Construction consultancy Taylor Lewis completes management buy-out

Quantity surveying and construction consultancy firm Taylor Lewis is planning for further growth following the successful completion of a management buy-out (MBO), with the company now owned and led by Robin Jackson and Anthony Bassett.

The new Directors have bought Taylor Lewis from previous owners Steve Foxon and Ben Couch, who will continue with the firm as key members of the new management team.

Now in its 29^th year, Taylor Lewis is an independent, multi-disciplinary firm of chartered quantity surveyors, providing a range of professional construction consultancy services and advice to both the public and private sectors. Renowned for project managing affordable housing developments across the South of England, Taylor Lewis is also one of the firms of surveyors advising landlords on passive fire protection, following the Grenfell Tower inquiry.

With a team of 38, the fast-growing company has offices in Exeter, Truro and Newport in South Wales and is looking to establish a presence in London and Manchester.

Following just over two months of negotiations, the deal completed with support from Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants and law firm Trowers & Hamlins.

Robin Jackson joined Taylor Lewis as a Senior Surveyor in 2013 before being promoted to Associate and head of the Exeter office. Anthony Bassett leads the firm’s Truro team, having joined the business in 2014.

Robin said: “We were faced with a very tight period for negotiation and completion, which meant we needed the full commitment from our team right from the outset and I needed to be sure that Thomas Westcott and Trowers & Hamlins could achieve our ambitious deadline.

“It was a challenge but Thomas Westcott and Trowers & Hamlins were so responsive and gave such thorough advice that it made the negotiations so much easier. We worked well together and their professionalism and ability to deal with everything at short notice ensured we completed on time. I can’t fault them at all in terms of the advice and service we got from them.

“We will continue to work with Thomas Westcott and Trowers & Hamlins going forward. Both firms can cover everything Taylor Lewis needs in terms of financial and legal advice.”

Alison Watts, Corporate Finance Director at Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants said: “The ambitious deadline for this MBO meant we all had to quickly understand the business and everyone’s needs and objectives. We were able to complete the deal within such a tight timeframe because everyone worked so well together.

“Taylor Lewis is a very well established firm and one that has expanded significantly in recent years. Robin and Anthony have exciting plans for the future and we look forward to working with them as they continue to grow and develop the business.”

Lynne Rathbone, Partner in Trowers & Hamlins’ Exeter corporate team said “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Robin and Anthony on their MBO of Taylor Lewis; the fact that we met the ambitious completion deadline is testament to their commitment, hard work and dedication; the same qualities that will undoubtedly support the continued growth and development of this progressive business across the South West and beyond. We wish Robin and Anthony every success with their plans and we look forward to working together going forward”.