Paul Faulkner links up with Jasper Equity team

Paul Faulkner links up with Jasper Equity team

Jasper Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Faulkner to its Investment Committee. Paul’s role will involve working closely with the Jasper team to help assess opportunities and subsequently engage with Partner businesses in a Chairman / Non-Executive capacity, drawing on his wealth of experience to support management teams in creating shareholder value.

Paul is the co-founder of Element45, an advisory business that works with a variety of clients and which he will continue to develop alongside this role with Jasper. He has also previously held high profile roles across the Midlands, including time as the CEO of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest football clubs and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

“We’ve worked closely with Paul in his role as Chairman of Ellisons, a Jasper partner business, over the past year and are excited to have him alongside us as we continue to grow and build our portfolio” said David Tucker, Partner at Jasper. “His experience at navigating complex situations and building high performing teams across a broad range of industries will add significant value to our partner businesses”.

Jasper specialises in collaborative business partnerships, focusing on sectors such as industrial services, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, live events and B2B. The firm targets businesses with an enterprise value between £0.5 million and £5 million, providing not only financial strategy but also specialist support and an extensive relationship network to drive shareholder value.

Paul added, "I've enjoyed working closely with the Jasper team through my involvement with Ellisons, and am looking forward to deepening that relationship further through this role on their Investment Committee as the business seeks out future opportunities.

The Jasper commitment to collaborative business partnerships very much chimes with my own ethos, and I'm excited to help them assess future opportunities and support in creating shareholder value."

by chris

Jasper Equity welcomes Adrian Lamasz to its Investment Committee

Jasper Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Lamasz to its Investment Committee. In this role, Adrian will leverage his extensive experience to identify and evaluate market opportunities, further strengthening Jasper Equity's commitment to fostering sustainable business growth.

Adrian brings a wealth of expertise in working with business owners to provide tailored solutions. His proven track record in guiding businesses through complex financial landscapes aligns seamlessly with Jasper Equity's philosophy of supporting management teams to achieve their growth potential.

"We are thrilled to have Adrian join our Investment Committee," said David Tucker, Partner at Jasper Equity. "His insights and experience will be invaluable as we continue to partner with businesses to develop aligned interests, shared purposes, and meaningful goals."

Jasper Equity specialises in collaborative business partnerships, focusing on sectors such as industrial services, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, live events and B2B. The firm targets businesses with an enterprise value between £0.5 million and £5 million, providing not only financial strategy but also specialist support and an extensive relationship network to drive shareholder value.

Adrian expressed his enthusiasm about joining Jasper Equity: "I am excited to work with a team that prioritises a people-first philosophy and is dedicated to creating real value through responsible and sustainable practices. I look forward to contributing to the firm's mission of empowering businesses to thrive."

by chris

Jasper in Conversation with: Karl Clark, The CEO and Founder of Taylex Group

Jasper in Conversation with: Karl Clark, The CEO and Founder of Taylex Group

The second sit down we had with our partner businesses to discuss the upcoming year was with Karl Clark, the CEO and Founder of Taylex Group.

Taylex is a design and production company with a 16-year history of delivering high-quality projects for leading brands all around the globe. Specialising in exhibitions, events, interiors, and environments, Taylex has established itself as a trusted name within the industry. It’s already made one exciting announcement this year with the news of the strategic partnership with Visions, a premier provider of technical event solutions and overlay services.

What was the highlight of 2024?

It was a milestone year for Taylex Group, we welcomed Angry Apple Media, Taylex Signs & Graphics adding both cutting-edge digital expertise and unparalleled creative solutions in signage and graphic design to our group businesses and services.

Opened the doors to our Middle East Division, becoming an official supplier to the NEC Group, and standout exhibitions and live events both regionally and internationally.

Rebranding our on-site retail store Expo Supplies based in the NEC, dedicated to servicing the events and exhibitions needs.

