15 Jobs Saved as Gateshead Care Services Firm Bought from Administrators
A Gateshead-based provider of carers and in-home care services to residents of Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead has been acquired out of administration, safeguarding the jobs of 15 staff and ensuring continuity of care for local service users.
£250,000 turnover Ingram Care Services Ltd, based at 47 Jackson Street, Gateshead, went into administration on 29th August 2008. The company provided care services to Newcastle and Gateshead councils.
Joint administrators Simon Lundy and Andrew Haslam, of business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist Begbies Traynor in Newcastle, were able to negotiate a deal to sell the assets and business to South Shields-based Positive Life Choices for an undisclosed sum.
The administrators reported that on 18 September 2008 they concluded a sale of the assets and business of Ingram Care Services Ltd to Positive Life Choices Ltd which is run by Amanda and Ian Dickinson.
Ingram Care Services had been the subject of a winding up petition issued by HM Revenue & Customs who were owed unpaid VAT and PAYE.
On the advice of Begbies Traynor, the directors made an application to the Newcastle upon Tyne District Registry of the High Court seeking an administration order.
In the interim period Ingram Care Services had, with the assistance and guidance of Begbies Traynor and Watson Burton, Solicitors, of Newcastle upon Tyne, entered into a sub contract agreement with Positive Life Choices.
Positive Life Choices undertook to provide the ongoing care services to the two local Councils pending the outcome of the application for an administration order and completion of the sale of the assets and business to Positive Life Choices.
Simon Lundy, director in the Newcastle office of Begbies Traynor said: “When we were approached by the directors the company was already subject to a winding up petition by HM Customs and Revenue that severely restricted its ability to provide continued care services to the residents of Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne.
“Positive Life Choices Limited were already interested in acquiring the assets and business but the winding up petition prevented any such acquisition. We advised the directors that the company should seek an administration order and in the meantime Ingram Care Services entered into negotiations with Positive Life Choices for the sale of Ingram’s assets and business once the company was in administration.”
Both Positive Life Choices and Ingram Care Services were required to provide Gateshead Council and the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Council with certain assurances before agreeing to allow Positive Life Choices to provide the care services under a sub-contract arrangement pending the outcome of the application.
Positive Life Choices was founded in 2007 by director Amanda Dickinson, and specialises in providing care services to North East residents on behalf of local councils.
Amanda Dickinson said: “The deal makes perfect sense for all parties, as its business is a very good fit for our organisation and allows us to continue to grow by gaining very good specialist care and administration staff. It’s the end of an uncertain period for those employees and the local residents who rely on them to ensure quality of life.” Ends
For further information please contact Paul Snape or Les Able at Appeal PR on 01423 56 99 99 or e-mail paul@appealpr.com. Alternatively, the joint administrators Simon Lundy and Andrew Haslam can be reached on 0191 269 9820
