Company owner sells Derby family business ‘to ease pressure’

A Derby business owner has sold the company which has been in his family for 65 years.

Maurice Parker Ltd on Alfreton Road was founded by present owner Duncan Parker’s father as tile fitting company.

Now, it has been sold to Alan Jones of AJ Floorcraft.

Parker has praised the help of members of The Alternative Board Derby for “winning back three years of my life.”

He said that he had planned to retire at 65, but added: “A little while ago I was starting to feel the pressure and I thought about ways of exiting the business.

“I spoke at length to fellow TAB peer board members whose ideas have helped make it possible to leave sooner than later.”

“I believe that the deal with Alan Jones will be a really good one for the business.

Duncan Parker and Jimi Ball of TAB Derby

“AJ Floorcraft has established complementary expertise in painting and high-quality flooring. Meanwhile, my wife has stayed on and manages the bathroom and kitchen side.

“For the first time in many years, I am able to relax. I am still going in occasionally to help with the transfer but am spending plenty of time in the garden and walking.”

Parker added: “The support in group meetings has been absolutely invaluable.

“Running a business on your own is very very difficult with lots of problems on a daily basis, so getting these problems into the open on a confidential basis relieves much of the pressure.

“Likeminded people give help and advice which helps you through.”