Pace Technology ready for UK expansion following Scope acquisition

Pace Technology, a long-established player in fleet telematics and camera solutions, is gearing up to expand its UK presence following on from its acquisition by Scope Technology.

The business has been supporting fleets for more than 20 years and is already working with large fleet operators in the courier and pharmaceutical sectors, with telematics and fleet solutions installed in “tens of thousands of vehicles across the UK”.

However, Steve Kealey, Pace Technology managing director, told Fleet News that while the company has previously been working behind the scenes, it is now stepping forward to take on more corporate commercial and HGV fleet business as part of the next phase of development for the business.

Pace, which offers telematics, vehicle cameras, AI-driven safety systems and advanced driver assistance solutions, was acquired by Scope Technology in 2023.

Kealey said the acquisition was not driven by a need for financial investment to expand, but instead driven by leveraging Scope’s wider expertise and connections.

In return, Scope, which is more focussed on the company and insurance telematics sector, gains access to Kealey and his team’s wider technical expertise and understanding of the commercial fleet industry.

He said: “The acquisition has provided technical resources and strategic direction, enabling Pace to take on larger contracts and enhance its offerings.

“We wanted to ensure that the business wasn’t just absorbed into a larger corporation but instead had the opportunity to develop in a way that benefits our existing and future customers.”

As a result, while Pace Technology is a Scope Group company, part of the deal was that its name and branding would remain as the business continues to grow.

Fleet technology and sustainable growth

Pace Technology’s expansion strategy is rooted in offering a tailored approach for each customer and embedding itself with the customer as “part of the woodwork”.

The business has also just achieved ISO9001 accreditation, which gives it an internationally recognised standard to indicate the consistent delivery and standard of its products and services.

Commercial fleet real-time tracking telematics and high-definition video camera technology are the two lead products for Pace, but the business offers a range of fleet support safety and security services.

These include a range of protective solutions that include slam locks, deadlocks, and electronic locking systems designed to prevent theft of vehicles and cargo.

Pace Technology also integrates artificial intelligence into its Pace AI Tech system, which aims to improve vehicle safety by issuing alerts to both drivers and vulnerable road users, reducing the risk of accidents in populated areas.

For businesses requiring additional vehicle safety measures, Pace Safe is available, offering customisable safety solutions tailored to meet specific regulatory and operational requirements.

Pace Solutions extends the company’s services to include the installation of auxiliary equipment such as inverters, auxiliary batteries, and tow bars, based on individual client needs.

Kealey believes the move towards a single-provider model is key to improving fleet efficiency.

“Instead of fleet operators sourcing telematics from one provider, cameras from another, and safety systems elsewhere, we’re integrating everything into one solution,” he said.

Expansion with a focus on stability

The company’s growth strategy includes engaging with larger fleet contracts while maintaining the standards that have already been set for its existing clients.
Kealey is mindful of the risks associated with rapid expansion.

“We’re not looking for unchecked growth,” he said. “The foundations are solid and so now is the time to grow and build on top of it.

“We have made sure we have the infrastructure and workforce in place to sustain new business.

“Growth has to be carefully managed so that we continue delivering the reliability that fleet operators depend on.”

Pace Technology employs all its engineers directly - currently a team of eight within a workforce of 23. This, Kealey believes, ensures better service consistency, compared with relying on subcontractors to carry out the work.

Developing EV innovation at Pace

One particular area Pace is looking to lead the market on is with data for electric commercial fleets.

The company is already providing real-time data on battery levels, battery condition, charging status, and remaining range, which can be critical insights for fleet operators managing the decarbonisation of their vehicles.

Kealey said: “Our ability to integrate with new vehicle technologies and provide practical, real-time insights is what sets us apart.

“Fleet managers need reliable data to make informed decisions, especially when dealing with EVs.”

Looking ahead, the company aims to further establish itself as a trusted name in the industry, balancing its expansion with maintaining strong relationships and service quality. 

“We’ve always grown through trust and referrals,” Kealey concluded. “Now, we’re making sure that more fleet operators understand the value we bring to the table.”