Woolworth's pick-n-mix supplier Stockley’s Sweets sold to Skelmanthope businessman Andy Needham

Nov 16 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A SWEET factory has been rescued from collapse by a Huddersfield businessman, it emerged today.

Skelmanthorpe resident Andy Needham has bought confectionery firm Stockley’s Sweets from the administrators for an undisclosed sum.

The deal saves the 90-year-old company and secures the jobs of all 38 staff who faced possible redundancy.

Mr Needham, owner of Leeds-based wholesaler Morris and Son (Leeds) Ltd, has acquired the Accrington-based company that produces a wide range of boiled sweets, fudge, cinder toffee and rock.

A whirlwind deal was pulled together in just three days by Mr Needham and corporate finance advisers BTG McInnes – as there was significant interest from numerous other people and a quick completion was vital.

Founded in 1918, Stockley’s has a turnover of £2m and produces old-fashioned favourites such as pear drops, chocolate limes, barley sugars, cinder toffee and fudge.

Over the years the firm has supplied many wholesalers and retailers.

But it was badly hit with the collapse last Christmas of Woolworths – famed for its Pick ’n’ Mix sweets. This led to the failure of Stockley’s parent company, Mr Lucky Bags Ltd, in September.

Mr Needham said: “Stockley’s has always been a very solid business that was unfortunately dragged into problems caused by the failure of its parent company.

“We saw a really good fit with our businesses and have been able to secure a deal with the administrators that saves all the jobs, helps us grow our business and creates more opportunities for Stockley’s too – so it’s a dream deal for us.”