VSS provides ductwork and air conditioning cleaning and maintenance and fire compliance testing for businesses throughout the UK, including Pizza Hut, Moto, Marks & Spencer, Sodexo and a large number of NHS trusts.  Sani-Duct’s specialism in kitchen extraction servicing will expand its client base, particularly in the South.

VSS chief executive, George Friend, said: “We have known Sani-Duct for around 20 years, through trade associations, and it came to our attention that owners Linda Jackson and Brian Hargreaves were looking for someone suitable to take on the business. The deal was finalised in December and we are delighted that Linda and Brian will be staying on during the two-year merger process.”

He continued: “We will be retaining all staff and contracts, bringing our current team to 90 and increasing our revenue by around £1 million per year.”

Staff from the two businesses met for the first time last week at VSS’ annual team meeting.

Since relocating to Liverpool four years ago, VSS over 50 new employees have been recruited. This figure is expected to increase to 100 this year, including an additional six employees in Northern Ireland to take on a new ventilation cleaning and fire compliance contract for the NHS.

Brian Hargreaves, former owner of Sani-Duct and now technical director commented: “It’s fantastic for all the Sani-Duct team to know that the business is in safe hands and that our hard work and efforts will be preserved in the best possible manner. It was great to have the opportunity to get to know our new colleagues and we are looking forward to working together.”

Following its achievement of the ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management last year, VSS has also gained a number of additional industry accreditations, including Refcom approval and membership of BESCA.