ALMOST 100 jobs have been lost after a Bridport plumbing company stopped trading.

AP Chant, based at Gore Cross Business Park, ceased trading on Friday, January 15.

The company employed 95 members of staff. AP Chant is expected to be placed in voluntary liquidation at a meeting on Friday, January 29.

A statement from AP Chant said: “For the remainder of January, all contract and responsive works will be sub-contracted out, to meet the requirements of the insolvency company.

“All works will be carried out to the same high standard and the operatives attending are fully qualified and will be arriving in AP Chant vehicles.”

AP Chant had an annual turnover of £12m or so. The company’s website boasts it had “the largest number of Gas Safe registered engineers in the south west”.

Richard Smith, president of Bridport Business Chamber, said: “I am deeply saddened by the news as they have been a huge value to the town. 

“This will have far reaching implication beyond the loss of jobs, for Bridport’s economy.

“My thoughts are with all those affected by this event and I’m sure that there will be plenty of support available to all who need it.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The liquidation of AP Chant is being dealt with by Cornerstone Business Recovery.

A spokesperson said: “The company’s failure cannot be attributed to a single factor but it has certainly suffered a disappointing trading performance over recent months.

“The known causes include losses suffered by the construction arm of the business combined with a change in Government policy on the tariffs applicable to renewable energy.”

Liquidator Engin Faik, a director at Cornerstone, said: “Trading has suffered in recent months and the impending liquidation is clearly deeply upsetting news for all of the company’s stakeholders, particularly its employees.

“Having been a key employer in Bridport and its surrounds for over 20 years, we are acutely aware of the impact this has had in the local community.

“We are doing all that we can to support employees through this difficult time and will work with government agencies in order to support anyone affected by redundancy.”

Another Bridport plumbing company said it will attempt to employ some of those who have lost jobs.

Guy Crabb, director of Guy Crabb Plumbing and Heating Ltd, said: “I feel extremely saddened to learn about all the people who have lost their jobs and for the negative economic effect this will cause within the local community. 

“We will do our best to help meet the gap in the market and will soon be in the position to recruit some suitably qualified installers. With this in mind we would welcome any prospective job applications.”