Learn about ABEC’s global expansion strategy
ABEC is one of Europe’s leading independent specialists in building automation, offering Building and Energy Management Systems (BEMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) and industrial-grade SCADA and PLC solutions for critical environments and commercial buildings. Its extensive service portfolio encompasses new installations, refurbishments, and maintenance. Recently, as technology has improved and market demands have shifted, ABEC has expanded its offerings to include more energy-focused services, building analytics, and comprehensive Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
“We are a building automation business with nearly 22 years of experience, celebrating our anniversary on Valentine’s Day next year. Our expertise lies in providing
smart energy solutions for buildings across Europe and the Middle East. Starting as a small company founded in the Midlands, we have grown significantly and now have an international presence, providing our services in around 11 countries. While we have a strong focus on the data centre sector, we also deliver solutions for a wide range of building types across various verticals, including healthcare, finance, education, and many more,” begins Matthew Morrall, Chief Executive Officer and Founder.
During its time in the industry, ABEC has refined its service portfolio to provide more comprehensive support to its customers. “Primarily, we design and install commercial and industrial-grade BMS (Building Management Systems) and EPMS control solutions, when buildings are constructed or refurbished. Our support extends from initial installation to ongoing maintenance and we can also perform retrofit enhancements on existing BMS. Since these systems typically account for around 60 per cent of a building’s energy consumption, we focus on reducing energy costs by reprogramming them. More recently, we have introduced smart solutions utilising IoT technology and wireless devices to provide customers with valuable data insights that enable them to take proactive steps that reduce costs, achieve greater efficiencies, lower energy usage and improve occupant satisfaction, which in turn leads to measurable improvements across both operational outcomes and financial returns.
“While many businesses rely on rigid, fixed designs, one of our key differentiators is our ability to collaborate with a diverse range of clients, including end users, construction companies, design firms, engineering teams, and equipment suppliers. Our goal is to help them ensure that every aspect of their operations work seamlessly together and to support them through our flexible approach,” Matthew adds.
Global expansion plans
Recently, ABEC was acquired by the private equity firm Magnesium Capital, a decision motivated by several factors. “We experienced significant growth over the past 12 months and sought an external investor to help elevate the business to the next level and ultimately expand it further globally. The two main reasons behind this decision were the potential to acquire other businesses and the ability to gain strategic experience on a greater international scale than we currently possess. Magnesium Capital is a specialist in the energy and sustainability sector, and from the moment we first met them, we knew they were a good fit as a strong investor capable of helping us achieve our goals,” Matthew says.
Alongside its plans for global expansion, ABEC is placing a strong focus on IoT and digitalisation. Matthew tells us more about some of the technologies and innovations the company is implementing. “Today, data is no longer just a strategic advantage, it’s a necessity. With increasing regulatory demands and the complexity of disparate building systems, businesses need better control and visibility over their data. Within their building portfolios, many companies are looking to gather data on various factors such as energy, air quality, the use of the building, occupancy levels, and potentially dangerous gases. This data enables building owners, managers and facilities teams to visualise what is happening in real time and assess performance, helping them to make more informed decisions. Thus, by combining IoT technologies, connected devices, and software platforms with our expert advisory services, we’re able to deliver tailored solutions that meet our clients’ unique needs, generating meaningful insights that drive smarter decision-making and long-term value.”
Value-driven organisation
Value-driven organisationAs we move through our conversation, Matthew sheds light on ABEC’s company values, outlining how they influence the company’s operations. “Many years ago, we identified six core values that we believe greatly benefited both our customers and our staff. These values were shaped by discussions we had with our clients and employees, learning what is important to them and how we could make a difference. By taking that feedback, we then defined our core values, which guide how we approach our work each day. Our first two core values are that we always have a plan, especially when problems occur, and that we maintain integrity always. For us, integrity involves being honest and transparent, even when it might cost us financially. This value is essential for building strong, long-term relationships with our clients. Our third core value is our commitment to always going the extra mile. When challenges arise, we encourage our workforce to step up, take initiative, and do what needs to be done to fix the issue. The fourth value is all about welcoming change. In the construction industry, a dynamic environment, we often face evolving client requirements, shifting project timelines, and changing designs, even when working on existing buildings. Historically, many in our industry have resisted adapting to these changes as they find it frustrating. This core value serves as a reminder that we must embrace change, adapt, and move forward with confidence.
“Crucially, our fifth value emphasises the importance of always communicating effectively, which is one of the biggest challenges I have witnessed in both my business and personal life. Indeed, quite often, we all assume that other people understand our messages or our communication, sometimes leading to situations where two people leave a conversation with slightly different perspectives but believing that everybody is on the same page. To prevent such issues, we work diligently to ensure that our staff, teams, and customers clearly understand our communication. Finally, our sixth value is about making the process enjoyable. We strive to create a positive experience for our employees, customers, and everyone involved in our day-to-day operations. Our belief is that by adhering to these core values and embodying the behaviors born from them, we will continue to be successful, grow our business, and create enjoyable experiences for our colleagues and clients alike,” he explains.
In a rapidly evolving market, ABEC’s commitment to innovation and to its core values positions it for sustained growth. By embracing data-driven solutions and fostering strong relationships, the company is poised for successful global expansion.