A North East business that began with one man and a van is celebrating 35 years in business with plans for a new Middlesbrough headquarters, more than ten new jobs and an ambitious five-year growth strategy.

Founded in 1991 by Redcar-born businessman Nick Harker, ACEDA has grown from a small electrical contracting operation into a specialist provider of network infrastructure, fire and security systems, and electrical and instrumentation services, employing around 60 people.

As it marks its 35th anniversary, the company is preparing to relocate from its current headquarters in Thornaby to a 6,000 sq ft building on High Force Road in Middlesbrough, with the move expected to be completed in early 2027.

The investment marks a homecoming for founder and managing director Nick, who established the business in a 900 sq ft unit at Collingwood Court, just 250 metres from its new premises.

Nick said: "When I started the business, it was just me and an Escort van. I was ambitious from the outset and it wasn't long before I was employing other electricians, but I don't think I could have imagined back then where we would be 35 years later.

"I grew up in Redcar and watched the decline of the steel and chemical industries and the impact that had on families and communities around me. But I also grew up surrounded by people with an incredible work ethic, resilience and determination.

"There's a grit and tenacity about people from Teesside that stays with you. I genuinely believe that upbringing helped shape my ambition and the way I've approached business. You learn to work hard, adapt and find opportunities, even when things are changing around you."

Recognising one such opportunity proved instrumental in shaping ACEDA's future.

In the early 1990s, as businesses began moving away from large mainframe computers towards individual desktop PC networks, Nick identified growing demand for specialist network cabling.

Drawing on his electrical and instrumentation background, he recognised a gap between traditional electrical contractors and computer engineers, whose expertise focused on installing and configuring computer systems rather than the physical infrastructure needed to connect them.

He began approaching computer companies directly, offering a specialist cabling service that enabled them to concentrate on their core expertise while ACEDA delivered the network infrastructure.

The approach proved successful, with demand increasing through referrals and relationships with major computer companies.

As the business expanded, ACEDA began delivering projects further afield, including supporting financial institutions establishing operations in Eastern Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall. It also secured work supporting IKEA's international expansion, installing infrastructure for new electronic point of sale systems.

Nick added: "Technology was changing rapidly and I could see there was a real opportunity. We had the skills and experience to bridge the gap between electrical engineering and the emerging IT industry.

"We built our reputation on the quality of our work and doing what we said we would do. That opened doors to some incredible opportunities, including working internationally, but Teesside has always been home."

Today, ACEDA supports organisations across the UK, combining specialist technical expertise with the operational capacity to serve customers ranging from individual sites to national estates.

Its services have evolved into three specialist business groups covering network infrastructure, fire and security systems, and electrical and instrumentation.

The introduction of its fire and security business group around ten years ago marked a significant development. It has since become an established part of the company and a key contributor to growth, with further expansion in this sector central to its long-term strategy.

Across these disciplines, ACEDA operates two complementary teams. Its projects team specialises in system design, installation and commissioning, while its maintenance team provides ongoing servicing, planned preventative maintenance and technical support.

This integrated approach enables the company to develop long-term customer relationships, supporting organisations throughout the operational life of their systems, including those already installed or inherited.

ACEDA has also developed particular expertise in critical infrastructure, delivering specialist solutions that protect nationally important assets and help essential services operate safely and securely.

Its work ranges from upgrading university IT networks and maintaining fire and security systems across public sector estates to installing sophisticated perimeter detection technology at high-risk critical infrastructure sites.

The company's commitment to quality and compliance is underpinned by industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO standards, NSI Gold, NICEIC and specialist fire safety accreditation BAFE.

The next phase of development will focus on entering new markets, strengthening specialist services and building longer-term customer relationships through ongoing maintenance and support.

Nick is targeting annual growth of 25 per cent over the next five years, supported by continued investment in people, facilities and technical expertise.

The expansion is also expected to benefit the local economy. With most employees drawn from the surrounding area, ACEDA maintains a longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for local people through apprenticeships, professional development and career progression, alongside supporting its wider national workforce.

The company also places considerable emphasis on its working environment and staff retention.

Reflecting on the importance of workplace culture, Nick said: “We’ve always wanted ACEDA to be somewhere people enjoy working, feel valued and have opportunities to develop.

“Some of our team have been with us for more than 20 years and I am incredibly proud of that. Creating an environment where people want to stay and build a career is just as important to me as growing the business.”

ACEDA's commitment to the community extends beyond employment, with the company supporting local charities and initiatives.

Last year, employees raised £1,880 for The Junction Foundation through a team walking challenge and volunteered at the charity's Multibank initiative, close to the site of the new headquarters.

Nick said: "We're proud of our Teesside roots and the contribution we make to the local economy, but we are equally proud of the teams working across the country who have helped deliver for our customers.

"Moving our head office back to Middlesbrough feels like we've come full circle. We're returning to almost exactly where the business began, but we're a very different organisation today.

"We see Middlesbrough as a great place to invest. It has excellent transport links, a strong workforce and a location that supports our wider operations.

"After 35 years, I'm just as driven as I was when I started. We've built a fantastic team and a strong reputation, and there's still so much opportunity ahead of us. I want to see ACEDA continue to grow, create more jobs and demonstrate what a business from Teesside can achieve on a national scale."