Stunned staff were told late last week that the firm would cease trading after more than 75 years in business.

The Enquirer understands that Grant Thornton will take control of the company shortly after the directors filed notice of intention to appoint administrators.

Kershaw’s Service Maintenance business and Digicollab Limited BIM  consultancy continue to trade while the directors work with the prospective administrators in an attempt to rescue those businesses.

Latest accounts filed at Companies House show Kershaw Mechanical Services Limited show in 2020 the business made a pre-tax profit of £119,000 from a turnover of £28.1m and employed 90 staff.