JIM JOHNSON, former managing director of plastics and electronics group Stadium, is back in business after acquiring retail park maintenance company Trevelyan Hall.

Mr Johnson, 51, stood down from Stadium in March.

He took over the Hartlepool firm when it was struggling to survive and under his stewardship it was floated on the Stock Market in 1996. The company now has annual sales of £90m and 2,000 staff.

Mr Johnson is hoping he can do the same for Trevelyan Hall, of Newcastle, which has an annual turnover of £5m and 370 staff across the UK.

He said: "Since retiring from Stadium six months ago I have been looking for a suitable acquisition.

"I have been fortunate to find such an excellent business, which met my acquisition criteria precisely."

Colin and Margaret Stamp, former owners of Trevelyan Hall, which trades as Litter Boss, stay on the board as non-executive directors, with Mr Stamp becoming non-executive chairman.

Mr Stamp said: "Having spent 12 years building the company to its current size, I am hoping to take life a little easier. But I do look forward to continuing to have an input into the development of the business, and helping Jim in whatever way possible."

The acquisition has been funded by the Newcastle office of the Bank of Scotland.

McCowie and Co provided corporate finance advice and Eversheds acted as legal advisers to Colin and Margaret Stamp. Mincoffs provided legal advice to Mr Johnson.