Haulaway Joins EverGrowth | East Sussex Waste Deal

Key Points

• Haulaway, a family-run waste management and recycling business based in Hailsham, East Sussex, has joined EverGrowth Group’s Environmental Services division following a business sale.
• Founded by the Holloway family in 1991, Haulaway started with just two skip lorries and developed into a regional waste management and transport provider serving East Sussex and the wider South East.
• The transaction involves the sale of Haulaway’s waste transfer station and skip hire operations to EverGrowth Group.
• Haulaway’s recycling distribution facility was separated from the wider business and retained by the vendors, according to reporting by letsrecycle.com and transaction adviser Affinia.
• Haulaway provides skip hire, roll-on roll-off containers, tipper and grab hire, plant hire, bulk haulage and trade waste collection services.
• Its customers include businesses operating in the construction, commercial and domestic sectors.
• Colin and Julie Holloway will remain involved in the business to oversee the transition, while retaining ownership of the Polegate waste management facility, according to Hub-4’s report.
• Commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney advised Colin and Julie Holloway on the demerger and sale.
• The legal team was led by Partner Michael Cantwell, supported by Associate Jack Venable, solicitor Victoria Boothby, and property specialists Jessica Townend and Tim Richards.
• Affinia provided deal advisory support, including commercial negotiations, financial and tax structuring, transaction management and the separation of the business’s operations.
• Chris West, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of EverGrowth, said the company wanted to build on Haulaway’s operational discipline and established reputation.
• EverGrowth was founded in 2025 by Chris West and Ferdie Ahmed and is backed by FourLeaf Capital, with senior debt support from OakNorth Bank.
• The acquisition strengthens EverGrowth’s Environmental Services division and supports its ambition to develop a nationwide total facilities management group.
• EverGrowth’s wider structure also includes Soft Services and Hard Services, with Critical Services identified as another planned division.

Why Has Hailsham-Based Haulaway Joined EverGrowth Group?

Haulaway, a waste management and recycling business founded by the Holloway family in Hailsham, East Sussex, has joined EverGrowth Group following the sale of its waste transfer station and skip hire operations. The transaction brings the 35-year-old business into EverGrowth’s Environmental Services division, expanding the group’s presence in the UK environmental services market. Founded in 1991 with two skip lorries, Haulaway has developed into a regional provider of waste management and transport services, serving construction, commercial and domestic customers across East Sussex and the wider South East. According to Hub-4’s report published on 31 October 2026, commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney advised shareholders Colin and Julie Holloway on the transaction, including the demerger of Haulaway’s two businesses. The recycling distribution facility was retained by the vendors, while EverGrowth acquired the waste transfer station and skip hire business. The transaction supports EverGrowth’s wider strategy of building a group of business-to-business essential services providers while allowing acquired businesses to retain their established identities and customer relationships.

The deal represents a new stage in Haulaway’s development after more than three decades under family ownership. It also gives EverGrowth an established operating business in the environmental services market as the group works towards expanding its services across the UK.

The transaction is significant because it involves a separation of business activities rather than simply transferring an entire company and all its operations to a new owner.

As reported by letsrecycle.com on 27 October 2026, EverGrowth acquired Haulaway’s waste transfer station and skip hire operations, while the recycling distribution facility was separated and retained by the sellers.

What Services Does Haulaway Provide Across East Sussex and the South East?

Haulaway has developed a range of waste management and transport services since its establishment in 1991. Its operations serve customers across East Sussex and the wider South East, with clients operating in construction, commercial and domestic markets.

According to the company’s announcement published on EverGrowth’s website on 22 October 2026, Haulaway’s services include:

• Skip hire: Providing skips for waste collection and disposal requirements.
• Roll-on roll-off containers: Supporting larger waste collection requirements, particularly for commercial and construction customers.
• Tipper and grab hire: Providing transport and collection services for different types of materials.
• Plant hire: Supplying equipment for operational and project-related requirements.
• Bulk haulage: Transporting larger quantities of materials.
• Trade waste collections: Supporting businesses with their waste management requirements.

The range of services has enabled Haulaway to establish relationships with customers across different sectors. Its activities are particularly relevant to construction businesses, which require dependable arrangements for the collection, transportation and management of waste generated during projects.

The company’s established infrastructure and experienced workforce have also contributed to its operating model.

EverGrowth stated that Haulaway had built its reputation through reliable and responsive services, supported by long-standing relationships with customers and suppliers.

The acquisition therefore provides EverGrowth with an established operational platform in waste management rather than requiring the group to develop an entirely new service business from the beginning.

