Strong start for the First Interiors Group

In six short months, Salford-based The First Interiors Group has experienced significant success including several acquisitions, new recruits and contract wins, resulting in a strong balance sheet and excellent foundations for the next 12 months.

The Group, now worth £4.5m, is disrupting the industry with its fresh approach towards service offering, processes and client satisfaction. As such, the Group has secured a number of record contracts across the country, worth circa £1.5m, increasing turnover by 50%.

New companies have been acquired including Apex Joinery based in Ipswich and MBS Workplace Environments based in Leighton Buzzard.

To date, there have been seven new appointments across the Group, with a dedicated recruitment drive now underway to recruit 10 individuals across multiple disciplines, from operations and project management to finance. A marketing and social media campaign will soon launch to support the Group’s future growth plans.

Operating nationwide, The First Interiors Group now provides a comprehensive, full service incorporating design, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, installation and interior fit out.

Mike McVey, Head of Group Sales & Operations at The First Interiors Group, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled with what has been achieved so far by The First Interiors Group. Momentum remains strong and with a growing team of talented individuals, we are excited about what can be achieved over the course of the next six to 12 months.

“Our acquisitions have been carefully considered and strategic, and with regular and sizable contracts from both new and existing clients, we have a solid pipeline of work for the year ahead. From bespoke joinery projects and interior design to large-scale furniture installation and fit out contracts, we’ve been able to expand and target leisure, healthcare, residential and commercial sectors.”

With its Head Office in Irlam and regional offices across the UK, The First Interiors Group is confident it can continue with its expansion plans for 2023 and beyond.

Mike concludes: “We are always looking for opportunities to expand, seeking suitable businesses to acquire and securing new contracts in all sectors. In the meantime, our immediate objective is to focus on what we have achieved in recent months, nurture the team and plan for future sustainable growth.”

The First Interiors Group is a collaboration of successful and like-minded firms; First Install, its sister company Specialist Interiors Division, Apex Joinery and MBS Workplace Environments. Offering design, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, installation and interior fit out services nationally, across all sectors, The First Interiors Group is fast becoming the first choice interiors partner in the UK. www.firstinteriorsgroup.com

Robert Bierfreund of Interprint new chairman of DPA

Robert Bierfreund is taking over the chairmanship of the Digital Printing Association (DIPA) with immediate effect, replacing Ali Özyilmaz of MB Digitalprint.

DIPA brings together experts from all process steps of industrial surface design. The aim of DIPA is to take a holistic view of the individual surface design process and to make the possibilities of industrial digital printing as an innovative process accessible to as many users as possible.

Robert Bierfreund started his career in the printing industry back in 1991. For 17 years, he held various management positions throughout Europe at Bertelsmann Printing. Since 2011, the electrical engineer has been leading Interprint worldwide as Group COO/MD: “I am looking forward to my new tasks within DIPA. Interprint has demonstrated innovative strength in all areas of décor printing since its foundation. As an active member and chairman of DIPA, it is my concern to further develop the new technologies around digital printing with its associated ECO system on their way to the perfectly designed surface.”

In addition to Robert’s appointment, DIPA also welcomes Egger, Finsa, Metis and Heimann, as additional members that support DIPA with their expertise in the application of digital printing.

DIPA is also participating at Ligna this year too, presenting at the Ligna.Stage. DIPA will present a two-hour Spotlight in German and English, for visitors on site, or streaming and on demand for those interested. The ‘future workshop’ on digital printing will highlight, among other things, the DIPA Academy as a solution to the acute shortage of skilled workers, the use of artificial intelligence in the digital printing process, and the need to build an eco system of its own in the digital environment of different machine manufacturers, technologies, and a wide variety of materials. www.dipa.com