After the Handshake | How to Choose the Right Buyer With Steve Thomas

Written by

Photo of Josh Port, Founder & CEO of Handshaik

Josh Port

Founder & CEO

Share

Steve Thomas and his business partners built Hallmark Fire from a spare room in 1995, building it into an eleven-million-pound fire and security business over eleven years. In 2006, he sold to a buyer who promised to protect what he'd built. Within six months, Hallmark had been sold on again, started declining, and eventually disappeared.

Three years later, Steve rebuilt with the same partners in 2009, founding Senseco Systems, and did things differently this time. Focusing on recurring maintenance revenue as the foundation, and choosing acquisitions based on their strategic fit rather than size. Senseco grew from ninety staff to over three hundred and fifty across seven sites, took investment from Foundation Investment Partners in 2019, and was acquired again this year by H.I.G. Capital-backed andwis Group to create the UK's leading and highest-accredited provider of Fire and Security services.

Steve joins Josh on After the Handshake to talk about what he got wrong the first time, what he got right the second, and why the buyer matters more than the offer.

Share

Link copied

Want early access or a personalised walkthrough? Tell us more...

Fill the form to get in touch

Full Name*
Email Address*
Role*
Company*
 
Arrow icon
Why are you interested in Handshaik*
Anything else we should know?

Thanks!
Feel free to book a slot now or, if you'd prefer, our team can reach out to find a time that works for you.

book a slot
book a slot
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Make sure that you filled all the required fields.

Get started with Handshaik.

Fill the form to get your account set up.

 
Arrow icon
Plan*
Billing*
£
20
/m
Billed annually
Seats*
1 user
£
100
/m
+
£
20
/m/user
Billed annually
Full Name*
Email Address*
Role*
Company*
Tell us about your requirements*

You're in.
We’re getting your account ready now.
You’ll receive your access details shortly, along with everything you need to find and win your next deal.

Keep an eye on your inbox (and junk folder, just in case)

You’re almost set.
Book a time with our team to get started.
If you’d rather, we’ll reach out shortly to find a time that works.

book a slot
book a slot
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Make sure that you filled all the required fields.