PMKConsult acquires specialist consultancy W. Hiles Partnership
WHP is eager to continue active expansion across Europe and the Middle East under PMKConsult
PMKConsult has acquired UK-based W. Hiles Partnership (WHP). WHP is a specialist project and commercial management consultancy and are said to have delivered 49 restaurants in the UK, France & Germany this year, with over 170 Five Guys franchise restaurants in the UK, along with several other multinational brands.
Since its inception in 1937, WHP has grown into a leader in core sectors, notably hospitality, entertainment, and commercial industries, actively championing project and commercial management. The firm’s portfolio spans diverse arenas, from cinemas, bowling centers, leisure parks, specialist restaurants, visitors centres though to culture & heritage venues, a statement from PMKConsult noted.
WHP also has 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, it added.
“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, synergising 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.
WHP’s delivery footprint is said to extend to France, Germany, and Spain, and the firm is eager to continue expanding 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 two years for well-established brands. The firm’s expertise extends throughout F&B, showcasing successful collaborations with iconic high street names. Additionally, their consultancy prowess shines through projects like the historic Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford, and the meticulously restored cinemas in Brighton & London, the statement continued.
Commenting on the acquisition, Malcolm Hiles, Managing Director, W. Hiles Partnership remarked, “WHP is ready for its next phase of growth and now as a PMKConsult company, we will continue to offer our recognised 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, the firm said.
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 specialised 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, the statement explained.
“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,” concluded Vint.
