Knowsley-based Warmer Energy Services was on the verge of administration but Liverpool property firm Liberty stepped in with a rescue deal. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool-based national property services firm Liberty has saved a Knowsley energy systems business from collapse and secured the jobs of 143 people.

Warmer Energy Services was on the verge of administration but Liberty, which provides services to more than 200,000 homes across England and Wales, stepped in to take on all its staff and contracts.

Liberty managing director Ray Jones the deal would not only save the 143 jobs but also secure work within the supply chain and for key subcontractors. He added that all contracts with Warmer’s existing clients will not be affected by the transition.

“We welcome our new colleagues and suppliers to the Liberty team,” he said. “We are committed to improving people’s lives and believe that having safe, well-maintained properties is the key to creating better places.

“Warmer staff have faced a lot of upheaval over the last few months so this transition will provide much needed job safety and security. The combined experience and expertise of both businesses is unmatched in the sector. Together we’re stronger and altogether better.

“Service delivery to more than 12 Warmer clients will continue as it did previously. It is very much business as usual.”

Warmer, which services 50,000 homes across the North West, was preparing for administration Charlie Mullan, the company’s managing director, said: “This agreement delivers continued service to clients and provides job security. Clearly, it’s been a particularly difficult time for the business. Given the current economic climate, we believe this is the best result for all involved.”

Liberty, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, provides services in the gas, repairs and maintenance, renewable energy, mechanical and electrical engineering, and construction sectors. The business currently employs around 1,000 staff, has 11 UK branches and handles more than 2,800 customer calls each day. In 2018, it turned over £84m.

In September, its secured three new contracts worth £14m in London, Stoke-on-Trent and Wales.