Connections provider Rock Power sold to Mitie Group

The Bristol-based facilities management company Mitie Group has acquired the independent connections provider Rock Power Connections.

Worcester-based Rock specialises in the design and installation of new high voltage electricity supplies, the renewal of industrial and commercial customers’ electrical assets up to 132kV, and the EV charging installation for non-residential blue-chip customers.

Mitie has already delivered several thousand EV charging points for a broad range of customers and endusers. With the market shifting towards high voltage chargers, and with the increasing demand for new connections into the National Grid, the acquisition of Rock will significantly enhance Mitie’s ability to grow in this sector.

The transaction comprises an initial payment of £10 million, with two deferred payments of up to £4.5 million.

In 2020, Rock reported revenues of £7.4 million.

Phil Bentley, Chief Executive Officer, Mitie, said: “Decarbonising our energy system is an absolute imperative for the UK. The acquisition of Rock will allow Mitie to capture a greater share of the fast-growing high voltage electric vehicle charging market.”

Warwickshire Pizza Kit Company Receives

£500,000 INVESTMENT

A Leamington Spa-based pizza business has secured £500,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund for its home baked pizza kit service which offers customers a fun home dining experience.

In part driven by lockdown and a growing demand for home dining, Birtelli’s embarked on its new pizza kit venture in spring 2020.

Ordered online and delivered fresh overnight, customers can choose from a wide range of kits, incorporating multiple dough types and toppings from British producers.

Birtelli’s has seen significant sales growth over the last 12 months and the funding will allow it to double the size of its production facility, upgrade its e-commerce platform and streamline production to take advantage of this growing market.

Birtelli’s owners, Jim and Jag Biryah, are joined in the venture by Michelinstarred chef and owner of Salt restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon, Paul Foster.

Record growth for award-winning Bristol production company

Independent television production company Plimsoll Productions has reported a 65 per cent rise in its growth.

Bristol-based Plimsoll’s BAFTA, Emmy and Academy award-winning team specialises in wildlife, documentary and factual entertainment shows, and it is the biggest independent producer of natural history programmes in the world.

The business has produced more than 70 series for broadcasters including Netflix, Disney and Apple, and has offices in Bristol, Los Angeles and Cardiff.

In 2019, Plimsoll was backed by mid-market private equity firm Lloyds Development Capital Limited, since when the company has invested in natural history, documentary and factual drama and grown through acquisition and expansion in the USA.

Grant Mansfield, CEO and founder of

Plimsoll Productions, said: “We’re immensely proud of our multi-award-winning creative teams and their achievements over the last few years. It’s testament to their skills and long-term commitment that our projects continue to have a real impact, helping to raise awareness of important global issues and drive forward positive societal change.”

For the financial year ending August 2021, the company generated sales of £50 million.