Zak Khan, founder of Qwala and Lancashire Ambassador
THE NORTH NEEDS ITS OLDER HOMES
IN THE PLAN As Lancashire looks to build a stronger economy, Lancashire Ambassador and Qwala founder Zak Khan believes one of the biggest opportunities lies not only in the homes we build, but in the ones we already have.
BATTERY RECYCLING DEAL POWERS GROWTH
One of the UK’s fastest growing independent recycling and resource recovery businesses continues to power ahead after making its first acquisition on mainland Europe.
Mulberry Waste Holdings, headquartered in Leyland, has bought Ecobat Solutions Europe in a move it has described as a ‘significant milestone’ in the company’s long term growth strategy.
The business it acquired for an undisclosed sum in early August operates specialist battery recycling facilities in Germany.
Announcing the deal, Mulberry director Hassan Isaji said: “This acquisition
generates annual revenues of more than £20m, continues to operate from its existing site following the deal.
The facility includes battery dismantling and health diagnostics, alongside a recently installed ‘state-of-the-art’ lithium-ion recycling process with a target capacity of 15,000 tonnes.
The site plays a key role in recovering valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, helping to retain critical resources within the supply chain and reduce reliance on virgin raw materials.
Mulberry, based on the Moss Side Industrial Estate in Leyland, was founded in 1993 by
We have built our business by investing in
quality operations, talented people and long term customer relationships, and Ecobat Solutions Europe is an excellent strategic fit
represents another important milestone in Mulberry’s journey.
“We have built our business by investing in quality operations, talented people and long term customer relationships, and Ecobat Solutions Europe is an excellent strategic fit.
“Germany is one of Europe’s most important recycling markets and this acquisition provides a strong platform for further growth across the continent.”
The deal follows Mulberry’s acquisition of Ecobat’s UK recycling operations, based in Walsall in the west midlands, for an undisclosed sum in May this year.
That move accelerated the Lancashire company’s expansion into the fast growing lithium-ion battery recycling market.
Ecobat, which employs 115 staff and
Hassan Isaji and it has grown into a multi- site operator with UK facilities in Ormskirk, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.
The company says that demand for battery recycling is continuing to grow as electrification accelerates across Europe and the need for secure, sustainable sources of critical raw materials is becoming increasingly important.
In a statement announcing the German deal it said: “By combining the expertise of both organisations, Mulberry will strengthen its ability to support manufacturers, industrial customers and waste management partners with innovative recycling solutions while contributing to Europe’s transition towards a more circular economy.”
The group achieved turnover of £8.5m in the year ending April 30, 2025 in what it described as ‘an increasingly competitive marketplace’.
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
As part of the Lancashire Ambassadors network – businesses committed to championing the county and investing in its future – Zak believes retrofit should sit alongside new housing and transport as a driver of economic growth.
Zak says: “Lancashire is full of housing stock with huge potential. Some homes stand empty waiting to be brought back into use, while many more are occupied by families living in poor accommodation, with high energy bills in properties that simply weren’t built for today’s world. New homes are important, but upgrading existing ones can deliver real benefits for communities and the economy.”
Retrofit – improving the fabric of existing buildings and introducing modern low carbon technologies – is often discussed in environmental terms. Zak believes its economic impact deserves equal attention.
Across the UK, around 24 million homes require retrofitting. Many are older properties in communities where investment is needed most. Improving them can reduce fuel poverty, lower household energy bills and create skilled local jobs, while helping regenerate neighbourhoods.
Zak says: “For me, retrofit isn’t just about reducing carbon. It’s about creating opportunities for local businesses, developing new skills and making homes healthier, more affordable places to live. That’s exactly the kind of investment that helps Lancashire thrive.”
By bringing together businesses passionate about Lancashire’s success, the Lancashire Ambassadors champion ideas that strengthen the county’s long term prosperity. For Zak, ensuring retrofit is recognised as part of the region’s infrastructure story is one practical way of delivering that ambition.
Qwala.co.uk
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