News in brief: Andrew Porter; The Vinden Partnership; OBAS & more
A LANCASHIRE furniture logistics and storage firm has invested £200,000 in warehouse refurbishment.
Chorley-based Andrew Porter has started work on the second phase of refurbishment of its purpose-built furniture warehouse space – one of the largest in the north of England.
Its 6,000 pallet bay warehouse will undergo six months of improvement works, which will include new lighting, re-laying and re-painting of the floor, plus installation of new dock levellers.
Managing director Tim Aspey said: “We pride ourselves on our accuracy and safe handling of our customers’ products at all times. This refurbishment will result in an even smoother and faster handling system, which cements our position as an industry leader.”
Andrew Porter is celebrating 20 years in furniture logistics and storage this year. Andrew Porter Limited launched its furniture division in 1995 and has since formed solid partnerships with some of the UK’s leading manufacturers, retailers and importers. Its customers include La-Z-Boy UK, HSL and Perfect Home.
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THE Vinden Partnership (TVP) has bolstered its dispute resolution offering with the creation of a new specialist division.
Based at the construction consultancy’s Bolton head office, the new division will offer dedicated advice in key forensic and construction planning services.
David Vinden and Helen Turner, who collectively have more than 55 years experience in the forensics and construction sector, will head up the new team.
The company says that TVP will be recruiting new team members as they continue to grow the department over the next 12 months.
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LANCASHIRE-based OBAS UK, a supplier of products to builders, plumbers and painters and decorators, is expanding after securing a six-figure loan from the North West Fund for Loans Plus, managed by FW Capital.
OBAS is using the loan to upgrade its headquarters at Longridge, near Preston, and to open a new trade counter to increase local sales.
It will also develop its online presence and increase stock levels to boost its UK customer base with plans to broaden its range of own-brand products.
The loan from The North West Fund for Loans Plus, which is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank, provides OBAS with an important injection of growth capital.
Chief executive Norman Tenray said: “The key industries we supply have all been through tough times in recent years, but we’ve traded through this and built a sustainable business. We’re now ready to re-launch our vibrant brand and expand both locally and nationally.
“The loan from The North West Fund for Loans Plus has provided the capital we need to make our plans a reality. We’ll also be taking on some new specialist staff.”
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A FAMILY-run childcare provider based in Bolton plans to expand its business after securing a new funding package from HSBC.
AW Childcare, set up by Paul Brooks and Angela Wallace from their home more than ten years ago, will use the funding to establish a new day nursery.
The company has secured a commercial mortgage and flexible business loan worth £128,000, which will provide them with the support they need to purchase, refurbish and equip the new day nursery.
Wallace will continue to manage the existing child minding business from their home, with the day nursery run by Brooks out of the newly acquired and refurbished commercial premises.
The business secured the funding from HSBC’s Manchester Business Banking team, in a deal managed by relationship manager, Zubayr Atcha.
Brooks and Wallace switched their banking facilities at the start of 2015 as they felt they were not receiving the support needed from their previous bank to help grow their business and achieve their ambitions.
