Harry Tuffins boss will look at expanding water firm

Bosses at supermarket chain Harry Tuffins have said they will look to expand other areas after Midcounties Co-operative bought their stores.

Paul Delves, managing director of Tuffins, said he would look into the possibility of growing the Tuffins-owned Montgomeryshire Natural Spring Water Company.

He said: "We took over the Montgomeryshire Natural Spring Water Company about 12 years ago.

"The water company is secure and we will look to safeguard current jobs and then expand the business by buying more equipment to produce more water."

It comes after a deal was announced yesterday which will see the 11 Harry Tuffins stores in Shropshire, Powys, Flintshire and Gloucestershire taken over by Midcounties Co-operative.

Midcounties says all 449 staff currently employed at Tuffins are secure and the brand will be retained.

The buyers added they were keen to build on the success enjoyed by the retailer over the past 50 years, and have told staff they plan to invest 'significantly' in the Tuffins estate.

The Delves family, which owns Harry Tuffins, believes it has found a buyer to continue the traditions of the business.

Montgomeryshire Natural Spring Water Company was one area they wished to devote more time to, Mr Delves added.

Harry Tuffins has headquarters in Churchstoke and stores in Cleobury Mortimer, Ludlow, Bishop's Castle, Craven Arms and Knighton.