The transaction also connects the group’s wider business-to-business service offering with environmental activities, including waste collection and recycling-related operations.

These activities have direct links with Environmental and Agriculture, particularly in areas involving environmental management, responsible waste handling and resource management.

What Was Included in the Haulaway Sale to EverGrowth?

An important aspect of the transaction is the separation of Haulaway’s two business operations.

Although EverGrowth’s announcement describes Haulaway as joining its Environmental Services division, further details published by letsrecycle.com and Affinia clarify which assets and activities were included in the sale.

According to letsrecycle.com’s report, published on 27 October 2026, EverGrowth acquired the company’s waste transfer station and skip hire operations.

The recycling distribution facility was separated from the wider business and retained by the vendors.

Affinia, which advised the Haulaway shareholders, confirmed the same transaction structure in its case study published on 26 October 2026.

The advisory firm explained that Haulaway operated from two sites, including a waste transfer station and a recycling distribution facility. The transaction involved separating the recycling facility from the waste transfer station and skip hire business before completing the sale.

The vendors retained the recycling distribution facility, while EverGrowth acquired the waste transfer station and skip hire operations.

This distinction is important because the transaction did not involve the transfer of every part of Haulaway’s former operations to EverGrowth.

The separation also created an opportunity for the sellers to continue developing the retained recycling facility.

Affinia stated that the transaction would allow the vendors to reinvest in the recycling distribution business they had retained.

For EverGrowth, the acquired operations provide an established position in waste transfer and skip hire, strengthening its Environmental Services offering.

Why Was the Demerger an Important Part of the Transaction?

The separation of the two businesses added complexity to the sale because the parties needed to establish which operations and assets would transfer to EverGrowth and which would remain with the original shareholders.

The process required coordination between the sellers, legal advisers, financial advisers and other stakeholders.

According to Affinia, the carve-out involved financial and tax structuring, commercial negotiations, transaction management and the separation of the recycling distribution facility from the waste transfer station and skip business.

The advisory firm also supported the preparation of completion accounts and managed communications with the shareholders’ legal advisers, internal finance team, accountants and other parties.

This process demonstrates how corporate acquisitions involving businesses with connected operations can require additional planning before ownership can be transferred.

The separation was particularly relevant because the recycling distribution facility and the waste transfer station formed part of the wider Haulaway business before the transaction.

The structure allowed EverGrowth to acquire the operations relevant to its Environmental Services strategy while the original shareholders retained the separate recycling facility.

Who Advised Colin and Julie Holloway on the Haulaway Sale?

Commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney advised Haulaway shareholders Colin and Julie Holloway on the transaction.

As reported by Hub-4 on 31 October 2026, the firm advised and managed the demerger of Haulaway’s two businesses and the subsequent sale of the Hailsham operations to EverGrowth.

The legal work involved a multi-disciplinary team drawn from the firm’s corporate and property departments.

The team was led by Michael Cantwell, Partner at Schofield Sweeney.

He was supported by:

• Jack Venable, Associate in the corporate team.
• Victoria Boothby, Solicitor in the corporate team.
• Jessica Townend, Property team.
• Tim Richards, Property team.

Schofield Sweeney also worked closely with Affinia, which provided financial and deal advisory support throughout the transaction.

What Did Jack Venable Say About the Transaction?

Jack Venable, Associate at Schofield Sweeney, commented on the firm’s involvement in the demerger and sale.

He said:

“It was great to work with Colin and Julie on the demerger and the sale of the Hailsham business to EverGrowth. We wish them all the best as they work with Chris and his team and going forward with the Polegate facility.”

His comments highlighted the work involved in separating the business operations and completing the sale while recognising the continuing involvement of the Holloway family.

The legal and property teams worked together to support the transaction, reflecting the different considerations involved in transferring business operations and dealing with the associated property arrangements.

The transaction is relevant to Legal, Contracts and Procurement, particularly in relation to corporate sales, business demergers, contractual arrangements, financial structuring and the legal responsibilities involved in transferring commercial operations.

How Did Affinia Support the Haulaway Acquisition Process?

Financial advisory firm Affinia provided full deal advisory support to Colin and Julie Holloway throughout the transaction.

In its case study published on 26 October 2026, Affinia explained that the carve-out required additional coordination because the recycling distribution facility needed to be separated from the waste transfer station and skip hire operations.

Malcolm Coomber, Director of Deal Advisory at Affinia, described the additional complexity involved in the transaction.

