The boss of a leading Moray medical technology firm which is facing administration held out an 11th hour glimmer of hope from the USA last night.
Giles Hamilton, chief executive of diabetes research company, AccuNostics, spoke to the Press and Journal in a transatlantic call and insisted he was doing everything in his power to resolve the situation.
Me Hamilton moved to reassure staff after it was revealed on Tuesday that the award-winning business was under threat after a last-minute US merger bid fell through.
The Forres-based developer, which specialised in developing wireless technology to measure people’s blood glucose levels, was expected to become part of an American parent company this month.
However, the talks collapsed due to fears over “market uncertainty” – jeopardising the future of 32 workers.
It is understood no one has been made redundant yet, but an administrator is expected to be appointed imminently.
Speaking from the US between crisis meetings last night, Mr Hamilton stressed all was not lost for the 24 salaried staff, three contractors and five agency staff currently employed by AccuNostics
He said emergency negotiations were ongoing and he was “working on resolving the situation”.
The announcement continued to send reverberations around the north of Scotland yesterday as local parliamentarians held discussions with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Angus Robertson MP said: “It is such a shame that this cutting-edge Moray-based firm is in this position. Everything must be done for the staff.”
Richard Lochhead MSP said: “As well as public resources, a lot of hope was invested in this cutting edge company, and it is such a shame that so much optimism appears to have suddenly faded we are told due to global market conditions.”
Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said: “I am pleased HIE, who helped set up this business, have contacted their colleagues in Skills Development Scotland to ensure that any member of AccuNostics staff who may be facing redundancy are able to obtain relevant advice and support.”
AccuNostics has been based in the Moray town since a £4million public investment in 2011, including £2.5million from the Scottish Government and £1.5million from HIE.
The firm, a previous winner of the Moray Chamber of Commerce “most promising company” award, was founded in 2008 and has worked with some of the world’s biggest life science firms.