Modulaire Group acquisition of Procomm in UK

Modulaire Group acquisition of Procomm in UK

Modulaire Group, the leading modular space leasing business in Europe and Asia Pacific, is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Procomm Site Services Ltd ("Procomm").

Procomm is a leading provider of portable modular accommodation in the UK with a broad range of end markets including general construction, public sector and petro-chemical. With four strategically placed depots across the country, its c. 8,000 strong fleet is highly compatible with Modulaire Group's existing UK businesses. Procomm has 125 employees and an annual 2020 revenue of c.£19m.

The expert management team, with over 100 years of collective industry experience and strong track record, will remain with Procomm, which will operate alongside Elliott, Carter and Advanté, Modulaire Group's other specialist businesses in the UK.

Procomm marks Modulaire Group's third acquisition in 2021 and the tenth acquisition worldwide since the beginning of 2020. A targeted acquisition strategy remains one of Modulaire Group's four strategic objectives, alongside an efficient cost base, a focus on optimising sales and granular management of branch level performance, and effective capital investment.

Mark Higson, Modulaire Group's Chief Executive Officer, commented:

Mark Higson, Modulaire Group's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am delighted to welcome Procomm into the Modulaire Group and look forward to working with their highly experienced management team. Procomm's well-invested and maintained fleet, alongside its diversified portfolio of attractive end-markets will further strengthen Modulaire Group's position in the UK."

Bernie Cranny, Managing Director of Procomm, said:

"We're really excited to join Modulaire Group and become part of the leading modular space provider in Europe. We're proud of the growth we have achieved to date and look forward to embarking on the next stage of our journey."

Modulaire Group is a leader in European modular services and infrastructure. We create smart spaces for people to live, work and learn. Our business is designed to help customers find the right space solution, no matter what their requirements. Modulaire Group has operations in 25 countries with approximately 259,000 modular space and portable storage units and 3,400 remote accommodations rooms. The company operates as Algeco in Europe and Scandinavia, Elliott, Advanté and Carter in the United Kingdom, BUKO Huisvesting, BUKO Bouw & Winkels and BUKO Bouwsystemen in The Netherlands, Ausco in Australia, Portacom in New Zealand, and Algeco Chengdong in China.

Procomm Site Services Ltd was formed in 2002 in the Northeast of England. The business grew its national coverage and now has four strategically placed depots and a hire fleet of c. 8,000 units. The majority of the fleet comprises a highly versatile range of modular bays and this is complemented by AV and site storage units. Procomm has built its reputation on the quality of supply and excellent backup service.

Mini Airbnb and Volvic Glass Home in France

Mini Airbnb and Volvic Glass Home in France

Stay in a Panoramic Mini Glass Home Surrounded by 80 Volcanoes with Airbnb and Volvic Natural Mineral Water

Airbnb and Volvic are teaming up to offer a stay in a mini home hosted by Kilian Jornet, a record-breaking mountain athlete, with jaw-dropping views of the Chaîne des Puys Volcanoes in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. Booking will open on a first come, first serve basis at 3:00AM ET / 9:00 AM CEST on July 19, 2021, at airbnb.com/volvic, for a one-night stay for two guests on September 18, 2021.

Guests will spend the night surrounded by 80 volcanoes in a 'LUMIPOD,'* a unique mini home concept blending indoor and outdoor space through glass offering panoramic views. Priced at just 1€** ($1.18 USD), the night at the famous source of Volvic's natural mineral water includes:

- A virtual welcome video call from Host Kilian Jornet - A guided tour from the on-site team to learn about the rich biodiversity of the natural park - A sumptuous locally-sourced dinner for two by local Michelin star chef Adrien Descouls - A private morning yoga session with breathtaking views of sunrise over the volcano's peak - A volcanic hike designed by Volvic Global Ambassador and Host Kilian Jornet - A hot air balloon ride overlooking the Chaîne des Puys Volcanoes

All activities will be a balance of energizing and restorative, giving guests all they need to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Guests will also be able to learn more about how volcanoes provide essential natural ecosystems.

As more people seek reconnection with The Great Outdoors, natural parks offer an alluring inspiration for adventure seekers. In fact, searches on Airbnb for listings near natural parks in France have seen a significant increase compared to this time in 2019, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is arguably one of the most beautiful in the country.

