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A local success story to really shout about!

Having enjoyed exponential growth over the last 12 months, Paragon Data Services (PDS) doesn’t intend to rest on its laurels.

Ambitious directors at the Hull-based network infrastructure and AV...

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• PDS director sails to The Azores as a birthday “treat”
  

  One of the Paragon Data Services directors found out exactly what hard work really means on a recent adventure.
  
  Knowing that Glen Davis’ birthday was coming up, managing director Iain Bland arranged for him to set sail on a 10-day challenge on-board the CatZero yacht.
  
  CatZero is a registered charity designed to develop and deliver specialist programmes to meet the needs of children, young people, their families and the local community. When the yacht isn’t in use for its specialist programmes, members of the public can pay to take part in the sailing experience themselves.
  
  While on board, Glen performed the role of a real member of crew. He carried out a four hour on, four hour off watch system for the full duration of the trip. His duties included everything from the preparation of meals and cleaning through to helming the vessel, navigation and engineering.
  
  “When I was 19 I was sponsored by Holderness Rotary Society to sail on the Winston Churchill boat for two weeks. Ever since then I have always said I would like to go back and repeat the experience, CatZero certainly came close but it was much harder this time than when I was 19,” said Glen. “The team at PDS surprised me with the CatZero experience for my birthday and I was over the moon.”
  
  The yacht was bound for The Azores, in the North Atlantic Ocean, when Glen set sail. “We really did get the full sailing experience,” he added. “We came across wind, rain, snow and hail – we even had to pull into Weymouth on the way back while the weather calmed down. It was fantastic, I had a brilliant time – I think if I’d told my wife how dangerous the conditions were at certain points during the journey, she would have told me to get off and come home though.”
  
  It’s safe to say that Glen enjoyed his experience, but he’s pleased to be back in the comfort of the PDS headquarters in Hull doing his day job!

• Keep on Movembering is a great success
  

  In December, leading infrastructure and AV solutions company, Paragon Data Services, asked men across the East Riding who took part in the 2011 national Movember challenge, to continue their efforts for an additional month.

  Paragon Data Services took the opportunity to extend the efforts of Movember to benefit other charities. Participating men were asked to keep the razors at bay for a few more weeks until the end of December 2011.

  Movember requires men to grow facial hair, usually in a style they would not usually choose, to raise awareness of men’s health conditions, particularly prostate cancer. Many participants ask for sponsorship to donate to The Prostate Cancer Charity and The Institute of Cancer Research.

  Iain Bland, managing director at Paragon Data Services, who also joined in the challenge, set a £500 prize fund to be awarded to the man sporting the best moustache, to be donated to a charity of his choice. An additional £250 will also be donated to the Smile Foundation, the charity PDS has worked closely with to raise funds.
  
  Iain Bland said, “Last year’s Movember was such huge success, with massive involvement from men everywhere. I am delighted with the amount of men in the area who chose to continue the challenge into December in order to raise money for their chosen charity.

  “I would like to say congratulations to the Blue Watch at Bridlington Fire Station who put in a fantastic effort to continue growing their moustaches into the Christmas period. Their dedication to the cause is impressive, and it is for this reason that I can announce them as the winners of the PDS ‘Keep on Movembering’ competition.”

  Paul Jebson, firefighter, said “All the guys at Blue Watch were delighted to hear that we have been selected as the winners of the Paragon Data Service ‘Keep on Movembering’ competition. We originally decided to participate in the Movember challenge as a sign of solidarity and respect towards a colleague of ours who is suffering from stomach cancer. When we heard about Paragon Data Services’ plan to continue Movember into December, we thought it would be a great opportunity to raise money for another charity that is close to our heats, The Firefighter’s Charity.”

• Keep on Movembering

  Men that have taken part in this year’s Movember, the challenge to grow amusing facial hair for the month of November, have been asked to continue their efforts throughout December.
  Paragon Data Services are taking the opportunity to extend the efforts of Movember to benefit other charities. They are asking men to keep the razors at bay for a few more weeks until the end of December.

  Movember requires men to grow facial hair, usually in a style they would not usually choose, to raise awareness of men’s health conditions, particularly prostate cancer. Many participants ask for sponsorship to donate to The Prostate Cancer Charity and The Institute of Cancer Research.

  Iain Bland, managing director at Paragon Data Services, has set a £500 prize fund to be awarded to the man sporting the best moustache, to be donated to a charity of his choice. An additional £250 will also be donated to the Smile Foundation, the charity PDS has worked closely with to raise funds.

  Participants are asked to send in photos of their facial achievements to be displayed on the PDS website and Facebook page.

  PDS is encouraging men taking part to keep their facial hair in the style of Movember, which says they should ‘groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery.’

  Iain Bland said, “Movember has seen such huge success rates and a massive involvement from men everywhere. If we can continue that success to benefit even more charities and people then we should. Everyone has fun as a result of taking part in Movember, but there is a serious message behind it and this is one we aim to continue.”

