Category Archives: Business News

Business, Business Investment, Business News, Business Reports, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Industry News, Industry Press Releases, Investment, Investment News, News

GS Verde Group admitted to secondary market platform JP Jenkins

GS Verde Group Limited shares now trading at JP Jenkins.

9th January 2024 – Shares in the GS Verde Group (www.gsverde.group) have been admitted to trade on JP Jenkins share dealing platform. The GS Verde Group is headquartered at The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, with additional offices in Bristol and Dublin, and is registered as a company in England and Wales under Companies House, company number 15101725.

The completion of the seven-figure raise gives the Group a £9m post-money valuation on the JP Jenkins platform, which is the UK’s oldest secondary market and has provided a marketplace for share trading for established household brands such as Dyson and Weetabix as well as football clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City.

The GS Verde Group is a multi-discipline M&A advisory business advising businesses on corporate transactions such as business sales (including Trade Sale, Management Buy-Out and Employee Ownership structures), acquisitions, investment raises and corporate re-organisations.

Through its multi-discipline structure, the business combines Law, Finance, Tax and Communications to provide a ‘one team’ advisory support to businesses.

The award-winning business has experienced fast growth through both strategic acquisitions and organic demand.   With offices in Cardiff, Bristol and Dublin, the Group employs c.90 staff across a range of professional and support disciplines.

Having won accolades as leading Dealmakers in 2022 and 2023, the business has proven demand for the ‘one team’ offering, and is looking to accelerate its growth nationally and internationally, through further strategic acquisitions, as well as investment in technology by further developing its proprietary software platform AR:Deals.

JP Jenkins is a liquidity venue for unlisted or unquoted assets in companies, enabling shareholders and prospective investors to buy and sell equity on a matched bargain basis. JP Jenkins is a trading name of InfinitX Limited an Appointed Representative of Prosper Capital LLP (FRN950991).

Shareholders wishing to trade these securities can do so through their stockbroker. Trades will be conducted at a level that JP Jenkins is able to match a willing seller and a willing buyer. Trades can be conducted, and limits can be accepted, during normal business hours. Shareholders or potential investors can place limits via their existing UK-regulated stockbroker.

The indicative pricing for the ordinary shares (ISIN: GB00BNTZFL29), as well as the transaction history, will be available on the JP Jenkins website at https://jpjenkins.com/company/gs-verde-group/

Veronika Oswald, Commercial Director of J P Jenkins said: “At JP Jenkins corporate advisors are a core part of our ecosystem in supporting private companies in liquidity and secondary market solutions. GS Verde’s admission demonstrates how our platform can not only support growth companies, but in turn support a multi-discipline M&A advisory business such as GS Verde in their own growth ambitions too. We are delighted to be able to support GS Verde with their own liquidity solution from today.”

Nigel Greenaway, Co-Founder and CEO of GS Verde Group said: “We are delighted to be trading on the prestigious JP Jenkins platform, joining such a wealth of household names in doing so.   

 

There has been overwhelming interest in our business, and this step to join the secondary market, allowing private investment into our business is a milestone step in our journey.  The investment will allow us to grow through strategic acquisition in certain areas of the UK, as well as to add firepower to our dealmaking teams in Wales, the Southwest of England and Ireland.   We can also accelerate our investment into AR:Deals, GS Verde’s own proprietary technology.”

For further information, please contact:

J P Jenkins Ltd.          

Veronika Oswald

Director           +44 (0)20 7469 0937

GS Verde Group Limited

Matthew Sutton

Company Secretary / Director       +44 (0)3330 107 8498

Business, Business News, Business Research

Welsh businesses optimistic despite investment and trade challenges

Businesses in Wales remain optimistic despite trade challenges and a continued hesitancy to invest in both equipment and training, according to Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

In Q4 of 2023, half of Welsh businesses stated that they believe that turnover will improve over the next 12 months while 42% predicted that profitability would improve, a small rise of 2% since the previous quarter.

However, investment and trade challenges persist, affecting business plans for long-term growth.

