The Business Desk calls in administrators

Regional business news website Business Desk, which has offices in Yorkshire, North West and the Midlands, has called in administrators.

The company, which was launched up by former Yorkshire Post business editor David Parkin in Leeds in 2007, was sold to entrepreneur Mark Hales in 2013.

The new owners say the situation relates entirely to historical tax liabilities accrued under the previous ownership.

In a statement, The Business Desk said: “The restructuring process currently under way protects the creditors and suppliers of TheBusinessDesk and safeguards the jobs of 14 staff in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

“Following the acquisition of the company by entrepreneur Mark Hales in 2013 there has been significant investment in new staff and management processes. The underlying business is now profitable.

“The current situation relates entirely to legacy arrears due to HMRC accrued under the previous ownership.

“Regrettably HMRC has refused to extend the reasonable and affordable repayment terms agreed in 2013 at the time of acquisition, and has left the current owner no alternative than to appoint an administrator.

“The new business (Regional Media Services Ltd) will be free from historical liabilities and will continue to deliver regional business news across its core regions in the North West, Yorkshire and West Midlands.

“As previously stated all creditors of the former business will be transferred to the new company and will be paid in due course.”

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