"It has been difficult to reconnect with nature after a year of staying inside. Many of us are itching for the opportunity to reset and recharge and what better way to do so than by unplugging, breaking out of your routine in the stunning area of Volvic where our water is born," said Shweta Harit, global VP Marketing at Volvic. "We are excited to bring a bucket-list experience to nature-loving consumers via our partnership with Airbnb. We can only hope travelers will feel refreshed from this experience as they see just how much strength nature can truly provide."

"We are thrilled to partner with Volvic and Kilian to offer this exciting and exclusive stay that celebrates one of the natural wonders that France has to offer to the world. The past year demonstrated how connecting with nature is an important resource to regenerate and deal with stress. Natural parks provide endless opportunities for adventure for everyone." - Emmanuel Marill, EMEA Director at Airbnb.

Interested guests should note that booking rules are in strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines and those who request to book must be able to comply with their country of residence international travel and COVID-related safety rules and regulations and share the same household to minimize risk. Guests can rest easy knowing that onsite staff have committed to following Airbnb's five-step enhanced cleaning process. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Volvic.

Volvic is a unique natural spring water born in a volcanic natural ecosystem in the Auvergne region of France. 13,500 years ago, a volcanic eruption created an immense natural filter where water flows through six layers of volcanic rock; this creates a one of a kind filtration system that only nature can provide and that is how Volvic comes to life. The activist water brand has been fighting to preserve these ecosystems for years in an effort to restore balance to allow nature to continue to give us its strength and guarantee the purity of the water. As a part of Danone, Volvic has committed to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices and is doing so through several environmentally focused efforts. To learn more about Volvic, please visit their website WWW.VOLVIC.COM. Since 2020, Volvic has been certified Carbon Neutral by the Carbon Trust, and joined the B Corp movement.

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 900 million guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Kilian Jornet is the best mountain athlete in the world. For the last 15 years he has dominated the ski mountaineering and trail running scene, winning all major championship and races. Growing up in a mountain hut in the Spanish Pyrenees, the mountains have always been his playground whether is running, climbing or skiing. As a pluridisciplinar athlete, he also holds speed records in mountains around the world, including a double ascent to Mount Everest. Nowadays, Kilian lives in Norway where he keeps exploring his limits in mountain sports an inspiring a large community with movies, books and digital content. Kilian has also become a climate advocate who is working to raise awareness about the need to protect our environment through the Kilian Jornet Foundation.

Alternative foodie destinations

Alternative foodie destinations

When you’ve already tried Parmesan in Italy and patisserie in Paris, you may be looking for a foodie destination that’s a little more off the beaten track. Head to one of these unusual destinations in Europe for a taste of traditional food and contemporary dining that you’ll never forget.

Lisbon, Portugal

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon also has one of the most exciting culinary traditions. For cheap and cheerful street food, make sure you try bifona, from one of the many street side vendors. This is a delicious sandwich made by marinating thin slices of pork in local white wine and ample amounts of garlic, which is then fried and added to a freshly baked bun. The perfect accompaniment is mustard (though some like it plain, to fully enjoy the flavour of the pork,) and an ice-cold Portuguese beer. A trip to Lisbon also wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Portuguese treat Pasteis de Nata. For what is possibly the best in the world, go to historic bakery Pasteis de Belem. They’ve been making Portuguese custard tarts here for years in tune to a secret recipe, and you won’t be able to leave after just trying one.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is an unlikely foodie destination, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why Estonian cuisine is so beloved by those who know it. Dive straight in and try what is possibly their most famous culinary export: marzipan. Cafe Maiasmokk is without a doubt the best place for this - they’ve been making on site since it was founded in 1806, while the sweet treat itself was created in the city in the 1400s. For something special for fine dining enthusiasts, visit Restaurant O, run by chefs Martin Meikas and Ronni Pauks. The two talented chefs champion local Estonian ingredients, and during a trip here you’ll try one of a kind dishes created from elk, black garlic and goats’ cheese.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a historic city just entering the food radars of travellers around the globe with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and creative cooking style. Stop off at Julvi to enjoy a selection of small plates composed from locally grown and caught ingredients. Bestsellers here include herring with egg and burbot with rye. Their dessert offerings include the ingenious black salsify with sea buckthorn and white chocolate, skilfully merging savoury and sweet flavours. For another sweet treat, head to one of Helsinki’s historic markets, like Hakaniemen Kauppahalli, to seek out delicious traditional pastries, like cinnamon buns and sugar donuts.

