Customer communications provider swoops for Leicester counterpart
Mail Metrics, a customer communications technology provider serving financial and regulated industries, has acquired Adare SEC, a leader in multi-channel communication management.
This strategic move accelerates Mail Metrics’ expansion into the UK market while solidifying its reputation as a trusted provider of digital and printed communication solutions.
Mail Metrics has achieved remarkable growth in recent years, with revenue growing from €1 million in 2019 to a projected £175/€210 million proforma in 2024. The acquisition of Adare SEC, which operates from sites in Huddersfield, Leicester, and Glasgow, increases Mail Metrics’ workforce from 150 to 600 employees, and marks the company’s fourth acquisition in four years.
As part of the deal, MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland has invested a substantial amount in Mail Metrics for a minority stake. The deal is also backed by Bank of Ireland and AIB.
Nick Keegan, Group CEO UK & Ireland, Mail Metrics, said: “This is a landmark day for Mail Metrics as we welcome Adare SEC into our group. Tony Strong and his team have built an exceptional business with a stellar reputation in the market.
“This acquisition is a natural step in our scaling journey, combining our strengths to deliver innovative and compliant communication solutions for our growing client base across the UK and Ireland.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to our financial backers who have made this deal possible. MML Ireland, our new private equity partner, and our banking partners at Bank of Ireland and AIB have provided invaluable support throughout the process.
“Their collective confidence in our vision and commitment to this acquisition has been instrumental in bringing us to this successful outcome.
“Additionally, I would like to thank Clearwater, our corporate finance advisors, for their advice, and unwavering support throughout the entire process.”
Chris Walsh, Investment Director at MML Ireland, said: “MML is delighted to back Nick and his team in this landmark acquisition. Mail Metrics has built a brilliant, customer-focused business underpinned by its own technology.
“The deal brings together two of the leading providers of critical customer communications in the UK and Ireland and we look forward to working with the combined Mail Metrics and Adare SEC team to bring out the best of both businesses and to support them on their continued growth journey.”
Tony Strong, CEO of Adare SEC, said: “This is a fantastic next chapter for the business and I greatly look forward to working with Nick and the team to ensure a seamless transition.
“These are exciting times, and the future looks extremely bright. I want to echo Nick by also thanking our advisory teams EY and Pinsent Masons who have been invaluable during this process.”
Adare SEC’s former Chairman, Peter De Haan, who has owned the company since 2000, will be retiring following the sale. He remarked: “We are immensely proud of all we have achieved under the Adare SEC banner, and we knew that the sale of the company had to be to a business with the same expertise, ambition and deep respect for the industry.
“Mail Metrics is a perfect fit, and the growth to date of the business showcases the talent of Nick and the team. I want to thank Tony Strong and all Adare SEC colleagues across our Huddersfield, Leicester and Glasgow sites for their incredible work in driving the company forward, and I wish the new venture every success.”
Jeremy Harrison, EY M&A Partner, said: “It was a pleasure acting for the shareholders and management of Adare SEC on this sale. Adare is a highly respected and trusted brand in critical customer communications and the combination with Mail Metrics software-led solutions should enable both to prosper greatly in the future.”
Clegg Construction names new commercial director
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its board with the promotion of Dan Manley to commercial director.
Dan, who joined the business in July 2021, had been internally responsible for managing the commercial department, and now formally takes over the board-level commercial and risk management duties within the business.
Working alongside pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, and operations director, Darren Chapman, and reporting to managing director, Michael Sims, Dan will provide key input into business strategy and oversee system changes and improvements.
His role includes managing the surveying teams and resources – ensuring the Clegg Construction surveying team provides fair, accurate and real-time cost information to clients, and maintaining good relations with the company’s supply chain.
Managing director of Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Manley as commercial director of Clegg Construction.
“His appointment strengthens our board team as we launch into 2025 with our newly refurbished offices and an encouraging pipeline of work across a range of different sectors, and spread throughout the East Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia.
“On behalf of the team at Clegg Construction, I would like to congratulate Dan on his new role and welcome him to the board.”
Dan has wide experience in main contracting, having worked in the past with the likes of GF Tomlinson and McLaren before joining Clegg Construction three and a half years ago.
