Quarmby forced to call in administrators

A spokesman for the Ilkley-based construction company said it was affected by the downturn in the construction industry. He said that the conditions “made trading difficult” for Quarmby Construction during the past 12 months as it “failed to secure sufficient profitable new business”. An administrator is expected to be appointed shortly.

He added that St James Securities Holdings and the other investors which own the firm decided that it was no longer viable to continue to provide funds to keep the company going. Roger Quarmby, the founder and chairman, said: “This is a very sad day for everyone concerned with the company, founded over 40 years ago. There is unfortunately no alternative but to enter administration.”

Last July, the firm announced it had been awarded a £3.7m contract by Formal Investments for the redevelopment of 21 Queen Street, Leeds. It also said it had been awarded a £2.5m contract by St Paul’s Developments to build the GEO Post distribution centre at Smithy Wood Business Park, Sheffield. At the time, the business was reported to have a turnover of £25m with 45 staff.

Quarmby Construction was involved in the Majestyk scheme in City Square, Leeds. Developer Rushbond bought the building, a former nightclub, in 2010, to turn it into a basement music venue with bars and a restaurant above.