As we celebrate 25 years in business, Commercial Maintenance Services (CMS) is proud to announce the opening of our new national headquarters and a £2 million investment into a state-of-the-art engineering academy in Gateshead.
Founded in the North East in 2000, CMS has grown from a regional business into a nationwide leader, delivering essential services in gas, heating, plumbing, air conditioning, renewables, electrical systems, and catering equipment installation, repair, and maintenance.
In the past year alone, CMS achieved a turnover of £32 million and now employs over 300 people across the UK. This milestone anniversary marks the beginning of a bold new chapter. Our new HQ and CMS Academy represent a strategic foundation from which we aim to grow into a £100 million business by 2029, employing more than 600 people and continuing to invest in the skills and capabilities that will shape the future of engineering.
At the core of our vision is the CMS Academy, located within our new 20,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Gateshead—three times the size of our previous facility. Purpose-built to support the training and upskilling of over 200 engineers annually and more than 50 apprentices each year, the academy is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy.
The CMS Academy addresses one of the UK’s most urgent challenges: the shortage of skilled engineers. As demand for quality engineering services continues to grow, we are taking action to close the gap—ensuring we maintain a responsive, expert service for our customers while helping secure a sustainable future for the industry.
Through dedicated training and development, we’re supporting the next generation of engineers—not only by equipping them with cutting-edge technical knowledge, but by instilling the values and mindset needed to thrive in a fast-evolving sector.
Engineers trained at the CMS Academy will carry a mark of distinction. Our programme sets the standard in quality, safety, and customer experience—offering engineers a competitive edge in the market and giving our clients greater confidence in the expertise of every CMS team member.
The academy features the latest equipment and technologies from leading manufacturers including Baxi, Belimo, Grundfos, and Schwank—ensuring our engineers train with the same systems they’ll encounter in the field.
With a national footprint and strong local roots, CMS continues to be a trusted partner for businesses managing complex, multi-site property portfolios. We provide a single, reliable point of contact across the UK—delivering technical excellence and best-value solutions without compromise.
Nic Smith, Managing Director at CMS, said:
“Marking 25 years in business is a proud milestone for everyone at CMS, and the opening of our new headquarters and academy is a powerful statement of intent for the future. This investment reflects our commitment not only to the continued growth of our business but also to the long-term sustainability of the engineering sector.
“The CMS Academy will be instrumental in developing the next generation of skilled engineers—enabling us to maintain the exceptional service our customers expect while directly addressing the industry’s skills shortage. It’s a forward-thinking approach that will carry CMS confidently into the next 25 years.”