UK's leading freight firm secures growth deal

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19/12/2017

One of the UK’s leading independent freight companies, ACE Group, has secured essential funding from Clydesdale Bank to grow its business and find innovative new ways to serve the Oil and Gas industry.

ACE Group, which is comprised of ACE Forwarding, ACE Aviation and Dangerous Goods Management, and also includes Mentor Aviation Services, has customers across various sectors and currently deals with more than three quarters of the heli-freight cargo that is destined for offshore in the North Sea.

Investing in process and people

The management team at ACE is keen to grow the business and has signed a number of new contracts in recent months. As well as overhauling its operating system and enhancing its processes, it is on a recruitment drive with roles across the business as well as in its newly-created compliance department, which will help customers with their compliance needs following a change in EU legislation.

ACE’s growth plans are being supported by a seven-figure lending package from the team at Clydesdale Bank.

A more positive industry outlook

Terry Cobban, Managing Director at ACE Group, said: “We believe the investment we are making in our business is vital – the new operating system will be a game changer for us in the way we work and support our customers, and being able to recruit in this climate is massively important for the region.

“There is more positivity in the industry – businesses are starting to look for more innovative ways to operate and ensure they are working as efficiently as possible.

“As we are independent, we have the flexibility to meet the needs of our customers, more so than some of the bigger players and the industry is starting to appreciate that. But we need to be in a strong position to do this which is why we are grateful for the support of Clydesdale Bank.

Exciting expansion plans

Andy Tait, Corporate and Structured Finance Director, at Clydesdale Bank, said: “ACE Group is an established local business which offers important services to the Oil and Gas sector. The challenges the industry is facing are well-documented and businesses have to think more innovatively. ACE Group has ambitious and exciting expansion plans and Clydesdale Bank is committed to supporting the team achieve these goals.”