1980s

• In 1983 the business became a limited company and changed its name to Pennine Telecom Ltd, diversifying from radio to installing intercoms.

• In 1984, liberalisation of the telecoms market took place in the UK and Pennine sold its first telephone system.

• In 1985, mobile telephony is born in the UK as Vodafone launches the country’s first 1G network.

• In 1989, Motorola launched the MicroTAC 9800X, the first flip phone, and it was sold by Pennine for £2295 (Excl. VAT).

1990s

• In 1991, digital mobile technology arrives in the UK as Vodafone launches its 2G network. Benefits include clearer calls, encryption and text messaging.

• In 1991, Pennine supply portable handheld radios to Charlton Enterprises and provide event management control for Manchester United.

• In 1992, the business located to Pennine House in Bury, a previous mill.

• In 1993, the concept of cloud computing arrives.

2000s

• In 2000, Wi-Fi became a mainstream term, and broadband started replacing dial-up for home internet.

• In 2003, a Management buyout (MBO) took place with Andrew Roberts, Geoff King and Steve Ryan buying the business from the original founders.

• In 2007, Apple kickstarts a smartphone revolution with the launch of the first iPhone.

• In 2009, having secured exclusive UK and European distribution rights, Pennine launches Yealink (UK), establishing what would become a pre-eminent IP telephony and videoconferencing brand.

• At the end of 2009, Pennine installed a free WiFi scheme with WiFi Hubs on lampposts providing free internet to over 1000 families, set up alongside Bury Council and Broad Oaks College.

2010s

• In 2011, Andrew Roberts is recognised by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at the Prince Philip Medal ceremony for his outstanding contribution, commitment and dedication to the telecommunications industry.

• In 2012, Pennine secures the first UK order for a Motorola Mototrbo Trunked Linked Capacity Plus trunked radio solution for installation at Sellafield.  And also in this year Pennine Mobile was launched.

• In 2013, Pennine Telecom wins £1m+ telecoms network and wireless infrastructure contract with Bolton College, the institution that got Andrew Roberts his 1976 interview with Pennine.

• In 2016, Pennine Telecom rebrands to just Pennine and was acquired by Nycomm Holdings. And later that year, there was the world’s first deployment of Motorola Mototrbo Capacity Max at BAE Systems.

• In 2017, to support our radio customers in the Southwest of the country Pennine acquires Co-Channel Electronics near Bristol.

• In 2019, Pennine acquired Avoira Devices business Rocom, Avoira AV company Videonations and rebranded as Avoira with our strapline “fluent in technology”.

2020s

• In 2020, Avoira acquired Yellowbus, which helped launch the Avoira IT Services division.

• In 2020, the world saw the epidemic of Covid-19, which saw the rapid expansion of working from home.

• In 2022, Avoira became an independent company following Nycomm Holdings being dissolved, after it’s sale of Nimans.

• In 2023, Avoira launched the 6 division brands of Avoira – Radio, Audio-Visual, Devices, Communications, IT and Xperience.

• In 2026, Avoira turns 50 and a deal was secured with Greater Manchester Trams, 50 years after the first deal with Greater Manchester buses.