PSP marks 47 years as a library solutions provider – turning the page on a proud legacy.
On 30th November, PSP Asset Protection reaches a remarkable milestone: 47 years in business. As one of the UK’s most trusted and longest-serving providers of library solutions, it’s a moment not just to celebrate longevity, but to reflect on how far the company has come — and where it’s heading next.
Below you’ll find a brief overview of the company’s history. Please also see our 45th anniversary blog for a more in-depth summary.
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A journey through time — key milestones
1978: The Beginning
PSP traces its roots back to Plescon Ltd, founded on 30th November 1978. Originally, our mission was to supply radio-frequency (RF) book detection systems to public libraries.
That same year, the world was witnessing dramatic change: the Camp David Accords, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter between Egypt and Israel, were signed in September. It was a time of hope for peace, and PSP, too, was planting the seeds of a mission that would help protect knowledge and literacy rather than just politics.
1992: Embracing New Technologies
In 1992, PSP (then Plescon) underwent a pivotal transformation: under the leadership of Gwen Broadhead, the company recognised the importance of electromagnetic (EM) technology alongside RF. Globally, this was a moment of transition. The Cold War had ended, the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and countries around the world were embracing new, interconnected futures.
2003: A New Chapter Opens
2003 was another turning point. After more than two decades of leadership, Gwen stepped back (to oversee the design of BottleLox™ – still used in supermarkets to protect expensive bottles) and Nick Hunt, her son, became Managing Director. It was the same year the world was waking up to globalisation in earnest, with rapid growth in web connectivity and the rise of Web 2.0 — mirroring PSP’s own digital ambitions.
2017: The eRLS Revolution
Fast forward to 2017: PSP launched eRLS RFID, using ultra-high frequency (UHF) technology, fundamentally reshaping how libraries secure and manage their collections. This innovation came at a time when artificial intelligence, cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) applications were becoming mainstream, and PSP was at the cutting-edge of applying these tech advances to libraries.
The traditional 47th anniversary gift is books!
In many traditions, a 47th anniversary is associated with the gifting of books, and what could be more appropriate for a company dedicated to libraries? For nearly half a century, PSP has helped protect, manage and enrich the very resources that make libraries vital to communities.
If you’d like to give us a book, why not ‘book’ a free, no-obligation consultation with our friendly team to discuss your library needs ahead of end-of-year budget deadlines?
Why this anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity
- Experience & Trust: Nearly five decades in business means we have supported hundreds of libraries — schools, colleges, universities and NHS/healthcare — through changing times.
- Innovation: From RF to EM to UHF RFID, from self-service kiosks to cloud-native library management systems, we have continually evolved, refusing to rest on our laurels.
- Relationship-Driven: As a family-run company, PSP has always prioritised and valued the long-term partnerships we’ve built. As a small team, we’re delighted that our personal approach to customer support is often singled out for praise by our clients.
- Future-Focused: With eRLS, Infiniti, LibPaths and other solutions, we are well-positioned to support libraries through new challenges — whether it’s shifting usage patterns, AI adoption, remote learning, or the ever-growing importance of security and automation.
Looking ahead: from 47 to the future!
As PSP Asset Protection turns 47, we have a strong sense that the best is yet to come. The company is not just celebrating its past; we’re stepping confidently into the future, supporting libraries across the UK with relevance, resilience and real expertise.
Here’s to PSP’s 47th chapter, and to many more years of innovation, partnership, and, most fittingly, a love of books and reading for pleasure!