SHN Joinery and Kestrel Joinery forced to close

Asset auctions relating to SHN Joinery Ltd and Kestrel Joinery Company Ltd are being held after the companies found themselves in financial problems and were forced to close.

Normanton-based SHN Joinery was the subject of a voluntary creditors’ liquidation on October 3rd. The company had been manufacturing joinery products for over 20 years, including doors, doorsets and bespoke furniture. It had had a turnover of about £8m and had worked on some of the UK’s largest projects, including the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, as well as linking up with some of the largest UK building contractors such as Willmott Dixon and Balfour Beatty.

Aldershot-based Kestrel was located on a site where a joinery workshop had existed since the late 1800s. The company had a turnover of about £1m and provided a range of products including all types of windows and doors, fitted furniture, modern shop fronts and fire check doors sets.

BWF chief executive Iain McIlwee issued a fresh warning for joinery manufacturers to remain focused on credit and cash flow following the closures

“It is a sickening blow to the sector to see companies such as these unable to continue and a stark reminder for how hard the trading conditions are. The construction market remains exceptionally tight, with public sector cuts biting deep and private sector recovery stuttering.

“Late payment remains endemic, with recent reports suggesting on public sector projects alone, 85% of contractors are paying late. This shameful practice puts additional and unwelcome pressure on our sector.

“We urge all companies to remain focused on credit and cash flow and if they are having problems to get in touch; the right advice at the right time could make all the difference.”