Space UK, the parent company of Space Catering Equipment, has announced that it has acquired the assets of York-based Holmes Catering Equipment (HCE), in a move that instantly increases the range of turnkey catering and fit-out business solutions the growing group can provide.
The Holmes name has long been established with the design and supply of quality catering solutions across a wide range of sectors, with a particularly strong presence with large retailers and hotel groups as well as a bespoke manufacturing arm at its purpose-built factory in York.
Through this acquisition, Space will drive accelerated growth across the business, as well as the ability to provide a broader range of services as part of its strategy to offer a total solution to its customers. It will also mean the establishment of Space’s first foothold in the North, to complement its existing businesses in the South West and the South East (Gloucester and London, respectively).
“We’re excited by the acquisition of the well established and well regarded Holmes name and look forward to welcoming the business and its people into the Space fold. Geographically, the move fits perfectly with what we’re doing and it opens the door to additional projects for us in the retail and hotel sectors, alongside what we already do across food service and hospitality in general. We also see it as a great opportunity. We are committed to rebuilding the business, as a separate entity, and although there will be some synergies, it will be business as usual for Holmes’ existing customers with the new company having its own management team.
“That team will be led by Lee Martin, who brings 25 years industry experience with him, as MD to run the new business as a separate company within our group. Lee has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and knows the business inside out so he’s a good catch for us and someone who can really make our new venture fly.”
Ian Bidmead (Space, Managing Director)
As well as bringing Martin on board, Space has retained the existing core Holmes team, saving around 25 jobs from being lost.
Space will also be looking at how it can leverage synergies between the two businesses, in particular Holmes’ capability in shop fitting and joinery, to broaden the range of services its recently formed interior fit-out business can provide.
This growing division, Space Interior Contracts, set up just 12 months ago, already has a turnover of £1 million and means Space can look after every aspect of a commercial refurbishment, including the walls, ceilings, floors and M&E needs.
Continues Ian “It’s a fantastic fit for us, being able to bolt on additional capability literally overnight, and very positive news for all our customers, too,
“Not only can we now do everything that’s needed for a turnkey office, retail or hospitality refurbishment, it gives us a lot more flexibility and control. We can’t wait to get started,” he adds.