Over the last quarter, only 23% of businesses in Wales increased their investment in plant and machinery or equipment and 16% increased their investment in training. Just over half of Welsh businesses (52%) did not change their investment plans for plant and machinery or equipment and 66% did not change their investment plans for training in Q4 of 2023.

While trade fared slightly better in Q4 than Q3 of 2023, businesses in Wales have seen decreases in sales and orders both domestically and internationally. UK sales and advance orders both fell by 35% in Q4, while export sales and advance orders to overseas markets each decreased by 44%. Almost three quarters of businesses in Wales identified new markets as an opportunity for their business to recover.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey results show a small rise in business confidence and optimism in Q4; the shoots of confidence and growth are starting to appear as we begin the new year.

“However, the results also demonstrate the low growth economic climate businesses in Wales are currently operating in, as firms continue to report minimal movement in investment plans, skills development and trade.

“Building on the growth measures announced in the Autumn Statement, businesses will be looking to the Spring Statement in March for further assistance and, with a general election likely to happen this year, it is vital that a stable economy and long-term growth support is prioritised by policymakers.”

Business News, News, Technology, Telecoms

UK faces continuity risk as nearly half of businesses unaware of impending PSTN switch-off

  • Only 54% of UK businesses that will be impacted by the 2025 PSTN Switch-Off are aware of the discontinuation.
  • 74% of UK businesses do not have migration plan in place ahead of 2025 PSTN Switch-Off

Today, leading technology-based provider of communications services across Europe, Gamma Communications plc (“Gamma”), in collaboration with the Centre for Economics Business Research (Cebr) launches a new report looking at the impact of the impending 2025 PSTN Switch-Off on businesses in the UK.

The report, titled ‘The Big Switch-Off: Are UK Businesses Aware and Prepared?’ highlights that nearly one third (30%) of UK businesses are in the dark about the discontinuation of BT Openreach’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) due to be completed by December 2025. According to the analysis, which also surveyed 400 business decision makers in the UK, only 54% of businesses that will be directly impacted by the Switch-Off, are currently aware of discontinuation. This is a cause for concern as businesses are unknowingly putting their continuity at risk.

Though the Switch-Off is already underway, three quarters (74%) of businesses are yet to complete essential migration tasks. 49% of businesses haven’t started researching alternatives to form a migration plan, to ensure a seamless transition. The report also shows that there is a significant disparity in awareness across different regions as well as industry verticals in the UK.

Businesses in Northern Ireland have the lowest rate of awareness at 44% followed by businesses (47%) in Southeast England. However, in London, three-fifths (59%) of businesses are conscious of the shift, potentially giving them a competitive edge for future proofing their business. Businesses are urged to make the transition sooner rather than later. Scrambling to adopt new digital solutions at the last-minute could overwhelm providers who are already managing numerous projects, potentially leading to inadequate support for all.

Chris Wade, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Gamma, says: “The next 12 months are crucial for UK businesses still using PSTN. Our report highlights that there is still a significant number of businesses currently reliant on legacy services for customer communications, order taking, internal communications, security and even lift operation.

To ensure a smooth transition following the Switch-Off, businesses need to act now and explore alternative digital communications available to them. This way businesses can understand the benefits that come with switching to modern solutions, such as a positive impact on the business’ bottom line as well as increased flexibility and scalability. By doing so, businesses can make sure they don’t make a rash decision – instead, find the right solution for their business needs.”

Gamma’s report comes at topical time, following the national ‘Stop Sell’ announced by Openreach – where the ordering, change, or upgrade of analogue phone systems ceased –earlier this year (5th of September 2023). The important message here is that businesses without the awareness, regardless of size, could be left out of service and unable to effectively trade. The Switch-Off is happening and there is no safety net, but the benefits of moving to a digital alternative far outweigh any effort to migrate.

To read the ‘The Big Switch-Off: Are UK Businesses Aware and Prepared?’ in full, please visit https://www.gamma.co.uk/solutions/pstn-switch-off/

 

Business News, Wales News, Wellbeing

Award-winning entrepreneur Marian Evans launches membership platform for personal and professional growth

Evans, whose business success led her to buy Llansteffan Castle, has designed the new offering to cultivate wellbeing alongside business skills.

