The Leicestershire miniple had been a member of Elite since the “Midconsort days”.

Basnett told delegates at the recent Elite conference: “Over the last three years they had increased their branch numbers from three to nine, with plans to open a 10th before Christmas. Not so long ago they had advised me there was a plan to grow even more, to a network of 20 branches within five years.

“They [Millington] had grown with constant support from Elite and more recently from Advantage, especially in relation to the latter’s marketing and training opportunities available to all members of Elite. I was very sad that they considered their future was brighter in Worldchoice.

“I feel justified to consider that the decision to move on was perhaps misplaced, but I fully respect that our members have to take their own commercial decisions.

“Friends never said goodbye,” he said.