Celebrating 20 Years: A Journey of Success and Excitement

NEWS – 19 / 12 / 2023

Join Cable Solutions in celebrating its 20th anniversary of success, growth, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

In the beginning

Founded in 2003 by Ricky Gill and Colin Fraser, Cable Solutions emerged as a result of their combined experience in the global cable sales market. Ricky, a well-known figure in the sector, had spent over 25 years in the cable industry with Anixter before embarking on the journey of starting Cable Solutions. With an unparalleled drive and ambition, Ricky played a crucial role in building the company from the ground up and cementing it as a globally renowned cable supplier.

Tragically, Ricky’s passing left a void in the company, forcing Colin to carry the torch alone. However, fuelled by their shared vision, Colin remained steadfast and committed to upholding their core values. Undeterred by adversity, the loss of his dear friend only strengthened Colin’s determination to continue the journey they had embarked on together.

Ricky’s lasting legacy lives on in the continued growth of Cable Solutions. His unwavering optimism and relentless pursuit of success continue to shape the company’s direction. Today, Cable Solutions stands as a testament to Ricky’s contribution to the cable industry, a beacon of excellence and a tribute to his enduring vision.

Over the past 20 years, Cable Solutions has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its turnover and expanding its commercial presence. The company has actively engaged in prominent industry exhibitions, showcasing its innovative cable solutions and establishing valuable connections with professionals worldwide.

Developments over time

Throughout its journey, Cable Solutions has achieved significant milestones and breakthroughs that have propelled the company to new heights. Let’s delve into some of the most exciting developments.

Cable Solutions partnered with Nexans Amercable in 2003 to expand its product offering for oil and gas customers. The partnership provided access to high-quality cable solutions, including top drive service loop products. In 2012, Cable Solutions became the exclusive distributor of Nexans Amercable products in certain regions, solidifying the collaboration. This partnership has been crucial in driving Cable Solutions’ growth and better serving the evolving needs of its customers in the oil and gas industry.

With over 40 years of experience in various senior roles, John Rickman began his journey at Cable Solutions in 2015, initially serving as the General Manager and later transitioning into the esteemed position of Operations Manager. Throughout his career, John has excelled in positions such as Global Director, General Manager, and Commercial Manager with several companies, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex business strategies and lead successful teams. His extensive expertise in the cable industry has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his continued success at Cable Solutions.

David Gill, the son of Ricky who founded Cable Solutions with Colin in 2003, joined the company in 2005. He has been crucial in developing the subsea side of the business for 18 years. Following in his father’s footsteps, David is committed to upholding the company’s vision and values. Through his expertise and leadership, David has played a key role in the growth and success of Cable Solutions, ensuring that his father’s legacy lives on.

In 2016, Cable Solutions secured a significant order of OEM Top Drive Service Loops for Brazil and Angola, confirming its ability to expand into global markets. The appointment of Graham Ross as Business Development Manager two years later further bolstered the company’s efforts to expand its global market presence and forge strong partnerships. Graham’s role plays a pivotal part in building bridges and bringing in new opportunities.

Having outgrown its previous office facilities, Cable Solutions moved to a purpose-built facility in Inverurie in 2019. This move brought several benefits, including increased capacity, improved technology integration, better stock control, and enhanced employee satisfaction. The purpose-built space helped the company accommodate its expanding operations and supported further growth and success. It marked a significant milestone in Cable Solutions’ commitment to delivering exceptional cable solutions and maintaining its industry leadership.

Cable Solutions’ expertise in subsea projects was exemplified in the last quarter of 2019 when it manufactured over 50km of bespoke subsea cables in various configurations and sizes for global clients. This achievement highlighted its proficiency in catering to specialised subsea needs. The same year, Cable Solutions achieved a notable milestone by becoming the largest stockist of NEK 606 Cables in the U.K. This accomplishment showcased its commitment to offering customers an extensive selection of premium-quality cables readily available to meet their requirements.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, Cable Solutions responded swiftly, implementing thorough safety measures to ensure uninterrupted operations and meet the needs of its customers.

As a testament to its commitment to sustainable energy, Cable Solutions introduced cable assembly solutions for wind and solar farms in 2021. This strategic step showcases its dedication to supporting renewable energy initiatives and fulfilling the evolving needs of the industry. Additionally, Cable Solutions secured a significant GEXOL® cable order from a client in South Africa, further validating its reputation as a trusted provider of high-performance cables in demanding environments.

The same year, Cable Solutions made waves with the launch of their cable brand, ADMIRAL, providing a complete range of marine-approved and certified cables. This move solidified the company’s position as a trusted provider of marine cables for ships, vessels, and the global marine industry.

To meet the increasing demand for high-quality cable cleats, Cable Solutions formed a business partnership with Panduit, a leading manufacturer, in the same year. This collaboration expanded the company’s product offerings, establishing Cable Solutions as the go-to supplier for comprehensive cable management solutions.

In 2022, Cable Solutions was acquired by Dron & Dickson. This partnership brought together two exceptional companies, enhancing Dron & Dickson’s product range and customer base while catalysing Cable Solution’s ongoing success.

This year, Scott Grant was brought on board as General Manager at Cable Solutions. The addition to the team represents a strategic move by the company to solidify its position as a leading provider of top-quality cable solutions. With years of experience and a proven track record in the industry, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. In his capacity as General Manager, Scott will play a crucial role in driving the continued success of Cable Solutions. His strategic vision and leadership skills will guide the company towards growth and diversification, enabling it to explore new opportunities and expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

We celebrated Colin Fraser’s departure on the 12th of December, marking 20 successful years at the helm of Cable Solutions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his dedicated leadership and for building Cable Solutions into the thriving company it is today. Under his guidance, the company has achieved remarkable growth and success. As we bid farewell to Colin, we want to take this opportunity to express our best wishes as he embarks on his future endeavors.

Embarking on a new chapter with Dron & Dickson

Cable Solutions are excited to embark on a new chapter under the ownership of Dron & Dickson. With their support and expertise, we are confident that Cable Solutions will continue to grow and thrive in the industry. We look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, as we build upon the strong foundation established by Colin. With its eyes focused on the future, Cable Solutions is ready to embrace new opportunities, deliver cutting-edge products, and surpass customer expectations for many years to come.

As the year draws to a close and we reflect on our 20 years, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their valued business, continued support, dedication and contribution to our success. We look forward to building on our professional relationship with our clients and suppliers in 2024, and we wish everyone the joys of the season and happiness throughout the coming year.

Back to News