• Paragon Data Services continues to expand
  

  Paragon Data Services is continuing to expand with the addition of its latest member of staff, Matthew Hoe.

  Matt has joined the Hull-based leading infrastructure and AV solutions company’s accounts department and brings with him much previous experience in this field to the role of Financial Director.

  Matt said: “I am thrilled to have joined Paragon Data Services as it is such a fantastic company to work for. Each and every staff member here really cares about their role and work well together to achieve excellent results and outcomes for all of our customers.”

  Iain Bland, managing director at Paragon Data Services, said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt to the company and look forward to working with him. He is a real asset to the business. Matt’s appointment is part of the company’s continuous expansion as a successful business and we are also currently recruiting for an internal sales executive to join our ever evolving team.”

• Sponsored Chest Wax Raises Money for Child's Cancer...
  

  Despite the cold weather closing in, a man from Hull is preparing to bare his chest – in the literal sense.

  Rob Milsom is set to have his chest waxed to raise money for the Charlie Hook appeal, in connection with the charity, Families Against Neuroblastoma (FAN).

  The Charlie Hook appeal was set up to raise funds for five year old Charlie, who is battling against Neuroblasta, an aggressive form of cancer.

  Though treatment is available for the condition, it is only currently on offer in Germany or the USA. Charlie and his family must travel abroad for treatment, something which is proving an expensive and difficult task.

  Rob, who works at Paragon Data Services, not only hopes to raise as much money as he can for the appeal, but is also aiming to raise awareness of the condition too.

  Rob said: “Waxing your chest for charity often raises a few laughs for those involved, but the point of the wax is to remind people there is a serious reason behind it surrounding the health of a young boy.

  “Charlie’s family are working really hard to gather the funds for the treatment. We all want to see him get the best chance of a recovery possible and my chest wax is something I’m hoping can contribute towards that.”

  Rob is having his chest waxed on 26th November. You can sponsor him and donate to the appeal at: www.bmycharity.com/robmilsom

• Business to be done at the East Yorkshire Business Expo.
  

  Yesterday’s East Yorkshire Business Expo saw a fantastic turn out, with hundreds of people flocking to Brantingham Park to see over 100 business stands, free speed networking events and business seminars.

  A keynotes speech regarding personal motivation and business innovation was delivered by Paul Clarke to open the event.

  The Expo was a great success for Paragon Data Services as we had many enquiries into our services and products. It was a fantastic opportunity to show potential customers and other companies what we do, promoting a positive business attitude, even in these economic times. We look forward to hearing from and working with many of the companies and individuals we met yesterday.

• PDS at the East Yorkshire Business Expo
  

  Today Paragon Data Services is out at the East Yorkshire Business Expo telling people about what we do.

  The expo is a fantastic opportunity for us to get out and about and let people know that we are proud to be at the helm of the AV and infrastructure industry.

  Pop over and see us if you are there today, we’d love to have a chat with you, or keep an eye out for our great big blue and orange banner stands at future expo events!

• Charity bike ride wasn't a bed of roses!
  

  Iain Bland, managing director at Paragon Data Services, recently participated in the “Way of the Roses” bike ride on September 11th 2011, raising a substantial amount of money for Breast Cancer Care, a charity which is very close to Iain’s heart.

  Iain’s mum was diagnosed with the disease last year which is why he has chosen to partake in this grueling challenge. The event which saw Iain ride a full 170miles over three days, started at Morecambe on Lancashire's Irish Sea coast, with the finish line being at Bridlington on Yorkshire's North Sea coast.
  
  Iain said: “The route encompassed vastly differing landscapes, including the Lune Valley, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales, Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds which mean that the ride itself was incredibly challenging. However, through sheer determination to raise money for such a worthwhile cause, ’Team Extreme’ which consisted of myself and two riding companions completed the challenge on Sunday13th.”
  
  So far Iain and the other members of the team Paul Jebson and Anna Grantham have raised £1200 so far with donations still coming in. We are a thriving and friendly network infrastructure and AV solutions company working across both the public and private sectors. To find out more information about the “Way of the Roses” charity bike ride, log on to: www.wayoftheroses.info.

• Sporting Paragon sponsors award
  

  Hundreds gathered at the KC stadium to celebrate the achievements of local sporting heroes at the second annual Hull & East Yorkshire's Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards.

  The awards which were attended by a host of famous faces as well as members from local amateur sports clubs, recognise the commitment, passion and dedication of local men, women and children who take part in local sport, making a positive impact on the local community.

  One of the categories awarded on the night was the Talented Amateur Disabled Performer Award which was sponsored by Paragon Data Services (PDS).

  Iain Bland, managing director of PDS, said: “For the second year running we were delighted to sponsor the Talented Amateur Disabled Performer Award at the awards. It is an award which we feel particularly passionate about as it represents local sportspeople from a varitey of different backgrounds. We were thrilled when Clifford Woolass from Goole took home the honour on the night.”

  “It is such an amazing night to be involved with, honoring people who positivly contribute to the Hull and East Yorkshire community,” Iain added.