He said:

“The carve-out added an extra layer of complexity to the deal, requiring careful planning and coordination to separate the different parts of the business while progressing the sale.”

Coomber added:

“It was a pleasure to work closely with the shareholders and their advisers throughout the process, helping them navigate the commercial, financial and structural considerations and achieve a successful outcome.

“We wish both the Haulaway team and EverGrowth Group every success for the future.”

Affinia identified several areas in which it supported the shareholders:

1. Marketing the business and supporting the transaction process.
2. Leading commercial negotiations.
3. Project-managing the deal through to completion.
4. Advising on the financial and tax structuring of the carve-out.
5. Supporting the separation of the recycling distribution facility from the waste transfer station and skip business.
6. Advising on completion accounts.
7. Coordinating with the shareholders, their legal advisers and other stakeholders.

The advisory firm also confirmed that the transaction had been completed successfully, with EverGrowth acquiring the waste transfer station and skip hire operations and the vendors retaining the recycling distribution facility.

Affinia reported that Julie Holloway had praised the firm’s involvement, highlighting the guidance and expertise provided by Malcolm Coomber and Paul during a corporate transaction of considerable size and complexity.

In her comments, Julie said that the team had provided clear explanations of the financial and procedural requirements and had helped make the process manageable.

She also highlighted Affinia’s role in coordinating with the legal advisers, internal finance team and accountants, as well as finding practical solutions during the transaction.

Julie Holloway said that she would recommend Affinia’s Deal Advisory team to anyone seeking support with a business sale or investment.

What Is EverGrowth Group’s Strategy for Expanding Its UK Operations?

EverGrowth Group is a UK-based, founder-led business established in 2025 by Chris West and Ferdie Ahmed.

The group focuses on acquiring and developing business-to-business (B2B) essential services companies that provide operational support to buildings, workplaces and infrastructure.

According to EverGrowth’s corporate announcement and letsrecycle.com’s reporting, the group is backed by FourLeaf Capital, with senior debt provided by OakNorth Bank.

Its Non-Executive Chair is Paul Barry, founder of Phenna Group.

EverGrowth’s strategy is based on bringing established service businesses together under a wider corporate structure while allowing them to retain their individual identities, brands and cultures.

Rather than replacing the acquired businesses with a single corporate identity, the group aims to preserve their existing management teams, employees and customer relationships.

The group provides additional support through shared resources covering finance, people, technology and health and safety.

According to EverGrowth, this structure is intended to combine the local knowledge and operating experience of individual businesses with the resources and management capabilities of a larger organisation.

Which Business Divisions Is EverGrowth Developing?

EverGrowth is building its operations around four principal divisions:

The acquisition of Haulaway establishes the group’s presence in Environmental Services.

Before the transaction, EverGrowth’s operating businesses included Excell Cleaning Services in London and Medway Heating in Bolton.

Excell Cleaning Services operates in commercial cleaning and workplace services, while Medway Heating provides building-related heating and maintenance services.

The addition of Haulaway extends this operating structure into waste management and environmental services.

EverGrowth’s longer-term ambition is to develop a nationwide total facilities management provider capable of supporting different requirements across commercial properties and infrastructure.

The group intends to connect the services offered by its different businesses while preserving their established operating identities.

The development of these divisions also highlights the role of Facilities Management in coordinating building services, maintenance, workplace operations and environmental responsibilities across commercial estates.

What Did Colin Holloway Say About Joining EverGrowth?

Colin Holloway, Managing Director of Haulaway, described the transaction as an important next step for the family business.

In a statement published by EverGrowth on 22 October 2026 and reproduced in Hub-4’s coverage, Holloway highlighted the relationships developed with customers, suppliers and employees since the company was established in 1991.

He said:

“Haulaway has been a family business since 1991, and over that time we have built strong and lasting relationships with our customers, suppliers and employees.”

Holloway also explained that EverGrowth had taken time to understand the business, its operating model and the factors behind its development.

He added:

“EverGrowth took the time to understand our business, how we operate and what has made Haulaway successful.”

Commenting on the future, Holloway said:

“Julie and I are pleased to be joining the group and believe this provides a strong platform for the business to continue developing while maintaining the service and relationships our customers have come to expect.”

His comments indicate that maintaining existing customer relationships and service standards will remain important during the transition.

The statement also reflects the importance of retaining the experience and local knowledge developed by the Holloway family over more than three decades.

According to Hub-4, Colin and Julie Holloway will remain involved in overseeing a smooth transition, while retaining ownership of the Polegate waste management facility.

How Does Chris West View Haulaway’s Addition to EverGrowth?

Chris West, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of EverGrowth, highlighted the operational experience and established reputation of Haulaway when discussing the acquisition.

West explained that his understanding of the waste management sector came partly from growing up around his family’s waste business.

He said:

“I grew up around my family’s waste business, so I know how much graft goes into running a yard like this.”

He also praised Colin and Julie Holloway’s management of the Hailsham business, highlighting its importance to the local area.

West added:

“Colin and Julie run a tight, proper business that Hailsham relies on. That kind of discipline is what we want to build on across the group.”

His comments indicate that EverGrowth considers operational discipline, established customer relationships and local knowledge important qualities when selecting businesses to join its group.

The acquisition also reflects the group’s stated preference for working with established businesses rather than replacing their existing operating structures.

By bringing Haulaway into Environmental Services, EverGrowth gains access to an established regional operation while retaining the business’s identity and the experience of its existing team.

What Will Happen to Haulaway and Its Existing Management After the Sale?

The transaction has been structured to allow the acquired business to continue operating with its established identity.

EverGrowth’s corporate announcement explained that Haulaway would retain its experience, relationships and local knowledge as it joined the wider group.

The group’s wider operating model also aims to preserve the identities, brands and cultures of businesses that become part of its structure.

For Haulaway, this means the transition is intended to build on the company’s existing position in East Sussex rather than replace the operating model that has developed since 1991.

Colin and Julie Holloway’s continued involvement is another important element of the transition.

Hub-4 reported that the shareholders would remain involved in overseeing the changeover, while the recycling distribution facility was retained by the vendors as part of the separation.

Affinia also confirmed that the vendors retained the recycling distribution facility and that the transaction gave them an opportunity to reinvest in that operation.

It is important to distinguish the two parts of the former business: EverGrowth acquired the waste transfer station and skip hire operations, while the vendors retained the separated recycling distribution facility.

The precise description of the retained Polegate property in Hub-4’s report and the recycling distribution facility in Affinia’s account should be treated according to each source rather than assuming that the descriptions refer to identical property arrangements.

What Does the Acquisition Mean for the Waste Management and Recycling Sector?

The transaction illustrates continuing consolidation within the UK’s environmental services and waste management market.

Established regional businesses can provide larger groups with existing infrastructure, experienced employees, customer relationships and operational knowledge.

For EverGrowth, Haulaway provides an established presence in East Sussex and the wider South East, together with services that complement the group’s wider facilities management ambitions.

The acquisition also demonstrates how businesses can expand through the purchase of specific operating divisions rather than acquiring every asset and activity of an existing company.

The separation of Haulaway’s waste transfer station and skip hire operations from its recycling distribution facility provides an example of this approach.

The transaction required legal, financial and operational coordination to establish the structure of the sale and the responsibilities of the parties following completion.

It also highlights the importance of Environmental and Agriculture in relation to waste management, recycling operations, resource handling and environmental responsibilities.

For businesses operating in construction and commercial sectors, waste collection and transportation are essential parts of wider operational and supply chain arrangements. The addition of Haulaway therefore strengthens EverGrowth’s ability to offer environmental services through its developing group structure.

What Are the Next Steps for EverGrowth Following the Haulaway Acquisition?

The acquisition adds another operating business to EverGrowth’s developing portfolio and establishes its Environmental Services division through Haulaway.

The group’s next challenge will be to develop this division while maintaining the operational relationships and service standards that contributed to Haulaway’s position in its regional market.

Several areas will be important as the transition progresses:

• Operational continuity: Maintaining established services for construction, commercial and domestic customers.
• Management transition: Supporting the continued involvement of Colin and Julie Holloway during the transition.
• Customer relationships: Preserving existing relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Business development: Using EverGrowth’s wider resources to support the development of Haulaway’s acquired operations.
• Environmental services expansion: Establishing a stronger position in waste transfer, skip hire and related environmental services.
• Group integration: Providing shared support through finance, people, technology and health and safety while retaining the acquired business’s identity.

The acquisition also gives EverGrowth another operating platform as it works towards developing a nationwide total facilities management provider across four connected divisions.

However, the transaction does not mean that the group’s wider expansion ambitions have already been achieved. Its future progress will depend on the development of individual businesses, operational performance and further expansion across its targeted service areas.

For Haulaway, the sale marks a new stage after 35 years of family ownership. For EverGrowth, it represents an expansion into environmental services through an established regional waste management business.

The transaction demonstrates how established family-run businesses can enter a larger corporate group through a structured acquisition while retaining important elements of their existing identity, management experience and customer relationships.