Shropshire firm aims to expand with £8 million investment

Hawk Group, based at Prees Green near Whitchurch, is the UK's biggest privately-owned plant hire and earthworks company, with turnover of around £70 million and around 500 staff on its books.

Now it is aiming at fresh growth after securing the money from the Business Growth Fund, which it will use to expand its fleet in anticipation of major projects coming its way.

In the past, it has worked on the Olympic Park, Hinkley Pouint C nuclear power station, the Channel Tunnel and Crossrail, and is expected to provide equipment for HS2 when work begins on the new super-fast railway.

The business has invested heavily in machinery and equipment in recent years, and has now sealed the £8 million investment from the growth fund – which is a private organisation backed by the UK's big four banks.

It will continue to develop its fleet and meet increasing demand for plant hire and construction services, for both major projects and house building. Hawk is also extending its services into sectors such as quarrying.

Chief executive Mike Hawkins said: "By focusing on building and maintaining a modern fleet and offering our customers' additional value through our fully managed fleet services, we have created a solid customer base and opportunities to scale-up even further.

"Given the level of investment in large scale infrastructure projects and housebuilding, the needs of our customers will increase as they themselves take on more work.

"Bringing BGF on board means that we are extremely well placed to keep ahead of this increased demand."

The company has also appointed Bill Bolsover CBE – formerly chairman of materials giant Aggregate Industries – as non-executive chairman, while Jon Earl of BGF will also join the board as a non-executive director.

"Hawk Group is already a company of significant size and reputation," Mr Bolsover said.

"Going forward, the UK construction sector continues to offer opportunities for the group, and there are new sectors which Mike and his team are keen to explore – both of which will drive additional activity and growth.

"I am looking forward to joining the board and helping Hawk Group scale up its operations even further."

Mr Earl added: "BGF exists to help established UK businesses and entrepreneurs reach their full potential by removing or reducing barriers to growth. As a minority, non-controlling partner, we focus on finding strong management teams and business owners that want to accelerate growth.

"Mike and his team are an example of the first-class entrepreneurial talent that exists in Britain. They have created a niche in their market, a strong reputation and in-depth understanding of their industry and the needs of their customers. We are delighted to be supporting them."