Bamford family still control JCB

JCB has denied suggestions today (Wednesday) that the will of founder Joseph Bamford has taken control of the company out of the Bamford family's hands.

According to reports the Bamford's will make provision for Jayne Ellis, his erstwhile mistress, to receive an income from shares in the JCB empire put into trust for her benefit. The shares are reported to account for half of the company.

However, a company spokesman said this did not affect the ownership and management of the company.

"The will doesn't change the ownership of the company, it doesn't change the management of the company and it doesn't change the running of the company now or in the future," he said.