Associated businesses of York’s William Anelay are sold

Four businesses associated with a York-based construction and heritage restoration company, which entered into administration just last week, have been acquired.

William Anelay Ltd, which has been in business since 1747, went into administration after failing to secure a rescue deal with creditors.

The family business approached creditors after running into cash-flow difficulties following a period of expansion with projects outside its usual sphere which proved “financially and operationally difficult.”

A £38m turnover business, William Anelay Ltd has 190 staff including in associated businesses Lowery Roofing, Hare and Ransome Joinery, Anelay Traditional Masonry, and Anelay Building and Conservation.

Another historic construction company, London-based The Szerelmey Group, has now bought controlling stakes in these four companies.

Although the buyout is expected to safeguard many jobs, it is expected that around 50 employees will be affected by the deal.

Charles Anelay, the eighth generation of the founding family of William Anelay Ltd, said: “This acquisition removes all the uncertainty and brings fresh stability to these businesses by securing jobs with traditional craft skills and providing continuity for our clients.

“As such, it is very good news for our staff, good news for York and our region, and the North West, and good news for the heritage restoration sector.”