Car parking tech firms looking to accelerate their growth following acquisition

Two South West businesses developing technology for the car parking market have joined forces to drive innovation in the sector and boost their offering to local authorities and private operators.

Unity5, which produces cloud-based enforcement and compliance management software, has acquired Chipside, the market leader in local authority parking and enforcement technology.

Based in Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Unity5 has developed products that handle parking enforcement from issue to recovery action while Chipside, which is at Brinkworth, near Chippenham, is one of the UK’s largest developers of public sector parking permit and enforcement software.

The Bristol office of international law firm Osborne Clarke advised Unity5 on the acquisition. Accountancy group EY’s mergers & acquisitions team were lead advisors to the shareholders of Chipside. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The deal includes Chipside’s MiPermit cashless and virtual permit solution, as well as its range of back office and notice processing services. Chipside has more than 130 public sector clients.

Unity5 has created Zatpark – which is described as ‘SaaS [software-as-a-service] solutions for parking, enforcement and environmental management – designed for private parking companies and public sector bodies.

It features built-in ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), moving traffic violation management and dedicated permits and kiosks,

Unity5 said bye combing its strengths in private sector parking management technology with Chipside’s well-established business with local authorities has created “a uniquely positioned group that offers an unparalleled breadth of expertise and solutions”.

Unity5 CEO Mark Wilson said: “This acquisition is not just about growth – it’s about collaboration.

“Both companies share a strong commitment to innovation and exceptional customer care. By working together, we can bring the best of both organisations to the table, ensuring that we continue to support our customers with reliable, forward-thinking solutions.

“Our priority is to maintain stability for both teams while creating opportunities for shared learning, product enhancements, and long-term success.”

Unity5 founder and vice-chairman Dave Herbert added: “Chipside and Unity5 are natural partners. We both take pride in the relationships we have built with our customers, and our shared values of service excellence and continuous improvement make this a perfect fit.

“We are committed to ensuring continuity for all our customers and employees, and we look forward to shaping the future of parking and compliance management technology together.”

Chipside founder Paul Moorby, who was awarded the OBE in 2019 for promoting the UK technology, said: “Building this company has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished.

“As Chipside enters this next chapter under Unity5, I am confident that they will build on the innovative and customer focused values Chipside have always held at our core.

“While I will be stepping away, I leave knowing that the company is in great hands and poised for even greater success. I look forward to seeing all that the future holds.”