From Carlisle TV shop to leading hi-fi specialist: Peter Tyson celebrates 60 years

Family-run retailer Peter Tyson is marking its 60th anniversary this year, celebrating six decades of change, growth and expertise in audio-visual retail.

The business began in 1966 as a small television shop on West Tower Street, Carlisle. 

Today, it operates luxury showrooms in Carlisle, Workington and Newcastle upon Tyne, alongside a national online and telesales business. 

Over 75 people work for the company, which has become one of the UK’s largest independent hi-fi and AV specialists.

Its reputation among manufacturers is substantial. In some years, Peter Tyson has been the world’s largest dealer for both Linn and Naim Audio, and it is regularly ranked among the top three worldwide for McIntosh. The company hopes its anniversary will help more music lovers discover the name behind those well-known audio brands.

A family business with a long history

Founder Peter Tyson repaired and serviced televisions before opening his first shop in the year England won the World Cup. At the time, more households were buying televisions rather than renting them, and the shop became one of Carlisle’s first independent TV retailers.

In the early 1970s, the company moved into hi-fi, initially selling Japanese brands including Kenwood, National Panasonic and Technics. It later added specialist British manufacturers such as Arcam and Linn, helping to build its standing with audiophiles.

Peter Tyson launched petertyson.co.uk around the turn of the millennium, becoming one of the country’s early hi-fi retailers to sell online. Its Carlisle operation moved to a purpose-built showroom and distribution centre in 2017. A new 5,000 sq ft store opened at Lillyhall, Workington, in July 2025, while the Newcastle showroom has also received major improvements to its demonstration facilities.

A chance to hear the difference

The company’s showrooms are designed to let customers compare systems at their own pace. Dedicated listening rooms allow people to hear equipment in comfortable surroundings, with demonstrations shaped around their music, room and budget.

Peter Tyson’s stock gives customers the opportunity to compare competing brands in one visit. Someone considering Linn or Naim, for example, can listen to both without travelling between dealers.

 The range stretches from affordable first systems to high-end installations costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. At a recent vinyl event in Carlisle, visitors heard a McIntosh and Sonus faber system valued at around £300,000.

“You can go to high-end hi-fi shops or you can go to entry-level hi-fi shops; there are very few places that can take you from the top of the market to the bottom and back again, and let you hear the difference for yourself,” said Luke Tyson, director and hi-fi brand manager, and the third generation of the family to work in the business.

In 2026, Peter Tyson introduced a dedicated luxury hi-fi section on its website, bringing together around 16 brands, including Linn, Naim, McIntosh, Sonus faber, Bowers & Wilkins, Focal, KEF and Chord Electronics. Its trained, brand-authorised staff support customers choosing equipment, including products available in bespoke finishes.

The retailer also caters for people starting out, with pre-matched system bundles combining amplifiers, speakers and cables. Its own British-made hi-fi brand, Fell Audio, takes inspiration from the Cumbrian landscape.

Vinyl is bringing new audiences into the showrooms, Luke Tyson said: “People buy a record, and then they want to come in and hear it properly.”

Looking ahead

The Tyson family continues to lead the business, alongside long-serving employees, some of whom have been with the company for 30 years. The founder’s motto, “The name you can trust”, remains central to its approach, whether customers visit in person or order online.

Alongside hi-fi and AV, Peter Tyson sells televisions, home appliances, coffee machines and small appliances, with national sales through petertysonelectricals.co.uk. The wider business supports its investment in stock, buying power and showrooms.

Looking to the next five years, Luke Tyson wants to introduce Peter Tyson to a wider audience. “Whether it’s a turntable or an all-in-one streaming system, beautiful Italian loudspeakers or slim aluminium Danish wireless speakers, we have the products, the expertise and the showrooms,” he said. 

“We want to take that to a much wider audience and show people just what’s possible.”

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Can Hackers Target Business Fridges and Freezers? Cybersecurity Protection Tips

Could hackers compromise your business fridges and freezers? Discover how to protect smart refrigeration equipment, valuable stock and connected systems.