  David Townsend, sales and marketing manager for First Hull Trains, which organised the event, with local radio station KCFM99.8, said: ”The ceremony was fantatsic and it was an honour and a privilege to see so many sporting hereos – both young and old- recognised in this way.”

  “It’s wonderful that organisations such as Paragon show their commitment to local sport by providing sponsorship for this event. The Hull & East Yorkshire's Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards are not for profit and all funds raised from the awards are put back into local sporting initiatives in partnership with the Smile Foundation. All proceeds from the evening were donated to local athletics through the Sports Awards Grant scheme,” David added.

• Challenge Paragon to raise a smile
  

  This summer, Paragon Data Services (PDS) will be joining forces for a week with the Smile Foundation and other local businesses to transform Sunshine House in Hull.

  Sunshine House is a facility that offers invaluable nursing resources, ranging from respite to palliative and terminal care, supporting children up to 18 years old and their families.

  Challenge Paragon will see the PDS managing director, Iain Bland at the helm of the project, encouraging local companies to donate their time and services towards a transformation of Sunshine House with a new conservatory, revamped garden area, refurbished sensory room and decoration throughout the house.

  Iain said: “This event is part of our continuing work with our nominated charity for 2011, the Smile Foundation. It will be a lot of hard work, but seeing how much our time and effort makes a difference to the day-to-day lives of the children and their families at Sunshine House, will make it all worthwhile.”

  Andy Barber of the Smile Foundation said: “Sunshine House is one of our three chosen charities for 2011 and one which provides such important support and advice for families all across Hull and East Yorkshire.”

  “Iain and the team at Paragon have been a continuing support to the Smile Foundation. Challenge Paragon is a really great idea and it will be exciting to see what is achieved during the week,” Andy added.

  If you would like to get involved, or for more information, contact Iain Bland at PDS on (01486) 581155 or Andy Barber at the Smile Foundation on (01482) 333999.

• Charity golf day aims to raise a smile
  

  Paragon Data Services (PDS) in Hull are holding a charity golf day to raise money for the company’s nominated charity for 2011, the Smile Foundation.

  The Smile foundation was founded in 2009 to positively change the lives of people in Hull and East Yorkshire. The Foundation spends time with a selection of charities each year, working with each organisation to give them a voice and to help them build a firm foundation, to enable them to fully establish themselves as a familiar local charity.

  Iain Bland, managing director at PDS, said: “The Smile Foundation is a Hull-based charity which carries out invaluable work with a variety of organisations, helping to make them stronger and give them the tools to be an even greater support to local communities in Hull & East Yorkshire.”

  “We invite everyone to come and challenge Paragon’s golf team which we think is a force to be reckoned with! The day will include breakfast at the golf club, a day on the course and evening entertainment. It will be a great day out and it’s all in the name of raising money for a really worthwhile cause.”

  The event is to be held at Hainsworth Park Golf Club, Brandesburton on Friday 8 July. Entry costs only £130 per team, which includes breakfast, golf and evening entertainment. For more information call (01964) 542362, or visit www.hainsworthparkgolfclub.co.uk

• Paragon nurtures young, local, talent
  

  Paragon Data Services (PDS) is helping new apprenticeships through a new and innovative training scheme that is helping young people from Hull and the surrounding area to take their first step on the employment ladder.

  With three new recent apprenticeship appointments the new recruits and PDS are all reaping the rewards of the brand new apprenticeship programme. The initiative enables employees to gain qualifications whilst working on the job, gaining new experiences and the presenting them with the opportunity to tackle different challenges.

  Iain Bland, managing direct at PDS, was recently named young businessperson of the year at the Mail News and Media Awards. Under Iain’s leadership the business has been able to grow and expand - enabling the company to increase its highly skilled workforce.

  Iain said: “With university fees on the rise, in addition to a high level of youth unemployment, more and more young people are looking towards apprenticeships which aim to nurture young, talented individuals and encourage a greater level of job security.”

  “We believe that the best measure of the success or failure with apprenticeship programmes will be found in how well-equipped today’s young people are in future years to face the shifting challenges of life and work,” Iain added.

  “Our work as a partner with Hull’s building Schools for the future programme, and other large projects, means that we can deliver on our promise to expand the number of apprenticeship places on offer, prioritising more advanced skills levels and building personal and professional capacity for the future.”

• Hull's companies connected via PDS
  

  Whether installing sound systems, or IT and communications solutions, businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire are being brought into the 21st century with the very latest technological improvements by Paragon Data Services (PDS).

  Recently, PDS has been working with major companies in the area including the £70,000 technological renovation at ResQ call centre in the centre of Hull and Hallmark Hotels, to improve the technological aspects of their company.

  Iain Bland, managing director of PDS, said: “The IT and communications solutions we have provided ResQ with will ensure the organisation can operate as smoothly as possible with a backdrop of state-of-the-art technology. PDS has designed communications systems that integrate with the latest technology available and can are tailor-made for the company’s needs.”

