Member Article

Entrepreneur returns to North East to acquire 20 year old removals firm

Businessman Ben Weston has completed a management-buyout to acquire Darlington-headquartered Watsons Removals and Storage from founders Mick and Joy Watson.

Established in 1997 following Mick’s 24 year career in the army, the company provides residential and commercial removal and storage services across the North East.

The firm’s Darlington site has the capacity to safely and securely store clients’ furniture and possessions where it also employs seven members of staff.

Ben Weston, originally from Darlington, has spent the last nine years living and working in Dubai and Qatar as a cost engineer for global company, Shell. Ben graduated from the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham before gaining a master’s degree from Teesside University.

He commented: “It was always part of the long term plan to move back home to the North East to be nearer family and friends. When the opportunity came up to buy the company from Mick, it was too good to turn down.

“Mick and Joy have worked really hard over the years to build up a successful business and have gained a stellar reputation for delivering a reliable and professional service. They have a fantastic team whom I look forward to working with.

“Although Mick and Joy have now relinquished ownership of the business I will still have the pleasure of working alongside Mick and benefiting from his wealth of experience as he intends to remain actively involved in the business.”

Tony Wentworth, partner at Jacksons law firm who advised on the deal, said: “It’s great to see a local, family run business like Watsons Removals and Storage staying in the region and retaining its brand identity.

“I have no doubt Ben is the right man to take over from Mick and will continue with the success and growth of the business. Both Ben and Mick have been a pleasure to work with over the last few months and I wish them both good luck for the future”.