When business owners think about cybersecurity, they probably worry about hackers accessing their computers, stealing customer information or taking control of their payment systems. 

But what about their fridges and freezers?

It might sound like the plot of a rather silly science fiction film, but modern commercial refrigeration equipment can genuinely be vulnerable to cyber attacks.

From supermarket freezer cabinets and restaurant cold rooms to pharmaceutical refrigerators and temperature-controlled warehouses, increasing numbers of refrigeration systems are connected to the internet.

And anything connected to a network could potentially provide an opportunity for cybercriminals.

Why would hackers target a fridge?

The answer is surprisingly straightforward. Many modern refrigeration systems use smart technology to monitor temperatures, control energy consumption, issue maintenance alerts and allow engineers to make adjustments remotely.

These features can save businesses considerable amounts of money. Unfortunately, poorly secured equipment can also introduce cybersecurity risks.

A cybercriminal who gains access to a refrigeration management system might be able to interfere with temperature settings, disable alerts or disrupt monitoring.

Imagine a restaurant discovering that thousands of pounds' worth of food has spoiled because its refrigeration system was interfered with overnight.

Or consider the potentially serious consequences for a pharmacy, hospital or medical laboratory where temperature-sensitive medicines and samples must be stored within strictly controlled limits.

In some circumstances, compromised equipment could also provide an entry point into a company's wider computer network.

How can businesses protect themselves?

Fortunately, there are several sensible precautions that businesses can take.

1. Find out whether your refrigeration equipment is connected to the internet.

Not every commercial fridge or freezer has internet connectivity. However, equipment with remote monitoring, Wi-Fi, Ethernet connections or cloud-based management should be included in your cybersecurity assessments.

2. Change default passwords.

Never leave equipment using factory-set usernames and passwords. Replace these with strong, unique credentials and enable multi-factor authentication wherever supported.

3. Keep software updated.

Smart refrigeration equipment may require firmware and software updates. Ask your supplier or maintenance contractor how security updates are provided and whether the equipment is still supported.

4. Separate refrigeration systems from business computers.

Where possible, place connected refrigeration equipment on a separate network from payment terminals, customer databases and other sensitive business systems.

5. Restrict remote access.

Only authorised staff and trusted maintenance engineers should be able to access refrigeration controls remotely. Disable unnecessary remote access features and review third-party access regularly.

6. Install independent temperature alarms.

Consider using a separate temperature monitoring and alarm system that cannot be disabled through the same network connection as the refrigeration controls.

7. Prepare for an emergency.

Every business storing perishable goods should have a contingency plan covering refrigeration failures, including suspected cyber attacks.

This might involve alternative cold storage, emergency maintenance arrangements and procedures for checking whether food or medicines remain safe.

Don't forget your refrigeration maintenance company

Businesses should also ask their refrigeration contractors about cybersecurity.

Do engineers access equipment remotely? How are their passwords protected? Can former employees still access customers' systems?

A reputable supplier should be able to explain how connected equipment is secured and maintained.

Cybersecurity isn't just an IT problem

The increasing use of connected technology means cybersecurity is becoming relevant to almost every aspect of business operations.

A restaurant owner might not regard a walk-in freezer as a computer system. Similarly, a supermarket manager might not immediately consider refrigeration cabinets when reviewing cybersecurity arrangements.

Nevertheless, connected equipment deserves the same attention as other networked business technology.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides practical advice for businesses seeking to improve their cybersecurity arrangements.

Visit the National Cyber Security Centre for further guidance. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

The bottom line? Your business might have invested thousands of pounds in sophisticated refrigeration equipment to protect valuable stock. It makes good business sense to ensure that equipment is protected from hackers as well.

After all, nobody wants to discover that their business has been left out in the cold by a cybercriminal.

What Would the Loss of Poundland Mean for the High Street?

The future of Poundland has become uncertain just weeks before Christmas, raising questions about the effect its potential loss could have on workers, shoppers and town centres across the UK.

The retailer has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. This gives it a short period of protection from creditor action while efforts continue to find a solution. 

