Blackburn sports surface company placed into administration

On 4 May 2016 Joanne Hammond and John Russell of Begbies Traynor in Sheffield were appointed as joint administrators of the Lancashire-based Thornton Sports Group which manufactures, fits and maintains sports surfaces and artificial grass.

The group comprises six complementary companies: Thornton Sports Ltd; Thorntons Contracts Ltd; GTC Sports Ltd; Nordon Ltd; Protech AllWeather; and Soccer Turf.  Established over 35 years ago, the group was chosen as a partner for many PFI/PPP, NOF and City Academy projects.  Its manufacturing plant is based in Altham near Blackburn and its maintenance operation is in Wigston near Leicester.

The company ceased trading on 4 May 2016 with 47 of the 52 staff being made redundant. 

Joint administrator Joanne Hammond said: “Unfortunately, the group suffered from quality problems with some of its products which proved too costly to rectify.  This, together with low margins and increased competition, has made the business unviable.

“We will be marketing Thornton Sport’s manufacturing plant in Blackburn and working to recover further funds for the creditors.”

Eddisons are currently managing the disposal of the assets and any enquiries should be directed to Stephen Milner of Eddisons on 0161 429 0300.