A HOTEL closed yesterday, weeks after bosses said it was business as usual, despite falling into administration.
The Beaufort Hotel, just outside Ormskirk, was shut down by insolvency officials as trade continued to slump while a buyer was sought.
The venue has been run by Greg Gottig and his family for the last 10 years and traded under the Best Western brand.
Les Ross, joint administrator from accountants Grant Thornton, told LDP Business: “It’s a shame to see a family business close its doors, but we had no other choice.
“It has been trading since the administration, but it was a difficult situation and in the end we had to make a decision.
“We are continuing to invite offers for the business, although at the moment there is no obvious buyer.”
The Beaufort is situated on the A59 on the road between Ormskirk to Burscough and has 20 en-suite rooms, a bar and bistro, and facilities for conferences, weddings and other functions.
Mr Ross said he was not putting a figure on the value of the business, adding: “Clearly, if the business had been well, it would not have been in administration.”
Mr Gottig was unavailable for comment, but the 35-year-old had previously said it was business as usual, staff jobs were safe and functions would go ahead as planned. It is not known how many functions and events have had to be cancelled. The company, trading as Warner Hotels, also closed another hotel in Southport just before Christmas. It is thought large bank loans caused the problems.
