Staff at a home building firm in Inverness have been dealt a bombshell learning that the 37-year-old firm has suddenly gone bust, leaving them jobless – although a sister company was last night already offering to buy the assets and another party offering to employ any staff.
Inverness-based Roy Homes Ltd has gone into administration, with 17 immediate redundancies. Its sister company, Roy Homes Timber Frame Ltd, has also entered administration.
However, a spokesman for third sister company “Roy Homes Developments Ltd,” which shared a common management team with Roy Homes Ltd, has made an offer to the administrators to acquire the assets of the other two.
Chris Barnett, managing director of Roy Homes Developments Ltd, which continues to trade, said: “We’re working on a positive basis with the administrators and have made an offer in terms of which we hope to reach agreement to acquire the land bank, vehicles, contracts, premises and other assets of Roy Homes Ltd and Roy Homes Timber Frame Ltd.”
A spokesman for administrators FRP Advisory said: “We’ve been in touch with customers over the outstanding projects, which amount to less than 10, to assure them we’re seeking a buyer able to complete the projects.
“The business suffered from severe cash flow problems which, in turn, meant that administration was the only option.”
Last night, Springfield Properties offered another possible lifeline for those facing redundancy.
Its human resources manager Heather Henderson said: “We’re always on the lookout for reliable and skilled tradesmen to join the team.
“With work starting on site for six new developments in the coming months, we’re in a strong position. We welcome any inquiries from those with skills that will be able to contribute to the success of the business.”
