Frank Dale Foods calls in liquidator: 57 jobs at risk

The South Norfolk-based firm called a creditors’ meeting to appoint a liquidator, should the business not find a buyer. The decision came after “production difficulties”​ resulted in trading losses, said business rescue and insolvency firm McTear Williams & Wood, which represented Frank Dale Foods.

Frank Dale Foods chairman Nigel Cushion said: “Sadly, time has run out for the company, but we are hopeful that a buyer can be found for the business and assets, so jobs can be saved. That is the board’s main focus now”.​

Job losses​

The manufacturer of savoury and dessert canapés employs 57 workers, who now face losing their jobs, said McTear Williams & Wood. But, the insolvency firm said the food manufacturer could still be sold following interest from more than one party. Frank Dale Foods’s sale could save a number of jobs, it added.

Partner at the insolvency firm Andrew McTear said: “We are working with the board of directors to market the business and assets for sale and have already received serious interest. ​

“Anyone interested in buying the business should contact us immediately on 01603 877540.”​

Frank Dale Foods had “traded successfully”​ since 1994, resulting in a period of “significant growth”​, the firm said. The manufacturer supplied Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee celebration in 2012.

‘Experienced a downturn’​

A McTear Williams & Wood statement said: “The company traded successfully for many years but experienced a downturn in 2016 caused by production difficulties servicing sales, after a period of significant growth. ​

“The resulting trading losses put strain on cash flow and efforts to refinance proved unsuccessful.”​

Meanwhile, the party foods maker secured a £675,000 investment​ in 2014, creating 15 jobs. At the time, the company said the funds would double the business’s turnover to £7M by 2019.

Frank Dale Foods also invested £200,000​ in 2010 to fulfill soaring demand from hotels and catering firms.