Construction firm 'builds for future' with partial MBO

A construction and building safety firm says it has laid foundations for fresh growth after a partial management buyout.

Safer Sphere has unveiled an ownership succession plan.

Bosses at the St Helens-headquartered operator say the move – backed by seven-figure HSBC UK support – will “strengthen its ability to deliver high-quality services and bring new innovations to market”.

They add it will allow the 80-plus-staff business to launch a building safety in-occupation service.

Under the terms of the managerial changes, founder Mike Forsyth and Angelique Forsyth have reduced their combined ownership interest from 51 per cent to 26 per cent, with a 25 per cent stake transferring to the firm’s senior leadership team.

The company will continue to be led by Mike as chair, alongside managing director Lewis Duff, operations director Graham King, people and performance director Emma Gradwell and finance director Zoe Chiocci.

Mike said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the business, but our ethos and values remain the same.

“We are excited to enter this new era of leadership, which will allow our team to build on previous success with structured employee ownership.”

The deal was supported by a wider advisory team, which included Jeremy Cole, partner at Cole Associates; Tom Larkin, tax director at JS; Akeel Latif, partner at Myerson Solicitors; and Sonio Singh, partner at Davis Blank Furniss.

Andrew Holgate, HSBC UK relationship manager, added: “It’s fantastic to support Safer Sphere’s transition through this management buyout.

“Although there are changes to ownership, the structures and people in place look set to deliver continued growth.”

Safer Sphere has further offices in London, Manchester and Basingstoke.

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