Marian Evans, the business leader, entrepreneur and executive coach who famously bought Llansteffan Castle in West Wales, has launched a new membership platform designed to equip its members with the key ingredients for personal and business success.

A new offering from Marian’s Elevate consultancy business, the membership platform is built on Marian’s belief that success is not just about developing hard business skills in areas such as leadership, negotiation and management. Personal development – working on everything from imposter syndrome to mental and physical wellness – matters just as much.

“My own business journey, and my work as an executive coach, have taught me that you need to balance personal and business development to reach your full potential,” she says. “Success is not just about being hardworking or having a great business idea. You also need self-awareness and resilience. Elevate aims to cultivate the whole package.”

Winner of Inspirational Woman of the Decade (WIB Awards) and Mentor of the Year (WIFA Awards), Marian Evans is a multi-award-winning business owner, Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Director, and Non-Executive Director.

With a background in financial services, she climbed the ranks to become one of the industry’s youngest people to be both a Chartered Insurer and Chartered Broker responsible for a book of business of £58million.

She’s also a formidable property investor who has been buying and selling properties since the age of 18. She hit the headlines in 2020 when it was revealed that four years previously she had secretly bought Llansteffan Castle, which she used to explore as a child.

“Elevate isn’t just built on my own business knowledge and experience,” says Marian. “I’m hugely excited by the calibre of the expert team we have assembled to deliver coaching, support and courses for our members.”

Among others, they include:

  • TV presenter and journalist Andrew Byrne, who anchors the BAFTA award-winning news programme Wales at Six and the ITV weekend news.
  • Stuart Arthur, who has founded, scaled and successfully exited successful technology businesses and won many industry awards – he was included in the CIO 100, BIMA 100, BCS CIO of the Year Finals, and is part of the prestigious Forbes Technology Council.
  • Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones, who founded her own niche legal practice in rural Wales when she was just 30, now employs 30 people across Wales and England, and is a leading UK agricultural lawyer.
  • Professor Dylan Jones Evans MBE, the founder of the National Start-Up Awards and the UK Fast Growth Fifty index.
  • Dr Amy Schacaluga, a pioneer in the holistic approach to healthcare with expertise as both a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Lifestyle Medicine physician.

Elevate members get access to a huge range of discounted courses, live masterclass sessions and Q&As, plus an exclusive library of content including articles and podcasts. They can learn from each other in the Elevate private members’ forum and community, and access exclusive monthly Elevate resources.

Depending on their level of membership, they can also access other benefits including a place on the Elevate Transformation Leadership Course, exclusive executive coaching sessions, opportunities to guest on podcasts, and invitations to exclusive private networking events at the Llansteffan Estate.

Elevate offers both individual and corporate membership and is aimed at anyone seeking to achieve and sustain greater personal and business success.

“From CEOs who feel exposed in the role, to people who are navigating their way as business founders, and from employees who want to climb the career ladder to business leaders who are being called on to deliver new strategies, board excellence reviews or public speeches, we offer an extraordinary support network that will provide inspiration, fresh ideas, advice and support every step of the way,” says Marian.

 

Image credit Ela Fraczkowska

Bristol, Business, Business News, News from Wales

GS Verde Group Announce Record Deal Activity and Group Revenue in 2023

GS Verde Group, the multidiscipline corporate advisory business, has reported record M&A deal activity in 2023 resulting in record revenue growth in the same period, with over £2m of additional revenue achieved in comparison to the same period in 2022.

GS Verde Group evolved into a multidiscipline corporate advisory business in 2016. The Group specialises in providing end to end advisory services to corporates, businesses and individuals looking to buy, sell or raise investment in relation to business activities.  Corporate law, corporate finance, tax, due diligence and other legal and accountancy advisory matters are covered by the range of services within the Group.

During the course of 2023, GS Verde Group has recruited 20 additional employees and made a further 10 senior promotions across its offices in Bristol, Cardiff, and Dublin. Notably Lorna Bolton was promoted to become a senior director at Group level, Joel Dunning took up the role of Head of Tax & Accounting and Mike Fenwick and Lauren Couch were promoted and recruited to lead director roles in Cardiff and Bristol respectively.

Technology entrepreneur Gavin Johns also joined the strategic Board of GS Verde Group as non-executive Chairman.

In addition to the organic hires and promotions, the Group acquired an additional business into the group in the early part of 2023, making the successful acquisition of Integrated Finance & Technology (now GS Verde Ireland) in Dublin. This step expanded the geographic reach of GS Verde Group and maintained offices in both the UK and the EU.

Experian MarketIQ recently recorded GS Verde Group as the most active dealmakers in Wales, uniquely occupying this ranking in both the corporate legal and corporate finance Experian rankings (the only firm to do so).

The success of 2023 is seen by GS Verde Group as an ideal launch pad for further growth in 2024 with several exciting plans in motion which are set to be announced in Q1 2024.

GS Verde Group founder and CEO, Nigel Greenaway said: “2023 has been another great year. It is exciting to see the year-on-year growth from 2021 and 2022 continue and accelerate in 2023. We have significant plans and opportunities to further accelerate our growth in 2024 as we look to increased market share, additional strategic hires, and new acquisitions to broaden our geographic reach.”

The GS Verde Group are the business-focused experts in getting deals done. Offering legal, finance, tax and communications services, GS Verde Group’s multidiscipline, one-team approach streamlines the M&A process, augmenting the traditional reality of corporate transactions to increase success.

For more information on the services GS Verde Group offer, you can visit their website here.

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business News, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Case Studies and Partnerships, News, Tech, UK, Wales

Flotek continues impressive growth trajectory with ninth successful acquisition in 18 months

The Flotek Group has acquired Ikona IT Solutions, a Cardiff-based IT and telecoms support company, in a deal advised on by The GS Verde Group. This marks the ninth successful acquisition for the fast-growing Flotek group since it started trading eighteen months ago.

Making a name for itself as one of the most prolific IT and communications providers in the region, Flotek is known for taking an innovative and customer-centric approach to transforming networks and digital services for a huge range of businesses. Flotek’s previous acquisitions, also advised on by The GS Verde Group, have included Gower Business Systems, Cloud9ine, Liberty Solutions (Swansea) Limited, and Saecom in South Wales, alongside England-based businesses Mazing Tree, FlexiNet, ECS Solutions, and Toolk-IT, which have facilitated the group’s geographical and service expansion.

The acquisition of Ikona IT Solutions, one of the longest-serving IT support businesses in Cardiff, is particularly poignant for Flotek, as Jay Ball, Flotek CEO, and Spiro Ginis, owner at Ikona, have known each other for 16 years. There was no doubt that the future of Ikona was being placed in good hands.

Adding another strong Cardiff business with an excellent reputation to the Group’s offering, alongside their head office, will launch Flotek’s plans for accelerated growth in the capital and establish a foundation of considerable size in the South Wales area from which to realise their expansive future ambitions.

Speaking of the acquisition, Jay said: “We are pleased that Ikona IT Solutions has joined the Flotek Group. Ikona is an IT company with a wealth of experience in providing businesses with a truly varied range of IT and communication needs, all with a stellar reputation for customer service. The acquisition of Ikona means that Flotek can add these valuable services to our diverse roster, providing a more streamlined and comprehensive service for our customers.”

 

Ikona Director, Spiro Ginis, added: “Knowing Jay and his plans for the future, I believe this acquisition will only strengthen the business and allow us to continue to provide Ikona clients with the high-quality, end-to-end IT support that they know, alongside enhanced cyber security and engineering resource options. We are excited to be part of Flotek’s impressive journey.”

 

Following the recent launch of Flotek Legal, delivering cloud-based technology and streamlined workflow solutions to the legal sector, this acquisition continues the ambitious trajectory the company has charted since its inception in April 2022. Showing no signs of slowing down as the end of the year approaches, Flotek is currently working on two additional deals to be announced before 2024 arrives.

For more information about Flotek and the services it offers, please visit https://flotek.io/

The GS Verde group are business-focused experts in getting deals done. Working as a complete advisory team, GS Verde supports clients through a streamlined deal process, achieving the best possible outcome.

Business News, News

Revenues increase 22% at Edwin James Group

Leading engineering services provider, Edwin James Group, has reported a robust set of results for the year ending February 2023. Turnover increased to £175m from £145m in 2022.  EBITDA increased by 16% year on year despite the challenging economic environment.

The group has a clear strategy to harness the synergies of its three brands to offer a complete range of infrastructure, process and digital engineering services, covering the full life cycle of assets. A significant increase in the group order book to £800m in February 2023, up from £545m in 2022, positions the group for further growth through 2023 and into 2024.

Commenting on the results, Christopher Kehoe, CEO of Edwin James Group, said: “This is another strong year for the group. Our strategy to harness the collective expertise of our three brands is working. We’re helping our customers to realise the full potential of their asset base and driving up standards of productivity, reliability and sustainability. This, combined with our commitment to delivering exceptional service, has established us as a market leader in the UK engineering services sector.

“Despite a turbulent economic outlook, we have increased revenues, and the significant rise in our forward order book means that the group is in a robust position to continue delivering growth.”

 

Edwin James Group has continued to make significant investments in talent, training and technology. A new Digital Academy in Daresbury is the third purpose-built training facility to be opened by the group. It will support further investment in apprenticeships and upskilling existing staff in modern industrial technologies.

 

Christopher Kehoe continued: “Our people are vital to our success, and it’s important that we ensure they have the right skills, both now and into the future. We have clear routes for progression through our Academy programmes. This year, we have undertaken significant professional and management training, and through our new Digital Academy we’re ensuring our colleagues and new recruits stay up to date on the latest industrial technologies.”

 

Bristol, Business News, Wales News

GS Verde Group appoint Lauren Couch as Corporate Finance Director

Award-winning dealmaking business GS Verde Group has appointed Lauren Couch as a Corporate Finance Director within its growing team.

The appointment will see Lauren take a role as a lead Corporate Finance Director, based at GS Verde’s Bristol office. The GS Verde Group Bristol office services the South West region, and has developed a growing pipeline of transactions, which makes the appointment timely.

Lauren is joining GS Verde Group from Growth Lending (formerly called Boost Capital) where she was the Chief Revenue Officer responsible for maximising profit through revenue growth, pioneering strategy, enhancing client experience and being a national spokesperson for the business.

Lauren has 22 years’ experience in finance and has previously held leadership roles within the banking and finance sector. The roles have specialised in private equity, venture debt, asset-based lending, and invoice financing.

Commenting on her new role at GS Verde Group, Lauren said: “I’m looking forward to joining such an ambitious business, and excited to be a part of the Group’s amazing growth, particularly as they experience continuous growth in Bristol, the South West and throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Craig Blackmore, Chief Financial Officer of GS Verde Group, added: “We are delighted to welcome Lauren to GS Verde Group as a Director of Corporate Finance. Lauren’s ambitious, innovative mindset reflect the values of GS Verde Group as a dynamic, successful multidiscipline business and we are excited to see how Lauren’s expertise and valuable skills will aid in the continuous growth of GS Verde Group.”

GS Verde Group are specialist mergers and acquisition advisors. The Group includes Law, Finance, Accountancy, Tax and Communications in one multidiscipline team which provides clients with a unique end-to-end service that increases optimal outcomes for business transactions.

Lauren concluded: “It is evident that expert assistance and a fresh approach to business transactions is needed for business leaders to grow their business today. GS Verde Group’s dynamic and modern, multidiscipline approach to deal-making fills that gap in the market and answers that need for a holistic, end-to-end service.”

Lauren’s appointment as a Corporate Finance Director at GS Verde Group illustrates the Groups’ commitment to its core values by attracting like-minded, innovative talent, and signals a bright future for the Group as Lauren brings her expertise and creativity to the business.

The GS Verde Group are business focused experts in getting deals done. The group combines multiple disciplines including law, tax, finance, and communications, to provide end-to-end support as a complete advisory team.

Business News, News from England, News from Wales, South West

Dock Solutions Completes Management Buyout

Dock Solutions, the UK’s largest manufacturer of loading bay equipment, is pleased to announce the completion of a management buyout led by General Manager Joshua Hale in a deal advised on by the Cardiff-based GS Verde Group.

With a strong trading history of nearly 20 years, Dock Solutions offers bespoke manufacturing of levellers, lifts, industrial doors, and shelters, as well as product maintenance carried out by their expert team.

Joshua Hale has been an integral part of the company’s growth in recent years. Starting as an apprentice in 2016, Joshua quickly became committed to Dock Solutions’ ethos and vision, building great relationships and excelling in his role.

Joshua would eventually play a key role in growing Dock Solutions’ annual turnover from £2.6m to £4.9m in the space of four years, and the business achieving chartered status in 2020. Now, Joshua has completed an MBO of the business he first joined as an apprentice seven years ago.

Under the new ownership, Dock Solutions will remain dedicated to its commitment to go the extra mile for their customers and to upholding the history of British manufacturing and engineering with the products and services they provide.

The Management Buyout of Dock Solutions also means the business can continue its growth plans of expanding across the UK and opening a northern depot in Q1 of 2024, led by the people who know the business best.

Speaking on the MBO and his journey with Dock Solutions, Joshua said: “Back in 2016, I had a job paying £5.50 per hour, and as an apprentice I never would have thought I’d be in this position today. It is a great example of how apprenticeships work in certain industries, and I am so excited to take Dock Solutions into the future with our fantastic team at the helm.”

GS Verde Group was delighted to support Joshua and Dock Solutions in this exciting new chapter for the business, working with them throughout the deal-making process to achieve an optimal outcome for Dock Solutions’ continued success and the new management team’s ambitions for the future.

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Bristol, Business Expansion, Business Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business News, Mergers & Acquisitions, News from England, South West

Rawlings Group Ltd Extends Service Offering with Strategic Acquisition of Paper Bag Company

Rawlings & Son Ltd (Rawlings Group), a multi-brand packaging and drink processing specialist, has acquired Paper Bag Company, in a seven-figure deal advised on by the GS Verde Group.

 

The acquisition brings together the largest independent glass packaging supplier in the UK and the market-leading supplier of bespoke bags for retail and business.

Rawlings Group has a rich history dating back to 1850, starting out by washing and recycling beer bottles and selling them to breweries. Today, Rawlings Group prides itself on its collaborative approach to packaging development and experience-led service, as well as having a focus on sustainability and working towards environmentally positive options.

Paper Bag Co. has been providing alternatives to plastic bags for businesses and retail spaces since its inception 18 years ago. The business draws on expertise in both digital and traditional printing techniques to create a wide range of high-quality, tailored paper, canvas, and reusable cotton bags for their clients.

Rawlings Group and Paper Bag Co. both prioritise an ethical approach to their products and supply chain. Through their accreditations and supply chain Paper Bag Co can offer a wide range of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS organic) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified products; this level of transparency underpins a shared culture and commitment to protect the environment.

Rawlings Group CEO, Tom Wood, said of the acquisition: “The acquisition of Paper Bag Co is an exceptional opportunity for the Rawlings Group. By expanding our product offering in this space we will further develop our range of packaging services that share an ethical and sustainable focus, offering clients an end-to-end service for most packaging requirements.”

Paper Bag Co. CEO, Jon Marling added: “Rawlings Group was the perfect option to continue our journey on a larger platform. The Rawlings team’s ethos and purpose are very much aligned with ours and we are looking forward to developing our people and growing our positive impact & synergies in the future.”

The multidiscipline team at GS Verde Group advised Rawlings at every stage of the transaction, providing legal, financial and tax support for a streamlined and successful corporate transaction.