Horwich Advertiser Issue 621

Page 6 April 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 part of a 23 vehicle DAF order for Maxi Haulage Limited, headquartered in Irvine, Scotland. Fit- ted with a curtain-sided body and tail-lift, the truck will support pal- letised distribution across the UK and Ireland. Operating from an 86-acre facility, Leyland Trucks employs more than 1,000 people, includ- ing fourth- and fifth-gen- eration employees – a testament to its deep roots in British manufac- turing and engineering. Simon Powell said: “This milestone is an exciting moment for Ley- land Trucks. It shows the success of the XB distri- bution truck in the UK and abroad. The mile- stone acknowledges the excellent characteristics of the vehicle and is also a reflection of our indus- try-leading quality.” BUSINESS TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 £ BLACKROD headquartered skip hire firm J Dickinson & Sons has added the first HVO-fuelledwagon to its fleet. The waste management specialist has described the move as a “major leap forward” in its commitment to environ- mental sustainability. The skip wagon is powered by HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel – a cleaner, greener alternative to diesel. A company spokesperson said: “This change is part of our ongoing mission to reduce our environmental footprint and help our customers embrace more sus- tainable waste management solutions. By transitioning to HVO fuel, J Dick- inson & Sons will cut carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent (well-to-wheel) while significantly reducing harmful pollut- ants like nitrogen oxide and particu- late matter. HVO fuel is derived from 100 per cent renewable sources, including waste vegetable oils, making it a more envi- ronmentally friendly choice without compromising performance. Managing director James Dickinson said: “We’ve been delivering reliable waste solutions to our customers for over 86 years, but now it’s time to step up and lead the way towards a more sustainable future. “Switching to HVO isn’t just about protecting the environment – it’s about making sure we can continue to serve our communities responsibly, supporting customers who share our vision for a greener tomorrow “Businesses have a responsibility to take action on climate change and we’re determined to be part of the solution. “This investment in our first HVO fuelled wagon shows our dedication to putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do – without compro- mising on the quality or reliability of our services.” He added: “The adoption of HVO fuel is just one step in a broader sustainabil- ity strategy. We also recycle as much of our customers’ skip waste as we possibly can at our 17-acre site, making sure we do our part for the planet. “From fuel choices to waste manage- ment, we’re always looking for better ways to work responsibly and support our community.” FOUR pharmacies in areas across Bolton have changed hands after being put up for sale by their owner. Gatleys Pharmacy on Tonge Old Road, Haslams Pharmacy on Halliwell Road, Rigbys Chemist on Swan Lane, and Howards Pharmacy on Chorley Old Road have been sold by Sykes Chemist Group. The group decided to sell the branches as part of a ‘strategic review’ of its portfolio. Following a sales process carried out by Christie & Co, all five pharmacies have been sold to Manchester-based, Everest Pharmacy Ltd, which now owns 22 pharmacies across the region. No figure has been put on the deal. TomYoung, senior business agent at Christie & Co, said:“When we launched these pharmacies to the market in July 2024, as expected, we had a lot of interest. “Any sites in and around Bolton always generate large volumes of enquiries, and I was pleased that we had multiple offers on all sites. “I amkeen to see how the businesses develop under the new owner, and we wish them the greatest of success.” LAW firm Clough & Willis has seen a 200 per cent rise in enquir- ies from North West workers looking for support and guidance around settlement agreements as they face redundancy over the coming months. And it has cited the chancellor’s hikes in National Insurance and the Minimum Wage as the main drivers. Chris Macwilliam, head of employment at the Bury and Bolton practice, said: “We are speaking to companies every single day that are struggling under very real pressures not seen since the pandemic. “These latest tax rises are hugely detrimental, and it feels like they are now starting to bite as confidence amongst small Truck-maker’s major milestone PHARMACIES CHANGE HANDS LEYLAND Trucks has reached a major pro- duction milestone, manufacturing its 10,000th New Gener- ation DAF XB at its state-of-the-art Lan- cashire plant. The landmark vehicle, built in the Leyland facil- ity, has been delivered to Maxi Haulage Limited, a big player in the UK and Ireland’s haulage, logistics and distribu- tion sector. The key of the 10,000th XB was handed over to Andy McGuire, General Manager of Maxi Haul- age by Simon Powell (left), operations manager of Leyland Trucks. The model, which entered production at Leyland Trucks in December 2023, has already made a sig- nificant impact in the transport sector. Designed to set new standards in efficiency, safety, and driver com- fort, the XB is available with ultra-efficient diesel powertrains and all-elec- tric options, offering an impressive zero-emis- sion range of up to 350 kilometres. The 10,000th XB is SKIP HIRE FIRM IS TAKING THE GREEN ROUTE Surge in settlement agreements Concerned: Chris Macwilliam is that employers can’t shoulder everything so redundancies, hiring freezing or increas- ing their prices are the only viable options to ensure stability. “This rise is demand for settlement agreements from workers is a real- world metric as they are used by employers to pro- tect themselves against claims from employees. “In return for a spec- ified sum of money, the employee agrees not to pursue any poten- tial claims against their employer. He added: “I am wor- ried, but I know how resilient businesses in the North West are. I just hope this millstone doesn’t become too much to bear and the govern- ment’s growth strategy starts to finally kick in.” business owners hits a low ebb. “Business leaders are questioning their growth prospects which is a direct result of the rise in employment costs and the economy’s continuing sluggish growth.” He added: “The reality