Jobs saved at aquatic supplier

A BOLTON aquatic products supplier has been bought from administrators by a rival Yorkshire firm, saving 14 jobs.

The retail arm of Britain’s Aquatic Superstore has been bought by Bradford-based Aquarline for an undisclosed sum.  Administrators at KPMG sold the business as a going concern.

Aquarline said the move would help it meet its growth ambitions and develop opportunities in the North West.

Paul Flint, joint administrator and KPMG restructuring associate partner, said: “We are very pleased to be announcing a sale that allows for the continuation of a long standing and well supported local business despite marketing it during challenging economic conditions.”

Peter Hemmingway, of Aquarline, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming customers both old and new and providing new investment into the business in due course to help achieve growth.

“My plans include the introduction of a number of new product lines which will include a new animal and reptile department.”

Britain’s Aquatic Superstore entered administration on September 1 after trading for more than 43 years.

It marketed itself as one of the largest aquatic and reptile product wholesale distributors in the UK.

Its 70,000 sq ft premises include 30,000 sq ft of retail space, which is home to one of the largest angling centres in the North West and more than 500 stock tanks with a wide range of fish.