Q5 - Paul Marsh, GSPK Design

Electronics Weekly puts its questions to an industry figure: Paul Marsh, managing director of GSPK Design

Were you affected by the recent management buy-out of GSPK Electronics?
There has been a common misconception within the industry that we were affected but I can categorically advise that this is not true. GSPK Design, GSPK Circuits and the former GSPK Electronics all trade as separate legal entities. Speaking on behalf of GSPK Design, we continue to concentrate on our core competences: assisting innovative companies with electronic design, new product development and product re-engineering.

How is the contract design sector coping with competition from India and China?
We will always be faced with competition but I don't think we are suffering as much as high volume CEMs. Due to the fact that we provide additional support services in the form of low volume production and assembly means that our offering cannot easily be competed with by India and China. Furthermore, we have found that our customers want to deal directly with other local companies. It is this concentration that is helping us to remain competitive.

What are the main challenges facing a UK-based design and manufacturing company?
In my experience the main challenge we are facing is the ability to keep up with demand. The "cost of sales" will always be a problem for any design company due to the fact that we are project driven. In addition, I anticipate we will continue to see a reduced level of readily available skills due to people moving away from the electronics industry.

Do you feel that the industry gets sufficient support and recognition from Government?
The Government does seem to provide a great deal of support to start-ups and young companies. However, it seems there is insufficient support for established SMEs. We have witnessed some support within parts of the Yorkshire region, however this funding appeared to have been allocated via post code lottery.

What are the most dynamic technology sectors right now?
Our main focus at the moment is within the industrial automation, transport and LED lighting sectors. The continuing development of technology is having a significant impact on new product development projects and the re-engineering of existing product portfolios to update aging products.