Founder sells £20.5m engineering business ahead of tax reforms

Entrepreneur Paul Simkiss has sold his business, Simkiss Group, to United Infrastructure due to upcoming inheritance tax reforms. The deal secures the company's future growth while allowing Simkiss to stay on as CEO for at least three more years.

The acquisition follows years of discussions, with United Infrastructure first approaching Simkiss three years before the final sale.

Simkiss founded Simkiss Control Systems in 1999, building it into a specialist provider of bespoke electrical control systems. The company serves major clients, including Amazon, Network Rail, and Siemens. In April 2025, the group expanded further by acquiring Stoke-based Instrument Control Services.

Together, the two businesses now employ 152 staff and generate a combined turnover of £20.5 million. Earlier in 2025, the group relocated to a new 73,000 sq ft headquarters in Rochdale—over three times larger than its previous site.

Simkiss has reinvested a significant portion of the sale proceeds back into the business. He remains committed to leading the company forward, ensuring stability for both operations and employees.

The sale comes as no other mid-sized British firms have reported similar moves in response to Labour's planned tax changes. United Infrastructure's acquisition is expected to support the company's continued expansion and workforce development.

The deal ensures Simkiss Group's long-term stability under new ownership while retaining its founder's leadership. With a strengthened financial position and expanded facilities, the company is set to maintain its growth trajectory. Simkiss will continue guiding the business for at least the next three years.