Fifteen jobs have been secured after a North Yorkshire bulk haulage business acquired a long-standing competitor.
M Kettlewell (Melmerby) which transports raw materials such as wheat and barley for animal feeds processors nationally has expanded its fleet and customer base after buying Allen W Brown, based near Thirsk. Allen W Brown had a turnover of £3.5million and the acquisition takes M Kettlewell’s turnover to £7million with a staff of 54.
Joint managing director Paul Kettlewell said, “This is the biggest development in our business in 51 years. We have had a long, amiable rivalry with Allen Brown, whose business was a mirror-image of our own.”
Simon Morris of Raworths Soliciitors in Harrogate advised M Kettlewell in the acquisition with David Kitson of Bulmer & Co, accountants and the funding was arranged by Andy Hay of Yorkshire Bank Harrogate.
Simon Morris of Raworths says, “This is a very experienced and longstanding business and it is a sign that confidence in the economy is now growing with businesses moving forward to make the most of any opportunities.”
