Following a successful year that earned distinct achievements in Experian Market IQ reports on deal-making, leading M&A advisers GS Verde Group are set for even greater success in 2022.

 

GS Verde ranked 1^st and 2^nd in Experian Market IQ reports on deal-making in 2021, a unique feat as the only advisory team to rank in both the corporate finance and corporate legal elements of the Experian rankings in Wales.

 

The corporate finance division of GS Verde Group was ranked by Experian Market IQ as the most active M&A corporate finance advisors in Wales and the corporate law division was ranked as the second most active legal dealmakers in Wales during the same period.

 

Now, with a pipeline of deals across the UK and Ireland, the Group is primed for another year of continued success with record results forecasted for 2022 and expected growth in both staff and office space too.

 

GS Verde were the only business to rank in both categories due to the nature of its multi-discipline M&A advisory team that provides legal, finance, tax and communications advice for end-to-end support in corporate transactions.

 

More widely, the business advised on over 100 deals across the UK and Ireland, with GS Verde fast becoming a go-to advisor for business sales, mergers and acquisitions, and raising investment.

 

Speaking on the success, Nigel Greenaway, CEO, GS Verde Group said: “The report by Experian Market IQ was not a surprise to us, as our M&A teams were exceptionally busy during the period reported on, however it is quite some achievement by our teams to rank in both the finance and legal reports, a feat not matched by any other M&A team in Wales.

 

“Deal activity soared in 2021, and GS Verde has adapted to this elevated pace, meeting the demand for quick results and evolved deal strategies. With the market thriving generally, we have embraced the shift towards digitisation to expand our reach.”

 

Across the UK, the number of transactions increased in 2021 by 14.3% from the previous year, with deal values in Wales reaching just over £7.9bn, a sharp upsurge on the £3bn total that was recorded for the whole of 2020.

 

Standout deals for GS Verde during the year include supporting commercial cleaning company A&R Services to secure a Management Buyout, the successful completion of an Employee Ownership Trust scheme at Paramount Interiors, and the cross-border acquisition of Abergavenny Fine Foods, further opening up Wales and Welsh business to the world.

 

The business’ continued success has also earned it the title of Best Multidisciplinary M&A Advisory Group in the UK, awarded by Acquisition International.

 

Mr Greenaway continued: “Throughout 2021 the GS Verde Group reached new levels of growth; opening our first international office, seeing a 30% increase of staff since the middle of the year, including a number of senior appointments, and securing our best year of trading yet.

 

“There is much to look forward to in the year coming. M&A activity is forecasted to remain, if not go beyond the elevated levels seen last year, and GS Verde will develop upon our growth in the UK and internationally.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 takes place this week, from 7-13^th February 2022. Grant Santos, CEO at leading training provider Educ8 Training, shares how apprentices are driving business’ recovery from the initial shock of the pandemic.

 

For many businesses the pandemic has been a period of uncertainty. Lockdowns and restrictions have impacted every aspect of how organisations operate, from supply chains, to working arrangements and the delivery of products and services. It has also had a crushing effect on the jobs market, with youth unemployment increasing when lockdowns began, especially amongst sectors hit the hardest.

 

Supporting both employers and learners through training and development is more important than ever. The theme of the 15^th annual Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’, linking back to the key pillars of the Build Back Better campaign. At Educ8, we recognise high-quality training is crucial to prepare our communities for what the future holds.

 

As the economic and social environment continues to evolve at a fast pace, skills and apprenticeships will play a significant part in how businesses recover from the pandemic, supporting adaptation and growth for the future.

 

Recruiting has become a challenge

 

In a business barometer conducted by the Open University, 63% of decision makers agreed that their organisation found recruitment difficult in the last year, with candidates lacking the required skills for the role.

 

Some 64% think that a lack of candidate skills has lengthened the recruitment process and several businesses have recruited at a lower level than expected in the last year, spending money on training new hires to upskill them, at an average of cost £16,800.

