All posts by Ellyn Wright

Apprenticeships, News

ISA Training Pioneers Virtual Reality Training for Hairdressing Apprentices in Wales

ISA Training, a leading apprenticeship provider in Wales, is breaking new ground by becoming the first to offer training through virtual reality (VR). Set to launch in August 2023, this innovative initiative in partnership with CEMET promises to revolutionise the teaching and learning experience for hairdressing apprentices.

 

Virtual reality will be integrated into the salon environment, providing learners with a risk-free and sustainable platform to master their skills. By offering VR technology, ISA Training aims to enhance the learning experience for apprentices, allowing them to develop hair colouring techniques and improve without potential damage to clients’ hair or wastage of chemical products.

 

The collaboration with CEMET, known for its expertise in cutting-edge technology such as Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence. This partnership evolved through the dedicated efforts of ISA Training’s Digital Development Officer, Daniel Sims, who identified CEMET’s commitment to supporting Welsh SMEs through innovative technologies.

 

“ISA Training is proud to be at the forefront of incorporating emerging technologies into education,” says Deborah Birkett, the Curriculum Development Manager at ISA Training. “By leveraging the power of virtual reality, we are providing our apprentices with an unparalleled learning experience in a safe and interactive environment, while fostering their curiosity and interest in emerging technologies.”

 

The VR resource, following comprehensive testing to ensure alignment with learning objectives, will be accessible to all hairdressing apprentices enrolling with ISA Training over the next six months and beyond.

 

“Embracing technology in education is a natural progression in response to generational shifts in learning expectations,” adds Birkett. “Our commitment to integrating technology aligns perfectly with the digital 2030 strategy, ensuring our apprentices develop essential digital competencies throughout their educational journey.”

 

ISA Training is part of the Educ8 Training Group.

 

For more information on ISA Training and its innovative VR program, visit https://www.isatraining.co.uk/

News

Board promotion for Lorna Bolton at GS Verde Group

 

Award-winning dealmaking business GS Verde Group, have announced the promotion of Lorna Bolton to Group Director and to the Executive Board of the Group.

 

Lorna, an experienced commercial and IP lawyer, with a background in the Aviation sector, joined GS Verde several years ago as a Senior Solicitor.   Lorna has worked her way up through the business, having been promoted to Head of Commercial, and then more recently to the Law Board of the business.

 

Commenting on the promotion, Lorna said: “I am delighted to be promoted to Group Director and to join the Executive Board.  The Group has grown so quickly, it has been such an exciting time to be involved, and I am delighted to be part of the focused growth plans the Board have for the years to come.”

 

GS Verde is a high-growth business, having fully formed as a multi-discipline group 5 years ago, it has grown to over 90 staff across several locations in Bristol, Cardiff and Dublin. The Group is on target to achieve £7m in turnover this year and continue its form as one of UK’s leading Dealmaker businesses.

 

Rhian Osborne, Chief Operating Officer at GS Verde Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Lorna to the Executive Board. Developing and promoting people from within is a core value of the business, and I am pleased to see Lorna’s exceptional talent and hard work rewarded, and pleased the Board will benefit from her appointment”.

 

The multi-discipline approach of the dealmaking business creates a unique end to end advisory service for M&A transactions. With Law, Finance, Accountancy, Tax and Communications in one Group, the model is proving popular with business owners, and the appointment of Lorna to the Board, further develops the strong mix of the varied professional services represented at the most senior level.

 

Lorna added: “The unique approach of the Group has led to fantastic client loyalty, with clients often praising the benefits of having ‘One Team’ to work with. That unique multi-discipline approach is demonstrated in its diverse backgrounds of Directors too.  I cannot wait to be part of the next stage of our growth”.

 

Apprenticeships, Education News

Leading Equestrian Training Provider Launches Apprenticeship in Equestrian Sporting Excellence

Leading Equestrian Training Provider, Haddon Training, has launched their Apprenticeship in Equestrian Sporting Excellence (AESE), a flagship programme that aims to nurture and develop talented riders in their pursuit of excellence.

 

AESE is tailored around the equestrian Olympic disciplines and delivered in direct partnership with British Eventing and British Showjumping, alongside key figures within the Dressage community. Learners will represent one of the following disciplines: dressage, para dressage, showjumping, or eventing. By focusing on their chosen discipline, apprentices will gain specialised knowledge and skills that can propel their careers forward.

 

Learners also have the opportunity to receive coaching from world-class trainers at specialist camps that take place at regular intervals during their time on the programme. Renowned experts in the industry, including Heike Holstein, Charlie Hutton, Andrew Saywell and Corinne Bracken, will provide invaluable guidance and mentorship.