  “Being able to install all the necessary technology at ResQ with the minimum disruption to the business was essential for a company which handles thousands of calls every day and which relies on a secure internet access.”

  “We are really pleased to have forged such a strong new relationship with ResQ and I am proud to have carried out such a large scale project in Hull city centre with minimal disruption to ResQ’s day-to-day operation,” Iain added.

  PDS has also contributed massively to the recent £3 million renovation of the Hallmark Hotel just outside Hull city centre.

  “The work included everything from music systems in bedrooms and common areas, through to the latest AV solutions for the conference facilities at the hotel, as well as telecommunications systems and much more, to ensure that the new technology we have installed is of the highest quality to meet the needs of the hotel,” Iain added.

• Major contract awarded to Hull born and bred business on...
  

  Directors of a rapidly-expanding Hull company are celebrating this week after news that they have been awarded a contract on Hull’s Building Schools for the Future programme.
  Iain Bland, managing director of Paragon Data Services (PDS), says it’s a real honour to be providing the network infrastructure and fibre optics at the new Sirius Academy and Ganton Special School – a £50m development being built under Hull’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme on the site of the former Pickering High School, Pickering Road, in west Hull – ensuring the IT provision will be state-of-the-art.

  PDS tendered for the work and was awarded the contract by mechanical and electrical specialist Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, which began work on the high profile development in January. The site will be not only be home to the new Sirius Academy secondary school and Ganton Special School, but also a primary school to create what the city's BSF team describes as a “learning village”.

  PDS starts the work this week and Mr. Bland says it’s testament to Balfour Beatty Engineering Services’ commitment to employing local subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible on the scheme. He said: “We are really thrilled to be working on such a significant project so close to home. As a Hull born and bred business, it’s a real honour to be carrying out projects of this scale.

  “We have been really impressed with the tendering process and it’s great to see that Balfour Beatty Engineering Services really does have such a strong commitment to using local labour.”

  Darren Paice, of Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, said: “PDS will be working as part of a team that is making a huge difference to future generations of the city’s schoolchildren. From the outset, we committed to using local labour wherever possible as this scheme developed and Iain’s business is just one of many being commissioned.
  “We’re confident that our rigorous tendering processes ensure only the highest quality sub-contractors are working on these schemes, so PDS should be proud to have reached this stage.”

  Balfour Beatty Engineering Services also started work on building a replacement school at Kelvin Hall, in Bricknell Avenue, in May this year.

• Paragon Data Services' Managing Director Wins Business Award
  

  Paragon Data Services’ managing director Iain Bland has been named the Young Businessperson of the Year at the 2010 Mail News & Media Business Awards.

  Paragon Data Services’ managing director Iain Bland has been named the Young Businessperson of the Year at the 2010 Mail News & Media Business Awards.

  The award, sponsored by Gosschalks Solicitors, recognises Iain as a leading business figure in the city of Hull, taking over PDS in 2006 and increasing turnover to in excess of £1.4 million at the end of the last financial year.

  Iain was given the award after overcoming plenty of stiff competition, with the region’s business people out to prove that, despite the current economic climate, business in Hull is thriving.

  Under Iain’s leadership, PDS continues to achieve new contract wins, allowing the business to continually grow and expand, and ultimately ensuring that the profile of the business is raised. These contracts include Nightel Hotel, a new hotel located next to Humberside Airport, which represented PDS’ first successful joint venture with another local business.

  The success that PDS has achieved under Iain has enabled the company to recruit on a regular basis, with the team currently consisting of 30 people and anticipating further expansion in the near future, to manage its ever-increasing workload.

  Iain has also worked tirelessly for local charity groups, particularly KCFM’s The Smile Foundation, by arranging a charity golf day and running a 10k race, to help PDS raise over £5,000 for the foundation.

• PDS carries out £70,000 project for thriving call centre...
  

  East Yorkshire’s leading network infrastructure and AV solutions provider has carried out £70,000 worth of work at a Hull-based call centre’s new headquarters.

  Paragon Data Services, based in Geneva Way, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, has completed the installation work providing call centre ResQ with the latest technology at its new base in The Maltings, Hull city centre.

  It comes on the back of ResQ’s busiest month yet, with the organisation’s 350-strong workforce handling more calls than ever. The business was founded in 2005 and acts as the customer contact centre for many nationally recognised brands.

  Iain Bland, managing director of Paragon Data Services (PDS), was delighted to be commissioned to carry out the large scale commercial project, which included everything from the supply and installation of voice-over IP telephone hardware and PCs through to anti-virus software and internet firewalls, as well as display screens showing call centre traffic statistics.

  Mr Bland said: “The IT and communications solutions we have provided ResQ with will ensure the organisation can operate as smoothly as possible, with a backdrop of state-of-the-art technology.

  “We are really pleased to have forged such a strong new relationship with ResQ and I am proud to have carried out such a large scale project in Hull city centre. Paragon Data Services is geared up to offer an all under one roof service, which ensured minimal disruption to ResQ’s day-to-day operation.”

