By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 12:01, Wednesday, 06 January 2010

A Penrith electrical firm which employs around 100 people is set to enter administration.

Hughes Beatty, an electrical, mechanical and plumbing engineering firm based on the Gilwilly Industrial Estate in the town, is set to appoint an administrator this week, leaving workers at the plant fearing for their futures - other businesses in the town have reported receiving calls from members of staff inquiring about employment possibilities.

Mark Delaney, from the Preston branch of administrator Begbies Traynor, said: “The company has commenced the process of entering administration.

“A notice of intention to appoint an administrator was filed on Monday, January 4, 2010. It is anticipated that the appointment will be concluded by the end of this week, or the start of the next.

“The proposed administrators are currently reviewing the state and marketability of the business. Formal confirmation of the appointment, when made, will be sent to all creditors in due course.”

Hughes Beatty began trading as K Hughes Electrical in 1983.

It acquired the mechanical engineering and plumbing firm H P Beatty Ltd in 1998.

The firm boasted a turnover in excess of £10m before its collapse.

The company has worked on landmark Cumbrian building projects including Penrith New Squares, the National Nuclear Academy at Lillyhall, west Cumbria, and the redevelopment of Carlisle College.

The moves marks another blow for Penrith when the town is struggling from the effect of the collapse of the New Squares scheme. Last year, the major employer and tourist attraction Lilliput Lane closed in the town, at a cost of 30 jobs.

First published at 11:24, Wednesday, 06 January 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk