North of England construction firm, Esh Group, has reported a return to profitability for 2021 with a £9 million turnaround from the previous year’s results.

The Queen’s Award-winning company, which has undergone a comprehensive programme of simplifying and re-focusing business operations over the past four years, saw turnover increase to £255 million and posted an operating profit of £4 million. Turnover is up £32 million from the previous year, representing one of the most significant periods of growth in the firm’s history.

The Group’s chief executive, Andy Radcliffe, said: “We are delighted to report a remarkable improvement in profitability, particularly during another year which was marred by the impact of the global pandemic.

“This achievement is no mean feat and is underpinned by the cumulative efforts over the last four years to reposition the group to target resilient sectors of the construction industry which demonstrate long-term stable fundamentals.

“Despite continued pressures emanating from supply chain constraints and elevated levels of cost inflation, our efforts to deliberately design a business model that allows the smoothing of positive and negative factors across our operations has paid dividends, allowing us to insulate a large part of the business from levels of inflation not seen in our generation.”

The privately-owned firm ended 2021 with £21 million in liquid cash and remains debt free, without drawing on its £7 million credit facility at any point in the year. Gross profit margins climbed to 6.7% from a comparable 4.9% the previous year – the highest it has been in six years.

“While we continue to face headwinds, along with the wider industry, our focus on increasing turnover via routes to market which present reduced risk provides us with a stable footing on which to continue our growth plans,” Radcliffe added.

Boasting a forward order book of more than £500 million, Esh Group has focused on developing a balanced portfolio across its civil engineering, affordable housing, commercial build, and private housebuilding divisions. It’s growing pipeline of land led schemes across the North East is worth £80 million, with planning applications currently submitted for affordable housing, extra care and general needs housing in Sunderland, Gateshead and Northumberland. The landmark restoration of the Tyne Bridge and the Stockton Waterfront regeneration scheme are notable recent wins for its civil engineering division.

Radcliffe concluded: “I am incredibly proud of the team at Esh. Their resilience, commitment and ingenuity in dealing with the many challenges we have faced as we worked to fundamentally reposition the group is nothing short of amazing. Our gratitude, as always, goes out to our clients, our supply chain and wider stakeholders – we are who we are due to the determination of a large group of people who believe that we only succeed, if we all succeed.”

To find out more about Esh Group, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk

North of England construction firm, Esh Group, has reported a return to profitability for 2021 with a £9 million turnaround from the previous year’s results.

The Queen’s Award-winning company, which has undergone a comprehensive programme of simplifying and re-focusing business operations over the past four years, saw turnover increase to £255 million and posted an operating profit of £4 million. Turnover is up £32 million from the previous year, representing one of the most significant periods of growth in the firm’s history.

The Group’s chief executive, Andy Radcliffe, said: “We are delighted to report a remarkable improvement in profitability, particularly during another year which was marred by the impact of the global pandemic.

“This achievement is no mean feat and is underpinned by the cumulative efforts over the last four years to reposition the group to target resilient sectors of the construction industry which demonstrate long-term stable fundamentals.

“Despite continued pressures emanating from supply chain constraints and elevated levels of cost inflation, our efforts to deliberately design a business model that allows the smoothing of positive and negative factors across our operations has paid dividends, allowing us to insulate a large part of the business from levels of inflation not seen in our generation.”

The privately-owned firm ended 2021 with £21 million in liquid cash and remains debt free, without drawing on its £7 million credit facility at any point in the year. Gross profit margins climbed to 6.7% from a comparable 4.9% the previous year – the highest it has been in six years.

“While we continue to face headwinds, along with the wider industry, our focus on increasing turnover via routes to market which present reduced risk provides us with a stable footing on which to continue our growth plans,” Radcliffe added.

Boasting a forward order book of more than £500 million, Esh Group has focused on developing a balanced portfolio across its civil engineering, affordable housing, commercial build, and private housebuilding divisions. It’s growing pipeline of land led schemes across the North East is worth £80 million, with planning applications currently submitted for affordable housing, extra care and general needs housing in Sunderland, Gateshead and Northumberland. The landmark restoration of the Tyne Bridge and the Stockton Waterfront regeneration scheme are notable recent wins for its civil engineering division.

