The Morson Group has completed two major acquisitions designed to enhance its capabilities within the energy infrastructure sector and help address the growing demand for skills, capacity and scalability across the UK’s power network.

The group has purchased Grosvenor Power Group (GPG), a prominent Tier 2 high-voltage transmission and distribution integration specialist, alongside Aurora Power Consulting Ltd, a respected independent consultancy in power systems analysis. Both organisations will join Morson Praxis, the company’s engineering and technical consultancy division, while collaborating closely with Morson Vital for workforce deployment and Morson Nexus for training and skills development.

Ged Mason OBE, Executive Chairman of Morson Group said: “We are delighted to welcome GPG and Aurora Power Consulting to the Morson Group with both organisations bringing a huge wealth of expertise into our business.

“There is an urgent need to increase capacity in the Tier 2 energy infrastructure supply chain as the UK’s Tier 1 transmissions suppliers deliver a once-in-a-generation upgrade across the UK’s transmission and distribution network. The success of this critical programme demands not just expertise, but skills, scalability and integration across the delivery chain, from engineering and design through to boots on the ground installation. With complimentary capabilities across Morson Praxis, Morson Vital, Morson Edge and Morson Nexus, our acquisition of GPG and Aurora Power Consulting is not only a significant step forward in our energy sector ambitions but also a milestone for the energy industry and the UK’s energy resilience.”

GPG brings extensive expertise in high-voltage construction and commissioning, operating across power, transformer and oil service divisions. With 40 years of industry experience, the company delivers comprehensive installation, maintenance and repair services for HV systems between 33kV and 400kV, including infrastructure for offshore wind and converter substations. As part of Morson Group, GPG will retain its independent operations while benefiting from increased scale and investment in future workforce development.

Aurora Power Consulting, specialising in network planning and power quality analysis, will strengthen Morson Praxis’ engineering capabilities, particularly in FEED and compliance services. Its expertise spans grid code compliance, harmonic and fault-level analysis and support for major transmission and renewable energy integration initiatives.

Both newly acquired companies will continue operating with their current teams and leadership, maintaining service to Tier 1 clients while leveraging the wider group’s resources and strategic direction.

Mark Stephen, Managing Director of GPG, said: “Joining the Morson family enables us to secure long-term growth, invest in the next generation of engineering talent, and strengthen our position in a rapidly evolving market. Our teams are excited to work alongside Morson Praxis, Morson Vital and Morson Nexus to enhance our delivery capacity and develop new capabilities.”

Steve Sommerville, Managing Director of Aurora, added: “We’re delighted to be joining the Morson Group, which will allow us to deepen the technical quality of what we do, while gaining the scale and support needed to meet growing demand. We remain committed to our clients and team, but now with enhanced capability and long-term stability.”

The acquisitions come after Morson Group reorganised its operations into four core divisions: Morson Edge, Morson Praxis, Morson Vital and Morson Nexus. Integrating GPG and Aurora enables Morson Praxis to provide comprehensive Tier 2 support for energy infrastructure modernisation as the UK advances towards greater resilience, higher capacity and renewable integration.

Workforce development is a critical component of this strategy. GPG’s existing apprenticeship schemes will be expanded, while Morson Nexus will deliver accredited training programmes for HV engineers, fitters and wiremen. Using GPG’s facilities for hands-on training, SQEP support and mobile training units will help create a sustainable talent pipeline to support future infrastructure demands.

Chris Burke, CEO of Morson Praxis said: “The UK is entering a period of monumental change in how electricity is generated, moved, and consumed, and that is driving a sharp and sustained increase in demand across the transmission and distribution network. The talented Grosvenor and Aurora teams bring a wealth of valuable expertise and experience in the energy sector, strengthening the Morson Group’s ability to support critical national infrastructure programmes and our Tier 1 partners with the right people, skills and delivery capability as they respond at pace.”

Buying box files sounds like the kind of task you can do in 30 seconds, until you realise there are four different sizes being sold as “standard”, half of them don’t fit the folders you already use, and the lid catches vary from satisfying and secure to “why is this open again?”

