Mirfield garden centre saved from administration with no job losses

The firm, which has traded for more than 25 years and has 45 staff, went into administration in November.

It was put in the hands of Julian Pitts, Bob Maxwell and Andrew Dick from Begbies Traynor.

Mr Pitts said: “This is a well-established and viable business with a loyal customer base which suffered from financial pressures that were not related to its day-to-day operations.

“As we were confident that a buyer could quickly be found, we continued to trade the business, preserving the jobs of all staff.

“The garden centre generated a high level of interest from potential buyers and it is great news for the business, staff and customers that a deal has been completed so quickly with the minimum of disruption.

“The deal is the best possible outcome, securing a future for one of the area’s most popular garden centres, without having made any redundancies.”

Whiteleys, in Far Common Road, Mirfield, has now been bought by a private investment organisation managed by lawyer Chris Jones.

Mr Jones said: “The garden centre has a strong reputation locally and great potential. It represents an excellent investment opportunity and, in the hands of a new owner, it has a bright future ahead.”

The purchase was funded by Reward Capital, led by partner Dave Jones, who was advised by Marie Pugh and Maxine Burton from Leeds law firm Clarion.

Mr Jones said: “Once again, we have been able to look at the bigger picture and provide funding for a basically sound business which has been faced with short-term problems.

“It’s extremely satisfying to have helped to preserve the business and much-needed jobs.”