Chard company rescued from administration (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Chard company rescued from administration

9:10pm Tuesday 14th August 2007 in Chard By Matthew Colledge

A CHARD company that employs nearly 50 people is looking forward to a bright future after being rescued from financial jeopardy.

Space Decks, in Chard Business Park, which makes glass roofs and structures for flagship developments like the Bull Ring in Birmingham, briefly fell into administration this month.

But within hours, investment group Artguide snapped up the pioneering firm, rebranded it Space Decks Systems and secured the jobs of its 49 workers.

Bill Booth, chairman of Artguide, told the News: "We heard that Space Decks was in a bit of trouble and was being assisted to find buyers. "We came along and bought it, which we are delighted about."

Mr Booth said Space Decks had struggled to recover after contracts director Rowley Painter died suddenly of a brain tumour two years ago.

He said: "It left a lot of pressure on a small number of people. It took a lot of time to recover because they just did not have enough bodies to do the work."

Mr Booth said only one or two workers had left during Space Decks' financial troubles and said there was scope to increase the workforce in coming years.

He said: "There is a cracking team here. Space Decks has done so many wonderful buildings over the years and we will look to continue that work."

Mr Booth also predicted Space Decks Systems' Chard offices would be fit for purpose for years to come but said there was space to expand on the business park if needed.

SPACE Decks' prestigious contracts have included the Waterline Glass Plate (pictured) and supporting structure surrounding Isambard Kingdom Brunel's legendary SS Great Britain, which is laid up in the Great Western Dock in Bristol.