Press Releases

13 July 2006

 Enterprise Finance Europe backs Keighley's England-Worthside as expansion continues

Asset-based lender, Enterprise Finance Europe (EFE), part of the Bank of Ireland Group, has provided a new funding package for Keighley-based England-Worthside. The company supplies equipment and manages the supply chain logistics for brewers and other beverage dispense companies.

This new funding package will see 3i and Co-Op Bank exit the business and will be key to England-Worthside's plans to develop the business even further ensuring a prime position in its market.

Established in 1977, as part of Hopkinsons Holdings plc, the company was principally involved in the supply of beer pumps and other drinks dispense equipment. Employing 57 staff the company is based at Hope Mills on South Street in the town.

In 1994 Trevor Hicks led an MBO which bought the company in a deal backed by 3i and funded by Co-op Bank. Over the past six years the company has developed bespoke equipment supply solutions and services under its Equipment Supply Partnership brand.

EFE has provided facilities for the company for over three of those years and is now backing the company as the previous investors exit the business. 

England-Worthside's Trevor Hicks said: "EFE have already been great partners in supporting our rapid growth, and the securing of major accounts that include Heineken, Wolverhampton & Dudley Brands and several regional brewers."

EFE director Jeremy Smith who led the deal added: "The attractiveness of ABL is clear-cut for England-Worthside.  We're delighted to be backing the management as they utilise this funding package to move their business forward."

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