A Moray firm which was tipped for major expansion just one year ago has gone into administration.
North Electrical Services (NES) announced last October that it expected to create nearly 200 new jobs over the next five years, having quadrupled it’s workforce to 60 since 2012.
But last night it emerged the firm, which had offices in Inverness and Elgin and also provided work for about 40 contractors, had ceased trading.
At the start of the year Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry praised the firm in parliament for ambitious expansion plans and its commitment to recruiting apprentices.
Last night he said he was shocked at the news the firm had now folded but said he was committed to helping those who had now found themselves without a job.
He said: “Given their previous success and rapid growth, the news that NES has gone into administration will come as a shock to all of those who are working with or trading with them.
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“This news has just broken, so it is too early to understand what has gone wrong, but clearly it is important to concentrate on the employees, who will be understandably concerned for their future.
“While a buyer is sought for the business, it is vital that staff get as much support as possible. I have, therefore, written to Derek Mackay, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair work, to seek his help for them and to ask for their PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) to be ready to assist if required.”
No one from the firm could be reached for comment last night.
In his last interview with the Press and Journal managing director Kenny Duncan said the firm had the central belt and new sectors in its sights and is targeting turnover of up to £15million annually by around 2022.
The firm claimed to provide a full range of commercial and industrial electrical services, across almost every sector with major manufacturing and production clients on their books including Norbord and Diageo.
The rest of their work was based in the commercial sector, including schools or offices.