Welsh facilities group Barcud Derwen has been placed under the control of administrators, resulting in the loss of at least 30 jobs in Caernarfon.

Grant Thornton has been appointed to run the Group and find a buyer for all or part of its various divisions and facilities.

The administration affects Barcud Derwen, Derwen, Barcud Derwen (Scotland) Ltd - including Arc Facilities, Awen, Eclipse Creative and 422 South in Bristol.

In a statement the administrators said that “regrettably” the Caernarfon division of the Group, which employs approximately 30 staff, has been closed “immediately”.

The media and entertainment union Bectu expressed its dismay at the news, with national official David Donovan stating: “I want to praise the loyal staff for their dedication over the years and not least over the last couple of weeks when they continued to work professionally despite the knowledge that they may not see full payment for their work.

“We regret the loss of employment and the possibility that many freelances owed money will struggle to get paid. The fallout from the loss of Barcud Darwen will not be limited to those immediately affected, it will impact on the entire production sector in Wales.”

Donovan said that Bectu will do its utmost to help all of its members that are directly impacted.

In an email to staff last week management said they were confident that a buyer would be found for at least part of the company.  

A management buyout of part of the group has been mooted.

Company directors decided last month that Barcud Derwen would be unable to trade through current ‘cash flow difficulties’ and that a buyer should be sought (Broadcast 28.05.10).

According to local newspaper reports the Welsh Assembly Government is currently “providing assistance” to the company “with a view to safeguarding jobs.”

Barcud Derwen’s Assembly recently lost a contract to broadcast live proceedings from the Welsh National Assembly (pictured).

Group turnover for 2009 was £14.261m with gross profits of £3.713m.

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