Family retailer in County Durham enters administration

Gatenby, a family-owned and operated chain of six electrical and household goods stores all situated in County Durham, has entered administration with the appointment of RSM Tenon.

The long-established store previously faced administration about three years ago after it emerged that its bookkeeper was put in prison after she stole and gambled away £353,733.89 of Gatenby’s cash. In court, Fiona Dove was told to repay only £16,000 of the money. She was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison in November 2007.

The family has now entered administration after having used their own money to keep the business going. Cashflow difficulties in the recession were another contributing factor for the company’s present situation.

Gatenby, which had shops in Crook, Coxhoe and Wheatley Hill, was well loved by its loyal customers and was known for its friendly service and flexible payment scheme.

One customer Dennis Ramsey, 67, of West Cornforth said: ”You just can’t replace shops like this. It’s very sad….I hope they get sorted and are able to reopen.”

It was reported that the administrators are to issue instructions to customers with unfulfilled orders or that owe outstanding payments to Gatenby.

It is not clear whether the insolvency practitioners would consider offers for individually stores, however RSM Tenon are keen to hear from potentially interested parties.

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