Nottingham-based Martyn Barratt Transport Limited, a 40-year-old haulage firm, had faced rising wage, insurance and operating costs, alongside the owner’s planned retirement, leaving administration imminent.
PKF Smith Cooper oversaw a going-concern sale to Zero Degree Logistics Ltd, securing all 40 jobs and ensuring continuity of service for nationwide customers.
JLC Form and Laser Ltd, a family-run, Willenhall laser-cutting and fabrication business, had seen turnover fall post-Covid, in addition to steep inflation in steel prices and supply chain disruption due to the war in Ukraine.
PKF Smith Cooper’s intervention led to the business being sold to Savekers Solutions Ltd, preserving all 11 jobs.
Staffordshire-based retail support provider UK Operation Project Support Ltd was navigating prolonged operational downtime due to Brexit and Covid-related site closures, leading to Crown arrears and cashflow strain.
A pre-packaged sale to Euro Operational Project Support Ltd safeguarded all 37 jobs and protected the company’s client relationships.
Led by partner Dean Nelson (pictured), PKF Smith Cooper’s Business Recovery and Restructuring team advised on all three transactions, working closely with legal and financial advisors to secure the best possible outcomes.
In each case, the business owners sought specialist support at an early stage, a factor that Dean states was “key” to preserving jobs and protecting value.
Dean said: “These three cases demonstrate why early intervention is key. When owners are proactive and act at the first signs of pressure, we can preserve jobs, protect goodwill and secure better outcomes for everyone involved in the business.
“Waiting too long will limit the options available and affect any chances of recovery.”
