By Ian McConnell

A REMOVALS business founded by former professional rugby player Neil Adam Sinclair has completed a £100,000-plus takeover.

Mr Sinclair's Sterling Sinclair Removals has acquired rival Letford.

Stirling-based SSR operates UK-wide for both residential and commercial contracts and under the agreement Letford’s livery will still be seen on the roads.

“We pride ourselves on the service we provide, reliability and customer satisfaction and this acquisition will help us improve even more,” said Mr Sinclair.

He noted Letford Removals had been a family-run company for more than 30 years.

Mr Sinclair, a former Scottland under-20 rugby team player who also played for London Irish and USA Perpignan, added: "Being a family-run business ourselves, we were keen that the name didn’t disappear completely.

“We have worked hard to earn a very good reputation in the industry and this deal will help us go from strength to strength as we look to keep growing and keep the country moving.”

The deal sees SSR extend its fleet of vehicles to 11.

It is the second takeover completed by 28-year-old Mr Sinclair, 28 since establishing his family-run business five years ago.

His business acquired Larbert Carriers in Falkirk in August 2019.

SSR noted that, in spite of the challenges of the pandemic, it had "been a strong last six months for the company".

It added that staffing levels had more than doubled to 16, with recruitment in areas including sales, senior management, logistics and accounts.