Cardiff, Wales

Welsh capital Cardiff makes use of the exquisite local produce from the countryside around in its foodie scene. If you’re a cheese-lover, you can’t miss stopping off at Madame Fromage, a renowned deli and champion of local cheese with a store in pretty Castle Arcade - close to the centre of the city. You’ll find over 150 different varieties of cheese on display, and there’s even an onsite restaurant where you can enjoy lovingly created cheese plates and pair it with some great wine. For fine dining, book an evening table at Michelin-starred Restaurant James Sommerin, where local goodies are transformed into beautiful dishes - the chef uses ingredients caught, grown or gathered in the local area - like wild sea bass, langoustines, sage and artichoke.

Vintage shopping capitals

Vintage shopping capitals

There’s no better way to travel than to take time to shop for souvenirs, and what better to buy than vintage clothing? With each city you visit you’ll find a different selection of items on sale, each indicative of the country’s unique history, culture and fashion trends. From Stockholm to Barcelona, wander along the historic streets and stop off to shop till you drop.

Stockholm

Trust the stylish Swedes to have one of Europe’s most eclectic collections of vintage and second-hand clothing. In capital city Stockholm, take to the trendy streets of the Södermalm neighbourhood, and stop off at Lisa Larsson Second Hand to hunt for secret gems from iconic designers like Pierre Cardin. Male vintage fans are also in for a treat - head over to Herr Judit for memorable second-hand style - while the prices are fairly high for the items on sale here, you can be certain that everything is one of a kind, and that you’ll be able to pick out wardrobe basics like perfectly preserved denim shirts and leather jackets. The curation here is fantastic and there’s a noticeable emphasis on high quality garments.

Berlin

Hip and historic Berlin is filled with a bustling array of second-hand shops chock-a-block with rare and highly wearable pieces. If you’re into high end fashion, stop off at Das Neue Schwarz, where vintage items by avant garde designers like Martin Margiela and Raf Simons are available to be picked up. If you prefer your vintage with a touch of frivolity, then duck into Garments, filled with chic, colourful pieces which are lovingly hand-picked. After you’ve finished shopping, be sure to visit the flower-filled garden in their backyard - the perfect backdrop to the cheerful garments on sale.

Paris

Paris’ reputation as a second-hand shopping capital definitely precedes it, and you won’t be disappointed during a shopping trip here. Wander around the historic streets and make sure you stop off at treasure trove La Petite Fripe, where the bright red shopfront leads you fittingly to the piles of quirky vintage on sale. You’ll find sunglasses, Hawaiian shirts and retro telephones in every colour under the sun. For those looking to rent vintage pieces and twee garments from the 30s and 60s, make sure you visit Marnie while you’re in atmospheric neighbourhood La Pigalle. The stand out selling point of this store can be found below ground; they have an entire basement totally devoted to vintage shoes.

Antwerp

A hidden gem in the European vintage scene is quaint Belgian city Antwerp. It’s one of the best destinations for shoppers looking for a second-hand bargain, and you’ll be sure to find one at Jutha and Risha, one of the city’s most iconic vintage stores. You’ll find a wide selection of vintage clothing as well as customized pieces and new garments from young Belgian designers. For super cheap vintage with plenty of hidden treasures that you can get ready to rummage through, visit Think Twice, which has regular sales of their preloved goods - if you’re lucky, you may find fantastic pieces for only one euro each.

Krakow

Beautiful and still underrated Polish city Krakow is also the home of some vintage shopping gems. Stop off at Vintage Classics, where you can find a hip line-up of clothes from every decade from the 30s to the 80s. If you’re after a truly quirky souvenir, make a purchase from their series The Great Pretenders, a great name for their quirky idea of reproducing classic vintage designs anew. You’ll find a lovingly made selection of dresses and accessories that look totally vintage (inspiration is taken from the 40s and 60s,) are crafted from antique fabrics, but are brand new, fit like a glove and will last you for years.

Barcelona

This picturesque southern Spanish city has a beguiling array of vintage and second-hand shops. Make your first stop in Barcelona at Tarquesh for an amazing array of retro sunglasses and silk scarves. What makes this vintage store extra special is that products here change seasonally - so if you pop in during December, you’ll find cosy retro knitwear, and a visit in the summer months will give you plenty of straw hats and vintage tea dresses.