Group buys York retailer out of administration

A York retail outlet has been bought out of administration.

Property and retail group Kiltane has acquired major assets of Ness Clothing, including four Ness outlets – one in York, the others in Keswick and Edinburgh.

The deal safeguards more than 35 jobs.

Ness went into administration late last year. Now, Kiltane, which employs 75 staff at its stores in Edinburgh, has acquired the wholesale and e-commerce divisions of Ness.

The investment, which includes the Ness stores in Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket and the Royal Mile, was for an undisclosed amount.

Kiltane managing director, Mark Keane, said: “This is an exciting development for Kiltane. The addition of Ness to our existing stores builds considerably on our business infrastructure and capabilities, both in retail outlets in prime locations and online.

“It also safeguards the jobs and skillsets of a very experienced and talented retail team while consolidating our position for future growth. We’re very confident that the deal will deliver major value to the group in the years ahead because the Ness brand offers a strong fit for us and complements the existing brands and concessions that we work with.”

Lynne Dickson, who joins Kiltane from Ness where she worked for four years and was involved in launching and developing its online channel, said: “We are so pleased that Kiltane has secured the purchase of major parts of the Ness brand, which has a loyal following and is loved around the world.

“The team involved in Ness are passionate about the brand and with still lots to achieve, the Kiltane deal creates an even bigger opportunity with very exciting times ahead for the company. We now look forward to becoming part of the Kiltane team and helping to further grow a strong business, adding new skills and expertise in ecommerce and wholesale.”

Joint administrators of Ness (Clothing) Limited are James Bernard Stephen and William Matthew Humphries Tait, of accountancy firm BDO LLP.

James Stephen said: “Ness Clothing is a unique and popular fashion brand with a dedicated customer base across Scotland and England. We are delighted to have secured the sale of the company’s four stores, preserving 35 jobs.”