About Solent Equity Group

Built by operators, for the long term.

James Saunders

Robert Saunders

Solent Equity Group is an owner-led acquisition company founded by James and Robert Saunders to acquire, operate, and grow established UK businesses.

Our outlook has been shaped by two decades in construction and almost a decade in property investment. These are practical, asset-backed environments in which quality, planning, cash discipline, dependable teams, and trusted relationships determine long-term success.

We apply that same mindset to acquisitions. We look for fundamentally sound businesses, take time to understand what makes them successful, and work with management and employees to build on those strengths.

20+Years in construction

Hands-on operator experience across delivery, quality, teams, planning, and project risk.

9Years in property investment

Long-term asset stewardship with a practical view of value creation and cash discipline.

UKOwner-led acquisition focus

Direct conversations with founders and management teams across established UK companies.

Meet the Founders

Direct access to the people making the acquisition decision.

Operator-led from the first conversation. James brings practical construction and business ownership experience to conversations with sellers, with a focus on delivery, people, quality, and trust.

James Saunders - Co-Founder

James Saunders is a construction professional, property investor, and business owner based in Fareham, Hampshire. He brings a practical understanding of delivery, people, quality, project risk, and the day-to-day realities of operating a service business.

James is the active director of Onyx Developments (Southern) Ltd, a Hampshire construction company with experience across extensions, new builds, structural works, refurbishment, landscaping, and project delivery.

Robert Saunders - Co-Founder

Robert Saunders is a construction professional, property investor, and the owner and founder of Gemspire Homes Ltd, with approximately 20 years of industry experience and nine years of property investment experience.

Robert works alongside James in evaluating businesses, shaping transaction structures, and supporting portfolio companies after acquisition.

Why Solent Equity Group

Continuity and growth must go hand in hand.

The best businesses already have strengths worth protecting. Our role is to understand those strengths first, then support the next stage with calm, practical ownership.

01 Operator perspective

Our decisions are informed by real-world construction, business, and property experience.

02 Direct access

Sellers communicate with the people making the acquisition decision.

03 Respectful transition

We work with sellers to understand their goals, preferred timetable, and future involvement.

04 Practical support

We focus on measured improvement without disrupting the strengths that made the company successful.

Start the conversation

Looking for committed owners who understand continuity?

We are building a portfolio of enduring businesses, not pursuing short-term transactions.

Confidential enquiry

Speak with James or Robert Share your business details