ONE of Dorset's highest profile event catering businesses has gone into administration as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Beales Gourmet hosted wedding and corporate events at the Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole, as well as providing outside catering for weddings, corporate and private functions in other locations around the UK.

These include Lulworth Castle, Highcliffe Castle, Sopley Mill and Sunninghill House.

The closure of all non-essential business activity and introduction of social distancing guidelines has forced the company to cease trading.

This would have been the start of the busiest period of the year, with some 250 events already booked.

Along with the two directors and owners, Molly and Tony Beales, the firm employs 14 permanent staff, along with 6 regular casual staff.

All permanent staff have been furloughed.

Business advisory firm Quantuma have been appointed as joint administrators of events company Beales Gourmet Ltd (“Beales Gourmet”).

It is actively seeking buyers for the business and welcomes any interested parties.

If the administrators are unable to secure a sale of the business, there is still the prospect clients who have weddings and other events booked and have paid deposits will secure at least a partial return.

David Meany of Quantuma said: “We are exploring the possibility of securing buyers for the internal and external event sections of the business in an effort to maximise the return for clients and creditors, secure employment and potentially provide continuity for some of the clients who have weddings and other events booked. "

The chief executive of the Dorset Chamber, Ian Girling, said: "This is very sad news. We have had a great relationship with Tony and the company for many years. We wish every member of the team well."

Clients who have booked weddings and other events can phone 01202 117554 and are asked to initially email to register their details to bealesgourmet@quantuma.com

n Although Beales Gourmet leased offices at the Italian Villa, the owner of the site, Compton Acres Limited is not connected with the board, the business, its operations and hosting of events or the administration of the company.