United Infrastructure adds Simkiss as buying spree rolls on

Aaron Morby 1 week ago
Share

United Infrastructure has stepped up its acquisition drive in the energy and utilities market with the takeover of Rochdale-based control systems specialist Simkiss Group.

The deal adds more than 25 years of engineering know-how to the group and strengthens its technical depth as demand grows for more complex, end-to-end delivery across regulated infrastructure.

Simkiss Control Systems works in Rochdale

Simkiss specialises in the design and build of control systems, control panels and switchgear, with services covering installation, testing, commissioning and long-term maintenance.

It employs around 100 staff and turned over more than £15m according to last published accounts.

Simkiss’ work is focused largely on the utilities sector, supporting critical national infrastructure programmes.

United Infrastructure said the acquisition broadens its in-house capability across power, energy and utilities, positioning the group to take on larger and more technically demanding frameworks and long-term programmes.

Neil Armstrong, chairman and ceo of United Infrastructure, said: “This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for United Infrastructure. Simkiss Group brings proven design and engineering expertise that enhances our technical capability across energy and power activities.

By investing in these skills, we are strengthening our ability to deliver more technical and integrated solutions for our customers operating in critical infrastructure.”

The Simkiss buy is the latest in a series of bolt-on acquisitions by United Infrastructure as it builds scale and specialist capability across utilities and energy. The group has been steadily picking up niche engineering businesses to deepen technical expertise and support growth on major programmes.

Recent acquisitions

  • December 2025 – Acquisition of Wood’s UK Transmission and Distribution, strengthening United Infrastructure’s position in electricity transmission and distribution.
  • June 2025 – Majority stake taken in Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions, a specialist contractor focused on power distribution networks.
  • May 2025 – Acquisition of Peter Duffy, a civil engineering contractor specialising in water infrastructure works.
  • March 2025 – Takeover of Jones, a leading power distribution and street lighting contractor.
  • October 2024 – Acquisition of PiLON, expanding United Infrastructure’s footprint in social housing property services.
  • June 2024 – Majority stakes acquired in GTEC, a specialist net-zero training provider, and Heatly, a digital platform supporting heat pump design, surveying and installation.
  • April 2024 – Acquisition of AFECO, an independent specialist engineering services and solutions business focused on the water, marine and energy sectors.

Latest news

Skanska seals £273m delayed Broadgate office overhaul

Retained frame and six-storey extension to transform One Appold Street
14 hours ago

JRL lands £68m North London housing tower job

Long-stalled Brent 30-floor housing block job moves into delivery
14 hours ago

School building winners to give apprentice guarantees

Contractors called on to create 13,000 new training places
14 hours ago

DfT tests market for privately financed HS2 Euston station job

Market engagement opens on design, build, finance and maintain deal
1 day ago

Barhale secures hat-trick of Thames Water sewer schemes

Firm bags Brent Cross, Benson and Basingstoke development-led sewer upgrades
12 hours ago

Muse go-ahead for 1,600-home Solihull town centre reset

Demolition to start for Mell Square transformation
14 hours ago

Subcontractors wanted across the Midlands

Work available at latest Constructionline event
13 hours ago

Robertson Construction bounces back into the black

Contractor shakes off previous £13m loss year with £31m profit comeback
2 days ago

Glencar tipped for latest London data centre

Contractor to build next phase of £1bn Brent Cross campus
2 days ago

Muse to lead redevelopment of Wakefield shopping centre

Council moves to demolish The Ridings for 1,000-home quarter
2 days ago

Long-empty Southend HMRC tower set for 557-flat rebirth

Section 106 agreement paves way for construction start
2 days ago

RED starts revamp of Lincoln’s Inn Fields

First phase of refurbishment work at historic London site
2 days ago

Developer Salboy opens construction division to wider market

Salboy Construction will focus on time-critical and distressed housing schemes.
4 days ago

Balfour powers back to top of contracts league

World-first carbon capture power station lifts contractor up the rankings
5 days ago

Ardmore turns corner after bruising two years

Group forecasts £11m profit in 2025 after £41m loss and ACL administration
5 days ago

£3bn early works plan to kick-start major Parliament restoration

Seven-year phase one programme keeps rebuild options alive to 2030
5 days ago

15 firms bag £175m works Cumberland works deal

Up to £6m schemes to flow through three-lot structure to 2029
5 days ago

Hinkley MEH contractors ordered to fix fire safety failings

Safety inspectors issue enforcement orders against five contractors
5 days ago

Buyers believe construction has “exited its tailspin”

Industry confidence for this year on the rise
5 days ago

Caddick wins first deal on Wolverhampton city centre regen

Contractor lands first 331 homes on Smithgate site
5 days ago

£1bn London Cancer Hub expansion gets green light

Sutton approval unlocks 1m sq ft of labs near the Royal Marsden
6 days ago

ECO funding cliff edge sinks insulation contractor

92 jobs axed as South Coast Insulation falls into administration as policy pause hits installers
6 days ago

£17m reboot planned for Manchester One tower

Bruntwood SciTech plans to extend and modernise 1960s landmark
6 days ago

Octavius cleared to start £113m A46 Walsgrave junction job

Consent paves way for Autumn start on Coventry upgrade
6 days ago

Muck away firm fined after digger bucket hits worker

Grab hire specialist failed to prop tipper body properly during repair work
6 days ago

Data centre drain ramps-up M&E labour costs

London rates rising as contractors try to lure workers from data centre jobs
6 days ago

Government puts firms on alert for mega framework renewal

Eight-year deal for all Government major works given £120bn maximum spend
7 days ago

HG Construction starts £73m Wembley student rooms job

Gateway 2 approval unlocks start on 27-storey 609-bed project
7 days ago

Taylor Wimpey managing director jumps ship to Vistry

James Lidgate handed group development director brief
7 days ago

Green light for huge industrial scheme on old colliery site

Parkside scheme will contain 2.4m sq ft of logistics and manufacturing space
7 days ago