  Nic Marshall, managing director of ResQ, said: “The work Paragon Data Services has carried out for us has been invaluable and the whole process was seamless.

  “I felt confident in the knowledge that we could hit the ground running in our new premises, with all of the technology in place to enable us to carry out business as usual, which is incredibly important for a business that handles many thousands of calls a day and relies on PCs and secure internet access to such a large extent.”

• Awards show real reward for region's heroes and champions
  

  A winner from last year's Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards is set to reap the benefits of his dedication to sport next week.

  Fourteen-year-old wheelchair racer Harry Withers triumphed at last year's awards, organised by First Hull Trains and KCFM 99.8, in the Talented Amateur Disabled Performer category.

  Now, Harry is being awarded a grant by the awards initiative to help him further his sporting achievements - it comes as a result of funds raised through last year's awards being ploughed back into sports development.

  The category Harry won last year was sponsored by thriving local business Paragon Data Services (PDS) and the company's managing director is set to present him with a cheque for £850.

  The grant has been carefully allocated by the sports awards team to allow Harry to pay for his competitions for a year, as well as providing him with some vital training equipment. This support will not only benefit Harry and help him in achieving his sporting ambitions but will also relieve his parents of some of the financial burden.

  David Townend, sales and marketing manager at First Hull Trains, said: "We're delighted to be presenting Harry with this grant money to help him on his way to becoming a truly great athlete.

  "These awards were organised to recognise and reward our local sporting heroes and champions and Harry is a shining example of what it means to be ambitious and dedicated to achieving. I wish him every success in the future and hope that the money from the HEY Sports Awards grant scheme goes some way to helping him achieve his goals."

  Award sponsor and managing director at PDS, Iain Bland, said: "It's fantastic that athletes like Harry are reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication. PDS is proud to be part of the fantastic work that the sports awards continues to do and I hope Harry goes on to be a great athlete, it would be brilliant to see him representing our country one day."

  The grant scheme has been made possible as a result of the incredible amount of money raised during the 2009 awards. Following research into potential funding opportunities, nearly £5,000 will be distributed to local individuals and clubs, helping the development of local heroes and champions and encouraging participation in sport in Hull and the East Riding.

  Two different types of funding have been established to suit the winning categories from the HEY Sports Awards. Heroes Grants will be awarded to those who show exceptional talent, commitment and sporting achievement in their field, but may have limited means to purchase equipment or training necessary to progress. Champions Grants will be awarded to those who help provide leisure activities with a view to increasing the conditions of life through sport, whether this is through an educational establishment, charitable organisation, club or association.

  Andy Barber, charity manager for the KCFM Smile Foundation, who has helped organise the distribution of the grant money said: "This is the first of many grant payments we will make to last year's winners, ranging from £100 through to £1,000.

  "This funding will support athletes who might not have the means to pay for equipment and progression themselves."

• Director of local IT & AV solutions company helps budding...
  

  Director of Hull-based Paragon Data Services (PDS) was one of 16 Hull business figures that took on the role of a mentor for a dragons den style business week event, Biz Ed day, advising young entrepreneurs.

  Iain Bland, of PDS, mentored Tollbar Business College, at the event organised by Humber Economic Partnership which was held at the Country Park Inn at Hessle, providing the pupils with guidance in their challenge to create a more advanced business idea from just a small tea light.

  Sixteen schools in total competed in the event and were judged based on how well they had developed the product with the advice and guidance of their mentor.

  Iain said: “I was really impressed by the children, they were really switched on, enthusiastic and had lots of ideas about what they wanted to do.

  “I’d love to take part in the day again, it was a rewarding and educational experience to guide the children through their challenge and it’s really made an impression on me.”

• Paragon Data Services doing its bit ahead of the Jane...
  

  An East Yorkshire-based business is getting behind a secondary school that is set to run the Hull 10k in style.

  Network infrastructure, AV solutions, PA & CCTV specialist Paragon Data Services (PDS), which is based in Geneva Way, east Hull, has sponsored the IT team at South Holderness Technology College, to complete the Jane Tomlinson 10K Run for All on Sunday, May 23rd, providing them with matching red t-shirts, bearing the school’s logo, the PDS logo and each runner’s initials.

  With six members of the team getting involved in the run, both the school and PDS are optimistic about their final fundraising total, with the amount creeping up every day.

  Iain Bland, managing director at PDS, said: “We’re proud to be supporting South Holderness Technology College in the Jane Tomlinson Hull 10K Run for All.

  “We have been very busy with our own charity efforts for the KCFM Smile Foundation this year, including our recent charity golf day in Hornsea and taking part in the Sport Relief Hull Mile, but this is our way of contributing to the fantastic fundraising that is taking place as part of this new event for Hull.

  “We wish the team the best of luck, no doubt they will do really well on the day.”

• Director of local network infrastructure & AV Solutions...
  

  The managing director of a thriving Humber-wide business has pledged his support for an awards initiative that recognises sporting heroes and champions.

