Hopes have been raised that the former workforce of sports car maker TVR in Blackpool could be back at work under a UK owner.
The Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) said it had been told that a bid for the former TVR operation has been made by Melling Sports Cars, which includes rock musician Rick Wakeman on its board.
Al Melling, technical director of Melling Sports Cars, said the skilled workforce was regarded as a prime asset. “Those skills are all important,” he said.
Andy Robertson, T&G regional industrial organiser, who has been representing the Blackpool workforce, said the move was a confidence boost.
“Mr Melling’s bid is a welcome one that shows confidence in a workforce which has taken a fair share of blows in the last few months,” he said.
TVR administrators are operating a closed bidding system. This means bids by interested parties are sealed, with the administrators choosing the one which gives the best financial return to creditors. The outcome will be known on 23 February.
It is understood a bid has also been lodged by former owner Nikolai Smolenski.
