25/08/2009
Lighthouse Trust Goes Into Administration
Administrators have been appointed to the Lighthouse Trust.
At the request of the charity's directors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Scotland has appointed two of its personnel to run the troubled business.
A charitable organisation, The Lighthouse Trust employs 57 staff (full and part time) and reported a turnover of £3.5m in the last financial year.
The Lighthouse Trust performs a role in the delivery of the Scottish government's Architecture Policy and Creative Industries strategies at national and local level and a developing role in designing advocacy at all levels.
It has traditionally derived its funding from the public sector for specific projects as well as £100,000 core funding from GCC for exhibitions and educational programmes.
It also generates commercial revenue through a number of activities such as the lease of office and restaurant/bar space, conference and commercial events, and retail activities.
Due to a marked reduction in demand for some of these commercial activities, the Lighthouse Trust experienced some financial difficulties and will as a result, record a net deficit for the financial year 2008/09.
The Board subsequently carried out a substantial review to reduce its overhead base, however, reached the conclusion that due to a funding gap it would be unable to implement it.
Bruce Cartwright, Head of Business Recovery Services at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Scotland, said: "I understand that the Board was in the course of taking steps to address a funding short fall but it became apparent that while the revised business plan addressed many of the issues it could not address the funding deficit derived from losses incurred in the previous twelve months."
Mr Cartwright stated the immediate priority is to investigate all possible options with an open mind to determine if a sustainable economic structure can be delivered that will enable the Lighthouse Trust to continue its existing role and fulfil any immediate commitments.
Eleanor McAllister, who has been Chair of the Board of The Lighthouse Trust for the last 18 months, said: "It has been a heartbreaking decision for me and the Board to bring in Administrators to the Lighthouse Trust.
"We know the devastating effect this will have on our staff and on the partners working with us on our projects. We have done everything possible to avoid this, but the options before us were very limited in the current economic downturn."
Whilst they assess the position, the building will remain open for business.
(GK/BMCC)
At the request of the charity's directors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Scotland has appointed two of its personnel to run the troubled business.
A charitable organisation, The Lighthouse Trust employs 57 staff (full and part time) and reported a turnover of £3.5m in the last financial year.
The Lighthouse Trust performs a role in the delivery of the Scottish government's Architecture Policy and Creative Industries strategies at national and local level and a developing role in designing advocacy at all levels.
It has traditionally derived its funding from the public sector for specific projects as well as £100,000 core funding from GCC for exhibitions and educational programmes.
It also generates commercial revenue through a number of activities such as the lease of office and restaurant/bar space, conference and commercial events, and retail activities.
Due to a marked reduction in demand for some of these commercial activities, the Lighthouse Trust experienced some financial difficulties and will as a result, record a net deficit for the financial year 2008/09.
The Board subsequently carried out a substantial review to reduce its overhead base, however, reached the conclusion that due to a funding gap it would be unable to implement it.
Bruce Cartwright, Head of Business Recovery Services at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Scotland, said: "I understand that the Board was in the course of taking steps to address a funding short fall but it became apparent that while the revised business plan addressed many of the issues it could not address the funding deficit derived from losses incurred in the previous twelve months."
Mr Cartwright stated the immediate priority is to investigate all possible options with an open mind to determine if a sustainable economic structure can be delivered that will enable the Lighthouse Trust to continue its existing role and fulfil any immediate commitments.
Eleanor McAllister, who has been Chair of the Board of The Lighthouse Trust for the last 18 months, said: "It has been a heartbreaking decision for me and the Board to bring in Administrators to the Lighthouse Trust.
"We know the devastating effect this will have on our staff and on the partners working with us on our projects. We have done everything possible to avoid this, but the options before us were very limited in the current economic downturn."
Whilst they assess the position, the building will remain open for business.
(GK/BMCC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2015
Windsor Castle Staff Balloted Over Strike Action
Staff at Windsor Castle are being balloted over potential industrial action in a dispute over "unpaid extra duties".
Windsor Castle Staff Balloted Over Strike Action
Staff at Windsor Castle are being balloted over potential industrial action in a dispute over "unpaid extra duties".
03 February 2015
MPs To Hold Debate On Mitochondrial Donation
MPs will debate a motion to approve the draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 in the House of Commons today, 3 February.
MPs To Hold Debate On Mitochondrial Donation
MPs will debate a motion to approve the draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 in the House of Commons today, 3 February.
10 July 2014
Staff Member At Mental Health Unit Killed In Stabbing
A man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a staff member at a mental health hospital died in a stabbing. The female victim, who has not yet been named, is understood to have been attacked at the inpatient unit of Wotton Lawn Hospital. According to reports the staff member was attacked at about 07:30 on Wednesday morning.
Staff Member At Mental Health Unit Killed In Stabbing
A man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a staff member at a mental health hospital died in a stabbing. The female victim, who has not yet been named, is understood to have been attacked at the inpatient unit of Wotton Lawn Hospital. According to reports the staff member was attacked at about 07:30 on Wednesday morning.
20 April 2011
PM And Health Secretary 'Listen On NHS Accountability'
Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have met with representatives from the Foundation Trust Network at Downing Street as part of the listening exercise on NHS modernisation. One of the key themes of the discussion was how to improve accountability within the NHS.
PM And Health Secretary 'Listen On NHS Accountability'
Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have met with representatives from the Foundation Trust Network at Downing Street as part of the listening exercise on NHS modernisation. One of the key themes of the discussion was how to improve accountability within the NHS.
15 January 2010
Tories Plan 'Immediate Cuts'
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has said a Tory government would implement spending cuts immediately after entering Downing Street. He said a Conservative election win would result in public expenditure reductions in areas such as advertising and family tax credits. People earning over £50,000 would be affected by the move.
Tories Plan 'Immediate Cuts'
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has said a Tory government would implement spending cuts immediately after entering Downing Street. He said a Conservative election win would result in public expenditure reductions in areas such as advertising and family tax credits. People earning over £50,000 would be affected by the move.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.