Our growth strategy

Portfolio & Performance
We actively manage our portfolio of companies by investing in acquisitions in niches adjacent to our existing operations which offer new opportunities for growth, and through mergers and disposals where market conditions change. This ensures that our portfolio can sustain strong growth and returns over the long term, and that it maintains a high degree of resilience given its diversity.

Growth Markets
We look for companies that operate in high value niches that we know well, within the broad market areas of safety, the environment, and healthcare. These niches have global potential and a high exposure to our long‑term growth drivers.

Business Model
We are structured for growth. Our simple and self‑sustaining financial model enables continuous investment in our growth strategy. Our companies’ growth is supported by our Growth Enablers which leverage a unique set of skills and expertise from across the Group to give our companies a competitive edge in their markets.

Talent & Culture
We bet on talent. Our decentralised model requires exceptional leaders who are empowered and accountable to set strategy, create a high‑performing culture, and grow their own business.

Transparent Incentives
We set clear, challenging targets each year and reward our people for delivering sustainable growth and returns, as well as supporting our people and protecting the environment. 

Continuous Investment
We continually invest in our business and our people to maintain strong positions in our markets. The highly cash generative nature of our companies allows us to fund this investment, both to support organic growth and drive growth through acquisitions.