Talks continue in 11th hour bid to save 200 jobs

Jan 31 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

WORKERS at a Northumberland food factory were waiting for news last night as its sale hung in the balance.

Cheviot Foods in Amble, which employs 200 people, went into administration last September.

But there was good news at the turn of the year when it emerged Country Chef Ltd hoped to buy the company, potentially safeguarding the business.

However, a deal failed to materialise.

The delay was blamed on legal problems and issues with would-be funders.

Talks were ongoing between the administrators Vantis Business Recovery Services and potential buyers yesterday. Both sides were hopeful a sale would be agreed by the weekend. A statement from Vantis said: “There have been delays due to legal complications and issues with prospective funders given the prevailing economic climate.

“However, the administrators remain in discussions with stakeholders.”

A planned extraordinary meeting and press briefing yesterday to relay news of the company’s future was cancelled. The council would not disclose why.

It issued the following statement: “We are aware of the importance of the Cheviot Foods business in Amble and beyond in terms of suppliers.

“We have been working with the administrators in a bid to secure a successful outcome. They are still working with potential buyers.”