SOLD : Somerset fasteners & engineering supplies business sells to local husband & wife team

Western Bolt & Engineering Supplies, the business that claims to have the largest range of industrial fasteners and fixings in the South West, has changed hands.

The business was established in Taunton in 1985 by Barrie Cridland and his late business partner and prides itself on its service to customers and speed of supply and delivery. With this level of service the business has relied almost entirely on repeat business and recommendations and has achieved a solid and strong performance over the years. It has a large and diverse customer base to include businesses in the engineering sector, factories, utility companies, a variety of businesses from the agricultural sector, electricians, shopfitters and even school and college workshops.

Barrie Cridland had been running the business beyond the usual retirement age but came to the decision that it was time to retire and therefore chose to instruct a specialist business transfer agency, Beardsley Theobalds of Exeter (01392 253071) to act for him and to handle the sale of the business. A national marketing campaign was conducted and the business was also advertised on their own and other industry web sites at ‘offers around £135,000’. The business attracted immediate interest with interested parties having to supply sealed bids for consideration.

Barrie Cridland accepted the bid of a local couple from Taunton ; David and Julie Chant from Taunton. David has an engineering background and a wealth of business experience and so is best placed to maintain and grow the business. Barrie Cridland has been helping with the handover to ensure a smooth transition and has been helping David out as and when needed.

Charles Webb, Beardsley Theobalds