Category Archives: Business Expansion

Business Expansion

Exertis Enterprise: Continuing Our Commitment to Specialist Distribution with Pride and Purpose

Exertis Enterprise is pleased to acknowledge the strategic announcement made by DCC Technology regarding the sale of Exertis UK & Ireland and its subsidiaries to AURELIUS. While we congratulate Exertis UK on this milestone, we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our continued focus on delivering exceptional, specialized solutions for our customers and partners.

Exertis Enterprise is not part of this transaction and remains an integral, independent division of DCC Technology. Our mission continues as it always has — delivering tailored, outcome-driven solutions across servers, storage, components, networking, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. We help customers successfully navigate the fast-evolving IT landscape, providing expert guidance and high-quality, specialized distribution.

As part of our ongoing journey, Exertis Enterprise will also be evolving under a new identity in the coming months. This transition will mark a renewal of our focus on technical excellence, innovation, and a customer-first approach, reaffirming our dedication to providing best-in-class solutions to our partners and customers. We look forward to sharing more details of this evolution in the near future.

Jason Chibnall, Managing Director of Exertis Enterprise, said:
“Today’s announcement reinforces the unique path Exertis Enterprise has followed within DCC Technology. We remain committed to the same values that have always defined our approach: delivering specialist solutions that drive tangible business outcomes for our customers and partners. Our focus remains on providing technical expertise and a personal, solutions-led approach that sets us apart in the distribution market.”

With our extensive expertise in enterprise IT and emerging technologies like AI and hybrid cloud, Exertis Enterprise continues to provide resellers, MSPs, and integrators with the tools they need to succeed. Our focus remains on delivering tailored solutions that go far beyond the transactional, empowering our partners to scale and innovate in today’s rapidly changing IT environment.

Tom Cox, Director of Sales UK, added:
“Exertis Enterprise is more than just a distributor — we’re trusted partners to our customers. They don’t come to us for a catalogue; they come to us for insight, solutions, and results. We are proud of the relationships we’ve built, and we remain committed to providing exceptional service and value.”

As part of DCC Technology’s strategic focus on Pro Tech, Exertis Enterprise continues to play a central role in offering unmatched value through specialized distribution. Our renewed focus will bring even greater benefits to our customers and partners, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the enterprise IT landscape.

Exertis Enterprise remains committed to delivering outcome-driven solutions, exceptional customer service, and specialized expertise in every aspect of our business. As we continue to evolve, our partners and customers can expect the same high level of support, value, and trust they’ve come to rely on, now with a strengthened focus on specialist distribution excellence.

We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.

Business Expansion, Mid Wales

HDM Solar opens new Port Talbot site with Stephen Kinnock MP supporting growth in green employment

HDM Solar, one of the UK’s fastest-growing suppliers of renewable energy products, officially opened its new branch at Baglan Energy Park, Port Talbot, on Friday, July 18 — marking a major step forward in the town’s transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.

The launch event brought together local businesses, dignitaries, and members of the public to celebrate the company’s arrival in the region. Among those attending were Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg, representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council, and Mr. Philip Hunkin DL, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, along with local contractors and renewable energy professionals.

The new 17,500 sq ft premises, including a 6,000 sq ft bonded storage facility, will support around 10 new local jobs and serve trade customers across South Wales. The Port Talbot site is part of HDM Solar’s £10.2 million national expansion plan to develop 60 branches across the UK.

Crucially, Neath Port Talbot Council has helped fund the extension to the facility and is actively supporting HDM Solar’s South Wales launch. Their support aligns with wider efforts to generate investment and create future-ready industries in the face of the expected TATA Steel redundancies.

Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg said:

“It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of HDM Solar’s new branch in Port Talbot and to welcome their significant investment in our community. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to HDM Solar’s ambition, innovation, and belief in the potential of our town.

“Not only will this development create skilled jobs in the growing green energy sector, but it will also boost our local economy and support Port Talbot’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s a clear signal that our town is ready to lead in the green energy revolution.

“We’re truly delighted that HDM Solar has chosen to locate here. Their presence marks an exciting new chapter for Port Talbot, and we look forward to the opportunities, the jobs, and the green future this partnership will bring. I wish the entire team every success as they embark on this journey.”

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said:

“We’re proud to support HDM Solar’s investment in Port Talbot and welcome their commitment to creating quality green jobs in this area. The council is determined to help build a cleaner, more resilient economy, and this partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when businesses and local authorities work together.”

Adam Firth, Group CEO of HDM Solar, added:

“This opening is about more than expanding our footprint — it’s about investing in people and place. With the backing of Neath Port Talbot Council and the enthusiasm of the local business community, we’re confident this branch will thrive and play a key role in powering the green economy in South Wales.”