  Not only is Iain Bland, of Paragon Data Services (PDS), sponsoring the Talented Disabled Performer category of the Hull and East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions awards for the second year running, but he is also donating £1,000 to The Smile Foundation, a charity which ensures funds are reinvested into local amateur sport.

  The £1,000 is half of the sponsorship money Mr Bland raised by recently running six miles in the Sport Relief Hull Mile, for which he vowed to raise as much money as possible. Meanwhile, the awards themselves are organised by independent train operating company First Hull Trains and KCFM 99.8.

  Sport is something which is close to Mr Bland’s heart – PDS, which is based in Geneva Way, Sutton Fields, east Hull, carries out vast amount of work in the education industry and has worked with more than 400 schools over the past few years, so he has a strong understanding of how passionate people of all ages in the city are when it comes to sport of all types.

  He said: “I was delighted to be involved with the sports awards last year and I had no hesitation in getting behind the awards again this year, we will be making as many people as we can aware about this great initiative.

  “I didn’t give it a second thought when it came to raising money for the Smile Foundation either, it’s a fantastic charity because it helps lots of very worthy local causes and the great thing about this is that the Smile Foundation is the nominated charity for the Hull and East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions awards, ensuring it all ties in really well.”

  Last year, 14-year-old Harry Withers won the Talented Disabled Performer award, which he was presented with in front of more than 300 guests at a glittering awards ceremony at Hull City Hall. Harry is ranked 9th in the world for 100m wheelchair racing and 8th for 200m. He said: “It was great to win, I really enjoy my sport so winning the award is a bonus.”

  Andy Barber, charity manager for KCFM’s Smile Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Iain for his generous donation and really pleased to have him on board again as a sponsor of the awards.”

  PDS is the AV partner for the KCFM Smile Foundation, and supplies the Foundation with any of the necessary equipment on demand, and free of charge.

  Other local organisations who have committed to supporting the awards this year include Kingston Communications, Princes Quay, Eltherington Group, St Stephen’s, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, Hull City Council, The One Point and NHS Hull. Visit www.heysportsawards.co.uk for more details about the sports awards.

• Iain Bland takes on challenge to raise £2,000 for charity
  

  The director of Geneva Way-based AV solutions business, Paragon Data Services, has taken on a charity challenge to raise money for Sport Relief.

  The managing director of a thriving Humber-based business has taken on a charity challenge to raise money for Sport Relief.

  Iain Bland, of Hull-based Paragon Data Services (PDS), has signed himself up to run the Hull mile next week, to raise money for Sport Relief.

  Meanwhile, as PDS is currently the AV partner for KCFM’s Smile Foundation, Iain has pledged to match every pound donated in sponsorship for his run in order to drum up as much money as possible for the charity.

  Mr Bland has set himself a target amount of £2,000, which he is well on track to raise before running the mile on March 21. Now, he is encouraging other members of the local business community to dig deep and support the cause.

  He said: “I decided to get involved with the Hull mile because Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. All the money raised is spent helping poor and disadvantaged people turn their lives around, in the UK as well as in some of the world's poorest countries.

  “As I’m not really a keen runner, I’ve given myself the biggest challenge by going for the six mile option and hope that by offering to donate money from my own pocket, to match each pound everybody else pledges, it will encourage more people to give generously.”

  Andy Barber, charity manager for KCFM’s Smile Foundation, said: “Its gestures like Iain’s that make a real difference for the causes Smile Foundation supports and we’re really grateful for his dedication to our cause. We wish him the best of luck with his run.”
  To sponsor Iain, visit www.mysportrelief.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=67979
  
  Journalists should contact Mercury Design & Marketing Ltd for any press enquiries - please call Kelly Todd or Simon Taylor on (01482) 869553. www.mercury-marketing.co.uk

• PDS installs £10k PA system at Craven Park enabling Hull...
  

  A popular X Factor finalist will make his debut in Hull this month thanks to a new partnership between one of the city’s Super League clubs and Paragon Data Services (PDS).

  When twenty-five year old Olly Murrs descends on Hull Kingston Rovers’ Craven Park ground, he will perform songs from the same repertoire that saw him narrowly miss winning hit ITV show The X Factor last year, when 19 million viewers tuned into the final to see Joe McElderry claim the title of winner.

  Olly’s performance, which will mark the beginning of the eagerly anticipated Super League XV campaign, comes as a new partnership is being forged between Hull Kingston Rovers and Paragon Data Services, which has seen the installation of a £10,000 PA system in the Preston Road-based ground’s East Stand.

  Robins fans will enjoy the fruits of the PDS team’s labour, which has ensured they can enjoy concert quality sound, on Sunday, February 7.

  The completion of the work for Hull Kingston Rovers coincides with PDS signing a five figure sponsorship deal with the club for the duration of the season, committing to undertake various projects alongside the club.

  Iain Bland, managing director at PDS, said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Hull KR, especially in helping to bring Olly Murs to Craven Park with what really is an incredible sound system.

