A FAMILY run York road sweeping business has been acquired by a national operator looking to grow its presence in North and East Yorkshire.

Ibstock-based Go Plant has announced the acquisition of the road sweeping division of Smallwoods as it embarks on a period of nationwide expansion.

Based in Sutton-on-Derwent, Smallwoods is a family run venture, set up in 1966 by Robert Smallwood and now headed by son Charles Smallwood.

Go Plant, along with sister company Go Plant Fleet Services, operate a 4,700-strong fleet of contract hire, operated and self-drive specialist vehicles from 37 depots and service centres across the UK.

The company has been seeking to establish a stronger presence in North and East Yorkshire and says the acquisition of Smallwoods will enable Go Plant to service public and private sector customers in the York area.

Mark Gallimore, commercial director at Go Plant, said: "The opportunity to acquire Smallwoods represented a significant expansion in this area.

"The yard at Smallwoods is perfectly located and will give us a tremendous platform from which to further develop our offering across Yorkshire."

Smallwoods has a long history as a family business in York, but had been streamlining operations until the Go Plant acquisition.

The deal will see the transfer of Smallwood's three staff and 15 vehicle fleet to Go Plant.

While selling its road sweeping division, Smallwoods will continue to operate its other businesses which specialise in road planers, drain jetting, gully emptying and septic tank emptying.

Go Plant says the purchase provides the "perfect foundation for growth", with plans to boost operation in the area to six sweepers over the next year.

The Yorkshire satellite depot will be managed by John Wild, Yorkshire and North East Regional Manager, while Charlie Smallwood continues to offer her services during the transition.

The acquisition comes after a 12-month period of expansion for Go Plant, which in the past year has also acquired Stockton-on-Tees-based G. Sweeney Ltd, Wellingborough-based SM Sweepers, Norfolk-based ID Sweepers and Worcestershire-based Jordan’s Sweepers."