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

Nov 16 2009 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It is the second deal in just five months for Morris and Son.

In June, the firm saved six jobs when it bought Manchester-based wholesaler and confectionery packing business Graham’s Cash & Carry.

Mr Needham became managing director and majority shareholder of Morris and Son when he bought the firm in August 2003.

Previously he worked with David Brown Gears at Lockwood and at the Doncaster site of Huddersfield-based electric motors firm Brook Crompton.

He later worked with financial services firm BWD Rensburg before moving into wholesaling with the takeover of Morris and Son.

The company is a leading supplier to the discount food sector and has just completed its most successful trading period yet, with turnover exceeding £15m in 2009.

The business previously operated from an 80,000 sq ft wholesale warehouse and cash and carry at Cross Green Industrial Estate in Leeds and the 8,000 sq ft former Graham’s Cash and Carry facility in Levenshulme, near Manchester.

Trading has been robust during the credit crunch after increased demand for cheaper food and non-food products which has given a boost to some of Morris and Son’s key customers.

The firm now employs 80 staff across four sites and is actively seeking further opportunities to expand the business through acquisition.