Local AV technology specialists, IDNS, has – like so many others – seen the impact that coronavirus has had on businesses nationwide. And yet the firm, which underwent a management buyout in 2018, has reported continued levels of steady growth during this period and is now expanding further.
The business, which was established thirty years ago as a typewriter ribbon reseller, experienced a top-level restructuring during the MBO that saw managing directors David Shuttleworth and Darren Clayman take full control of the operations. Following this, the company revealed ambitious plans to hit a turnover of £37m within five years as well as increase staff numbers by 30% – and so far, it seems COVID-19 has only propelled the business forward in reaching these goals.
For example, just last month IDNS was awarded places on the FE-owned CPC framework, which provides specialist advice on spending practises to schools and academies, and the NPS framework, which promotes good spending on procurement within Wales’ public sector. The value of these two frameworks combined totals a staggering £300M.
The people-powered business – which prides itself on recruiting and nurturing the very best talent in the region – has also further strengthened its offering by appointing four new members of staff to its 70-person strong team during the lockdown period alone.
Two of these recruits are rejoining IDNS following some time in the industry broadening their knowledge; these include Nick Gill, who returns as Key Account Manager for the South of England, and Jason Cannon, who returns to lead the IDNS installation team with more than 15 years’ experience under his belt.
Gill said: “After spending time gaining new skills and experiences at a variety of organisations in the AV industry, it’s great to be back working with the end-users again. Since leaving IDNS, the organisation has gone through some major changes including a management buyout which has resulted in an exciting growth period for the business.”
Cannon, who will lead on enhancing installation efficiency and overall customer satisfaction through improving the ‘right-first-time’ completion ratio, added: “IDNS’ growth, in terms of the number of verticals it works within, is an exciting prospect for me. As well as helping the company to improve its processes, I’m thoroughly looking forward to working hands-on when delivering their growing installation requirements in the South East of England.”
They are accompanied by Alex Castle, who will be heavily involved with IDNS’ bid writing team, and Edward Powell-Smith, who will take on the position of Installations Engineer.
Managing Director of IDNS, Darren Clayman, who headed up the firm’s management buyout commented: “Despite the general downturn in the industry, and the economy as a whole, we’re still seeing great opportunities through the largest IT and AV frameworks.
“I know that myself and the team will proudly carry our born-and-bred Bolton heritage with us wherever we go – but as a company, we are definitely excited for what the future holds as a key enabler of learning in the health and education sectors using next-generation AV technology.”
IDNS is always on the lookout for regional talent to join its growing team. The company adds that while it considers experience in the technology sector during the recruitment process, it is also keen to hear from any individuals that are enthusiastic, have a can-do attitude and are eager to learn.