Poundland’s shops are still trading, and its future has not yet been decided. But around 12,000 jobs and hundreds of stores are at risk.

For many people on tight budgets, Poundland is more than a place to pick up an occasional bargain. Its everyday value offer can help households stretch their money, particularly at a time of year when the cost of food, gifts and Christmas preparations can put pressure on family finances.

Lisa M has started a Change.org petition arguing that Poundland is a cornerstone of the high street for millions of people. With the threat of job losses arriving just before Christmas, she is urging the Government to take decisive action to save the business and protect those 12,000 jobs. The measures she suggests include financial assistance, tax reliefs or help facilitating a restructuring process.

The impact could reach beyond Poundland’s employees and customers. A large store can bring regular footfall to a town centre, benefiting nearby shops and cafés as people combine errands. If branches close, landlords may be left with empty units, while neighbouring businesses could lose passing trade. Replacing a sizeable retailer can take time, and some high streets already have more vacant premises than they would like. Some branches closed down last year are still empty.

The timing adds to the concern. In the run-up to Christmas, many households depend on low-cost options for decorations, small gifts, wrapping supplies and everyday essentials. 

Staff, meanwhile, face the prospect of uncertainty over their jobs during a period when household bills are already high.

Government support is not a simple decision: any intervention would need to consider whether it could help secure a viable future for the company and its workforce. 

But the petition highlights the wider consequences that may follow if a major retailer disappears, particularly for communities with limited shopping alternatives.

For now, Poundland remains open while discussions continue. The coming days will matter to its employees, customers and the high streets that depend on the activity its stores bring.

Put Your Business on the Map: Personalised OS Maps Make Memorable Corporate Gifts

Finding a business gift that feels thoughtful can be surprisingly difficult. 

What do you give a longstanding employee, a valued client or a business partner to show that you have put some care into choosing their present?

Personalised Ordnance Survey maps offer a rather splendid answer.

By placing a meaningful location at the centre of a map, businesses can create gifts with a story behind them. OS’s folded custom-made maps can also feature a personal photograph and cover text, making them particularly suitable for marking milestones.

A thoughtful way to recognise staff

For an employee celebrating a significant work anniversary, a map centred on the office, factory or shop where their career began could make a lovely keepsake.

A photograph of the team or premises, used with the appropriate permission, could add another personal touch. Accompany it with a handwritten message recognising their contribution, and the gift becomes a tangible reminder of their working life.

Retirement presents offer another opportunity. You might choose somewhere connected with the recipient’s plans: a favourite walking destination, their home town or an area they hope to explore.

The key is knowing the person. A carefully chosen location demonstrates the attention that makes recognition feel sincere.

B2B gifts that celebrate a shared journey

These maps also lend themselves beautifully to business-to-business gifting.

A supplier could mark a longstanding relationship with a map centred on its customer’s headquarters. Two businesses celebrating a partnership anniversary might choose the location of their first joint project.

For a client opening new premises, a map of the surrounding area could provide a thoughtful welcome. Estate agents, property developers and relocation businesses could also consider a personalised map as a completion or moving-in gift.

Framed versions offer the possibility of a lasting display in a reception area, meeting room or office, with a story ready to share whenever someone asks about it.

Options for different budgets

Small folded custom-made maps are listed at £7.99, with large folded maps at £21.99. Framed and canvas options are also available for more substantial gifts. OS additionally advertises quantity discounts on folded custom-made maps, subject to its terms.

For Christmas, work anniversaries, retirements or partnership milestones, the appeal is clear: a location can say something meaningful about the people and businesses connected with it.

Choose the place carefully, explain why it matters, and you have a gift worth remembering.

Explore the options at the Ordnance Survey shop https://shop.osmaps.com/custom-made

Prices and offers may change. Check current details before ordering.

How management skills could get a boost from added horsepower with Equine Facilitated Learning

Could a horse help your team communicate better? At Harness Change, Zara Myers believes so. Her Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) workshops use horses to bring leadership and teamwork into focus.

