Ambitious proposals to revitalise and regenerate 24 acres of St Helens town centre moved a further step forward today when a Planning Inspector acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities confirmed a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in favour of St Helens Borough Council and its strategic delivery partner, the English Cities Fund.

The Inspector’s prompt decision, following the public inquiry held in St Helens on Tuesday August 8, confirmed the Council can use its compulsory purchase powers where private agreements cannot be reached.

St Helens Borough Council is working on a 20-year regeneration plan for the borough with the English Cities Fund, a strategic joint venture between Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England.

The regeneration of St Helens town centre has been prioritised following community feedback and the first phase development, which is facilitated by the CPO, is located at its very heart. It includes a stunning new market hall flanked by a mixed-use area set around a 120-bedroom hotel, 64 new homes and 10,915 sq ft modern retail space with high quality public throughout. The existing bus station will also be extended and renewed with a new modern interchange to encourage public transport and active travel usage.

Councillor David Baines, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: “Everyone in the borough wants to see our town centres regenerated so that they are places we can all be proud of, and the Council is committed to delivering this change with an ambitious once-in-a-lifetime plan. We have the right partners on board and the determination to carry it through.

“With the independent Planning Inspector’s confirmation that we may use compulsory purchase powers where agreements can’t be reached – which will always be our first priority – we can now move forward with confidence.”

A spokesperson for English Cities Fund said: “We are very pleased that we can now move our focus to the next stage of delivery this landmark scheme.  We have outline planning permission and will now make a more detailed Reserved Matters application in September. The CPO hearing featured a strong representation from our regeneration partnership, and we are satisfied that the outcome allows us to progress.

“We are still hoping to reach a negotiated agreement with the one remaining qualifying objector, nevertheless, our authority to use the CPO powers if required has been established. Investing in new transport infrastructure with a revitalised bus station is a crucial part of our once-in-a-generation plans to regenerate St Helens town centre and the wider borough, through our 20-year strategic partnership with St Helens Borough Council.” 

In the ever-evolving realm of business, uncertainty acts as a constant companion, challenging the status quo. The undulating tides of the economy, fluid consumer preferences and unforeseen global events can all interrupt even the most firmly rooted enterprises.

However paradoxical it may appear, such uncertain junctures can unveil unique prospects for advancement and innovation. Amidst these shifting times, one potent approach for entrepreneurs is to expand their business horizons through innovative diversification and the integration of novel offerings.

Welcoming Uncertainty through Strategic Diversification

Diversification isn’t merely a buzz phrase; it stands as a validated strategy that can propel businesses toward prosperity amidst unclear trajectories. The crux is to broaden the scope of your market and explore paths beyond your conventional products or services. This tact allows you to tap into varied revenue streams, mitigating the risks tied to depending solely on a single product line.

The Potential of Enriching Offerings

Enriching your business’s repertoire of offerings is a robust method to fortify your standing in the marketplace. This endeavour revolves around aligning your expansion with your core values and proficiencies, all while catering to emergent customer demands. The story of Manchester based Volksmaster serves as an exemplary tale – a specialised VAG service provider renowned for a three-decade legacy in top-tier vehicle maintenance and repair.

In recent periods, Volksmaster has confronted a distinctive convergence of elements that could potentially influence its core operations. The surge in operational costs, combined with the evolving dynamics of vehicle usage patterns, has triggered car owners to reassess their customary maintenance routines.

With the rise of remote working and the potential emergence of travel limitations, the demand for continuous vehicle usage has waned, potentially resulting in reduced service frequency and a downturn in non-critical repairs. Moreover, the escalation of fuel prices has prompted individuals to explore alternate transportation options, including the prospect of selling their vehicles.

In light of these shifts in the automotive industry landscape, Volksmaster has taken a strategic step by broadening its offerings to encompass car body repairs and alloy wheel restoration. This astute manoeuvre has not only widened their market presence but also underscored their adaptability in tending to evolving customer needs.

