Tag Archives: equipment

Finance and Banking, News

WeDo Business Services launches new finance division to help fuel growth for SMEs

WeDo Business Services group has unveiled the latest stage of its expansion strategy with a new venture providing established SMEs and start-ups with asset-based finance to fuel their growth plans.

The new division, WeDo Asset Finance, is based out of the group’s headquarters in Oldham and is operating nationwide, with a goal of lending to more than 200 clients over the next 12 months.

WeDo Asset Finance is led by a trio with more than 85 years’ sector experience between them.

Rebekah Middleton has joined as managing director. She was previously head of corporate at Bibby Leasing, where she focused on structured lending and larger asset refinance facilities.

She has worked in finance for nearly 30 years, including roles at Davenham Asset Finance, Time Finance, Close Brothers and GE Capital.

Stuart Berry, who worked in the asset finance industry for more than 25 years, has joined as operations director. Emma Smith, who has 30 years’ experience in asset and trade finance, has joined as head of sales support.

WeDo Asset Finance is specialising in hire purchase funding and finance leasing for companies looking to buy assets such as vehicles, machinery and other equipment.

Among the sectors in which it is operating are manufacturing, food processing, engineering, forestry and agriculture, transport, haulage and construction.

Rebekah said many small businesses and start-ups have been struggling to obtain asset finance amid market uncertainty and global economic challenges.

She added: “We have identified a gap in the market for creative funding solutions provided by a knowledgeable, approachable and accessible team.

“We have the flexibility to provide tailored packages to suit the peaks and troughs of the business cycle, for example with higher repayments during peak sales periods and lower ones when things are predictably quieter.

“With an industry-recognised software platform and an experienced team, we are delivering from the get-go, with our first deals completed and a number of others in the pipeline.

“We are implementing a carefully-managed growth strategy to be achieved by accessing increased funding, maintaining a good quality book and developing strong and meaningful introducer partner relationships, while at the same time being able to offer access to the wider WeDo group’s services.”

The WeDo business was founded by Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson in 2019 with just four staff and has grown rapidly through organic expansion and acquisition.

It has over 75 staff across offices in Oldham, MediaCityUK in Salford, Sheffield, Bromsgrove, Swindon and Feering in Essex.

Last year, the group launched WeDo Accountancy Services offering a range of services to SMEs and their directors, including annual and management accounts, bookkeeping, VAT and payroll services, self-assessment tax returns and advisory services.

The group also provides invoice and trade finance, start-up funding, HR, back-office and IT services to its client base.

Mark, the group’s chief executive, said: “The launch of WeDo Asset Finance is a further demonstration of our commitment to service all of our clients’ business needs to help them grow and thrive.

“Rebekah and the team have decades of experience, and they are dedicated to helping established companies, as well as new ventures, acquire essential pieces of kit or take advantage of new opportunities while freeing up their cashflow by spreading lending across regular affordable repayments at fixed rates and fixed terms.

“It’s an exciting addition to our portfolio and we are confident that the team will enjoy great success at a time when other funding routes are proving difficult for SMEs and start-ups to access.”

Health, News

PAM Health shapes up for expansion

A raft of new recruits and a six-figure IT investment are helping PAM Health to shape up for major expansion this year.

PAM Health is the specialist muscular skeletal retail division of preventative healthcare specialist PAM Group and is based on the Sefton Business Park at Aintree, Merseyside.

It sells exercise, fitness, sports, ergonomic, physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment to consumers as well as to businesses, professional practitioners and sports clubs.

The division comprises 66Fit and Physio Supplies, which were both acquired from Whiteley Healthcare, a provider of physiotherapy and healthcare products based in Australia and New Zealand.

66Fit is a consumer focused retailer of exercise, fitness and rehabilitation equipment such as mats, weights, balls, aerobic steps, swimming aids, massage therapy and balance training products, supports and braces

Physio Supplies is a specialist provider of sports, physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment. It supplies professionals such as physiotherapists, healthcare providers and sports clubs with products including orthotics, tapes, bandages, supports, grips, cushions, rolls, pillows and practice essentials such as couches and furniture.

PAM Health, which achieved revenues of £2m in 2021, is aiming to treble in size this year under the leadership of managing director James Langton.

James, who took up his newly-created role in October, has over 15 years’ management experience and an extensive track record of building and developing successful teams, with a focus on the e-commerce and digital sectors.

He has now recruited David Renaud as sales director and Helen Mavrozumi as head of marketing, along with Connor Chapman as a digital marketing executive, Owen Robinson and Aimee Pye as digital marketing apprentices, warehouse operative Mitch Cottle, purchasing executive Megan Hendra and warehouse manager Tony Newsome.

Staff numbers have risen to 16 and further recruitment is planned.

The business, which has invested £130,000 on IT systems in its 30,000 sq ft warehouse, is seeking to achieve its expansion plans through organic growth and potentially acquisitions.

Demand for its range of equipment is increasing as people work from home and develop more neurodiversity needs.

James said: “We have ambitious plans to grow our market share and to do this we need to have the right infrastructure and expertise in place.

