THE founder of Birkenhead-based Voss Training Services has sold the business after 16 years at the helm.

Morris Dickie has disposed of the company, which trains lift truck drivers, to Manchester-based Driver UK for an undisclosed sum.

Mr Dickie, 70, has secured a deal with Driver UK owner Wayne Duffy, under which all staff will keep their jobs.

The company currently employs eight people and 36 associates. Mr Dickie is to continue on a consulting basis until he retires in August.

He said: “My wife Jean and I set three objectives. The first was to sell the business. The second was to save the Voss brand. The third, and by no means least, was to save everyone’s jobs – all of which I’m pleased to say we succeeded in doing.”

Voss operates a national network of registered instructors throughout the UK, delivering in excess of 1,200 training days a year, the company has seen rapid development

Mr Duffy said: “We’ve moved into new offices in Birkenhead’s Woodside Business Park, opened a three lane accredited training centre in Livingstone Street and expanded the range of courses on offer.

“The recession has heralded an opportunity for growth in training and situated alongside the recruitment company Driver UK, I see a chance for real success.”