Neil Morley and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory were appointed Joint Administrators to Dawsons Music & Sound Ltd. on Wednesday 1 September 2021.
The historic and iconic music retail brand, which was founded in Warrington more than 120 years ago, operated online and via six retail stores in Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Leeds, Reading and Belfast.
Immediately following their appointment, the Joint Administrators sold part of the Company’s business and assets to Arranged Musical Options Ltd. The business will continue to trade from one store in Chester, as well as retaining its warehouse facility in Haydock. A total of 18 members of staff have transferred to Arranged Musical Options Ltd. as part of the sale.
Regrettably, due to the closure of its remaining operations, 48 members of staff have been made redundant on the appointment of the Joint Administrators. As a matter of priority, the Joint Administrators will be providing these employees with the support and information they need to be able to make claims from the Redundancy Payments Office.
Neil Morley, director at Interpath and Joint Administrator, said: “It’s been a really challenging period for Dawsons. The Company had continued to experience tough trading conditions, exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19 on high street footfall, even following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Additionally, the Company was also experiencing supply issues due to the global shortage of silicon chips and the challenges facing international freight and distribution channels.
“Against this backdrop, we’re pleased to have been able to secure the sale of part of the business to Arranged Musical Options Ltd., which will ensure the Dawsons brand continues to trade a retail store and retains an online presence.”
