Gala boss snaps up electricity test firm

Jason Mace acquired the client base and assets of Pat Man UK and set up a new business called Pat Man Company.

The business is now part of Gala Tent and is based at its purpose-built premises at Farfield Park in Manvers, Rotherham.

It is led by managing director Chris Winterbourne, with a team of electrical engineers.

Mr Mace said Pat Man Company would provide a PAT testing solution, which complies fully with the Electricity at Work regulations and public/employee insurance liability requirements.

He said: “We have spotted a gap in the market for an efficient and cost effective portable appliance testing service.

“We were offered a deal to acquire the customer base and assets of a reputable local business that needed help and so decided to expand our operations into this area.

“We expect to use our local business contacts to grow the client base and to create a number of new jobs over the next six months.

“This is the latest new business to be added to the Gala Tent portfolio and we are really excited about the opportunities for this new business in the South Yorkshire area and beyond.”

Mr Winterbourne added: “We take away all the hassle from businesses and our whole service is geared up to meet their needs, with no hidden extras.

“We don’t work on contracts, we only price per item and we do not charge for call outs, minor faults or for the test certificate.

“We use the latest technology and provide a very comprehensive service. We see some fantastic growth opportunities for our business in South Yorkshire.”

The new business is announced just a few weeks after Mr Mace acquired a 50 per cent stake in a digital printing business called Sign Man.

The purchase of the Rotherham-based firm has enabled Gala Tent to produce custom printed gazebos and marquees for its customers and to offer a wide range of branded goods to other businesses.

The deal involved Sign Man relocating to Gala Tent’s premises on Farfield Park.

Gala Tent, which has a £7m turnover, provides custom printed services for commercial gazebos for promotions, market traders, motor racing, new businesses and for exhibitions and events.

By bringing the custom-printed service in-house, Gala Tent said it expected to double its capacity and turnover from printed gazebos and marquees, within the next 12 months.

Following the acquisition in November, Gala Tent said it expects to create a number of new jobs.

In March last year, the company launched its Gala Play Centres business aimed at supplying high quality play equipment, made from sustainable yellow pear wood, to commercial organisations like nurseries, pubs and restaurants and the domestic market. Gala created six different designs of all-weather play centres

Meanwhile, last year, Gala Tent donated a marquee to a community of refugees in Burkina Faso, West Africa to enable them to set up a school.

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