Mazars has netted new client GMS Group run by two former professional footballers.
The international accountants and business advisers have been appointed auditors and advisers with a brief to help the firm grow.
GMS Group offers a range of services that include security services, void property management, utility management, debt recovery and pre-litigation legal services.
GMS has long term relationships with high profile clients such as Jaguar Land Rover, Poundland, Triumph Motorcycles, PWC, Grant Thornton and GVA to name but a few.
The business is headed by CEO Neil Male – his brother Andy is also a director.
Dudley born and bred, both were on the books of Wolverhampton Wanderers until the age of 16, Neil joined Torquay, Andy went to Port Vale, but both had to give up the game soon after following serious knee injuries.
“I was on the scrapheap – where do you go in life when your dream is shattered by the time you are 19,” said Neil. “You have to pick yourself up.”
He joined HSBC Invoice Finance managing thirty SME businesses from a credit management perspective. He “stumbled” into the security industry in June 2000 when he was headhunted by the two original shareholders of GMS whom had incorporated the company in 1997, he quickly rose through the ranks, showing a natural talent for leadership gained from being captain on the football field, and subsequently in 2005 led a restructure and management buyout for him to take over.
Married with two children, Neil recalled: “It was a huge risk at the time but my wife supported and clearly believed in me. My son was only nine months old and I took on a £250,000 personal guarantee with £50,000 equity taken out on my house to invest in GMS.”
As of today GMS Group, based on the Harris Business Park, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, employs 400 staff and has a turnover of £10 million, looking to reach £15 million in 3-5 years.
GMS have appointed Mazars in the East Midlands because of prior connections with partners Bob Johnson and Paul Bevan.
Mr Male said: “We have a strong presence in the West Midlands but we want to strategically grow in the East Midlands and on a national aspect either organically or by acquisition”.
“In terms of Mazars, individuals like Bob and Paul are key when it comes to the entrepreneurial aspect. We needed people who could understand our business and our target audience, and help us grow. We wanted someone more creative than the typical accountancy firm.
“We look to deliver excellence in every aspect of our business and we are recognised for the calibre of our employees, our business and personal ethos, our reliability and our integrity. Mazars is the same.”
Mr Johnson said: “It is an amazing success story and a shining example of how, if for whatever reason as a young lad you don’t quite make it, there is life after football.
“Neil has challenged us to go the extra mile to work with him and help develop his business … and we intend to do just that.
“We are very excited to be on the team.”
Neil and Andy remain big football fans. Andy has stuck with Wolves but Neil’s allegiance is West Bromwich Albion. Both live in the Black Country.