HDM Solar has earned a national reputation as “The Installer’s Wholesaler”, offering technical support, tailored solar and EV solutions, and delivery direct to site. The Port Talbot team will work closely with installers, businesses and trade customers to ensure a seamless, high-quality service at every stage.

In addition to its wholesale operations, HDM Solar is part of a wider group that includes HDM Energies, a sister company offering innovative commercial solar solutions. Through its Energy For All scheme, HDM Energies helps businesses access solar power with no upfront costs, installing and maintaining systems while offering electricity at significantly reduced, fixed rates. This initiative enables businesses to cut energy costs and carbon emissions without capital investment, supporting the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

Business Expansion, Homes

Shining a light on success – Dusk Lighting’s creative strategy with Visualsoft delivers 126% revenue growth

A bold creative approach and joined-up thinking have helped Dusk Lighting more than double its year-on-year revenue, proving that when it comes to performance, brand still matters.

In 2024, Dusk Lighting partnered with Visualsoft’s creative team to reimagine how its brand shows up online. The goal was clear: sharpen the identity, build a stronger emotional connection with customers, and turn creative content into commercial outcomes. One year on, the results speak for themselves:

  • 126% increase in revenue
  • 45% increase in purchases
  • 140% increase in add-to-carts

Known for contemporary and designer lighting, Dusk Lighting had already built a solid reputation for style and service. But in a crowded market, it takes more than great products to grow. What was needed was a strategy that put brand and creativity at the centre of the experience.

Jamie Moxey, eCommerce Manager at Dusk Lighting said: “Shining a light on success for Dusk Lighting’s creative strategy has been all about clarity and consistency. We’re really happy with the results of our creative-first approach with Visualsoft. Strong imagery and engaging content have made a big impact across our marketing, helping campaigns drive growth in sales and orders. Seeing an uplift has been great, especially as it hasn’t come at the expense of our ROAS value. A careful and considered approach, and it’s exciting to see it paying off.”

The creative strategy focused on:

  • High-impact visuals that told a cohesive brand story across platforms
  • Omnichannel campaigns that connected social, email, affiliates and paid media
  • Data-led decisions that balanced performance with creativity

Campaigns like Natural Radiance used seasonal trends and aspirational content to connect with audiences, while the Eglo sale leveraged smart segmentation and retargeting to drive conversions. Influencer partnerships and user-generated content helped bring a real-world feel to premium products.

Chris Fletcher, CEO of Visualsoft, added: “This work with Dusk Lighting shows the real-world value of putting creative at the heart of digital. By staying true to the brand and being deliberate about how, where and why we show up, we’ve been able to build campaigns that do more than look good – they perform. It’s a great example of what happens when teams work in sync, and creative and data are pulling in the same direction.”

The collaboration has shown how creativity, when grounded in strategy and executed consistently, can drive commercial success. Not just a lift in numbers, but a shift in perception, resulting in a strong foundation for future growth.

Business Advice, Business Expansion

New research reveals the marketing frustrations blocking SME growth

A lack of time, strategic blind spots and ever-decreasing micro-budgets are three of the real-world marketing challenges faced by UK small and medium-sized businesses in 2025.

With 58% of SMEs spending less than £250 per month on marketing and 65% citing time as their biggest barrier to growth, a new industry report is raising awareness of how under-resourced marketing teams and business owners can rethink their strategies to help them achieve more.

The report, titled “The SME marketing playbook: Smart strategies for UK SMEs to thrive”, is a collaborative guide designed to help businesses make the most of their marketing budgets.

Produced by a team of experienced marketing professionals and featuring a foreword by Claire Ferreira, founder of Mums in Marketing and a respected mentor who has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and business leaders, this report combines original data, expert commentary, and ready-to-use advice. It has been written to help SMEs overcome their biggest frustrations and barriers to growth.

The key findings from the report have been revealed.

  • 65% of in-house marketing is done by business owners themselves
  • 58% of UK SMEs spend less than £250 per month on marketing — just £3,000 annually
  • 65% of businesses say time restrictions are their biggest marketing challenge
  • 49% of SMEs lack a formal marketing strategy
  • One in five SMEs admit they “have no idea what’s working”
  • Over a quarter of SMEs (27%) say changing social media algorithms prevents marketing progress

Report co-author Amy Dawson, owner of PR and copywriting firm Gatekeeper Communications, says, “Our research has identified the problems that small and medium-sized businesses are facing. It’s easy for the industry to say that the growth in AI will help smaller businesses level up with big brands and big budgets, but the problems that most businesses face go much deeper and need to be tackled head-on.

