It’s being reported that South Boats Special Projects is to go into administration.
Last weekend, On The Wight received a tip-off that this might be the case. We were told that someone attempting to call in at the offices found them empty.
It later emerged that SBSP close at 2pm on a Friday, but our contact told us that men with clipboards were walking around and when he asked what was going on, one of the men in suits replied, “it looks as though they are going into administration.”
Denial of any problems
We contacted SBSP office on Monday morning and were told that someone would call us back. Later that day, Clive Jeffrey called On The Wight offices.
He seemed genuinely upset that there was any suggestion that the company was in trouble, and assured On The Wight that SBSP were not going into administration.
Intention to call in administrators
We learnt this afternoon that the company, which is based out of Venture Quays in East Cowes has called in restructuring experts from national accountancy firm and corporate recovery specialists Chantrey Vellacott DFK.
David Clements, partner and restructuring specialist at Chantrey Vellacott DFK, said: “South Boats is the leading specialist in the manufacture and service of crew transportation vessels to offshore wind farms and provide refit and repair facilities.
“The company employs around 120 people directly and has production and operations across two sites. It also currently sub-contracts work out to several other companies based in the Solent area.
“The root of the financial problems the company finds itself in today is mainly due to a combination of the challenge of rapid growth, significant design investment, new product introduction and expansion of manufacturing footprint.
“As a result of the above, cash flow has become critical and despite an order book of some £21 million and a further enquiry pipeline of some £35 million, the possibility of the company continuing without a further investor is not possible and in order to protect the company whilst further investment is sought, the directors have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
“South Boats is continuing to trade and fulfil its orders and we are working closely with the management team to conduct a full review of its business and are assisting the company in every way we can.
“There are a number of investors and competitors who view the current position of South Boats as an attractive potential opportunity.
“The company has thrived since launching in 1996 and although it has suffered from market fluctuations in recent times its problems are by no means insurmountable.
“The firm is very much the market leader and is recognised as a pioneer in designing and manufacturing wind farm work vessels and we are confident with the right investment in place it can thrive again.”
Future of staff unclear
The boat building company which works over two sites – one in East Cowes and the other in Southampton – has 120 staff.
It’s not yet clear what will happen to them, but as soon as we have more information we’ll let you know.
Our thoughts go out to everyone working at the company and hope it is resolved positively
