Manufacturer to spend £500,000 on HQ expansion

Leicester-based S&E Group, which includes manufacturer Michael Smith Switchgear, has secured a half-a-million-pound development loan through Santander UK.

The group, which comprises Michael Smith Switchgear (MSSL), AVW Fabrications and Power Quality Systems, specialises in the manufacture, supply and installation of switchgear and control panels for commercial premises. In 2017, a £1.44m funding deal with Santander UK brought forward the purchase of the business’s current premises, consolidating their existing operations into one new larger site to cater for record demand.

The firm says it will use the loan to fund an extension to its head office.

Emily Smith, managing director of S&E Group, said: “The Santander UK team has developed a deep understanding of our business. This new support has enabled us to extend our office space, which has already greatly improved the quality of working life for our staff and the service we can provide to our customers – both of which are integral to our business.”

Jill Yates, business relationship director of Santander UK, said: “We have been working with S&E Group for a number of years and are delighted to provide further support to help the business develop and grow. We look forward to continuing to work together in the years to come.”