Hull-based tech business APD Communications is to be rebranded within the UK software development arm of the global NEC corporation.
APD supplies software to the emergency services, public safety and control room markets and became part of the worldwide NEC family two years ago.
APD, which appeared on our Yorkshire & Humberside Tech 50 ranking last year, will adopt new name NEC Software Solutions from 1st July 2021.
“We’re excited to bring the NEC brand to Hull. It’s another global business that will grow the local economy and reaffirms the city’s reputation as a technical hotbed of innovation and talent,” said APD MD Mike Isherwood.
“NEC is one of the world’s top 50 most innovative companies. Being part of the NEC family has accelerated our delivery of transformational technologies and new product development through multi-million-pound investments. It’s enabled us to expand our teams, despite the pandemic, with 50 new colleagues joining us over the past year.
“We will continue to build our very close relationship with the global control room community while benefiting from the resources and advanced capability of one of the world’s most admired technology businesses.”
APD’s communications and control solutions are used by more than two-thirds of UK police forces, as well as other emergency services organisations, in total serving around 40 million people across the UK.
More than six million emergency calls are handled using APD technology each year.
APD also provides critical software for major transportation hubs nationally and internationally, including Gatwick and Dubai international airports and the London Underground.
Originally founded by two academics from the University of Hull, APD has developed cutting-edge digital technology in Hull for more than 35 years. It has seen rapid growth in recent years and now has almost 200 employees, the majority at its head office in the shadow of Hull Minster in the city’s Old Town.
As well as APD, the new name will also apply to other NEC-owned businesses in the UK, including Northgate Public Services, which develops cutting-edge software that underpins critical police, justice, healthcare, housing, transport and government services.
NEC Software Solutions will remain a separate UK-based limited company, but with a new logo to reflect the NEC brand, and will continue to operate from its existing UK offices, including in Hull.