FUNDING deals have helped two local businesses expand their operations.

Haulier Longthorne’s of Hebden, near Skipton, has increased its fleet with finding from Barclays, while West Yorkshire machinery distributor NMA (Agencies) Ltd will use around £1 million from Santander to invest in future growth.

Longthorne’s of Hebden, founded in 1928, is run by brothers Mark, Gordon and Jonathan Longthorne and operates more than 30 trucks ranging from ten to 30 tonnes in the UK and overseas.

The firm specialises in carrying both aggregates and livestock, as well as acting as a merchant for the sale of quarry products.

The funding has supported the purchase of three new HGVs, two tippers and two trailers . Longthorne's has 35 employees and expects turnover for the current year to exceed £5 million.

Gordon Longthorne said: “ The new vehicles will increase capacity and also ensure we operate in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way that we can, supporting our long term growth plans.”

Nick Aldridge, Barclays relationship manager, said: “It’s great to be able to support a local business that is thriving and expanding for the future. Mark, Gordon and Jonathan operate a brilliant family run business and the future looks bright for this ambitious business.”

Brighouse-based NMA, a major supplier to leading brands such as Screwfix, D&M Tools, Machine Mart and Homebase, will use its new funding to help it achieve its forecast growth plans, including a move into larger premises.

NMA, which has operated for more than 50 years, has seen a 25 per cent year-on-year sales increase for the past four years, helping deliver multi-million pound revenues. Growth has been driven by UK-wide demand for woodworking and building trade.

Neil McEwen, managing director, said: “As sole importer of Scheppach and Mafell brands, among others, NMA has become a market leader in the UK. We are respected beyond measure for the unparalleled service we provide to our nationwide customer base, and now have strong aspirations for future growth – particularly among our portfolio of well-known wholesale clients. The support from Santander Corporate & Commercial is very much part of this growth initiative.”

Luke Rowbotham, Santander Corporate & Commercial relationship director, added : “It’s great to support to such a fast-growing local family business which has traded for over 50 years. The new funding facility together with Santander’s corporate team will support the directors to meet their strategic growth plans for NMA. ”