Dan, who enjoys spending time with his children and following motor racing and football outside of work, said: “I am very excited to be beginning the latest stage in my career with Clegg Construction.
“The company has a great reputation in the sector, and I am proud to have been appointed as commercial director, supporting my fellow directors as we look forward to the future.”
Salloways secures surrender and new lease for industrial unit
As part of a flurry of completions to finish off 2024, acting on behalf of retained clients, Salloway Property Consultants negotiated a deal which has seen the existing tenant’s lease surrendered and at the same time a new 10-year lease entered into with a new tenant.
Unit 17 Enterprise Way comprises a detached 5,500 sq ft industrial/hybrid unit which had been occupied by long standing tenants, Hydratight, prior to their relocation.
Whilst Hydratight had vacated the property, they were still bound by the terms of their lease which had just over 12 months remaining until expiry. Consequently, in conjunction with the tenant’s agent, JLL, the terms of a surrender were agreed.
In conjunction with this surrender, a new tenant was identified and the terms of a new lease were agreed with global risk management and business solutions firm Risktec, who are part of TUV Rheinland UK Ltd.
Chris Keogh, Director at Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of the Landlord, said: “This was a relatively complicated deal to structure, with the timing and sequence of events ultimately proving to be key to ensure that the surrender of the existing lease and the grant of the new lease occurred simultaneously.
“Whilst there were a few obstacles to overcome during the transaction process, thankfully, we were able to get the deal completed prior to the festive break.”
The landlord was represented by Chris Keogh (Salloway) and Lisa Poole (Gunnercooke), with Max Hearfield (JLL) and Karl Lynch (Ward Hadaway) acting for the former tenant and the new tenant advised by Mark Canning (Canning O’Neill) and Sarah Cowen (Myerson).
Journeo awarded £1.4m contract as part of council’s bus improvement plans
Journeo, an Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has secured a £1.4m contract for the supply and support of real time passenger information technology and software with Stoke City Council as part of its £10m Bus Service Improvement Plan, funded by the Department for Transport.
The contract extends the provision of digital access to scheduled and real time departure information across the city’s transport network and includes delivery, installation and maintenance of Journeo’s latest double-sided Thin Film Transistor (TFT) displays to key transport corridors within the region, to further support the promotion of public transport services.
The TFT displays will include discreet, pinhole CCTV to protect the assets and improve safety for lone passengers, and those travelling at night.
Journeo will also be supplying innovative infrastructure-free real time information QR codes, which enable passengers with an internet connected device to scan a code to receive the latest dynamic scheduled and real time passenger information.
Russ Singleton of Journeo said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Stoke City Council. Not only will residents and visitors to key transport corridors benefit from the enhanced experience of safe public transport coupled with real time departure information, our innovative solutions are helping our customers better understand where to target future investment to get the most value.”
Sinfin Waste Treatment Centre project takes step forward
Plans by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council to fix and operate their jointly owned waste treatment centre in Sinfin have taken a major step forward.
Bids from the waste industry are being invited for a contract to fix and operate the facility.
Both councils have reaffirmed their commitment to the original decision, made in February 2023, to work in partnership to get the waste treatment centre at Sinfin operational.
Fixing and operating the facility was found to be the most viable and cost-effective, long-term solution to manage household waste from both the city and county, taking into account the councils’ ongoing commitment to encourage residents to reduce, reuse and recycle more of their waste.
Soft market testing undertaken throughout 2023 confirmed there was capability, capacity and appetite in the market to deliver the project.
An exercise to shortlist bidders is expected to take place in February 2025, leading to the award of a contract in December 2025 and commissioning of the facility in June 2028.
It is anticipated the waste treatment centre will start to accept waste from across the city and county in November 2028.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said: “We still need a long-term, more sustainable solution to manage household waste which residents in Derby and Derbyshire either cannot or choose not to recycle.
“The councils are confident there is a competitive market for this project and the operators with the skills and experience to successfully deliver the project and its expected benefits.
“The councils have developed a procurement process and commercial proposition that we are confident will be attractive to suitably qualified and experienced companies and lead to a successful contract award.”
Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Budget, said: “Having the waste treatment centre process non-recyclable household waste is more sustainable than transporting material around the country and reduces the risk of the councils being exposed to uncontrollable market prices in the future.
“We look forward with confidence to progressing the project to provide both councils with the most viable and cost-effective, long-term solution for the management of household waste, to benefit residents in both the city and county.”
SMH Group appoints new CEO
Yorkshire and Derbyshire-based accounting and business services firm, SMH Group has appointed Jonathon Dickens as CEO of the business, with James Hartley moving to the role of Chairman.
Having been at the firm for almost 20 years after joining as an apprentice in 2005, Jonathon has been instrumental alongside James in the firm’s strategic growth in recent years, completing multiple acquisitions since 2017 and expanding the group’s service offering to include commercial finance, mortgage brokering and wealth management.
Jonathon Dickens, CEO, said: “Our people are what makes SMH such a fantastic place to work and an equally trusted advisor to our clients. I hope to carry on the great work James and I have done together by continuing our growth trajectory into 2025 and beyond.
“On a personal note, I’d also like to thank James for being an inspirational figure, a true mentor and friend during our time to date at SMH and beyond.”
James Hartley will be moving to a strategic advisory position in his new role as Chairman of SMH Limited.
James Hartley, Chairman, added: “Over the last 22 years, SMH has become a business we can truly be proud of, with an incredible team and clients. I look forward to supporting the business in a strategic capacity in my new role as Chairman.”
Commercial interior design and build specialists expand Chesterfield property portfolio
Commercial interior design and build specialists We Are Spaces Ltd has acquired 85 New Square in Chesterfield, strengthening the company’s portfolio of properties in the town.
The 16,000 sq ft building, which has been vacant for over a year having formerly served as the Revenues Office and Council Customer Service Centre, is located in the heart of Chesterfield’s conservation area.
The property was purchased from Chesterfield Borough Council following a competitive tendering process, with legal guidance provided by the commercial property team at Banner Jones Solicitors.
Overlooking the historic gardens and surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and leisure properties, the site is poised to play a pivotal role in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.
Plans for the property include a substantial transformation to create a modern, high-quality workspace offering. As part of their vision, We Are Spaces Ltd will preserve the character of the building while incorporating contemporary design features and state-of-the-art sustainability measures.
The refurbishment will involve removing outdated ceiling structures to expose unique architectural details, such as apex beams, creating an open and inviting environment that meets the growing demand for premium office spaces.
Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces Ltd, said: “As local people running a local business, we are proud to once again be investing in Chesterfield’s future. Our vision for 85 New Square is to transform it into a vibrant, modern workspace that respects the building’s heritage while incorporating state-of-the-art sustainability features.”
Amy added: “This project reflects our commitment to supporting the council with the revitalisation of the high street by bringing vacant properties back into use. By delivering a space of unmatched quality, we aim to attract businesses that will enhance the local economy and contribute to Chesterfield’s dynamic business community.”
Ben Couch, part of Banner Jones’ commercial property team, said: “We are delighted to have supported We Are Spaces Ltd on this significant acquisition. As a fellow Chesterfield Champion, it’s fantastic to play a role in a project that will reinvigorate a prominent town centre asset, driving positive change for the local community and economy.”
Work on the transformation is expected to begin in the coming months.
2025 Business Predictions: Mark Futcher, Executive Director, Thrive Online Group UK
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Mark Futcher, Executive Director at Thrive Online Group UK.
Digital marketing is poised for a significant shift in 2025, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
After years of financial uncertainty and global crises, many SMEs have deprioritized their marketing efforts, resulting in outdated online presences and minimal investment in upgrades like website enhancements, social presence and SEM rankings. The disruption caused by AI, which introduced confusion about its role in digital marketing, further complicated the landscape, causing uncertainty and indecision.
However, SMEs are inherently adaptable and resourceful. Despite the challenges of recent years, including the financial turbulence from 2021 to 2024, they’ve streamlined operations and weathered the storm, opening budget opportunities for marketing. Now, as the economy stabilises, signs are emerging that SMEs are regaining confidence and looking to reinvest in their digital strategies.
