A client success story: MAN Commercial

Securing success through ambitious growth and future acquisitions

MAN Commercial Protection Ltd (MAN) was co-founded in 1993 by the father of Chief Executive Officer, Iain McCallister, a retired West Midlands police detective. Since then, it has grown to become the largest privately owned security company in the West Midlands and one of the UK’s top 20 by turnover. The company’s name is derived from its founding partners: McCallister, Atkins, and Neighbour. 

Based in Solihull, MAN now employs over 1,500 people and has surpassed £67 million in annual revenue. Its story reads like a highlights reel of public life, providing trusted security at landmark events including Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, King Charles III’s coronation, 27 years of world championship boxing, and major concerts. 

Building on this success, MAN is developing an ambitious acquisition strategy to reach £100 million turnover while preserving the company’s independence and culture. The company offers a comprehensive suite of corporate security services, from manned guarding and mobile security officers to key holding, alarm response, Public Space Surveillance (PSS) CCTV monitoring,. and systems solutions. 

A proven partnership 

MAN’s long-standing relationship with Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has been instrumental in supporting its ongoing growth. Iain first worked with our senior management team in 2011, and continued that partnership in 2018 - when we moved to establish the asset-based lending business under Arbuthnot Latham. 

ACABL structured a flexible receivables finance facility, which now stands at £15 million, giving MAN the headroom to accelerate growth and strengthen its global footprint. On completion of the initial transaction, Iain commented: 

“Arbuthnot has a real appetite to understand our needs. I have known the team for more than 10 years and have complete trust in their ability to deliver every time. In our business, we have to deliver on service 100 percent and it is very refreshing to receive the same commitment. Working with Arbuthnot has given us the opportunity to focus on what we do best. The facility that they have structured based on our growing debtor book gives us the headroom we need to continue to win more work at a faster pace, without the distraction of further facility renegotiation. With their support, the future for MAN Commercial Protection is very exciting.” 

Trusted delivery 

During the pandemic, when many businesses were retrenching, MAN chose to invest in expanding its headquarters from 5,000 to 12,500 square feet. Iain recalls: 

“The support from Arbuthnot made the process smooth and seamless. I contacted Tim Hawkins, who asked me to arrange a property valuation, then approved it and signed off the deal. I remember when my father had to book weeks in advance just to meet with a bank manager. Today, I can send a quick message and receive an immediate response. That level of personal, service-driven support makes a real difference. If Arbuthnot says, ‘I’m not sure,’ I take it seriously. And if they say, ‘Go for it,’ I take that just as seriously. It’s invaluable having someone I can genuinely rely on.” 

Strategic growth through acquisition With organic growth delivering strong results, including tailored solutions for corporate clients and high-profile events such as the record-breaking Oasis concerts, MAN is now pursuing its first formal M&A strategy. 

“We are justifiably proud of our performance, especially considering the volatile economic times we’ve faced. However, to move us forward at the pace we want, we are now turning our attention to acquisitions and we’re already having some interesting conversations.” 

With a solid foundation and support from Arbuthnot, MAN is now actively exploring opportunities, targeting businesses generating between £5 million and £30 million in annual revenue, particularly those specialising in security guarding and electronic systems. Discussions with several brokers are already underway and MAN expects to complete at least one deal by the end of 2026. Iain explained: 

“Our teams work all over the UK so there’s no barrier to geography. We’re more interested in finding the business that shares our values and desire to deliver the best safety solutions in the industry.” I have no interest in taking the private equity route – maintaining control is important to me. Our goal is to acquire businesses that contribute to our turnover, benefit from streamlined head office costs, and integrate seamlessly into what we’ve built. We have talented people here who can bring real value to those businesses and grow alongside them.” 

Backing ambitious expansion 

Iain is clear about MAN’s intentions: 

“With the funding in place through Arbuthnot, we’re ready to move quickly. For anyone considering selling and looking to place their business in capable hands, they won’t find a better home than with us.” You have to enjoy what you do. I’ve never thought about an exit. Our focus is on building something with lasting value.” 

Tim Hawkins, Managing Director of Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited, adds:

 “Our partnership with MAN is built on mutual trust and a deep understanding of their business. We are proud to support their growth and ambitious acquisition strategy. MAN’s commitment to maintaining its strong values aligns perfectly with our approach, and we look forward to helping them achieve their £100 million turnover goal and beyond.”

Related pages

Government Growth Scheme  •  Success stories  • Scheme features

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Registered in England and Wales no. 10915339. Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited’s registered office is Arbuthnot House, 20 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7EA. Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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