Bradford manufacturer Mansfield Pollard under new management

The firm has been acquired by two of its directors, Lou Frankland and Bryan Bentley, who have purchased the business from former sole shareholder and chair, Alan Pollard, inset.

No financial details of the transaction have been disclosed and the deal brings to an end nearly 100 years of the Pollard family being associated with the business, which marks its 150th birthday next year.

Ms Frankland and Mr Bentley have served as managing director and operations director of the business, which produces industrial air handling units, kitchen ventilation and acoustic solutions.

Both executives have extensive experience both directly within the air management sector and across broader businesses with similar routes to market.

The new management team said, while the firm had delivered consistent growth and profitability over several decades and had a strong leadership team in place, the buyout would ensure an exciting new chapter for the company with a clear focus on accelerated growth for the future.

Ms Frankland said “This is fantastic news for both customers and staff while we continue to deliver on our ambitious five-year development plan.

“The opportunity afforded by the MBO will further increase our ability to develop and retain industry-leading talent, further invest into the performance driven product offering to our customers and ultimately achieve our goal of being recognised as the UK’s leading air management company.”

Meanwhile, Mr Bentley added: “We look forward to building upon the excellent relationships we have with our existing client base, developing products to meet their specific challenges while also bringing new products to market through our in-house manufacturing capability.

“This is a very exciting time for the business as we push the boundaries in R&D, further streamline our manufacturing processes, and enhance our product quality.”

The engineering company was originally founded by John Mansfield in 1866 as a sheet metal processing company serving West Yorkshire’s textile indus- try.

The business was previously run by Gordon Pollard, who retired in 1993, since then the firm has been managed by both Mr Pollard and his brother, Barry.

Outgoing chairman Mr Pollard said: “I have seen the company grow and develop with such vigour and pace over the last three years that I feel now is the ideal time to hand over the reins to Lou and Bryan.

“Although the company has been in the Pollard family for almost 100 years, there is no doubt in my mind that the change of ownership will see the brand continue to thrive and the Mansfield Pollard name remain synonymous with values of quality, integrity, value and customer service.

“I leave the company well poised to take advantage of the many opportunities in the short, medium and long term.

“Lou and Bryan’s energy and passion, will continue to drive the business forward and their recognition and appreciation of the Mansfield Pollard brand means the business is in very safe hands and will no doubt, continue to do amazing things.”

All parties involved thanked the team of advisers in place who include Frazer Hall Corporate Finance, Mazars, Clarion Solicitors and Glaisyers Solicitors LLP.