Two long-standing Hull businesses are set to double in size after new headquarters were acquired to fuel future growth.
Malcolm Linford and his family are uniting Jack’s Glass and Norman Harraps in the city’s Dalton Street, creating Hull Glass Works - and more jobs.
Jack’s Glass was invested in three years ago, with the 40-year-old business on the brink of closure.
Since then the stained glass and leaded light specialist - founded in 1933 as Norman Harrap & Son - has been taken on, with both order books grown "beyond recognition".
Mr Linford said: “Our highly-skilled specialists offer a wide range of niche glass services – from glass baubles, balustrades, splashbacks and stained-glass lampshades to mirrors and double-glazed units. If you need something made from glass, we can do it.
“Since buying the business, our order book has increased massively and we need to be able to keep up with demand. We already employ 11 people and our aim is to double in size during the next few years.
“Our new premises will enable us to expand. It will be a great home for our new large machinery and provide us with much more space to work and store items.”
He was supported by PPH Commercial in the move, praising their support.
Director Ben Medhurst, who leads the industrial agency team, negotiated the sale, having brought the freehold site to market for offers over £400,000 on behalf of owners Regalex Fresh Foods. The potato merchant, owned by second generation brothers Paul and Craig Marshall, is moving to Kingston Way, on Sutton Fields Industrial Estate.
Explaining how they took over when father Allan retired, Paul said: “My father worked hard to establish and build the business, but he is probably best known for his Humber car collection which he lovingly kept on site.
“When he retired and decided to auction off the cars, the site was too big for us so we’re pleased to have relocated to a more suitable premises. We supply potatoes to local fish and chip shops and it’s in an ideal place to grow the business.”
Mr Medhurst hopes to see all three reap the long-term benefits.
He said: “Successful small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy so it was great to be able to help both businesses benefit from these deals. Hopefully, the moves will provide all of those involved with fresh impetus and allow them to go from strength to strength.”
