A Cumbrian slate and tile supplier has been acquired by an expanding North West roofing firm.

Solway Slate and Tile, in Carlisle, which is an owner-operated merchant of roofing supplies and materials, was acquired by North West Roofing for an undisclosed sum.

Established in St Helens in 2001, North West Roofing now has five branches across the region, including Lytham St Annes, Manchester and Morecambe.

Managing director Steve Philips said the companies had been discussing the move since March.

He said: “It’s the first time we have acquired a business and we have had a good working relationship with Solway previously.

“It’s been a well-established business since 1996. Their core staff have been long serving staff and they have a good customer base and relationship with suppliers.

“It’s a good relationship for us and Carlisle seemed a good place for our business to develop and strengthen our brand.”

Solway Slate and Tile will retain its own name pending a rebrand in the future.

Mr Philips said it would also keep its seven staff.

He added: “We are very conscious that we want to retain staff and not make any major changes.”

The acquisition of the company is designed to drive the expansion of the North West Roofing Group and is projected to take its turnover to more than £22m.