Preston firm Base Systems is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.
Originally opening as ‘Mobile Radio’ in February 1968 by brothers Joe and Bob Sutton, the family-run car audio business has served the Preston and Lancashire area with a motto of ‘service beyond the call’ for 50 years.
Based at Red Scar Business Park, the company deals with the supply, installation and maintenance of car audio and electronic products for cars.
Read more: Preston hospitality staff firm launches new training company
Base Systems specialises in car audio systems, hands free kits, sat navs, vehicle CCTV, vehicle tracking or reversing aids.
The first shop opened at Greenback Street, before moving to Fylde Road in 1978 which saw 39 years of trading – along with an expansion of premises when next door was bought.
Many of the family have worked at the business including Joe Sutton’s son-in-law, Alan Barker, who led the Preston branch and Joe’s son, Graham Sutton, expanded operations with a branch in Blackburn.
In 1998 the brand was renamed Base Systems Ltd with diversification in mind.
In 2002, after installing their own CCTV system that impressed customers, it was decided to develop Base CCTV, which led to the acquisition of Vuetek CCTV in 2010, which has grown to become a leading specialist in CCTV, access control and intruder alarms.
Read more: Preston surveyor is retiring aged 87
Alan Barker was key in developing the CCTV business and Alan’s son-in-law, Dave Parkinson, took on the role as General Manager for Base Systems.
In June 2017, Base Systems moved to larger premises at Red Scar Business Park, enabling increased parking, better motorway access and larger workshop space.
Alan Barker, who runs the Preston branch, said: “Our motto is service beyond the call.
“We are thankful for the business and support as we have grown over the last 50 years and look forward to serving the Preston area and beyond for the next 50 years and more!”
To celebrate the anniversary, staff at Base Systems will gathered on Monday (5 February) for some cake and to mark the exact anniversary.
Have you been a customer of Base Systems? What do you think about the 50th anniversary? Let us know in the comments below