Brick business builds for the future

CARLTON Main Brickworks has set itself up for future growth after signing a new banking deal.

The historic family owned clay brick manufacturer based at Grimethorpe near Barnsley, which manufactures more 35 million bricks each year and is the UK’s largest brick making company in private ownership, has announced a new relationship with Barclays to assist with its strategic plans.

The switch includes trade finance facilities, a commitment to support future investment as the business looks to position itself for the future, foreign exchange solutions for their overseas trade and improved money transmission services.

The company’s factory, which has manufactured bricks on the same site for more than 125 years, employs 70 staff and has a turnover in excess £9m.

Customers include house building companies and developers, builders merchants, housing associations, architects, local authorities and the general public.

Oliver Stephenson, chairman of Carlton Main Brickworks, said: “Barclays’ presence in our region has grown really strongly, and they give confidence that they will remain committed to our industrial sector during good times and bad. Not only do they seem to have a firm grasp of the issues that challenge our business, they continue to impress us with their wide experience in other commercial sectors in the region. They demonstrate a good understanding of the South Yorkshire economy, which we appreciate.”

Matthew Chenery, relationship director at Barclays, added: “It’s great to see Carlton Main Brickworks continuing to develop. The support we provide will see them well positioned for further progress within their market and confirms our continued desire to support local businesses in the Barnsley area.”