Power Engineering Experts, R&B Switchgear Group, are proudly celebrating their 40th anniversary with the announcement of a newly appointed leadership team, marking a new era primed for continued growth and innovation.
Specialists in switchgear manufacturing and maintenance services, R&B Switchgear Group was established 40 years ago by co-founder Mark Beswick
Four decades later, the organisation has flourished from a small service business to an internationally recognised leader in power engineering solutions, supporting a diverse portfolio of clients across the marine, oil & gas, rail, energy, renewables, and construction sectors.
The founder and family-led business will be headed up by newly appointed Group Managing Director, Max Beswick, and Group Operations Director, Sophie Gudgeon. The new leadership team has been pivotal in shaping the company’s strategic direction, accelerating growth in key sectors, and securing landmark contracts with the UK’s most notable household names, including United Utilities, TESCO, Carnival and London Underground.
To meet the growing demand for specialist Low and High Voltage switchgear solutions, the company has expanded its global network to provide agile services from its five UK office locations and hubs abroad in Florida and Singapore.
Together, the leadership team aims to honour the company’s heritage while positioning it for sustained growth and success in a rapidly evolving market.
“At the age of 24, I took a bold step from my apprenticeship at Whipp & Bourne 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 industry name, 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.”
Group Founder Mark Beswick said:
This month, the company is commencing a year-long calendar of celebrations titled ‘40 Stories of Impact,’ as it looks back at its four decades of heritage. The team will be uncovering stories from their teams, both past and present, as well as supporting community projects, engaging in fundraising, and setting out commitments which will shape their business of tomorrow.
Max Beswick, Group Managing Director, commented: “As we celebrate four decades in the industry, we are proud of the business we have created. Through our on-going investment in technology, training, and talent, we’ve earned a reputation as a partner of choice for our esteemed global clients. We are excited about the next chapter for R&B as we pave the way for a bright future for the business.”
Sophie Gudgeon, Group Operations Director, added: “This is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the many achievements of our team. As a people centric organisation, we recognise that our team are the backbone of our business, and we are delighted to share and celebrate this 40th anniversary milestone with them.”
This comes as the company celebrates a record year in 2024, during which it successfully trialled operations in two new regions, with official launches planned for 2025. These efforts were recognised with the Manufacturing Make UK Business Growth and Strategy Award and the Developing Future Talent Award. These accolades highlight R&B Switchgear Group’s commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and nurturing the next generation of engineers through its best-in-class Training Academy.
Where it all started R&B Switchgear Group:
- From one small office above a hairdresser’s in Rochdale to five offices across the UK
- From one small service car to a 25+ fleet of specially equipped vehicles.
- From a small team of field service engineers to a switchgear manufacturing and service hub with five supporting facilities.