Clothes jobs under threat

More than 80 jobs at a south Shropshire clothing business are today hanging in the balance after bosses put the company into administration.

Bosses at Nightingales, which has its headquarters in Craven Arms, have blamed poor trading conditions for the crisis and are hoping a buyer can be found to save the business before any of the 81 jobs are axed.

The firm was founded more than 30 years ago, but its future is now in the hands of a team of administrators drafted in last week.

All sectors of the company, which specialises in selling women's clothing and accessories, are affected, including Nightingales Holdings Ltd, Nightingales Ltd and Nightingales Direct Ltd.

They run a mail order and online shopping channel, two shops and 14 franchise stores. Their cash flow difficulties followed a period of poor trading conditions.

Fraser Gray and Peter Saville, partners at Kroll's Corporate Advisory & Restructuring Group, have been appointed as joint administrators.

Mr Gray said: "We are currently reviewing options for the businesses while we seek a buyer. We fully appreciate that this is a concerning time for consumers, employees, and suppliers, and we will provide further information as significant developments occur."

Nightingales' website www.nightingales.com says: "Politeness, patience and service remain essential virtues. And, to our customers' never ending delight, these virtues are applied to every order.

"We pride ourselves on the quality and value of our products and focus on the long established belief of having time to take time to serve you well."