Member Article

Leeds’ Microdat goes into administration putting 74 jobs at risk

Leeds-based Microdat, a brewing supplier, has gone into administration, potentially risking 74 jobs.

BDO LLP business restructuring partners, Ian Schofield and Graham Newton, were appointed Joint Administrators over Microdat Ltd. on June 24 2014.

This comes only months after a £100k investment to doubletheir premises, and which has previously on the receiving end of a funding package from FInance Yorkshire.

The Company, based in Millshaw, Leeds, specialises in engineering and project management and specifically the automation and process management of brewing, distilling and other liquid products from raw material to packaged product.

Originally a family owned business, Microdat has traded for over 25 years, and currently employs 74 individuals. It has a well-established customer base including partnerships with blue chip organisations worldwide.

The Joint Administrators will continue to trade the company with a view to effecting a sale of the business and assets as a going concern.

Ian Schofield, BDO LLP business restructuring partner, said: “The Joint Administrators are currently appraising the position of the Company and assessing whether there is viability in undertaking a period of restricted trading, whilst a sale of the business and assets is achieved.

“A sale of the business will hopefully preserve the employment of a number of staff, as well as a business with a unique niche in the cask brewing industry.”

Maitland Hyslop, CEO of Microdat Limited, said: “Despite the current circumstances the Company has demonstrated a potential for both growth and profitability.

“It represents an opportunity to acquire both a market presence and a talented workforce in a growing and vibrant market”.

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “It is very disappointing to see Microdat in administration.

“We invested in a company with a very good industry reputation and substantial track record – it had been in business for 25 years – and it was showing signs of significant growth.

“We are hopeful that a buyer can be found to safeguard the Microdat business and jobs.

“In terms of our investments overall, we continue to make very healthy returns on them and we will be investing strongly in the months to come in SMEs across the region.”

Further enquiries should be directed to the administration team on 0113 290 6142.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .