Persides showcases its high calibre consultancy services at DSEi

As the critical efforts in Afghanistan continue and the pressure to further enhance military capability grows, Bristol-based Persides is continuing to play its part.

Persides is a dynamic small to medium enterprise founded in November 2003 offering high calibre independent consultancy services and innovative technology products for the Defence, Aerospace and Security sectors.

The company’s innovative VEEcam ® product is proving invaluable to military personnel operating in the Middle East. The body worn video system has also been a huge success with police and emergency services and in the world of extreme sports.

The consultancy arm of the company supports UK and international clients striving to deliver complex equipment and services to frontline troops in the areas of Management, Technology and Systems Engineering, and Support Solutions.

Over the past five years, Persides has gained an enviable reputation for being a partner and supplier of choice for major companies working on highly sensitive and classified defence and aerospace contracts.

The company will showcase its specialist products and services at the four-day Defence Systems & Equipment International conference (DSEi) at the ExCel Arena in London’s Docklands in September (8-11).

Change in Procurement Practices

Persides Director Steve Lancaster said: “We understand the issues facing the MoD and defence industry contractors today. A large proportion of our current requirements stem from short-term peaks caused by Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs). This mechanism of procurement has enabled the MoD to fast-track requirements through the stringent governmental approval processes to enable our servicemen and women to get the equipment they critically need within acceptable timescales.

He explained: “UORs, by their definition, allow for some of the normal rules surrounding procurement to be relaxed for the good of the end user, however, this needs to be carefully managed by both the MoD and Industry. Focussing on equipment delivery, can result in other Defence Lines of Development (DLoDs) being overlooked until the last minute, or worse still completely. Unless it is fully understood what the minimum criteria is to declare an in-service capability, there is a danger that these programmes can place additional burden on our military rather than enhance capability. Persides understand these issues and have a proven track record in applying tailored Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) principles in successfully delivering UOR programmes from concept to in-service capability with all DLoDs considered prior to equipment being delivered to the end User.”

The company has led, supported and consulted on numerous UORs including Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) and Mounted Close Combat (MCC) projects for major industry prime contractors such as UTacS, Raytheon and Thales. On these programmes, Persides have provided a full turn-key service from bid management and solution development through to programme execution.

Through Life Capability Management

Persides together with Harmonic Ltd have developed an alliance (www.harmonicpersides.co.uk) to develop best practice approach to applying TLCM and on both UOR and core programmes. Together these companies specialise in providing the following key TLCM services:
• Capability analysis, trades and architectures
• Requirements management
• Complex programme management
• Business change and skills transfer
• Innovative through-life support solutions
• Process mapping, modelling and simulation
• Technology development and assessments
• Decision support for cost analysis, business case and planning round
• Operational analysis

To complement the development of the emerging TLCM initiative, Persides has spent the last two years developing a fully compliant TLCM cost modelling tool. The tool named Capability-Cost Assessment Toolset (C-CAT) enables the MoD to understand the cost of capability across all DLoDs at programme, system and sub-system level. The model has an integrated simulation engine powered by the world leading WITNESS tool that allows both industry and MoD to run Sensitivity and ‘What If’ analysis around a range of options. This approach ensures that the cost models can be used throughout the life of a programme to ensure high confidence in investment decisions.

People

Persides’ capabilities are delivered by a complementary blend of high calibre ex-military, industry, academic, professionally qualified and experienced personnel who are equipped with leading edge tools and processes. Employees are selected and tailored for specific roles based on their technical expertise, experience and personal skills.

Steve said: “We understand that customers sometimes have a negative view of consultants due to being hit in the past with high rates and low output. They imagine someone coming in, drawing on a white board, stating the obvious and then leaving. Persides employees take the challenges they are set very personally due to the nature of the industry we work in. We take a very hands-on, flexible approach and integrate with the incumbent team straight away. Our employees often go into organisations cold and adapt quickly to the processes and policies specific to that organisation. We also have our own very powerful tools and processes which we can use if necessary and appropriate.

“Our people have been employed on many complex programmes over the years and understand where and why things go wrong as well as how to put them right. Our customers trust us to deal with extremely sensitive issues due to our team approach and high work ethic. We are completely focused on our customers and will do everything it takes to make sure their requirements are met.”

For further information on how Persides can help you win new business and deliver your programmes go to the company’s websites www.persides.com and www.vee-cam.com or contact Steve Lancaster via e-mail at steve.lancaster@persides.com.

20 August 2009

About Persides

Persides was created by four individuals who, combined, offer a depth of experience and skills covering all the disciplines required for delivery and support of complex electronic systems.

It has built an impressive reputation in the defence, aerospace and security markets, due to its high-calibre consultancy services and innovative technology products for the electronics systems and software sector. Customers include BAE Systems, Thales and Raytheon.

Although defence and aerospace remain core to Persides’ operations, the organisation’s growing products portfolio has broader commercial capabilities. This prompted a recent decision to split the business into two distinct segments – Persides Consultancy Services Limited, working with clients on highly sensitive and classified defence and aerospace contracts; and Persides Limited, focusing on sales of the highly successful VEEcam® body-worn video system plus product development, new inventions and technology development services.

Managing Director Mark Cook says: “Our highly experienced team at Persides can provide a full and totally comprehensive range of specialist services to provide turn-key solutions for our customers.”

For more information please visit: www.persides.com