ADMINISTRATORS have been appointed to oversee a logistics and shipping company based in Holyhead.

Gwynedd Shipping also has sites in Newport, Dublin, Belfast, Birkenhead and on Deeside.

Per Companies House and The Gazette, James Saunders and Michael Lennon, of Manchester-based Kroll Advisory Ltd, were appointed as the company’s administrators on January 15.

A Kroll statement read: “On January 15, James Saunders and Michael Lennon, both of Kroll, were appointed as joint administrators for Gwynedd Shipping Limited and Gwynedd Transport Limited, which together employed 142 people.

"The businesses, which originally began trading almost 40 years ago, have faced financial challenges common in the transport and distribution sector including certain loss making contracts.

"Unfortunately, due to the extent of legacy liabilities, the businesses were unable to secure their future on a going concern basis and as such the majority of employees were made redundant with immediate effect as the businesses ceased to trade upon appointment.

“The joint administrators are in discussions with several parties interested in acquiring certain assets, contracts and routes and it is hoped that this will provide opportunities for a number of former employees.

"Support is also being provided to former employees to ensure that statutory entitlements can be claimed.”

Loris Y Gogs/Trucks Around North Wales shared on Facebook that staff were informed of redundancies on the same morning.

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Holyhead logistics company ‘entered into administration’ - council

An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson said yesterday (January 16): “We are aware that the company has apparently entered into administration.

“The county council will provide what support it can to those affected, working in collaboration with Welsh Government and other partners.”

Loris Y Gogs/Trucks Around North Wales said that drivers were “called into the office today at 10.30am to be told that Gwynedd Shipping has ceased trading by the administrators and all staff (have) lost their jobs”.

The group added that it “will do all we can to find them employment”.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn, added: “My thoughts at the moment are with the workers who face uncertainty this evening, and I encourage them to get in touch with me should they need any support.”

Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, said: "It’s always very concerning when a business closes and people could potentially lose their jobs.

"I have asked to be kept up to date with developments regarding the company and crucially whether it can be sold as a going concern.

"If any employee is worried or would like advice and support then please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

"The local JobCentre Plus and the DWP are on hand to help those who are looking for work or retraining opportunities.

"My office works very closely with both of them on the island."