Tricon Foodservice Consultants buys Midlands design consultancy
Tricon Foodservice Consultants has completed a deal to purchase Melton Mowbray-based foodservice design consultancy Grantham Winch Partnership. The Leicestershire firm becomes part of Tricon for an undisclosed fee, bringing a number of new clients into the fold.
As consumers have tightened their belts, it has had a knock-on effect for the food and beverage industry of the UK, particularly as Brexit ramps up import prices. Amid such a difficult environment, it has become more important than ever for industry incumbents to economise their operations, while finding new ways to roll out innovative products to re-engage customer interest. To that end, consulting firms which provide both standard management consultancy services and food and beverage concept development are likely to see heightened demand in the coming period.
Founded in 1981, Tricon Foodservice Consultants is one of Europe’s largest foodservice design and management consultancies, employing 45 people. During its time in business, the firm has worked with The British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Tate Modern, the NATO headquarters in Brussels and the Palace of Westminster. With offices in London and the United Arab Emirates, Tricon posted an annual turnover at the end of 2018 measuring £4.47 million, and the firm has now sought to buoy growth and strengthen its position in the market with the acquisition of Grantham Winch Partnership.
Based in Melton Mowbray, design consultancy Grantham Winch Partnership has worked with clients in the hotel and education sectors for over 20 years. Managed by Garry Nokes, an experienced foodservice design consultant with over 35 years in the industry, the firm brings with it a number of new projects and clients for Tricon to take under its belt. Nokes meanwhile has joined Tricon’s London office as a Design Director.
Tricon’s managing director, Mike Coldicott stated “Garry’s arrival to the Tricon design team is a valuable and timely addition given his significant experience in the hotel, education and healthcare sectors and is further evidence of our ambition to provide strong design mentorship to the wider design team as we continue to grow and develop our business… The influx of new projects and clients that the Grantham Winch Partnership will bring with it, along with Garry Nokes’ expertise marks a new chapter in the growth of our business."
The buy-side of the deal, which concludes for an undisclosed fee, was advised upon by East of England law firm Birketts. Corporate team legal director Lisa Gray led the transaction, with support from Abigail Trencher and Josie Beal of the firm’s employment wing, and assistance from Simona Gruodyte, also in corporate.
Gray commented, "I have no doubt that Tricon’s international experience will perfectly complement GWP’s significant success and experience in the education and hospitality sectors and make for a very bright future. This acquisition marks a key moment in Tricon’s growth, seeing them actively undertake ownership of an array of new projects that will help them further develop their business and strengthen their position within an ever-evolving market."
