RBS Stockport’s Corporate team, keen to work with SMEs in the town, have supported Hazel Grove based distributor Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Ltd, run by brothers Ian and Nigel Fletcher.
The company has acquired a new 9,000 square foot premises in Hazel Grove on Newby Road Industrial Estate, Stockport to accommodate the company’s fast growth. Funding to support the move has been provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Stockport team and Lombard, the bank’s asset finance division.
Established in 1967, Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Ltd is a family run business originally suppling and repairing grass cutting and wood chipping equipment. In 2005 they diversified into other market areas and Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Ltd is now established as one of the market leaders in distributing products to the forestry and arboricultural industry in the UK and abroad.
The company expanded to cover additional market sectors such as industrial work safety and the outdoor leisure industry. They distribute products and brands including their own manufactured brand STEIN from their premises in Stockport through a network of retailers covering the UK, and also appointed distributors as far away as Japan and New Zealand.
A six figure funding package has been structured by the Royal Bank of Scotland team and includes a loan to support the purchase of the premises. Lombard, the bank’s asset finance arm has also funded new asset purchases including new racking, alarm systems, fencing and furniture for the new warehouse on Newby Road Industrial Estate.
Ian Fletcher, Director at Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Ltd said: “Over the years we have expanded our range as we have entered new markets. Things have really taken off since we entered the forestry and arboricultural industry and we provide equipment for specialist trades such as tree surgeons and forestry. As a result we have turned our Stockport premises into a worldwide distribution centre for our own brand STEIN and the other brands we distribute. To meet the increased demand we needed to relocate to a larger site. We are delighted to acquire a building on the same estate which has been completed thanks to the funding package provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland team and Lombard.”
Paul Baxter, Relationship Director at Royal Bank of Scotland added: “Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Ltd is a great example of a local business that has adapted with the changing demands of their industry and through diversification into new markets has grown significantly. They distribute products and brands worldwide but have stayed true to their local roots and relocated to a site in Stockport. We are delighted to help Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Ltd invest in the future of their business and by working with Stephen Wright in Lombard we have provided a complete funding solution.”
Mike Hurleston, Director of Corporate Banking in Stockport for the Royal Bank of Scotland added: “We work with SMEs in the town and have a commitment to foster growth.
“We recognise there are some talented and dynamic business men and women running businesses in Stockport who are helping our economy to recover and prosper again. SMEs continue to be seen as the driving force behind our economic success and we recognise the important role that entrepreneurs and SMEs have. We also take our role very seriously in helping them to achieve their growth ambitions through investment.”
To find out how Royal Bank of Scotland can help you, contact Mike Hurleston on
Tel: 0161 477 8538
or email: mike.hurleston@rbs.co.uk
www.rbsbusinessconnections.co.uk