A closer look at FDT
Last month we reported on May Gurney's acquisition of Manchester based mobile telecommunications inspection and maintenance specialists FDT Holdings Limited (FDT). This time round we take a more detailed look at the services FDT provides, and why the union is good news for both businesses.
FDT specialises in the inspection and maintenance of structures and the mechanical and electrical installations within buildings and facilities - essential work in order to maintain a safe working environment and reduce health and safety risks.
 Companies who own or manage structures or properties understand the need for regular inspection in order to extend the life of the asset, trigger maintenance activity, preserve value and comply with legislation.
This is especially true in the mobile telecommunications industry, highways engineering sectors - and across a wide range of manufacturing and process industries.
Specifically, FDT's services cover:
Telecommunications inspection and maintenance services
For more than a decade, FDT has been involved in designing and building the UK's mobile telecommunications infrastructure - including aerials, masts, streetworks and rooftop sites.
These services have been delivered for major international operators including Orange, Hutchison 3G, Vodafone, Ericsson, Nokia, T-Mobile and BT plc. FDT has played a significant part in the roll out of these networks across the UK.
While the infrastructure roll out is now largely complete, FDT enjoys term contracts with Orange, Ericsson and BT that involve on-going inspection and maintenance of almost 18,000 telecommunications sites - around 36% of all mobile telecommunication sites in the UK.
 With 70 strategically located field based engineers, FDT delivers business critical services to ensure constant network up time for its customers.
These services encompass everything from antennae maintenance at site through to inspection and maintenance of power supplies, standby generators, ICNIRP compliance, lightning conductors, fall arrest systems - and even repair of perimeter fences and weed control.
Bridge inspecting and reporting
FDT's team of Chartered and Graduate Engineer bridge inspectors has vast experience in the delivery of structural inspections, design services and 'special reports'.
FDT's customers include several MACs (Maintaining Agent Contractors) - including Atkins, A-one, Mouchel Parkman and AmeyMouchel - who are appointed by the Highways Agency to maintain motorways and trunk roads.
FDT's inspectors also work for county councils, municipal authorities and other bodies who between them have responsibility for maintaining the UK's 240,000 bridges.
"When we heard that Orange recognise FDT as one of their best suppliers we knew their transferable skills would pay dividends"
Ian Findlater, May Gurney |
Industrial access inspection
FDT's industrial access division has more than 10 years' experience in providing inspection, maintenance and certification services.
Working across all industry sectors, FDT's field-based engineering teams inspect, report upon and certify structures in accordance with current legislation.
With thousands of manufacturing and process plants operating across the UK, there are vast numbers of ladders, gantries, platforms and staircases that provide access for working at height. Each structure presents a potential hazard and must be inspected and certified as 'safe to climb'.
FDT delivers a national service whereby qualified engineers inspect, report upon and certify structures in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122 and The Work at Height Regulations 2005.
These services ensure the security of workers at height, the general public and the environment.
Coming together
The acquisition accords with May Gurney's strategy of developing and strengthening long-term relationships by providing enhanced services - in this case maintenance and inspection.
Specifically, it deepens May Gurney's mechanical and electrical capabilities, provides access to the telecoms marketplace - and complements May Gurney's existing support service portfolio and customer relationships.
David Sterry, Chief Executive, said: "This acquisition delivers on our strategy for building the business, complements our strong and established presence in the utilities and highways maintenance markets - and positions us well in the telecoms market place."
Darren Bardsley, Director of FDT, is excited at the potential that being part of a larger organisation offers. He said: "The combined skills and resources of a larger business will enable us to play a more significant role in helping our customers to effectively maintain their infrastructure assets over the coming years - and exploit the true potential of this growing market."
Ian Findlater, Group Business Development Director, added: "Our business is all about adding value by maintaining and enhancing our customers' asset base. When we heard that Orange recognise FDT as one of their best suppliers internationally in terms of dynamism, focus and innovation, we knew that their transferable skills would pay dividends - and they are already doing so.
"FDT already provides some inspection services to local authorities and we see this as a considerable area for growth for our business."
Click here for further information about FDT.
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May Gurney acquires telecoms specialist
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