OXFORDSHIRE-based EcoQuip Ltd., one of the country's best-known suppliers of refurbished commercial refrigeration display cabinets, has called in the administrators after a downturn in business. This is said to have been compounded by a new, much cheaper source of cabinets being available causing the refurbishment market to contract. In recent times, the company was forced to reduce staffing, which before the administrators were called in numbered around 50 employees.
Founded in 1987 as North and South Installations, the current management team took over in August 2001, and renamed the business EcoQuip Ltd. The administrators Begbies Traynor will seek to find a buyer for the business.

According to Vivian Bairstow from the administrator, EcoQuip has received great support from its customer base and there is a good opportunity for new owners to make a success of the business.

  'EcoQuip is fundamentally a good business that would seem to have every prospect of success under new ownership,' she said. 'It has formed strong relationships with its customers, who are proud to be associated with the environmental benefits of using refurbished refrigeration units. As recent recipients of Investors in People status, as well as being the current Business in the Community Winner for Central England, it's clear that this business could do well again in the near future, under appropriate new owners.'