Rossendales sells to national rival with 'no Lancashire job losses'

Rossendales, the Helmshore based bailiffs and debt recovery agency, has been bought by Marston Holdings with the backing of the Rothschild Group, Lloyds Bank and Inflexion Private Equity.

Dave Chapman, who remains a director at Rossendales and joins the Marston Holdings board, said there would be no Lancashire job losses and that Rossendales would continue to operate independently, though as part of a group structure.

“We got to know the Marston team in recent years, particularly while campaigning for enforcement law reform. It became apparent that both companies share similar values and ethics. We feel that being part of the same Group will help each company to offer a broader range of services to both sets of clients.

“The Rossendales management team remains firmly in place. Mike Shang continues as Managing Director and I remain as Client Services Director. Julie Green Jones will offer advice and support to the business over the next stage of its development.

Dave added that an independent Advisory Group has been formed with a remit to oversee governance and ethics of both businesses. Baroness Eaton, former Chair of the Local Government Association, has joined this Group. Other appointments include Elizabeth Filkin, former Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and former Chief Executive of Citizens Advice; Marc Gander, Consumer Action Group founder; Vernon Everitt, Transport for London’s Managing Director of Customer Experience; Mark Glover, Chief Executive of Bellenden Public Affairs and Claer Lloyd-Jones, ethical audit partner.7

“The investment is very positive for us. Our new owner understands the qualities that make us a unique and successful company, and they want to support and develop the Rossendales business in future, which is firmly committed to its East Lancashire home.”