CHESTER businessman Hugh Wratten has acquired his first company after securing a £140,000 Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) loan.

Mr Wratten has purchased QIC Print (Cumbria), a digital print business based in Carlisle, following the retirement of the company’s owners, Derek and Pauline House.

Mr Wratten has bought the company’s assets via a new company – Concept Marketing Design, which will trade as QIC Print.

He secured the EFG loan through the Natwest business and commercial bank in St Helens.

After holding a number of senior sales and marketing positions in the manufacturing sector over a 20-year period, the acquisition of QIC Print is Mr Wratten’s first venture as a business owner.

QIC Print was established in 1995, and provides digital and Litho print services for small businesses throughout Cumbria. The company’s product range includes digital printed flyers, leaflets, brochures, booklets, business cards and printed stationary as well as larger formatted print and signage.

Mr Wratten said: “QIC is a well-established business that has built a good reputation thanks to the quality service it provides.

“I believe that I can bring additional skills and experience that will enhance the business.

“I look forward to working with all staff to make QIC even more successful.”