126 jobs lost after historic construction firm ceases trading

126 jobs lost after historic construction firm ceases trading



A 269-year-old construction and regeneration firm has appointed administrators after losing a battle to keep trading.


Last month, William Anelay Ltd proposed a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) with its creditors after experiencing cash flow problems as a result of several complex projects.

However, Julian Pitts and Bob Maxwell of Begbies Traynor have now been appointed as joint administrators after the firm failed to reach a deal with creditors. 

“It is very sad to see the demise of such a historic Yorkshire family business,” Julian stated.

“Despite attempts to secure a CVA, this did not prove viable and there was no alternative but to place the business into administration.

“We will be working closely with the management to realise returns for creditors and will keep the employees fully informed as the situation becomes clearer.”


Julian Pitts, regional managing partner at Begbies Traynor

William Anelay has now ceased trading and 126 staff have been made redundant.

The administrators are now in discussions with various interested parties and hope to novate some of the company’s contracts in order to minimise disruption to clients.

William Anelay’s associated businesses, Lowery Roofing, Hare and Ransome Joinery, Anelay Traditional Masonry and Anelay Building and Conservation, are unaffected by the administration and will continue trading.

Charles Anelay, chairman and special projects director, explained that the directors had done their best to save the business and claimed to have had support from both HMRC and the firm’s bank.

“The last few weeks have been the worst of my life. We are hugely disappointed that it has come to this,” Charles admitted.

“We thank all our staff for their commitment and loyalty, apologise to those clients and creditors who have given their support and who will now lose out, and thank all past friends of the firm and members of the public who kindly gave their support.

“All I can hope is that at some point in the future people will look back at William Anelay Ltd and recognise 260 years of skilled craftsmanship which gave us the privilege to restore parts of our country’s architectural heritage with some amazing projects on some very special buildings which will be admired far into the future.”

Founded in 1747, William Anelay had a turnover of £38m prior to its collapse.

The firm recently featured on the BBC’s ‘Hairy Builders’. 



Leave a comment