Wilkins Chimney Sweep has been sold to Darren Taylor Holdings, the owner of StumpBusters UK.

Peter and Louise Harris have sold Wilkins as an ongoing operation and it will remain "business as usual", with Louise as franchise manager and Peter continuing to act as a technical consultant. Darren Taylor was a franchisee with StumpBusters until he purchased the business in 2013, to which he now adds Wilkins.

Louise says: "We are so pleased to have been acquired by Darren and his team. Darren fully understands the owner-operator business model and the challenges that our franchisees have in growing their businesses, as well as the franchising model as a whole."

Darren comments: "Louise and Peter have created a strong foundation for Wilkins Chimney Sweep, with some very impressive systems and technologies. I’m really looking forward to working with the franchisees to build on their hard work and to bringing on new franchisees, who would also like to benefit from the dedication and commitment of their franchisors.

"The unique nature of the chimney-sweeping business really attracted me and gives me the opportunity to expand in the mobile franchise market and to grow the business."