  “It will mean that kicking off the club’s Super League XV campaign is that much louder and full of life, it will really get everyone warmed up and we’re really pleased with the quality of the sound system that’s at the club now. I am proud to be working in partnership with Hull Kingston Rovers on a variety of initiatives.”

  James Elston, Operations Manager at Hull KR, said: “We are delighted with the system that PDS has installed for us. Their expertise in this field is second to none and they have provided us with brilliant advice.

  We look forward to working with them over the duration of the season, and we’re eagerly anticipatingn Olly Murrs’ performance on Sunday, as we know many Robins fans are.

• MD Iain Bland named finalist in Business Awards
  

  The team at Paragon Data Services (PDS) is over the moon after managing director Iain Bland was named a finalist in the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards.

  The team at Paragon Data Services (PDS) is over the moon after managing director Iain Bland was named a finalist in the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards.

  Iain was shortlisted as a finalist after the Mail was inundated with entries to the prestigious awards, which were hosted at the Willerby Manor Hotel, on Thursday, November 26th.

  “I was really thrilled to be nominated for the Hull Daily Mail’s Young Businessperson of the Year award,” said Iain who has taken PDS from strength to strength over recent years, but attributes equal success to fellow director Glen Davis.

  He added: “The growth of PDS has been a real team effort – I will always reinforce that. It was nice for our hard work to be recognised with us being recognised as finalists at the awards and we will without a doubt be looking to submit bids for the awards again next year. In the meantime, we have got an exciting time coming up in 2010.”

  For more details about the business awards, visit www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk

  Journalists should contact Mercury Design & Marketing Ltd for any press enquiries - please call Kelly Todd or Simon Taylor on (01482) 869553. www.mercury-marketing.co.uk

• PDS sponsors successful Hull and East Yorkshire Sports...
  

  Paragon Data Services (PDS) sponsored the Talented Amateur Disabled Performer of the Year award at this year’s Hull and East Riding (HEY) sports awards organised by First Hull Trains and KCFM 99.8.

  The awards ceremony was a hugely successful evening and – although the PDS team couldn’t be there on the night due to managing director Iain Bland was a finalist at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards on the same evening – PDS showed their support for the winner of their category by featuring in a video in which they congratulated him on his success. Mr Bland, along with fellow director Glen Davis, appeared on the giant screen at the event to say a big well done to winner Harry Withers. More than 300 guests converged on Hull City Hall, in Queen Victoria Square, Hull city centre, to witness the glittering event.

  Harry, aged 14, who is currently ranked 9th in the world for 100m wheelchair racing and 8th for 200m, took home the award. He said: “It’s great to win, I really enjoy my sport so winning the award is a bonus.”

  Mr Bland said: “We’re incredibly proud of Harry, for someone so young he’s really achieved a lot and he’s got some big aspirations. Myself and the team here wish him all the best for the future and hope to see him competing alongside some of the world’s best in the Paralympics one day very soon.”
  
  Visit www.heysportsawards.co.uk for more details about the sports awards.

  Journalists should contact Mercury Design & Marketing Ltd for any press enquiries - please call Kelly Todd or Simon Taylor on (01482) 869553. www.mercury-marketing.co.uk

• PDS signs two year deal with marketing agency as business...
  

  A network infrastructure and AV solutions company has made a bold step towards ensuring an increasing level of organisations become aware of its products and services in the next two years.
  Paragon Data Services (PDS) has signed up creative agency Mercury Design and Marketing to execute a commercially-focused marketing strategy for the Geneva Way-based company, in Sutton Fields, east Hull, over the next two years.

  PDS managing director Iain Bland says he and fellow director Glen Davis are committed to sustaining their continued growth in the Humber region and beyond and feel that a robust marketing strategy is key to achieving that goal, particularly in the current economic climate.

  Mr Bland was recently nominated for a Hull Daily Mail Business Award, in the Young Businessperson of the Year category. Meanwhile, the company is also on track to exceed its targets by 10 per cent this year meaning they could well turnover £2m by the end of the financial year.

  Mr Bland said: “We have no doubt that the team at Mercury is the right one to manage this side of our business.

  “We recognise that marketing is critical to the sustainability of any forward-thinking organisation and that’s why we are making this commitment to driving it forward.”
  Kelly Todd, founding director of Mercury, added: “We are delighted to be cementing our relationship with Paragon Data Services. Although we have done work for the company on an ad-hoc basis before, this two year deal really demonstrates the directors’ dedication to further raising their profile.”

  Paragon Data Services (PDS) celebrated ten years in business last year, supporting numerous public and private sector organisations with the supply, installation and maintenance of network cabling, tele-communications systems and AV display solutions.

  More recently, the company acquired well-known Hull business Galloway Electronics to offer an even wider variety of services such as PA, evacuation systems and induction loops.

  Journalists should contact Mercury Design & Marketing Ltd for any press enquiries - please call Kelly Todd or Simon Taylor on (01482) 869553. www.mercury-marketing.co.uk

• PDS bucks trend and is on track to turnover £2m - 12...
  

