Champion Accountants client Inspired Energy Solutions, the Kirkham-based provider of energy purchasing and energy consultancy services, has become the first North West business this year to float on the stock market.
Founded by Janet Thornton in 2002, Inspired Energy optimises energy procurement strategies to enable corporate clients to achieve greater certainty or cost efficiency in respect of their energy costs and has witnessed significant growth during the past three years.
The company has been a Champion a client for over five years. Champion initially provided audit and accounts services, later adding tax planning services in line with the company’s growth and increasing profits.
In January 2011, the Directors of Inspired Energy were made aware of an expression of interest from Energy Plc to acquire the business, and contacted Champion’s Group Tax Director, Gill Molloy.
Janet commented, “Inspired were approached by a number of companies that wanted to buy the business, but our desire wasn’t to sell. We immediately went to Gill for advice and she basically opened up all doors for us”.
Champion subsequently advised the company on the sale options available to them and then supported them through the aspects of the sale process, including assisting during the due diligence process, advising the client on their taxation position, working closely with the vendor lawyers, Atticus Legal LLP and assisting the purchasing lawyers with the verification process for the purposes of listing.
Speaking of the benefits this move has brought for Inspired Energy, Janet commented, “We have been able to expand and take Inspired to the next level, whilst at the same time reducing risk for the Directors. In addition, we have recruited key people from our industry sector. These are very exciting times for Inspired and the fact that we have been oversubscribed by investors is fantastic, particularly given the current climate”.
“Champion, in particular Gill and Ged have been superb, hand holding us and simplifying the entire process. Gill has made every step very clear and concise and I would recommend her to any business. Champion have provided a first class service, are a fantastic company to work with and I can’t sing their praises enough”.
Champion’s Group Tax Director Gill Molloy commented, “The AIM flotation of Inspired has been a long and consuming process for the Directors, but they recognized the future possibilities that the sale to Finemore Energy Plc and the subsequent IPO listing could bring. There are numerous challenges for SME’s when it comes to listing on a registered stock exchange and I think this serves to increase the significance of this deal’s completion”.
You can contact Gill Molloy for advice on 0161 703 2500 or by e-mailing gill.molloy@championgroup.co.uk
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