Major deal sees sale of Four Jays

Leading Kent resource management group, Heathcote Holdings in conjunction with its Plant Hire Division has acquired Maidstone-based Four Jays Group, to create what is thought to be the South East’s largest family-owned toilet, welfare and commercial hire companies.

The deal, described as a ‘perfect fit’, is part of family-owned Heathcote Holding’s ambition to be the South East’s one stop solution company of choice. It has plans to invest in new hire equipment, service vehicles and IT systems at Four Jays to make the customer experience as simple and efficient as possible.

The company will be able to supply nearly 2,500 mobile toilets and more than 200 welfare units – which offer temporary facilities including toilets, seating areas and kitchens, often used in the construction industry – supported by 20 service vehicles. The firm will also have more than 50 prestige event facilities, offering luxury toilet trailers for weddings and high-end public events.

Nathan Heathcote will take over the day-to-day management of Four Jays’ operation based near Sutton Valence from previous owners Jonathan and Sarah Worsfold.

“Four Jays has much in common with our company. We are both family businesses and serve customers involved in construction, events and hospitality, as well as the agricultural community,” said Nathan Heathcote, Managing Director at Four Jays.

He added: “Through the combination of Four Jays, Countrystyle Recycling and FGS Plant we are now able to offer sites and events the complete package, from welfare, to plant hire and a full waste management service. 

“The fit is perfect as our waste and plant hire companies serve many of the same industries that Four Jays has done for the last 50 years, and we have exciting plans to invest in the business. We’re keeping the Four Jays name because, like ours, it is known for trustworthiness and customer service.”

The deal will bring together Four Jays’ 50 employees with the 1,000-strong Heathcote team involved in businesses that are recognised leaders in organics, recycling, waste management, industry innovation, agriculture and land management.

Martin Heathcote, Chief Executive of Heathcote Holdings, which includes Countrystyle Recycling, said: “Bringing through the next generation is key for many family businesses. At Heathcote, we have successfully navigated that journey with both myself and Nathan actively involved in the firm.

“We’ve known the Worsfold family, and the Four Jays business for many years, and have always recognised that thanks to the quality of our respective teams, our operations complemented each other and could add value to the group as a whole.”

Jonathan Worsfold added: “The move of Four Jays into the Heathcote group of companies means Four Jays will now be part of a group that is able to provide a complete package of wet and dry waste management. The Heathcote team are committed to taking the company to the next level and building on the expertise of the Four Jays’ team.”

The move by Heathcote Holdings follows the recent acquisition of Clements Plant & Access Hire serving the West Midlands from its base in Coventry, and Hire Access Platforms, based in Poole and supporting the construction industry across Dorset.