Yorkshire water treatment specialist acquired by founder’s daughter in seven-figure deal

A family-run water treatment company has been acquired by the founder’s daughter in a seven-figure deal backed by Mercia’s SME Loans fund.

The buy-out of Yorkshire based Excel Water gives control of the business to Emma Armitage, the current managing director, and allows for the partial retirement of her brother Darren Field.

Emma now aims to increase turnover by 20 per cent in the year ahead and create four new jobs as the company targets growth resulting from opportunities including water deregulation.

Excel Water, which is based in Allerton Bywater, manufactures and instals commercial water treatment systems for businesses throughout the country, typically those producing goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, automotive and cleaning products which require a higher quality of water for production purposes.

It is one of the few companies of its type that can provide a full range of services from initial water analysis and borehole treatment to servicing and maintenance of plants. The company has installed plants for organisations including Astonish cleaning products in Bradford, the BMW plant in Oxford and the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Excel Water was established in 1992 by Brian Field who had previously worked in the water industry. It currently employs nine staff including Darren’s son James Field. Emma joined the company in 2004 after working in the waste management sector and has been managing director since 2014.

Emma Armitage said: “I am proud to be taking over the family business and plan to make the most of the opportunities ahead. The deregulation of the water industry in recent years has given companies greater control over their water supply, enabling them to save on their utility bills.

“At the same time there is greater focus on saving water for environmental reasons. I look forward to working with our loyal team to take the firm to the next stage of its development .”

SME Loans is one of the few funds able to support the management buy-out of a smaller firm using solely debt funding. Andy Heaton of Mercia added: “Emma is a very impressive leader who has built a strong team.

“We are pleased to be able to back the buy-out of this successful family business in a deal that will help secure its future and the jobs of its staff, and position it for future growth.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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