Horning Pleasurecraft increases bookings after Broom Boats takeover

Horning Pleasurecraft bought Broom Boats, which was based in Brundall for 125 years, last month - acquiring its fleet of 32 boats, ranging from small vessels to luxury cruisers. 

The purchase, which included the village's White Heron pub, increased Horning Pleasurecraft's moorings by 40pc.

Husband and wife Clive and Victoria Richardson operate Horning Marina on the River Bure and Cove Marina in Brundall, on the Yare. 

Horning Pleasurecraft has increased its boat hire booking capacity and increased its moorings by 40pc after acquiring Broom Boats in Brundall (Image: Horning Pleasurecraft)

Mr Richardson, co-founder of Horning Pleasurecraft, said: “Boating has been in my family for five generations, and that’s what inspired me to start this business with my wife Victoria.

“We’re well aware of the long-standing history Broom Boats has in the local boating community, which is why we’re thrilled to welcome them into the fold.

“Opportunities like this don’t come very often along the Broads, so when it did we knew it was one we couldn’t let pass by.

“Not only will it help us grow our business, but it also means we can play a role in keeping a historic business and its boat building knowledge alive so it can continue to be a part of the local community.”

Horning Pleasurecraft (Image: Horning Pleasurecraft)

Broom Boats was founded in 1898 by the Broom family.

The business began as a boat builder before operating a hire fleet from 1912.

It was involved in both world wars, building vessels for the Admiralty and helping in the Dunkirk evacuations in 1940.

Broom Boats was put up for sale earlier this year after its owners decided they wanted to focus on their other company, a strategic land and property development business.