If you’re sorting anything from invoices and HR paperwork to household admin, choosing the right box files up front saves you time later. This guide focuses on the practical stuff: what size, material, and style to choose, so your paperwork stays where you put it.

If you’re buying for a home office or shared workplace, it’s worth comparing sizes and materials before ordering from Office Stationery.

First: A4 box file or foolscap box file?

The number one mistake people make is ordering the wrong size and trying to force it.

A4 box file

An A4 Box File is made for A4 documents. If your paperwork is printed at home, on office printers, or comes from typical UK/EU formats, A4 will cover most of what you store.

A4 tends to:

• sit neater on modern shelving
• take up slightly less space
• look more uniform when you line up multiple categories

Real-world example: If you’re filing household paperwork, an A4 setup is usually more than enough. Four A4 box files labelled bills, school, car, home will cover most day-to-day admin without overcomplicating things.

Foolscap box file

A Foolscap Box File gives you a bit more breathing room. That matters if you:

• store documents with tabs that stick out
• use dividers and thick inserts
• keep paperwork inside wallets

If you’ve ever tried to close an A4 file and watched the contents crumple slightly at the top, foolscap is usually the fix.

Real-world example: If you’re dealing with supplier invoices or client paperwork using tabbed dividers, foolscap can be the difference between files that close properly and files that constantly catch and bend at the edges.

The spine label isn’t optional (if you want the system to survive)

It sounds minor, but the spine label is the difference between “organised” and “random guessing”.

If you’re choosing files for shared office storage, don’t settle for tiny labels you can’t read unless you’re standing directly in front of them.

Look for:

• a large spine label area
• easy label replacement (insert sleeve or slot)
• space for dates and categories

Some files use a dual colour effect on the spine. It’s not just style. Colour-coding makes it faster to find the right file when you’re dealing with multiple projects.

Material: pick what matches your workspace (not what looks nicest)

High-quality cardboard construction

Cardboard box files are classic for a reason. The best ones use high-quality cardboard construction with reinforced edges and a proper rigid feel.

They’re ideal for:

• shelves
• desks
• tidy, dry office environments

If you store a lot of files upright, cardboard often holds shape better than budget plastic.

Plastic box file (and why it makes sense)

A Plastic Box File is the better choice if your files will be handled constantly, or if your office space is likely to involve spills, dust, or heavy use.

The biggest advantage is practicality:

• wipe-clean plastic surfaces
• better moisture resistance
• often easier to carry

Many plastic styles also come with locking lids, which is a huge improvement if files get moved between rooms.

PP box file (the sensible middle option)

A PP box file (polypropylene) is a strong choice if you want something:

• lighter than thick plastic
• more durable than basic board
• easy to clean and maintain

You’ll also find a lot of PP options made with recycled content, which is increasingly important for workplaces trying to buy greener supplies.

Capacity: small files look tidy… until they’re unusable

If the file bulges, it stops being useful. It won’t sit properly, the contents slide around, and the lid won’t close properly.

If you store thick paperwork, choose a wider file from the start.

Quick tip: If you’re choosing between spine widths, a wider spine is almost always better for bulky categories like accounts, manuals, or project packs. Overfilled slim files become messy fast.

Large-capacity box file

A Large-Capacity Box File makes sense for:

• accounts and finance records
• projects with lots of printed packs
• “annual paperwork” categories

A well-made large-capacity file should still have a solid design. It should stay upright and not collapse when half full.

Real-world example: If you’re self-employed, a single large-capacity file for quarterly receipts and paperwork is often easier to manage than splitting everything across multiple slim files, especially when you need to pull it all out at tax time.

If you’re hybrid working: get a portable box file

If your filing moves between home and office, don’t rely on standard shelf files.

A Portable Box File is designed to travel and usually includes:

• a handle
• secure catch mechanisms
• press-button closure
• tighter lid fitting

If you commute with documents even once a week, you’ll immediately see the difference (especially when your bag gets knocked around).

Real-world example: If you’re carrying paperwork to meetings (especially training packs, onboarding documents, or signed forms), portable box files with proper closure stop pages getting crushed in your backpack or laptop bag.

