Weclome to CSG

Global provider of solutions for education and the public sector. Welcome to Commercial Services Group

Welcome to Commercial Services Group (CSG)

We are very proud of what we are building at CSG. Now a portfolio of 28 specialist trading businesses, CSG collectively has grown to become the largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO) in the UK, with over £800m in annual revenue and providing our wide range of services to over 16,000 customers globally.

With services ranging from HR and recruitment to energy management, from IT and education managed services to legal support, from waste management to procurement – and a whole lot more – CSG’s 1,800 strong workforce is committed and passionate about delivering outstanding value to customers and stakeholders at every level.

We are proud of this. We are proud to drive our organisation forward through four focused pillars – customer experience, commercial growth, social & substainable value and supporting an empowered workforce. We are proud of our heritage as a Kent County Council-owned trading business for almost 100 years. We are incredibly proud of our wonderful colleagues and the impact they have on our customers and communities. But most of all, we are proud that these efforts have a measurable impact and generate financial returns to support front line services – over £67m so far – a true example of profit with a purpose.

We hope you enjoy reading about CSG and the journey we are on. Please come and talk to us to find out more.

Matt Johnson Group CEO

Matt Johnson

Our business strategy

Our people and our customers are at the heart of our business. Our strategy is straightforward, yet powerful: we use our vision, purpose, and business objectives to guide us towards growth and success.

Our vision

Our purpose

Our business objectives

To be the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

Assist the education and public sectors to reduce their expenditure and save time by providing a range of services, products and procurement frameworks.

Customer Experience Social & Sustainable Value

Commercial Growth Empowered Workforce

Helping us to achieve our vision, we incorporate them into everything we do.

Delivering our strategy

Our Group’s recent transformation has motivated us to aim for excellence, resulting in impressive accomplishments thanks to our team of talented, skilled, and experienced employees.

96 years since first established

1,800 employees

12,000 suppliers

28 trading brands

Investors in People accredited £77m contributed to frontline public services through our dividend

87 countries we serve

16,000 customer base

As a Group we are immensely proud of the service, support and financial contribution we provide to support front line services, a genuine example of profit with a purpose.

Philip Dearing, Chair of the Board of Directors

Brand structure 2024

A unique blend of brands makes for something special

CSG is the umbrella for our 28 trading brands, serving as the proud parent. It provides central support, dependability, and security to allow each brand to thrive independently.

CSG is agile, strong, and global, and our people are capable of achieving great things.

Specialist Recruitment

Procurement

Community Services

Recruitment – Managed Services Energy & Carbon

The structure of CSG leadership is crucial for our success. The Executive Board handles the day-to-day management and strategic direction, while a NonExecutive Board provides independent oversight, ensuring that the Group’s management acts in the best interest of the Shareholders.

Our Leadership Team

Financial Analysis

The business generated net revenue of £189.2m in the financial year, not including revenue pass through or non-consolidated joint ventures.

Net profits increased by 30% to a record £8.246m, allowing CSG to declare record dividends of £7m (23/24) and £10m (24/25) to its Shareholder, Kent County Council. The business is budgeting for a further 14% growth in the year ahead, with a record net profit target of £9.43m.

Rob Boyles Group Chief Financial Officer