• Homegrown private sector UAE brand – PMKConsult – buys 80+ year old heritage UK specialist project and commercial management consultancy, W. Hiles Partnership (WHP)
  • Sector experts in Commercial/ Cultural & Heritage/ Leisure & Entertainment and F&B, W. Hiles Partnership is acquired by leading project and commercial management consultancy, PMKConsult.
  • PMKConsult expands business in the UK market with key leadership appointment and new business acquisition.

 

23 January 2024; United Arab Emirates: Multinational project and commercial management consultancy, PMKConsult announces its landmark acquisition of a well-established, generational UK consultancy, W. Hiles Partnership (WHP). WHP is the premier delivery specialists in F&B having delivered 49 restaurants in the UK, France & Germany this year, with over 170 Five Guys franchise restaurants in the UK alone since the brand arrived into the UK, along with numerous other multinational brands.

“Both Keenan [COO] and I are incredibly excited about this acquisition for various reasons. Our business has been experiencing steady growth in the UK, and given our concentrated focus on the market, it not only makes sense to establish our presence with John Vint in the lead, but also to acquire a business that holds a leading position in sectors we aim to expand into, synergizing with PMKConsult’s broad sector coverage and technical specialism.  Our collective client base will gain significantly from our robust presence in the Middle East, and vice versa. From a service delivery perspective, our GCC Client base can greatly benefit from the sector expertise introduced by the WHP brand,” said Kevin Woolley, CEO of PMKConsult.

Since their inception in 1937, WHP has grown into a renowned leader in core sectors, notably Hospitality, Entertainment, and Commercial industries, actively championing project and commercial management. Their extensive portfolio spans diverse arenas, from cinemas, bowling centers, leisure parks, specialist restaurants, visitors centres though to culture & heritage venues. WHP also have experience in nurturing international brands entering the UK market including Wendy’s, Popeyes, Sticks n’ Sushi, Five Guys, Paris Baguette and the like, which often expands across Europe as the success of the partnership flourishes.

WHP’s delivery footprint extends to France, Germany, and Spain, and they are eager to continue with an active expansion across Europe and the Middle East under PMKConsult. WHP are also key players in facilitating the increasing drive-thru demand in the UK, delivering up to fifteen projects in the last 2 years for well-established brands. Their expertise extends throughout F&B, showcasing successful collaborations with iconic high street names. Additionally, their consultancy prowess shines through standout projects like the historic Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford and the meticulously restored cinemas in Brighton & London.

Commenting on the acquisition, Malcolm Hiles, Managing Director, W. Hiles Partnership commented: “WHP is ready for its next phase of growth and now as a PMKConsult company, we will continue to offer our recognized service delivery excellence and maintain our client base with our usual professionalism. We will now be able to offer support to our existing clients that are looking to expand into other markets. With a service delivery footprint throughout Europe, and now the Middle East, we have many new avenues to grow our relationship with our client base. I am also looking forward to PMKConsult benefiting greatly from our legacy and wealth of expertise in the UK market.”

PMKConsult recently appointed John Vint as the Managing Director for the UK market. Working closely with Malcolm at WHP, his core focus will be integrating service offerings and fostering business development. While WHP will retain its brandmark and senior team, it will benefit from back-office support, critical mass, and access to the broader international team for project execution across the UK, mainland Europe. PMKConsult plans to involve UK team members in bids requiring specialized expertise within sectors where WHP excels, such as F&B, cultural and heritage, commercial, leisure and entertainment, leveraging local market knowledge to advance fast-track projects in the rapidly growing regional economy in the GCC region.

“I am honoured and thrilled to lead PMKConsult’s UK office in this significant acquisition. The strengths that W. Hiles Partnership bring will align seamlessly with our portfolio expansion and our commitment to exceptional service execution in commercial consultancy and project management services. This strategic move not only enhances our presence in the UK market but also opens up new avenues for collaboration and growth. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to contributing to the continued success of our expanding brand,” said John Vint, newly appointed Managing Director of PMKConsult’s UK Office.