Swindon & Wiltshire News
Parking company takeover is just the ticket
Two South West parking technology firms have joined forces to boost their offering to local councils and private landowners.
Chippenham-based Chipside, the market leader in local authority parking and enforcement technology, has been acquired by Exeter-based Unity5.
Chipside developed the MiPermit parking system, used by all council-run fee-paying car parks in Wiltshire to provide an electronic, ticketless parking solution for motorists. The app-based system is used by local authorities across the UK.
The firm has also developed Oppidatim, a smart cities strategy which enables local authorities to combine and interpret information from a wide range of sources including surveys, patrol activity and local property gazeteers.
Unity5 develops cloud-based software that allows parking enforcement officers to issue fines and Fixed Penalty Notices.
Its Zatpark system features built-in automatic number plate recognition and moving traffic violation management.
Mark Wilson, incoming CEO at Unity5, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Chipside into the Unity5 family. This acquisition is not just about growth—it’s about collaboration. Both companies share a strong commitment to innovation and exceptional customer care.
“By working together, we can bring the best of both organisations to the table, ensuring that we continue to support our customers with reliable, forward-thinking solutions. Our priority is to maintain stability for both teams while creating opportunities for shared learning, product enhancements, and long-term success.
“We sincerely thank Paul Moorby OBE (pictured) and the rest of the departing Chipside leadership team for their vision and leadership in building Chipside into what it is today. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we wish them the best in their future endeavours.
“We are also pleased that Simon Cheung and Richy Aplin-Clements will continue with the company in key leadership roles, helping to drive the next phase of growth and innovation.”
Paul Moorby, OBE, Chipside Founder said: “Building this company has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished.
“As Chipside enters this next chapter under Unity5, I am confident that they will build on the innovative and customer focused values Chipside have always held at our core.
“While I will be stepping away, I leave knowing that the company is in great hands and poised for even greater success. I look forward to seeing all that the future holds.”
Matt Eves, head of M&A for the South at EY, said: “It was a pleasure to work with the Chipside team on this transaction. With Unity5, the business has found a complementary home and EY is delighted to have been part of that process.”
The Bristol office of international law firm Osborne Clarke advised Unity5 on the acquisition.
