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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: Martin Lewis, MD of Beta Group Ltd

By November 27, 2013January 29th, 2021Firm news

Established in 1987, ‘filtration & engineering’ specialist, Beta Group, has grown to become a major supplier into the heating and ventilation market (HVAC) as well as to the automotive and industrial paint spraying industries. From its base in the North West, Beta supply and service, on a national basis all types of air filters, air handling and spraybooth equipment.

Which solicitors do you use at Glaisyers and how do you rate our service?

For all and any employment advice Russell Brown is our main contact. We have a rolling 12 month agreement for Glaisyers Absolute HR scheme, we started this in April 2009 and have renewed each year. We find it adds to our own staff support services and keeps us updated on changes in Employment law.

For corporate matters we deal with Julian Bond and his team who have proved to be extremely useful in many aspects of the asset acquisition process, including due diligence, document drafting, negotiation and project structure planning.

What are the biggest challenges you face in growing your business and maintaining profits?

Despite the challenging economic conditions, Beta Group, which employs more than 50 people, bucked the national trend this year by announcing a record annual turnover in April 2013. However issues regarding keeping up with employment law are one of the most difficult tasks we face.

What is your greatest achievement in your business and personal life?

We are proud of being a Rossendale business and want to encourage the local community to invest in the area. A recent survey reported a staggering 27% of employees in Rossendale travel to work in Greater Manchester on a daily basis, compared with 4% from Burnley and 7% from Blackburn. As a business owner we need to reverse this trend and show people we can build a successful business community here without the need to go to the “Big City”.

As every busy owner/manager/entrepreneur knows you need time to let off steam. I am passionate about our local Rugby Team, Rossendale RUFC who are presently riding high in National 3 North having played and won 11 from 11.

Do you find social media assists your business and if so, how?

When my daughter, Suzie, was head of marketing for the business she decided to get us using all types of social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) and we find it very useful for communicating with customers, suppliers and staff. You do need someone to drive that side of the marketing mix and we are soon to announce a further social media drive

Where do you see Beta Group Limited in 20 years’ time?

We intend to fortify and grow our unique manufacturing & maintenance business over the next 20 years making sure that we replicate the success of the last 25 years.

I am very proud of how our existing management staff have evolved to running the business on a higher level and are now easily capable of running the business – in fact sometimes they insist on it – with a little guidance here and there from myself.

What are your passions away from business?

My wife and family are my passion. My eldest daughter lives in Australia, my son lives in Spain and my youngest is trying the city life in Manchester. Until recently I had no grandchildren and then all of a sudden I have three. Where did they come from? I’m far too young to have three grandchildren!

If you were Chancellor, what single change would you make to help improve the economy and/or business?

Most of all we need to invest in people. Our school leavers and university students are not prepared for the working environment and they are sadly lacking in the skills that industry need. There is a mis-match in what the schools are teaching them and what industry wants.

As well as the young we need help in re-training the older generation too.

Yes we are prepared, and do, train and offer apprenticeships but we need the education establishments to prepare the young to enter the workplace.

VISIT BETA GROUP LTD WEBSITE

Nick Johnson

Author Nick Johnson

Nick is the managing partner here at Glaisyers. Nick promotes a philosophy where all who work for the firm go the extra mile and are open, honest, caring and down-to-earth. Nick is also head of the commercial litigation team.

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