Radcliffe concluded: “I am incredibly proud of the team at Esh. Their resilience, commitment and ingenuity in dealing with the many challenges we have faced as we worked to fundamentally reposition the group is nothing short of amazing. Our gratitude, as always, goes out to our clients, our supply chain and wider stakeholders – we are who we are due to the determination of a large group of people who believe that we only succeed, if we all succeed.”

To find out more about Esh Group, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk

Kocho, UK-based provider of cyber security, identity, cloud transformation and managed services, today announced that it has acquired Surrey-headquartered Mobliciti, the award-winning managed service provider (MSP) specialising in enterprise mobility, security and wireless connectivity solutions. The deal adds strategic mobile management and security capabilities to Kocho’s growing service portfolio, allowing customers of both organisations to benefit from an end-to-end range of best-in-class services that will further accelerate their digital transformation programmes.

Founded in 2009, Mobliciti has established itself as an award-winning expert in delivering secure enterprise mobility services to some of the country’s most highly-regulated businesses. Its range of mobile threat detection services allow customers to proactively defend against the rising number of cyber threats targeted at mobile and personal devices, ensuring that they can adopt new flexible working practices without risk of attack. Its mobile device management capabilities allow companies to find the right-fit for their mobile estates, eradicating overspend on both hardware and licenses.

With a strong specialism in the legal sector, Mobliciti counts four of the five magic circle and 20 out of the top 50 UK law firms as its clients; these include Bird & Bird, Eversheds Sutherlands and RPC. It also works with many well-known financial and professional services organisations.

Mobliciti’s mobile security expertise complements and enhances Kocho’s existing services capabilities, which have been designed to enable mid-size and enterprise organisations to transform their business models through the adoption and round-the-clock management of cyber security, identity management and cloud-based services.

Kocho, which launched in April 2022 following the amalgamation of TiG Data Intelligence and cyber security specialist ThirdSpace, is a Microsoft Gold Partner for Security, a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, and eight-time winner of the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Identity and Cyber Security.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mobliciti to the Kocho Group – it has an impressive portfolio of customers working in high-risk industries, which is testament to the team’s dedication, skill and mobile expertise,” said Des Lekerman, CEO at Kocho. “For many organisations, mobile devices represent their soft underbelly, providing criminals easy access to corporate data; they are also complex and costly to manage. With Mobliciti onboard, Kocho can now help organisations tackle the mobile challenge as part of their overall digital transformation and security strategies. This will enable us to add even more value to our customers, as well as deliver growth by opening up new markets.”

“Kocho is hugely ambitious and on an impressive growth trajectory, so we are delighted to be joining it at such an exciting time,” said Shane Taylor, CEO and co-founder at Mobliciti. “Kocho’s enterprise-level cyber security and identity credentials, together with its extensive experience of Microsoft environments, brings new and exciting capabilities to our customer base. Just as importantly, its steadfast focus on being a great place to work, where people collaborate and are celebrated for all their contribution, really chimes with our own values and provides a solid foundation for future growth.”

Mobliciti’s service offering spans mobile device and network management, unified endpoint management, mobile threat defence, identity and multi-factor authentication, data protection, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), cloud key management, AI-enabled wireless networking and security, secure home office solutions and a range of collaboration services.

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Former psychiatrist embraces the potential of Web3, blockchain and decentralised currency in new venture to boost physical, mental and financial fitness

With the cost-of-living crisis already causing financial difficulties for many, people across the United Kingdom are not only feeling the pinch but the pressure mentally will also be taking its toll. Latest news of the devaluing of the pound will cause further concern for many but is this economic downturn now the time to look to the future for both financial and mental health opportunities?

On Thursday 29th September, Royal Norwich played host to the launch of Wealth & Grace, an exciting new company with a mission to disrupt the existing mental health space by focusing on the importance of Mental Wealth.