Two of the key trends expected to define 2025 for digital marketing when considering SMEs:
– Early Adopters Taking the Lead: Businesses that act quickly to enhance their digital presence and position their brands ahead of more cautious competitors will reap the benefits of this renewed focus.
– Agencies with a Partner-First Approach: Agencies that can provide comprehensive, collaborative support to SMEs, without overpricing their services, will be the biggest beneficiaries. These agencies will cater effectively to SMEs, offering the right balance of expertise and affordability to foster long-term partnerships.
The void in SME digital marketing is beginning to close, creating opportunities for growth on both sides. By collaborating with daring yet accessible agencies, proactive SMEs will lead the charge in driving digital innovation and contributing to broader economic growth. This synergy between SMEs and the right agencies will be a major force shaping the business landscape in 2025.
Midlands businesses set out plans to tackle biggest challenges in 2025
Supply chain pressures and rising costs are two of the biggest challenges facing Midlands businesses in the year ahead, as companies set out growth plans for 2025.
According to the latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, one-fifth of regional mid-sized businesses (20%) rank supply chain challenges as one of their top concerns over the next 12 months, as delayed materials and a lack of supply continue to hinder businesses.
Rising operating costs, such as energy bills and the cost of adopting new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), is a significant challenge for nearly a quarter of Midlands companies (24%), despite inflationary pressures easing.
BDO’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses – companies with a turnover of between £10m-£300m – has shown that accessing new capital or finance to help grow their business is also an ongoing issue for 24% of regional businesses.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Political and economic headwinds have continued to create a difficult trading environment for many regional businesses in 2024.
“However, with inflationary pressures stabilising and interest rates starting to reduce, the focus for the year ahead will be on addressing those challenges and focusing on where growth can be delivered.
“Undoubtedly, this will result in recruitment strategies being adjusted, with more than a quarter of Midlands businesses (29%) planning to hire more non-permanent staff and apprentices to minimise the impact of higher labour costs.
“For nearly a third (31%), greater financial support will be required to cover additional overheads, with more than one in ten regional businesses (11%) looking to develop specific roles as they move towards greater adoption of technology to drive genuine productivity gains.”
Despite the challenges facing regional businesses, BDO’s survey has shown that nearly half of mid-sized businesses (49%) feel in a stronger position compared to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, with 36% of Midlands companies planning to invest between £3m-£5.5m over the next two to five years in order to scale their business.
Bellingall added: “There’s no doubt that the Autumn Budget has added an additional layer of pressure for many businesses; however, what it has done is provide a degree of certainty about how the UK economy will look in the coming years.
“Based on this foundation, companies intend to focus investment on adopting new technologies and upskilling staff in areas such as artificial intelligence and automation. For some, focusing on product innovation and streamlining processes is a top priority, with making supply chains more resilient also an investment intention in the coming years.”
She continued: “Investing in new technologies like AI and automation is clearly a significant priority for regional businesses, whether it’s driven by developing new products or services, or centred around recruitment and training.
“One thing is very clear, central government needs to throw its weight behind mid-sized businesses – the engine of our regional economy – if these businesses are going to succeed and that can only be achieved by introducing policy and taxation that supports their strategic ambitions.”
Next sees strong Christmas
Enderby retailer Next has seen a strong Christmas with full price sales up 6% versus last year, in the 9 weeks to 28 December, and above expectations of 3.5% growth.
The over-achievement adds £27m to full price sales, and increases the firm’s full year guidance for group profit before tax by £5m to £1.01bn.
Group profit before tax is now forecast to be up 10% versus last year.
In a trading statement the business noted that while growth in the UK was in line with the performance for the rest of the year, online sales growth increased at the expense of growth in retail stores. Meanwhile, sales growth overseas accelerated unexpectedly in the run up to the holiday period.
Looking ahead, for the next financial year Next expects full price sales to increase by 3.5% and profit before tax to be up 3.6%.
The company is anticipating sales and profit growth in the year ahead despite a £67m increase in wage costs (driven by general wage inflation, the increase in the National Living Wage (NLW), the decrease in Employer National Insurance (ENI) threshold, and the increase in the ENI headline rate), which it is looking to offset through a combination of operational efficiencies and other cost savings and a 1% increase in prices on like-for-like goods.