“This report goes beyond merely identifying the issues. We’ve created actionable, easy-to-understand advice that businesses can follow, whether they want to know how to set specific KPIs, how to make the most of paid advertising or how to deal with the ever-changing social media algorithms.”

The SME marketing playbook: Smart strategies for UK SMEs to thrive outlines several key themes, including:

  • The reality of micro-budgets and underinvestment
  • Time pressures and skill shortages within in-house teams
  • The rise of freelance marketing as a flexible alternative to traditional hires
  • How firms can track ROI and build strategies rooted in business goals
  • Why changing algorithms and technology are stalling SME marketing growth

The guide also includes industry-standard pricing for marketing services, helping demystify costs for SMEs navigating marketing spend for the first time.

Digital marketing strategist Liz Malone-Johnstone from Bureau 43 adds, “As collaborators, we are small businesses ourselves. We genuinely understand the pressures that firms are facing in terms of time and budget because we face them too.

We know the impact that great marketing can have. Because, when it’s taken seriously, it turns marketing from a ‘necessary cost’ into a strategic advantage. We want other businesses to understand the steps they can take to improve their marketing activity and whom they can turn to when they need to seek help. But most importantly of all, we wanted to answer the two questions that every business asks, which are “how much should I spend on my marketing?” and “how will I know if my marketing is working?”

With this report, we’re thrilled that we can finally give that answer.”

Download your free copy straight to your inbox 

To receive a free copy of The SME marketing playbook: Smart strategies for UK SMEs to thrive straight to your inbox, please visit smemarketingreport.com

 

The report has been written in collaboration by Amy Dawson (Gatekeeper Communications), Liz Malone-Johnstone (Bureau 43), Alex Stone (award-winning marketer and fractional CMO) Annique Tate (Tate Digital Consulting), Helen Feeley (Indie Marketing), Janine Owen (JO&Co), Kate Hammond (Sunbeam Marketing), Rachel Williams (Google Ad specialist), Rosie Denham (Project Communications), Sarah Temprell (Keep it Simple Marketing Solutions) and Tania Prior (Prior Marketing & Co).

 

Image of Amy Dawson by Ross Dean photography. 

Business Expansion, HR

UK Businesses Eye Africa for Growth as New Research Highlights Strategic Opportunities

A new report from Strategy Management Partners reveals that UK business leaders are increasingly looking to Africa as a key market for long-term growth, driven by structural reforms, demographic momentum, and rapid digital transformation across the continent.

The research finds that 50% of UK businesses surveyed are already operating in Africa and planning further expansion. A further 28% are exploring opportunities but remain uncertain about how best to enter. The findings suggest a significant shift in how Africa is viewed – from a high-risk proposition to a strategically important growth market.

The primary drivers of interest among business leaders include Africa’s growing consumer markets (61%), accelerating tech adoption (61%), and its youthful, digitally connected population (50%).  Philanthropic motivations were cited by just 20% of respondents, indicating that UK businesses are primarily focused on Africa’s long-term economic potential rather than short-term gains or charitable objectives.

However, despite rising optimism, significant operational and policy challenges remain.  The top four concerns cited by UK business leaders were: political and country risk (68%); safety and security issues (66.4%); regulatory barriers and tariffs (60.4%); and the complexity of cross-border transactions (60%).  Addressing these issues will be crucial to unlocking Africa’s full potential for UK investment.

The research also highlights sector-specific opportunities aligned with Africa’s strengths, including oil and gas, renewable energy, technology, agriculture and mineral reserves. Industries that are able to bridge infrastructure gaps and support the continent’s rapid urbanisation, growing middle class, and demand for digital solutions are especially well-positioned.  However, the report cautions that success will depend on long-term commitment, local partnerships, and investment in understanding diverse regulatory environments.

“Africa presents one of the most promising growth opportunities of the next decade and is now firmly on the radar of UK businesses.  Business leaders are increasingly seeing Africa as a long-term strategic priority,” says Muibat Ijaiya, Partner at Strategy Management Partners. “But realising that potential depends on both private sector adaptability and government investment in enabling conditions — from infrastructure and talent access to regulatory reform.”

 

Business Expansion

You Don’t Need Childcare to Build Your Business; Join MiB International in Dublin This July for WE Believe

A powerful and timely event is set to take place in Dublin this July with a clear mission: to give mums in business the space, support, and strategy they need to grow without pressing pause for the summer holidays.

Taking place at the Lucan Spa Hotel, the WE Believe: Connection, Coworking & Business Specialist Support Clinic will welcome up to 50 women for a full-day, child-friendly business experience built around progress without pressure. There’s no need for childcare, no corporate pretence, and no guilt about wanting to grow a business while raising a family.

