Felix Dennis guarantees May salaries as BT&D appoints administrators

Butler Tanner and Dennis (BT&D) co-owner Felix Dennis has personally funded staff salaries until the end of the month as the firm officially enters administration.

The Frome, Somerset-based book printer announced earlier this month that, due to "continued uncertainties over its existing site, continued trading losses and prevailing market conditions", it would be placed in administration.

Today (23 May) BT&D confirmed the appointment of Richard Rones of ThorntonRones as administrator and, in a statement announcing Rones appointment, revealed that staff salaries would be paid until the end of the month.

The company said: "Staff consultation is still underway regarding the transference of jobs to Butler Tanner and Dennis Maps, and co-owner Felix Dennis has made the unusual and special gesture of providing personal funds to ensure staff will be paid until 31 May 2014."

Rones was said to be reviewing the business, including all records and transactions. "[He] will be making decisions about the business in the creditors' (employees, suppliers and customers) best interests," the firm added.