 

“AESE is such a unique programme and fits into an area of the industry that other qualifications don’t fulfil.  It is targeted at riders working within the industry to enable them to maximise their potential. We are supporting the next generation and developing their individual skills.”- Charlie Hutton – International Dressage rider and coach

 

As an apprenticeship, the AESE qualification primarily takes place in equestrian yards, allowing learners to gain practical experience in real-world settings. Apprentices will be paid and employed at their chosen yard throughout the duration of the programme, offering them a valuable opportunity to earn while they learn.

 

Course subjects for AESE 2023 include development of technical and tactical skills, media communications, nutrition, and psychological and emotional performance.

 

“The best part of my apprenticeship is how much confidence I have gained and the progression in my riding, which is incredible! I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and I love my new independent lifestyle.” – Emilia Bishop, former Equestrian Sporting Excellence Apprentice

 

This apprenticeship replaces the highly successful AASE programme, is available to individuals based in England and is equivalent to A-Level standard.

 

Athletes can enrol now for a September 2023 start.

 

To learn more about AESE and Haddon Training, visit: https://haddontraining.co.uk/sporting-excellence-programme-overview/

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News

Flotek Group Eyes New Acquisition Target After Integration Success

Flotek Group, a fast-growing Managed IT and Telecom Service provider, is ready for the next phase of the buy and build strategy. Having completed 8 acquisitions in 12 months, Flotek Group now have 5 offices across the UK with a key focus on the South West.

 

Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek Group, attributes the company’s rapid growth to the seamless integration of acquired businesses across multiple sectors, including IT, telecom communications, and data infrastructure throughout the UK.  With a focus on culture alignment from the outset, Flotek’s 100-day integration plan clearly outlines goals and key performance indicators.

 

Jay said: “Our focus when approaching potential targets has always been to create win-win deal structures. By establishing trust with sellers from day one, we facilitate smoother and more successful integration processes.”

 

Mark Wyatt, Former Director & owner of Gower Business System commented: “Having developed the business’ success during the past three decades, it’s extremely important to me that we continue to build on Gower Business System’s legacy, and serve our loyal & fantastic customers.

 

“Flotek’s employee-led and customer-centric business model perfectly aligns with Gower Business System’s ethos. I am pleased to see after one year since joining Flotek Group, our customers now benefit from extended services such as cloud telephony, Microsoft Cloud and an enhanced cyber security service. I am delighted to see everything agreed during the negotiation with the deal have been successfully fulfilled and exceeded my expectations.”

 

Flotek Group has recently secured prestigious NHS contracts as a data infrastructure installer, covering areas in Swansea, Hywel Dda, Powys, and Cwm Taf. This achievement reinforces Flotek’s commitment to delivering exceptional services and further solidifies its position as a trusted provider in the industry.

 

Building upon a strong foundation of growth and success in its first year, Flotek Group is actively seeking to engage with Communications or IT companies with a turnover ranging from £350k to £2m for potential discussions.

 

Jay added: “We frequently receive enquiries regarding the acquisition of our competitors, as we have been transparent about our previous acquisitions. However, these enquiries often come when the competitors are looking to sell, which may not allow them to receive the true value they deserve.

 

“Our approach is to establish a longer-term relationship with potential sellers, align our goals, and assist them in achieving the necessary value for a successful exit in the future.”

 

Learn more about Flotek at www.flotek.io.

 

News

GS Verde Group Launches Employee Ownership Toolkit in Celebration of EO Day

In celebration of Employee Ownership Day on June 23rd, GS Verde Group, a leading dealmaker in the UK, launches the EOT Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help businesses navigate through the process of Employee Ownership transaction.

 

Run by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA), each EO Day, thousands of employee owners, EO businesses and supporters of employee ownership from across the UK come together to raise awareness of the benefits and impact of employee ownership.

 

GS Verde Group has seen an increased interest in EOT as a succession route in recent years. Notable deals GS Verde Group had advised on include:

 

Paramount: Paramount completed the Employee Ownership transaction in June 2021. The company has since enjoyed exponential growth winning prestigious projects such Gareth Bale’s Par59 Bar in Cardiff and the 3 Rivergate building in Bristol.

 

Educ8 Training: The staff of Caerphilly-based company Educ8 Training Group became majority shareholders of the business, in April 2022. Since becoming employee-owned, Educ8 Training Group has completed two further acquisitions and the business has continued to grow significantly.

