STRONG TRADING AT HALFORDS AS CYCLING IS STAND-OUT WINNER

Halfords Group, the national motoring and cycling retailer which has its headquarters in Redditch, reported strong trading across the last quarter of 2020 with Group likefor-like sales up more than 11 per cent – which includes retail up 9.8 per cent and trading at its Autocentres up more than 21 per cent.

Cycling was the stand-out winner for Halfords. Like-for-like growth in this retail sector was more than 35 per cent, driven by continued strength in e-bikes and e-scooters, despite global container shortages and port congestion impacting availability.

Graham Stapleton, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to have delivered a strong performance under hugely challenging circumstances, including our best ever Christmas week. Despite a large reduction in traffic on the roads, our Autocentres business saw significant growth, with strong demand for the services of our growing fleet of Halfords Mobile Expert vans.

“We are carrying out more than half a million services and repair jobs on cars and bikes each month, and continue to play an essential role in keeping the UK moving during this pandemic.

“Throughout the crisis we have been able to offer free checks and discounts to 239,000 NHS workers, teachers and Armed Forces staff to help them keep their vehicles safe and roadworthy.”

HR AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE PROVIDER SECURES £2 MILLION

BGF (Business Growth Fund) –the UK’s most active investor – has invested £2 million in XCD, the Bristol-based HR and Payroll cloud software provider.

The investment will support XCD’s organic and acquisitive growth strategy. Founded in 2011, the company now has more than 30,000 users across 35 countries using its Salesforcepowered services.

In 2015, XCD received investment from UK tech entrepreneur and investor Vin Murria OBE, who also took on the role of company Chair. CEO Simon Fowler joined the business in 2017 to drive a new growth strategy for the business.

Simon said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with BGF with this investment. It not only means our plans are funded, but also gives us validation that an investor with a reputation such as BGF’s believes in what we have achieved up to this point.”

Mitcheldean-based Exploration Logistics Limited has been sold to leading risk management and crisis response company Exlog Global.

The deal, completed just before Christmas, will support Exlog Global’s support for its growing client base in

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jack Stradley, CEO of Exlog Global, said: “Not only does it expand the scope of our capabilities and our regional footprint, it also strengthens and broadens our management team.”

Mark Hutchings, CEO of Exploration Logistics, added: “We have worked closely for many years on significant projects around the world.

“It is great to bring the businesses together to extend our capabilities, network and reach.”