Family plant hire firm reclaims ownership

A family-run plant hire business has successfully restored independent ownership following a £3.5 million funding deal.

Blackburn-based B&W Plant Hire & Sales Ltd, which operates depots in Blackburn, Keighley, Northwich and Southampton, used the funds to demerge from a corporate group that acquired a stake in the business in 2022. 

The financial facility was provided by Skipton Business Finance.

Founded in 1963 by Bill and Mary Whitwell as Whitwell Plant Hire, the company has grown into a nationwide operation with a fleet of over 2500 pieces of equipment, including everything from micro excavators to 50-tonne models.

Bill’s son, William, who joined the business in 1998, now serves as managing director.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be leading the business once again, with renewed motivation and optimism for the future.

“Thanks to the exceptional support from Skipton Business Finance, we’ve not only regained full ownership of our business but also unlocked exciting new growth opportunities. 

“Their invoice discounting facility empowers us to expand our team, invest in state-of-the-art machinery, and embrace digitalisation – enhancing efficiency and ensuring long-term sustainability.”

Adam Bradbury, regional sales director at Skipton Business Finance, added: “With their aim of returning to being a family-owned business, B&W needed a strong and flexible funding solution that will support the business moving forwards – and it was a pleasure to be able to assist.

“We support businesses across various industries, but helping a family run business back into family ownership and put in place the foundations for long-term growth brings us real satisfaction.

“The finance solution we provided has equipped them with the right financial tools to move forward, invest in their fleet and operate independently with confidence.”

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