Hobs Group have received a further £4m investment from BGF to continue the expansion of 3D printing, reprographics, facilities management and legal support services businesses in the UK. This brings BGF’s total investment in Hobs to more than £11m.
Hobs Group have experienced growth across each of its businesses – Hobs 3D, Hobs Repro and Anexsys – since partnering with BGF in 2014.
Hobs Repro, which operates from 21 sites across the UK, is innovating in digital print and introducing new digital services such as AI-enhanced bid management systems and services. A new centre was recently opened to support the nuclear sector in Warrington’s Birchwood Park and a new display graphics centre will be launched in Holborn, London to service growing demand in the market segment.
Hobs 3D – which offers state-of-the-art 3D printing, terrestrial scanning and digital visualisations for architectural, engineering, construction and product designers – operates from London, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow. A larger facility in London is currently being planned to increase capacity. Hobs Studio recently completed the largest 3D printed master planning model for Barking Riverside, due to deliver 10,800 new homes in East London.
Anexsys, the group’s legal services business, which counts over 70 percent of the UK legal top 50 as clients, has also experienced significant growth and recently secured seven of nine lots in the UK government’s eDiscovery framework. Key intellectual property is being developed to set Anexsys apart from its competitors. Anexsys provides eDiscovery, digital forensics, managed legal systems and legal hard-copy services.
As part of Hobs’ growth strategy, the business recently completed the acquisitions of Face Creative Services and K2 Legal Support and invested in new ERP and market-leading Web-to-Print systems. With BGF’s backing, the business will continue its programme of organic growth in addition to exploring future acquisition opportunities.
Hobs Group CEO James Duckenfield said: “We have laid some important foundation stones for the group’s path forward and are leveraging the synergies that exist between the companies. Each business has its own strategy for growth, focused on its specific market opportunities. Broadly speaking, we will look to crystalise and leverage our unique IP, introduce new digital services and find suitable acquisitions. This new investment from BGF is a vote of confidence in our strategy. We continue to enjoy a great partnership with the BGF team who share our ambitions for business.”
BGF’s Neil Inskip, who sits on the Board of Hobs Group said: “Hobs is at the forefront of innovation in the 3D and specialist document related services and has experienced solid growth since our investment. We are backing a strong management team, led by James, that continues to deliver on its plans. We look forward to supporting the business through its next stage of growth.”