Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Electrical & Mechanical Contractors in Huntingdon & London
Established in 1925, Playfords has built a century-long reputation as a trusted provider of mechanical and electrical (M&E) solutions. Operating from Huntingdon and London, we deliver comprehensive services in electrical systems, mechanical installations, data cabling, and IT networking, serving sectors such as education, healthcare, retail, and commercial enterprises. Our NICEIC Approved Contractor status and ISO certifications for quality, environmental, health & safety, and information security management underscore our commitment to excellence. With a focus on innovation and client partnerships, we have executed landmark projects for institutions like the Royal Opera House and NHS hospitals, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.Our team of seasoned professionals combines technical expertise with a proactive approach, ensuring tailored solutions for high-risk environments and complex infrastructure needs. Backed by accreditations from leading industry bodies and manufacturers, we maintain rigorous standards in every project, from design to handover. As we celebrate our centenary, we remain dedicated to advancing our legacy of reliability, technical proficiency, and customer-centric service delivery.
Services
Electrical & Mechanical
Voice & Data Cabling
Specialist Projects
HV/LV Installations
MEP Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- 100 years of expertise in electrical and mechanical contracting since 1925
- NICEIC Approved Contractor with ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 27001 certifications
- Proven track record in high-risk environments including NHS hospitals and data centres
- End-to-end project management from design to handover with global manufacturer warranties
- Dedicated 24/7 support for emergency installations and critical infrastructure maintenance
Associations and certifications
- NICEIC
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
- ISO 27001
What people say
Maximum professionalism
Completed on time
Best MEP subcontractor
Proactive team performance
Excellent work ethic
Services
Electrical & Mechanical
As NICEIC Approved Contractors, we design and install complete electrical and mechanical systems including fire alarms, HVAC, plumbing, and ventilation. Our ISO-certified processes ensure compliance with BS7671 standards while meeting the complex needs of healthcare, education, and commercial clients. With century-long expertise, we deliver energy-efficient solutions that combine safety, functionality, and longevity for both new builds and refurbishment projects.
Voice & Data Cabling
We provide structured cabling installations with manufacturer warranties, supporting voice, data, and fibre optic systems. From single outlets to enterprise headquarters, our 18th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations-compliant solutions include design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. Specialising in Category 5/6 cabling and scalable network architectures, we ensure future-proof connectivity for commercial and industrial clients requiring high-performance IT infrastructure.
Specialist Projects
Our team executes electrical projects in high-dependency environments, including HV/LV systems for explosive atmospheres and critical infrastructure. With expertise in complete electrical distribution networks and compliance with IEE Wiring Regulations, we serve industrial clients like British Sugar and Calor Gas. Our ISO 27001-certified approach ensures secure, reliable power solutions for complex installations requiring precision engineering and risk mitigation.
People
James Tuohy
Managing Director
Joined Playfords in 2010, progressing through roles to become Managing Director in 2021 after a management buyout. Leads company growth while maintaining active client engagement and supply chain relationships.
Andy Downing
Group Operations Director
Apprentice electrician since 1982, now Group Operations Director since 2021. Holds 18th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations accreditation and IOSH safety certifications, overseeing mechanical and electrical delivery.
Phil Taylor
Contracts Director
MIET-qualified engineer with decades of experience delivering commercial and industrial projects. Specialises in HV/LV infrastructure, UPS systems, and hospital power solutions while leading project teams from inception to handover.
Gary Dickinson
Contracts Director
Apprentice electrician since 2007, now Contracts Director since 2024. Holds Regional Apprentice of the Year awards and has managed large-scale projects including shopping centre refurbishments and NHS infrastructure upgrades.
Alan Tuohy
Non-Executive Director
Retired electrical industry veteran with 50+ years' experience. Former Managing Director of Hedley Solutions, now providing strategic guidance following the 2006 acquisition of Playfords and 2014 merger.
Questions
What electrical services does Playfords offer?
We provide full electrical design, installation, and maintenance including fire alarms, HV/LV systems, and compliance with BS7671 standards for commercial and industrial clients.
Are Playfords ISO certified?
Yes, we hold ISO 9001 (Quality), 14001 (Environmental), 45001 (Health & Safety), and 27001 (Information Security) certifications through ISOQAR.
Do they handle emergency electrical work?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency services for critical infrastructure maintenance and urgent installations across healthcare and industrial sectors.
What industries do they serve?
We specialise in healthcare (NHS hospitals), education (schools nationwide), retail (Waitrose, John Lewis), and commercial projects for blue-chip clients.
Are they NICEIC approved?
Yes, we are NICEIC Approved Contractors with qualified supervisors and compliance to the latest IEE Wiring Regulations.
How long has Playfords been operating?
Since 1925, making us a centenary-established electrical and mechanical contracting firm with continuous service to UK industries.
