Suffolk tomato producer goes into administration

Sterling Suffolk Limited has entered into administration.

The company traded a glasshouse operation from its site at Blakenham Nursery, Bramford, Suffolk, where it produced tomatoes.

Andrew Kelsall, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and Partner at Larking Gowen, and one of the joint administrators, stated: “Unfortunately, the company has had to contend with a number of issues which have affected both trading and cashflow. The latest and final aspect was the significant increase and uncertainty in energy prices. Whilst a third party sale, as a going concern, was desirable, this has not been possible.”

However, upon being placed into administration, the company has been sold to Amberside ALP Trading Limited (Amberside ALP) who are the company’s prime investor.

David Scrivens of Amberside ALP commented: “This has been a difficult time and decision for both Sterling Suffolk Limited and also for the investors in Amberside ALP. Amberside ALP is going to continue where Sterling Suffolk left off, growing tomatoes for the local community and for supermarkets. The environmental aspects of the nursery attracted the investors through Amberside ALP and it is our intention to maintain and improve on this.”

We have liaised with an Evaluator from the Pre-Pack Pool and have obtained the required clearance to proceed with the purchase. We are therefore proposing to fund future trading and recommence operations as soon as possible.

Any creditor enquiries to Simone Daly at Larking Gowen’s Ipswich office. Call 0330 024 0888.