditation, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety at Work regulations.
We are grateful to our clients for their ongoing trust and support over the last two decades, and we look forward to many more years of partnership and success.
Our Core Values
We at PSS Installations are committed to our policies and our values are ingrained into our staff, which resonates throughout the company from Director level to on the road engineers
Mission Statement
PSS Installations was formed to provide the essential components to allow companies to deliver successful projects.
Based on 30 years of experience the provision of management, Consultancy, Installation services, recruitment and training in all the essential skills required for the safe delivery of the project requirements.
We endeavour to offer the highest quality and support across all our services to allow our clients to complete projects competitively and safely.
Environmental
PSS Installations:
- is committed to minimising any detrimental impact on the environment that may result from its activities, and to consider its performance in this regard, and opportunities for improvement on a continuing basis.
Equality
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of treating all its employees and job applicants equally.
Data Protection
Our business will ensure that personal data that we hold is kept secure and that it is held for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which it is being processed.