 

Kenton Group: The Employee Buy-Out was completed at international telecommunications firm The Kenton Group via an Employee Ownership Trust in November 2022. The new employee-focused structure benefits the team and The Kenton Group as a whole, as it embarks on its next phase of growth.

 

GS Verde Group’s EOT Toolkit includes an Introductory guide to EOT, an explanation video, an integration guide, and a webinar recording featuring Grant Santos, CEO of Educ8 Training, speaking about his experience of completing the transaction.

 

The toolkit aims to provide knowledge and guidance on transitioning to an employee-owned model, including legal and financial considerations, governance structures, and best practices for employee engagement. Furthermore, it provides customisable templates for internal announcement and training, making it easier for businesses to effectively communicate the benefits of employee ownership to their workforce post-transaction.

 

“Employee Ownership Day is a time to celebrate the tremendous impact that employee-owned companies have on our economy,” said David Dulieu, Chief Commercial Officer at GS Verde Group. “The GS Verde Group EOT Toolkit aims to empower businesses to embrace employee ownership as a driver of innovation, productivity, and long-term sustainability. By equipping organisations with the tools and resources they need, we foster a culture of shared ownership and ensure that employees have a voice in shaping their future.”

 

GS Verde Group has a proven track record with EOT transactions. The launch of the EOT Toolkit further solidifies their commitment to promoting the benefits of employee ownership and championing a more equitable and inclusive business landscape.

 

To learn more about the GS Verde EOT Toolkit and how it can help organisations embrace employee ownership, visit https://www.gsverde.group/employee-ownership-tools

Employee Engagement, News

Construction recruitment experts celebrate anniversary of EOT success

 

Construction recruitment experts Sphere Solutions are marking the first anniversary of becoming employee owned, which has boosted the business’ workplace culture and earned record levels of growth.

 

Providing technical, qualified staff across multiple levels to almost 900 companies in the building, construction management, civil engineering, rail, housing, architecture and mechanical and electrical sectors, Sphere Solutions established an Employee Ownership Trust in April last year.

 

The transaction saw shareholder directors James Hughes and James Parsons sell the majority shareholding of Sphere Solutions to employees, via the Trust. The pair were motivated to meaningfully recognise the team’s contribution to Sphere Solutions and identified an EOT as the right succession plan that ensured security and long-term growth for all.

 

Developing the business’ existing people-centric approach through employee ownership has unlocked further growth at Sphere Solutions, which has filled 19,000 vacancies and placed around 8,500 individuals into construction roles at all levels. With growth ambitions across South Wales, the South West, and into new construction sectors, along with an ongoing commitment to ensuring social value, the team at Sphere Solutions has also increased in size significantly since becoming employee owned.

 

Based on Sphere Solutions’ impressive performance in the last year, individual profit distributions approved by the trust saw all eligible employees receive a tax-free bonus of £3,600 each.

 

Bryn Jones, Finance Director of Sphere Solutions, said: “The decision by James and James to pass the business to us as employees was a huge show of trust and it’s fantastic to feel so valued. The EOT truly empowers us all to take Sphere Solutions to new levels going forward, which is really exciting.”

 

Also felt across the business is the knowledge-sharing that employee ownership encouraged. With more transparency and clarity about the business’ operations and performance, this heightened communication has led to greater learner opportunities.

 

For the employee council too, a diverse group of staff has represented the whole team’s interests, gaining strategic insights and management experience. Sarah Webb, member of the Employee Council, commented: “Having the platform to discuss ways in which we can improve the business and help to implement new ideas is fantastic.”

 

A clear benefit to staff, Sphere Solutions has cited its EOT as improving staff retention, and even playing a key role in attracting new talent to the business.

Employee Engagement, News

Educ8 Training celebrates UK Employee Ownership Day

Staff of Educ8 Training Group based in south Wales, are celebrating UK Employee Ownership Day on Friday 23 June.

 

The event is run by the Employee Ownership Association and this year’s theme is #TheEOeffect. It aims to showcase the positive impact employee ownership has on employees, business, the wider economy, communities and the environment.

 

Formed in 2004 and employing over 250 members of staff, Educ8 Training Group is an employee owned and award winning provider of apprenticeships and training. It became an Employee Owned company in February 2022.

 

Colin Tucker, Chairman of Educ8 Training Group said, “Our people mean everything to us. Without a motivated and engaged workforce the company would not have achieved the growth and accolades it has. We were immensely proud to transition to employee ownership.

