Black day for IT firm BlueSky

A SPECIALIST North West software firm has been placed into administration after a major contract was cancelled.

Privately-owned BlueSky Travel Systems, which employs more than 100 people at Salford Quays, was developing a revolutionary IT programme for holiday giant Thomas Cook, called the itour Travel Distribution Suite.

But the German-owned tour operator has now cancelled the £20m project, plunging BlueSky into crisis. All but six staff are understood to have been laid-off.

Insolvency firm MCR has been appointed to handle the administration of the £8m turnover business, which was founded by John Walsh and Steve Driscoll.

Phil Duffy, partner at MCR states: “Due to a number of contractual issues and market uncertainty in the travel sector the contract has been cancelled half way through development.

“There was no alternative for BlueSky but to go into administration whilst a buyer is sought.

“We are actively seeking a buyer for the business and assets which include the intellectual property rights on the itour Travel Distribution Suite.”