Tech group swoops for two businesses to boost scale-up plans
Leeds-based BigChange, the mobile workforce technology company has acquired two businesses.
BigChange – which saw revenues reach £11m in 2018, an increase of 65% year-on-year, while pre-tax profits grew to £1.4m, almost three times the level achieved in 2017 – has acquired Labyrinth Logistic Consulting. Leamington Spa-based Labyrinth provides a logistics strategy, compliance and procurement consultancy.
Its directors, Ruth Waring and Jo Godsmark, will join BigChange’s leadership team and spearhead a new consulting arm called BigChange Advisory Plus.
BigChange has also acquired Trace Systems, an established provider of fleet, garage and workshop management software. Trace works with fleet operators across the UK, including plant hire and haulage companies, local authorities and the emergency services.
The acquisition of Trace, which is based in Coventry, provides BigChange with a world-class asset and stock management capabilities that will be integrated into BigChange’s JobWatch platform. Trace’s founder, Bill Davies, will work as an advisor to BigChange.
Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange, said: “We are delighted to complete the acquisitions of Labyrinth and Trace. These businesses are the first that BigChange has acquired since it was launched in 2013 and provide us with more fantastic people, world-class technology, amazing new customers and multi-million revenue boost. They represent a significant milestone for our business and a major boost to our scale-up plans.”
Ruth Waring, Managing Director of Labyrinth Logistics Consulting, said: “We are very excited to be part of BigChange. It is a strong, growing business that complements our offering very well indeed. As part of BigChange, we can develop a more comprehensive consultancy offering and take it to many more organisations around the world.”
Bill Davies, Founder of Trace Systems, said: “Having built a business over 30 years we see the sale of Trace Systems to BigChange as the next chapter in our development. It will allow us to transform our fleet, garage and workshop software to take full advantage of the latest cloud and mobile technology pioneered by BigChange. This will provide fantastic opportunities for our existing and future customers.”
For both acquisitions, BigChange was advised by Graham Pearce, Head of Technology at KPMG, and Nigel Hoyle, a Partner at Blacks Solicitors in Leeds.
Graham Pearce, Head of Technology at KPMG, added: “I’m thrilled to have helped BigChange cement its position as a leading vendor, adding these exciting capabilities to its portfolio. With these two acquisitions, BigChange will continue to be at the forefront of technology in the UK and the rest of the world.”