 

Yet forward-thinking employers have outlined their training strategies to ensure future success for their business.

 

More than half say apprenticeships and work-based learning will play a crucial part in the future of their organisations, and 96% of businesses that currently employ apprentices expect to maintain or increase their number of apprenticeships in the next 12 months.

 

Across the UK, governments have made commitments to education and training spending. This will be essential to bridging the skills gap to aid business’ recovery.

 

In Wales, the government invested £152m in apprenticeships in 2021, including £18.7m in employer incentives to recruit and support young people. The Welsh Government subsequently launched its Young Person’s Guarantee, designed to provide everyone under 25 the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment.

 

Incentives launched during the pandemic to help Welsh businesses recruit apprentices were also extended through to 2022, with businesses able to claim up to £4,000 for each new apprentice, based on age and contract hours.

 

These incentives, which form part of Welsh Government’s pledge to support businesses in recovering from the impacts of Coronavirus, have already seen more than 5,500 new apprentices recruited since August 2020 – they were due to close in September 2021, but will now continue until the end of February 2022.

 

The key to building business’ futures

 

This financial backing of apprenticeships is based on proven benefits. Data from the organisers of National Apprenticeship Week indicates that:

• 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
• 78% said that apprenticeships helped them improve productivity
• 74% said they helped improve the quality of their product or service

 

These high ratings reflect the mutually beneficial nature of apprenticeships.

 

An apprentice adds further value to a business, such as up-to-date knowledge through their continuous learning and handling low-level tasks so senior staff can focus their attention where it is most needed. This could be rebuilding or even upscaling the business, preparing for the ‘next normal’ and what that will involve.

 

An apprenticeship may also be suitable for a current member of staff, such as those in management positions, to develop their leadership skills and styles and in turn enhance how the business operates.

 

As apprenticeships can be tailored to meet employer needs, they get to decide which skills their ideal employee should have, before working with Educ8 Training to create a curriculum that can develop them.

 

By directly addressing certain skills gaps, an apprenticeship provides an opportunity to fill that vacancy in a way that promotes continued growth and development and raises a business’ standard, giving them an edge within their sectors.

 

Educ8 Training was founded on these values, in response to skills shortages in the south Wales area. Run with an ethos driven by the values of honesty, integrity, respect and positivity, we are passionate about ensuring people reach their full potential to boost jobs and enterprise in Wales.

 

In a competitive post-Covid world, nurturing potential growth is an essential part of how businesses transition from surviving to thriving once more.

 

Find out how apprentices can boost your business, visit: www.educ8training.co.uk

2B Enterprising, who recently announced the completion of their first investment round, a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group, have announced a partnership with the dealmaking business to support local primary schools.

 

The partnership will see a number of primary schools across Wales and England receive The Bumbles of Honeywood enterprise skills programme, devised by 2B Enterprising for children aged 5 to 8 years old.

 

2B Enterprising has rapidly expanded, having grown from a team of 2 to 10 employees in just 6 months and are already working with over 80 schools in south Wales and England. The ambition of the organisation is to expand its support of primary schools across the UK, with plans to work with over 2,500 schools in the next 3 years.

 

In addition to the partnership with GS Verde Group, further partnerships have also been agreed with the likes of Swansea.com, Bluestone Resorts, Dawsons Estate Agents, Vinci Construction and Fab Four Coffee which comprises four former international rugby professionals Shane Williams, James Hook, Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips who are each supporting a primary school.

 

Jayne Brewer, the newly appointed Chief Executive of 2B Enterprising, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with GS Verde on this important initiative. Introducing The Bumbles of Honeywood to primary schools through corporate partners provides an accessible and creative way for children, teachers and parents to engage with enterprise and develop or teach skills that will support the next generation of employees and employers to become valuable members of society.”

