Commercial vehicle safety specialist Sentinel Systems has been acquired by a private investor, John Little.

John Little's background is as a mechanical engineer, with 30 years' experience in design, development, manufacturing and sales of commercial and specialist vehicles.

He worked as a design engineer, design manager and engineering director before becoming managing director of Fluid Transfer International, specialists in aviation refuelling vehicles for commercial and military applications.

He stayed with the company for 17 years with responsibility for other group companies and as a member of the UK Board before leaving to pursue the opportunity of buying Sentinel Systems.

John Little lives at his family home in Cheltenham with his wife Julie and has two grown-up sons also living in Cheltenham.

Away from work, he has a passion for sport ' particularly rugby ' and also enjoys motor sport, skiing, walking and playing golf.

He said: 'I am delighted to have acquired the family-owned-and-run business of Sentinel Systems and look forward to continuing the growth journey started by Bill Paulson in 1986 and taken forward by David Paulson in more recent years.

'Moreover, I am excited by the future growth potential of the business through the expansive existing product range complemented with new innovative product introductions going forward.

'All of this whilst having the opportunity to work with such an experienced team that prides itself on delivering excellent customer service. I would like to thank Bill and David for their professionalism in handling the sale and business transfer'

Speaking on behalf of the Paulson family, David Paulson said: 'We are very pleased to hand the business over to John. He has an outstanding track record of business growth and technical excellence and is committed to developing Sentinel in both UK and overseas markets.

'It was important to us to find a buyer who would offer our staff the chance to develop their careers in a growing business and would be able to take Sentinel to new levels of innovation that will benefit our customers and suppliers.

'John Little offers all of those things and we wish him and Sentinel's staff every success for the future'

John Little is to run the business in the capacity of owner-manager and the business operations will continue to be centred at the Kemble Airfield Enterprise Park, Gloucestershire.  He added that he is keen to meet as many customers and key suppliers as possible in the coming weeks and months.