Our Story

Our business has been built over decades on delivering solid outcomes for our customers - and ultimately for theirs. Guided by the values of Competence, Reliability, Openness and Humility, we focus on consistently delivering for our long-standing customers while giving new ones a compelling reason to return, time and time again.

As our customers’ day-to-day operating environments become more demanding, we continually raise the standard of what they can (and should) expect from us. We put in the extra effort as expectations increase and budgets tighten, ensuring our service evolves alongside their needs.

Whether a project is worth £2,000 or £2,000,000, we apply the same dedication, skills, resources and processes to make sure the promises we make are fulfilled - every time. Our Electrical and Mechanical divisions often work together to deliver projects to the highest standards, and when we collaborate with trusted specialist partners, the same level of quality and reliability can be expected from the outset.

Rooted in the North since 1958, our identity is shaped by community and continuity. Regional projects are a priority for us - not only because they are close to home, but because they allow us to support the places that shaped us and continue to invest in their future.

In 2024, a new chapter began for the businesses that now make up Hardtech Engineering Services, when Cronshaw Electrical and PK Engineering joined System Engineering Group. By 2026, we unified under the Hardtech banner. This transition was made possible through investment in expanding our capabilities, services and geographical reach, while preserving the heritage and values that define us.

We have built a diverse and loyal customer base - by design. Many have worked with us for years, recognising the value we bring and the lengths we go to exceed expectations. Being praised for the work of our apprentices is among the highest compliments we can receive - it reflects the pride our teams take in teaching, in doing things the right way, and in creating clear pathways for the future of essential engineering skills.

Our people are the heart of our business: a tight-knit team who support one another and step up when it matters most. Investing in their skills and capabilities - across core trade disciplines and the digital expertise we increasingly need - is central to who we are. This ensures we are ready to meet the evolving needs of our customers, including those who haven’t worked with us yet.

Looking ahead, we are strengthening the core of what we do through digital innovation and a growing commitment to sustainable business. From simplifying our customers’ lives through digital tools to helping them achieve their own ESG objectives, we are focused on delivering lasting value through every project and service.

What makes us stand out is simple: we care about the work, the people who rely on it, and the communities it serves. And we work hard to keep improving. Everything we’ve outlined here serves one clear purpose, now and in the future: enabling the customers we work with to Trust the Outcome™.

Paul Cronshaw

Paul is Managing Director of Hardtech Engineering Services - Northwest (previously Cronshaw Electrical Ltd). He has over 40 years of experience in the electrical industry, having entered the profession through a traditional apprenticeship within the family business. During his career, Paul has worked as an electrician, supervisor, and project manager across a wide range of sectors. His project experience includes the delivery of large-scale electrical and energy management systems for industrial facilities such as BAE Barrow Shipyards, ABB, and Rolls Royce, as well as healthcare and education projects including hospitals and schools. As Managing Director, Paul is responsible for overseeing operations, service delivery, and strategic development, with a continued focus on quality, compliance, and reliable customer service.

Sam Dinsalde

Sam Dinsdale has over 25 years of experience in the electrical contracting industry and has been with Hardtech Engineering Services (previously Cronshaw Electrical) for more than a decade. He joined the business as Contracts Manager, developing strong expertise in project delivery, commercial management, and client coordination.

Sam now holds the role of Operations Director, with responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the business. His role includes overseeing project performance, resource planning, and operational standards to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with client and regulatory requirements.

Sean Campbell

With over 35 years of experience in mechanical engineering and building services, Sean has progressed from an apprentice pipe fitter to Mechanical Director at Hardtech. His career spans roles including Mechanical Design Engineer, Project Engineer, and Contracts Manager, underpinned by an HNC in Building Services Design Engineering from Newcastle College.

Passionate about low-carbon, sustainable HVAC solutions, Sean is committed to delivering high-performance building services while mentoring the next generation of mechanical engineers. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, socialising, quality family time, and supporting Manchester United.

Chris Wilson

Chris has over 40 years’ experience in the electrical industry, having commenced his electrical apprenticeship in 1984 with a local electrical contractor.

In 2001, he joined Hardtech Engineering Services – North (previously PK Electrical t/a PK Engineering) as an Estimator and progressed through management roles to Electrical Contract Director by 2018. In this role, Chris is responsible for the overall performance of the electrical contracting department, managing a team of approximately 35.

His day-to-day responsibilities included the procurement of future work, tendering, and financial management of the department.

Jamie White

Jamie is Industrial Services Director at Hardtech Engineering Services - North (previously PK Engineering). He has over 35 years of experience in the electrical industry, specialising in the management and delivery of medium and large-scale industrial LV distribution projects and control systems. His expertise spans LV switchgear, lighting and power installations, control panel design and build, PLC/HMI systems, and instrumentation installations.

Jamie is known for his friendly, adaptable, and highly organised approach, with a pragmatic mindset that balances both engineering challenges and management responsibilities.

