Limo in Paragon, IN

Paragon has purchased Service Graphics from both firms' parent, Grenadier Holdings, in a deal that it said would expand its marketing services capabilities.

The deal, which was announced today (2 June), will see Service Graphics join Paragon’s Marketing Services business line.

Privately held investment company Grenadier Holdings (formerly Paragon Group) owns Paragon and had separately owned Service Graphics as part of its Graphic Services division. Paragon said the deal, like many of its acquisitions, is a share purchase agreement.

According to Companies House filings, Paragon Customer Communications (London) Limited was listed as “a person with significant control” on Friday (30 May) while, on the same day, Giml Investments 5 Limited ceased to be a person with significant control.

Service Graphics will bring its capabilities in large-format display, creative studio, and on-demand print and design services to Paragon’s business services portfolio.

Paragon said the deal also delivers added expertise in sports, luxury brands, museums, property, construction, and events, complementing the Marketing Services business’ strong presence in FMCG, retail, financial services, and insurance.

Guilhem Boucon, Paragon’s chief strategy officer and global lead for the Marketing Services business line, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to expand our capabilities in key verticals like sports and events, while strengthening our position in core markets such as FMCG and retail.

“Integrating Service Graphics into our fast-growing Marketing Services business line allows us to offer these enhanced services to new and existing clients – helping them to grow and operate more efficiently.

“A big thank you to the Service Graphics team for managing the process with professionalism and dedication. Paragon is committed to supporting the Service Graphics team through the transition, while maintaining uninterrupted, high-quality service for their valued clients.”

Service Graphics has recently refreshed its strategy and invested in new technology to match market demand and better serve its clients.

Mike Holyoake, group managing director at Service Graphics, added: “This is an exceptional opportunity for Service Graphics to build on our success.

“We see significant growth opportunities through cross-selling and wider client engagement, and we are looking forward to working closely with everyone at Paragon to make this deal a success.

“After the recent strategy refresh and new technology investment, we are in great shape to launch our next phase of growth.”

Founded in 1961, Service Graphics employs 320 people across nine UK locations, with significant production capabilities in Glasgow, Skelmersdale, Birmingham, and London. Its kit includes Durst, EFI Vutek, and SwissQprint devices.

The business recently relocated its Cestrian and Image Group operations to Skelmersdale after the landlord decided to terminate the lease on its Cheadle site.

Service Graphics had acquired the business and assets of Cestrian in November 2023, as PFI Group unravelled.

In its most recent accounts, to 30 June 2024, Service Graphics had sales of £48.3m.

Paragon Bank and Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) have introduced mortgage products tailored to landlords seeking financing and flexible lending options.

These offerings cater to diverse investment strategies, from single residential properties to mixed-use assets.

Paragon has rolled out a limited-edition five-year fixed-rate BTL mortgage, boasting its most competitive rate since August 2022.

Starting at 4.29%, this deal targets landlords purchasing or remortgaging single self-contained (SSC) properties with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of A to C.

For SSC properties with EPC ratings of D or E, the rate is 4.34%, while houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) qualify for a 4.64% rate.

Suit a wide range of landlords

These mortgages, available up to 65% loan-to-value (LTV), come with a 5% product fee, though a fee-free option is offered at a rate one percentage point higher.

A £150 application fee applies, alongside a 5% interest coverage ratio (ICR).

The products are accessible to landlords operating as individuals or through limited companies across England, Scotland and Wales.

James Harrison, Paragon’s mortgages product manager, said: “We’ve launched these limited-edition products to provide landlords with more choice and offer solutions that suit a broader spectrum of customers.

“Offered at a lower loan-to-value of 65%, these products will be particularly appealing to those that can put down a slightly larger deposit to benefit from lower rates.”

HTB enhances semi-commercial lending

Meanwhile, Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has refined its specialist mortgages proposition, allowing standard BTL rates to be applied to qualifying semi-commercial loans exceeding £5 million.

It says that is when the commercial component constitutes no more than 20% of the property.

This adjustment addresses growing demand for residential-heavy mixed-use investments, such as flats above retail units or takeaways.

The change enables brokers to structure deals with minimal commercial exposure at competitive rates, provided the commercial income is not needed to meet the interest cover ratio.

Demand for mixed-use property

HTB’s says its deal-by-deal underwriting approach ensures tailored support, making it easier for landlords to capitalise on properties offering yield, diversification and long-term value.

Andrea Glasgow, the lender’s sales director for specialist mortgages, said: “We’ve seen a clear rise in demand for mixed-use property, particularly where the commercial part is modest but contributes to a strong overall return.

“These are often flats above shops or mixed-use assets where the commercial use is stable and predictable, such as a convenience store or takeaway.”

She adds: “The structure is sound, the return is strong, and the pricing should reflect that. This change brings more flexibility.”

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