“This is not a networking event. It is a lifeline,” said Aisling Owens Nash, Regional Head of Mums in Business International and host of WE Believe. “Too many women are expected to disappear during the summer, and that isn’t good for business, or for connection and balance. We’ve created a space where they can show up, build, and connect, with their children beside them if they choose. We’re welcoming women from near and far.”

Mums in Business International was founded by Leona Burton and is on a mission to be the largest international support, education and empowerment network for mums and women in business.

Online and in-person networking events are held around the globe, with dozens of events taking place each week and thousands of women attending regularly. These events offer opportunities for connection, support, and growth, providing access to a welcoming community for women who may have previously felt excluded from traditional business spaces.

All events are inclusive and community-led, with children always welcome. The networking is friendly, relaxed and built on real relationships. This event includes:

  • Live co-working and real-time collaboration
    • Specialist support clinics on visibility, strategy, marketing, and leadership
    • A showcase of women-led businesses and services
    • Lunch, refreshments, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
    • Dedicated rest areas and child-friendly zones

In addition to business support, the day will feature a fundraising and donation station featuring Handbags: Turning Hope into Happiness, a collaboration book on sale in aid of Hopefull Handbags Global, a nonprofit organisation providing practical and emotional support to women and children escaping domestic abuse. All monies raised will be distributed within Ireland through the outreach programme.

Speakers on the day include:
• Sanda Semeika – visual brand authority
• Laura Staunton – lead magnets and marketing
• Tatiana Denise – using AI to work smarter
• Aisling Owens Nash – strategy and The Right Room Framework
• Aisling Moore – Belief Coding
• Susan Kidd – Labyrinth Healing Exercise

“We want to make sure that no woman and no child is left behind, not just in July but throughout the year, and not just in business but in life,” Aisling added. “This event is about building businesses, yes, but it’s also about building each other up and supporting as many people as we can, all year round.”

Tickets are available now, with general admission at €55 and a child subsidy of €7 per child, with refreshments and lunch included.

Book now:
https://mib.international/event/qceur-ireland-and-northern-ireland-2025-07-15-508/?wmc-currency=EUR

More details:
https://mib.international/
https://www.hopefullhandbags.org/

Business, Business Expansion, Media & Online Media

Ad Signal appoints Nick Pearce as Chief Revenue Officer to drive global growth

Ad Signal, the UK-based SaaS provider of content intelligence for the media and entertainment industry, has appointed Nick Pearce as its new Chief Revenue Officer.

Pearce joins Ad Signal with more than two decades of experience in media technology and commercial strategy, spanning expertise in software engineering, R&D and global go-to-market leadership. Beginning his career at AT&T Bell Labs, Nick has helped bring multiple disruptive innovations to market, working closely with customers, channel partners and technology alliances across the globe.

Pearce’s appointment marks a strategic milestone as Ad Signal enters its next phase of growth, following its £3 million injection from Foresight Group. He will focus on building out a global channel and technical partner network, strengthening ecosystem integrations and aligning sales and marketing to support expansion across Europe and the US.

Tom Dunning, CEO and co-founder of Ad Signal, said: “Nick brings a rare combination of deep technical understanding and commercial instinct, which makes him a perfect fit for where we’re heading as a company. He is a great addition to our senior leadership team, helping shape not only our growth strategy but also how we position Ad Signal’s long-term impact in the market. His extensive network within the media and entertainment industry, combined with his passion for purposeful, partnership-led growth, makes him a trusted voice in shaping the future of media and broadcasting, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together”.

Nick previously co-founded Object Matrix, the first object storage platform focused on the media and entertainment  (M&E) sector, where he helped grow the business from three customers in 2006 to more than 115 before its acquisition in 2023.

“Ad Signal represents exactly the kind of company I believe in,” said Pearce. “UK-based, scaling fast, and tackling meaningful, complex challenges in a completely unique way. As Chief Revenue Officer, I’m eager to support a mission that cuts storage and AI processing costs while reducing carbon emissions and driving ESG progress for customers. With such a fabulous team behind the technology, I see huge potential to expand our reach and impact.”

