HEFF Announces Voluntary Liquidation

The decision has been credited to three factors: the early termination of a contract with Shropshire County Council to manage the Shropshire Food Enterprise Centre; UKTI funding to support international work not materialising, and slow trading.

Within the statement, the board of directors stated, “It is important to remember that HEFF was established with Government funding to support start up businesses and SME’s within the food industry. Since 1998 HEFF has successfully delivered 17 contracts funded through either central Government, the Regional Development Agency, Local Authorities or the European Regional Development Fund.

These contracts enabled HEFF to provide much needed support to the sector, which resulted in significant growth within individual businesses and across the food and drink supply chain. It is now apparent that HEFF can no longer continue to support businesses without ongoing public sector support.”

It also states that for the past few months the executive team has worked with the board of directors to explore alternative options, but that no alternative revenue has been found – meaning that the company was trading at a loss.

The news will see 15 jobs lost at HEFF, plus countless other losses at speciality food businesses across the eight counties that HEFF covers. As a result of 16 years’ work, HEFF has generated £90m Gross Value Added, supported over 2,800 food and drink producers and safeguarded at least 2,000 jobs.

The statement says, “As a board we are rightly proud of HEFF’s achievements over the years. These are due to the support of partner businesses we have worked with across the supply chain, the dedication and commitment of directors and members of staff, past and present, and the quality of food and drink being produced by our members.”

A shareholder meeting will be convened by Rimes and Co at 11am on 9th July at Stone Manor Hotel Kidderminster.