Two thousand jobs in jeopardy as Kairos Group poised to enter administration

The retail business of privately-owned home improvements business Kairos Group Limited has been closed with immediate effect, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

The company, which said it employs a 2,000-strong workforce, is set to appoint administrators in the next few days.

Kairos Group, based in Winsford, Cheshire, was one of the UK’s largest privately owned home-improvement businesses and traded as Weatherseal, Zenith, St Andrews Glass, Penicuik, St Helen’s Glass.

Adrian Kirk, director of Kairos Group Limited, said: “We were hoping to continue longer with a sales process of the business we were undertaking but unfortunately we have to close prematurely.

“The reason for this is that our retail finance facility bank has taken the decision to withhold over £300,000 of monies for jobs we have fitted over the last two weeks.

“This money was earmarked for customer deposits, employees and self-employed sub-contractors and the ability to finish all outstanding installations.”

He added: “The directors are devastated by this decision and has left us no option but to close.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our employees and self-employed subcontractors for their hard work and loyalty and wish them every success in the future.”

The administrators are expected to be on hand to provide assistance on any employees claims or other refund queries. Details will be made available shortly on the website.