8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS January/February 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk NEWS Hydroscand strengthens market presence with dual acquisitions Hydroscand Ltd, a leading provider of hydraulic solutions, has recently confirmed the successful acquisition of Leicester Hose & Hydraulics Limited, a company established in 2004 and located in the heart of Leicester. The transaction, finalised on December 31, 2023, is Hydroscand’s first investment for 2024 and is part of the firm’s strategic efforts to support the transition of businesses in the hydraulics industry. Leicester Hose & Hydraulics, with over 25 years of experience, has built a strong reputation for excellent service and offers a diverse range of products to customers in the local and surrounding areas. This acquisition adds another trade counter for Hydroscand in the Midlands, strategically fitting between existing locations in Nottingham and Birmingham. Gary Brooks, founder of Leicester Hose & Hydraulics, will collaborate with Rebecca Galley, Hydroscand’s Managing Director in the UK, to ensure the successful integration of the company into the Hydroscand Group. Rebecca Galley commented: “We are really pleased to welcome Leicester Hose & Hydraulics to the Hydroscand Group – our shared expertise and commitment to our customers makes this an obvious and complementary partnership.” In addition to the Leicester Hose & Hydraulics acquisition, the company also announced the successful acquisition of Yorkshire Hose & Fittings Limited, a well-established company with roots dating back to 1992. The acquisition was also finalised on December 31, 2023, and marks Hydroscand’s second strategic investment in 2024, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the UK market. Originally founded in Doncaster, Yorkshire Hose & Fittings has built a reputation over the years for its customer service. While initially catering to the local mining industry, the company has successfully diversified its s ervices to meet the needs of various industries in the region. The decision for acquisition was driven by the succession planning of Yorkshire Hose & Fittings’ owners. The move is seen as a mutually beneficial and complementary addition to Hydroscand’s UK business. As a long-standing customer of Hydroscand, Yorkshire Hose & Fittings brings added value through its trade counter, further enhancing Hydroscand’s presence in the region. The acquisition also provides a strategic base for Hydroscand’s HoseExpress mobile hose replacement business to extend its operations into the South Yorkshire area. Following the completion of the acquisition, Yorkshire Hose & Fittings founder Paul Jeffs will be stepping down from his position immediately. Scott Kennedy, a vital part of the company since 1995, will continue with the business, playing a crucial role in supporting its development and integration over the coming months. Rebecca Galley, a representative of Hydroscand, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating: “We are very happy that Yorkshire Hose & Fittings will become part of Hydroscand Group. As a long-standing customer, we already have an excellent working relationship with Scott, and I am very much looking forward to building the business together in Doncaster and the surrounding area.” In response, Paul Jeffs shared his sentiments on the transition, saying: “Having dealt with Hydroscand for many years, I am happy in the knowledge that YHF will go from strength to strength under their control. I wish them all the very best.” Both acquisitions exemplify Hydroscand’s expertise in supporting seamless business transitions and reflect the company’s commitment to seeking further opportunities for growth in the hose and fittings sector, as well as mobile hose repair businesses. HOS organises accredited mental health first aid training Sunderland based fluid power experts Hydraulic & Offshore Supplies (HOS) is taking the topic of mental health seriously by organising accredited training for its employees. The company, which is part of the R&G Fluid Power Group, has been based next to Sunderland’s riverside for over 35 years and has diversified and grown during recent years. Supplying sectors including engineering, offshore, renewables, ship repair, automotive and oil & gas, it is passionate about providing the very best training, support and encouraging personal development to its staff. Hose technican Laura Fenwick was keen to learn more about how to support mental health in the workplace so was eager to take part in the Mental Health First Aid at Work training. The course, which is accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, covered how to recognise warning signs of mental ill health, develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while also keeping yourself safe.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=