A 30m-turnover sprinkler supplier that counts Dunelm, Hotel Chocolat, Next, Sainsbury's and Waitrose among its customers has become an employee-owned business. The deal was supported by Yorkshire-based advisers.
A&F Sprinklers was purchased in October 2005 by Mark and Lesley Stansfield.
They are transferring 80 per cent of shares to an Employee-owned Trust (EOT) for the benefit of staff. Mark Stansfield will remain managing director.
A&F Sprinklers specialises in the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems.
The company supplies retailers, commercial and residential sectors, as well as distribution and construction industries. Clients include Dunelm, Hotel Chocolat, Next, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose.
Headquartered in Rochdale the team of 82 office and 61 field staff provide a nationwide call-out service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Mark Stansfield, managing director at A&F Sprinklers, said: "It's such a proud moment to be able to hand over ownership of A&F Sprinklers. Transferring ownership into our team's hands ensures our culture and values live on, which was one of the most important factors to us in considering any next chapter for the company.
"We firmly believe this next chapter as an employee-owned business is just a reward for the hard work and talent of our brilliant team. Becoming employee-owned is about maintaining and building on our unique culture. Creating a great place to work is...
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