Business, Business Expansion

Xalient Named in FEBE Growth 100 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Xalient, a global boutique specialising in the convergence of identity-driven security and networking, has been named once again in the prestigious FEBE Growth 100, marking its fourth consecutive year on the list of the UK’s fastest-growing founder-led businesses. The FEBE Growth 100 celebrates entrepreneurial spirit and recognises companies that demonstrate exceptional growth while maintaining founder leadership. This achievement highlights Xalient’s ongoing commitment to innovation, customer success, and sustainable growth in the technology sector.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Sherry Vaswani, CEO and Founder of Xalient, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised in the FEBE Growth 100 for a fourth consecutive year. It’s a testament to the dedication of our talented global team and our shared commitment to innovation, customer success, and sustainable growth. As a founder-led business, we’ve stayed true to our vision of building a business that not only delivers real impact for our clients, but also creates a lasting positive legacy.”

FEBE measures growth using robust metrics and rigorous research, including two-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR), revenue performance, and founder involvement. All qualifying companies are UK-registered, privately owned, independent and have generated annual revenues between £3 million and £200 million with an operating profit in their latest financial year.

Charlotte Quince, founder of FEBE, said: “The Growth 100 isn’t just a leaderboard – it’s a tribute to the founders pushing boundaries, taking risks, and building brilliant businesses against all odds.”

 

For the full list and methodology, visit: www.febe.com

 

Business Expansion, Business Investment

Pareto Financial Planning maintains strong growth trend

New Partners, investment in people, industry recognition and community among other highlights 

Pareto Financial Planning, the award-winning Manchester-based financial services business, today reported a strong 13% increase in turnover and a new business growth increase of 30% for the year ending 31st March 2025.

Strong growth came from across Pareto’s portfolio of services, a notable example being within the Employee Benefits team. The team has continued to grow, working with more businesses than ever before to help them attract, retain, and care for their teams. The demand for thoughtful, tailored benefit solutions is clear, and Pareto is proud to be playing a role in helping employers support their people.

Partners

Pareto expanded its network of accountancy partners this year, welcoming strategic firms such as AKS, Sempar and Tax Plus. Through these new partnerships, Pareto extends its services to their clients and strengthens the support it provides across the wider professional community.

Awards

Pareto, for the third consecutive year, was named in the FTAdviser Top 100, as one of the Best IFAs to Work For, and newly included in Citywire’s New Model Adviser Top 100. On the security front, Pareto achieved Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation helping to ensure that client data is protected to the highest industry standards.

Paul Stones, Managing Director, Pareto Financial Planning, said, “Operating from our new headquarters in Spinningfields, the Pareto extended team has excelled again. Our mission to offer and support our clients with the highest possible standards, integrity, care and ambition remains steadfast.”

Community

Once again, Pareto put the local community front and centre of its culture of giving back. Pareto raised an impressive £12,000+ for its Charity of the Year, Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) continuing a long-standing tradition of charitable involvement that’s deeply meaningful to all of the Pareto family. Amongst a group of fabulous new recruits who made the decision to join Pareto this year, was Olivia O’Neill. Olivia joined Pareto’s Employee Benefits team after being introduced through a connection with TCT and is already proving to be a fantastic addition to the Pareto team.

 

Pareto’s full 2024 report can be found here Social Impact Report.

 

Business Expansion, Finance News, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society expands team to support continued record growth

Following its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking results, Swansea Building Society is strengthening its frontline team across its branch network and head office. The latest team expansion is part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and supporting future growth across Wales.

The Society has welcomed nine new team members across a variety of roles in recent months, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional personal service while continuing to grow and invest in its future.

Among the recent appointments are Callum Curtis, who joins as Financial Risk Manager; Conor Harrison and Daniel Clifford, both taking on Mortgage Administrator roles at the Society’s head office; and Jaimee Walters, who has joined as a Manager’s Assistant, also based at head office.

Supporting the Society’s high street presence, Paula Johnson has joined the Portland Street branch as a Manager’s Assistant, while Christopher Rice takes up the position of Branch Manager in Cowbridge. Additionally, Kathryn Chadwick has joined the Mumbles branch as a part-time Cashier, with Sally Fuller and Hayley Barnes also appointed as part-time Cashiers at the Portland Street and Carmarthen branches respectively.

The appointments come at a time of sustained success for the Society, which recently reported its strongest-ever financial results at its Annual General Meeting. This growth has been driven by a continued focus on customer service, local decision-making, and a branch-based model that puts community first.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Following another record year, we are delighted to have welcomed several new colleagues to the Society. These appointments reflect not only our ongoing growth, but our long-standing commitment to investing in our people and maintaining the personal, face-to-face service that sets us apart.

“Our branch network and head office teams are central to the Society’s success, and we are proud to continue strengthening those teams to support both existing and new members across South Wales.”

The Society, which has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored financial services and reinvesting into local communities, remains one of the few financial institutions still opening — not closing — branches. It continues to combine traditional service values with modern convenience through recent digital enhancements, including a new app and online savings platform.