Stockport schoolwear business acquired by Banner Group

Stockport based schoolwear manufacturer, William Turner and Son Ltd, have announced their acquisition by Banner Group.

The family-run business was established in 1969, and will complement Banner’s existing schoolwear range with ties and other accessories, as well as brining William Turner’s UK-based manufacturing facilities into the group.

William Turner will continue to operate as a distinct brand within the Banner Group, while accessing their commercial strength and expertise.  There will be no changes to trading arrangements or processes for customers as a result of the deal, and the Stockport schoolwear manufacturer hopes to tap into Banner’s wider resources to continue its customer offer and service further in the future.

Managing Director, Dan Turner (pictured), will remain in post following the deal, alongside John Turner as Operations & Production Director, and Andy Smith as Sales Director.

Banner Group CEO, Glenn Leech, said:

“We’ve long admired William Turner: it’s a well-run operation with values that we share and a reputation for excellent service.

“In joining forces, we bring together two market-leading businesses with complementary product ranges.

“It also supports our ambition, over time, of providing a head-to-toe uniform in sustainable eco fabrics.”

Dan Turner, Managing Director and grandson of the firm’s founder, said:

“Although formally this is an acquisition on their part, both parties view the transaction as a coming together of two great schoolwear businesses to create an even stronger and more sustainable whole.

“By joining forces, we at William Turner will access the commercial strength and expertise of Banner, helping us to continue growing in partnership with customers.

“From a customer perspective, there is no change to our trading arrangements and all your usual contacts and processes will stay the same.

“It is very much business as usual and we continue to focus on delivering great service in the critical summer months ahead.

“Longer term, we would hope to tap into the resources of Banner to further improve the customer offer and service that is the signature of the William Turner brand.

“For over 50 years my grandfather, father, brother and I, as well as our colleagues, have sought to build a business based on service, quality and trust. In Banner we have found a business that respects that heritage.”

Textiles group Banner employs over 350 staff at three sites across the UK, operating a number of schoolwear and workwear brands for bases in Wiltshire, Cheshire and County Durham.

In addition to its Stockport headquarters, William Turner also boasts manufacturing sites in Neslon, Lancashire, and Skipton, North Yorkshire.