Family-run office equipment firm calls in administrators

A FAMILY-RUN office equipment business, RA Roberts, has had to call in administrators after being unable to compete with online competitors.

Administrators for the Sheffield-based firm, Wilson Field, are hoping to sell the family-run business, and are speaking to a number of interested parties after putting RA Roberts and its assets up for sale.

Insolvency practitioners Robert Dymond and Lisa Hogg were appointed on 18 September to R.A. Roberts (Office Equipment) on Shepcote Business Park in Sheffield.

The firm dates back to 1922 and was incorporated in 1960.

Robert Dymond, insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field, said: “We have only just been appointed to RA Roberts and so we are still assessing the situation.

“Following competition from web-based suppliers, the company followed a proactive diversification strategy, adding a wider range of products and enhancing the office showroom. A downturn in trading, following completion of the works, resulted in a cash shortage to the business which has caused the current financial situation.

“As regards to purchasing the business and the company’s assets, we are now looking for potential buyers. All options are currently open and we will consider all serious offers. A sale has not yet occurred. The company has a long history and a good reputation after trading for almost 100 years and we have already attracted a host of enquiries from interested parties.”

The company supplies office products, office interiors, janitorial products, promotional supplies and safetywear and equipment.

Wilson Field is working with valuers and asset management consultants Charterfields on the sale.

 

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