Wentworth, August 2009 – Local specialist contractor to the sports industry, MJ Abbott Ltd, have expanded their fleet of excavators to meet new orders with the financial assistance of Asset Finance Provider, Lombard and support from Banking Partner NatWest in Salisbury.
Dinton-based MJ Abbott was established in 1965 and through steady organic growth has evolved to become one the UK's leading specialist sports and water engineering contractors, employing 120 highly skilled and dedicated personnel. Originating in the Wessex region, the company has carefully developed its expertise in a wide range of products and services and now operates throughout the UK and Europe.
MJ Abbott is now run by second generation family member, Jonathan Abbott, Managing Director. Since formation over 40 years ago the company has expanded their scope of work to incorporate golf course construction, renovation and bunker remodelling, sports pitch construction and maintenance (both natural and artificial surfaces), design and installation of land drainage and irrigation systems, water and wastewater engineering and sewage treatment. Projects include; Construction of the TwentyTen Course at The Celtic Manor Resort, which has been chosen for the Ryder Cup 2010, construction of state-of-the art sports facilities at the site of the new £32m Melksham Oak Community School in Wiltshire and most recently greens reconstruction work on the West Course at The Wentworth Club, Surrey.
MJ Abbott switched their full banking facilities to NatWest in 2008 and changed to local accountants C W Fellowes at the same time. NatWest have fully supported MJ Abbott since this time and most recently provided financial support and advice to MJ Abbott allowing them to purchase three additional Hitachi ZX130 excavators for the greens reconstruction work to be undertaken at The Wentworth Club. Gary Hodgson, Relationship Manager at NatWest in Salisbury introduced Paul Tregale, from the banks asset finance team, Lombard to Jonathan Abbott. Paul utilised his asset finance experience to deliver a financial solution that not only met with the business' requirements but worked closely alongside Jonathan to deliver against tight timescales.
This latest finance package derives from the NatWest and RBS SME Regional Fund, which sees an additional £250 million funding available to SMEs in the South East in 2009, demonstrating its commitment to the Government in supporting this sector.
Jonathan Abbott, Managing Director of MJ Abbott Ltd commented:
"We are grateful to NatWest for helping the company take advantage of new opportunities by
providing a suitable asset finance package. The three excavators have arrived at our
Dinton-based head office and will shortly be transported to Wentworth to allow the greens
reconstruction project to commence. This new funding package demonstrates that solid businesses
with the right financial support behind them can make positive moves forward even in the most
difficult economic climate."
Gary Hodgson, Relationship Manager at NatWest in Salisbury said: "By working in conjunction with Paul at Lombard, we were able to provide a financial solution that delivered against MJ Abbott's objectives. This latest investment will undoubtedly strengthen their portfolio and reputation and help them maintain an edge in the market and enable them to grow the business inline with their objectives. I wish Jonathan all the best as work commences at The Wentworth Club and look forward to working with him on future projects."
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