THIRTY workers at Blue Band Express in Hampshire can look forward to a brighter future thanks to a management buy-in and a rebranding exercise at the express delivery company.

Speculation has been running high on the future of the company on the south Hampshire industrial park at Totton, but its purchase for a nominal sum by a newly created holding company from its long-term owners gives it a brighter future.

BBX Group has been formed jointly by Steve Brimfield and Ian Mackay, who have worked closely with Blue Band Express over the last few months in management consultancy roles.

A name change from Blue Band Express to BBX will also herald the launch of a new corporate image which are just beginning to appear on vehicles and stationery.

BBX group managing director and new joint owner Steve Brimfield believes that a new impetus was long overdue.

"This company has been slumbering for the last five years. Thanks to the loyalty of its customer base and support from the Bank of Scotland, we have put together a package that will release its tremendous potential.

"The workforce must be one of the most experienced and dedicated in the industry and the network of 13 depots is well positioned to deliver a nationwide service. What has been lacking is a direction and focus. Ian and I intend to provide just that.

"There is a niche in the market between the off-the-shelf services offered by express networks and the dedicated services of the contract logistics providers. We plan to bridge the gap by offering the small to medium user tailor-made solutions to their needs, with particular strengths in the high street and hanging garments on timed deliveries.

"You can expect more news from us in the very near future, including a major new joint venture and substantial investment in the fleet through a vehicle replacement programme.

"These positive changes will not only remove the fear of any job losses locally, but are actually likely to increase the chances of new jobs being created in the medium term."

Blue Band Express was founded in 1928 and has been owned by the Turnbull family since the 1950s.

At the beginning of November, the company employed 630 people nationwide, operated from 14 locations with a fleet of 300 vehicles and turned over around £20m

a year.

Steve Brimfield became involved with Blue Band Express late last year. Prior to that he had spent over 23 years within the logistics industry, working for ten years as managing director of Tibbett and Britten and the last four years as divisional managing director at Hays.

Ian Mackay has also been involved with the company since the end of last year, he has vast experience of the industry, including periods as managing director of Alltruck, director of a Bank of Scotland subsidiary and latterly managing director of Wallace Cameron in Scotland.