Design and build firm sold out of administration saving 38 jobs

A Long Eaton based property design and building firm has been sold out of administration to a company with a director in common.

Merriott Chard, which was owned by Stuart Ball, has been sold to Seneco Group, which was set up on December 17 by the same person.

The move has saved 38 jobs, with four people being made redundant.

Joint administrators Mark Tailby and Graham Wolloff from Elwell Watchorn Saxton in Leicester were appointed to Merriott Chard on December 15.

Tailby told TheBusinessDesk.com: “The directors decided to place the company into administration as they believed that there was an opportunity to sell the business of the company.

“Whilst four jobs were unfortunately lost, 38 jobs were saved via a sale of the business of the company after an independent marketing process was undertaken. The sale of the business of the company was completed on 15 January 2021.”

Merriott Chard was owned and operated by former British military and defence personnel. The firm stated that its build teams are led by former British military skilled tradespeople, and that it “guaranteed military standards, accuracy, planning and delivery from quote to completion and beyond”.

Merriott Chard had been subject of poor online reviews for several months, with many customers complaining that the company owed them money for services not carried out, while former employees have alleged that wages still haven’t been paid to them.

Ball has been contacted for comment.