EXCLUSIVE by TOM JACKSON A TIMBER business has defied the doom and gloom of the credit crunch by announcing a massive expansion – and a return to Wisbech. English Brothers Ltd is set to move back to the town to accommodate the extra trade created by teami

EXCLUSIVE by TOM JACKSON

A TIMBER business has defied the doom and gloom of the credit crunch by announcing a massive expansion - and a return to Wisbech.

English Brothers Ltd is set to move back to the town to accommodate the extra trade created by teaming up with Upwell-based pallet manufacturer, A J Mallet & Sons.

Company director Jay Hubbard said: "We will be moving back into Fenland. That is where our future lies."

English Brothers, run by Mr Hubbard and his father Mel, moved out of Wisbech about 15 years ago to its present site in Walton Highway to accommodate an increase in trade.

Mr Hubbard said: "It will be nice to be back in Wisbech. It is much more accessible for people and there will be more passing trade than at our current location."

A J Mallet & Sons, which built pallets and timber boxes, was set to cease trading after two of the three brothers who ran the business announced their retirements.

But Pat Mallet was keen to see his business continue and teamed up with English Brothers to keep his 46-year-old business thriving. It will run under the English Brothers' banner, and Mr Mallet has joined the team.

Mr Hubbard said: "A J Mallet & Sons have a great reputation and I know his customers would be sorry to see the business disappear entirely.

"The market is worth an estimated £350million in the UK, so the more share we can bring to the Wisbech area, the better."

English Brothers Ltd used to be a big player in the agricultural sector, with many of their grain stores, agricultural buildings and field gates still standing across East Anglia.

Mr Hubbard said: "We feel that now is the right time to try and make our mark in this sector once again, so we will do all we can to make sure it is a success.