'Confident' of finding TVR buyer

TVR owners rallied support for the workers

The administrators appointed to the firm which produced TVR sports cars has said it is confident of finding a buyer for the company.

Blackpool Automotive, makers of TVR, announced in October that production was moving abroad, but a week ago administrators were called in.

Proposals to move from its Bispham base to a new factory in Blackpool had earlier been shelved.

Administrators PKF (UK) LLP said the firm would be sold as a going concern.

The future of the firm has been uncertain since its plans for a move locally were scrapped a few months ago.

The announcement was made about moving abroad and workers laid off, prompting protests by TVR owners and a petition to Downing Street.

Union meeting

In a joint statement, administrators Kerry Bailey, Matthew Gibson and Philip Long, stated: "It is our intention to advertise the business for sale as a going concern and we are optimistic that a purchaser will be found in the New Year."

T&G officials are due to meet administrators on 2 January.

Established in 1947, TVR is Britain's largest independent sports carmaker.

It was founded by Trevor Wilkinson, who used three consonants from his first name for the company title.

It was bought by young Russian tycoon Nikolai Smolensky in 2004.