Devon building group expands services

A Devon building group has acquired a firm that adapts buildings for people with limited mobility, in a move to expand its range of services and secure local jobs.

Exeter-based Lea James Investments, which includes Devon Minor Works and Steve Coomber Decorating, has bought Gozna Services for an undisclosed sum in a deal supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Gozna specialises in adapting homes and public buildings to make them easier to use by the elderly and disabled, including improving accessibility and customising bathrooms and kitchens.

It has worked on local authority housing, police stations, courts and local schools across Devon and Cornwall, and also includes a division that specialises in building bespoke steel structures including staircases, balconies, ramps and handrails.

Founder Mike Gozna had intended to retire, but in a change of heart has been inspired to stay with the business as it looks to benefit from the revival of the construction sector.

Lea James Investments owners Steve Coomber and Adrian Dennis said the deal, supported by a business loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, had secured the future of Gozna.

The newly-acquired firm, which has six staff, will retain the Gozna brand and will remain at its current headquarters at Mill Park Industrial Estate in Woodbury Salterton.

Steve said: “This a marvellous acquisition for the group. It is a natural progression for us and goes hand-in-hand with our current business.

“Gozna is a thriving firm with plenty of room for growth that means the group can offer a more diverse range of services.

“I believe there is scope for Gozna to win more market share and to grow its bespoke steel fabrication side.

“It is fantastic that Mike has decided to postpone his retirement. His knowledge and expertise will be a great asset to the business going forward.

“We bucked the trend and kept growing through the recession and by taking on another quality company in Gozna I believe we can continue our success story.”

Lea James Investments employs 16 staff, including contractors, and acquired Devon Minor Works five years ago, also with Lloyds’ support, which specialises in building, repair and refurbishment work for the NHS, fire service, local authorities and the police, as well as landlords and domestic customers in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

Steve Coomber Decorating, which was founded in 1990 and integrated with Devon Minor Works in 2009, works for a range of domestic and commercial clients.

David Clark, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “This deal is great news for Lea James Investments, which has continued to thrive through some tough years for the construction industry and has shown that there are still opportunities to grow a business even in challenging economic times.

“We’ve worked closely with the group to support its ambitions and provide the help it needs to make the most of its opportunities.

“We offer a range of schemes to support businesses as they grow, including the government’s Funding for Lending Scheme, through which we have committed £7.5 billion to our SME customers since we launched our offer in September 2012.”