Taylex Group had plenty of unforgettable Exhibitions and Live events from partnerships with Royal Enfield at EICMA 2024 in Milan, Kawasaki at Motorcycle Live at the NEC for the third consecutive year, NEOM at World Travel Market, to FRIEZE London the influential contemporary art fairs, our third consecutive year of the BST Festival in Hyde Park supporting Star Live.

And most importantly a growing team across all our divisions with talented individuals across several departments,

What can we expect to see from Taylex in 2025?

We kicked off the New Year with lots of exciting projects across our divisions, from the first Live event and conference of the year in the health sector to brand activations with leading beauty brands.

Taylex Group is in expansion, you can expect to hear a lot more from our Middle East Division as we continue to strengthen our presence providing sustainable event solutions with beMatrix and working directly with some leading agencies and corporate clients across the GCC region.

We recently announced our strategic partnerships with Visions Group which will bring a wealth of combined resources, knowledge, and expertise to elevate the event production landscape. enabling clients to access a wide range of creative production resources under one roof.

What are the main challenges you foresee in 2025?

With tighter sustainability regulations impacting the live events industry, along with audience expectations ever evolving, we will navigate the changes and future proof our sustainable practices to ensure we stay committed to deliver, that is why we have been working closely as a beMatrix partner to deliver sustainable solutions, our strategic partnership with Visions Group will enable us to apply innovation to meet these commitments along with tech-driven immersive consumer experiences.

We are focused on remaining agile and consistently reviewing innovation across our divisions to stay ahead.

When people think of Taylex, how do you want to be perceived?

Taylex Group is a design and production company with a 17-year history within the industry and have made a name in the exhibitions industry, as we diversify and add our international presence and live events portfolio, we want to be known as the heart of the live events, exhibition world, that delivers best in class human experiences.

We have always had a wide range of services outside of exhibitions, and fully capable of turnkey solutions for brand activations, interiors and fit outs and pretty much any project that involves, people, places and spaces

To be recognised globally for excellence in delivering creative solutions, production and delivery for some of the worlds most recognised brands. Delivering best in class human experiences that create an impact and leave a lifetime of memories and legacy for both guest and brand.

At the heart of our business are our people—our talent and expertise. Our commitment to investing in our team ensures we remain unmatched in our pursuit of global recognition for excellence. By creating an environment that encourages growth and development, we attract and retain top creative, events, and technical production experts, all dedicated to our client-centric approach.

We will be knowns as the centre of client service excellence that provides creative solutions that in simple terms makes it happen.

What are your personal aspirations for the business in 2025?

The strength of Taylex Group lies in our people—the right talent and expertise across our divisions set us apart. Growing the team is a priority for me, ensuring we continue to lead with skill and innovation.

Expanding into the Middle East has been a milestone, especially working with partners that reflect the scale and ambition of our NEC partnership.

At our core, we’re committed to investing in our team, creating an environment where top creative, events, and technical production experts can really deliver high calibre work. We’ve built a culture that genuinely focuses on development, to ensure we attract and retain the best talent—driven by a shared dedication to excellence and client success.

by chris

Jasper in Conversation with: Paul Faulkner, Chairman of Ellisons

Jasper in Conversation with:  Paul Faulkner, Chairman of Ellisons

With 2025 now in full swing we sat down with some our partner businesses to discuss their plans and aspirations and what they are looking forward to this year.

The first in the series is with Paul Faulkner, the Chairman of Ellisons since the Management Buy Out in August of last year.

Ellisons is the UK's oldest and most established hair and beauty wholesaler. Founded in Birmingham in 1930 and now based in Coventry, Ellisons has been a cornerstone of the industry, supporting over 50,000 salons, spas, and other customers across the UK and internationally. The company ships more than 2.5 million items annually, empowering hair and beauty professionals at every stage of their business journey.

What was the highlight of 2024?

2024 was a momentous year for Ellisons, with a Management Buy-Out that completed in September very much marking a 'passing of the torch' from previous ownership to the senior management team.  The transaction balanced the retention of extensive industry knowledge and experience within the business with the addition of fresh perspectives and energy, setting Ellisons up well to tackle the next chapter in the firm's nearly 100 year history and allowing the future to be viewed with real optimism.