Expanding Horizons

Volksmaster’s commitment to diversification ventures beyond the confines of the automotive sector. Acknowledging the necessity to hedge against potential declines in their primary business, the company has unveiled VM Prestige, an upscale domestic cleaning service. This brand extension harmoniously resonates with the company’s founding principle of “Confidence In Quality,” extending their commitment to excellence into the realm of cleaning services.

VM Prestige provides flexible, quality-assured cleaning solutions without binding clients to lengthy contractual obligations. Grounded in their pledge to excellence and unwavering customer contentment, this brand extension seamlessly embodies a judicious diversification strategy.

Guiding the Course through Uncertain Waters

In periods of ambiguity, businesses armed with a broader market outlook and a multifaceted array of offerings are better poised to endure the tempests. By resonating with a wider demographic and catering to diverse needs, these businesses can harness a steady influx of customers from various segments. The essence lies in delivering solutions that echo the shifting priorities of consumers, underscoring your business’s adaptability and evolution.

A Wider Canvas for Enduring Viability

Broadening your business’s horizon can act as a buffer against economic uncertainties. It’s akin to planting seeds in varied soil; if one terrain yields unexpected results, others might flourish. Moreover, a more extensive market presence aids in cementing your brand as a versatile and forward-looking entity, adept at serving a multitude of requisites. Captivating patrons with one facet of your business might entice them to explore your secondary or tertiary offerings.

Rising to the Challenge: Considerations to Ponder

1. Strategic Blueprint: Prior to expansion, undertake comprehensive research to discern the most promising avenues for diversification. Weigh your internal competencies alongside external market trends.
2. Synergy with Values: Assure that any new offerings harmonise with your core values and skills. This coherence will preserve the integrity of your brand identity.
3. Customer-Centric Ethos: The crux of successful expansion resides in addressing customer exigencies. Tailor your offerings to meet shifting consumer desires, highlighting the value you contribute to their lives.
4. Excellence in Execution: Expansion mustn’t equate to compromising quality. Uphold the same standards of excellence in your fresh endeavours, assuring patrons of consistent worth.
5. Transparent Communication: Inform your current clientele about your expansion, elucidating how it enriches their experience. This transparent discourse underscores your dedication to their satisfaction.

Flourishing through Adaptability

Amidst uncertain junctures, the way forward might not be illuminated, yet it brims with potential. The narrative of enterprises like Volksmaster underscores the metamorphic influence of diversification and broadened offerings.

By embracing uncertainty and capitalising on unexplored openings, entrepreneurs can position themselves for enduring viability. It entails calculated risks, a willingness to embrace change and a demonstration of resilience against adversity. As the business landscape continues to reshape, bear in mind that expansion isn’t just a strategy; it’s a mindset that ushers in the future with open arms.

Independent corporate finance adviser Bamburgh Capital has advised Manchester-based precision engineering business, Mantec Engineering, on its acquisition by ambitious engineering group Allied Global Engineering. 

Mantec Engineering is an experienced provider of precision tuned and milled components to technically demanding markets across the UK including rail, food and sub-sea. Mantec has an excellent reputation, a blue-chip customer list, and is a preferred supplier for precision machined components to Transport for London (TfL). 

Allied Global Engineering’s strategy is to build a group providing end-to-end engineering services and solutions. Its acquisition of Mantec further enhances the group’s precision engineering offering and follows the acquisitions of EGL Vaughan in 2020 and G&J Group in 2022. EGL Vaughan provides CNC precision machining services and G&J Group is a provider of sub contracted engineering services, including tooling and powder coatings.  

Throughout the process, Bamburgh Capital collaborated closely with key stakeholders, ensuring a smooth transition and acquisition process.  

Gabriel Schwalbe of Bamburgh Capital, said: “We are seeing growing demand in the UK engineering sector, driven by the re-shoring of critical manufacturing supply chains due to geo-political volatility. Mantec is trusted by its clients for its specialist components and offers a well-invested platform for significant growth potential ahead. It has been a pleasure advising on this transaction and wish the Allied Global Engineering team every success in the future”.  

The Bamburgh Capital team comprised Gabriel Schwalbe, Michael Parkinson, Tom Brown, Omar Ahmed, Gajanan Dharmasena and Krystel Eastman. 