  A rapidly-expanding Humber-based business is on track to exceed its targets by 30 per cent this year.
  Paragon Data Services (PDS), a network infrastructure and AV Solutions company, is bucking the trend as it prepares to turnover almost £1m more than last year, based on its first six months’ financial trading this year.

  The good news comes on the back of Iain Bland, the company’s managing director, being nominated for a Hull Daily Mail Business Award – in the Young Businessperson of the Year category.

  He puts the growing success of PDS this year down to investment in health and safety practices and working policies, which have enabled the business to go from strength to strength winning contracts in both the public and private sectors.

  PDS also appointed a new business development director, Phil Bean, in June this year, at a time when many organisations are actually reducing staffing levels and certainly investment in marketing initiatives.

  Paragon Data Services (PDS) celebrated ten years in business last year, supporting numerous public and private sector organisations with the supply, installation and maintenance of network cabling, tele-communications systems and AV display solutions.

  More recently, the company acquired well-known Hull business Galloway Electronics to offer an even wider variety of services such as PA, evacuation systems and induction loops.

  Now, PDS is firmly focusing its efforts on maintaining turnover levels between now and the end of the financial year in March 2010.

  Iain Bland, managing director of PDS, said: “2009 is turning out to be the best year yet for Paragon Data Services, this is at a time when I thought business would be more challenging than ever before.

  “We have a really good rate of repeat purchase due to the high level of customer service and quality products we supply on every contract we undertake. PDS is also very well known in the education sector and this continues to be an area of growth for us – no job is too small or large for us.
  “I am delighted to have been nominated for the Hull Daily Mail’s Young Businessperson of the Year award, but I must give credit to my fellow director Glen Davis and the wider team at PDS – the growth of the business has been a real team effort and we continue to keep our feet firmly on the ground.”
  
  Journalists should contact Mercury Design & Marketing Ltd for any press enquiries - please call Kelly Todd or Simon Taylor on (01482) 869553. www.mercury-marketing.co.uk

• PDS appoints director to build on successful brand - 25...
  

  A thriving network infrastructure and AV Solutions company is bucking the trend by developing its senior team in order to further expand its portfolio of clients.

  Paragon Data Services (PDS) celebrated ten years in business last year, supporting numerous public and private sector organisations with the supply, installation and maintenance of network cabling, tele-communications systems and AV display solutions.

  More recently, the company acquired well-known Hull business Galloway Electronics to offer an even wider variety of services such as PA, evacuation systems and induction loops.

  Now, PDS is appointing a new business development director to join its experienced team – further enhancing its offering to the market. Phil Bean joins PDS with more than 14 years’ experience within the IT industry, having previously worked for the University of Hull, Chisholm's Computers, Computanet and Tekdata Distribution.

  Iain Bland, managing director of PDS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to the team, he will bring a really wide range of complementary skills to the business. We have made this significant appointment at a time when many organisations are cutting back on staffing levels, as we firmly believe the business is out there to enable PDS to continue to prosper.”

  Phil, who brings expertise in PCs, laptops, software licensing and network hardware to PDS, added: “I relish the challenge of working with the team at PDS. The directors have developed a brand which is recognised both locally and further afield, now I am committed to building on this even further.”

• PDS acquires thriving Hull business Galloway Electronics -...
  

  A thriving network infrastructure and AV solutions company is bucking the trend after acquiring another well-established Hull business to expand its service offering even further.

  Paragon Data Services (PDS), which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, has bought out 27-year-old firm Galloway Electronics heralding the start of an exciting new era for Iain Bland and Glen Davis, the pioneering directors at PDS, as well as their workforce which has trebled over the last three years.

  Now, not only will PDS be able to offer its customers in both the public and private sectors with the supply, installation and maintenance of network cabling, tele-communications systems and AV display solutions, but also the services which Galloway Electronics specialised in including public address systems, evacuation systems and induction loops.

  Mr Bland said: "The acquisition comes at a time when many businesses are feeling downbeat due to the state of the economy, but we are confident that our business will continue to boom despite the current financial climate.

  "I firmly believe that we have continued to grow thanks to our excellent customer service and subsequently repeat purchase, as well as the fact that we are specified as a supplier across the public sector.

  "The acquisition of Galloway Electronics marks the start of an exciting time for myself, Glen and Pete Galloway, who will be staying on with us for the foreseeable future.

  "Pete has built up a very strong business model through Galloway Electronics and has secured contracts all over the world - we felt that the products and services he offered were very complementary to those we were already offering."

  Meanwhile, Mr Galloway is delighted that his long-established business is remaining in safe hands and that he will be continuing to be at the heart of the business.

  He said: "I have spent a long time waiting for the right people to come along, before considering any acquisition. Iain and Glen are both very sound businessmen and I am delighted that Galloway Electronics has become part of their own thriving company, Paragon Data Services, which has an excellent reputation. I am looking forward to working closely with them going forward."