Jobs saved at Kendal mint cake firm

MORE than 120 jobs at a Cumbrian business founded more than 100 years ago to make Kendal mint cake, have been saved after it was rescued from administration.

In a pre-pack deal led by North West-based Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery,  Wilsons based at Elmsfield Park near Holme has been acquired by Creative Confectionery (Holme) Ltd.

Wilsons was placed into administration on May 22 and was sold later that day to the new business whose directors are its managing director Andrew Wilson and his co-director Richard Jennings. The pair have received financial backing from an un-named third party investor introduced to the company after an sales and marketing process run by DSW.
 
Wilsons was established in 1913 as one of the original makers of Kendal mint-cake, by Andrew Wilson’s  grandfather.  It then became a manufacturer of chocolates for high street retail customers in the UK, and beyond.      
 
A costly relocation to a modern purpose built site in 2013 saw the company undergo a period of transition, which resulted in financial uncertainty.  
 
Andrew Wilson said: “I’m delighted to have secured the jobs of so many hardworking and committed people, and to have preserved the future of a 3rd generation family firm. Our new partners have exceptional experience in the food industry, and have made a huge success of all that they do. We can learn a lot from them as our business develops.”
 
Bibby Invoice Finance has also supported the new business.
   
Joint administrator John Carpenter of DSW said: “We are pleased to have successfully concluded a sale of this long standing business after what has been a difficult time for the company’s management and its workforce. We wish the new owners and staff the very best for the future.”
 
DSW were advised by Mark Lund and Laura Baker at Manchester-based Turner Parkinson Solicitors; Wilsons were advised by Oglethorpe Storton & Gillibrand, Bibby Invoice Finance was advised by Bermans Solicitors.
 

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