Author Archives: James Wilmore

The building safety minister has said “all possible options” are being looked at to help the trouble-hit Building Safety Regulator (BSR) fulfil its functions, and has met with developers to hear their concerns. Alex Norris said his department acknowledged that delays to high-rise projects were being caused by problems in…

A trial over alleged fire safety breaches by four firms – including a Morgan Sindall subsidiary – following a huge blaze at a retirement village has collapsed after less than two days. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) said it was withdrawing its case, which was being heard at Chester…

The planned acquisition of digital infrastructure firm Telent by M Group requires approval on competition and national security grounds, it has emerged. Both firms have shared clients – including Transport for London, National Highways and Network Rail – which means the acquisition is expected to need Competition and Markets Authority…

Building maintenance and retrofit firm Cardo Group has continued on the acquisition trail after buying the roofing business of Breyer Group. Cardo completed a deal on Friday (11 April) to acquire the entire roofing division of the Essex-based contractor, which fell into administration earlier this month. The financial details of…

A sole-trader building contractor has received a suspended prison sentence for falsely claiming the maximum amount available under the Covid loan system. Florin-Petrica Bodale, who offered plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation, successfully applied for a Covid Bounce Back Loan of £50,000 in November 2020. However, the Insolvency Service said yesterday…

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) is asking the High Court to hold parent companies of some Grenfell Tower contractors liable for part of a £360m legal claim for tragedy-related costs. The council has launched claims at the court against firms directly involved in the work, including Rydon,…

A scaffolding and steeplejack firm that began life in the 19th century has called in administrators after being hit by a sharp drop in its pipeline of work and rising costs. Hertfordshire-based Rodells has appointed FRP Advisory to oversee its affairs and sell its assets, having already stopped trading due…

A London-based fit-out specialist has become employee-owned to secure its future as an “independent business”, its chief executive has said. BW Interiors’ owners sold their shares to an employee ownership trust (EOT) in March after 25 years of trading, according to its latest accounts. The firm’s chief executive Steve Elliot…

A London-based residential developer has secured its survival after a pre-pack administration deal by its owner.  Sheen Lane Developments called in administrators from Quantuma on 1 April after issues first emerged last year. The firm appointed receivers last May for three special purpose vehicles (SPVs) which each held a contract…

Administrators for Breyer Group have confirmed they are exploring a sale of parts of the business among the options for the 69 year-old company.  The Essex-based firm, which specialises in roofing, repair, and refurbishment services, officially appointed Glen Carter and Damian Webb of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory as administrators on…