Wirral facilities management firm Kimpton secures two new education sector contracts in Liverpool and Chester. Tony McDonough reports

Facilities management firm Kimpton has added City of Liverpool College and the University of Chester to its roster of clients in the education sector.

Bromborough-based Kimpton has secured a contract to manage and maintain air conditioning systems in the City of Liverpool College estate in the city centre and been appointed to its minor works framework, again following a competitive tender process.

Kimpton has also successfully tendered to manage the gas and plumbing infrastructure across the University of Chester’s teaching and accommodation sites.

It specialises in mechanical and engineering services, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, commercial fit-out and service and facilities management.

The business already has contracts with multiple sites in Liverpool totalling more than 1m sq ft. These include St Nicholas’ Church, the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and The Capital Building.

In early June LBN reported that that firm was upbeat about its prospects and strong pipeline despite a fall in annual revenues and pre-tax profits. In the year to September 30, 2024, revenues fell from £25.8m to £24.4m.

Pre-tax profits are also down from £1.8m in 2023 to just over £1m. However, writing in the accounts Tim Davis points out the previous year had been an “exceptional” one thanks to a number of significant projects.

Kimpton was founded by Eric Kimpton 61 years ago. In 2001 his son Richard Kimpton took over the business, also in a management buyout and oversaw significant growth.

In November 2023 the Kimptons sold a controlling stake in the business to Tim Davis, who was formerly the firm’s general manager, and Linzi Kelly. The value of the deal was undisclosed.

Kimpton already works on behalf of several education providers in and around Liverpool city region, including St Helens College, Warrington Vale Royal College, Liverpool Hope University and LIPA, where it has worked for more than 30 years.

It also supports dozens of local schools, including Archbishop Blanch, Cardinal Newman, Winsford Academy, The Grange School and Greenbank College.

Matt Breakwell, business development director at Kimpton, said: “We have a proud track record of working with education institutions, operating in ways that meet their bespoke needs and sensitivities and developing effective, lasting relationships.

“An important aspect of those relationships is our shared commitment to improving the outlook for local young people.

“By working with schools, colleges and universities to offer insight into future green skills, support curriculum development and provide apprenticeships, we hope to better connect institutions with industry and create a strong future workforce.”