 

Working with the EOT and Group Board, we want to create an environment where we become exemplars in the EOT world, driving wealth through our employees and into our communities. We are excited for the future and look forward to working with all our partners to achieve our collective aspirations.”

 

Grant Santos, CEO of Educ8 Training Group added, “It is difficult to believe over a year has passed since Educ8 become an Employee Owned business. The past year has been extremely busy, with Haddon Training and Aspire2Be joining the group and achieving further growth. We have grown by 50 members of staff and our employee owned status has undoubtably helped with staff retention and recruitment.”

 

In conjunction with EO Day, Educ8 Training Group is launching an employee forum to further support the work of the EOT and bolster employee engagement. The forum will act as a conduit between the EOT, the group’s executive board and the employees.

 

The group is also launching a competition for staff to design a logo for the EOT, with a prize for the chosen entry.

 

James de le Vingne, CEO for the Employee Ownership Association said, “Companies such as Educ8 Training Group are great examples of the economic and social benefits that can be achieved when employees have a say in the business in which they work. Since it started, the reach of EO Day and the scale of the employee ownership sector has grown, with both having more than doubled in the past few years. Now, we have the opportunity to accelerate the pace of growth and reach even wider audiences to shout about employee ownership and its impact.

 

The benefits that employee ownership provides the business and employees is something this year’s EO Day will raise awareness of. At a time of economic turbulence, EO’s benefits for employees, businesses and local areas is particularly relevant. By celebrating, we can help showcase the impact of employee ownership and #TheEOeffect.”

 

Numerous events will run across the UK, with the involvement of thousands of employee owners and partners. EO Day was introduced to raise awareness of employee ownership as an economically strong and balanced business model.

 

Tracey O’Neill, Head of HR at Educ8 Training Group said, “Being part of an EOT provides security for our future, knowing that if we sell the company the EOT’s share of the sale proceeds would be divided amongst the employees.  Who knows what opportunities may lay ahead in years to come. The EOT provides a legacy which will continue and grow. If in years to come there is a future sale it will allow employees to share in that reward which is pretty amazing.”

 

The benefits of employee ownership have been proven in EOA led research. Benefits include improving employee health and wellbeing, increasing productivity and fostering creativity and innovation across an array of industry sectors.

 

UK employee owned companies contribute over £30 billion to the UK economy annually. Additionally, employee owners have higher levels of job satisfaction, feel a greater sense of achievement and job security, and are more likely to recommend their workplace than employees in non-employee owned businesses.

 

Employee owned businesses operate in a range of sectors including healthcare, social care, education and training, transport, manufacturing, retail and professional services.

 

Find out more about Educ8 Training Group, become part of our EOT and join our team. Visit: www.educ8training.co.uk

 

Apprenticeships, Education News, Employment, HR, Human Resources, News from Wales

Training provider calls for more apprenticeship places to address skill shortage

Leading UK training provider, Educ8 Training Group, is calling for more businesses to include apprenticeship opportunities in their recruitment strategy to tackle skills shortages.

 

The Learning and Work Institute forecast the UK skills shortage would cost the country £120bn by 2030 amid a shortfall of 2.5 million highly-skilled workers.

 

Ann Nicholas, Customer Account Director at Educ8 Training said, “The job market has seen significant changes since the Covid pandemic and employers now want to diversify their strategy in order to retain the best talent. As a training provider supporting over 3,000 employers, we have heard first-hand from businesses how apprenticeships can support recruitment and upskill talent.”

 

A lack of management skills within an organisation often creates issues in productivity. Our ILM qualifications assist both learners and employers to improve their confidence in obtaining these important management skills needed to grow the business.”

 

UK employers spend just half of the EU average on training per worker. Apprenticeship programmes could work alongside existing in-house training to upskill staff in a cost-effective way.

 

Orbis Education & Care is a provider of specialist services for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism. In 2022, 43 of their staff members enrolled on apprenticeships with Educ8 Training.

 

Debra Derham, Learning and Development Manager at Orbis said, “Our staff have accessed a range of apprenticeship qualifications through Educ8 Training. This has enabled their career progression while being able to access recognised vocational qualifications.”

 

An apprenticeship programme provides clear career progression. It helps the employer and employee focus on individual and professional development.

 

Lucy Williams studies with Educ8 Training and progressed from an unemployed factory worker with no qualifications to a care manager. She said, “Apprenticeships have helped me progress my career. All the knowledge and skills I have picked up through studying have got me where I want to be within the company. There is always time to learn, no matter how old you are.”

