A LEADING Hampshire firm has expanded for the second time in four months by acquiring another business.

Elliotts, the county’s longest-standing supplier of building supplies, has taken over Southamptonbased 247 Power Ltd.

It is the family-run firm’s second acquisition in recent months, after it took on Lymington-based kitchen and bathroom showroom Hardleys in October.

Founded in 1842, Elliotts has now expanded to have branches across the county, including in Southampton, Romsey, Ringwood and Chandler’s Ford.

Bosses at the firm say the acquisition of 247 Power Ltd will allow Elliotts to dramatically widen its services particularly with the supply and fit of Solar PV panels.

Staff at 247 Power Ltd have been taken on by Elliotts and will now work for the firm to install measures such as Solar PV and Solar Thermal, for both domestic properties and commercial buildings across Hampshire.

Tom Elliott, managing director, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Elliotts and marks the first time in our 172-year history that we have been able to offer such a service. It will benefit environmentally-conscious home owners, who are increasingly looking to incorporate sustainable solutions into their houses but are unsure of how to get started or fit them.

"We believe the Solar PV market will continue to grow and now we will be able to provide qualified and highly-trained installers, backed by the reassurance of the Elliotts brand.

“While Elliotts is steeped in heritage we are always looking one step ahead and this latest acquisition allows us to do just that.

“We hope that our services will result in more sustainable buildings across Hampshire and a better environment for people living here long into the future.”