Jobs go as TV firm Sumners goes under

MEDIA production company Sumner’s Media City has been placed into liquidation with the loss of all 11 jobs.

Manchester-based business recovery business, The Business Debt Advisor, has been appointed to advise the directors and shareholders of the TV post production company.

SMCL was based at The Pie Factory at MediaCityUK. Founded by husband and wife Andy and Janet Sumner, the company was incorporated in 2007. It began trading in 2013 following the winding down of Andrew Sumner & Associates Ltd (Sumners) which was founded in 1992 and, over 20 years of trading, became one of the largest post production companies outside of London with a turnover of £4.5m.

The Business Debt Advisor said in a statement: “Sumners faced a steady decline due to increased competition following the relocation of the BBC to MediaCityUK. A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) was agreed for Sumners in December 2012 which was resulted in a £17K surplus and equipment for creditors.

The latest business, Sumner’s Media City, was born out of the ashes of that venture, but has now suffered a similar fate.

Bev Budsworth, managing director of The Business Debt Advisor said: “SMCL acquired the majority of the equipment and set-up operations at The Pie Factory. However, higher than expected set-up costs and delays, meant that the company had to fund overheads with no significant income for three months.

“Turnover for the first year of trading was £800,000 with the business making a loss of £30,000 which was actually really good, given the circumstances. However, this year has seen income decline due mainly to increased competition and the slow drift of Manchester post production work back to London.”

The Business Debt Advisor has been appointed to work with the directors and agents to sell the facilities.

Bev Budsworth added: “The Sumners name has been largely synonymous with the post production sector in the North West over the last 25 years.

“Unfortunately, Sumners seems to have been a victim of funding issues and ultimately stricter invoice discounting terms made it impossible to continue trading. Even more unfortunate is the fact that 11 staff have lost their jobs as a result.”