More than 250 people have lost their jobs after plant hire business Hewden went into administration.

The Manchester-based company has one depot in Cumbria, in Meadow Road, Whitehaven.

Redundancies have been made across the company’s sites, although it is unclear where the job losses are from.

About 130 jobs have been saved after three divisions of the group were sold onto Ashtead Plant Hire for £29m.

Ashtead acquired the access and power generation assets, the on-site plant business and the business and assets of Interlift Limited.

Mr Woodward said: “Management has been attempting to operationally reshape the business to focus on higher margin and quicker returning assets and services.

“However, this has proven challenging with the group’s capital structure and the recent trading environment.

“Management recently undertook a number of initiatives including approaching new funders and potential acquirers to recapitalise the business, but unfortunately these efforts proved unsuccessful."

He added: “We are assessing the optimum strategy for maximising value in the remainder of the group.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work with stakeholders to maintain service levels to customers who have assets on hire.

“It is with regret that 251 people have been made redundant. Our specialist team will work with those affected to help them claim outstanding wages and other payments due from the Redundancy Payments Office.”