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Couple retiring after three many years operating South Shields enterprise

(From left) Heather, Emma, ​​Amy and Tony Williamson with Abby Dorani and Sarah Hall of the Hay & Kilner law firm who advised the deal.

Heather and Tony Williamson sold AWL Inspection & NDT Services, a family-run company that performed non-destructive testing, to Warrington-based British Engineering Services Group (BES) for an undisclosed amount.

The couple’s two daughters, Emma and Amy, will remain with the South Shields-based company along with the rest of the 12-person team as part of the sale.

While Heather is now retiring, Tony remains as a consultant for the company, with Emma taking on the role of her father to run the business.

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(From left) Heather, Emma, ​​Amy and Tony Williamson with Abby Dorani and Sarah Hall of the Hay & Kilner law firm who advised the deal.

Jonathan Waters and Abby Dorani from the Corporate & Commercial Team at Hay & Kilner Law Firm in Newcastle provided legal advice to the AWL management team on the transaction, while colleagues Chris Anderson and Sarah Hall are working on the commercial real estate and labor law aspects of the transaction, respectively.

Heather and Tony originally founded AWL in Jarrow in 1987 and work with a variety of well-known clients across the UK including National Grid, Murphy Group, Fastflow Energy Services, SGN and global energy technology company Baker Hughes.

It offers non-destructive testing and inspection services tailored to the specific needs of each customer and industry, including ultrasonic, magnetic particle and visual testing, material sampling and radiographic testing.

Says Heather Williamson, “We have come a long way in the past 34 years working on major projects across the UK and around the world and we still love what we do.

“The company’s success is thanks to the hard work, dedication, and dedication of our team, many of whom have been with us for decades, and it was important that they are looked after by whoever ultimately drives the company forward.

“We have received a number of offers over the years, but until BES approached us, we never felt that they were the right solution in terms of assessment or a thorough understanding of the business.

“BES clearly had researched before they came to us. We liked the perspectives and ideas of the management team and are excited to leave the company in a position where it can continue to thrive and grow.

“The members of the Hay & Kilner team were thorough, approachable and helpful, and provided us with comprehensive information during the various phases of the transaction.”

Dave Vaughan, Managing Director of Testing and Consulting at BES, added: “The brilliant AWL team has the same passion, drive and enthusiasm that we enjoy across the British Engineering Services Group.

“Your people are experts in the world of NDT and will really add to the services of our existing team.”

Jonathan Waters, Managing Partner at Hay & Kilner Law Firm, added, “Heather and Tony have built and run a highly respected and successful company for nearly four decades and fully deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“It was a pleasure to work with you and your family to close the sale and we wish all parties every success in the future.”

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