1. Biz Network May 2021 1-38.qxp_Chamberlink 30/04/2021 09:30 Page 4
MEMBER NEWS
Acquisition secures jobs and growth Aerofab Fabrications has acquired fellow Leicester company Paton Precision Engineering in a move that secures 18 jobs and creates a platform for growth opportunities for both companies. Oadby-based Paton Precision Engineering has had a longstanding relationship with Aerofab Fabrications – which employs 40 people and designs, manufactures and installs bespoke metalwork, ranging from assembly lines for food producers to bespoke sculptures for boutique hotels. It will become part of the Wigston fabricator’s group of companies, although it will retain its name and stay at the same site in Kenilworth Drive. Peter James, managing director of family-run Aerofab, said the acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, benefits both companies. “We have worked closely with Paton Precision Engineering for more than 20 years, and the opportunity to bring it into the fold of Aerofab Fabrications ticks every box for both of us,” he said. “This acquisition is a landmark for our
business and opens the door to a lot of exciting new opportunities. “Its experience in precision machining is second to none, and we are gaining an incredible amount of additional expertise that will enable us to strengthen our proposition for customers.
‘This acquisition is a landmark for our business’ “The team at Paton Precision Engineering is just like us in the fact it can come up with solutions for customers that other engineering companies either don’t think are possible or simply can’t deliver.” The deal strengthens the positions of both businesses, which have traded strongly through 2020 and are optimistic about the future. Aerofab in particular has recorded growth from its existing customer base and is also establishing itself in new markets. As part of the acquisition, Phil Curtis and Ian Wynter, of Paton, will remain within the business and
From left: Phil Curtis, Peter James and Ian Wynter
continue heading up the management team. Aerofab also plans an investment package for Paton that will include new IT infrastructure and software. Phil said: “We’re delighted to become part of Aerofab Fabrications’ group. The companies are already closely aligned, with a can-do
attitude for finding bespoke machining and fabrication solutions.” Ian added: “Paton Precision Engineering has been established for many years, and we are very pleased that the name will continue as we have built up a good reputation as a machining company.”
Professor appointed as High Sheriff
The new £250,000 lab at Healthy Stuff
Healthy Stuff invests in new lab Castle Donington-based Healthy Stuff has invested in a new £250,000 lab as part of an “aggressive” investment strategy that has already paid dividends throughout the pandemic. The new lab will allow the health testing company to increase its testing capacity by 300% and reduce the demand for staff supervision by enabling it to run 24-hour testing. While many other companies have been forced to scale back spending over the past 12 months, Healthy Stuff has continued to invest, resulting in profits growing. Managing director Jason Wootton said: “We have rapidly become a global market leader in allergy and intolerance testing. We continue to develop new health tests available to people easily and affordably from our state-of-the-art laboratory and exclusive technology platform.” 4
business network May 2021
Established in 2008, Healthy Stuff has helped more than 450,000 people discover their food sensitivities and take steps to improve their relationship with their diet. Its new lab will also feature airtight technology to prevent the risk of Covid-19 spreading from within the team. The company, which won the Business Improvement through Technology award at last year’s Derbyshire Business Awards run by the Chamber, has also employed a scientific adviser as part of its growth strategy. Jason added: “Our growth has been supported by highly skilled and dedicated team members that ensure our customers receive the very best advice and support through their wellness journey.”
A leading eye expert based at the University of Nottingham has been appointed as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Professor Harminder Singh Dua CBE was installed as High Sheriff at a ceremony in March after his name was approved by the Queen during a meeting of the Privy Council. He will remain in post for the next year. The High Sheriff is one of the oldest roles in the country going back more than 1,000 years – and pre-dating Robin Hood by several hundred years. Professor Dua said: “Being High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire is a high honour and rare privilege. I will work to support charities and local voluntary organisations, and focus on community health, religion and the environment. To care for those who serve us and for those who we serve.” Professor Dua’s most famous contribution to ophthalmology was his research group’s discovery of a previously undetected layer of the human cornea in 2013, which has informed three new surgical techniques and made lamellar corneal transplantation safer. University of Nottingham president and vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West said: “Professionally, Professor Dua has already achieved so much, and he is respected by everyone in his field and all of us at the university.”
