BOURNEMOUTH removal company Maidman’s Ltd has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

The move will allow boss Brian Maidman to leave the industry and develop his self-storage business.

Maidman’s has been sold to Southampton-based rival White & Company PLC but will operate independently of the buyer’s own Bournemouth operation. All staff will be kept on and Maidman’s will continue to operate under its own identity, managed by Steve Webber.

It will continue to service the domestic and commercial moving market in Bournemouth and the New Forest.

Brian Maidman will develop his Store & Secure brand, which is in line for significant investment.

He said: “After 35 years in the removals industry, developing Maidman’s to its size and enviable reputation, I wanted to concentrate on Store & Secure. Both my daughters will work with me and we’ll operate as a family business.

“Our plan is to develop a multi-site operation; we definitely have growth in mind and will be very active in the market.

“Regarding the sale of Maidman’s, we didn’t want just any buyer. It had to be a company that could maintain the Maidman’s reputation and retain all the staff.”

Brian’s daughter Sophie is to remain with the new company for a three-month handover period before joining her father’s self-storage business.