CONSORT EQUIPMENT PRODUCTS – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of electric heaters – has been acquired by family-owned investment firm Lifeboat Capital. The deal was backed by a seven-figure debt funding package from Frontier Development Capital (FDC) and other investors.

Consort, which is based in Milford Haven, supplies heaters to electrical wholesalers nationwide under the Consort and Claudgen brands, and manufactures own-brand products for leading suppliers. Following the acquisition, the current management team headed by Managing Director, Gareth Davies, will continue to lead the growth of the business.

The deal will enable the former Managing Director, Edward Spankie, and Materials Director, Chris Baggs, to realise their investment in the business though they will continue in a consultancy role. It will also provide additional investment to fund the growth of the business.

Established in 1966, Consort employs over 70 staff and manufactures over 250 product lines ranging from fan and panel heaters to air curtains and towel rails. The company has invested heavily in its modern 90,000 sq ft factory in Milford Haven and regularly introduces new products, with recent additions including wi-fi enabled heaters controlled by a mobile app.

The acquisition is the third to date by Lifeboat Capital, which was founded in 2019 and is the family office of the Afshar family. Lifeboat – which focuses on long-term investments in niche, high-quality UK businesses – also owns Southend-based Formara Print & Marketing and Oldham-based stockinette manufacturer Appletex.

Dr Taha Afshar, Chief Investment Officer at Lifeboat, said: “Lifeboat is committed to strengthening British manufacturing businesses and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. With its efficient electric heating solutions and a track record for quality and innovation, Consort aligns strongly with our values and goals. The company will continue to operate as an independent business, and with the benefit of additional investment to support its long-term growth. Our vision is to be the definitive choice for sustainable, reliable and innovative electric heating.”

Graham Mold, Head of Growth Capital at Frontier Development Capital, added: “Consort has been manufacturing in Milford Haven since 1966 and is one of the best-known brands in the market. This deal will ensure a smooth transition of ownership and secure the future of the business.  With Lifeboat’s support, Consort is embarking on a new chapter on its growth journey and is positioned to go from strength to strength.”

HMP PARC, which houses many prisoners from Pembrokeshire, is set to refer a reported assault on a prison officer to police.

A prison officer was reportedly assaulted by an inmate at HMP Parc, it has been claimed.

The incident is understood to have happened at around midday on Thursday on D-Wing at the Bridgend jail.

A prison spokesman said the matter would be referred to police and that support was being offered to the member of staff involved.

The spokesman said: “A prisoner was involved in an incident with a staff member on Thursday.

“We are supporting our colleague and will be referring the matter to the police.”

South Wales Police has been contacted for comment.

Community groups join weekly drop-in as councillors donate food and live music set to return next Friday

VC GALLERY’S Friday breakfast club in High Street, Haverfordwest, drew a strong mix of ages this week as local support organisations joined residents for a shared meal and a catch-up in the charity’s community space.

The VC Gallery said the session “went down a real treat”, with “super cool vibes” and people coming together to enjoy the welcoming environment.

Breakfast was kindly donated by Haverfordwest Town Council, with volunteers and staff helping to set up and run the morning.

Guests included representatives from Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire Advocacy Service and homelessness charity The Wallich, as the groups connected with residents and shared information about the help available locally.

VC Gallery said it was “great to be working towards a common goal for our community” and thanked those involved for their support.

Next week’s breakfast club will feature new guests, with live music also set to return as Goose is expected back to play during the session.

The VC Gallery is based in Haverfordwest and runs a range of projects aimed at supporting veterans and the wider community.