Our History
From humble beginnings in a Bristol workshop to becoming a fully Employee Owned Trust, our story is defined by the people who make it happen. We’ve spent six decades building a reputation for reliability and innovation. Discover how we grew from a local rental business into the UK’s most trusted power partner.
1963: The Early Years
It All Started With Four Ex-Military Generators Founded by an electrician and a plant fitter in 1963, Power Electrics began as a generator rental business with just four ex-military units.
1984: Forging Partnerships
Recognizing an industry shift in the early 1980s, Power Electrics expanded beyond rentals by becoming an authorized FG Wilson generator dealer in 1984.
1991: Powering the Nation
In 1991, Power Electrics secured its first national contract with a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), providing temporary generators at short notice to support the electricity network during faults or maintenance.
1998: Passing The Torch
After co-founder Patrick’s death, founder Ambrose’s sons, John and Andy, joined the company. Having gained external career experience before returning full-time by 1990, they took over as directors upon their father’s retirement in 1998.
2003: Scaling Up
Having outgrown their depot, Power Electrics acquired a new site in Warmley for redevelopment in 2003, continuing its growth by powering major national events like the British Grand Prix during its 40th year in business.
2007: Breaking New Ground
To meet increasing demand from major utility contracts in South Wales, Power Electrics opened its second depot in Bridgend.
2008: The UK’s Largest
Outgrowing their headquarters in just five years, Power Electrics invested £7.5m to move 100 metres away, creating the UK’s largest generator facility with massively expanded operational space.
2014: Southern Strategy
In 2014, Power Electrics responded to national demand by opening a third depot in Eastleigh, strategically located to provide rapid generator deployment across the South of England.
2017: Heading North
Power Electrics expanded its coverage northward by opening a fourth depot near Birmingham to provide generator services across the Midlands.
2019: Joining Forces
In November 2019, Power Electrics acquired PE Generators, expanding its UK network and opening a new facility in Milton Keynes to accommodate its significantly enlarged generator fleet.
2022: Green Innovation
In 2022, Power Electrics advanced its ‘Journey to Green’ by investing £8 million in Battery Energy Storage Units and £5 million in Stage V generators, while also providing over 5 million litres of HVO Fuel to reduce emissions.
2024: Employee Owned
In 2024, Power Electrics transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), making the company fully owned by its employees to secure its future, values, and culture.
2025: Boosting Capacity
Power Electrics has opened a new, large South East depot in East Grinstead to better service London and the region with increased capacity and faster response times.
