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Manufacturing


Family-run manufacturer secures HSBC funding


Sector Focus


Acquisition aids Midlands growth


Hertfordshire-based SVM Brookbanks Ltd has acquired mechanical and electrical engineering firm Building Services Design (BSD). The move is part of SVM’s ambitious plans for growth along the M1 corridor, into the Midlands and the North West. Allan Harrison, managing


director of SVM, said that BSD’s impressive reputation and client base had led to the deal. He said: “Our companies share a


similar ethos, and our plan is to run the two companies side by side and then merge in the future. “Bringing SVM and BSD together


means that we can offer a full complement of skills to both companies’ clients which means we have a fantastic combined offer. “Our aim is to grow the group


A Perry, the UK’s largest independent manufacturer and supplier of hinges, hardware and ironmongery, has secured a £7.33m finance package from HSBC UK. The funding will allow the


business to invest in the latest robotics technology, modernising production facilities and positioning it to double turnover over the next four years. The family-run business, which


was established in Cradley Heath in 1925 and is now run by the founder’s grandson, has grown to occupy 150,000 sq ft of warehousing and manufacturing space. After expanding into the site


adjacent to its original premises two years ago, the business is now looking to further develop both sites to meet increased demand. The funding will enable the


business to expand its production capabilities by modernising current facilities and tapping into some of the latest smart-technology available in the industry.


business to increase imports from China and India, expanding its supply chain and reaching new markets in Europe and the USA. Guy Perry, managing director at


Expansion: On the shopfloor at Cradley-based A Perry


‘We’ve always been a company that isn’t afraid to innovate and move with the times’


This foray into smart


manufacturing – known as Industry 4.0 – will allow the company to streamline production and logistics processes, reduce manufacturing costs and improve time to market. With a strong domestic and


international customer base of over 3,000 businesses, a £1.25m trade finance facility will allow the


A Perry, said: “The new site has plenty of room for growth and the funding from HSBC UK will allow us to invest in a new automated warehousing and distribution centre which will use cutting edge robotic technology. “We’ve always been a company


that isn’t afraid to innovate and move with the times and this is no exception. “Over the next four years, our


aim is to double turnover, generate more jobs for the local community and continue to be a place where people are proud to come to work. Keith Webb, deputy regional


director at HSBC UK, said: “The Midlands has long been known as the heart of industrial manufacturing, so it is really exciting to see a family firm with such a long history evolve and embrace some of the benefits offered by the latest technology.”


and service all our customers within our sectors. We have a solid platform from which to do that. We intend to acquire more businesses over the next five years and are looking at opportunities.” SVM, established 60 years ago, is


an independent building services design consultancy. and specialises in mechanical, electrical, public health and lifts. BSD was founded in 1991 and has


grown to become one of the UK’s top 30 mechanical and electrical engineering consultancies, employing more than 80 people in seven offices across the UK, at Kettering, London, Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. BSD managing director David


White said: “This is an exciting new chapter for BSD. SVM is an excellent company with a great track record. “There is a great synergy


between the businesses and the resulting company when we merge in the future is going to be a really strong player with a fantastic combined list of clients.”


Industry 4.0 poses serious cyber threat


Nearly half of UK manufacturers have been victims of cyber-crime, with the sector now the third most targeted for attack, IT experts D2NA warn. The firm said that criminals were no longer


solely interested in extortion or fraud, but were instead targeting intellectual property (IP). Senior account manager Lindsey Davis said:


“As factories and devices become increasingly connected, they also risk becoming a vulnerability in a network that can be exploited. “Cybersecurity must therefore be at the


heart of Industry 4.0, if this paradigm shift is to


be realised successfully. “Introducing new digital capabilities securely


is not just a technological challenge – it is about systems and networks, skills and competencies, and the underlying business strategy.” Industry 4.0 is the name given to the


movement towards greater automation and connectivity in factories. Ms Davis said there was no simple fix that


manufacturers could use to address the threats presented by Industry 4.0. She said: “Connected technologies already


support critical business processes today, and these processes will likely only grow more connected, integrated, and vulnerable in the future.


“Manufacturers need to rethink their


business continuity, disaster recovery and response plans to accommodate the increasingly complex cyber environment.”


D2NA is offering Chamber members a free security assessment. To book, contact lindsey.davis@d2na.com or call 07738 276997.


December 2019/January 2020 CHAMBERLINK 79


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