Member Article

North East entrepreneur safeguards family bricklaying business

North East entrepreneur George Heydon has acquired brick supplier W. McGovern & Co, pledging to significantly invest in the firm.

Founded in the North East in 1949, W. McGovern & Co will continue its lineage as a family business with Mr Heydon purchasing the company from his father-in-law John McGovern, who has now retired.

Already owning training and development company The Talent Group and sports apparel and canine kit firm Accapi Group, Mr Heydon is now planning a regeneration programme for the bricklaying business.

Mr Heydon, who started his own career as a bricklayer, plans to invest in a new state-of-the-art internal IT system alongside a new website. Investment will also be made in machinery at the Albion Street site.

All 10 members of staff have been retained through the purchase, with Mr Heydon planning to add to the sales and customer service team.

Mr Heydon said: “McGovern was once the big name in this industry, with most of the bricks that moved through this region passing through their yard. Of course times change and while the brand is still regarded in the highest terms, operationally it has been scaled back. But it remains the case that the heritage, years of experience and skill in the business means we can offer an unrivalled service in this field.

“Through our planned programme of investment, both in terms of internal operations and through the creation of new jobs, we hope to restore McGovern as one of the big players in the field.

“I am hugely passionate about North East business, and am delighted to complete the acquisition of McGovern & Co. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to continue this great family tradition.”

The purchase was overseen by Newcastle law firm Sintons, which acts for Mr Heydon across his portfolio of businesses, with a commercial team led by Partner Adrian Dye completing the acquisition.

He said: “W. McGovern & Co has almost 70 years of heritage in the region and enjoys a national reputation in its field for its quality over many decades. This acquisition has ensured it has stayed within the McGovern family for a third generation, which is an increasingly rare feat in this day and age.

“George’s reputation in business proceeds him, and he is well-known in the North East and beyond for his commitment to making his ventures a success. We are delighted to have supported him in this acquisition.”