Hanson UK is set to buy construction haulier Mick George Group as it looks to cut carbon emissions by boosting its recycling activites.

The Mick George Group, which operates from East Anglia and the East Midlands, specialises in bulk excavation and earthmoving services, demolition, environmentally sensitive waste removal and waste management services, as well as aggregates and concrete supply.

The group employs around 1,000 staff and operates four recycling facilities, eight waste transfer stations, 11 aggregates quarries and 10 ready-mixed concrete plants.

It has operating licences for 478 trucks and 75 trailers and its fleet consists of a wide range of tippers, Hi-Abs, artics, grab lorries, skip vehicles and concrete mixers.

In its latest annual results to 30 September 2021, Mick George Group reported turnover jumping by 11.5% to £193.6m (2020: £173.7m) and pre-tax profit rising to £13m (£11.2m).

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Announcing the move Hanson UK said the acquisition will "significantly strengthen" its circular materials offering while complementing its existing aggregates and ready-mixed concrete businesses.

It added that the deal brings a "considerable recycling platform" to the group's portfolio, which will support the development of innovative technologies for processing waste and upgrading it for use in the construction cycle.

CEO Simon Willis said: “The acquisition of the Mick George Group is a strong fit for us and another significant step towards our target to offer circular alternatives for half of our concrete products by 2030.

“Promoting circularity and consequently recycling, reusing, and thereby reducing the use of primary raw materials, is crucial to achieving net zero.

“I warmly welcome the 1,000 Mick George employees to Hanson and look forward to further developing the business together.”

A request for comment from Mick George Group has yet to receive a response.