Based in West Sussex, Active Pump Services has been providing water pump and sewage plant services since 1996. When we met the owners, they had a well-structured team of 12 and a portfolio of domestic and commercial clients with a steady income stream. In 2016, part-owner Nigel Smart retired from the business, deciding to keep his 50% stake until business partner Geoff decided he wanted to retire.
In 2022, Geoff informed Nigel of his intention to retire, at which point they started to research how to sell the business. Through his online research, Nigel made contact with Simon Tomkins from Business Partnership. The two owners met Simon in person to explain the business background and their motivation to sell. They were impressed with Simon’s approach and appointed him to broker a deal.
The owners’ aim was always for the business to continue trading after their departure. They had built it as a family business and wanted to protect the livelihoods of their young team of employees. Geoff was prepared to stay on for a transitional period following completion of the sale.
Simon valued the business and, being in a niche sector, was confident it would sell.
He used his contacts to speak with investors and owners of businesses that might be a good fit. A local company made an offer very close to Simon’s valuation and the owners decided to accept it. In December 2022, during due diligence it became clear that the buyer did not have the necessary funding in place and the deal fell through. Simon moved quickly to set up more meetings with interested buyers and revived interest from two, leading to further meetings. Throughout this process, Simon kept everyone informed and coached the owners through how to approach conversations with prospective buyers. Then, out of the blue, a local business person with big plans to expand his own facilities management business through acquisition, showed an interest and made an offer which was accepted.
The sale completed in October 2023 and Geoff agreed to stay on working in the business two days a week, which he has since reduced to one day. The new owner is growing operations, acquiring other businesses, and taking on new staff, with broker support from Business Partnership. Geoff has passed his motorbike licence and is enjoying time on the golf course. Alongside spending time with his grandchildren, Nigel is passing his commercial expertise down the generations, having purchased a business for a family member to run with his support.
Business Partnership had lots of positive reviews in our local area, which immediately made us sit up and take notice. Simon valued the business and was confident it would sell. He had plenty of contacts and quickly got in touch with potential buyers. He also recommended a couple of solicitors and we ended up appointing one of them.
After the disappointment of the sale falling through, Simon took everything in his stride. He picked us up and never gave up on us or our business. He was so responsive and on the ball. I can’t praise his commitment and tenacity enough. He pursued alternative contacts and kept us informed every step of the way. He absolutely knew what he was doing, which was very reassuring.
Simon is very easy to talk to – a natural communicator – and I think that’s one of the reasons why he’s so good at his job. If we hadn’t appointed him as our broker, we’d still be looking to sell now!
It makes me so happy when I pass our vans and tankers on the road. To see the business name live on means a lot. I have no doubt we sold to the right buyer.
Nigel Smart, former owner, Active Pump Services
Whether you’re selling, buying, or planning for the future, Business Partnership is here to help. Contact us today to speak with your local Regional Partner and start your journey toward success.
Whether you’re selling, buying, or planning for the future, Business Partnership is here to help. Contact us today to speak with your local Regional Partner and start your journey toward success.