Business

Administrators of Corby-based Quebecor World UK have said they expect to announce a development in the next few days as the search for a buyer goes into a second week.

The Corby site was placed in administration last week by its parent company following years of speculation over the future of the business.

Administrator Ian Best of Ernst & Young said: “We are continuing to trade the business as a going concern and are liaising closely with Quebe­cor’s customer base, which is continuing to be supportive.

“Although we have not found a buyer at this time, we continue to market the business for sale and are evaluating all the options.”

H Bauer, one of the site’s biggest clients, has said it is staying put. Production director Frank Ryan said: “It’s business as usual as far as we are concerned. We are sitting tight.”

Tony Burke, Unite’s assistant secretary general, said that the union’s members in Corby remained “cautiously optimistic”.

However, one industry insider cast doubt on the potential sale. “Aside from the two new machines, the kit at Corby is quite old.

“In addition, it is difficult to think that another printer would be willing to perpetuate overcapacity in the sector by acquiring the company when it is currently in  administration.”