Petards Group plc

Industry:
Advanced Security, Surveillance & Ruggedized Electronic Applications ⚙️🔍

Founded/Incorporated:
14 November 1994 (with historical roots in specialist surveillance technology dating back to the early 1990s) 📆

Headquarters:
Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, UK

Key Executives:

• • Osman Abdullah – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 👔

• • Raschid Michael Abdullah – Chairman (BRD) 🎖️

• • Other directors include John Wakefield, Geraint Charles Davies, among others (detailed information available in official filings)

Employees:
Approximately 87 employees 👥

Revenue (TTM):
Approximately £9.42 million (FY 2023) 💷

Net Income:
Approximately -£1.68 million (FY 2023) ⚠️

Stock Information:

• • Listed on the AIM (London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market)

• • Ticker Symbol: PEG

• • Latest share price (as per FT data): ~7.50 GBX 📈

Website:
www.petards.com 🌐

📊 Company Overview

Petards Group plc is a UK-based developer, supplier, and maintainer of advanced technologies used in security, surveillance, and ruggedized electronic applications. The company operates across three key sectors:

• • Rail: Providing software-driven video and sensing systems (marketed under the eyeTrain brand) for on-train applications, supporting global train builders, integrators, and rail operators. 🚆🎥

• • Traffic: Offering automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems for lane and speed enforcement (under the QRO and ProVida brands) that support real-time traffic enforcement. 🚦📷

• • Defence: Developing engineering solutions for electronic countermeasure protection systems, threat simulation, mobile radio systems, and other critical defence-related technologies. 🛡️🔧

The company’s focus on software integration and ruggedized hardware has allowed it to become a recognized player in markets serving government, critical infrastructure, and commercial sectors. Its customer base includes major rail operators and defence agencies, and it maintains a strong reputation for innovation and reliability.

🏗️ Products & Services

Rail Technology Solutions 🚆

• • eyeTrain Brand: Software-driven video systems and sensors for on-train applications.

• • RTS Solutions: Web-based, real-time safety-critical integrated software supporting the UK rail network infrastructure.

Traffic Technology Solutions 🚦

• • ANPR Systems: Advanced automatic number plate recognition systems for lane and speed enforcement.

• • Mobile Speed Enforcement: Home Office–approved mobile systems sold under QRO and ProVida brands.

Defence & Security Services 🛡️

• • Engineering Services: Expertise in developing electronic countermeasure protection, threat simulation systems, and mobile radio systems.

• • Ruggedized Electronic Applications: Custom solutions designed to operate in harsh and demanding environments.

📜 Corporate History & Milestones

• • Early 1990s: The company was established to develop specialist CCTV software and surveillance systems.

• • 1992: Focus on surveillance technologies begins.

• • 1997: Listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM, marking its public debut.

• • 2000–2001: Strategic acquisitions including the purchase of the Joyce-Loebl business, which expanded its capabilities in transport technologies.

• • 2006: Expansion into ANPR technology with the acquisition of EIMC, bolstering its ProVida brand.

• • 2015–2020: Continued growth through acquisitions and restructuring:
    
    • • Acquisition of QRO Solutions to strengthen mobile speed enforcement offerings.
    • • Acquisition of RTS Solutions to enhance software capabilities for rail technology.

• • 2024: Recent acquisition of Affini Technology Limited, expanding its wireless technology portfolio.

• • Ongoing: Investment in R&D, product development, and market expansion across rail, traffic, and defence sectors.

🌍 Global & Domestic Presence

• • Primary Market: United Kingdom, with the bulk of sales and operations based in the UK.

• • International Reach: While the UK remains the core market, Petards Group also serves customers in Continental Europe and has a presence in select global markets through partnerships and sales channels.

• • Head Office: The company’s registered office for Petards Group plc is in Guildford (Parallel House, 32 London Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 2AB) as per Companies House records, with the operational address at 390 Princesway, Team Valley, Gateshead.

📈 Financial Highlights

• • Revenue: Approximately £9.42 million (TTM FY 2023)

• • Net Income: Approximately -£1.68 million (indicating challenges in profitability in the recent period)

• • Employees: 87 (indicative of a micro to small company scale)

• • Turnover Trends: Revenue has decreased from previous periods, reflecting market challenges or strategic restructuring.

• • Balance Sheet: Relatively small scale with total assets reported in the low millions and a debt ratio suggesting modest leverage.

👥 Governance & Leadership

Executive Management

• • Osman Abdullah (CEO): Provides strategic leadership and oversees daily operations.

• • Raschid Michael Abdullah (Chairman): Oversees board functions and provides corporate governance oversight.

• • Other board members and directors bring additional expertise in technology, finance, and operations to drive growth.

Board & Shareholders

• • Key Shareholders: Include Petards Group plc itself and affiliated entities, with significant stakes held by key management figures.

• • Governance: Petards Group adheres to AIM rules and maintains transparency through regular filings, with a dedicated board overseeing corporate strategy and risk management.

🏆 Recent News & Developments

• • Contract Wins & Orders: Announcements of new contracts in rail, traffic, and defence sectors boosting short-term revenue opportunities.

• • Shareholding Updates: Recent director shareholding transactions, as reported in RNS announcements, indicating active insider participation.

• • Acquisitions: The Group’s strategic acquisition of Affini Technology Limited and other targeted companies to expand its technological portfolio.

• • Earnings Updates: Quarterly earnings reports reflect ongoing market dynamics, with recent trading updates highlighting revenue trends and operational adjustments.

🌱 Sustainability & Innovation

Petards Group plc is committed to:

• • Technological Innovation: Continuous investment in R&D to deliver cutting-edge security and surveillance solutions.

• • Sustainability: Developing ruggedized, long-life products that contribute to the efficient use of resources and lower environmental impact.

• • Customer Focus: Building lasting relationships with clients through exceptional customer service and reliable technology solutions. ♻️🔬

📌 Conclusion

Petards Group plc is a specialized UK-based technology company focused on advanced security, surveillance, and ruggedized electronics. Operating across rail, traffic, and defence sectors, the Group leverages strategic acquisitions and innovative product development to serve both government and commercial customers. While the company faces financial challenges reflected in recent revenue and net income trends, its commitment to R&D, quality, and market expansion positions it well for future growth. 🚀🔒