Management buyout and senior reshuffle for leading Gloucestershire facilities firm

It's all change at the top of leading Gloucestershire facilities management company Hewer FM, with managing director (MD) Simon Hewer being appointed CEO this August 2024.

Simon, whose father David launched the Gloucester-based heating, plumbing and electricals specialist in the 1960s, joined the family firm in the 80s as a trainee, rising through the ranks to its management team before becoming MD in 2006.

Enthused by the firm's latest annual turnover of £21 million — up 14 per cent on the previous year — along with the desire to continue the legacy of the family business, he now takes up the position of CEO, with operations director Ian Haughton being promoted to MD.

Ian's journey with Hewer began in the 1990s, joining its senior team as mechanical and electrical manager in 2006, before becoming general manager in 2017 and company operations director in 2022.

The senior restructure also sees financial director Ian Leitch, who has been with the company since 2002; and heating director Stuart Hesk, who joined in 2018, become equal co-owners of the firm along with Simon Hewer, Ian Haughton and Chris Yates.

The business, based at The Aquarius Centre at Waterwells, has expanded its workforce to 143 people over the last five years, in which time its turnover has risen by 82 per cent.

Hewer FM is renowned throughout the region for delivering a range of heating and plumbing; electrical and renewable energy services, from design and installation to repair and maintenance for domestic, commercial and industrial clients large and small.

Simon Hewer said: 'This new arrangement will build upon the knowledge, experience, drive and enthusiasm of the senior management team and I am excited about the future as the business continues to grow and thrive.

'On a personal note, I am delighted to be joined by the new ownership team, having already worked together for a number of years, including some for more than 30 years.

'I know that the business is in good hands as we plan the next stage of its future and that this is built on the people who make it what it is. Together we will continue to take the business forward into a successful future.'