A quick note on closures: locking lids are underrated

Some box files close “well enough”, until you move them.

If transport is part of your routine, look for:

• locking lids
• press-button fastening
• reinforced lid edges

This matters for real-world use, not just aesthetics.

When box files aren’t the best choice (and what to use instead)

Box files are great for long-term storage and clear category filing, but they’re not always the best option for active documents.

Document wallet

A document wallet is perfect for:

• temporary storage
• keeping meeting papers together
• sorting paperwork before filing properly

If you’re building a filing system that people actually stick to, wallets are often the “first step” before filing.

Expandable folders

Expandable folders work better for:

• multi-part projects
• receipts and monthly paperwork
• paperwork that constantly grows

They’re also easier to carry than full box files.

Storage upgrades: file storage boxes, cabinets, drawers

If your shelves are overflowing, you may need a second layer of storage.

File storage boxes

File storage boxes are for archiving. They’re ideal when you need to keep paperwork for years but don’t need daily access.

A lot of offices use bankers’ boxes for exactly this reason. They stack, they hold weight, and they’re easier to label by year or category.

File drawer, file cabinet, and hanging file systems

If you access documents daily, drawers are better than shelves.

A file drawer makes retrieval quicker. A file cabinet scales better in larger offices. If you want the quickest navigation:

• use a hanging file system with clear categories

It’s cleaner, faster, and reduces the number of box files you need overall.

And yes, there’s a place for sturdy metal boxes

For valuables and sensitive documents, sturdy metal boxes can be useful (especially if they’re lockable). But they’re usually not practical for everyday filing:

• heavy
• awkward to label
• not space efficient

For most offices, locking cabinets are a better long-term solution.

Quick checklist: choosing the right box file

Before buying, ask yourself:

• Do I store mostly A4 documents?
• Do I need extra space for tabs and inserts (Foolscap Box File)?
• Will this sit on a shelf or in a file cabinet?
• Do I need it to be wipeable (wipe-clean plastic)?
• Do I need a Large-Capacity Box File for bulky paperwork?
• Will I carry it (choose Portable Box File)?
• Do I need locking lids or press-button closure?
• Should this really be archived in file storage boxes / bankers’ boxes instead?

Final thoughts: box files work best when they match your habits

The ‘best’ box file isn’t the fanciest one. It’s the one that fits the type of paperwork you actually deal with.

If you get the size right (A4 vs foolscap), label it properly with a clear spine label, and choose materials that suit your environment (PP, plastic, or sturdy board), box files become one of the easiest office storage upgrades you can make.

Alpine Group has announced that Channel Fire has joined the business, reinforcing the group’s position in delivering accredited fire protection solutions across technically demanding, high-risk and specialist environments.

Since its founding in 2015, Channel Fire has specialised in providing bespoke fire protection services, including design, installation and ongoing maintenance for projects where standard solutions are insufficient. The company has developed a strong reputation for engineering expertise, long-standing customer relationships and consistent compliance with recognised industry standards.

The move aligns with Alpine Group’s strategic objective to further develop its Special Risk capability, enabling enhanced support for customers operating within regulated, safety-critical and complex operational settings.

Claire Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Group, said:

“Channel Fire is a specialist business with a strong reputation for accredited fire protection solutions in complex environments. Their technical expertise, values and approach align closely with ours and we are pleased to welcome Brett, Luke and the wider Channel Fire team into the group.”

Brett Comber, Director at Channel Fire, commented:

“Joining the Alpine Group is an exciting next step for Channel Fire. This partnership allows us to continue supporting our customers as we always have, while benefiting from the scale and support of a wider group.”

Luke Huckerby, Director at Channel Fire, added:

“Being part of the Alpine Group strengthens our ability to deliver complex, specialist projects while maintaining the high standards and personal service Channel Fire is known for – for both our team and our customers.”

Customers of Channel Fire will see no change to day-to-day operations, with services continuing as normal. Existing relationships will remain in place, supported by the same team and enhanced by the broader capabilities and resources of Alpine Group.

Additional updates will be shared as Channel Fire progresses within the Alpine Group and continues to develop its specialist offering.