Jobs Safeguarded in the Sale of Dorset Food Producer

Successful sale ensures continuation of trade for long-established food company

Dorset County Foods Limited is a traditional catering firm supplying the south of England with an established customer based built over 25 years’ trading. The company employs nine members of staff and has built up an international reputation for supplying high quality cured meats.

The Problem

Due to the customary seasonal differences in trade figures, the company had always struggled with cash flow and it became apparent that their issues were starting to worsen. They undertook some serious cost-cutting exercises but to no avail. The company was soon deemed insolvent and contacted Real Business Rescue for advice.

The Solution

Dorset County Foods Limited was placed briefly into administration in order to allow the pre-pack sale to take place, with Ian Walker of Real Business Rescue (part of the Begbies Traynor Group) appointed administrator on Friday 18 September 2015.

The Result

Eversfield Organic Ltd, which farms 450 acres on the edge of Dartmoor, purchased Dorset Farms’ goodwill, plant and machinery and stock for an undisclosed sum. All of Dorset Farms’ nine staff retained their jobs and continued working at the business’ existing site in Beaminster.

Mr Walker said the business had a secure future under its new ownership.