“David has extensive senior sales and management experience and Helen is an experienced marketing manager in the SME and start-up sectors. They will prove invaluable additions as we scale up PAM Health.

“Alongside them, we are proud to be providing opportunities for talented local young graduates and apprentices in our marketing, warehousing, customer service and sales operations.

“We have a positive, forward-thinking environment where all of our brands and staff can grow, and we look forward to the future with confidence.”

PAM Group, which has its headquarters in Warrington and employs nearly 700 staff, is one of the largest occupational health, employee assistance programme and wellbeing providers in the UK. It offers a range of integrated services to public and private sector clients, supporting more than 600,000 employees at over 1,000 businesses and organisations.

PAM Group’s services include absence management, physiotherapy, employee assistance programmes, psychological support, corporate health assessments and neurodiversity assessments, drug and alcohol screening.

The group is looking to double turnover to £80m over the next few years through continued organic growth and acquisitions. Last year the company received backing from private equity firm LDC to support its growth and the launch of new products and services.

News

NCD Equipment appointed to Mecalac dealer network

Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has appointed NCD Equipment to its national dealer network. From its site in Battlesbridge, NCD will be responsible for retailing Mecalac’s highly-acclaimed MWR, MCR and 15MC range of excavators across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Established in 2014, NCD originally specialised in tree shears, but has rapidly grown and now sells a wide variety of equipment for professionals operating across the forestry, agriculture and utility industries. The business provides customers with market-leading products, supported with exceptional customer service and personal support.

Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “We are thrilled to be appointing NCD Equipment as a specialist distributor of Mecalac excavators. Engineered for rugged and compact performance, our excavators hold a unique place in the market.

“Providing UK professionals with state-of-the-art equipment is only made possible through the efforts of our dedicated dealer network. Now, with the addition of Nick and the NCD team, customers throughout East Anglia, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire have ready access to Mecalac excavators alongside trusted servicing and support.”

With extensive first-hand experience working as a contractor, Nick Dinsdale, Founder and Managing Director of NCD Equipment, understands the crucial role that quality equipment can play in both safety and profitability.

Speaking about the new partnership, he said: “Working with Mecalac has given our customers access to excavators from a world leader in compact equipment. With the brand gaining significant traction in the UK, we look forward to playing a key role in further driving market share.”

NCD Equipment will retail Mecalac’s three unique excavator portfolios – the MCR crawler skid excavators, MWR wheeled excavators and the 15MC compact crawler excavator. Designed to maximise operator performance and efficiency, their next-generation design and class-leading performance are renowned worldwide.

Mecalac MCR – Innovative, productive and stylish, the MCR excavators can switch from compact tracked excavator (with a top speed of 10 km/h) to loader (with 360° rotation capability) within seconds. Available in three model variations – 6MCR (0.49m2 bucket capacity), 8MCR (0.53m2 bucket capacity) and 10MCR (0.75m2 bucket capacity) – each unit is powered by a 55kW engine.

Mecalac MWR – Perfectly blending stability and compactness, the MWR wheeled excavators adopt an innovative wheeled chassis. Four models are available – 7MWR, 9MWR, 11MWR and 15MWR, with different boom options. Incorporating a closed hydrostatic transmission system, each model is fast and nimble, with both two and four-wheel steer (including a crab option) available. Alongside boasting enhanced stability and safety, including direct entry into the cab, the MWR wheeled excavator range can be refuelled from the floor.

Mecalac 15MC – Mecalac’s 15MC tracked crawler-excavator has a tail swing radius of only 1,570mm and an unbeatable front radius of only 1,420mm. In addition, it can operate within a single traffic lane. Capable of full rotation in less than a 3,140mm space envelope, clever kinematics ensures all functions can be performed in the tightest parameters. Alongside delivering outstanding power (100kW engine, 500Nm torque and a max pump flow of 270 l/min), the model’s clever design allows diesel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) refuelling from the ground, which is unique in the marketplace.

A global leader in the design and manufacture of compact construction equipment, Mecalac offers a number of highly innovative technologies and capabilities to revolutionise on-site efficiencies and operator performance. For more information about Mecalac’s latest range, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.mecalac.com/en.

Construction, News

Yanmar offers extended warranty programme across UK & Ireland

Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA is offering construction professionals across the UK and Ireland lasting peace-of-mind through its comprehensive YCare programme. Designed to maximise uptime and productivity, the package is available across Yanmar’s portfolio of excavators, carriers and loaders.

While every new model comes with industry-leading warranty cover as standard, YCare gives customers the opportunity to extend this cover for up to six years at a highly competitive price point. This gives construction professionals the confidence to focus on the job in hand, without worrying about unexpected maintenance or repair bills.

David Cockayne, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, commented: “Our ambition is to get construction professionals across the UK and Ireland into the safest, most capable construction equipment on the market. To achieve this, we are continuously working with operators to understand how we can improve their ownership experience and help their businesses thrive.

“While a 12-month warranty is industry standard, we wanted to give our customers the chance to expand their warranty for up to six years. This gives them greater peace-of-mind, allowing them to focus on project delivery. Without the unexpected cost and disruption of unplanned maintenance, we can lift a burden from their shoulders and ensure their Yanmar equipment continues to perform at its best.”

