Brims Construction looks to save 150 jobs in Tolent Teesside rescue deal

Around 150 construction jobs look set to be saved.

Brims Construction has rescued Tolent’s Teesside operation.

The division was left stricken following the Gateshead-headquartered builder’s collapse into administration.

However, a bid by Brims – led by ex-Tolent staff Ian Clift and Jason and Richard Wood, and supported by the latter duo’s father John, who founded the now defunct contractor in the early 1980s – has revived its Thornaby-based venture.

Officials say the move could save as many as 150 posts across management positions, wider staff roles and the supply chain, with some sites having already resumed operations.

Richard, a director at Sunderland-based Brims, said: “We acted immediately, as Tolent is a company very close to our hearts.

“Former Tolent sites will be re-badged as Brims Construction, and our sole aim is to save jobs with the minimum of disruption to clients.

“We have spent the last few days talking to clients and reassuring them their projects will proceed as normal, with the people they have previously been dealing with.

“We are confident we can minimise any job losses by quickly stepping in this way.”

Tolent’s Teesside office was working on a mix of commercial projects, including a rolling programme of petrochemical maintenance works, with its deal book understood to be worth as much as £20 million.

Richard said: “We have already received new orders for work, which helps save the previous workforce.

“It is very much our intention to put firm roots down in Teesside.”

Ex-Tolent chair John added: “It gives me great pleasure to be able to offer my help with these proposals, especially with Brims being central to it.

“It keeps the construction heritage alive under the Brims name, and it will hopefully salvage some of the work Tolent was previously involved with.

“We want to save the jobs and get work back on track.”

Confirming the deal, joint administrator James Lumb, managing director at Interpath Advisory, said: “This sale is really welcome news and provides opportunities for re-employment for staff who worked for this part of the Tolent business.

“We are continuing to explore the possibility for sales of the remaining businesses and assets in the Tolent group.”