'Government must step in to support Midas' Liberal Democrats across Westcountry demand

Photo by Theo Moye 18/09/20 Midas announce the completion of the new junction off Brixham Road for Claylands Business Park, Paignton. Pictured, from left, are Richard Skinner of Midas, Paul Chamings of Currie & Brown, Leader of Torbay Council Swithin Long, Mark Jones of Torbay Development Authority, Ted Head of Investment Casting Systems and Vernon Jackson of Roadform.

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2022)

Liberal Democrat council leaders from across the Westcountry have written to the Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities to urge him to support Midas, one of the Southwest’s major construction firms, and their subcontractors.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, Cllr Alan Connett, Leader of Teignbridge Council, Cllr David Worden, Leader of North Devon Council and Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council have send out a united call to Michael Gove for the government to step in to support the Midas Group.

On 28 January 2022 Midas Group, including its construction arm Midas Construction, and its housing division Mi-Space filed notice of its intention to appoint Administrators. Midas are the ninth largest private sector firm in the southwest with a turnover of £291m and 498 direct employees, however the employment through their subcontractors is vast.

The Group has significant construction works ongoing throughout the southwest and has offices in Cornwall, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Bristol, Newport and Southampton. These construction works include works at The Terrace, in Torquay, and two prime sites on Paignton seafront commissioned by The Fragrance Group, as well as at school across Torbay.

Councillor Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat leader of Torbay Council said: “Midas filing it’s notice of intention to appoint administrators is a grave concern for us.

“We are becoming aware of the millions that are owed to subcontractors and are aware that this could significantly impact on thousands of jobs and businesses in the southwest.

“If the government is serious about their levelling up agenda, then the Secretary of State must step in to stop this engine of regeneration from collapsing and sending the South West’s economy in to reverse.”