A scaffolding and steeplejack firm that began life in the 19th century has called in administrators after being hit by a sharp drop in its pipeline of work and rising costs.
Hertfordshire-based Rodells has appointed FRP Advisory to oversee its affairs and sell its assets, having already stopped trading due to cashflow issues.
The family-owned firm, which had been operating since 1898, also made all its 37 staff redundant prior to FRP’s appointment.
Among its work, Rodells provided scaffolding at Wimbledon All England Tennis Club to allow access to the timber frame of the venue’s new hospitality suite.
Sarah Cook, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: “Rodells has a long-standing reputation in the Home Counties and London, with more than a century of history behind it.
“Unfortunately, the business was no longer viable in the face of mounting financial pressures and a reduced pipeline of work.
“Our immediate priority is to support former employees and begin the process of asset realisation for creditors.”
FRP said it was working with affected employees in relation to claims through the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS).
Unaudited accounts filed at Companies House, covering the year to the end of March 2024, showed Rodells had fixed assets of nearly £2m and around £108,200 cash.
Rodells operated its scaffolding operation from a yard in London Colney and also had offices in St Albans.
The firm’s work also included installing and maintaining lightning protection systems on commercial, historic and church buildings.