As Director, Jamie oversees a high-performing team of engineers and electricians, managing project planning, budgeting, installation, commissioning, and client liaison. He is also responsible for estimating and tendering new works, resolving technical queries, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and maintaining quality and regulatory standards across all projects.

Denise Pape

Denise has 17 years’ service with Hardtech North L and holds the role of Office Manager. She is responsible for a range of financial, administrative, and compliance functions, including preparing monthly management accounts, managing payroll, maintaining company policies and procedures, and coordinating accreditations.

With extensive knowledge of the organisation and its processes, Denise provides operational and administrative support across the business, helping to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day activities.

Cheryl Slater

Cheryl joined Hardtech Engineering Servies (previously Cronshaw Electrical) in June 2008 as an Administration Junior and has steadily progressed through the business, moving into the roles of Office Manager before being promoted to Finance Manager in 2021. With a strong understanding of the company’s financial operations, she plays a key role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of the business.

Holding an NVQ in Business Administration, CIPD Level 3 in Human Resources, and Level 2 in Bookkeeping, Cheryl oversees finance-related functions including payroll and insurance, alongside wider business administration responsibilities. Her broad skill set, attention to detail, and long-standing commitment to Hardtech Engineering Services make her an integral part of the management team.

Paul Cronshaw

Paul is Managing Director of Hardtech Engineering Services - Northwest (previously Cronshaw Electrical Ltd). He has over 40 years of experience in the electrical industry, having entered the profession through a traditional apprenticeship within the family business. During his career, Paul has worked as an electrician, supervisor, and project manager across a wide range of sectors. His project experience includes the delivery of large-scale electrical and energy management systems for industrial facilities such as BAE Barrow Shipyards, ABB, and Rolls Royce, as well as healthcare and education projects including hospitals and schools. As Managing Director, Paul is responsible for overseeing operations, service delivery, and strategic development, with a continued focus on quality, compliance, and reliable customer service.

Testimonials

I can honestly say I have never worked with a more efficient, competent and conscientious electrical team, in particular on such a large package...

Mark Bibby

Farrington Park & Victorian Plumbing

The measure of any contractor is how they respond when things don't go to plan, Hardtech ES – North West (Previously Cronshaw Electrical) have never let us down, often putting commercial aspects to one side to ensure project deadlines are achieved.

Paul McConnell

ITV Studios

Hardtech Engineering Services – North West (Previously Cronshaw Electrical) have been very approachable and professional... I know we didn't make it easy for you, but without you, we would not have opened on time. You have gone above and beyond.

Olivier Foucre

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa

The installation of the above systems was completed on time and to the requirements laid out in the UB Electrical standards.

M.Hill

McVities Project Engineer

The project was completed on time and to a high standard, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hardtech ES - North (previously PK Engineering) for their efforts and look forward to working with them again in the near future.

Ben Clark

Carr’s Senior Project Manager

The installation and commissioning of the new system provided a number of difficult challenges but all work was completed to the agreed requirements and all snags dealt with promptly and efficiently.

Mike Hill

McVities Project Engineer

Hardtech ES - North (previously PK Engineering) supplied control panels and advanced control systems for the first of three installations at Manchester’s Jaffa Cake Plant, securing further phases through their technical capability and reliable delivery.

Robert F McCartney

UB UK Group Central Engineering

The level of service and commitment from Hardtech ES - North (previously PK Engineering) was second to none, with the project hitting all milestones and completing on time and within budget.

Ian Pipes

Engineering Manager, Cavaghan and Gray Carlisle

Hardtech ES - North (formerly PK Engineering) has delivered high-quality M&E services across sensitive occupied housing projects in Carlisle, consistently showing strong collaboration, reliability, and a proactive problem-solving approach, making them a trusted long-term partner.

Phillip Rheinbach

Managing Director, Top Notch Contractors Ltd

We have used the services of Hardtech ES - North (previously PK Engineering) on numerous occasions over the past 10 years, and we continue to use their services in the knowledge that their work will always be completed to the same high standard

Malcolm Wilson OBE

M-Sport Ltd

Hardtech delivered the project at Lanercost Priory with professionalism and care, respecting the building’s character, ongoing services and visitors, while ensuring all work was completed to scope with a considerate and well-managed approach.

Rod Allon-Smith

Vicar, Lanercost Priory

Hardtech ES - North (previously PK Engineering) acted as principal electrical contractor on the High Output Operations Base in Carlisle, delivering a high standard of work with a proactive approach and playing a key role in a project nominated for a Network Rail Award.

Jonathan Moran BEng (Hons)

Site Agent, Buckingham Group Contracting

Just wanted to say you have some very good people working for you who are both professional and very willing. They've been excellent throughout the build at BMW and very helpful towards the end helping us move back in.

Craig Bowers

Head of Business of Lloyd Carlisle BMW

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