Meet the Team
Greater than the sum of our parts
You need a production line you can rely on. Parts you can depend on. People who have it in hand.
Pravin Panchal BSc (Eng) CEng MIET
Technical Director
Co-founder of SDS, Pravin is driven to excellence in all that he does. With his 40+ years of engineering experience, he is passionate about delivering successful results to customers and nurturing today’s and tomorrow’s engineers. His many years in the field of manufacturing, processing, converting and material testing industries have made Pravin an expert in AC and DC motor drive control systems.
When not working Pravin enjoys playing the drums, live music, and dancing to the Latin beats of salsa, samba and bachata. Glastonbury is a must!
Vina Panchal
Managing Director
As co-founder, Vina has been instrumental in making SDS what it is. She oversees everything non-engineering and is responsible for our strategic direction and growth.
Outside of work Vina loves food, travelling, music, beautiful buildings and property, watching cricket and spending time with family and friends.
Rishi Panchal
Business Analyst
Rishi analyses all our numbers and data and shapes the strategic planning of SDS.
Aside from work, Rishi loves socialising with friends, fashion and rap music, actively playing Cricket and Badminton.
Laura Didden
General Manager
Laura is responsible for setting strategic goals and operational policies, as well as managing the SDS Drives team.
When she’s not at work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, attending concerts, reading, and visiting new countries.
Emilia Wajs
Financial Controller
Emilia keeps our finances in check, reviewing and reconciling accounts, processing payments and dealing with all billing enquiries.
Outside of work Emilia loves long walks, reading, swimming, music and spending time with family and friends.
Patryk Szuwarowski
Technical Sales & Drives Engineer
Patryk joined in Sept 2019, having finished 2 years of his Engineering Apprenticeship. Inquisitive and hungry to learn, Patryk puts an adept hand to engineering and repairs. You might speak to him about a sales quote too. Driving Excellence and aspiring to become the Engineer of tomorrow.
Outside of work Patryk loves to ride motorcycles as well as work on them, play fast-paced games like airsoft and spending time with his family.
Lee Griffiths
Field Service Engineer
Lee joined in February 2024, having spent 9 years as a maintenance enginner at a leading textile manufacturing company, to join SDS as a Field Service Engineer.
Outside of work, Lee likes to spend time with his family and enjoys listening to music.
Balram Singh
Key Account Manager
Balram joined SDS in 2021 and has over 5 years experience as a Key Account Manager.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing football, swimming and jogging to keep fit. In his spare time he also enjoys spending time with his family and listening to and making music.
Simon Blake
Technical Sales Engineer
Simon joined SDS in November 2021, leaving for a short break in February 2024 to rejoin later in October 2024 as Technical Sales Enginner.
Outside of work you can find Simon at music festivals, and spending time with friends and family.
Diana Rabella
Engineering Administrator
Diana joined SDS in 2023, following on from completing her Masters in Business & Adminsitration leadership at Bath Spa University. Diana keeps our engineers on their toes and ensures smooth running of our day to day operations.
Outside of work, Diana enjoys spending time with family, watching movies and reading.
Ivan IP
Warehouse Manager
Ivan has a vast amount of experience in logistics and warehouse work, mastering his trade over the last 20 years.
Outside of work Ivan is a keen runner and enjoys spending time with his family.
Speak to us about anything
The SDS team is just on the other end of the phone. Whether you need an urgent repair, technical support or an expert’s opinion on what drive you should be looking for, we’re all on hand to help.
Could your name feature in our expert team? If you’re inspired to work with us, get in touch with your CV. We’d love to hear from you.
