ENFIELD: The appointment of administrators at the 75-year-old business of Long & Somerville (Enfield) has both saddened and shocked the industry.
The closure of the merchant and redundancies on 20 July saw an outpouring of goodwill messages to chairman Stuart Somerville from industry colleagues. Long & Somerville had been working closely with London merchant Buttle’s for some time as part of the Building Partner Project.
“One of the motivators for this project was to save costs by sharing resources,” said managing director Peter Buttle.
“During this difficult time, Buttle’s has given considerable financial and resource support to Long & Somerville, in extended efforts to maintain its independent future.
“The good news is that as a result of our close connection, we have been able to reach a speedy agreement with the administrator and, as a result, Buttle’s is now the owner of the business assets of Long & Somerville and is offering employment to the former staff.
”Buttle’s Enfield will trade as Long & Somerville from the Mollison Avenue site, starting from today."
Mr Buttle added: “I have mixed emotions about this outcome. It certainly wasn’t expected when we decided to embark on the Building Partners idea together. But, if the business of Long & Somerville couldn’t survive on its own, at least it hasn’t been swallowed up by a national!
“Our teams and the expanded Buttle’s and at Building Partners will be working hard, starting today, with the aim of rebuilding this highly respected independent merchant business.”
