Move to new HQ will fuel growth plans for historic Hull glass merchants
TWO historic Hull businesses are planning to double in size and create 11 new jobs after PPH Commercial helped them acquire a new headquarters to fuel their future growth ambitions.
PPH director Ben Medhurst, who leads the industrial agency team, negotiated the sale of 1 Dalton Street, which has been bought by the owner of glass merchant Jack’s Glass and Norman Harrap Ltd.
Both businesses are regarded as institutions in Hull and are now under the joint ownership of Malcolm Linford and his family, who initially invested in Jack’s Glass three years ago to prevent the 40-year-old business from closing.
Since then, he has taken on Norman Harrap, a stained glass and leaded light specialist that was founded in 1933, and grown both order books beyond recognition. Moving forward, the new HQ will be known as Hull Glass Works.
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 and PPH Commercial could not have been more helpful. It will be a great home for our new large machinery and provide us with much more space to work and store items.”
Potato merchants put down new roots
Having brought the freehold site to market for offers over £400,000 on behalf of owners Regalex Fresh Foods, they are also moving on after PPH Commercial helped the family business relocate to Kingston Way, on Sutton Fields industrial estate in Hull.
The well-known Potato Merchants is owned by brothers Paul and Craig Marshall, who took over the business when their father Allan retired.
Explaining the decision to sell up and move, 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 premise. We supply potatoes to local fish and chip shops and it’s in an ideal place to grow the business.”
A great deal for all parties
After working hard to successfully negotiate both transactions, PPH Director Ben Medhurst would like to see all of the businesses reap the long-terms 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.”
