Cornwalls Largest Independent in Administration

From This is the West Country

Prices slashed and jobs threatened as Cornwall’s largest electrical chain enters administration
11:07am Thursday 28th April 2011

ETS, the Helston-based chain of independent electrical retailers, has gone into administration with the potential loss of 57 jobs across its six shops.

Difficult trading conditions were cited as the reason for the move, which comes with deep regret, a company spokesman said.

“We have explored every avenue to keep the business going and to save jobs, but this has proved impossible,” he said.

“We deeply regret that the current economic conditions have led to this unhappy situation and we will do all we can to help the staff who may lose their jobs.”

Prices will be slashed across the chain, as the administrators have authorised a stock clearance while they search for potential buyers.

“While we continue to trade the ETS shops in the short term, the stock-clearance sale will provide significant price-cuts across the company’s huge range of branded products, from TVs and audio equipment to cookers and refrigerators,” said joint administrator Jerry O’Sullivan, chief executive of Bishop Fleming chartered accountants.

“A buyer for the business is being sought and the administrators will now look to trade the company’s business for a short period to facilitate an orderly disposal of the company’s stock at reduced prices.”

Founded in 1963, during the boom in television sales, ETS (Electrical & T.V. Services (Helston) Limited) established a reputation for providing high quality domestic appliances supported by dependable installation and servicing.

The company was voted Samsung’s “Premier Service Agent” in 2009, and is Cornwall and West Devon’s only Bose specialist.

There are ETS retail outlets in Bodmin, Helston, Penzance, St Austell, Truro and Camborne.