AN entrepreneur who launched a cash-and-carry business from his parents’ garage more than 30 years ago has sold it in a money-spinning deal.

Iain Hill Ltd, which specialises in soft drinks, confectionery, snacks and other impulse products, has been bought for an undisclosed sum by JW Filshill, one of Scotland’s oldest independent food and drink wholesalers.

JW Filshill, based in Hillington Park, is ramping up investment ahead of its move to a new distribution centre at Westway Park, near Glasgow Airport, in the autumn.

Iain Hill, managing director of the Linwood-based business, said he was pleased with the arrangement made between the two wholesalers.

He told The Gazette: “There’s a great synergy between the two businesses and the most important thing for me is that my staff will be moving to a like-minded independent, family-owned business that takes a ‘people first’ approach.

“After 32 years in the industry, it is the right time for me to exit the business and give my staff, most of whom have been with me for many years, the opportunity to work in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art distribution hub that will be just three miles from Linwood.

“For my customers, the number of food and drink lines available to them increases from 1,200 to 6,500 overnight, so it is a great opportunity for them to plan for growth.”

Simon Hannah, chief executive officer at JW Filshill, said: “Iain Hill Ltd is a perfect fit for Filshill, given the many synergies between the two businesses – both independent family-owned companies with the same values and people-focused culture and a similar geography, given their proximity to each other.

“I have known Iain Hill and his wife Aileen for many years and they are excellent operators, with a strong and loyal customer base and an exceptional team of employees who we are looking forward to welcoming to the Filshill family.”

JW Filshill are now looking to recruit drivers and warehouse operatives to service the expanded business.

For more information, send an email to jobs@filshill.co.uk.