Wed, 25 Feb 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
A model railway specialist based in North Yorkshire is set to see new investment after being acquired out of administration. DCCconcepts, which is based in Settle, has been acquired by Layout Concepts.
Founded 25 years ago by Richard Johnson, DCCconcepts initially began in Australia before relocating to the UK. The company now serves a customer base that spans the UK, US and Europe and is known for products including its ‘Alpha’ control systems, ‘Cobalt’ turnout motors and ‘Zen’ decoders, along with a range of model railway layout accessories.
DCCconcepts Limited fell into administration on February 18 2026, with Emma Mifsud and Mark Ranson of Opus Restructuring appointed as joint administrators. Following their appointment, the joint administrators secured a sale of the business to Layout Concepts.
Layout Concepts said that the acquisition would bring "stability, new investment and a renewed structure to one of the hobby’s most respected brands”, while providing experienced ownership within the specialist model railway market.
Post-acquisition, product distribution will be managed through TMC The Model Centre. The deal also ensures that existing product ranges and all lifetime warranties will continue uninterrupted.
DCCconcepts founder Richard Johnson said that, following a quarter of a century of product development, the company required “fresh energy and vision” to take it into the future, adding that the deal was a positive one for the business.
Howard Smith of TMC and Layout Concepts commented: "DCCconcepts earned its reputation through intelligent design and genuine passion for the hobby. We have enormous respect for what Richard built.”
"Our commitment is to honour that legacy while strengthening availability, enhancing support and accelerating exciting developments already in the pipeline - all with the customer firmly at the centre of what we do."
In accounts for the year ending June 29 2025, DCC Concepts Limited’s fixed assets were valued at slightly more than £167,000 and current assets at £1.5 million, with net assets amounting to approximately £555,000.
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