Ross Yealland contacted GTN Xtra last night to pass on a message from his father, Simon, and explain as much as he could about the move of Solus Garden & Leisure into Administration.

Ross explained: “The sales process over the past six weeks has resulted in a number of parties being interested in buying Solus. However this has been unsuccesful as a solvent business. Therefore on Thursday the board made the decision to allow Administrators to manage the next stage of the sale process. No third party was instrumental in putting Solus into Administration.

“Thursday was very painful for the family and the staff.  I believe there is a good chance of the business surviving but there will be some difficulties along the way.  Administration doesn't mean liquidation, and the Administrators PwC will now manage the sale process.  Selling as an entirety is still an option at this stage.”

“In the meantime Solus has over £10m of stock and PwC will be managing the continued supply to our valued customers, which include The Garden Centre Group and Dobbies.

Ross then passed on a message from his father, Simon Yealland: “ I remain grateful to all of Solus’s employees for their unbelievable dedication and hard work. The business's priority continues to be the supply of products to our many loyal customers.”