Restoration specialist, The Szerelmey Group, has bought a controlling interest in four associated companies of heritage construction and restoration specialist, William Anelay Ltd, York, another specialist, which went into administration earlier this month.
The acquisition by the London-based firm protects and secures the future of the associated businesses – Lowery Roofing, Hare and Ransome Joinery and Anelay Building and Conservation North East, which have offices in York, and Anelay Building and Conservation North West, which has offices in Irlam, Greater Manchester.
A total of about 50 staff are affected by the acquisition which, it is hoped, will enable the businesses to quickly progress work currently on site as well as taking on new projects which could see them achieve a combined total turnover of around £12m during the next 12 months, a Szerelmey spokesperson said.
Charles Anelay, the eighth generation of the founding family of William Anelay Ltd says: “This acquisition removes all the uncertainty and brings fresh stability to these businesses by securing jobs with traditional craft skills and providing continuity for our clients.
“As such, it is very good news for our staff, good news for York and our region, and the north west, and good news for the heritage restoration sector.”
William Anelay, a £38m turnover family business, had been trading since 1747 and had called in the administrators and made 126 staff redundant after a proposed rescue deal failed.
The firm had won numerous awards and had 17 schemes on site, including at York Mansion House, Bradford City Hall and Lancaster Castle. In 2013 it restored the Astley Castle for the Landmark Trust which went on to win the Stirling Prize.
The Szerelmey Group is one of the oldest restoration and construction companies in London and now has a turnover of around £50m and current schemes including Chatsworth House, Knole Park, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, St John’s College Oxford and the Cambridge Arms Hotel, Cambridge.
Like William Anelay Ltd, The Szerelmey Group is a long-established family business that has specialised in stonework, faience and restoration work since 1855 and its portfolio already includes several heritage and restoration businesses whose skills are crucial in a highly specialist sector.
During the past three years The Szerelmey Group has helped re-launch new companies, Chichester Stoneworks Ltd, Szerelmey Conservation Ltd and Heritage Building and Conservation Ltd, securing jobs and preserving essential craftsmanship skills after the failures of Chichester-based Cathedral Works Organisation in 2014 and Fairhurst Ward Abbotts (FWA) last year.
William Anelay Ltd, which had been trading continuously since 1747 and worked on scores of high-profile historic and listed buildings schemes throughout the UK, winning dozens of top awards, went into administration after its creditors rejected the offer of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) as a potential way forward.
The Szerelmey Group is one of the oldest restoration and construction companies in London and now has a turnover of around £50m and current schemes including Chatsworth House, Knole Park, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, St John’s College Oxford and the Cambridge Arms Hotel, Cambridge.
