About Black Stick
World-Leading PCB Design Consultancy Since 2005
Our Story
Founded in 2005, Black Stick was established to provide professional PCB design services to the electronics industry. What began as a specialised consultancy has grown into a world-leading team of PCB design experts, recognised for solving the most challenging design problems across space, defence, industrial, and commercial sectors.
Our ethos has always been problem-solving. We don't just execute designs, we work as partners with our clients, understanding their technical challenges, business constraints, and market pressures. This collaborative approach has earned us long-term relationships with some of the world's most advanced technology companies.
Over the past 20 years, we've delivered hundreds of successful projects, from small prototype boards to complex multi-million-pound satellite systems. Our reputation is built on technical excellence, rapid turnaround, and unwavering commitment to quality.
Our Values
Integrity
Above all, we always deliver what we say. Our clients trust us with critical projects because we're honest about capabilities, timelines, and potential challenges. We build lasting relationships through transparency and reliability.
Quality
Right first time is always the goal. We take pride in our work and maintain rigorous design standards. Our quality processes ensure that designs are thoroughly verified before release, minimising costly iterations and manufacturing issues.
Speed
Where time-to-market is the difference between success and failure, we excel. Our streamlined processes and experienced team enable rapid turnaround without sacrificing quality. We understand that in today's markets, speed runs alongside technical excellence.
Knowledge
We have an extensive and ever-growing skill base. PCB design is constantly evolving, with new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes emerging regularly. We invest heavily in training and knowledge sharing to ensure we remain at the cutting edge.
Our Expertise
Technical Excellence
Our engineers are hand-picked experts in their fields. With backgrounds spanning aerospace, defence, telecommunications, and commercial electronics, we bring diverse perspectives and deep technical knowledge to every project.
- 30+ years PCB design experience
- Expertise in Altium Designer since 2005
- Signal integrity and EMC specialists
- RF and microwave design capabilities
- High-reliability design for harsh environments
Industry Experience
We've worked extensively across multiple sectors, understanding the unique requirements and challenges of each industry.
- Space: Satellite systems, radiation-hardened designs, thermal cycling
- Defence: Ruggedised electronics, MIL-STD compliance, security clearances
- RF & Telecoms: High-frequency design, impedance control, backplane systems
- Medical: IPC-Class 3, biocompatible materials, regulatory compliance
- Industrial: Wide temperature operation, long lifecycle support
- Automotive: AEC-Q qualification, functional safety (ISO 26262)
Certifications & Compliance
MOD Security Clearance
Our engineers hold Ministry of Defence security clearances, enabling us to work on classified defence and security projects.
IPC Standards
We design to IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-6012, IPC-A-610) ensuring compliance with industry best practices for PCB design and manufacturing.
Industry Standards
Experience with military (MIL-STD), automotive (AEC-Q, ISO 26262), medical (IEC 60601), and space (ECSS) standards.
Location
Black Stick is based in the Staffordshire Moorlands, in the heart of England. Our location provides excellent access to major UK cities and transport links, while offering a focused environment for complex engineering work.
While our headquarters is in the UK, we work with clients globally and offer flexible on-site and remote engagement models to suit your needs.
Black Stick LtdLeek,
Staffordshire Moorlands
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 367 882
Email: