Morecambe electrical contractor announces retirement

A businessman from Morecambe has announced his retirement and the closure of his electrical contractors office after more than a decade.

Matt Catterall said he had decided to retire and shut MJ Catterall in Torrisholme.

MJ Catterall celebrated its 10th birthday in 2024.

Mr Catterall started the business initially doing domestic jobs from out of his van and a garden shed, before taking on more commercial jobs and growing the firm to employ more than 30 staff from its base on Lancaster Road.

Posting on Facebook, Mr Catterall said: "I am writing to announce my decision to retire.

"Despite unfounded rumours of financial distress, the reality is quite different.

"Over the years, I have personally financed numerous companies and organisations, and I have reached a point where the unnecessary stress caused by these individuals has become too much for what it is worth. Therefore, I am collecting all outstanding debts and closing the office.

"MJ Catterall Ltd represents my greatest professional achievement. I cannot envision its replication in Lancaster and Morecambe.

"Starting with a single individual and a small van, I transformed the business into a multi-million pound company with up to 41 employees during one summer period (2018).

"We raised substantial funds for various charitable causes, including St John's Hospice, Papyrus, food bank, Cancer Care, RNLI, and local sporting teams such as Morecambe and District Boxing Academy, Vale of Lune RUFC, Morecambe FC, Bay Stormers, and supported individuals such as professional boxers Isaac Lowe, Jack Catterall, and Niall Fielding.

"We received numerous awards, which were published (too many to list). I appeared on television (ITV 6 O’Clock News) and national/local radio for my achievements and charitable contributions to the community. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we provided Asda vouchers to staff members to assist them with food shopping.

"Despite the significant financial burden of furloughing staff during the pandemic, we still managed to retain 90 per cent of our workforce.

"Throughout my professional journey, I have consistently prioritised the well-being of my staff, despite encountering challenges in balancing this approach with my own personal life. My belief was that by offering competitive salaries and cultivating a positive work environment, I could attract and retain high-calibre individuals. These individuals have undoubtedly made substantial contributions to the success of our business.

"My wife, Elle, has been the driving force behind my professional success, providing unwavering support and guidance from behind the scenes. As my business partner, she has demonstrated exceptional business acumen, embodying both professionalism and compassion. Her dedication to the company even through times when she had her own personal issues. A truly remarkable beautiful lady inside and out!

"The current state of the contracting industry in the United Kingdom has undergone significant transformations, with the government’s policies leading to a decline in the sector. Furthermore, there has been a shortage of skilled labour and a lack of reliable and trustworthy suppliers.

"In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have provided genuine and unwavering support to our business. Your contributions have been invaluable and I appreciate you all.

"I will be taking a well-deserved holiday with my family, during which I will disconnect from all work-related communications for the first time in 12 years. This will allow me to enjoy quality time with my wife and children without distractions. Time to enjoy life and expand my ever growing property portfolio."

Mr Catterall told Beyond Radio he didn't yet have a date for closing.

He is also known as a licensed boxing trainer and cornerman, who works with many of the town's top professionals and last year was out in Saudi Arabia working on world heavyweight title shows with Tyson Fury and Isaac Lowe.