Phil Jepson, the Founder of Allied Global Engineering said: “We are hugely excited by the opportunity to become the custodians of Mantec, to inherit the fruits of the hard work of Peter and his team and lead the business through the next phase of its life.” 

Peter Ford, Managing Director at Mantec Engineering said: “I am delighted to have found a team in Allied Global led by Phil who have the energy, experience and commitment to take Mantec forward into a very promising future. It was important to me that the Mantec team would carry on at our Manchester base and continue to thrive.” 

Mantec was also advised by BBS Law (legal) and FFT (financial and tax). Allied Global Engineering was advised by Fieldfisher (legal) and Calculo UK (financial and tax). 

November 2016 brought new opportunities for customers in the UK, when Transfer Multisort Elektronik decided to open a subsidiary in the UK. Transfer Multisort Elektronik Ltd became the ninth overseas company to become part of the TME Group, underlining the company’s global ambitions and commitment to serving customers around the world.

Central location in the heart of Birmingham

UK customers can now benefit from local support as the TME subsidiary’s head office is located in a strategic location – Coleshill in Birmingham. This makes the location ideal for customers from different parts of the country who want a fast and efficient service.

Head office address: Transfer Multisort Elektronik Ltd. Coleshill House 1 Station Road / Suite 1c Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HT, United Kingdom

Wide range of products

At Transfer Multisort Elektronik Ltd, customers will find everything that is available in the company’s main catalogue – Transfer Multisort Elektronik. This means access to thousands of top quality products in one place, while enjoying local service and support.

The diversity of TME’s offering – immerse yourself in the world of electronic components

In a world of modern technology, ever-evolving markets and the ever-changing needs of the electronics industry, TME remains a reliable source of components for professionals and enthusiasts. Thanks to the wide range offered in its product catalogue, TME is able to meet virtually every need.

Semiconductors

A fundamental component of every electronic device. TME offers a variety of semiconductors – from transistors to integrated circuits to specialised microcontrollers.

Embedded and IoT systems

With the era of the Internet of Things, embedded systems have become increasingly important. TME supplies modules, sensors and development platforms that are at the heart of IoT devices.

Optoelectronics

TME’s portfolio includes LEDs, displays, light sensors and many other components that are used in modern lighting systems or displays.

Light sources

From traditional incandescent lamps to modern sources based on LED technology, TME has it all.

Passive components

Resistors, capacitors, inductors – basic components that play a key role in many circuits. TME’s extensive range allows you to select the right components for any project.

Automation

Process automation is the future of industry. With TME, you can equip your plant with state-of-the-art solutions for controllers, sensors or vision systems.

Pneumatics and hydraulics

Key to many industries, the pneumatic and hydraulic components in the TME range will meet the needs of even the most demanding customers.

Robotics and prototyping

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, robotics is becoming increasingly important. TME supports innovation by offering a variety of components for building robots, as well as prototyping kits.

Ease of transacting

Working with the UK branch of HSBC, Transfer Multisort Elektronik Ltd provides UK customers with liquidity and secure transactions. Customers can also enjoy invoices issued at the UK VAT rate, making purchases even more transparent.

Contact with the local team

For many customers, the ability to speak to a local team that understands the UK market is invaluable. UK customers can contact Transfer Multisort Elektronik Ltd both by phone on +441675790026 and by email: office@tme-uk.eu.

Summary

The expansion of Transfer Multisort Elektronik’s offering into the UK market is excellent news for anyone looking for quality electronic components in the UK. Local support, a wide product range and ease of transaction are just some of the benefits of choosing TME as a business partner.

The range of TME’s offerings is impressive and demonstrates that the company is not only a component supplier, but also a partner that supports innovation and the development of modern technologies. As a result, regardless of the needs or scope of the project, every engineer, designer or hobbyist will find everything they need in the TME catalogue.

• Global supply chain resilience becomes paramount in a volatile world.
• Chief AI Officer (CAIO) takes command, ensuring ethical AI integration and value extraction.
• Increasing customer proximity demands a Chief Growth Officer (CGO) and decentralisation of leadership gives rise to a Chief Empowerment Officer (CEmO).