The evening was hosted by Wealth & Grace founder Dr Lucy Davey and introduced their new initiative ‘Mental Wealth’ focusing on the three core concepts of Mental, Physical and Financial fitness. The aim of mental wealth is to find a balance across all three elements which can be enabled by the new, in development Wealth & Grace app as well as educational workshops with financial fitness experts which will look to the future of Web3 as an exciting new platform where users will be able to engage in physical and mental stimulating opportunities to gain rewards.

Next, Dr Lucy welcomed to the stage Educator, Gold and Gem Mining Entrepreneur William Ralston-Saul to explain blockchain and Digital Finance Expert Marco Pagnini to share insight on the Web3 platform. A panel discussion then took place inviting Kim Uzzell (Chartered Wealth Manager), Ozgur Kaplan (Web3 Community Specialist) and Dr Antonio Metastasio (Consultant Psychiatrist) to the stage to expand further on the importance of mental health and why now, more than ever, there needs to be a change.

The Web3 mental health space is currently unsaturated and through Wealth & Grace, Dr Lucy is excited to explore the possibilities for mental, financial and physical opportunities and rewards. Web3  enables gaming mechanisms such as NFT’s, providing users the opportunity to earn, monetise and stake the value they create. Current online interests people have at present could become an incentivised way of future earnings as well as providing stimulating engagement.

Following the successful launch event, founder Dr Lucy commented ‘With my background in medicine I have always been passionate to help others striving to find a balance between work, family and life. Times have become more challenging especially over the past few years heading into further turmoil of the cost of living crisis but in the meantime technology is evolving and creating new platforms where we can benefit mentally and financially to ease the burden which I am excited to be a part of and share with as many people as possible’

The glamorous evening included grand arrivals of the panellists to the vicinity by helicopter, welcome drinks and canapes, live entertainment by Ladies Night and DJ Olly Smith playing out the evening. A surprise flash mob performed by Freestyle Dance Co enticed the crowds to the dance floor and ​​Amata World brought to life an impressive AR dance experience demonstrating the new concept of dance to earn.

Through Wealth & Grace, Dr Lucy is keen to be at the forefront of the exciting opportunities provided by Web3. Currently focusing on a ‘Move to Earn’ model, the mental health entrepreneur is keen to introduce new users to the new technology and provide a safe platform to combat mental wealth.

For more information visit www.wealthandgrace.com

The Mayor of Cheshire East Council, Cllr David Marren, has officially opened Wilmslow Manor Care Centre, located on Handforth Road.

The new £15m care facility is the latest care home to open by Altrincham-based operator New Care.  Expertly designed to suit the specific plot, the team has worked meticulously with the architect and clinical lead, as well as closely with the local authority, to deliver a state-of-the-art care facility that will provide outstanding residential, dementia, 24 hour nursing and respite care services.

Cllr David Marren and his wife Belinda were welcomed by Wilmslow Manor’s manager, Paula Clark, and deputy manager, Sophie Kay, for an exclusive VIP tour of the care facility, meeting several members of the New Care team also.

Featuring 63 fully furnished bedrooms, each with a private en suite wet room, as well as several stylish communal lounges and dining rooms, Wilmslow Manor provides stunning living environments for its residents.  In addition, there is a spa assisted bathroom, nail bar and hair salon within the care home, ensuring residents always look and feel their best.  Externally, the facility boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and charming outdoor terraces to the first floor.

With residents able to enjoy a range of nutritious meals throughout the day freshly prepared by the chef, the Mayor and Mayoress sampled delicious cakes and scones whilst at Wilmslow Manor.

Cllr David Marren says: “I was delighted to be invited to officially open Wilmslow Manor.  Having seen the care home I am thrilled to say that the facility is very impressive both inside and outside, with attention to detail second to none.  Having met some of the New Care team, I am confident residents will receive outstanding care at Wilmslow Manor.”