 

Apprenticeships support the current skills shortage and also prepare people for the future workforce. The UK government has a solid strategy for the UK economy to meet the net zero emissions target by 2050. Green skills are urgently needed to deliver this strategy.

 

Educ8 Training are set to launch a new Energy and Carbon Management course. It will be one of the first qualifications of its kind in the UK to upskill workers to help drive their organisations’ goals in lowering carbon emissions and developing more sustainable working practices.

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News, South Wales, Swansea, Telecoms, Telecoms News, Wales

Flotek Completes 8th Acquisition in 12 Months

Flotek has acquired Liberty Solutions (Swansea) Limited, a telecommunications provider based in Swansea. The deal is the 8th acquisition for IT & Comms MSP Flotek Group since launching in April 2022 by CEO, Jay Ball.

 

Flotek is known for its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach. With a mission to help SMEs consolidate data and voice communications with one trusted provider, the acquisition further enhances the offering to Flotek’s customers.

 

Founded by Andre Morgan, Liberty Solutions is a telecommunications provider offering telephone systems, telephone lines and business broadband solutions tailored to small and medium sized businesses.

 

Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek, said: “We are pleased that Liberty Solutions is now part of the Flotek family. They have been a trusted telecom provider for local businesses in and around South Wales, joining Flotek means customers will now benefit from Managed IT & Cybersecurity services from one technology provider.”

 

Flotek’s growth strategy is driven by its core value of providing customers a single point of contact for all their technology needs.

 

On Flotek’s rapid growth, Jay continues: “Having completed 8 acquisitions in 12 months, we now have 4 Swansea bases as well as multiple locations in England. Expanding our market share so rapidly in such a short period of time has been a great first step in our long term growth strategy.

 

“Right now, our priorities are integrating and operating as one business with clearly defined goals. We continue to communicate with all parts of the business to ensure integration plans are on track ready for any future acquisitions.”

 

Previous deals made by Flotek include Gower Business Systems, Cloud9ine and Saecom in South Wales and Mazing Tree, FlexiNet, ECS Solutions and Toolk-IT, which enabled the group’s geographical expansion as well as enhancing Flotek’s service offering.

 

Multidiscipline dealmakers GS Verde Group structured and advised on the deal.

Connect with Flotek: at www.flotek.io.

 

Business, Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News, Construction, Construction News, North of England

MBO at multidiscipline construction company fuels turnkey ambitions

Multidisciplinary construction company the Beech Group (John Beech Limited) has announced the successful completion of a Management Buyout that will fuel the business’s focussed growth and turnkey service delivery plans, a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group.

 

Established September 1963, John Beech Limited has experienced significant change over the years, as methods and legislation both influenced ‘smarter’ and ‘safer’ working. Beech Group even had the privilege of undertaking works with the late Fred Dibnah, when a pint and demolition went hand in hand – though nowadays it is a cup of tea and biodiesel (HVO).

 

Set to celebrate their 60th year of trading in September, the Birkenhead-based Group has developed a wide range of services including demolition, scaffolding, geotechnical, asbestos surveying and removal, mechanical and electrical installation, and construction design management. The business’s clients come from a variety of sectors and include the likes of Land Rover, Stellantis – Vauxhall, Essar Oil UK – Stanlow, and Alder Hey NHS.

 

The MBO, led by Gareth Vaughan, will allow the company to begin to fulfil their focussed growth and turn-key service delivery plans, building upon a long and established reputation, in the commercial, industrial, automotive, and petrochemical sectors.

 

Since joining John Beech Limited in May 2021, Gareth has enabled the business to go beyond historic trading, from a £5-6m turnover, to over £12m 2022/2023, and from an historical average EBIDTA of £500k to £2.5m 2022/2023. The business is set to continue on this upward trend.

 

Managing Director of John Beech Limited, Gareth Vaughan commented: “The Beech Group has a well-established, experienced team in place to deliver some of the most hazardous services to new and continually valued clients. We are committed to the continued delivery of our specialist services to identify, manage, control and reduce and remove hazards, whilst protecting clients, their employees, and their brand reputation.”

Sellers Philip Jordan and Christopher Wainwright have supported the management team, providing them with an opportunity to take full control of the business with financial backing from SME Capital.

Said Philip Jordan: “We would like to thank all those involved who made the MBO possible. Gareth has been an integral part of the Beech Group, utilising his broad skillset and knowledge to expand and further develop our services and we look forward to seeing the business flourish under his leadership.”

 

Multidiscipline dealmaking experts GS Verde Group advised throughout every aspect of the transaction, including the financial analysis and forecasting, valuation, funding arrangements and legal structuring.