A FAMILY-OWNED removals business has undergone a buyout.

Ben Weston has taken on Darlington-headquartered Watsons Removals and Storage.

The business, which provides residential and commercial services to customers across the UK, was previously in the hands of husband and wife Mick and Joy Watson, having been founded in 1997 when Mr Watson left the Army.

Mr Weston, himself a Darlingtonian who spent nearly a decade working in the Far East as a cost engineer for Shell, said he was delighted with the deal, revealing plans are in place to increase Watsons’ workforce.

The former Royal Military College of Science graduate, who also gained a master’s degree from Teesside University, said: “When the opportunity came up to buy the company from Mick, it was too good to turn down.

“Although Mick and Joy have relinquished ownership, I will still have the pleasure of working alongside Mick and benefiting from his wealth of experience as he intends to remain actively involved.”

The deal was supported by law firm Jacksons, which runs its head office out of Stockton and a sister base in Newcastle.

Tony Wentworth, partner at the law firm, added: “It’s great to see a local, familyrun business staying in the region and retaining its brand identity.”