HBS Group Southern powers ahead with growth plans
The next chapter in HBS’s success story continues after securing a series of lucrative long-term contracts.
Following another successful year, the Whiteley-based mechanical, electrical and renewable energy specialist has had an exceptional start to 2018. After being named Management Team of the Year at the recent Solent 250 Awards, HBS has secured several multi-million-pound contracts that are set to increase the Group’s turnover from £19.9 million in 2017 to a target of £40m in 2018.
The building blocks of success
With a growing team of nearly 100 employees operating from the head office, supported by a network of 200 highly-trained engineers and apprentices, the group holds a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, all under one roof. These attributes encompass all aspects of consultancy, design, installation and maintenance.
Renowned for its trusted expertise in plumbing, electrical and renewable energy services, HBS has built an impressive list of long-standing clients that include eight of the UK’s 10 largest housebuilders; local authorities and major private and public-sector organisations.
HBS has been committed to delivering excellence since it began operating in 1950, and founder Harry Bull believed that building and maintaining client relationships played a pivotal role in ensuring continued growth. That philosophy still stands today.
“At HBS we’re dedicated to developing long-term partnerships with like-minded organisations who are both forward thinking and want to raise industry standards,’’ said Kevin Bull, managing director.
Expansion underway
For over 65 years HBS has been supporting housebuilders in their quest to build quality, affordable housing to address the ongoing supply shortage. With ambitious plans to expand and diversify into new markets, it’s no surprise to see HBS capitalise on its renewable technology expertise by positioning itself at the forefront of solar PV and battery storage solutions in the UK.
In 2010, when James Bull seized the opportunity to move into renewable energy services, it was seen as a high-risk move. Now, in 2018 the New Energies division is an established, trusted partner for the housebuilding, construction and utilities industries.
With expansion plans now underway, HBS has taken steps to establish a national network of installers – a crucial link to helping the business achieve its long-term growth targets and enable its renewable division to deliver recently awarded framework contracts for Bristol Water, Network Rail, Northumberland County Council, and Anglian Water to name a few.
Building for the future
The third-generation family-run business is now poised to begin the next chapter. With a combined group order book of almost £60m to build mechanical, electrical and renewable energy systems over the next few years, and a pipeline of a further £70m, HBS is in a strong position to execute its growth strategy.
“It is our aim to be the leading innovator in the building services and energy markets, driving forward sustainability and energy efficiency while striving to improve industry standards.” said James Bull, New Energies managing director.
As well as being motivated by increasing turnover and profitability, the Bull family is committed to addressing more pressing issues.
The company is tackling fuel poverty by working in partnership with local authorities and housing associations to implement energy-efficiency measures into new and existing housing stock.
HBS is also addressing the shortage of homes across the south, working closely with developers to support their continued growth and boost the new housing supply.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the business is contributing to a cleaner environment by cutting carbon emissions. Climate change is currently a major topic of concern and carbon reduction initiatives are a popular strategy for businesses. HBS’s vision is to install solar panels on every new home and provide solar power to the UK’s major energy users.
“It’s extremely rewarding to support sustainable housing and energy-saving projects across the UK, making a real difference to communities and minimising environmental impact. We are proud of what HBS has achieved in the past 65 years and we’re excited by what the future holds,” added James Bull.
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