An Oldham based family run delivery company which has worked throughout the pandemic supply care homes with vital equipment has been given a boost of £131,000.

H&B Logistics has been distributing items for more than three decades since it was set up in 1989.

And now, after facing the difficulties of the pandemic, it has been given a boost from long-term backers Lombard Asset Finance.

The package will expand its 40-strong fleet by buying two double-decker trailers and two 44-tonne articulating trucks.

The 48 staff there offer a next-day delivery service across the UK and moves up to 17,000 pallets every month. On top of this there are plans to expand in the months ahead.

It recently expanded its Westwood Business Park premises in Chadderton by gaining an additional 10,000 sq ft drive through for its trucks.

This move will be repeated with the space doubling in the year ahead.

Throughout the pandemic the company has been vital in distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to key workers in the frontline against the virus. It has offered free deliveries to care homes during this period.

Alan Byrne, joint managing director, said: “Thanks to the support from Lombard, we have been able to continue to expand our fleet by acquiring new Euro6 compliant trucks and trailers to meet the increased demand for our services nationwide.

“Looking forward to next year, we want to continue to expand both our fleet and the premises that we operate from, ensuring that we remain a family-run business helping other local businesses meet demands and needs.”

Jackie Grundy, Lombard senior relationship manager, added: "This latest funding facility is part of an ongoing commitment."