Business Development

The Bland Group is innovative and forward looking. The Group develops relations with organisations that have synergies with our current businesses. These opportunities may take a number of different forms. We may enter a formal “joint venture” where mutual opportunities exist, or we may forge close “win-win” working relationships. Griffon Hoverwork and Universal Engineering, in particular, are involved in several projects with suppliers and customers alike to grow through development of stronger business relationships.

Colorworks, the Gibraltar based creative marketing company, set up as a joint venture arrangement in 2008, grows from strength to strength as it expands within its home market.

Over the past three years, Universal Engineering, Griffon Hovercraft, Hoverwork and Hovertravel have all been acquired. Griffon Hovercraft and Hoverwork have been merged to create the world’s leading hovercraft company, whilst we look forward to the exciting development opportunities with Universal Engineering. 

In early 2010 Griffon Hoverwork purchased Hovercraft Consultants Ltd (HCL), a Southampton based specialist in the design and provision of air cushion technology. Set up in 1991, the company has acquired an international reputation for the design and manufacture of complex flexible structures and hovercraft skirts. Clients include the Swedish and Canadian Coastguards, Singapore and Auckland airports, as well as Exxon Mobil Development Co. Griffon Hoverwork and HCL have worked together for many years to provide GHL customers with the very latest in hovercraft skirt technology. Research has involved testing various skirt materials in a variety of climates, to ensure that Griffon hovercraft are fitted with a bespoke skirt that meets the client’s requirements, and is a perfect fit to complement Griffon’s customer preposition.

In 2011 the Bland Group acquired 3 security based businesses in Gibraltar which provide a number of services both locally and regionally. Over the coming months the focus will be on expanding and building on this new area of development and investment for the Group.

Similarly, the Group will work from time to time on “seed investment” opportunities. Where new ventures are being brought to market, we work alongside the business, using our management skills, contacts, business background and infrastructure to help grow the business.  

Bland Group will continue to review potential acquisition, venture capital and seed investment opportunities in order to expand its current business portfolio.

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