High Access gets a lift with AA Access acquisition

High Access, the Manchester-headquartered working-at-height expert, has acquired premium truck-mounted platform business AA Access.

High Access, established in 2005 by CEO Niel Bethell, offers a maintenance and cleaning service to the commercial, industrial and high-end or high-level residential property sectors, counting the likes of Allied London, Savills and CBRE among its clients. The firm secured £3.3million investment from BGF in July last year to pursue further growth across the UK. The business has focused on providing outstanding customer service, a strategy that has seen it continue to grow, establishing a solid client base.

The acquisition will allow High Access clients to reap the benefits of the business now having an enhanced fleet of fully-owned top of the range machinery, and will support the company’s objective of moving into new sectors while delivering growth through high service levels.

Andy Ainsworth established AA Access in 2003 with the intention of providing a superior rental service for access platforms. He has since built a successful business, with clients also benefiting from his knowledge and expertise having worked in the industry for more than 20 years. The company offers hire of a wide range of machinery from the smallest 10m machines through to the Bronto 70 XDT at 70m. A large proportion of the firm’s work comes from the supply of access platforms to the film industry and for the set-up of large-scale events.

Andy Ainsworth will remain within the business, working closely with Niel and Adam Bethell, who joins as Director for AA Access. The AA Access team will also transfer over to the business.

Andy Ainsworth, Founder of AA Access, said: “I’m very proud of how AA Access has grown since I set out back in 2003; our client base says it all, with events including The Open, Glastonbury, the Queen’s Jubilee and Wimbledon trusting our team to supply machinery for the set-up of these world-class events. We have always maintained a fleet with the latest models and, like High Access, the business is built on great customer service and creating an environment where people want to work. It was apparent from early discussions that AA Access would be a complementary acquisition for an ambitious and forward-thinking business such as High Access.

“We look forward to working with our clients over the coming months, continuing to deliver the best possible service”

Niel Bethell, CEO of High Access, said: “We’re focused on further expanding the business, particularly in Birmingham, Leeds, Scotland and London, and the AA Access acquisition was part of this long-term strategy with BGF providing more capital to support the purchase. High Access was built on strong customer relationships and standing out in the sector for quality and, because of that, the AA Access acquisition was the perfect deal for us. Clients can rely on us to provide everything they need for any job under one roof – plus, access to an expanded fleet of machinery will further enhance response times and coverage.

“We look forward to working with AA Access to achieve a seamless transition, working with its clients to deliver the same high level of service that they have come to expect working with Andy and his team.”

High Access has built a first-class reputation for health and safety, with several awards under its belt. Unlike many other firms in the sector, it also owns its own equipment and employs its staff directly, allowing it to respond quickly and efficiently to customer requests. Since securing investment from BGF last year it has also invested heavily in CRM technology and its helpdesk to make sure that the business offers the most innovative approach and best experience in the industry.

High Access will consider further acquisitions with complementary clients or locations and while its depots in Manchester and Slough allow the business to complete projects across the country, further regional bases will become a focus as its client base continues to grow.