“Horses give genuine, immediate and non-judgemental feedback,” she says. “They respond to subtle cues in your body language, breathing and energy that you might not realise you’re giving.”

Myers is chief executive of Harness Change, part of Cumbria Rural Academy, a community interest company offering EFL, alternative education and riding-school activities.

 A management consultant and dressage competitor at Prix St Georges level, she combines disciplines to create bespoke programmes for organisations and teams seeking better communication, teamwork and less siloed working.

She first used EFL to support behavioural change in Cumbrian primary schools. Horses can reduce anxiety, build confidence and encourage mindfulness. Sensitive prey animals, they respond to the present moment, making unspoken behaviour visible.

In an arena, participants complete groundwork exercises with Gaia, a grey Lusitano mare, individually or in teams. Leading Gaia around obstacles can reveal how people give direction, listen and adapt.

“Every workshop is tailored to how participants present themselves on the day,” Myers told That's Business. 

She identifies gaps between current behaviours and the group’s goals, then uses a classroom session to explore them. Participants return to the arena to try new approaches. The horse is chosen to suit the aims: a team developing assertive sales communication might work with one that responds only to confident direction.

Jacqui Gale MBE, chief executive of Reframe Cancer, took part with colleagues during organisational change. She wanted the team to step away from pressures and consider how they communicate, build trust and work together.

“Working with Gaia brought all of that to life in minutes,” Gale told us. “You could see and feel the reaction to your behaviour, make a small adjustment and see the difference.”

She found it humbling. Leadership, she reflected, is not always about pushing harder or giving more direction; a small change in approach can make a big difference. Gaia also let colleagues see one another in a new setting and understand how individual behaviours affect the group.

Gale hopes the team will carry that awareness into challenging moments, drawing on a shared experience to prompt open conversations. The workshop was memorable, enjoyable and effective, she says, with learning that might take hours of discussion becoming clear in minutes.

For information about Harness Change workshops, contact Zara Myers https://www.harnesschange.co.uk

FM Conway leads construction sector support for The Big Goal

FM Conway has become the headline construction sector sponsor of The Big Goal, a national funding drive supporting homeless and vulnerable young people through football.

Led by the Street Soccer Foundation, The Big Goal brings businesses together to help young people facing significant disadvantage build confidence, develop skills and move towards employment, education and independent living. 

FM Conway has supported the charity since 2016, when it became its first corporate sponsor and founding commercial partner.

At the centre of the programme are Street Soccer Academies. Football helps engage participants, while mentoring, education, employability and wellbeing support gives them tools to take their next steps. The impact can extend well beyond the pitch, helping young people build relationships, learn new skills and imagine a different future. 

Academies combine football with personal development, employability, education and wellbeing support, alongside clubs and community organisations.

During the 2025–26 season, FM Conway sponsored 10 Academy groups across London, West London, South East London and Kent. 

The partnership supported 82 young people and delivered around 480 hours of education and mentoring. More than 80% of participants who completed the programme progressed into employment, education or further training.

For the 2026/27 season, FM Conway will sponsor up to 12 Academies, alongside its new headline construction sector role with The Big Goal. The expanded partnership aims to turn individual business support into collective action, bringing employers, supply chains and industry partners together to widen opportunities.

Construction can offer meaningful routes into work, skills development and long-term careers, yet many young people may not know about the opportunities available. The Big Goal aims to connect them with those pathways, while helping them develop the confidence and support networks to thrive.

Street Soccer Foundation founder and chief executive Keith Mabbutt said FM Conway’s long-term backing had helped the charity grow from a Kent pilot into a national programme. He added that football was a powerful way to engage young people, while the wider support helped them build confidence, learn skills and see new possibilities.

Matt Smith, managing director at FM Conway, said the company had seen the difference the Foundation could make. He said construction had an important role in creating opportunities and opening pathways into employment, adding that collaboration could help young people build the skills and confidence to take their next steps.

Businesses across the sector are invited to find out more and join The Big Goal at www.TheBigGoal.co.uk.