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Powering Success: The Entrepreneur Behind P&I Group’s Transformation

By Ashley Benfield

Managing Director, P&I Group

On the drive home from finishing university, a career in accountancy beckoned. A conversation, question and a little bit of persuasion from his parents would change that course.

Now, Ashley is the Managing Director of P&I Group, with over 50 staff, a turnover of over £11m and an appetite for growth that has pushed his company towards becoming one of the UK’s leading critical power specialists.

How did it happen – and what comes next?

With no ingrained passion for engineering, Ashley avoided joining the family business, instead wanting to move into the world of finance. After many conversations with Dad (and Mum too), he was convinced to give it a chance.

And on the first day, he was proven wrong.

He joined his Father's (and his business partner’s) business straight away and knew he could make an impact that may just change his, and his family's lives.

An established business, P&I was founded in 1999 and known mainly for selling spares. With a team of 5, it was (and remains) a family-run business. But, under Ashley’s stewardship, the company would soon move into new markets and see rapid growth.

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"During university, I worked at McDonalds. I still think about the lessons I learned about people, management and processes from my time there. I believe If you can deal with someone unhappy because they've got a pickle in their cheeseburger, you can deal with anyone."

Ashley Benfield - Managing Director, P&I Group

From a business that was built around parts, Ashley has transformed P&I Group into a service provider, becoming a critical partner for businesses that demand protection against lost power.

Working in industries including water utilities, public sector businesses, schools and universities, they always have one core task in mind – keep the power on.

They manage every step of their solution, from the design of systems, project management and installation, and ongoing maintenance and servicing, keeping clients protected 24/7/365.

Their service provides legal compliance, negation of potentially damaging financial losses from an outage, increased environmental proactivity and, of course, safety.

"Essentially, we are an insurance policy for businesses that have too much to lose if the power goes out. It’s not something people always worry about, but it can be a huge disruption. Our clients are at risk of a massive loss of money, credibility and potential legal issues if they aren’t protected. We ensure they are."

Ashley Benfield - Managing Director, P&I Group

P&I have become leaders in their field thanks to three core values, built as a result of their extensive experience.

High quality and rigorous quality standards.
Proactive maintenance and unmatched reactive service.
Turnkey solutions that are comprehensive and effective.

With an ambition to continue growth, Ashley and P&I are building long-term relationships with reputable public sector businesses, national institutions and the homes of global events.

Their sole aim with every conversation, installation, and maintenance service remains to keep the power on, protecting their clients and the public too.

"We’re striving to be the best in our customer service. We find out what’s working, and what’s not – and that proactivity is why we’re building a roster of potential lifetime customers. Our relationships last thanks to the way we cultivate them."

Ashley Benfield - Managing Director, P&I Group

Spark a conversation

I love the outdoors, and run a local scout group which I believe helps young people find grounding values and community too.

Me, my wife and our two kids love walking our English sheepdog, and I’m also an assistant coach for U12’s local football team Denmead Cougars.

Live music is a big passion – and I’ve recently seen Cypress Hill and the London Symphony Orchestra, Arcade Fire and Bloc Party.

The best piece of business advice that’s helped Ashley

Look for the 1%’s that you can improve. It’s how we get to the top of the mountain – one step at a time. Leaping doesn’t always work, and as long as we’re moving in the right direction we’ll be ok.

Discover more of their secrets of success