King's Cross-based camera hire company Ice Film Equipment has gone into liquidation blaming falling rates, steep competition and the proliferation of camera formats.

Leicester-based F A Simms & Partners has been appointed to manage the liquidation process.

A spokesman for Ice Film Equipment said: “There are so many formats that rental companies can't cope. Before we appointed liquidators, we were working on five dramas using five different formats. The return wasn't enough to cover the cost of equipment.”

He added: “Technology moves so fast that formats quickly go out of date and customers always want the latest equipment. Ultimately, companies going bust will lead to less choice for consumers.”

The liquidator is in negotiations with a buyer, thought to be in the camera hire sector, and is expected to come to a decision by the end of the week.

Ice was the sole UK agent for French manufacturer Aaton, which has developed cameras capable of using 2 and 3-perf films. Aaton is currently selling direct to customers from its French office.

Topics