 

There are 5 female investors in 2B Enterprising Ltd., who were impressed by the ambition and potential of The Bumbles of Honeywood programme. Developed by entrepreneurial business leaders and experienced educators with extensive input from teachers, 2B Enterprising has ensured the programme is flexible, impactful, non-prescriptive and easy to use.

 

David Dulieu, Development Director of the GS Verde Group said: “We are delighted to be partnering with 2B Enterprising to bring The Bumbles of Honeywood programme to primary schools and support teachers and parents in developing transferable skills in young children.

 

The GS Verde Group provides end-to-end support for corporate transactions such as raising funding, business sales or mergers and acquisitions. As one team with multiple disciplines, the Group’s expertise includes corporate finance, legal, tax and communications services.

 

Mr Dulieu concluded: “Thanks to the calibre of the programme and those who have contributed, we are confident that the programme will inspire a future generation of business leaders and build the foundations for their success.”

After launching in July, specialist recruitment consultancy Chase Delphi has continued to expand its business to provide job seekers and recruiters with specialist guidance and advice and plans to expand its own team.

 

The Cardiff-based consultancy was set up to specialise in recruiting a wide-range of roles in the legal, technology and finance professions across Wales, England and Ireland. The business has recorded a number of significant developments, including its client base trebling in size from August to October and saw a staggering growth in vacancies of more than 30% between October and November 2021.

 

The venture has been led from the start by industry-expert and co-founder Alun Leach, who has attributed the growth of the consultancy to the booming job sector. The legal, technology and finance industries have seen a high volume of vacancies available, and it is this demand that sees the business actively recruiting to increase their own team.

 

Mr Leach commented: “A level of confidence has returned and with it an increase in candidate numbers. It has presented us with an opportunity to invest and expand our team in Cardiff much earlier than planned.”

 

It’s argued that the past 18 months have been the most challenging of a generation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the uncertainty surrounding businesses and job security has made it even more challenging for candidates to find their perfect job.

 

Mr Leach concluded: “Recruiters and candidates are still facing new challenges but with the experience and knowledge Chase Delphi offers, we provide them with the opportunity to overcome these challenges and forge long-term, trusted partnerships.”

 

After an exceptional period of growth, a business loans provider based in South Wales has secured a six-figure investment that will allow it to expand its support of small businesses seeking short-term lending options.

 

Go Business Loans provides loans of between £2,500 and £20,000 to businesses across the UK through manual underwriting; evaluating a business’ needs and repayment abilities rather than using a computer algorithm to determine what financial support they can offer.

 

The investment follows a period of exceptional growth at Go Business Loans, who since launching in April 2021, have supported over 20 clients with new business loans and five companies with top-up loans.

 

This significant investment will grow Go Business Loans’ investment funds fivefold and could allow them to support around 50 new businesses, based on their average loan size, many of which are not wishing to borrow more than they need through a Government Recovery Scheme or have been turned down by other lenders based on their finances alone.

 

The funding will also allow Go Business Loans to finance VAT loans between £3,000 and £50,000, offering 100% of the VAT due with 90-day loan terms and daily interest rates without early repayment penalties. Thanks to Go Business Loans’ streamlined and hassle-free process, businesses can expect results within 24-hours of applying.

 

David Vieira, Managing director of Go Business Loans said: “We are thrilled to receive this investment. Not only is it a testament to the services we have provided since launching, but the funding will also allow us to help even more businesses going forward.”

 

He continued: “I am immensely proud of our progress so far, and how we have also been able to support our clients with growing their businesses, especially through such difficult and uncertain circumstances.”

 

Go Business Loans has been able to provide alternative solutions to small businesses, with a comprehensive understanding of the pressures they face while offering a quick turnaround.

 

One such company that has benefited from Go Business Loans’ services is London-based diner Bagels & Waffles, who needed funds to reopen their first premises following a rebrand during the pandemic.

 

Marlon Johnson, Director of Bagels & Waffles Retail Premises and Shops, said: “Having faced some challenges obtaining finance from traditional high street lenders, with most lenders saying it was the wrong time to expand in hospitality. David and the team at Go Business Loans looked at our recent bank statements, but they also saw the strength in our years of trading.

