In March 2005 Graphite Capital led the management buy-out of Sure Group, a medium-sized provider of gas boiler maintenance and repair services to local authorities and housing associations.

Sure Group has a large number of long-term maintenance and installation contracts with local authorities and housing associations across the Midlands and Northwest, consistently scoring highly on quality and service standards. In December 2005 the company acquired a Midlands-based gas boiler installation business, FJ Jones, extending its geographical coverage beyond its traditional base in the Northwest of England.

Since Graphite’s investment the business has more than doubled its turnover. In 2009 the company acquired Evans Mechanical Services, a mechanical and electrical contracting business based in Wales.

The management team has also been strengthened significantly, with a strong focus on business development and customer retention skills. The company is well placed to expand further as local authorities are seeking to secure long-term solutions for their gas maintenance and repair requirements.