Balbir Panesar
Founder and MD of PEC Building Services and
President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce,
Balbir Panesar, attended Bradford Technical
College from 1967 to 1971 whilst an apprentice
electrician.
Balbir’s family came from India via Tanzania
and made their home in Bradford in the
1960s. His father was a carpenter and on
arrival the family spoke little English. “I left
school at the age of 16 and started training
for my career in electrical installation at
Bradford Technical College in September
1967. The first year was a full time course
leading to part time day release for the
next 3 years whilst being employed as an
apprentice electrician by John Peirson Ltd.”
After qualifying as an electrician and 10
years working for Peirson’s, Balbir felt he had
gone as far as he could in the company, so
he decided to strike out on his own. PEC
Building Services has grown from a sole
operation into a successful shopfitting and
construction company that refits, refurbishes
and builds from scratch throughout the
country, with a major client list including
Magnet, Homebase, Kwik-Fit and local
councils. PEC now employs around 100 staff.
In July 2007 Balbir became Bradford
Chamber of Commerce’s first Asian
President. He is committed to the city and
it’s people, working hard to encourage
economic and skills development. He is also
a keen supporter of local charities.
“Having personally experienced the value of
an apprenticeship I do all I can to promote
training. PEC has electricians, plumbers,
joiners and decorators going through
various stages of training and we take on
apprentices every year. I am proud to have
studied at Bradford College and believe
that some of the experiences and self
confidence gained during my time there has
helped over the years and led me to be in
the position I am today. ”
Photograph supplied by PEC Building Services