With recruitment well underway, Wilmslow Manor will create approximately 100 jobs across multiple disciplines, from carers and nurses to hospitality, housekeeping, activities, maintenance and chefs over the course of the next 12 months.

Part of the McGoff Group, New Care is one of the UK’s leading care home providers.  Its portfolio of purpose-built ‘new generation’ care centres is fast gaining an enviable reputation for outstanding care that is second to none.

For further information regarding Wilmslow Manor, or to book an appointment to view the facility, please contact Paula Clark on 01625 920500.

Business outsourcing provider Sigma Connected has announced the appointment of a new chief strategy officer as the company continues its global expansion.

The company, which offers contact centre services from its offices in the UK, South Africa and Australia, has appointed Peter Doveren into the new leadership role where he will report to Group CEO, Gary Gilburd and become part of Sigma’s Executive team.

Dutch-born Peter has extensive international experience having worked in many different countries whilst holding senior customer service and strategy roles across a variety of sectors and organisations, including with Vodafone, Capita and the RSPCA.

Peter’s role will focus on identifying opportunities for Sigma Connected to enter new markets and territories. He will be responsible for expanding the company’s areas of speciality and ensuring that Sigma’s reputation for delivering human customer interactions is combined with digital contact channels.

Gary Gilburd, chief executive officer of Sigma Connected said: “Peter joins us at an exciting stage in our growth plans. He is the perfect fit for our executive team as he has worked on the client side for several successful years, so fully understands their issues and how to solve them.

“It has been well-documented how much we have grown in the BPO space over the past few years and as we look to continue our ambitious international growth plans, experts like Peter with his experience and expertise, can really bring something different in terms of new approaches and ways of thinking.

“I am certain he will prove to be an exceptional appointment for us in the months and years ahead.”

Peter Doveren added: “You can’t fail to notice the ambition of everyone at Sigma Connected and the significant impact the company has made in the market in recent years.

“They’ve made an impact because it’s clear Sigma does things differently, backed by a brilliant culture and everyone focusing on the best interests of clients.

“I am looking forward to playing my part in another chapter in the Sigma success story.”

Extreme Networks, the cloud networking specialist, has today announced two more appointments to its leadership team in the U.S., helping drive its global growth plans.

Pete Brant, a proven leader with deep experience in networking and cybersecurity, will join Extreme as Senior Vice President of U.S. Sales. Paul Semak, who joined Extreme in 2018, has also been named Senior Vice President of Americas International, and will lead the company’s sales efforts across Canada and Latin America (LATAM).

Together, the pair will help Extreme capitalize on taking share in the fast-growing cloud networking market, inclusive of WAN Edge, SD-WAN and AIOps technology.

Brant will lead Extreme’s sales operations and growth initiatives in the U.S. He has more than 20 years of experience building SaaS sales organisations for networking and cybersecurity companies. Prior to joining Extreme, he held sales leadership roles at F5 Networks, Fortinet, Breach Security and SonicWALL. While at Fortinet, Brant established the company’s first enterprise sales team, which he grew to represent more than 60 percent of the company’s Americas revenue. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President, North America sales at Forcepoint.

As Senior Vice President of Sales for Canada and LATAM, Semak will accelerate growth and build the company’s channel profile across the emerging regions. Prior to this role, Semak served as Senior Vice President, Americas Sales at Extreme, where he helped drive meaningful revenue growth in the U.S., Canada and LATAM. Previously, he spent more than 20 years at Cisco in sales and partnership roles.

Joe Vitalone, Chief Revenue Officer, Extreme Networks had the following to say on the appointments:

“As a market leader, it’s important for us to continue to augment our sales leadership team with innovative and experienced leaders that have a strong track record of taking market share and growing revenue. Pete inherently understands the importance of the convergence of networking and security, as well as which levers to pull when it comes to aligning our sales and channel efforts for maximum output. Paul has created a solid foundation for success in the Americas, which I know he’ll continue to leverage to grow our footprint in emerging, high growth markets like Canada and LATAM. We believe this combination of talent and opportunity will continue to set Extreme up for success now and into the future.”