Clarkson Evans, a major Gloucestershire family business that has grown to become one of the biggest electrical contractors in the UK, is undergoing a management buyout.
Founded by Steve Evans four decades ago, the Staverton-based firm has a turnover of £65 million, employs 850 staff across 21 national branches, and wired more than 24,000 new UK homes in 2021.
Evans is about to sign the paperwork on a management buyout by existing directors, with all parties in agreement that the move will allow Clarkson Evans to continue to thrive.
Nathan Evans, Steve’s son, stepped down as managing director just before Christmas 2021 after 26 years with the business.
Lindsey Young, who recently became chief executive officer of Clarkson Evans, said: ‘Steve and Nathan will maintain shares in the business and will remain as non-executive directors.
‘The business will now be led by the remaining existing directors, who have 75 years of experience working for the firm between them.
‘We are aiming to expand the company and looking to push past a £100 million turnover.
‘Clarkson Evans will remain as ambitious and as committed to its customers, its staff and to apprenticeships as ever.’
Doug Sparrow, finance director, Chris Pike, production director, Leigh Mason, technical director and Tim Bisp, commercial director will join Young as the new part-owners.
Steve Evans said: ‘I’m really proud of what’s been achieved in the 40 years since I started the business. Everything began from very humble beginnings in 1981 as I was basically one man in a van who was out wiring houses by day and then dealing with tenders and invoicing at home in the evenings.
‘Much has changed since then and I feel that the last 40 years have been well spent, laying the foundations and building the ethos for an established business that still has lots of potential to grow further and diversify into new areas of work.
‘At the age of 65 I believe it’s time for me to hand over the reins so I approached my fellow directors to offer them the opportunity to take a majority share in the company and I’m really pleased they’ll be taking the business forward.’
By Andrew Merrell
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