Kwik hit by lost contracts

Kwik Transport & Crane Hire has gone into administration after losing two big contracts but related company Kwik Haul continues to trade.

McGrathNicol partners Rob Kirman and Rob Brauer were appointed administrators of Kwik Transport & Crane Hire on Wednesday.

It comes after owner and director Craig Smith-Gander had sought to complete a restructuring of the business, which traded as Kwik Logistics.

The High Wycombe business had about 130 staff across its transport, crane hire and traffic management operations.

The transport division specialised in the movement of modular buildings.

Business News understands the company came under financial stress after losing two major contracts, with failed construction company Pindan and with Coates Hire.

Mr Kirman said the transport division was completing select contracts while other parts of the business were continuing to trade.

About 30 casuals and office staff have been made redundant but other staff continue to be employed.

Mr Kirman said he was seeking an expedited sale of the business.

Meanwhile, bulk haulage business Kwik Haul, which is owned by Gordon Smith-Gander, remains unaffected by the administration.

Kwik Haul is focused on the haulage of iron ore.

South West business Cape Crane Hire, which is also owned by Gordon Smith-Gander, is also continuing to trade.

Gordon Smith-Gander had worked with his father Craig at Kwik Haulage.