Buyer for wheelchair vehicle firm

A buyer has been found for Britain's biggest supplier of wheelchair passenger vehicles.

The Newbury-based Gowrings Mobility sold more than 1,400 vehicles in 2008 and employed 120 staff.

But it was put into administration in June and made 37 redundancies after suffering "financial difficulties".

Newship Estates, based in Surrey, announced it would take over the 40-year-old business following nearly 60 expressions of interest from firms.

'Anxious time'

Gowrings Mobility sells converted new and used mobility cars and vans from manufacturers, and had revenues of £19.5m in its last financial year.

Steve Adshead, from administrator Smith and Williamson, said: "Although unfortunately it was necessary to make 37 redundancies at the start of the administration, the safeguarding of 78 remaining jobs will be particularly welcome, especially in the light of the downturn.

"It has been a very anxious time for staff at the company."

The company appointed administrators after running into financial trouble because of base vehicle and vehicle leasing scheme cost increases.

Customers include the disabled, carers and healthcare providers.

It was the first supplier of wheelchair accessible vehicles to the national Mobility Scheme, set up by the government in 1977.

In February it began marketing a satellite navigation system made specifically to assist disabled drivers.