Chester’s Ellis Whittam to create 100 jobs with new private equity investment

Business services provider Ellis Whittam is set to create 100 jobs over the next four years after securing investment from private equity firm LDC.

The Chester-based company, which offers advisory and fully outsourced employment law, HR and health & safety services, plans to use the undisclosed cash boost to accelerate organic growth and fund future acquisitions.

Founded by Chester solicitor Mark Ellis, Ellis Whittam employs a team of 165 at its Aldford HQ and generated sales of £11m in the 12 months to April 2016.

The investment deal will see LDC take a minority stake, while Mark will now lead the business as CEO. The firm’s former chief executive, Deven Thakrar, has made the decision to step down to pursue other business opportunities.

Commenting on the deal, Mark said: “Over the past decade we have supported countless businesses, associations, schools, colleges, charities and local councils in meeting their legal obligations as employers and supporting the wellbeing of their staff, which has allowed owners and managers to focus on their core business activities.

“In LDC we’re confident we have the right partner to deliver the next phase of our journey, as the team fully understands our vision to be the UK’s best fixed-fee professional support business.”

He added: “We have a shared ambition and the partnership will help us to bring our expertise to many more management teams throughout the UK.”

LDC investment director Richard Ibbett led on the transaction alongside Johnny Bell, the firm’s North West co-head. Both will join the Ellis Whittam board.

Richard Ibbett said: “People remain at the heart of all employers and organisations are increasingly looking externally for specialist HR and health and safety support that can reduce overheads, but also better manage their legal, people and safety agenda.

“Since Mark founded the company, Ellis Whittam has built an offering that delivers just that and has become an integrated and critical support function for thousands of employers.”

He continued: “We look forward to working with the team as it eyes new opportunities to expand.”

Elsewhere Robert Morgan – who has over 20 years of experience working with private equity-backed businesses, and previously served as the chief exec of services group Hays plc – has also joined the Ellis Whittam board.

Retail banking professional Colin Kemp, the former MD of telephone banking at Lloyds Banking Group, has been appointed in the role of non-executive director. Colin is also non-executive director of online estate agents Rightmove plc.

LDC was advised by financial advisors Rothschild and corporate law firm Addleshaw Goddard. Accountants KPMG provided financial due diligence, while management consulting firm PMSI provided commercial due diligence.

Ellis Whittam was advised by professional services company Deloitte and law firm DWF.

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