Celebrating 20 years of Diamond Controls
2023 represents a significant milestone for Diamond Controls as the business celebrates its 20th anniversary. From humble beginnings, the brand has developed into a key player in its specialist field and works with some of the most prominent landmarks in London and the South East.
We’ve taken a look at the history of the company and how it has grown into one of the UKs leading specialist providers of Leak Detection Systems and Trace Heating products.
Company History
Founded by Iain Ames in 2003, the company was first established to provide support to commercial properties primarily in the installation and maintenance of Building Management Systems (BMS). Whilst carrying out this work, Iain identified a clear need for reliable, efficient automated Leak Detection Systems – a way to confidently detect and localise leaks across a building to prevent damage and disruption.
Following detailed research and testing of potential supply partners, the foundations of the Diamond Controls products and services we know today were established. Bolstering the team with skilled engineers and head office staff has been fundamental to the success of the business and the team has continuously grown as the company developed.
Adding Trace Heating Products and Services
Diamond Controls’ acquisition of a specialist trace heating provider, Astec Ltd in 2013, opened up new opportunities for the business and an extended range of products. These energy efficient electric heat trace products appeal to both industrial and commercial premises and Diamond Controls has the expertise to supply, commission, service and offer installation training to third parties.
Commenting, Iain said, “The past twenty years have gone by so fast, this milestone is a great opportunity to sit back and think about how much we have achieved. The business is built on a foundation of good quality products and service, and this focus has inspired us to keep at the forefront of industry standards. We strive to continuously develop our process to push the traditional boundaries of the sector and this attention to detail, along with embracing technological advancements, will enable us to go from strength to strength.”
The Diamond Controls Team
The team now consists of more than 20 personnel, each a specialist in their field. This includes field-based installation and service and maintenance engineers, as well as professional HQ based specialists in areas such as estimation, project management, finance, logistics, design, business development and operations.
Key milestones
> 2010 Aquilar Ltd appointed as supply partner to Diamond Controls for Leak Detection Systems.
> 2013 Acquisition of Astec Ltd. The Trace Heating division of Diamond Controls was created with the strategic purchase of a heat trace distributor. This enabled the business to spread into additional product specialisms.
> 2013 With the launch of a trace heating division came the appointment of Paul Davis, Senior Estimator and Project Manager. Paul’s extensive experience in Trace Heating and project management enabled the business to take on larger contracts and opportunities. His significant contribution to the business spans across all areas including its leak detection offering, training, product development and technical support.
> 2013 The appointment of Paul was closely followed by the recruitment of Lavinia Dean. Lavinia has been instrumental in the formulation of business processes and best practice. These stringent checks and efficient protocols have enabled the scalable growth of the business and helped set us apart from the competition. Lavinia now heads up the service and maintenance division.
> 2013 Diamond Controls becomes an nVent RAYCHEM authorised distributor for industrial trace heating products.
> 2018 The service and maintenance division is formally established with Lavinia Dean becoming Service and Maintenance Manager.
> 2019 Diamond Controls is awarded two ISO accreditations following a rigorous approvals process. This adds to the multiple industry accreditation the business already holds including NICEIC, ECA, Safe Contractor, SMAS and Constructionline.
> 2020 Diamond Controls rolls out new branding and website to closer reflect its core values and the ability to offer increased services to clients.
> 2021 Additional office and warehousing space acquired at its head office site in Norwich.
> 2021 nVent RAYCHEM appoints Diamond Controls as an authorised distributor of its commercial division trace heating products.
> 2022 A new brand, Trace Heating Supplies, is established, offering next day supply of popular heat trace products.
> 2022 Accredited Gold Constructionline award.
What does the future look like for Diamond Controls?
Leak Detection Systems can be found in almost all large commercial buildings but there’s still a lack of awareness of their benefits and the need for regular maintenance to ensure they’re operating correctly.
Diamond Controls wants to lead the way in changing that perception, so property and facilities managers recognise the importance of regular servicing, just as they do with fire alarm systems and other maintenance tasks. There are also important premises insurance considerations, plus the environmental benefits of water saving products like Leak Detection Systems that can prevent unnecessary water wastage.
Additionally, Trace Heating has significant energy efficiency advantages that have so far been underused in areas such as heating systems, frost protection and temperature maintenance. Diamond Controls aims to use its position in the industry to reinforce these benefits across a wide cross section of commercial properties.
Iain concludes, “We have a broad spectrum of clients that range from new building installations to refurbishments, modifications and renewal of systems. We’re privileged to have worked with many of our clients over a number of years and they range from Mechanical and Electrical contractors, Facilities Management companies, Construction project managers and the end user. This diversity ensures we’re fully able to adapt to changes in best practice and support the requirements of each organisation.
Developments such as wireless alarm panels and BREEAM accredited major leak detection automatic shut off systems have helped to widen the scope of what’s possible within our field and we’re determined to keep pace with what’s needed by our clients. With this in mind, we’re continually investing in the skills and resources needed to keep ahead and are confident of a very strong future.”
Diamond Controls is based in Norwich, Norfolk and services clients across the UK. View more about Leak Detection Systems and its trace heating supply webshop traceheatingsupplies.com