For more information about Yanmar’s YCare Complete Extended Warranty, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.yanmarconstruction.co.uk.

Construction, News

Mecalac announces unbeatable finance package to support UK customers

Working in conjunction with Mecalac Financial Solutions, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has launched an unbeatable Buy Now… Pay Later finance package across its entire range of excavators, wheel loaders, site dumpers, compaction rollers and backhoe loaders.

For all new models ordered and delivered before 31 July 2020, customers benefit from zero repayment instalments and zero interest for three months.* Twelve weeks later, payments recommence, spread over either 36, 48 or 60 months (as per individual finance agreements).

Paul Macpherson, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented:

“During such exceptional times, we wanted to give something back and provide construction professionals nationwide with a simple, affordable way to purchase the latest Mecalac models.

“Our Buy Now…Pay Later finance offer has been designed with the customer firmly in mind. Available through your local Mecalac dealer, the package offers a risk-free revenue source for three months before the first payment is due.”

A global leader in the design and manufacture of compact construction equipment, Mecalac boasts a comprehensive portfolio of site dumpers, backhoe loaders, compaction rollers, excavators and wheel loaders. The latest, Stage V-compliant models feature a number of highly innovative technologies and capabilities to improve on-site efficiencies and performance.

For more information about the Buy Now… Pay Later finance package, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.mecalac.com/en.

*Business users only, subject to status and De Lage Landen Leasing Limited approval. All applicants must be over 18. No cash alternative is available. A fee may be charged. The Scheme will run until 31st July 2020. Alternative profiles are available, please ask your dealer for details.

Construction, News

Yanmar welcomes Taylor & Braithwaite to UK dealer network

Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has appointed Taylor & Braithwaite to its UK dealer network. The construction, quarrying and recycling specialist will be responsible for distributing Yanmar’s class-leading portfolio of excavators, carriers and wheel loaders to professionals across Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham (including Tyneside and Teesside).

With more than 50 years’ experience in equipment sales, servicing and maintenance, T&B is committed to providing its customers with state-of-the-art products from the world’s leading manufacturers. Headquartered near Appleby, Cumbria, the business prides itself on delivering expert advice, honest counsel and building strong, collaborative relationships.

David Cockayne, UK & Ireland sales manager at Yanmar CEE, commented: “As a leading equipment sales specialist, renowned for delivering exceptional service and impartial product advice, appointing T&B to our UK dealer network will help to significantly expand our presence across Cumbria and the North East of England.

“Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to working in close collaboration with the team to bring Japanese design and European innovation to construction professionals across the region.”

Ian Burton, director of sales at Taylor & Braithwaite, added: “With a wide range of loaders, carriers and both tracked and wheeled excavators, Yanmar’s product portfolio will prove an excellent fit for our loyal customer base. There is real demand for quality products, innovative technology and stylish design in Cumbria and the North East, so we hope to play a key role in gaining stronger market penetration over the coming months.”

To celebrate joining the Yanmar dealer network, T&B is offering five years’ 0% finance and five years’ warranty on all new Yanmar loaders, carriers and excavators delivered before 30th June 2020.

For more information about Taylor & Braithwaite, or the company’s introductory sales promotion, visit www.t-and-b.co.uk. To find out more about the latest Yanmar product range, visit www.yanmarconstruction.co.uk.

Appointments

Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA appoints new Managing Director

Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has announced the appointment of Damiano Violi as Managing Director. Joining the business from 1 April, Damiano’s appointment demonstrates Yanmar’s commitment to continued international growth and becoming a leader in the compact equipment market.

With significant experience spanning operations, project management and commercial roles across several international organisations, Damiano will play an instrumental part in the division’s global leadership team. Prior to joining Yanmar, he held the position of Industrial Control & Protection Operations Director at Eaton; and has also previously worked for companies including Honeywell and Case New Holland.

Damiano succeeds Giuliano Parodi, who returns to his role as CEO of Yanmar Compact Equipment Co. Ltd, following the successful development of the European branch. Over the coming months, Damiano will work closely with the leadership team to drive profitability, increase pan-European market share and further enhance brand awareness.

Commenting on his appointment, Damiano Violi said:

“Joining Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, a brand synonymous with quality, reliability and innovation, is a real honour. Over the past four years, the company has built a strong, talented team and developed a truly dynamic business.

“From the integration of Yanmar Compact Germany (with its historic brand Schaeff), to new organisational structures and the development of a globally-acclaimed product portfolio, this hard work has placed Yanmar in the perfect position to achieve international expansion ambitions, while maintaining its core company values. I’m looking forward to playing a driving role in this.”

Giuliano Parodi, CEO of Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, added:

“With the appointment of Damiano, I am confident that we have added a great new member to our growing family. This announcement is the next step in our strategic ambition to become a leader in the compact equipment market and I’m looking forward to seeing this happen.”

For more information about Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, or the company’s extensive product portfolio, visit https://www.yanmarconstruction.eu/.