Acquisition of furniture specialist creates £5m-turnover business

A Salford furniture installation and interior fit-out specialist has been acquired, for an undisclosed sum, by Ipswich-based Apex Joinery.

First Install, in Irlam, is now part of a multimillion-pound partnership with operating bases in the North and South of the country, able to deliver a wide range of bespoke joinery, manufacturing, installations, and interior fit out solutions to clients nationwide.

The deal creates a combined team of more than 50 staff.

The aim is to double turnover in the coming 12 months to more than £5m, as well as recruit across all areas of the business and embark on a period of concerted growth by securing new clients across the country.

Current clients include businesses in the retail, leisure, hospitality, office, commercial and industrial sectors.

The new company offers a complete process from initial concept and design development through prototypes, production and manufacture, furniture and retail display selection and interior layout advice complete with comprehensive 3D visuals and flythrough animation to final installation and handover with warehousing, storage and refurbishment-related construction undertaken as necessary.

Head of sales and operations at First Install, Mike McVey, said: “By joining forces, we have extended our geographical capabilities and established a new multimillion-pound nationwide operator with the shared aim of becoming the first choice for the design, manufacture and installation of beautiful interior fit-outs along with furniture and retail display installation, across a range of different industry sectors.

“In addition to being a mutually beneficial partnership, both combined businesses are committed to further growth and job creation and plan to bring additional complementary businesses on board forming an all-encompassing and experienced group that offers added value and choice for clients and give the client a compelling reason to choose us when selecting an installation, manufacturing and fit out partner.”

Mike will head up sales and operations for the new venture.

The combined new business is wholly owned by the Elaine Williams shareholding investment fund which is providing cash for development and growth.