 

“That human approach is especially needed for hospitality businesses and getting hold of the decision makers was easy because they were always at the other end of the phone.”

 

Plastic-free haircare brand Ksoni also utilised Go Business Loans to support its purchasing needs during lockdown, while transitioning to online retail.

 

Co-founder Banasa Williams said: “Securing a bank loan became more difficult as a result of Covid-19 because the eligibility criteria narrowed, and it became harder to speak to a real person.

 

“Go Business Loans looked at our application holistically, and we got real feedback on our application. David even stayed in contact after we secured the loan, to offer continued support as we grew our business.”

 

Applications for the unsecured loans can be made online at Go Business Loans.

 

Welsh company, Educ8 Training has acquired Berkshire based Haddon Training in a deal that underpins the group’s plans to expand into England.

 

The deal sees Educ8 complete its third acquisition in the last few years. It follows the previous acquisitions of NTS in 2015 and ISA Training in 2018, and will result in the group’s turnover reaching c.£13.5m.

 

The company was awarded No.1 Best Mid-sized Company to Work For and No.1 Best Education and Training Company in the UK in 2021. Founded in 2004 it has seen significant growth and employs over 180 staff. Offering apprenticeships and training in the workplace, it works across a range of sectors. From leadership and management, digital marketing and childcare, to hair, beauty and health and social care.

 

The acquisition of Haddon Training sees Educ8 not only expanding its footprint in the UK, but also its range of training; with Haddon Training specialising in the equine sector, as well as delivering apprenticeships in animal care, zookeeping and business.

 

Grant Santos, CEO of Educ8 Training said: “Haddon Training is a prestigious and well-respected provider. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to take the business forward as part of our group. Our ambition is to invest in the infrastructure and resources and grow the business over the next five years”

 

Haddon Training will continue to operate as a separate entity but as part of the Educ8 Group. The business traces its roots back to Haddon Stud established in 1991 where its founder bred racing and competition horses. Haddon Training began in 1997 and is now an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ training provider employing over 50 people with a turnover of £2.5m.

 

Colin Tucker, Chairman of Educ8 Training said: “We are very excited about the future. Educ8 Training is one of the top work based learning providers in Wales, contracted by Welsh Government to deliver apprenticeships. Our expansion into England means we can now work with even more businesses to help them develop their workforce.”

 

The deal was advised on by the GS Verde Group, who have supported Educ8 Training with their buy and build strategy for many years including their previous acquisitions.

 

To find out more about Educ8 Training, visit www.educ8training.co.uk

Despite what has been a challenging period for the construction industry, Green Hat Consulting has seen a year of significant growth, with the appointment of several new team members and contract wins with several high-profile clients.

 

A 30% growth in staff in the last three months alone, Green Hat’s latest appointments include Daniel Gilbert, who has joined as a Principal Designer, Becky Doyle as part of the Fire team, Gareth Turner as Health and Safety Consultant, and Heidi May who will be providing Business Management support.

 

Andrew Warring, Managing Director of Green Hat, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new members to the team. At Green Hat, we are truly passionate about our people, something we were thrilled to be recognised for at this year’s Constructing Excellence Wales Awards.”

 

The growth in personnel follows a number of client wins, with the business now working with over 100 businesses and organisations across the UK, this year has seen the Swansea-based consultancy begin working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry, including Kier, Redrow Homes, Lovell and BECT.

 

Andrew added: “It is fantastic to be working with such prestigious organisations and we are looking forward to continuing to build on our relationships with them.

 

“As innovators and influencers ourselves, our team at Green Hat have a real passion for improving the construction industry and supporting companies at every stage of the project cycle.”

 

Green Hat’s growth is testament to the success of its ‘one stop shop’ approach to supporting those in the construction industry. In response to the pandemic, the business set up its own e-learning portal that offers a suite of online health and safety training, including accredited Covid-19 courses.