What can we expect to see from Ellisons in 2025?

The business has a number of exciting initiatives planned for the year ahead. One of these is a new 'beauty furniture' showroom - the first of its type in the UK - which will open at our Coventry HQ in late March.  We also have a brilliant range of new 'Wellness Loungers' which can play a significant role in improving employee wellness and mental health fitness within the workplace, which we believe will be of interest to many businesses who are looking to do more to support (and retain) their people when working back in the office.   In general, the business is also planning to significantly boost its digital presence and offering to customers throughout the year, hopefully meaning everyone will see a lot more of Ellisons throughout 2025!

What are the main challenges you foresee in 2025?

While there is no doubt that general economic conditions present a challenge for many businesses at present, Ellisons still has ambitious growth plans for 2025 and sees lots of opportunities.  A constant challenge is attracting and retaining talented people, which always feels especially acute when you are seeking to grow.  To help with this Ellisons has a real focus on employee well-being and engagement, and will be looking to do even more to support and develop our people in 2025.

When people think of Ellisons, how do you want to be perceived?

As the UK's leading supplier to hair and beauty professionals.  As a trusted partner and as a business that cares about our people, our customers and the communities in which we operate.

What are your personal aspirations for the business in 2025?

I am excited to see the business, and the brilliant team of staff who work so hard at Ellisons, develop and flourish throughout 2025.

I believe that success is a by-product of doing the basics well, which Ellisons has a proud history and reputation for doing, and I am keen to build on the solid foundations that are in place at Ellisons with a developing culture that embraces growth, innovation and opportunity.  Exciting times ahead.

 

by chris

Exciting Announcement!

Exciting Announcement!

We’re thrilled to officially launch Auxilium Equity – a dynamic partnership between David Walley, a seasoned pro in the Live Events industry, and Jasper Equity - dedicated to driving growth and transformation in the Live Events sector.

Our mission is to build meaningful partnerships with business owners, offering not only financial support but also strategic expertise and a strong network to help you thrive.

Check out our brand-new website to learn more about how we can partner with you on your business journey.

www.auxiliumequity.com

Let’s shape the future of Live Events together!

 

by chris

New investment in Ellisons

New investment in Ellisons

We're thrilled to announce our latest investment in Ellisons Hair and Beauty, the UK's oldest and most established hair and beauty wholesaler.

Founded in Birmingham in 1930 and now based in Coventry, Ellisons has been a cornerstone of the industry, supporting over 50,000 salons, spas, and other customers across the UK and internationally. The company ships more than 2.5 million items annually, empowering hair and beauty professionals at every stage of their business journey.

David Tucker has been a trusted adviser to the Board for over 15 years, gaining deep insights into the business. With the transition to a new generation of leadership, we were keen to partner and invest alongside them.

We're excited to support the existing management team - Matthew Champney, Lee Farmer, and Nadine Meakins - and work closely with the new Chairman, Paul Faulkner, to drive the next phase of growth and continue the Ellisons story.

by chris

Jasper exits Star Live following MBO

Star Live, the specialist production agency renowned for its exceptional live event and specialist build solutions, has secured a significant investment from private equity to support the management buyout.

Star Live's impressive track record, including notable projects such as the Coronation Concert, the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, BST Hyde Park, and the Platinum Jubilee, along with stadium tours by acts such as Adele which positioned the agency as an attractive investment opportunity.

With teams in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and China, Star Live has enjoyed considerable growth, having increased revenues by more than 30% in the last year alone to reach over £24m. The investment will support the next stage of Star Live’s ambitious growth journey, including further overseas expansion as well as investing in its people, brand, facilities and inventory of equipment.

David Tucker commented “Working with the team at Star Live over the last 6 years has been an incredibly exciting journey. The growth of the business as it added new business lines, expanded and strengthened the team, and grew to be a market leader in its field has been impressive. We wish all the team at Star Live continued success in the next phase of growth.”

See the Star Live case study for more detail.

by Ian Davidson