A long-standing High Wycombe business has been bought out by a tech entrepreneur.

Combined Services, a building management systems (BMS) and control panel manufacturer, has been taken over by former Uber executive and tech entrepreneur, Fouzan Ali.

The company, founded 32 years ago, installs HVAC control panels for clients including Tesco and E.ON. A key player in the growing BMS industry, Combined Services helps major retailers reduce their carbon footprints and partner with global corporations like Schneider Electric, Equinix and Facebook to implement advanced BMS solutions in data centres worldwide.

The company has seen demand increase in recent years as businesses look for ways to improve their energy efficiency and achieve Net Zero targets.

Mr Ali took ownership of the business with the support of a growth finance facility from business bank Allica Bank, taking over from previous managing director Steve Farrell, who founded the business in 1992 alongside Norman Ramsdale.

Mr Ali said: "Businesses in the UK have ambitious targets to improve their energy efficiency and achieve Net Zero objectives, and Combined Services is perfectly positioned to help them do that.

"There are also plenty of opportunities for growth. Take data centres, for example. The growing demand for computational capacity for AI and machine learning requires building more data centres.

"But these consume significant amounts of energy. Combined Services can play an important role in reducing their energy consumption."

Talking about becoming the new owner of the business, Mr Ali spoke about his excitement for the future of the company: "Steve did a fantastic job building a strong and loyal customer base that we can build on. I am also especially grateful to Allica Bank for placing their trust in me.

"Their personalised approach to building relationships and understanding both me and the business aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at Combined Services."

Jon Bennett, Allica Bank’s growth finance sales manager, said: "I am delighted that Allica have been able to support Fouzan. His experience and ambitions for Combined Services, alongside the strength of the existing business, looks like a perfect match.

"With over 90 per cent of revenue coming from long-standing customers, many who have been with them for decades, it’s clear they provide a quality service that their customers can rely on."

Max Berglas, Combined Services’ dedicated relationship manager at Allica Bank, said: "Fouzan and Combined Services have an exciting future together, and I’m really pleased to be a part of it.

"By providing tailored expertise, I am sure there are plenty more ways Allica can help Combined Services realise their ambitious growth plans."