 

Andrew concluded: “We are extremely proud of what Green Hat has achieved to date, not to mention the hard work and innovation of our team over the past 12-18 months. We are looking forward to more exciting developments to come.”

 

With more new staff appointments set for the new year and a 30% increase in turnover expected by 2023, the consultancy’s future is certainly looking green.

SmallSpark Space Systems, the award-winning rocket propulsion innovation company, is set to reach new heights as they announce a £500,000 scale-up investment from Deepbridge Capital, in a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group.

 

With their new generation of safer engines and propulsion systems, SmallSpark are redefining the UK space sector by making cost-effective and environmentally friendly access to space more readily available and lowering the barriers to space entry for UK groups seeking space access.

 

This latest capital raise from Deepbridge Capital’s Technology Growth EIS fund will enable SmallSpark to continue their commercialisation journey and take advantage of the increasing demand for agile, low-cost, dedicated launches to space for low mass satellites.

 

Speaking on the investment, Joseph Ward, CEO and Founder at SmallSpark Space Systems Limited, commented: “We are delighted to have secured this latest funding round via Deepbridge. Being at the cutting-edge of space and propulsion technology requires significant capital but offers endless possibilities. We have been delighted with our progress to date and the significant interest in our technologies from major players in our sector. This next stage of development will see the Company expand on these exciting relationships whilst continuing our product development.”

 

The investment follows a period of exceptional progress at SmallSpark, with the team growing from a total of 4 people to 7. There are plans to continue hiring; applications for Graduate and Senior engineer roles are currently open, as SmallSpark aim to double in number throughout 2022.

 

Adrian Neilan, Investment Director, Technology at Deepbridge Capital, added: “SmallSpark represents cutting edge innovation which has the potential to be at the heart of the global demand for cost-efficient technologies to enable the safe delivery of commercial launches. It is expected that the current generation of launch vehicle won’t be able to keep up with the impending boom of commercial launches, and we look forward to SmallSpark leading the way.

 

“When seeking investment opportunities, on behalf of our investors, we look for three key factors: great innovative technology, global scalability and a great team. SmallSpark absolutely ticks all of these boxes and is a great example of why the UK Government’s Enterprise Investment Scheme exists.”

 

SmallSpark has previously secured seed-stage funding from the Deepbridge Innovation SEIS fund as well as grant funding from Research England, the European Regional Development Fund and the Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology.

 

The GS Verde Group has advised serial entrepreneur Steve Williams on the seven-figure acquisition of garden machinery e-commerce business Mowers-Online.co.uk

 

The Mowers Online platform, owned by Cheltenham Mowers Ltd, is a long-standing family business, based in Gloucestershire and was run for over 20 years by local businessman Jonathan Heasman.

 

The GS Verde Group advised new owner Steve Williams, an acquisitive entrepreneur who has extensive experience in buy and build growth strategies, having recently sold his logistics business that he grew from start-up through acquisitions.

 

The acquisition of Mowers Online is the first in Mr Williams’ new buy and build strategy. Mr Williams plans to build a Group of businesses, with the capacity to provide a comprehensive online, wholesale & retail offering.

 

Speaking on the acquisition, Steve Williams said: “I am delighted the opportunity to acquire a reputable business such as Mowers Online has presented itself.   The business has been brilliantly run by Jonathan and his team over the years, and we are looking forward to building on its success”.

 

The deal was advised on by corporate finance led dealmaking business The GS Verde Group, with funding provided by HSBC UK.  The vendor was advised by accountants Francis & Co.

 

Mr Williams added: “I would like to thank the GS Verde Group, HSBC and those who helped to get this deal completed.  We are excited for the future and with the support of our advisers, are actively looking for further acquisition opportunities to build this new Group of businesses”.

 

The GS Verde Group are dealmaking experts who combine legal, finance, tax and communications advice to support businesses in getting deals done.