It is believed at least some of the assets of Cathedral Works Organisation (Chichester) Ltd (CWO) are being saved. A new company, Chichester Stoneworks Ltd, has been set up at CWO's address by one of the company's former Directors, Adam Stone. CWO went into Administration on 5 March. The former Managing Director, Bernard Burns, has moved to major London stone contractor Szerelmey as Director of Business Development.

Cathedral Works Organisation (CWO), in Chichester, Sussex, was one of the country’s best known and most highly respected stonemasonry businesses. It famously worked for the City of London on a number of projects, including the refurbishment of The Monument, which commemorates the Great Fire of London. It was also a Royal Warrant Holder, having worked on a number of royal palaces. It's Caen limestone restoration of the Quadrangle at Buckingham Palace won the Repair & Restoration Award in the 2012 Natural Stone Awards and three more of its projects were either highly commended or commended.

Administrators from Worthing insolvency specialist Insolvency & Recovery Ltd and London company Leonard Curtis Ltd laid off 73 staff when they were appointed, keeping a small core team on to help complete jobs. Some of those who lost their jobs are expected to be employed by Chichester Stoneworks.

Read more in the April issue of Natural Stone Specialist magazine.