Iain Bland

Iain purchased Paragon Data Services (PDS), at the time a struggling business, in 2005 – the business was in the process of making its staff redundant and closing the doors. Iain had never before owned his own business and it was something that no-one in his family had done before him!

In three years, with his positive approach to business and by putting together an experienced and winning team, Iain transformed PDS into a market leading, pioneering company with a full order book, huge plans for expansion and a turnover in excess of £2m.

Since then (2008) sales have more than doubled and with Iain at the helm, staff numbers have grown dramatically, from the period of his initial takeover when the Iain worked alongside one engineer to the present day, with 30 plus employees and offices in Hull, London and Newbury.

Iain has fostered a culture of success throughout the company and also been responsible for creating a real awareness of the PDS brand and the services the company offers. Whilst predominantly operating in Hull and the East Riding, PDS has worked with some of the region’s biggest clients and this, in turn, has led to major contracts with clients beyond the regional boundaries.

PDS is well ahead of its business plan and has even exceeded Iain’s high expectations by continuing to buck the economic downturn - PDS continues to make new contract wins across the UK of substantial value.

Outside of work, Iain’s interests include collecting and listening to music, watching Leeds United, going to the gym and travelling abroad.

Iain was the winner of Hull Daily Mail Young Business Person of the Year Award in 2010.

In 2013 Iain was named as one of Yorkshire Insider Magaizine’s ‘Ones to Watch’ in 2013