Jobs go at troubled shop fit-out firm

A LONG-standing Liverpool shop fitter and building contractor has been placed into administration amid trading difficulties.

W Braithwaite and Sons, which is based on Edge Lane in the city and traces its roots back to 1899, appointed insolvency firm Begbies Traynor as administrator on Monday.

Two thirds of its employees – 15 out of a team of 22 – have been made redundant.

Braithwaite works for various blue chip companies including several hospital trusts, universities, councils, banks and building societies. Clients include Bibby Line Group , Halifax, Royal Bank of Scotland and retailer Farmfoods.

It also recently carried out £1m project to refurbish three hospitality suites at Liverpool FC’s Anfield ground.

Joint administator Andrew Mackenzie said: “Unfortunately, over the last 12 months, the company has suffered a number of issues resulting in the current financial difficulties.

“The majority of the 22-strong staff have been made redundant, but a skeleton staff of seven remains to complete certain contracts.  The company has a strong reputation and an excellent track record and we are currently looking for expressions of interest for the business and or the assets of the company.”