80 JOBS CUT AS AXMINSTER CARPETS GOES INTO


ADMINISTRATION Royal-warrant holder Axminster Carpets has fallen into administration.


The 265-year-old firm appointed administrators Duff & Phelps on 19 February and has made around 80 of its employees redundant from the Axminster factory in Devon. Administrators have confirmed, however, that a handful staff have been kept on to complete existing orders.


It is the second time in seven years that the company has gone into administration. In 2013, Axminster Carpets was bought by a consortium led by private investor Stephen Boyd. Around 400 people lost their jobs in the 2013 collapse.


Upon appointment, Duff & Phelps sold the Axminster Carpets underlay division, Axfelt, to Ulster Carpets. It is also planning to sell the Axminster Carpet Shop to Wilton Flooring.


In 2018, the firm made a loss before tax of nearly £1m, and a loss of almost


£3m in 2017, according logs from Companies House.


Benjamin Wiles, a joint administrator at Duff & Phelps, commented: "Despite a number of expressions of interest, no acceptable offer for the core carpet business has been received, leaving


no option but to appoint administrators while the remaining options are explored.


"We are continuing to explore all potential options for all or part of the remaining business and assets, including the historic brand name itself."


www.axminster-carpets.co.uk


TRADE BODIES CALL FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST AHEAD


OF BUDGET A four-point plan to improve the UK’s built environment has been proposed by engineering services bodies BESA and ECA, ahead of this month’s Budget.


The proposals for the Treasury to consider include investment in infrastructure projects, greater funding for SME apprenticeships and reforms to ensure public sector fair payment.


ECA CEO Steve Bratt and BESA Chief Executive David Frise commented: “If the new government is to deliver a range of key infrastructure projects, such as high-speed rail, major housing developments and renewable power generation, then it needs to promote a competitive market and ensure the correct incentives are in place.


“At present, issues such as unfair 08 | NEWS


payment practices, and a lack of funding in SME apprenticeships, are preventing smaller businesses from taking on more staff, seeking more work opportunities, and ultimately playing a role in supporting the government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.


“ECA and BESA urge the Chancellor to provide SMEs with a package of reforms, including investment in infrastructure, changes to apprenticeship funding, and an overhaul of payment practices, in the upcoming Budget.”


BESA and ECA’s four-point plan is as follows:


Invest in infrastructure - Provide certainty to industry by committing to investment in key long-term construction projects, and substantially investing in general infrastructure, including the railways, renewable energy


such as onshore wind, and building 300,000 new homes every year.


Cut VAT on home improvement works: Reducing VAT from 20% to 5% on home improvement works would unleash investment in housing, stimulate the economy and contribute to the UK’s transition to net zero carbon.


Support SME employment - Help the engineering industry find and access the skilled people it desperately needs, by increasing SME engineering apprenticeship funding, and ensuring any proposed ‘Australian points-based system’ recognises the UK’s skills shortages.


Ensure fair payment: Strengthen the government’s stance on requiring public sector suppliers to pay 95% of invoices within 60 days. Alongside this, ensure the Small Business Commissioner has oversight of construction, and the powers to investigate, act and fine where appropriate.


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