St Augustine’s College Limited – in administration

The administrators are engaging with the FCA who consented to their appointment over the Company.

This website will be used to provide creditors and customers with information and is being updated when information becomes available on the administration of the Company.

The administrators have set up a dedicated email address to contact the administration team.

The address is [email protected].

We will continue to update creditors and customers as additional information becomes available so please watch this website for updates.

The affairs, business and assets of the Companies are being managed by the Joint Administrators Andrew Tate and James Hopkirk who act as agents of the Company and without personal liability.

Andrew Tate and James Hopkirk are licensed as insolvency practitioners in the United Kingdom by the Institute of Chartered Accountants In England and Wales.

Administration Process: FAQs

• What has happened to St Augustine’s College Limited?

  St Augustine’s College Limited has entered administration due to its financial difficulties leading to a situation where the company was unable to pay its debts. This means that the appointed administrators are now managing the company's affairs, business, and property.

  St Augustine’s College Limited was comprised of 3 distinct divisions:

  • An events division that hosts and organises weddings, events and meetings. This division ceased trading shortly prior to the appointment of administrators.
  • The business centre that manages and rents out office space to other local businesses. This remains open and operational.
  • Tenants in the rental properties owned by St Augustine’s College Limited. Tenants have been contacted by the administrators.
  
  

• What is an administration?

  Administration is a legal process where an insolvent company is placed under the control of an appointed administrator. The administrator's role is to try to rescue the company, or sell its assets to repay creditors, or, if neither is possible, to wind up the company. Whilst the administration is in effect, there is a moratorium in place which provides protection against creditor action whilst the administrators are trying to achieve their aims.

  
  

• Who are the Administrators?

  Andrew Tate and James Hopkirk of Kreston Reeves LLP are the appointed as Administrators. The Administrators are licensed insolvency practitioners and act independently of St Augustine’s College Ltd and the director, for the benefit of all creditors. Their primary concern is to ensure that they maximise the returns to creditors.

  
  

• Why has the company entered administration?

  The Company has suffered ongoing financial difficulties exacerbated by challenging market conditions. In addition, the cumulative impact of rising operational costs and reduced consumer spending has placed a significant strain on the business leading to its failure. 

  
  

• What will happen next?

  The administrators intend to stabilise the business and seek to find a purchaser for the property and business. The Administrators will send a report to all known creditors within 8 weeks of appointment.  This report is known as the Administrators Proposals. This will set out the steps taken by the Administrators, their strategy going forwards and the likely financial outcome for creditors.

  
  

• How will you keep me updated on the progress of the administration process?

  Updates will be posted on this webpage, and statutory reports will be provided a minimum of every six months.

  
  

Events and Weddings: FAQs

• Will my wedding, event, lunch, or meeting take place?

  Unfortunately, St Augustine’s College is unable to host events for its clients whilst in administration. All planned events have been cancelled.  The administrators are aware that this will cause great distress. All those affected have been contacted directly by our team where contact details are available.

  
  

• Are there any plans to continue operating the venue or is it likely to close permanently?

  There are no plans currently to continue operating events at the venue.

  Any future owners of the venue will take their own decision as to how they will use the building, but they will be under no obligation to honour existing bookings.

  
  

• I have paid monies towards my event; will I get that money back?

  If you have paid monies towards an event that will no longer take place, you will of course have a financial claim against the company. Unfortunately, it is not anticipated that the company’s assets will be sufficient to pay all of its debts. Claims in relation to cancelled events will be classed as an unsecured claim against the company. We will send you a claim form to register your claim shortly. Our job is to raise money from the sale of the Company's assets and then pay creditors back in a specific order which is set out in the Insolvency legislation. Whether there will be any money available to pay anything at all to the unsecured creditors will depend on the amount realised from asset realisations and we will provide more information about the likely outcome when we issue our Proposals.

  
  

• How long will the administration process take and when will I find out if my claim has been agreed?

  The administration process can be complex, and it takes time to assess the company’s position and provide an estimate on the returns from the sale of assets. It is not possible to say at this stage how long the process will take. The Administrators will include an estimate of dividend prospects and, if possible, a timeframe in their proposals and subsequent reports.

  
  

• Should I contact my own wedding insurance provider?

  If you have wedding insurance, we strongly recommend you contact your provider to see if you can make a claim.

  
  

• Can I make a claim with my credit/debit card provider?

  If you paid by credit/debit card, we would recommend that you contact your provider. You may be able to claim a refund through your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or through chargeback schemes.

  
  

• Can I get a refund for a ticketed event or voucher?

  As above, if you paid by credit or debit card, you may be able to claim a refund through your card provider. If you purchased tickets through a third-party ticketing agent, please contact them directly for their refund policy.

  
  

Trade Creditor (unsecured): FAQs

• What happens if the company owes me money?

  Excluding shareholders, there are three main types of creditors:

  • Secured (for example, Banks);
  • Preferential (employees for some elements of their claim and HMRC);
  • Unsecured (all other creditors);

  This is the order in which returns from assets will be distributed. Unsecured creditors are usually “trade” creditors and customers. They rank below Preferential and Secured creditors.

  
  

• Will the administrators be in contact with me regarding the money I am owed?

  The Administrators will send a report to all known creditors with 8 weeks of their appointment.  This report is known as the Administrators Proposals. This will set out the steps taken by the Administrators and their strategy going forwards.

  
  

• What is the timescale for reviewing my claim and paying a dividend?

  The administration process can be complex, and it takes time to assess the company’s position and provide an estimate on the returns from the sale of assets. It is not possible to say at this stage how long the process will take. The Administrators will include an estimate of dividend prospects and, if possible, a timeframe in their proposals and subsequent reports.

  
  

• Should I continue providing services or supplies after the date of the administration and how do I know I will be paid?

  The administrators will continue to pay for certain utility goods and services rendered to the business after the date of their appointment but only against an appropriate authorised purchase order. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding services you are continuing to supply.

  
  

• I have goods on site for which I have not been paid.  Can I collect them as I retain title to all goods provided until I am paid?

  Unfortunately, you are not entitled to take away these goods until the Administrators have determined retention of title issues. This involves a process of identifying the stock and reviewing the supply terms. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding goods on site.

  
  

• What happens if I owe the company money?

  Your debt is still due. The Administrators will set up new bank accounts for the company and will contact you in relation to the new bank details as soon as they are available.  If you need to make a payment to the company, please contact the Administrators at [email protected]

  
  

Other FAQs

• I have not received a claim form and believe I am owed money by the company?

  Please contact us at [email protected] to register as a creditor if you are owed money by the company.

  
  

• Can I claim the costs incurred in preparing a claim?

  Some creditors may seek legal advice and / or use third party services to prepare their claim. These costs are not claimable.

  
  

• I am interested in purchasing the property or the business, who should I speak to?

  The Administrators have engaged Chris Buller of Lambert Smith Hampton to assist them in selling the business and assets. If you would like to register an interest in acquiring any assets of the company, please contact either the Administrators at [email protected] or contact Chris Buller directly: [email protected]

  
  

• What can I do if my question has not been answered in this FAQ section?

  If your question has not been answered in this FAQ section, please contact the Administrators at [email protected]