History Of R&B Switchgear
Celebrating four decades as a trusted leader in power engineering solutions, R&B Switchgear Group’s new leadership marks the start of an exciting era of growth and innovation. To learn more, click here or scroll down to discover our story!
Discover Our Journey
“At the age of 24, I took a bold step and co-founded R&B Switchgear Services—a decision inspired by our proud family heritage of engineers, spanning three generations. Since those early days in 1985, we’ve grown into a leading name in the industry, delivering innovative power engineering solutions across a variety of sectors.
Our success has been built on decades of passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service. I invite you to explore our story and see how far we’ve come.”
Mark Beswick, Group CEO
1985
R&B Switchgear Services was established with the opening of a Greater Manchester office
The first-ever R&B Switchgear Services car, ensuring that the team can deliver expertise and assistance – wherever, whenever, however
1985
R&B completed electrical upgrades to the historic Antrim Princess, a vessel damaged by an engine room fire in 1983 – one of many projects that kickstarted R&B’s long-standing work with the RAF and the Royal Navy.
Shortly after, partnerships were established with leading cruise liners, including Princess Cruises, P&O, Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
1990
The team provided specialist support and repairs for switchgear now considered heritage equipment, including systems for London Underground and other key infrastructure.
1993
R&B Switchgear acquires Glasgow based corporation, forming the start of R&B Northern
1996
Building on their success, Mark and the team significantly expanded R&B’s product portfolio
1996
R&B was called upon to support the overhaul and refit of the iconic Queen Elizabeth QE2 Cunard, a transport vessel that played a key role during the Falklands War.
1997
A huge milestone, the doors of Switchgear House opened, ready to provide exceptional service. It continues to be our headquarters in 2025.
1999
Mark and the team launched R&B Marine Power Engineering Inc, a Florida-based service hub, to offer faster support for their US clients
2004
To boost brand awareness, the team came together for their largest marketing effort yet, attending a major marine service exhibition in Miami.
2013
R&B Switchgear Group gets an exciting brand refresh, including a fancy new logo
R&B Switchgear expands into the offshore market with the launch of its Aberdeen office
2018
R&B Switchgear Group launches new USA office
2019
R&B Switchgear Group sets its sights on new growth opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of its Singapore office
R&B strikes success whilst exhibiting at Europe’s Largest Oil & Gas Conference, SPE Offshore Europe 2019
2020
R&B Switchgear Group celebrates 35 years of delivering power distribution services to an international client base
2021
R&B Switchgear Group super-charges its team with 14 new hires
2022
R&B Switchgear Group celebrates growing partnership with UK’s fusion energy giant, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
2023
R&B Switchgear Group Accelerates with Landmark Aberdeen Expansion
R&B Switchgear Group Powers a Brighter Tomorrow at Solar and Storage Live 2024
2024
R&B Switchgear Group Expands Greater Manchester Headquarters with £500k funding from Natwest, and transitions to a 9-Day fortnight work pattern
R&B secures multiple awards, including DFE’s North West SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2024, Make UK’s North West Developing Future Talent and Business Growth and Strategy Award, and the ‘Excellent Employer’ Kitemark by Next Gen Makers
2025
Today, R&B Switchgear Group proudly celebrates 40 years of delivering innovative and reliable power engineering solutions.
